shamrock run 2011 completed

So I did it! I not only did the Shamrock Run again, but it is my first official race since hurting my ankle last July. I did far better than I anticipated I would, though I don't have the official time yet I do feel it is quite possible that I either met my time from last year or did better. In the off chance that I didn't, that's ok, I'm just happy that I was able to run the race this year. My ankle held up pretty well, only started to feel it at the end and even then it wasn't as bad as I'd expected. I am currently icing it and hoping that tomorrow I won't be limping around, fingers crossed. The biggest challenge this year was running in the rain, thankfully it wasn't coming down hard, it was Portland rain, but it was still cold out and the rain didn't help much. My running partners, two amazingly awesome friends- Krystle S. and Ashley G., and I did our best to stay warm by moving around until it was time for us to line up and go. Oddly enough, once we got going on our race the rain felt delicious on my hot sweaty face- so I suppose a thank you is in order to mother nature. I think I could get use to running in the rain, light rain that is. The downfall to this whole event however, was how cold I felt afterwards, it wasn't until I got home and into a hot shower that I warmed up. Between the wetness from the rain and my sweat, cooling off in the cold air isn't pleasant. With all that said, if I had to do this all over again, I would in a heart beat. I don't think I will ever pass up running the Shamrock Run if I can help it! To all of the wonderful people I know that ran the Shamrock Run this year, many congratulations for accomplishing it!

Shout outs...
15k runners: Liesl H., Patricia C., and Micky B.
8k runners: Julie G.
5k runners: Krystle S., Ashley G., and Arran G.

crunch

Yesterday and today I tried out my new membership to a new local gym, Crunch. I think it is safe to say that I made a good decision with this membership. I do still have a personal trainer, I haven't dumped Jennifer and have no plans in doing so. I still very much need her. But Crunch is much closer to work and easily accessible from home during the weekends. So the days I don't meet up with my trainer, I will utilize Crunch. Because it's a new gym and has only been open for 3 days, the crowd inside is small. But I do hope it stays small on the days/times I go.

Today I had a realization that all of my work with my trainer and on my own, and watching what I eat is truly paying off. I've been noticing subtle changes in my physique, in my arms and legs mostly. Granted, I'm not disillusioned, I know I have plenty of pounds to lose and I will. But actually seeing those subtle changes in myself is quite motivational. More so than what the scale says. 

I end this posting with a quote seen at Crunch, "Objects in the mirror are as fantastic as they appear!"

a week's worth of news

The past week has been an emotionally and mentally tiring one for me. Some good. Some bad. I had my weigh in/measurements done with my trainer yesterday and had positive results this past month. I managed to lose 2.5 inches from my waist, even after stress eating for the past week. My fat percentage is down, and people around me are noticing it. I should be reveling in my success, but this wonderful positive moment is clouded by a lot of frustration that is coming at me from many different directions. Don't get me wrong, I am very proud of myself, and I will continue to progress.

One of my stressors is knowing that my precious dog, Ti, is ill. We had a tumor removed, and the biopsy showed that it was cancerous. If you're a pet owner, than you know that your pet is more than just an animal to you, he or she is an important member of your family. I can look at this situation in many ways, but I choose to view it in a more positive manner. I've had 7 wonderful years with him. He's not being taken away from me suddenly or in a tragic accident. I'm being given time to spend with him, to love and cherish him, to spoil him. I will have the opportunity to say "good-bye" when the time comes. He isn't in any pain, he's actually healing from his surgery very well and is full of kisses to give, if you let him. Hopefully the cancer will take it's time to come back. A few other stressors are, my car is acting funny and past due for an oil change. And my ex-employer screwed me and many others over. Though, these are things that will pass.

Ti

I finally used my last pass into the Adidas Village Store (aka employee store) and am in Adidas heaven. Purchased almost $300 worth of stuff (that is after my 50% discount was registered), I'm absolutely ready for race season to begin! Which brings me to my first race of 2011! I've officially signed up to participate in the Adidas Shamrock Run 5k on March 13th! I'm thoroughly excited about being able to do this race again. No goals in beating last years record, I'm doing at this for fun this time around. I'll be focusing on beating my Drop Top 10k record in June though.

Tonight I end this post with one piece of advice! Be sure to always tell your loved one's you love them...

obstacle training

My sessions with my trainer, Jennifer, is always a fun one. Well, as fun as one can have being pushed by a trainer to do crazy things! I wouldn't have it any other way. What I like about Jennifer is she always keeps our workouts interesting. It's never routine, and I think we have yet to recycle any of the exercises we've already done! I love it. Yesterday my session was an obstacle course, actually three of them. We usually do them 3 times and time them. The goal is to beat my previous time, which most times I feel like I can't but do. This time around I did fail one of the obstacles, but hey, we can't win them all! Here's what I did:

Warm up on TM for 15 min.

First obstacle course: 1:49/1:29/1:13

TRX Squats 10x

Speed Ladder: single leg down hops (each leg)

                       double leg hops

Lateral Stepovers 10x

Overhead Press (30lbs) 8-10x

Soldier Walk 20ft

Second obstacle course: 2:03/1:58/2:12

TRX Rotational Row 18x

Speed Ladder: Karaoke down/back

Step Jumps 10x

Bicep Curls (30lbs) 8x

Run Backwards 20ft

Third obstacle course: 2:42/2:12

Jump Rope 30 sec

Wide Stance Weighted Row (30lbs) 10x

TRX Donkey Kicks 5x 

Crunches 30x

Cool down:

Cat & Dog 15 sec

Kneeling Rollercoasters 5x

Downward Dog 15 sec

Wall Bench 30 sec

Shamrock Run 2011

In 52 days the 33rd Edition of the Shamrock Run in Portland will commence. I have every intention of doing the 5k with my friends Krystle, Ashley, and maybe Robin. This year I won't be trying for a PR, as I know I'm not ready to push myself to that level. But I think entering into this race will be enough to get me pumped up and ready for June's Drop Top 10k! I'm putting in treadmill time everyday to prepare myself for this race. This year it will be about fun and enjoying the energy around me! If you are looking for a race to do, whether it's your first or for a challenge, consider this race. They have a 5k, 8k, and a 15k...

Photo shared from the Portland Shamrock Run website.