I woke with some pretty serious calf pain this morning. This was strange, because the calf pain I initially had on Saturday dissipated after my short recovery run/walk and stretching. It returned with a vengeance today and continued on-and-off. I'm trying to be wise about training, because I don't want to be injured, so I decided to get a quick 5 miles on the trainer in, instead of running. It actually works out alright since I'm pushing my long run back to Sunday this weekend in order to run with a friend, so I can resume the 5-8-5 miles pattern starting tomorrow, assuming all is well with the leg.
Nothing else exciting to report. Things are busy here; time is simultaneously flying and dragging. That's such a weird phenomenon.
Until tomorrow...
Showing posts with label cross training. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cross training. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
Day 91 - Yummies
Don't tell running, but there are a lot of things I enjoy more than running. One of those things happens to be eating good food. More specifically -- eating good Mexican food. Surely I've mentioned my "recovery burritos," in which I often indulge after a long run. Or a short run. Or no run at all.
The truth is plain and simple: I love Mexican food.
Today, after church, I headed over to Tortilleria Sinaloa with a friend. I went there for the first time about a month ago and spoke briefly with the owner. Today, she recognized us when we walked in (+3 points). We arrived at the same time as about 10 other people, and the place is pretty small, so I was a little unsure as to where we would sit (-1 point). However, as soon as our food came out, Melissa, the aforementioned owner, went out of her way to clear us a place to stand by moving a big basket of chips and some other things (+4 points). She then proceeded to talk with us for about 5 minutes, which was so delightful (+5 points), before a spot cleared for us to sit (+1 point). Melissa was super attentive, even though it's basically self-serve once you've gotten your food (+2), and the food was fabulous, as expected (+2 points).
There's nothing scientific about my scoring system, but Tortilleria Sinaloa is clearly in the positive for dining experience. The food is excellent, the prices are great, and everything feels special. Plus, I feel like I'm supporting the "little guy," even though the place is hardly unknown; it has about a bazillion accolades from various sources. If you're ever in Baltimore, go here. And call me, because I want to go with you.
Moving on to my other most frequently discussed topic... after getting a bit of work done this afternoon, I got in 10 miles on the trainer for my Sunday cross-training. It's been a while since my last ride, and since my last real cross-training in general, so it was nice to get the miles in. Also convenient was the fact that I strapped my iPhone to the handlebars and watched an episode of Law and Order: SVU on Netflix. I can't hear my computer over the hum of the trainer, so the iPhone was the perfect solution because I could have it close enough to use headphones. What a nerd!
The truth is plain and simple: I love Mexican food.
Today, after church, I headed over to Tortilleria Sinaloa with a friend. I went there for the first time about a month ago and spoke briefly with the owner. Today, she recognized us when we walked in (+3 points). We arrived at the same time as about 10 other people, and the place is pretty small, so I was a little unsure as to where we would sit (-1 point). However, as soon as our food came out, Melissa, the aforementioned owner, went out of her way to clear us a place to stand by moving a big basket of chips and some other things (+4 points). She then proceeded to talk with us for about 5 minutes, which was so delightful (+5 points), before a spot cleared for us to sit (+1 point). Melissa was super attentive, even though it's basically self-serve once you've gotten your food (+2), and the food was fabulous, as expected (+2 points).
There's nothing scientific about my scoring system, but Tortilleria Sinaloa is clearly in the positive for dining experience. The food is excellent, the prices are great, and everything feels special. Plus, I feel like I'm supporting the "little guy," even though the place is hardly unknown; it has about a bazillion accolades from various sources. If you're ever in Baltimore, go here. And call me, because I want to go with you.
Moving on to my other most frequently discussed topic... after getting a bit of work done this afternoon, I got in 10 miles on the trainer for my Sunday cross-training. It's been a while since my last ride, and since my last real cross-training in general, so it was nice to get the miles in. Also convenient was the fact that I strapped my iPhone to the handlebars and watched an episode of Law and Order: SVU on Netflix. I can't hear my computer over the hum of the trainer, so the iPhone was the perfect solution because I could have it close enough to use headphones. What a nerd!
Monday, February 6, 2012
Day 84 - I'm Really Bad at Cross Training
And by that title I mean that I did nothing notable in the form of exercise today, and I'm okay with that. I did eat a lot of really good food, though, which was excellent.
I'm gearing up for what I expect to be a busy week, especially after not getting everything done that I wanted to get done this weekend. Story of my life. I think it'll be a week where I retroactively add things to my to-do list, just so I can cross them off for some form of accomplishment. Is that weird?
Today was an up-and-down kind of day, but this weekend was a weekend where I was reminded of how incredible my friends are. I think I had one of these last weekend, too. What can I say? It's a time of having awesome friends who bless me so, so much. I found (and will leave you with) this excellent quote from Katherine Mansfield:
I'm gearing up for what I expect to be a busy week, especially after not getting everything done that I wanted to get done this weekend. Story of my life. I think it'll be a week where I retroactively add things to my to-do list, just so I can cross them off for some form of accomplishment. Is that weird?
Today was an up-and-down kind of day, but this weekend was a weekend where I was reminded of how incredible my friends are. I think I had one of these last weekend, too. What can I say? It's a time of having awesome friends who bless me so, so much. I found (and will leave you with) this excellent quote from Katherine Mansfield:
"I always felt that the great high privilege, relief and comfort of friendship was that one had to explain nothing."
Friday, January 27, 2012
Day 75 - Pilates
For the longest time, I have stereotyped Yoga and Pilates instructors as flexible people who meditate but could be snapped in half if pushed too hard. I know instructors like this exist, and they may even be the majority, but my Pilates instructor is not one of them. Despite the huge pile of dreadlocks that sits atop her head and the hippe-esque jewelry she wears, she's a rough-tough-cream-puff. I mean, seriously, the woman could probably dropkick Chuck Norris.
Today's class was my first Pilates class ever, and I had no idea what to expect. In fact, I may have even asked my friend what the difference between Pilates and Yoga was. Now I know. I enjoyed the exercises for the most part, though it definitely would have helped to be more familiar with the positions and transitions. I suppose that comes with time. I was overzealous with my weights. Silly me; I know I have zero upper-body strength. That made some of the positions very challenging, but I felt really good otherwise. I think this could be a great way to strengthen and build my core, which is pretty pitiful at this point.
I kept thinking, "If I could only be doing all of these things with my legs, then I'd be good to go." Alas. I was relieved that we focused on upper body. On the offhand chance that I'm sore tomorrow, I'd rather it be up there than in my legs, which need to carry me 20 miles tomorrow.
Today's class was my first Pilates class ever, and I had no idea what to expect. In fact, I may have even asked my friend what the difference between Pilates and Yoga was. Now I know. I enjoyed the exercises for the most part, though it definitely would have helped to be more familiar with the positions and transitions. I suppose that comes with time. I was overzealous with my weights. Silly me; I know I have zero upper-body strength. That made some of the positions very challenging, but I felt really good otherwise. I think this could be a great way to strengthen and build my core, which is pretty pitiful at this point.
I kept thinking, "If I could only be doing all of these things with my legs, then I'd be good to go." Alas. I was relieved that we focused on upper body. On the offhand chance that I'm sore tomorrow, I'd rather it be up there than in my legs, which need to carry me 20 miles tomorrow.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Day 64 - Yoga'd, Yogad, Yogaed, or Yogaded
I'm still searching for an alternative to the verb phrase "did yoga," but for lack of a sufficient substitute, I'll just tell you that I did yoga for the first time ever today. I've been so resistant to it for so long, but I know I need to work on balance to improve my running. No, not because I fall all the time, though I did fall during the first race I ever ran back in 2006. I've read that balance, along with core strength, can really help you improve in any type of athletic performance, so I'm giving it a shot.
I plan to take a Pilates class at the gym on Fridays, but I employed a Jillian Michael's DVD for my yoga workout today. I knew I could count on Jillian (yes, we're on a first-name basis) to get right to the exercises and steer clear of the meditation/"spiritual" sides of yoga. That's just what she did. At one point, she said some silly yoga term like "melt your heart into the floor," or something, and then laughed, saying, "Or, in plain English like the rest of us speak, stretch as far as you can." I appreciate that.
I have done her workouts before and always leave feeling challenged and encouraged by her. She's fun but also no non-sense. We'd definitely be friends in real life, but first I have to get some muscle so I could feel not-so-shrimpy next to her.
A few more times of doing it and I think I'll feel a bit more comfortable with the positions and transitions. Overall, I'd say it was a success, particularly because I know I worked muscles I don't typically use while running. I like this idea of using my own body weight for resistance, too. I look forward to reporting back about my first-ever Pilates class on Friday, too.
On an unrelated note, check out this drawing my step-mom sent me:
This is a portrait of our family that she drew with one of her clients. Can you guess which one is me? Haha! Love it. If I had Facebook, this would definitely be my profile picture.
I have done her workouts before and always leave feeling challenged and encouraged by her. She's fun but also no non-sense. We'd definitely be friends in real life, but first I have to get some muscle so I could feel not-so-shrimpy next to her.
A few more times of doing it and I think I'll feel a bit more comfortable with the positions and transitions. Overall, I'd say it was a success, particularly because I know I worked muscles I don't typically use while running. I like this idea of using my own body weight for resistance, too. I look forward to reporting back about my first-ever Pilates class on Friday, too.
On an unrelated note, check out this drawing my step-mom sent me:
 |
| Family portrait |
Day 63 - The Day I Loved Life
That title is a bit of a misnomer, as I love life on most days. Still, today was really a day where I was so happy to be alive, in Baltimore, knowing the people that I know.
My morning included some putzing (what a great word) around the house before church. Church was phenomenal. I'm so thankful for the community I've found there and the way the Lord is working. One time, I will tell you about it; but 12:40 am is not that time. Post-church, a handful of us headed over to Fells Point to eat at Tortilleria Sinaloa. I'd never been there before, but I will definitely be going back. It's totally legit, and I loved it.
By the time I stopped by the grocery store and then came home, I only had a short time to get some sort of cross-training in, so I got in 5 miles on the trainer. Not really a big deal, but it was something.
A friend from the DC-area arrived around 5:30 and after chatting we drove over to Fells Point to revisit Tortilleria Sinaloa. Yes, it was so good that I would eat there twice in one day. Much to my disappointment, it was closed. We didn't see anything else in Fells Point that caught our attention, so we headed over to Harbor East and stumbled upon Talara, where we feasted like kings on some amazing food. It was so good, in fact, that we ordered a second round of one of the dishes we got. So, if you live anywhere near Baltimore and you like to eat, I'd definitely recommend both of these places.
In short: awesome day, awesome people, awesome eating.
My morning included some putzing (what a great word) around the house before church. Church was phenomenal. I'm so thankful for the community I've found there and the way the Lord is working. One time, I will tell you about it; but 12:40 am is not that time. Post-church, a handful of us headed over to Fells Point to eat at Tortilleria Sinaloa. I'd never been there before, but I will definitely be going back. It's totally legit, and I loved it.
By the time I stopped by the grocery store and then came home, I only had a short time to get some sort of cross-training in, so I got in 5 miles on the trainer. Not really a big deal, but it was something.
A friend from the DC-area arrived around 5:30 and after chatting we drove over to Fells Point to revisit Tortilleria Sinaloa. Yes, it was so good that I would eat there twice in one day. Much to my disappointment, it was closed. We didn't see anything else in Fells Point that caught our attention, so we headed over to Harbor East and stumbled upon Talara, where we feasted like kings on some amazing food. It was so good, in fact, that we ordered a second round of one of the dishes we got. So, if you live anywhere near Baltimore and you like to eat, I'd definitely recommend both of these places.
In short: awesome day, awesome people, awesome eating.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Day 49 - Hello, 2012
Following my little jaunt on the bike and dinner, I headed to the attic to sort through bins full of things, things from high school and college. Gasp! It was funny to look at CDs (what are those, anyway?) and pictures and even some term papers. All the memories came rushing back, which was mostly hilarious.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Day 21 - You Thought I'd Forgotten
This post has absolutely nothing to do with running and everything to do with things in my life that are wonderful.
I bet you thought I'd forgotten you, but I haven't... and I still have 1.5 hours left to get today's post in. I'll be brief, because today was too great to cover this late in the evening.
After sleeping in a little bit, my friend and I had coffee and tea, respectively, and then headed out for a nice 30 minute speed-walk. I wasn't planning on cross-training today, because I knew I'd be busy, but it was great! The morning was cool and crisp, and I'd forgotten how nice it is to talk to someone while working out. Also, speed walking is hard work. I'd go as far as to say that it is more challenging than running. At least, while I'm doing it, I'd rather be running. Anyway, the walk was great, but the company made it.
Post-walk, I headed into DC for brunch at the Cheesecake Factory with a friend, and then for an afternoon of cookie-baking and catching up with my mentor. Both were delightful. I wish all days could be like today. My mentor and I headed over to church, which is always a wonderful blessing for me. Being back in DC and going back to Grace DC always feels a bit like coming home. Everything about tonight's service was awesome. I miss that place a lot. After church, I ate at Austin Grill with some friends. The tacos al carbon there are to die for.
I'm back in Baltimore now and looking at a pretty full week, as usual. I'm sure it will fly, also as usual. Only two weeks left of my first semester of grad school! Then, Christmas and New Years! Have I mentioned that I love this season?
Until tomorrow...
I bet you thought I'd forgotten you, but I haven't... and I still have 1.5 hours left to get today's post in. I'll be brief, because today was too great to cover this late in the evening.
After sleeping in a little bit, my friend and I had coffee and tea, respectively, and then headed out for a nice 30 minute speed-walk. I wasn't planning on cross-training today, because I knew I'd be busy, but it was great! The morning was cool and crisp, and I'd forgotten how nice it is to talk to someone while working out. Also, speed walking is hard work. I'd go as far as to say that it is more challenging than running. At least, while I'm doing it, I'd rather be running. Anyway, the walk was great, but the company made it.
Post-walk, I headed into DC for brunch at the Cheesecake Factory with a friend, and then for an afternoon of cookie-baking and catching up with my mentor. Both were delightful. I wish all days could be like today. My mentor and I headed over to church, which is always a wonderful blessing for me. Being back in DC and going back to Grace DC always feels a bit like coming home. Everything about tonight's service was awesome. I miss that place a lot. After church, I ate at Austin Grill with some friends. The tacos al carbon there are to die for.
I'm back in Baltimore now and looking at a pretty full week, as usual. I'm sure it will fly, also as usual. Only two weeks left of my first semester of grad school! Then, Christmas and New Years! Have I mentioned that I love this season?
Until tomorrow...
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Day 14 - Highway Miles
Greetings from route 81 in Draper Valley, Va.!
Dad and I are headed back to Maryland after a 4-day stint with the family in the mountains of North Carolina. I didn't have any time to write this morning between my Wii workout, church, lunch at my favorite Mexican restaurant and hanging out with some friends; so I'm writing now.
Yes - you read that correctly -- my Wii workout.
I did a variety of workouts, ranging from muscle-shaking yoga poses to this one ridiculous activity involving my Mii in a chicken suit and me having to flap my arms like wings. It was quite the cross-training event. I might want to fine-tune it a bit were I going to do this on a regular basis, which I'm not, but I could see how the Wii could be a good workout tool, sans the chicken suit activity, of course.
That's all for now. I'm praying for a good transition back to "real life" tomorrow. P.S. 124 requires a lot of energy, something I'm feeling a little low on right now.
Dad and I are headed back to Maryland after a 4-day stint with the family in the mountains of North Carolina. I didn't have any time to write this morning between my Wii workout, church, lunch at my favorite Mexican restaurant and hanging out with some friends; so I'm writing now.
Yes - you read that correctly -- my Wii workout.
I did a variety of workouts, ranging from muscle-shaking yoga poses to this one ridiculous activity involving my Mii in a chicken suit and me having to flap my arms like wings. It was quite the cross-training event. I might want to fine-tune it a bit were I going to do this on a regular basis, which I'm not, but I could see how the Wii could be a good workout tool, sans the chicken suit activity, of course.
That's all for now. I'm praying for a good transition back to "real life" tomorrow. P.S. 124 requires a lot of energy, something I'm feeling a little low on right now.
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