Sweaty Saturday

I have a Saturday sense of accomplishment! I woke up nice and early and met Kristine for our bridge repeats, our speed training in disguise. Two weeks ago we did 3 sets for 7.5 miles and they felt good. Today was 4 sets over and back for a total of 10 miles. It was a cool morning and the first thing I did was take these babies out of the box!

My new Brooks Adrenalines arrived this week but the rain had preempted my regularly scheduled runs. And I really wasn't kidding about the RAIN. We recorded 2.25 inches on Wednesday and 1.67 on Thursday. Normally I would have preferred to try the new running shoes out on a shorter run first, but that was just not meant to be. 

Anyway, I had some problems with the last model of the Brooks Adrenalines so I was happy to hear they went back to the old style of sizing for the 16s. Much to my dismay, the heel was a bit loose on these and as I walked out the door I noticed I had some sock issues. Back into the bedroom I went and grabbed my heel inserts and a pair of socks with the lip at the heel. I changed everything in the parking lot of the park and tightened up the laces a bit more...good to go! 

Bridges were much tougher this week. My legs felt stiff and tired right away. We had increased our interval to 2:1 in preparation for some upcoming races, but took it nice and easy. We did seem to warm up after the first go around, but it never seemed as "easy" as it did last time. Of course, there was more mileage and I didn't get my runs or any crosstraining in during the week, so that could be a part of it.

I must say, I am pretty proud of us. Sometimes, especially when we are both not feeling it, we "negotiate". I'm sure if one of us had broached the topic the other would have easily been convinced to just walk the last trip over and back. I am pleased to announce that this was not the case! We completed all four trips. 

BAM!! Training goal reached and new shoes broken in!

Bridge Repeats

Day two of the Summer Slim Down started in the dark. The alarm went off at 5:00 a.m. so I could meet my running partner to do 5 miles of bridge repeats, the closest thing we can get to hill training here in Florida. Well, my legs were burning! We figured out it had been 6 weeks since we had run the bridge! Non-existent hill training, combined with high humidity and no breeze to speak of, left us both drenched! It looks like this will become part of our summer maintenance schedule. We cooled down with a walk under the bridge and had some beautiful views:

PiYo
Day two of the PiYo Challenge called for the Define: Lower Body video. This session was about 25 minutes long but went by super fast. The exercises included plank, downward dog and the warrior poses. There was movement in each of the poses to strengthen and increase flexibility. This is one of those workouts where I know I'll see improvements quickly. Once you get used to doing the poses, you'll be able to just follow the cues and not have to look at the television. This will allow for greater concentration on improving the poses and movements. I can't wait to try the Define: Upper Body tomorrow.

The eating plan went well today. I still have to concentrate on getting all of the servings in, especially the vegetables and protein. I'm not finding myself to be hungry during the day, which may be why I'm hesitant to eat what seems like extra food. I have stayed within my calorie goal each of the two days, even though my running partner delivered home-baked cookies to me this morning. Thankfully, they are "healthy" chocolate cookies made with avocado instead of butter, so I didn't mind indulging in a little dessert.

On a personal note, I'm just so proud of my daughter who started her first job today as a CNA at the local hospital. Disregarding the messy bathroom selfie, does it get any cuter than fitted purple scrubs?