Tuesday Tidbits | 2.19.13

February 19, 2013 by Hillary 5 Comments

1. I was skimming through my blog dashboard this afternoon – the behind the scenes stuff – and for some reason, I was compelled to dig deeper into my WordPress database of the day with the most pageviews. Ironically, it happened to be February 19, 2011!! Quite the coincidence.

The main source of said traffic was from Carrots ‘N’ Cake. I had written a guest post for Miss Tina, Nuts About Running: Tips for Training Indoors. Re-reading past posts is inspiring. I can hardly believe two whole years have passed since that was written. I can hardly believe that I am carrying on without the WREC, that I haven’t run on a treadmill in months!, and that I referenced light weight lifting. One thing that hasn’t changed since then is my perspective on accepting rest days:

Many of us exercise enthusiasts fear rest days; though, there is no need to feel guilty about revitalizing days away from the gym. Training day in and day out takes a lot from an individual physically and mentally. With all of my training schedules, I “schedule in” 1 day off per week. Not only do I do so to prevent injury and allow my body to recuperate from any strenuous exercise… I do it to recharge my mind. And when an unexpected rest day(s) arises – from illness, injury, life – keep your chin up!

2. I feel like I’m getting another cold. Again, so soon!? Not cool.

3. It felt like the longest 8 hours at work today. The signs of a cold coming on only made it that much longer. I was iffy about exercising after work.

4. When you open your mailbox to a shiny, hot pink package with a new workout outfit inside, you forget all about the cold coming on and get amped up for a WOD.

5. 75 was the name of the game tonight: push jerk @ 75# // 75 burpees // 75 chest-to-bar pull-ups. Fitter in February, I think yes!

6. I totally understand the idea of CrossFit as a form of meditation. It works for me.

7. Your body can only handle so much raw kale & Brussels salad. Too much of anything, even healthy food, isn’t necessarily a good thing.

8. Avocado toast may be a new addiction.

9. CrossFit cereal cravings are going strong.

10. I was reminded I over-pronate (can you spy the evidence?)… my medial knee pain… most likely not a coincidence. A cousin to my beloved Asics are amidst their travels to my doorstep!

11. I don’t have cable; therefore, every Tuesday I have a hot date with Miss Mac and The Bachelor… which means I must end this brain dump of a post stat.

12. Good night // Happy Running Tuesday // Happy Birthday, Dad.

Run

HILL repeats.

January 10, 2012 by Hillary 11 Comments

After spending the greater part of my morning writing about running fuel, I was itching to lace up my new Asics — first run in pair #7!

I found inspiration for my workout today via my 2012 inspiration board… in addition to the fact that I was excited to break in my pink kicks in the clear, shorts-appropriate January weather.

I ran 4.25 miles in a little under 38 minutes, including 6 hill repeats. I used to do hill repeats all.of.the.time. during my high school XC days. Today I did 3 on a longer hill, mid-run, and 3 on a shorter hill at the very end of my route.

Of Possible Interest:

Head for the Hills
So Inclined — Dread going up? Reap the benefits of hill work by changing your routine and your attitude.

I finished up with this quick routine from Tone It Up, conveniently pinned to my Fitness Inspiration board. I will definitely be doing this one again.

How often do you hit the hills?

Hope you’ve had a rockin’ Running Tuesday.

Take care,

HILLontherun

my new {running} toy.

December 28, 2011 by Hillary 11 Comments

Hey there! Wow, what a whirlwind of a holiday weekend! I can not believe it’s already Wednesday.

I hope you had a wonderful weekend. Mine was filled with a lot of family + A LOT of food. I’m a little behind the game with my blog posting, so I hope you don’t mind if I chat about Christmas. I’m still in holiday mode.

Since I didn’t get a Running Tuesday post up yesterday, I figured I’d tell ya about the toys Santa left me under the tree today, Workout Wednesday.

Yes, yes… I did get a new pair of Asics 2160s in neon pink! This would be pair #7 — love this shoe.

But, more excitingly… the watch. I’ve been drooling over this thing for months, and let me tell you, it’s even more incredible in person.

Yes, it’s large (compared with my original Nike running watch), but I don’t think it’ll slow me down ;)

Let’s go!

Not only is the watch uh-mazing, with the large screen and customizable features, but the most fun part is the Nike+ Connect software. The watch has a USB “chip” built into the wristband, so when you’re done with your run, you can upload the information to your computer to analyze every step/every second of your run.

Be still my heart.

Nike+ has taken the idea of DailyMile to a whole new level. I am stoked to train for Half-Marathon No. 6 with my new neon toys!

Did Santa bring you any new running toys?

What type of watch do you run with?

Have a good day, y’all!

Hill on the run

Running Tuesday: A Slimmer Summer

May 31, 2011 by Hillary 10 Comments

Hello :) Hard to believe the end of May is nearly hours away! This month flew by, didn’t it? I don’t mind though because June is one of my favorite months of the year. And guess what, did you know that tomorrow is National Running Day!? A perfect way to kick off the month if you ask me.

Since today is Running Tuesday and all, I think it would be a good time to fill y’all in on my exercise plan for the upcoming month. I haven’t done an exercise challenge since the Holiday Hustle Challenge – nor do I have any races that I’m training for at the moment (I hope that changes soon!) – so I want to commit myself to something to shape-up/slim-down for summer.

Starting tomorrow, through the end of the month, my plan* each week is to:

run > 20 miles

cycle > 2 x 1 hr. classes

yoga > 2 x 1 hr. classes

strength train: 60 minutes total (~2-3x)

*As my summer plans finally unveil themselves, it’s possible my fitness regimen may have to be adjusted.

I’ll be logging all my runs, rides, and deep breathing on DailyMile. In addition to plenty of cardio, stretching and strengthening, I’ll be eating a little bit less of more the same good eats.

Do you have any summer fitness goals?

My goal is to “regain” the physique that I had at NWM.

* * *

New shoes are my type of exercise motivation.

I’ve been shoe shopping since January, but I’m happy that I waited a few months (too long) for the release of the kiwi-colored 2160s.

The feeling of new soles to a seasoned runner is that of pure bliss. I’m excited to start a new relationship with Asics #7, and for all the strides ~~and stumbles~~ that we take together. [For more silliness, see My Running Shoe Relationship.]

shoe shopping.

January 15, 2011 by Hillary 34 Comments

Don’t miss my weekend Barney Butter GIVEAWAY: 24 snack packets are up for grabs – yummm!

* * *

Howdy!

Happy Saturday night. Anything exciting planned? I’m wearing my favorite faded ex-college sweats and am laying low. I’ve been feeling under the weather lately; between all the packing, driving, errands, and unpacking, I’m pooped.

Anyway, today one of my errands included going to Fleet Feet to possibly buy a new pair of running shoes. Since I’ve had some knee pain lately, and just started training for half marathon #4, I think I am due for a new pair.

My typical rule of thumb for buying new running shoes is roughly every 500 miles or 6 months.

I’ve been sporting Asics for several years [since my first season of cross country in ‘05]. I’ve been very pleased with them all around; however, as I runner, I’m always eyeing others’ fancy schmancy athletic footwear. Today I tried on a few other brands at the store to see if something else was comparable to what I’m used to. No luck. The girl helping me confirmed that I’m running in the right shoe. I think I’m an Asics 2100 model for life ;)

Asics 2130: I think these are my favorite color of them all. I’ve had 2 pairs; though, both of which are retired/trashed.

Asics 2140: these are on their very last miles – so sad.

Asics 2150: I’ve had these pretty pink ladies since July [see My Running Shoe Relationship], and they ran with me all throughout my NWM training.

The Asics 2160’s are now out, but I’m not a fan of any of the colors =/ I’m leaning towards a second pair of the 50’s. I’ve never been a fan of purple… what’s your opinion?