Running in NJ

It's racing season.  In Texas.  I'm in New Jersey lol.

There are so many cities nearby, I can't wait to run in all of them when it's racing season here.  In the meantime, I am running just for the love of it and of course it feels so good.  I was able to link up with a runner friend pretty quickly, and because the stars are aligned it turns out that she lives in my apartment complex.  Running buddy at my doorstep, literally (I normally forgo the paired/group run during the week for the sake of time).

She's probably one of the only things that can win over the warm bed in the morning every time :o).  And the warm bed is quite tempting when it's 20 degrees outside.  20 degrees!  With wind and humidity!  I am learning how to layer by trial and error, and I've been able to make pretty good educated guesses so far.  My favorite lesson so far?  Running in the snow might be just as good as running in the rain.

Happy running!

Crossfit

Today I worked out at Crossfit.  I just moved to central New Jersey and left a very good gym behind in Austin.  I have thought a lot about how I could get as good of a workout and knew Crossfit might be a good option.  I really enjoy workouts that are challenging but doable.  I knew Crossfit would be challenging :o).  I was pleasantly surprised today as I found it was also doable.  Crossfit has kind of gotten a bad rep for injuries but just like running and everything else physical I think a lot of that has to do with people and their (lack of) common sense.  So I was willing to give it a shot.

If you know any Crossfitters you've heard of the WOD, the workout of the day.  They have various classes throughout the day but the workout is the same for all of them.  Today we repeated a series of three exercises three times after some strength training.  All of the movements were new but familiar to me.  There is room to learn but it's not overwhelming which I find comforting.  I also appreciate 'git er done' type workouts; 3x3 sounds good to me and I was done in 9 minutes.  They said all the workouts will not be that short.  Boo hiss.  The total class was about an hour (warm up, strength work, and WOD), but it felt like a good length to me.  My plan is to go for a full week and then make a decision to commit or commit later (i.e. check out other gyms in the area and come back if I don't find something better).

The cost is a little steep as I knew it would be.  But if we will pay for cable (or dining out, or handbags, or vacations, etc.) we- meaning I- can pay for fitness.  I definitely believe in that.  So Crossfit it is for now.  To be continued :o).

It always seems impossible until it's done.

"It always seems impossible until it's done."
-Nelson Mandela

Words for life.  And mile 26.  Happy Wednesday!

shamelessly stolen from Chevron Houston Marathon's facebook page :o)... on Monday lol.  It stuck!

fav drink with a peachy tweak

It's only fitting to welcome September, the unofficial mark of summer's end, with one last peach juice.  With it being the season for peaches, this became my go to drink of the summer.  It's another simple variation of my favorite carrot juice:
3 carrots
2 peaches
ginger root

Goodbye summer!  Hello fall!

TRX Strength (back and biceps, 25 lb rows, 15 lb curls, 10 lb backflys)- all challenging on last 2 reps, positives

Sprints:
1/2 mile warm up
1/16 mile sprint (100 m)
3/16 mile walk
1/16 mile sprint
3/16 mile walk
repeat

Swimming like a fish

I meant to post this before today, the conclusion of swim lessons I've been taking, but alas time has slipped away from me.

This summer I took two months of swim lessons at a local swim school.  We only met once a week, but I have made notable improvements in my swimming.  It's actually not the first time I've taken swim lessons.  I've taken a beginner class at my university that meets 2x a week for 3 weeks.  Twice.  The classes were helpful and very good but I realized I needed a bit more accountability so I signed up for the swim school, which promised I'd be able to complete a 65 yard swim upon completion.  How far is 65 yards?  I guess that's somewhat accurate lol.  I did learn how to tread water (efficiently) and that in itself was worth the time and money I invested in the class.

A few thoughts about learning to swim:

1. Don't be embarrassed, you're not alone.  If most adults could swim there wouldn't be so many adult swim classes.
2. You can do more and progress faster than you think you can.  The first time I took lessons I couldn't believe the instructor asked me to start free styling.  And then I couldn't believe I could do it :o).
3. The best way to swim is to swim.  I saw notable gains by going to the pool once or twice a week outside of class.
4. You're not going to drown... if you breathe... when your nose is above water lol.  If you fill your lungs up with air (inhale) and tilt your head back, you are going to stay afloat.  Really.  Once you internalize this you will relax a lot and I really think relaxing is the key to good swimming.

I'd invest in a good swimsuit, a swim cap (for women), and a good pair of goggles.

Also, even though it's not for beginners, I love and recommend this book.  In case you're interested, here's their website.

See you in the pool!

Morning green glory

Yesterday I made the Morning Green Glory juice.  A lot of green juices have very similar ingredients so they all taste pretty similar to me.  This one has a nice hint of sweet and sour.  Pretty light, pretty good, packed with nutrients (thinking back I may have forgotten the spinach).  The recipe yields about two glasses.