When two-a-days attack

At the beginning of the week, my plan for Sunday was to do 50 minutes of yoga.

As of yesterday, my plan changed from 50 minutes of yoga to a 1 hr. spinning class.

This morning, I decided that I wanted to go for a quick 30 minute run. I also decided that I wanted to take the spinning class tonight because of its convenient closeness to the location of my chemistry review session tonight.

So today is going to be the day of two workouts and I'm feeling comfortable with that. It's a good feeling to be so motivated. I'm a bit worried that if I carry on like this I'm going to get burned out. But if I listen to my body I think all will be fine.

Sunday: 30 minute run

It was a brisk 36 degrees when I decided to run but that is actually quite a bit warmer than it has been the past few weeks and I was feeling comfortable, if not a little toasty. It was such a great feeling to be out of the gym and on the road; running in circles is bearable when it's 10 degrees outside but I could not have handled another day of it. The scenery, albeit dull and grey this time of year, was wonderful. I even praised the hills (which didn't challenge me nearly as much as I was expecting them too).

Sunday continued: 1 hr. spinning class

I'm definitely glad that I decided to go spinning. It was difficult and I was dripping with sweat by the time the hour was up, but I feel fulfilled. And I think that's the most important part of a workout. The instructor spent a lot of time focusing on sprints, my weakest cycling area, and as much as I hated it I'm glad she did.

Namaste cycle

I admit that I have always had a desire to be a triathlete. There is something so appealing about testing your endurance and proving (to yourself) what you are really made of. I grew up cycling and running but have always been weak in the water. My goal is to start getting into the pool at least once a week and see where that takes me.

Saturday: 35 minutes spinning/35 minutes yoga

Whoever thought up the spinning/yoga combination class deserves to be kissed. Many times. It is the perfect way to start a Saturday. Today's spinning portion left something to be desired; the music was lame and overall I didn't feel as challenged as I could have been...even with the resistance ramped up. But the yoga was great. Nothing feels better than stretching out tight hamstrings and hip flexors.

Easy days that weren't so easy

Wednesday: 30 minute run (indoor track)

I'm horrible at taking rest days. They make me feel so sluggish and blah. So despite the fact that I knew I should've just stuck to yoga, I did a relatively easy 30 minuter. It was quite possibly one of the worst ideas I have ever had. The run wasn't all that bad but by the time I decided that I wasn't going to take a rest day the gym was packed. There were so many people walking/running/jogging on the indoor track and it was quite the experience. Never again.

Thursday: 60 minute run (indoor track)

I'm not quite sure what possessed me to run circles for 60 minutes. I had planned on doing a simple 45 minutes, if that, because I woke up feeling tired and completely not in a running mood (having a train go by at 6:30 in the morning and waking me up tends to do that to me). But when my stopwatch got to 45 minutes I started the whole "5 more minutes" trick and ended up running for 15 more minutes. The upside is that I felt great. The downside is that I absolutely, positively have to take a rest day tomorrow. Ideally I would have 2 rest days this week but one is absolutely necessary. I always get injured right at the beginning of half mary training and I'm trying to avoid that pitfall this time around.

Ah yes, I have decided to run a half marathon. It will be my fourth. I guess it's not so much a decision as a tradition: springtime is my usual half marathon time and I feel empty without one. This year my half is on June 1 as opposed to April 27 (because of school, no less. Darn education...) so I have plenty of time before my training plan starts up. But as usual I'm itching to hit the pavement. Thankfully the weather isn't cooperating.

Spinning my wheels

I hate to admit this, but spinning classes are really growing on me. Growing up, my dad was always a huge cycling fanatic and I had access to his trainer in the winter. But there's something so completely satisfying about pushing through and finishing a workout that makes your lungs burn and your legs feel like they might rip off.

I'd definitely say that spinning is cycling's equivalent of track work: painful yet fulfilling

Monday: 1 hr. spin class

I decided against the spin/yoga class simply because I wanted to feel the full intensity of a 1 hour cycling class. And boy did I feel it. The instructor focused a lot on "climbs" and sprints, often in succession for optimal muscle burn. About halfway through the class I was cursing myself for thinking it would be a good idea to take a full spin class. At the end of the class, however, I felt jello-y and on top of the world. I may be addicted.

Tuesday: 1 hr. yoga/45 minute run

When my alarm clock went off at 6:20 this morning I was tempted to skip yoga and climb back into bed for another hour. And while yoga at 7:00 in the morning just wasn't all that enjoyable for me today (I think it was more of an instructor preference, honestly), my run was great. I started off with stiff legs and the intention of having an easy 45-minuter. The first 35 minutes were just that; easy. But then an ROTC kid decided that he wanted to pass me and I decided that I didn't want to let him pass me without a fight. I'm not usually an extremely competetive runner but I hate being passed. I managed to hold him off for 8 minutes before he finally passed me. To my satisfaction he did stop to walk about a minute after passing me while I was able to keep up a fairly speedy pace. Vive la endurance.

Cycling and stretching

Prior to this year, I had never been a fan of indoor cycling. I did it out of obligation, the obligation created by cold and windy winters. But, after taking a few spinning classes, my entire view of indoor cycling has changed. It can truly be a kickass workout if done correct.

Saturday: 1 hr. 15 min. spin/yoga class

This class is probably the best combination yet. 45 minutes of cycling and 30 minutes of yoga is pretty much pure heaven for sore and tired legs. Not something I would do on a tough workout day, but it is definitely going to be a Saturday morning ritual from now on.

Sunday: 50 minutes of power yoga

Although my body and mind were both screaming for more activity, I gave myself a rest day to recuperate from the wear and tear caused by picking up running again. The last thing I want is an injury.

Indoor Track, Part Deux

Stepping outside this morning, I knew that it was going to be a beautiful and relatively warm day (i.e. not 30 degrees with crazy, whipping wind). I was incredibly tempted to bundle up and do my run outside.

But because we had a "snow storm" yesterday and Virginia is not known for impeccable snow clearing skills (and out of sympathy for my swollen quads), I did my run at the indoor track once again.

The indoor track itself isn't all that bad. I don't even mind the 9.75 laps per mile because usually running on the indoor track = easy run. The one thing I do mind is all the people. I go to a large university so it'd be wrong to want the entire track to myself. But I don't think it is unreasonable to want people to STAY IN THEIR LANES.

There is nothing more frustrating than having someone dart into your lane without even a second glance. Or, even worse, weaving in and out of lanes based on the curve. Seriously people.

But overall, I had a good run...again with no idea of my pace. My legs were a bit tired (and are now making their way to full on sore) but getting the blood flowing definitely improved things.

Friday: 30 minute run (approximately 3 miles)

The indoor track

It had been approximately 2 months since my last run. After cross-country season and working my butt off to PR in a Thanksgiving Day race, I was in serious need of a break.

But today, 1/17/2008, my running activity (as well as my motivation) was miraculously ressurected.

Today, 1/17/2008, I laced up my 5 month old Sauconys and trekked to the university recreation center and enjoyed a glorious run without worrying about pace, passing people, or beating the clock.

It was spectacular.

Thursday: 45 minute run on the indoor track (approximately 5 miles)