NSV

I went on my first run last night in 4 months, or 116 days, but who's counting...

Tuesday, I was supposed to run 2 miles with hill repeats as my first, but I skipped it.  Not going to lie, having hill repeats as your first run in months is intimidating!!  I'm also using the excuse that it was in the low 30's and raining...

Anyway, I finally got my butt out there last night, and it felt amazing.  I was extremely nervous pre-run.  I was worried I wasn't going to be able to do it.  I've taken a lot of time off, and I've put on more than a few pounds.  I am beyond proud of myself though because I was able to run 3 miles without stopping.   

As you can see from my mile times, my pace is slower than it used to be, but not that much slower.  I really thought I was going to be like a turtle and having like 12:00 miles.  

I did stay away from hills though because my legs were tired, and my muscles tight, early in the run.  You can see from the graph above just how flat my route was!

Tonight, I have rest, but lots of stretching (my entire body is sore, the bad-ass, beast-mode kind of sore, so I will still do the stretching), on my workout schedule.  Instead, I think I am going to make up the run I had scheduled for Tuesday.  I may skip the hill repeats though...we'll see how the legs, and the rest of my body, feel throughout today.

What are your non-scale victories?!  Link-up with the fantastic KTJ, and share!!

WIW

One of my goals this week is take body measurements and photos to help track my fitness progress.  For the first time, I took said measurements this morning.  The number on the scale is sometimes hard to see, but these measurements were even more sobering.  Without further ado, here they are.

Left Arm: 12.25"

Right Arm: 12.5"

Bust: 36.625"

Waist: 30.875"

Hips: 40.75"

Left Leg: 23.75"

Right Leg: 24"

As for my weigh-in, I am at 173.4.

Finally, here are my photos.

The shorts I am wearing, are an adorable pair of size 8, burgundy, semi-dressy shorts from Target.  I have only worn these shorts maybe two times because they have always been a little snug.  Currently, they are extremely snug.  As in, I could barely get them buttoned.  I want to be able to wear these comfortably this summer so therefore, I am going to continue wearing them in my progress pics so we can all watch them start to fit better :)

Check in tomorrow for an update of how my first run of 2014 went!

Half Marathon Training: Day 1

Happy Monday, everyone!

I am actually excited for a Monday for probably the first time in my life.  Today, I start what I thought was a 10-week, but is actually an 11-week, half marathon training plan.  I run my 4th overall half on 5/25/14.  On the schedule today, I only have cross-training.  My first run since No-freaking-vember is tomorrow.  It is only a 2 mile run, but it has hill repeats worked into it.

As for my cross-training workout today, I'm going to do an at-home circuit like this, but with some modifications.  I think I'm going to modify it by doing 30 seconds of cardio between each strength move instead of saving all the cardio for the end.  I also plan on taking the pooches for a nice long walk after work.  It's supposed to be almost 50 degrees here today!  Whaaaattt?!

And since it is a Monday, it's time to link up with Carolyn and create some goals for the week.

{ONE}
Complete all of my scheduled runs and workouts for the week.  Here is what my week looks like:

M:  Cross-Training

T: 2mi run with hill repeats

W: 3mi run & strength

R: Rest (but I will probably at least walk the dogs, and stretch, a lot.)

F: 2.5 mi pace run

S: 5mi run

S: Stretching & Strength

{TWO}
Track everything I eat.  You can follow me on MFP, if you'd like.

{THREE}
Take measurements and photos.
I decided today to start taking weekly measurements and photos.  Once I start making some progress, I think the having this information will be very motivational and inspiring.

Make sure you link up with Carolyn too to share YOUR goals!!

5 on Friday: Runner Wants

Since half marathon training begins on Monday, I have a whole list of things I NEED.  Well, I guess I don't really need them per se, but I do WANT them. 

{ONE}

New running shoes.

I actually do need these.  For the first time ever, I am going to go get professionally fitted at a running store.  I have no idea what the pros will come up with for me, but in my dreams, these are the shoes I'm lusting after.

Asics GT 1000

Asics GT 2000

Asics Noosa Tri 9

Asics Noosa Tri 8

Asics GT 1170s got me through my very first half marathon, so I would like to try some of these other models out.  I've always been an Asics girl for running shoes, so I have a strong feeling of brand loyalty.  I'm scared the professionals will turn me away from my loves, but they do know whats best for me!

{TWO}

Target C9 sports bras.  To me, these are the most comfortable bras ever!  I have a fairly small chest, so I do not need a ton of support.  If you are more busty, these probably wouldn't be a good fit.  There are so many bright, sassy colors to pick from.  These are my 3 favorites. 

{THREE}

Gu

This is my third year as a runner, and I have yet to try Gu or any other energy aids.  Like any other person, I can get fatigued during my runs, so I think Gu would be beneficial to experiment with.

{FOUR}

Non-booty [compression] shorts

Reebok 7" compression shorts

During summer/warmer temperatures, I like to wear shorts and compression socks.  

Problem 1: my chub rub makes normal shorts ride up which leads to chaff-age.  

Solution 2: compression shorts.  

Problem 2: many compression shorts are only 3", and I'm tall so they are basically booty shorts on me.  Solution 2: I need 6" or longer shorts so said chub rub doesn't chaff.  

Problem 3: 6" or longer compression shorts, that are not black, are really fricken hard to find!!  

Solution 3:  Does any one have recommendations of where I can find longer non-black compression shorts?

{FIVE}

Neon Pro-Compression socks

I already have a quite a few pairs of Pro Compression socks, but these are their current sock of the month so they are 40% off.  I love the color combo, so obviously, I NEED them!

Lent

Lent is upon us!  

I have made the decision to sacrifice my sweet tooth, and give up candy and sweets for the next 40 days.

If you read my last post, #12 in particular, you may be wondering why I am even participating in Lent.  Though I don't believe in God, I am from a Catholic family, and I always participate in Lent.  I will be honest though, and state the fact that I participate only as a benefit to myself, not to honor Jesus' sacrifices for us... 

I'm an asshole, I know.  

Not eating sweets for the next 40 days will be beneficial to my health.  It is also great timing because I start an aggressive 10-week half marathon training plan on Monday.  On Sunday, May 25th, I will be running my first half marathon of the year, and fourth overall.  Nixing the candy and tempting desserts will help me align better eating with my training schedule.   

(order dress: my brother is getting married in October, and I still need to order my bridesmaid dress...oops)

This is my training schedule for March.  My very first run is going to be hill repeats...eek!  This winter, and its frigid (!) temps, have really messed with me, and I have put off training for about as long as I can.  I now only have 10 weeks until the half so I really really need to kick it into high gear.

As you can see via the RunningAhead widget, to the left of this post, I haven't gone on a run since November.  The next 10 weeks will be interesting.