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Weekend Recap: Shows, Stars, Shoes & Brews!

This weekend went by much too fast, even though it was a lot of lazing around. Friday I went to Constitution Hall to see one of my favorite bands of all time who never, ever, ever, tour. Neutral Milk Hotel. If you’re ever wondering what’s tattooed on my back, it’s lyrics from this band. And if you’re wondering what the heck Neutral Milk Hotel is, check them out. It’s worth it.

neutralmilk

Constitution Hall was pretty cool to be in. I really dug the star spangled seats and the carpet on the main floor was blue with stars as well. Also, i can tell i’m getting older when I get excited to see a concert in an actual seat…

chair

Saturday morning I headed out for my 12 mile run which finally got to be outside!! It was wet and there still were parts of the trail that were ice and snow, but mostly slush so I could deal with it. I got to test out these new RBX tights I got from Marshall’s for $15 a few weeks back. I loved the higher (colorful!) waistband, the tights felt compression like, tight but not uncomfortable and I didn’t chafe.

new capris!

new capris!

The 12 miles actually flew by quicker than past long runs. My pace averaged a 8:14, nothing felt too difficult and I ended up getting home a little earlier than anticipated and had plenty of time to stretch out afterwards.

I think the whole feet up thing really helped recover my legs, that and I wore compression socks the rest of the night. That was the first time I put my feet up immediately after a run and might become part of my routine. I wasn’t even a tiny bit sore the next day.

Pretty much all I need to be happy: a recovery beer.

gordon

After lunch I HAD to check out Potomac River Running Store across the street. They had a big sale on last season’s shoes and I couldn’t resist…

2pairs

I almost made my goal of no new shoes until March.. so close!! I got a pair of the Brook’s Pure Grit’s cause they are the most comfortable shoes i’ve worn, i’m hoping these might be the ones I wear for the next 1/2. The New Balance Minimus are for work. I need the lightweight shoes for weightlifting and standing on my feet all day. (These are zero drop and I’ve never owned a pair of zero’s so i’m excited to try them out.) aaaaand I LOVE the Colors!!

Workouts from the week!

Monday: 15 min abs

Tuesday: 6.6m treadmill intervals (pace ranged from 7:30-6:00), 15 min abs

Wednesday: 4.25m treadmill easy 8:41/pace, 30 min TRX upper body, 30 min yoga

Thursday: 7.2m hill workout, 15 min abs

Friday: Rest

Saturday: 12 easy & long 8:14/pace

Sunday: Rest

Total Miles: 30.1

How often do you buy shoes? I feel like i have a problem haha.

Have you ever put your feet up after a run? Notice a difference or not?


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My race season is over, so what’s next?

It’s that time of year where my races are finished, my PR’s have been bested and the weather is getting darker and cooler, like my wardrobe. It’s the time of year where I have to stay motivated to run even without a race on the schedule for another 4+ months.

Luckily, I live in a fairly temperate climate here in DC and can generally run outside all year long. In the past i’ve cut my running down in the winter simply from lack of motivation. But I have a new fire under me for next year and want to maintain my endurance throughout the dark months.

We went to Marshalls and I picked up some new winter gear so I have no excuses on cold mornings. I bought 2 pairs of running pants for $40, a pair of Brooks Pure Grit for $32 (super deal!) and a pair of Brooks gloves for $8. I did good!

IMG_1394

pants were $17

Brooks Pure Grit & Brooks gloves.

Brooks Pure Grit & Brooks gloves.

I definitely am not trying to burn myself out before spring racing season, so my plan is to simply build mileage–nice, slow and easy all winter. I want to discover new music and create playlists to keep my running fresh and new. Hopefully this will keep me from injury and keep me happy through months of colder weather.

Running happy to me is taking my eyes off my watch and off the pavement in front of me. Otherwise I’ll miss out on stuff like this…

IMAG1769

My Weekly Workouts

Monday: 5.5m easy 9:00/pace

Tuesday: 20 min chest/biceps, 15 min abs/stretching

Wednesday: 8.5m 8:21/pace 

Thursday: 4.5m 8:51/pace, 20 min triceps & lower back, 15 min abs

Friday: Rest

Saturday: 2.7m easy 10:00/pace 

Sunday:  Rest

Total Miles: 21.2

So how do you stay motivated when the weather sucks?

What kind of running goals do you set in the winter months?