Should FWR Be Taught A Lesson??

So....did anyone happen to read Fair Weather Runner, the Self-Proclaimed Running DORK 's blog post yesterday about us getting together today? If not, you should go read it right now. THEN you should let me know if I should go ahead and wear this get up when I meet up with her in an hour? Cuz I'm thinking:

A) This little you-know-what needs to be dealt with. ;)

and

2) I really can't wait to see the look on her face when I show up wearing this. LOL....priceless. ;)

Samsonite! I was WAY off!!!

So, I had all intentions of a 4 mile run yesterday after work. Let me start off by saying that running at 3pm in July is probably not the brightest idea. And even tho it was *only* 77 degrees out yesterday, which is unseasonable cool for the midwest, it was still humid and I was not properly hydrated at all. In fact, earlier in the day, I had just told my friend at work that I had been SO BUSY at work that I didn't even have time to pee, therefore, I also had no time to keep hydrated the way I normally do. I probably had less than 48 oz of water during my entire workday as opposed to a typical 96 or so oz.

Anyway, I headed out to the downtown airport to run the loop out there (3.6 miles). It's a pretty flat area and one of my favorite spots to run. Plus, it is RIGHT on my way home from work.

Well, I knew at the end of the first mile that I was not well hydrated and should probably turn around and head back to my car rather than finish the entire loop. But I was stupid...and kept on going. Once I turned the corner, things took a turn for the worse. The cool breeze I had been running into on the way up the loop was gone. It was hot, humid, and I was dragging. Not to mention that my left leg started to give a familiar pain. :( I'm *hoping* it's just shin splints. I'm *fearing* it may be my stress fracture. Needless to say, I walked pretty much the rest of the way around the loop. How disappointing. I had a great 4 mile run last week and thought that I was getting my groove back. And yesterday I probably didn't even run 2 whole miles of the loop.

I'm gonna feel it out over the next few days. Rest, ice, etc. I really do hope it's just shin splints since I just started running again after being off for 2 months. I really can't afford another injury. I've already registered for Nations and I'm doing it no matter what, even if I have to walk the run portion. But it's just disappointing to think I may have an injury again.

At this point, I'm really thinking I need to invest in a stride coach. It's not cheap, but if my form is getting me injured, I need to make the investment to correct it. I'll follow up more on that later.

In other news, Fair Weather Runner, the Self-Proclaimed Running DORK is headed my way today and we're going to do lunch! How exciting, my first bloggie meet up - woot! I feel a pic for Friday Foto coming on....!!! :)

Wednesday, July 29, 2009: 3.6 mile run/walk

It's a Busy Time of Year!

Sooo busy, in fact, that it's been challenging finding time to squeeze in my workouts! Between work meetings, going out of town, and multiple activities in the evenings, it's definitely been a challenge. We were out of town Thurs - Sun, but I still managed to do a little. Here are's how I rounded out the last bit of last week:

Wednesday, July 22, 2009: P90X

Thursday, July 23, 2009: 4 mile run

Saturday, July 25, 2009: 1/2 mile swim

The swim was at the lake and it wasn't the best swim ever. I had some anxiety in the open water, which isn't uncommon...but it was my first time to attempt an open water swim without anyone (people or boats) near me. I was just swimming from buoy to buoy. Not the best idea. My wetsuit was choking me, which started the anxiety. Then I started having horrid thoughts of random snapping turtles...lol. Soooo, needless to say, when I attempt another open water swim at the lake again this weekend, I'll make sure to have my dad in the boat along beside me "just in case." The security of having someone near makes it so much better.

Unfortunately, today is Wednesday and I haven't worked out all week. I've just had too many things come up - meetings, lunch dates, plans in the evening, etc. But it's all good. I have plans to have dinner & a movie with a girlfriend tonight...but I'm going to run right after work and then shower before we have to meet up. Tomorrow I'll have to squeeze in a quickie right after work again, but it's do-able. Friday we are going out of town again, so I may not have time on Friday unless I run that night once we get to said destination. We'll just see...

The past weekend was a BLAST! We had our annual lake party and we had a really good turn out. I'll try to post some pics later this week or next when I get some time. This morning I attended a talent show at Rylie's school where she performed a gymnastics routine (I had to take an early "lunch" in order to attend). She did such a great job...but stupid me, I got there with the video camera in tow...but no disc. :\ Oh well, at least I was there.

In other news, has anyone heard of wellsphere.com? I received an email this morning inviting me to be a featured blogger for their triathlon community - how exciting! I'll write more about this later.

I hope everyone is having a great week!

ATTN: RUNNERS - Help A Great Cause!

Hey everyone, please take a moment to visit Fair Weather Runner, the Self-Proclaimed Running DORK's blog. She's on a mission to cover the feet of humans the world over...and YOU can help! Go check it out! :)

Guess Who's Back?

Back again...
Ashley's back.
Tell a friend.

(Are you singing a little Slim Shady yet??) ;)

I think I finally got my groove back - woot! Monday I did P90X (chest, shoulders, triceps - and I'm STILL sore!). Yesterday my running buddy Jen and I busted out a nice little run on our lunch break. Jen said the route we did was supposed to be 4 miles. The Garmin only read 3.5...but it did lose signal several times since we're downtown in the middle of all these tall buildings. I don't think it was 4 miles cuz we did it in just under 40 minutes and we are slow runners - there's no way we were busting out a sub 10:00 mile pace! So....I'm thinking it was around 3.75 miles. Not bad, considering it's only my 3rd run back and I just started running again a week ago. I was quite pleased with myself. It was just a good run overall - it was a cool/rainy day out and we really pulled off a good run, even with all the hills.

THEN -brace yourselves- I even made it to the pool again last night! I went right after work and pulled off a 1000m swim - yay! I was exhausted last night after 2 heavy workouts, plus all the running around I did (picking up the kids, taking Rylie to gymnastics, getting groceries, etc). But I'm feeling very accomplished!

Not sure if I'll be able to squeeze in a workout today or not... I have a pretty hefty day at work and tonight is going to be crazy. Randy has a final, so he won't be home until late. I've gotta get both kids, get them fed, make food for this weekend, and start packing. We are leaving right after work tomorrow for my parents' annual Shrimp Boil at the lake - it's an all out food/booze/muz(ic) fest - SO PUMPED!!!! Maybe I'll even see a few of you there....?? (Running DORK and Running Lawyer, this means YOU!!!) :) Oh, and the beauty of going to the lake for 3 days is that I'll get plenty of open water swimming time!! **hopefully**

By the way, I had my post-op follow-up appt on Monday and my doctor said everything looks GREAT and I'm officially released to go back to my old routine....I mean, I was starting to ease back into it anyway, but now it's OFFICIAL - yay!

Hope everyone is having a great week!!! :)

NOTE: Has anyone else notice the shift in my mood since I started working out again? I just noticed how many smilies I had in this post....LOL! :)

Monday, July 20, 2009: P90X (chest, shoulders, triceps and ab ripper x)

Tuesday, July 21, 2009: 3.75 mi run, 1000m swim

Plyo, Brick,& Girls Night - WOOT!

Yesterday I did the P90X plyometrics workout. It was fun, plus I was in good company with my workout buddy Jen. :) Last night was date night (we RARELY get these, so they are cherished!). I think this is maybe the third? date night we've had since Harper was born and she's 11 months old today. LOL. Anyway, we enjoyed a nice Italian dinner at Lucia's in Liberty (I had AMAZING seafood stuffed ravioli - YUM!!!) and then we went to see The Hangover - GREAT flick!

We didn't get home until after 10pm last night, yet I was still able to get my butt up by 4:15 this morning...got fueled & out the door by 5am, made it to practice by 5:45 and had my transition area ready to go and was in the lake by 6am. I'm a rockstar. ;) (Oh, and if you're keeping track, this is the THIRD time I've swam this week - a new record, people!!!)

Anyway, today's practice was a 1/4(ish) mi swim, 12 mi bike, 3 mi run. I kicked some ass with the swim - I was the FIRST one done! Don't know how that happened, but I'll take it! Amongst the other swimmers were 2 Ironmen (one of them has completed 4!!) and my friend that just did his first oly tri a few weeks ago. So, needless to say, I felt pretty good about the swim.

As for the bike, I'm usually in the middle of the pack. Nothing to brag about, but it was good to be on the bike again. I've only gotten in a few rides recently, so I needed it. Plus, it was a BEAUTIFUL day out for a bike ride/run.

Now, mind you I just ran for the first time this week since my stress fracture and surgery. So my coach told me to def not go for 3 miles with the rest of the team. She really wanted me to just do 1, so that's what I did. I had to walk a bit too...and my legs totally felt like jello after the bike. But in the end, it felt GREAT to have another swim/bike/run under my belt. I'm finally getting back in the game. :)

Now I need to go make some snacky snacks cuz I'm meeting up with my girlfriends for a day at the pool with adult beverages, followed by dinner and a movie. Hope everyone is having a great weekend!! :)

Friday, July 17, 2009: P90X Plyometrics

Saturday, July 18, 2009: 1/4 mi swim, 12.5 mi bike, 1.25 mi run

Oh Mommy, Oh Daddy, I Am A Big Ol' Baddy!

*dances around*

So, either I made it to the pool again last night or else Gloria Estefan was right...eventually the rhythm IS going to get you... ;)

Brace yourselves, bloggies: I made it to the pool again last night! 2 days in a row - woohoo!!! :) AND I did P90X Arms & Shoulders yesterday too. That's right, Stella's got her groove back! ;)

Thursday, July 16, 2009: P90X Arms & Shoulders, 800m swim

JoBros, Yo!

So, thanks to my homie Fair Weather Runner, the Self-Proclaimed Running DORK, I got the opportunity to enter my 6-year-old in a contest to win Jonas Brothers tickets here in KC. To enter, you have to submit an essay in 96 words or less (the radio station is 96.3) on why you are their biggest fan. I entered the following in Rylie's words:

"OMG, the JoBros are SOOOO awesome! Nick is my fave cuz he dated Miley and she's like totally my hero! I'm their biggest fan cuz I have JoBro EVERYTHING, even a lunch box. I know the words to all their songs and rock out to them with my BFFs Mannon and Henley. One time I saw the Jonas Brothers walking down the street with a pizza. My daddy said it wasn't them...but I know it was. Cuz I'm their biggest fan, so I know what they look like. Please pick me - I LOVE JoBros! "

Wish us luck!!!! :)

PS

In honor of running again, I went ahead and registered for the Komen Race for the Cure this morning. :) Yeah, it's under 4 weeks away....but it's just a 5k and it's just for fun. AND I CAN'T WAIT TO RACE AGAIN!!!!! Woohoo!!!!!! :)

I Rock

Why, you ask? Well other than the fact that I'm just plain bad ass in general (LOL), I also rock cuz I got my bootie to the pool last night!! That's right, I'll take my bow now.

First, let me explain that I used to swim at a pool right near my house. Let me back up and explain that I have a lifetime membership to 24 Hour Fitness. Randy and I got a really good deal 4 years ago and paid a lot of money up front, but now only pay $20 a year to renew for life. We can work out at ANY 24 Hour Fitness, so if we go on vaca or move or whatever, our memberships our transferable. Well, the 24 HF near our house does NOT have a pool. When I started training for my tri, I searched near and far for a pool near me....but everywhere wanted to charge me for a full gym membership just to swim laps a couple nights a week. Um....I've already paid my life time fee for 24HF and really don't care to pay another monthly fee on top of that, esp when places were asking $30 - $40 a month just so I could swim twice a week.

Well, I finally found a pool in Gladstone (about 3 miles from my house) that let me in on a good deal. Basically, they let me purchase a "Corporate Challenge" pass that is basically a punch card that allows access only to the pool for $4 a session (yes, I realize this can add up and end up being around $30 a month anyway.....but I never REALLY made it to the pool THAT often.....and when I did, most of the time they didn't even check my card, therefore I got in several times for FREE). The only thing is that Corporate Challenge was the last week of June, so the pass expired then. If I wanted to continue using their pool, I would have to purchase the $40/month membership. F that. Initially, since my original tri was supposed to be June 28th, that was a perfect deal. But now that I've transferred my event, I've had to find a new place to swim.

I finally figured I would just have to drive to a different 24HF in the city that has a pool. The only thing with swimming is that actually getting to the pool is most of the battle. Sooo....I've come up with a plan. On the days I plan to swim, I'll just take all my gear to work and then head to the pool directly from work. That way I don't have to worry about going home and getting too tired to leave the house again. So that's what I did yesterday. I found a 24HF that's only 10 miles from work (20 miles from home). I was under the impression that I was going to have to pay a little to upgrade since my membership is to a 24HF Active and this gym was a 24HF Sport (meaning they have more amenities than my gym), but the guy didn't charge me anything - even better!

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that swimming was not nearly as difficult as I had expected after a 6+ week hiatus. In fact, it was waaaaay easier than when I first started swimming a few months back. The only thing was that I had planned to swim 800m last night, but stopped short at 650m cuz I forgot my earplugs in my other bag and the water was really getting to my ears. Had it not been for that, I would have been able to knock out 800m easily.

Anyway, I'm meeting up with my new tri team tonight for the first time for a group swim practice. I'm excited to finally meet my team. They've been practicing together for a month already while I've been in recovery. So, hopefully they don't all blow me out of the water....literally. ;)

Wednesday, July 15, 2009: 650m swim

Let's Give 'Em Something to Blog About....

So, over the past few months, my workouts have been few and far between. I mean, between my stress fracture and surgery, I haven't been able to do much. I started doing P90X a few weeks ago and my body quickly told me it was too soon. Then last week I ended up with a wretched case of bronchitis. But, I'm pleased to announce that this week I am finally back in the game!

Yesterday I did P90X with a group (I think there were 6 of us) at work. It was the Cardio X workout. Then at the end of the day, I decided it was time for a RUN! I met up with my friend Jen after work and we put in 2 miles. It was my first run since the Mothers Day 5K and also my first run with Gigi (my new Garmin....which happened to be a Mothers Day gift). We had to walk a couple times, which I expected my first time back. Between the heat, the humidity, the wind, the hills, and the fact that I haven't ran in over 2 months, I was pleased to finish in under 24 minutes. Best pace was 8:37 (down hill, of course). Overall, it felt great to be back. My lungs were burning, I'm not going to lie. The heat was killer. But hey....I RAN, and that's what counts.

Reality hit me Monday as I realized that my tri is in exactly 2 months and I've been out of the training circuit for awhile. I need to get my ass in gear and really focus. I've been saying this for weeks, but I really REALLY need to get my butt to the pool at least twice a week from here on out. Starting today. So, feel free to hold me accountable. Email me. Comment on my blog. Call, text, FB, whatever....just make sure I'm getting to the pool!

Anyway, hopefully I'll have more frequent workouts to report from here on out. I still haven't even posted my June totals yet...not that there's much to report, but I'd like to have a record of it for my own benefit. I'll try to get on that.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009: P90X (Cardio X), 2 mile run

By the way, yesterday was an amazing day in history, folks. MTV finally released The State on dvd after 15ish years! It was a happy, happy day in the Robbins household fo sho!

Foto Friday - 4th of July Style!

Okay, bloggies, for your viewing pleasure, I present to you: Friday Foto, 4th of July style!!

***All pics are going to be at the end due to some uploading issues I'm having**

First, we have a pic of Randy, Rylie, and me on our new water toy - FUNNEST.TOY.EVER.

Next we have Harper ready for her turn. ;)

A pic of both my little nuggets.

A pic of Coop Doggy Dogg.

And.....as promised, a pic of me & Ry sporting the pink hair. ENJOY!! :)