Are you listening?

In my Immucell giveaway (HERE), I asked you to share how you stay injury free on my facebook page. So far, I have only one, but it really made me think.

How many of us ignore the aches, pains, and troubles we have while training? guilty! I ignored that knee pain last October while pushing through the Hartford Half, and dealt with it all marathon training. My knee has been feeling better lately, but still paining me here and there.

At bootcamp Friday, we did a million TRX leg work including killer saw lunges

TRX saw lunges

My ass cheeks literally hurt so bad saturday and sunday that sitting on a toilet seat or hard chair was torture. I ignored the aches and pains, and went ahead with my schedule 8 mile run sunday. Which, by the way, was the first outdoor run and longest run since the marathon.

With my achy legs, my pace was slow, and my knee was painful. I needed to stop and stretch and walk a little to ease the pain. My legs felt like lead after, now my quads and hamstrings were feeling it too. 

This morning I was planning on a 6 mile treadmill run, but my legs are still killing me. So I took Pattie's advice and listened to my body. I still got my butt up, but I did the elliptical and took my time stretching afterwards. Today I had a coworker do some trigger point and massage, and I have a hot date with the foam roller tonight.

What else should I listen to my body for?

The foods I eat

The intensity of my workouts

The sleep I need

The stress I need to relieve

Do you listen to your body?

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Halloween Rules

In an effort to keep us on track throughout the holidays, Krystal (@ Bia Fitness) gave us a list of rules for each holiday and had us sign it like a contract. Let's review Halloween's rules today, and how I'm making out so far.

Halloween Rules

1. No Candy in the House until 10/29/11. Broken. Because of the party we had last weekend, I did need to buy some for the party, and while I was at Costco, got some for the tricker treaters. Good news? I haven't had a bite. Can't say the same for Kevin & my roomie though.

2. No eating ANY candy at ANY time. So far I have avoided candy at work and home repeadedly. I am really working hard on this one to build up my self control for all the rest of the holidays to come.

3. Reward yourself & your family for choosing fruits & vegetables instead of candy. So far so good! Tonight I had raspberries & tea instead of candy. My reward for working hard all week will be a manicure on friday night.

4. ALL candy OUT of the house by 11/6/11. I don't for see this being a problem. Initially I thought "maybe I'll keep a small bag with my favorites hidden for later." who am I kidding?! I would probably eventually find it and eat the whole bag. Plus, I'm trying to develop new behaviors and tastes by NOT wanting the candy. It will help a lot more if its not here, which is why I will bring it all to work to be devoured by my coworkers on tuesday November 1st!

Do you have any strategies to help you get through Halloween?
Want to join me in following the Bia Fitness rules?

TRX class this morning was awesome, I know I'll be so sore tomorrow. Most of the exercises were ones I haven't done before, and either I have horribly weak abs or the TRX is just wicked bad ass. Honestly, I think my core is just incredibly weak, so this will be the perfect opportunity to help strengthen it. I'm sure it will not only help with running, but with my back pain I get often too.

I made Buffalo Chicken Chili for dinner tonight from Joy Bauer's cookbook Slim & Scrumptious. Remember when I did my review of this cookbook (HERE)? This recipe is another that definitely did not disappoint. In fact, Kevin couldn't stop telling me how awesome it was. I could see it being a great football party dish thrown into a crockpot to stay warm. I wish I had taken a pic, but we were hungry! Maybe you're even interested in me sharing the recipe? Let me know!

Tomorrow I have a quick 5 miler on the schedule and I need to take a muscle relaxer and get to bed with a heat pack. Cross your fingers that my back behaves tomorrow!

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Life Moves Fast, Run Faster.

I missed my run yesterday.

I'm not dwelling on it.

Am I disappointed?

Yes.

But, I'm not gonna let it drag me down. 

The Halloween Party was awesome, and I behaved with only 2 drinks and a couple nibbles, thinking I would make it for the 12 miles. A couple late night drunkies stayed past 2am, leaving me cranky and exhausted. I could barely drag myself out of bed at 9am (horribly late for me) to get to church, then spent the day dragging along and cleaning up with a nap late afternoon.

Look at this spread!

Holy desserts!

Kevin & I were mile high pilots!

My future with this marathon is bright, with many future training runs to get in. Some runs or workouts may not happen, and thats ok. In reality, probably taking a little long run break may be better for my knee. With the switch up from bootcamp to TRX, my runs will now be tuesday, thursday, sunday, so I'm looking forward to tuesday's run!

Week 5 Training Recap

Monday- Rest Day.

Tuesday- Bootcamp. TRX sprinter squats, ladder work, kettle bells. My legs were killing me by the end!

Wednesday- Speedwork day! 3 x 1600m @ 6.4mph. I thought the speed would be tougher to handle, but I actually made it through with no problem. It felt great to rock this run with no knee pain after the Hartford Half last weekend.

Thursday- Bootcamp. TRX plank walks/push ups/knee tucks, slam balls, band rows. My abs were dying after this workout until sunday.

Friday- Skipped run. Tired, and decided to sleep in. whoops!

Saturday- Made up Friday's Tempo run. I actually hit the gym with my mom on side by side treadmills while she did her long walk/run for the week. She had 8 miles on her schedule and I had 6. I pumped it out, and headed home to do the party prep.

Sunday- Skipped long run, after a late night to bed.

Nutrition- Win this week! While I wasn't perfect (a few too many Kashi Pita Crisps), I tracked everything monday-thursday which was a big step for me! I avoided alcohol all week, with only half a drink friday night, and 2 drinks saturday. This week I didn't buy any Kashi crackers, and am going to aim to track all 7 days.

How was your weekend?

Do you beat yourself up over a missed workout or push along?

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TRX & a winner

This week, I'm switching things up.

After a discussion with Krystal (@ Bia Fitness), I've decided to make the switch from bootcamp classes to TRX. I fell in love with TRX the first time I used it, and I'm so excited to start a class solely dedicated to using it to tone up. Krystal is so excited I'm switching. She feels like it is an excellent way to get my strengthening in for running, she uses it herself while training for marathons.

My abs are still sore from the plank walks, and knee tucks on thursday. I'm not sure if its because my abs are just incredibly weak, or if the TRX is just that badass. Those sore abs however, did lead me to make some smart decisions (like a salad at On the Border, and practically no alcohol or food at my party last night). I  am feeling skinny this week and love it! I guess thats what happens when you actually count points and eat smarter?

Do you try switching up your workouts?

The winner of the Sparkly Soul headbands is Roxylytte!

email me at sgrigely at  hotmail dot com to claim your prize.

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John Mayer, here I come! (Your questions answered, part 2!)

A while back, I had you ask me questions, and I'm still working on the answers! Here's round 2!

Penny @ Pink Hat Runner asked...

What is your favorite distance to run?

I would have to say the half marathon. It takes discipline and hard work to train to get there, and I feel so accomplished when I'm finished! (the bling doesn't hurt either!)

Out of all the races you've done, which was your favorite so far?

I have 2 races for different reasons. First one is Disney Half Marathon 2010, where I managed to convince my brother & 2 friends to run with me, and another friend to run the marathon. We had a bunch of friends come along as spectators too & had a blast. The race itself was not so good because of the weather, but it was awesome to help my brother finish his first half. I also love that you wear your bling around Disney until you go home, makes you feel like a Rockstar!

Horrible pic I know!! But it was such a big moment for us!

My other favorite would be Rock N Roll New Orleans. The race course was flat & I hit a PR, running with one of my best friends for her first half marathon finish. The post party was fun & the city of New Orleans was a blast afterwards. I wore my medal around town here too haha

What is your favorite place to eat?

Great question! My absolute favorite is the Goten, a japanese Hibachi restaurant in Sunderland, MA. They have noodles instead of fried rice & always put on a great show. I have a bunch of other loves too... Eastside Grill in Northampton (gorgonzola garlic bread), Villa Napoletana in East Longmeadow, Max's Tavern in Springfield, The Federal in Agawam. YUM!

Wells @ My Story... Chapter 2 asked...

If you could have a final meal, what would it be?

wow, what a hard question! Pick just one?? I would say a favorite meal I get at EastSide Grill. Probably gorgonzola garlic bread to start, followed by the blackened scallops with mashed sweet potatoes or their delicious risotto. For dessert a Canoli or fabulous cupcake. Now I'm getting hungry!

How did you decide the name for your blog?

I was trying desperately to come up with a catchy phrase. I thought about why I was running... to get in better shape and overall health. I'm still not wild about the title, but it works for now!

If you could have 3 pieces of gym/workout equipment for your home, what would it be?

My number one would be the TRX, no questions asked. I LOOOOVE that thing, and have been seriously considering buying one, but I don't feel like I have a good place to put it. 

My number 2 would be a lap pool. I hate getting up early and fighting for a lane at the pool. It would be nice to train/swim laps whenever I wanted.

Lastly, I think I would go with Bosu ball. They're a ton of fun for getting some great core work in!

If you could have dinner with 3 famous people (alive or dead), who would you select to dine with?

I know most of you will probably laugh at my first one... Britney Spears. I am a huge fan and would love to gossip and girl talk with her. John Mayer, since I am in love with him. Jacoby Elsbury, since he is my Red Sox boyfriend!

John Mayer's gap ad <3

Do you prefer books or movies?

Tricky question. I love books, but now with limited time on my hands a movie is easier to get through. I am not a huge fan of books that turn into movies. I feel like so much of the story gets lost or the details changed (The Something Borrowed star was a chubby girl in the book, not some cute skinny girl!). For books I love John Grisham and Chick Lit, and movies I like girly movies, comedies and horror flicks.

Would you ever consider doing an international race? If so, what location(s) would be most appealing?

I would definitely consider an international race, but I would be nervous not speaking the language!! How would I understand the race directions, where to go, etc. I think I would only do it as part of a group going for that specific reason. To nix that whole language thing, I would definitely do the Caribbean, I was considering Puerto Rico for the Diva Half, since most people speak English there too.

Thanks for listening! Part 3 will follow eventually...

Missed part 1? Check it out HERE

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