My New Trainer

Today by chance, I found myself a trainer. I've never had one before, so this is kind of exciting. Someone to push me a little more, make me go a little faster and keep up the fitness level. All I have to do is provide my trainer with room, board, discipline and love.

My 4.5yr old on a bike!

Today for the first time we went to the lake and brought Miss Rose's bike. She's been wanting to for so long but there are many ups and downs that would require supervision, so I had to wait until Bean could come and man the stroller. Since he was off for Labor Day, we took advantage of it.

I was completely suprised and impressed with Miss Rose's skill. It was a crazy busy day at the lake. I guess everyone was deciding to get their exercise on before they went to Labor Day BBQ's. She was a pro though at navigating around people and staying to her side. I offered a lot of instruction, but she started getting annoyed because "I know Mom."

My biggest surprise came at her speed! On the straightaways and especially the downhills, she was booking it. I was running at a faster pace behind her then I do normally. She usually needed a bit of help getting to the top of the hills and then would slow up a bit.

It was kind of like doing interval training. Pushing hard and then an easier rest period. This will definately help me stay in shape during this pregnancy.

The most impressive thing was that she rode 3.5 miles! I had expected 2-3, but she wanted to keep going. On the way back she did start to tire more easily, but overall she kept on going.

The stroller has been getting so difficult to push lately with her in it. She's basically at the weight limit for it anyways. Hopefully she'll keep enjoying the riding which will make for a great transition to having the new baby in the stroller with Gracie.

Last week I ran 4 miles twice and rollerbladed 6.5 miles. So far this week, 3.5 miles. I think I've gained another pound or two, but I'm still doing well. Especially since I recently found out I'm almost 4 weeks further along. So I definately did good on gaining less than 5lbs in my first trimester. I now wondering if I can keep it to 5-6lbs in the first 20 weeks. I kind of doubt it, but you never know.

Now that I have my new trainer, anything is possible.

I DID IT!!!

So the Mud Run was today. 6.2 miles. 3 big hills. 2 mud pits with walls to climb over. A small lake to walk/swim across. A final mud pit you have to crawl on your belly through.

Two years ago I did the race for the first time. I trained, but not all that much. I completed the course in 1 hr 32min. Not too bad. However this year, I trained a LOT more and focused on getting good on hills hiking/running some trails near my house.

It totally paid off. I completed the course today in 1 hr and 14min. And...it probably would have been a few minutes less if we hadn't gotten caught in several "traffic jams" at bottlenecks along the trail. Somehow, I finished 18th in my age group (30-34).

My body definately felt the exertion today...which was good because it meant that I actually did push myself and perform at close to my maximum.

I am so happy that all the trainting paid off. It feels so good to have accomplished that...14 months after having a 2nd baby!

You can do it too!!!!!

I'll get some pictures posted soon....

Rockin' the Mileage

I was very motivated last week with exercise. I completed 19 miles in 6 days. My average is probably more around 10. Some of it was hiking/mountain climbing, but the majority was running. I felt so strong and good all week. I even was able to exercise 3x without the kids. Now that is a treat.

The Mud Run is on Saturday, so I'll be taking it a little easier this week. Need to reserve my energy for the race! That's part of why I pushed myself so much last week. I wanted to really max my body out and build some more strength and endurance which will hopefully help my perform better.

Like I've said in previous posts, my only competition is myself! 2 years ago my time was 1hr 32min. I am aiming to cut about 15min off my time. It's a challenging 10k course with a variety of obstacles (mud pits, walls, ponds, etc). I think I can do it though.

This weeks plan:
Monday: 3.5 miles
Tuesday: walk
Wednesday: 3mile mtn. climb--not going to really push myself though
Thursday: REST, stretching
Friday: REST, stretchings
Saturday: RACE

Now I need to find my next race. I think I'm going to do the Carlsbad Half in January. But I need something else between now and then.

Rock On!

Just have to share, I am rockin' this week--both with exercise and eating!!

Monday- 5mile mtn. climb/running whenever I could. About 1hr 15min

Tuesday- 3 mile run...really pushed myself! 28min.

Wednesday- 3mile mtn. climb/running. 41 min!!

My legs are so achy. Just fatigued I think--although I've had plenty of soreness this week too. About 10 days until our Mud Run. I'm really pushing this week and then I'll scale back next week.

Tomorrow will definately be a rest day. I will exercise again Friday and Saturday.

I love feeling so strong :)