Inspiration Wednesday

If you set a goal for yourself

and are able to achieve it,

you have won your race.

Your goal can be to come in first,

to improve your performance,

or just finish the race it's up to you. 

-Dave Scott

This one hits home. To me it doesn't matter where I finish in my race, as long as I meet my goal. Lately, my goals have to been to just enjoy my race. I don't care if I PR, and I definitely don't care if I place (though both of those things would be awesome), I just want to have a good race. 

It also reminds me that I win every time I go out and complete my planned workout, I have won. I achieved my goal for that day. With me, winning small goals is important, it helps me continue on to my long term goal. 

How about you? Do you have short term goals or just long term ones? 

Speed Work

I've always been okay with how fast I run, and I still am, but I started feeling like maybe I could do more, go a little faster. Shouldn't we always change up our training just a bit to keep it exciting and challenging? I really didn't go into this with too much of a plan. I thought I'd try a speed and then see how I felt after a minute or two and then walk, and I wasn't even sure how far I was going to run. I guess you could say I really had no expectations on this run, I just wanted to try speed work. Here's how it went - 

1 min walk

5 mins at 10 min/mile

then I started a routine of 2 mins run/1 min walk

first round was at approximately 9 min/mile

second round was at approximately 8:30 min/mile

the next 5 rounds I did around an 8 min/mile

finished off with 3 mins at a 10 min/mile

3 miles in 29:54

I was always afraid of doing speed work, now I'm wondering, why didn't I do that before???? It was fun and challenging and I can't wait until the next time. Speedwork will definitely be incorporated weekly into my training plan. Here's my plan - 

Mon - XT

Tues - speedwork

Wed - XT

Thurs - easy run

Fri - XT

Sat - rest

Sun - long run

I also would love to add yoga in there - maybe Tues and Thursday mornings. 

What do you all think about speedwork? And how do you incorporate it into your training? Any success stories because of it?

Week 6 Marathon Training

The week started and ended strong, but the middle was extremely weak. I started off on Monday with some cross training, did some yoga on Thursday, and finished off with an awesome 12 mile run and some laps in the pool. Hopefully that run is exactly what I need to get out of my training funk. Below is my week - 

Monday - 30 Day Shred Level 2

Tuesday - nothing :( Hunter's last soccer game of the season

Wednesday - bowling :)

Thursday - yoga didn't run because I had Ryan's band banquet

Friday - nothing :(

Saturday - rest day 

Sunday - 240 yds swimming, and 12 mile run on the treadmill :)

I am so excited that pool season is back. I love to get in the pool and swim. I'm not the  best swimmer, but it's a great way to exercise while still staying cool in sunny, hot Florida. During the summer, I spend at least a little time in the pool every day either doing some laps or playing with the boys. 

My run was AWESOME!!!! I felt so strong, and I concentrated  on my breathing and form. Boredom was cured by watching Lifetime Movie Network (a channel I don't get to watch when hubby is around). 

I'm back!!!!!!!

How did everyone's training go last week?

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Inspiration Wednesday

"Mental will is a muscle that needs exercise, just like the muscles of the body." 
-Lynn Jennings


I'm definitely still in need of some inspiration and motivation. I am just feeling extremely lazy right now. I know if I exercise I will have more energy, but I just can't find the energy to do it. It's a catch 22. I need to talk my mind into exercising. I think that's the hardest part of it. Not allowing your mind to give up. Oh well, I have been there before and pulled myself out, so I know I will get back on track. Hopefully sooner rather than later.

What tricks do you have to keep your mind in the game? 

Week 5 Marathon Training

Week 5 complete and as my 13 year old son would say - epic fail!!

Monday - nada
Tuesday - nada
Wednesday - 21 mins of yoga (Woot woot)
Thursday - nada
Friday - nada
Saturday - 1 hour of fun with Hunter (basketball, football, kickball, dodgeball)
Sunday - zoo and 20 mins of basketball with Hunter

I did almost nothing all week, and I don't have any excuse for it. Yes, I was still a little tired recovering from my cold, but not enough to make me not work out. I was just plain lazy, and I need to change my attitude quick or I will never complete a marathon. Marathon runners cannot be lazy, they have to be dedicated because it's not easy to run a marathon, matter of fact from what I heard it's pretty darn hard. I need to get out of my funk and get my sweat on!!!!!

Are any of you in a training funk? What are you going to do to get out of it?

Things that make you go hmmmm.....

A friend's status on facebook had me thinking this morning. She said that she was looking back on her life, and the things she would change. So that made my reflect back on my life, was there any thing I would change? Yeah, there are things that I have done that I'm not so proud of, and things that happened to me that made me very upset, but if I change those things would I be the person I am today? I don't think so.

Every bad thing in my life has made me stronger; every stupid choice has made me wiser and every good moment has made me happier. If I had stayed in college after my freshman year, I would never had the opportunity to meet my husband. Then I wouldn't have the two wonderful children I have.  I also wouldn't have the career I have today, while it's not perfect, it's enjoyable most days.

So I am not going to dwell on past mistakes, and what I think are bad choices, I'm going to remember all the joyous times and the good choices I have made. I am going to move forward and rejoice in the person that I am today, and the person I will be tomorrow.

How about you?

Inspirational Wednesday

New idea for my blog, let me know if you like it. I am going to post an inspirational quote, picture, etc. every Wednesday. It will probably be one that means a lot to me, or one that is going to give me a kick in the butt, but I think  hope we all will benefit from it. So with that said, here is today's - 

"Ask yourself: 'Can I give more?'. The answer is usually: 'Yes'." 
-Paul Tergat, Kenyan professional marathoner

This one hits me hard this week, because I definitely know I can give more. This dang cold knocked me off my butt, and now I'm finding it hard to get my mojo back. So, my answer to this question is yes, I can definitely give more. Next question, what am I going to do about it??

Go Raw Giveaway

Healthy Helper is giving away some Go Raw products over at her blog. I am trying to eat more healthy and avoid processed foods, so I would be excited to try these products.

Week 4 Marathon Training - major fail

The last few weeks have been great. I have been consistent, and felt pretty darn good. Then Bam -  my son gives me a cold - ugh!!! I started feeling it a little bit on Friday, but if I'm only a little sick I like to sweat it out, so Sunday I continued with my long run of 6 miles. By Monday, I was miserable. So miserable, I even stayed home from work. Back to work by Tuesday, but I still felt crappy and tired. Oh so tired!!! I slowly started feeling a bit better, so I could at least function, but I am still so tired. My workouts all week have suffered because of it. 

Monday - zippo, sick in bed

Tuesday - nada

Wednesday - bowling

Thursday - zero

Friday - nothing scheduled, but did do a 2.79 mile slow walk with my son's class on a field trip 

Saturday - 5 mile bike ride at the campground

Sunday - 11 mile run - AWESOME!!!!  Longest run since my 1/2 in March. 

We decided to do an overnight camping trip. I guess this was my Mother's Day gift :) I'm not complaining though, I'm beginning to really enjoy camping - if I could just get used to sleeping on the hard ground. We sent the boys out to explore on their bikes as soon as we got there, so we could set up in peace. Once that was done, hubby and I set off exploring on our own, which led to a 5 mile bike ride. The campground is right on the Tomoka River, and is absolutely beautiful. After we relaxed a bit at the campsite, we decided to take a boat ride. Now anyone who knows me, knows this is a feat in itself. I cannot stand small boats, and here I am getting into a little 12' rubber raft with a trolling motor. I have to say, I did enjoy myself. It was so peaceful - very little boats, and lots of birds and scenery to enjoy. 

The rest of the night was spent relaxing and enjoying the company of my friend with a campfire. 

The next morning, was the highlight of my trip. A scheduled 11 mile run that was I was just lucky to be able to do here. The run was a part trail, mostly dirt run throughout the campground. It was wonderful, so peaceful.  I set out around 7:15 so it was still quiet, and I was even able to spot a few deer. 

There were about 5 of them, but this was the only one that was in view of my camera.

I stopped quite a few times to take in the sights, and just enjoy the beautifulness of the area. If I could do my run here every week, I would be in heaven. 

Week 3 Marathon Training

I'm going to have to say it was another pretty successful week in training.  I was even able to incorporate some yoga during the week, which I have to say was definitely needed. I didn't realize how tight my muscles were, and how much better I felt, both physically and mentally when I was done. I have been using My Yoga Online and I love it. Very convenient! I definitely need to stay consistent with it. Not only will it help me stay sane, I think it will make me a better runner. I also started a DVD challenge for May, so I'm going to be doing 30 Day Shred every week day. I'm leaving Saturday as a rest day, and since Sunday is my long run, I really didn't want to overuse my muscles that day. Here's a wrap up of what I did this week -

Monday - 30 Day Shred Level 1
Tuesday - 30 Day Shred Level 1, yoga, ran 4.37 miles
Wednesday - bowling (didn't get up early thinking I could do 30 Day Shred in the evening - but we went bowling instead)
Thursday - 30 Day Shred Level 1, yoga, ran 3 miles
Friday - Field trip to a nature park with my youngest,  30 Day Shred Level 1
Saturday - rest day
Sunday - 6 mile trail run (very hot out, so it was a hard, slow run, but I still enjoyed it :) )

Things were good on the homefront this week. We had a meeting on Wednesday with Ryan's guidance counselors for his to continue his gifted IEP (education plan) into high school, and I was able to see what classes he needed to take at school, and which ones I am going to have him do through virtual school. Ryan had his talent show Friday, and came in 4th place using music that they composed themselves, and then had a Steel Drum Music Performance Assessment with his school's steel drum band, and they scored superior, which is the highest rating.

Ryan's on the left :)

I also, I got a call from Hunter's school saying that he was picked as Kiwanis's Terrific Kid of the Month, so we got to go to a luncheon for him on Wednesday.

What Women Want Giveaway

I ended up having an awesome Mother's Day weekend, so I wanted to share this giveaway of so many awesome things!! Wishing everyone good luck. It's an awesome prize package :)

A new season of fashion and beauty if quickly approaching. Butler Bag, Karren's Avon (creator/writer for Oh! My Heartsie) and Mom to Bed by 8 (the Iowa-Mom)want to offer one lucky reader a prize package that is sure to tickle your fancy and bring joy to your wardrobe and skin all at the same time.

Butler Bag, "The World's Most Organized Handbag"
The Butler Bag Everyday Tote is a perfectly versatile back. Offered in three colors and create from genuine Nana leather. This bag offers two zippered pockets outside and a compartmentalized interior with zippered "privacy pocket" inside. This is a true organizer's purse dream come true.

Karren's Avon is generously providing a bath and body package plus a few accessories extras to make you smile.
Odyssey Cologne Spray, Odyssey Roll-On Anti-Perspirant Deodorant and Odyssey Perfumed Skin Softener
RARE DIAMONDS Body Lotion, RARE DIAMONDS Shower Gel and RARE DIAMONDS Eau de Parfum Spray
SKIN SO SOFT Signature Silk Moisturizing Shower Gel, SKIN SO SOFT Signature Silk Gelled Body Oil and SKIN SO SOFT Signature Silk Replenishing Hand Cream
Florence Gift Set
Leading Love 2-Piece Gift Set
Silver Coin Purse and Black Wallet

Finally Mom to Bed by 8, the Iowa-Mom wants you to enjoy your stylish night out and is bringing a $50 Visa Gift Card to the What A Woman Wants party for you to do just that.

Giveaway starts on May 11 at 12:01AM and ends May 25 at 11:59PM. Open to the US residents only; must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

Enter to win the What Women Want Giveaway below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. Pamdemonium is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.

Free Blogger Event

Come join this free blogger event from What Women Want, from May 11th - May 25th. There are a lot of great prizes to win. Make sure to mention my blog name if you decide to join us. :)

Hoping for some insight

I'll let you know in advance that this is a non-running related post, so you can stop reading if you wish, but it is one of the reasons I NEED to run!! I have posted before that my youngest son has been diagnosed with ADHD and a social anxiety disorder, and I'm not so sure there isn't some other underlying issues going on with him. It took me the longest time to bring him to a psychiatrist and have him diagnosed, but I wasn't, and still am not totally, keen on medicating him. I know he needs help, and the medications seem to help a bit, but it seems like he seems to become almost immune to the strengths after only a few months, and then we are dealing with some of the same issues all over again. One medicine that seems to be working very well is the Intuniv for his focusing issues. His grades have gone up a full letter grade, and his teacher is happy with how he stays on task. But as for the medicine to help his outbursts, it seems we are always having to reevaluate, up the strength or change all together. Two weeks ago, we started having issues again. They start out with just one outburst, then a couple, then everyday. These are intense sessions of kicking, screaming, hitting, etc that last upwards to 2 and 3 hours. We upped one medication that seemed to only make it more intense, so I completely took him off of it. His doctor keeps assuring me that his behavior is typical of children with ADHD, but I'm sorry, it's wearing me out, and eventually going to be my demise. 

So, I'm looking for a new route, a new, permanent solution. It was mentioned to me that children who have been diagnosed with ADHD possibly could have a vitamin deficiency, so I'm going to his pediatrician to try and get a referral to see a specialist, and see if she has any other suggestions. I'm open to ideas, to try something new, just to have him happy, to have our lives back to some sort of normalcy. So I'm opening it up to the blogger world, do any of you have any experience with this, any advice or ideas? 

On the happy front, he was voted Kiwanis' Terrific Kid of the Month this month, and he's talking about joining the safety patrol next year. I am definitely a proud mama.

Running with the Mind of Meditation Book Giveaway

Nanette over at Mother on the Run is giving away the Running with the Mind of Meditation Book. I have always found running and meditation to be similar, so I'm interested to delve in deeper. Head on over and visit her site, and join another great giveaway!!!!