Random Thoughts about a Cold, Flunking Challenges, a Koss FitClips Review and UnTrack Tuesday

It would figure. Just when stepped up my sprints, I caught a cold. Funny, I always seem to come down with something this time of year and this May was no exception. For the past week, I have been fighting the worst chest congestion related to my allergies. Since I couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t run and decided to take the opportunity to rest.

For Mother’s Day, we spent the weekend at the TradeWinds Resort (review to follow) and my cold started during our stay there. As much as I longed to run along the beach as a Mother’s Day gift to myself, my chest cold had other plans for me. I would have to simply rest in the sun on the beach instead and certainly second best to running on the beach.

All that coughing brought on the chest cold which caused me to lose my voice. By Friday, I felt better and went to Jackie’s Body Combat class at the YMCA. My friends, Kat and Rachel, teased me about the new release being more intense. I thought they were kidding. Holy uppercuts, Batman! It was intense! My arms were so sore! I loved it, but I forgot to wear to the awesome Polar watch that Jenny lent me to use for her 500 calorie {exercise} daily burn. I’m totally flunky this challenge! Although the workout rocked, my body must not have been ready for Body Combat because Saturday I felt poorly all over again.

So, I rested on Saturday and kept my activity to a minimum. I had plans to paddleboard with my girlfriends on Sunday and I didn’t want my cold to foil my fun. Fortunately, I felt better and had a great time paddleboarding with my friends and forgot to wear the Polar AGAIN! UGH!

Thankfully, my voice was somewhat restored in time for Monday’s Mom Squad. This week, we discussed Disney’s recent Merida makeover. Did you even know that Disney revamped Merida’s look? Personally, I didn’t even realize the change, but my oldest daughter thought Merida looked older with her new look. Allana thought she looked too much like a princess now. What do you think?

This morning, I finally felt better enough to run, so I ran an easy 4 miles. I honestly needed to take it easy and stopped occasionally for walking coughing breaks. My quads welcomed the walking breaks because between Body Combat and paddleboarding, they were so sore! I loved it! Since it was the first time I ran in almost two weeks, I am seriously behind in my Joggermom Marathon. Yet, another challenge I’m losing! UGH! Oh well. I’ll catch up soon and complete those 26.2 miles before the end of the month.

4 miles
Time 41:48
Ave Pace 10:27
Max Pace 7:18

The best part of my run this morning was that I finally tested out my new Koss FitClips headphones for another FitFluential campaign. Koss sent me two new pairs to try just as my old Sony headphones started to go south.

Since I already love the over the ear headphones, the Koss FitClips were the first ones I tested. The bright sunshine yellow was such a nice change from the usual black I normally wear. It also came with three different size ear cushions for the perfect fit. I chose the smallest size which you can see is much smaller than my old Sony clips.

The Koss Fit Series were developed and designed by women for women in part with 12 time gold medal Olympic winner and fitness model, Dara Torres, to help design the product line. That much is evident by how well they fit and the five vibrant colors available online. Plus, the cord is perfect for petite ladies like me. Typically, I have to wind up the extra cord, but the Koss cord was just the right length for me.

Normally, my old earclips would constantly slip out from all the sweat while I ran, but Koss FitClips utilize an original and unique design that ensures the perfect fit. Using a new inear ported design, it rests comfortably in my ear to create the ideal seal for the ultimate listening experience. Plus, the soft, flexible clips rest comfortably around the ear to guarantee the music never stops.

And speaking of the music, the sound quality is incredible! I actually had to lower the volume originally set on my MP3 player. With a 15-20,000 Hz, these headphones weren’t just bright in color! Compared to my old headphones, these had greater projection and the bass booming in my ears was simply amazing.

For more about the incredible Koss Fitclips and Fitbuds, the specs and to view all the vibrant colors, visit Koss online. For $5 off code and free shipping, use the code Fit4Life.

What earbuds do you use and does sweat ever ruin your listening experience? Do you ever skip running and rest with a cold? Did you have sprints and a workout to share?

*Also submitted at*

Random Thoughts about National Moms Nite Out, Boxing, a Boston Run, Stepping Up My Sprints and Track Tuesday

Weather wise, it has been a very strange spring weather. We’ve experienced the usual hot and humid Florida spring days, but over the past few days, the weather cooled down for some strange reason. We’ll back to our regular warm weather scheduled program soon enough.

Last week, the humidity was off the charts, which like I said, is to be expected this time of year, but I think what makes it worse is when there’s no heat with it. It throws me off. I expect heat with humidity. My body can’t acclimate to the ups and downs. Due to my asthma, I experienced labored breathing which made running very difficult given the himidtiy. I ran 4 miles but I couldn’t breathe so the run was pathetic.

4 miles
Time 44:32
Ave Pace 11:08
Max Pace 8:41

Wednesday evening, my friends and I tried a boxing class. It was real boxing with gloves, wraps, bags and all.

The instructor, Tony a Hall of Famer, was like a drill sergeant. In between hitting the bag, Tony made us do a gazillion squats and plank for what felt like hours. I loved boxing to his selection of old school music, but he was not impressed with my bouncing while bobbing and weaving. “That girl is poiiissson…*jab…jab*…. “Never trust a girl with a big butt and smile”…*undercut, jab, jab*… “Bel Biv DeVoe…”*jab, jab*… “Now you know.”

As I bobbed, boxed and bounced, Tony walked over to me with a scowl. “Did you just come from happy hour because you all over the place?”

“I’m always happy.”

At least, I was happy hitting until Tony told me to pivot my back foot, but that caused some serious pain in my feet. So, I pivoted when he was looking so he wouldn’t holler at me.

The boxing minus the pivoting was fun until he made us do floor work with a medicine ball. Ab work with a medicine really hurt my lower back and made me cry, which only caused Tony to holler at me more. “Suck it up, butter cup and sit up!”

“I can’t!”

“There ain’t no can’t in my class!”

“Well, now there is because this hurts and I ain’t doing it! I physically cannot do it!”

He’s right, though. There is no can’t in fitness. But there shouldn’t be crying either. Tony and I kissed and made up after the class.

The next day, I had planned to run 6 miles with some friends, but my feet were killing me. I could barely walk from all the pivoting. So I decided to go for a 10 mile bike ride with Jenny instead, because although I couldn’t walk, I could certainly pedal. Of course, as slow as I go, pedaling doesn’t seem like the right action verb to call how I ride a bike.

After finishing 15 miles prior, Jenny met me for an easy 10 miles on the trail, which wouldn’t be easy for me. She even rode “heavy” on the gears to slow down to my speed. Nice. I went so slow I practically rode backwards and I barely even burned any calories. I really need to work on my speed in the next few months leading up to Iron Girl.

10 miles
Time 50:03
Ave Speed 12.0
Max Speed 14.9

Speaking of Iron Girl, Jenny and calorie burn, Jenny is hosting an awesome Facebook fitness challenge called the 500 calorie {exercise} burn challenge. Basically, you have to exercise and burn 500 calories and share photos to prove it. Of course, I barely hit the mark with that biking adventure, but there’s always next time.

Friday, I chaperoned a field trip to Sweetfield’s Farm Sunflower Maze and attended my moms group pampering event later that afternoon. My aching feet craved a pedicure. There was always Saturday to strive for a 500 calorie {exercise} burn.

I ran again on Saturday and once again, the humidity choked me, but at least I burned some calroeis for Jenny.

6.2 miles
Time 1:04:33
Ave Pace 10:25
Max Pace 8:03
630 calories

Monday, I appeared on the Mom Squad on Channel 10 News. Between hubby’s traveling last month and sick kids, I had to cancel my appearances. Yesterday, we shared opinions on the appropriate age to leave a child home alone.

Speaking of moms, this Thursday, May 9 is National Moms Nite Out and the Tampa Bay Bloggers are hosting a local event at Prime Bar at the Shops at Wiregrass. All the moms that attend can expect lots of fun, food and prizes! I can’t wait! If you want to join us, RSVP via the Facebook event.

Tomorrow is Tampa Bay for Boston Run. It’s in the evening and it’s been a while since I ran in the evening without my children. Thank goodness it’s just a run and the last run along the St. Pete Pier before they tear it down. No matter how fast or slow I run, I will be Boston Strong and there to cheer my friend, Marcia. If you want to join me or run virtually with me, register here. At least $20 per athlete will be donated to One Fund Boston.

After tomorrow’s memorial run, I’ll add another 2.62 miles towards my Joggermom Marathon total, but I’ll have to figure out some way to add another 300 calories in for Jenny’s challenge. My friends, Heather and Jen, are running 5 miles in the early morning. Should I run with them or conserve energy?

Today, I met my friends, Heather and Larisa, for sprints. With Heather’s guidance and encouragement, I have stepped up my sprints to 4 x 800m with 0.25 resting/walking laps in between. Heather normally jogs those resting laps, but she went easy on Larisa and I today. The jump to half mile sprints was tough but I felt great. We celebrated with a mile lap victory lap for our cool down.

Total Distance 5.15 miles (with 0.25 walking breaks between each lap)

1.01 mile warm up, Time 10:19

Lap 1 – Ave Pace 7:59, Best Pace 5:48

Lap 2 – Ave Pace 8:04, Best Pace 5:28

Lap 3 – Ave Pace 8:28, Best Pace 6:49

Lap 4 – Ave Pace 8:11, Best Pace 6:34

Cool Down – 1.14 mile Ave Pace 10:13, Best Pace7:46

And even with stepping up my sprints, I still am 9 calories short for the 500 calories {exercise} burn challenge. Bleh. But at least I only 12 miles left to complete the Joggermom Marathon!

Can you hit 500 calories in a workout? Did you step up your speedwork this week?

*Also submitted at*

Random Thoughts about Some Rain Delays, Another Boston Run, a Joggermom Marathon and an UnTrack Tuesday

When it rains, it pours. Boy, does that expression have some irony to it this week. My kids were sick last week and I thought Little Lion Man was feeling better, but now he has this nasty cough. I think it may be allergies, but I may take him to the doctor tomorrow if it doesn’t clear up.

Then, this morning a violent thunderstorm rolled through, so no speedwork. I attempted some slow and heavy weight-lifting instead. I really miss Body Pump and I can’t wait to join the YMCA to participate in that class again.

I guess it’s good that the rain made me miss my speedwork, because I feel like I’m stagnating with my sprints. Since I’m not getting any faster, I think I need to kick it up a notch with 4 x 800m sprints. Maybe I’ll try again tomorrow.

I’ve been doing well with my running, but I’ve really slacked off with my triathlon training. The weather has been all over the place with hot and cool days, so our community pool hasn’t had a chance to really warm up. I can’t remember the last time I rode my bike, so that’s never good. If the weather cooperates, I plan to ride 10 miles Thursday morning. I really need to get back into the swing of tri training because participating in Iron Girl Clermont in September, which will be here before I know it.

Iron Girl in Training_badge

Tomorrow starts the Joggermom Marathon. This will be my third year participating in the month long virtual marathon. Each week, there will be lots of prizes and weekly drawings, so if you want to join me, sign up here and 10% of your entry will go to the American Heart Association Heart, because as you know, heart disease is the number one killer in women.

Next week, the Florida Gulf Beaches Road Races added another race to their lineup to support the One Boston fund. The 2.62 Tampa Bay for Boston Memorial Run will happen on Wednesday, May 8. Chris Lauber organized an amazing Boston Run event and requested my friend, Marcia, to share her Boston Marathon experience. I can’t miss this one! I have to show my support my Marcia and Boston.

And speaking of races, registration for the Best Damn Race opens tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. and I’m hoping to score a dollar entry again. It’s like the NYC marathon slogan says, “a dollar and a dream.”

Last Thursday, I met some friends to run a 6 mile tempo run. With all my PF issues, it hurts to run fast or maintain a race pace for too long. Since Heather and Jennifer G only wanted to run 4 miles, I ran one warm-up mile to the clubhouse, ran a good 4 miles tempo with them and then I ran one mile home. I guess the combination worked because I shave about 30 seconds off my 10K time, which is a good start. Hopefully, in time, my 10K will be under an hour again. I would love that!

6.2 miles
Time 10:01:55
Ave Pace 10:00
Max Pace 7:32

While playing nursemaid to my sick kids, I didn’t have the strength to run on Friday. Then, Saturday Allana and I volunteered at her Girl Scout Troop’s Run 4 Respect, so once again no running happened. I couldn’t let Sunday slip by without a run, but I was seriously exhausted. I wanted to run further than I did and ride my bike, but I only ran 3 miles and it wasn’t a great run. But then, at least I ran!

3.1 miles
Time 30:38
Ave Pace 9:58
Max Pace 7:27

Looks like my speedwork will be scrapped this week, because I’d like to attempt another tempo run on Thursday with my friends and then ride my bike later that morning after I drop Liam off at daycare. As for the rest of my workout plans this week, I will be trying out a new Kickboxing class with my friends tomorrow night. Hopefully, I won’t be too sore for a tempo run the next morning.

So, what’s your workout plan this week? Did the weather force you to skip speedwork this week too?

Psst…even if you miss your workouts, don’t miss out on this FRS giveaway.

Random Thoughts about Stroller Strides, Being Boston Strong and Track Tuesday

My husband’s American Airlines flight was canceled due to some IT difficulties and he was unable to book another because everyone was trying to do the same, which limited the number of available flights. While still on edge from the Boston marathon bombing, I was so relieved to have him home.

Between FCAT, my youngest daughter behaving poorly at school and my husband’s traveling, the past few weeks have been so stressful and I so glad to have it all behind us now. Throw the Boston bombings on top and I felt so riddled with anxiety, which only a good night sleep or a good run could fix.

Since I knew I would be running with my kids’ running club and also participating in a trial Stroller Strides class with my moms group, I decided to sleep in on Wednesday morning. It seemed that the stress was draining me and I needed the rest.

The Stroller Strides class led by Regina, a sweet little pregnant instructor, was fun. Even Liam enjoyed it! I wasn’t sure how he would do sitting in a stroller watching Mommy work-out, but he seemed to like it or perhaps he liked making faces at me. I enjoyed soaking in the sun while exercising.

We met at the trail and after an introductions and a warm-up, we did a short jog. We stopped between runs for intervals, like lunges and squats singing toddler songs like “The Ants Go Marching” or bandwork singing ABC’s or “Hurry, Hurry! Drive the Fire Truck!” (Liam’s favorite) I appreciated all the strengthening exercises, but I thought they were a bit easy. Or at least I thought they were a bit easy until the next day. Man, my legs were sore for two days. I guess I could use a bit more toddler song lunges. Expect a vlog post about that soon!

Later that afternoon, I ran a couple miles with my girls at running club. It was crazy hot, but I encouraged the kids to keep running Boston Strong.

Thursday, I ran 6 miles. I tried to do a tempo run but my PF heels couldn’t handle it or maybe my heart wasn’t it to it, because I still had Boston on the brain. Whatever was going on in my brain (Boston bombings and bad behavior) had me deep in thought, however, that concentration quickly broke when a poodle came charging at me. I jumped back into a body combat stance and nearly kicked the mutt in the head. The flat of my foot was inches away from that poor pooch’s snout before he whimpered off back to his house and all I could think was “Chamber your knee!” But it’s like I always say, all dogs look like Cujo when they come charging at you and a kickboxing Kung Fu kick is literally my knee-jerk reaction.

6 miles
Time 1:02:19
Ave Pace 10:03
Max Pace 7:52

Saturday and Sunday, I slept in. Again, I just wasn’t on my game. But Monday, I needed to shake off whatever funk I was feeling and get my head back into running along with the rest of the country. All across the nation, runners met to run #BostonStrong and Fitniche Running Stores hosted our local #BostonStrongTampa. Proudly wearing blue and yellow (Boston colors), my girls and I joined the run at the Shops of Wiregrass location along with over 400 other runners. It was truly a tear-jerking sight.

*Photo credit to Fitniche*

We ran along the main boulevard of the mall and exited out onto a road for the long mile stretch. I let my girls set the pace along the 3.1 mile course but encouraged them to stay with it.

My girls wanted to walk more than I would have liked to, but I was just so proud of them for even wanting to be part of this moment. It was so wonderful to see runners of all abilities out there showing love for Boston.

I even saw a few Striders (Kim, Rachel and Christina) out there. I loved bumping into them during the run. Of course, they passed me and my junior running group.

At the mile and a half point, we stopped for water provided by Fitniche and the girls ran the second half even stronger. Once we reached the entrance to the mall, I told them they had to run back to the running store without stopping, which they did.

Surprisingly, Emmalynn snuck a sprint in the last tenth of mile (just like her mama). When we reached the finish line she said, “I finished STRONG, mama!”

“You mean you finished BOSTON STRONG!” It was a true proud mama moment.

3.2 miles
Time 47:56
Ave Pace 15:05
Max Pace 7:17 (Emmalynn’s sprint)

This morning, I ran sprints. Funny thing with my speedwork, I’m not showing any progress. I think it may be time to bump it up to 6 x 400 sprints and to push myself a bit more.

1 mile warm up
Time 9:57

Lap 1 – 0.25 mile
Time 1:55
Ave Pace 7:44

Lap 2 – 0.25 mile
Time 1:55
Ave Pace 7:44

Lap 3 – 0.25 mile
Time 1:54
Ave Pace 7:34

Lap 4 – 0.25 mile
Time 1:52
Ave Pace 7:34

1.1 mile cool down
Time 10:36
Ave Pace 9:41

Total Time 28:13
Total Distance 3.1
Ave Pace 9:07

Is Boston on your brain these days or are you staying Boston Strong?

*Also linking up at*

Random Thoughts about an Oil Spill, New Shoes, Boston Marathon and Track Tuesday

Last Wednesday, I wanted to get a quick 6 miles in before my husband left for his business trip. When crunched for time, I seem to run better under pressure in my training runs. I was so impressed with myself.

6 miles
Time 1:03
Ave Pace 10:32
Max Pace 8:30

Hubby has been working on the yard and therefore, the garage is a disaster. As a result and there is no path get in or out. I managed to maneuver through the garage before my run, but somehow I slipped trying to work my way back inside after my run.

I tripped over my hubby’s recycled oil container and used motor oil glubbed all over my shoes. I went into hysterics and probably woke the neighbor up with my cussing. I immediately took the shoes off and vigorously attempted to scrub them clean with an old toothbrush and Dawn dish detergent. I then threw them the shoes in a bleach cycle in the washing machine in the hopes would come clean. Another Dawn scrubbing and two more bleach cycles in the wash and the motor oil stains and smell remained.

I was devastated. These shoes were less than two months old and now I needed to replace them, however, I’ll hang onto them until Pretty Muddy. I’ll wear them for the mud run and then donate them at the end of the race. Hopefully, their industrial commercial washing machines can remove the smell and stains.

So, ordered a new pair of shoes form Brooks in the hopes they would arrive in time for Iron Girl, but they didn’t. They arrived on Monday by Fed Ex in this nifty shoebox free packaging.

Following the directions printed on the packaging, I turned the FedEx envelope inside out and it become a groovy tote. Don’t you just love that! It’s so green. Earth Day came a week early!

But oil spill shoes, new shoes and fun totes seem so trivial after the events that unfolded in Boston yesterday. I had been watching the live streaming on Facebook to stay up-to-date on my friends, Marcia and Andrea, but the live stream marathon updates were overshadowed by devastating news of explosion near the finish line. Patrick (Marcia’s husband) couldn’t locate her for about 40 minutes and we were all on edge until we had word of their safety.

When I finally watched the news footage later that evening, I cried. That could be any of us at any race. Why would someone do this? Is it some anti-government person trying to make a statement on Tax Day?

Well here’s my statement to the sick bastard who bombed the Boston Marathon.

You didn’t just bomb some race. You bombed THE race. Boston Marathon is the race that all runners dream and aspire to in a lifetime. It’s on every runner’s bucket list and some, like me, only qualify in our dreams.

Yes, these marathons are our dreams. Marathons are our goals and while your goal was to put fear in a nation with dodgy explosives, we don’t fear you. You make us stronger. You make us want to run more. You make us long for Boston even more. We will train harder and thanks to your cowardly ploy, you made Boston Marathon attainable.

We survived 911 and stupid shoebombers and we didn’t stop flying. We fly more.

You may have caused another massacre in Boston, but you messed with the wrong community. Runners are a resilient bunch. We are a strong people. Runners compete in wheelchairs and others with prosthetic limbs. Even bombs won’t stop us. Our will, our love and our passion makes us stronger. Just give us a reason to run and we will run until we die.

Though it turns my stomach to learn of the death of a young child who died while cheering for the world’s finest athletes, it won’t stop me from bringing my children to races. My children will keep running with me and we will keep cheering for others.

Furthermore, the actions of a lone lunatic won’t stop me from applying to the NYC marathon again this year, because I refuse to live in fear. Much like those who ran Boston, NYC is my dream. Once we stop dreaming, the terrorists win.

For Boston, I will keep running and dreaming.

And so will my children.

To prove it, my girls and I ran 26.2 minutes for Boston after dinner.

Today’s Track Tuesdays speedwork is dedicated to the speedy runners, the spectators and the lives lost at the Boston Marathon.

“I got sole, but I’m not a soldier.”

1.1 mile warm up
Time 10:45
Ave Pace 9:48

Lap 1 – 0.25 mile
Time 1:58
Ave Pace 7:54

Lap 2 – 0.25 mile
Time 2:00
Ave Pace 8:02

Lap 3 – 0.25 mile
Time 2:00
Ave Pace 8:03

Lap 4 – 0.25 mile
Time 2:00
Ave Pace 8:02

1 mile cool down
Time 9:34

Total Time 28:18
Total distance 3.1

*Also linking up at*

Random Thoughts about New Workouts, Iron Girl, Kona Kase and Track Tuesday

It seems like it’s been so long since I’ve done a Track Tuesday post. Like FOREVER. Well, it has been. The last Track Tuesday post I shared was three weeks ago. I’d like to tell you that I’ve been doing my sprints like a good little mother runner, but I’d be lying.

See, first the kids were home for Spring Break. During that week, we had a lot of really fun long days and late nights and I couldn’t find the energy to get up early and run. Then, the following week, hubby was out of town. I couldn’t go off and run some sprints and leave the kids at home.

So, that may seem like a bunch of excuses to some, but that’s the truth. I tried to get creative with my work-outs while hubby was out of town by taking advantage of a weeklong trial pass at local gyms with childcare, like Family Fitness Center. That’s where I got my first taste of Body Pump which I loved!

Body Pump broke me. I kid. I kid. But I really did amaze myself as to how strong I am. I’ve convinced myself that I can’t lift and I have no upper body strength, but I was seriously amazed as to how much weight I can lift. I am one strong mother runner.

After the Tuesday Body Pump class since I missed my speedwork session, I decided to try running some hills on the treadmill to prepare for Iron Girl. Yeah, that sucked. I tried to keep my speed at a 6 and then slowed to a 5 once the inclines came. I think I did myself with that workout because I really felt in my shins afterwards. No more treadmills for me for awhile. I’ll stick with big bad mama bridges.

Speaking of Iron Girl, I really hope I do well this Sunday. Iron Girl will be my last half marathon until the fall when I run the Frankenfooter again in October. This Sunday, I’m hoping to beat my previous Iron Girl time by at least 15-20 minutes but we’ll see. I’m not going to put pressure on myself. I’m just going to go out there and try my best.

On Thursday, I went back for the second Body Pump class which also added a CXWORX component to it. That rocked! Again, I amazed myself as to how strong I am. I guess all that ab loving and abtastic April challenge has paid off!

On Friday, I met my friend, Kat, at the YMCA for Body Combat, which my friend, Jackie, was teaching and she is an awesome Body Combat instructor. I love the intensity of kick boxing, but I did something to the bottom of my foot near the arch. For the rest of the class, I squatted more rather jumping. I didn’t want to risk injury.

On Saturday, I went back for the RPM class at Family Fitness, which was a really intense spin class, but the bikes were kind of crappy. Unfortunately, I’ve been by spoiled by the beautiful bikes at Pura, which I’ve not been back to in ages due to our crazy schedule as of late and I really miss it. I miss spin classes and riding my bike!

A few weeks ago, I received a Kona Kase as a FitFluential ambassador. A Kona Kase is sunshine in a box. Just look at the bright sunshiny color!

But if the color doesn’t lift your spirits, maybe this Kona Kase quote will.

This Kona Kase came in real handy last week when I was a flying solo parent. With all the morning madness on me, between dropping kids off at school and darting off to the gym, I didn’t have time to eat. So, I just grabbed one of the bars in the box so I had something in my stomach and to avoid skipping meals. I still have some Shot Blocks and a few bars which will come in handy this Sunday at Iron Girl.

Visit konakase.com to learn how it works and to place an order. For only $15 a month, a Kona Kase will arrive at your doorstep each month, which is such a great price considering all the goodies inside and the time saved shopping. All Run DMT readers will receive for 50% off your first month order with the coupon code Taylor5.

There’s still a few days left to receive your April Kona Kase by the 15. Place your order by April 9 and you will enjoy these items:

Zing Bar
Barbara Llewellyn Premium Cashews
Powerbar Energy Blend
Picky Bars
TRAChealth
Rickland Orchards
SoyJoy
Journey Bar

And now for today’s Track Tuesday speedwork.

Total Distance 3.2 miles

1.1 mile warm up
Time 11:42
Ave Pace 10:38

Lap 1 – 0.25 mile
Time 1:52
Ave Pace 7:30

Lap 2 – 0.25 mile
Time 2:00
Ave Pace 8:02

Lap 3 – 0.25 mile
Time 2:03
Ave Pace 8:16

Lap 4 – 0.25 mile
Time 2:02
Ave Pace 8:10

1 mile cool down
Time 10:19

Are you slacking or tracking? Any new workouts for you?

*Also linking up at*

Random Thoughts about Color Me Rad 5K and Other Colorful Topics and Track Tuesday

I recently discovered the fun of girlie mud runs which opened the door to another type of adventure run: Color Me Rad.

Honestly, when I saw the huge billowing puffy clouds of color, I was a little apprehensive to say the least. It was more than a fear of a few muddy puddles and getting a little dirty, but more like a panic about breathing in a powdery colored substance with my asthma. Is that wise?

Having heard and read such great reviews about races involving color, I wanted to try it but I wanted to be safe. According to the Color Me Rad FAQ,

This is non-toxic, non-rash-inducing, Kroger branded, colored corn-starch. Subsidized by the government and processed in the good ol’ US of A, these blasts of starch will change your color, and your demeanor, but never your level of wellness.

So, I’ve decided to wear a face mask and a bandanna to prevent as much corn starch as possible from entering my bronchial tubes. You know, just to be safe. Because a face mask in May in Florida is smart. In other words, I’ll be able to breathe but I’ll die of a heat stroke. I kid. I kid.

My two daughters, a few of my friends and some of the Tampa Bay Bloggers will be joining me at the Tampa Color Me Rad 5K at the Florida State Fairgrounds this May, so stay tuned for those Rad race recaps! If you want to join us at the Tampa Color Me Rad 5K, register here. For more Color Me Rad locations, visit Color Me Rad online.

If you want to join the color fun but not the run, consider applying to be part of the Color Bomb Squad and volunteer at one of the Color Me Rad events.

Speaking of colorful fun, check out my cute BAMR band!

I absolutely love it! I wear it to work-outs at group fitness classes and I wear it under my helmet when I’m cycling.

It matches everything and it manages to keep the sweat out of my eyes. But what I truly love about this beautifully hand-crafted BAMR Band is what it represents. It’s more than a pretty headband boasting about being a bad ass mother runner (BAMR). With each BAMR Band purchase, a minimum of $1 from each band purchased goes to Every Mother Counts and that is pretty bad ass.

Follow BAMR Band on Facebook to view more designs and visit the BAMR Band Shop online to order yours. BAMR Bands make great Mother’s Day gifts for all Bad Ass Mother Runners you know.

Speaking of bad ass mothers, did you watch us on the Mom Squad yesterday? We discussed breast cancer prompted by this BuzzFeed infographic, which I find completely appalling.

Not the numbers or stats per say, but how the graphic displays the information: “Are We Fighting Breast Cancer All Wrong?” Could more research be done to find out the causes and links to breast cancer? Yes, however, mortality rates are down since 1975 because millions of women have been educated about self-exams and early detection. So BuzzFeed can bite my boobies.

You know what else bites? Doing speedwork by yourself because your running partners all flake on you. Nothing like a little public humiliation to force people into running with you! Humiliation is motivation! LOL

Not only did I run by myself, I also ran without music because I have no idea where my MP3 player went. UGH! I hate running without music!

Of course, since Chrissy wasn’t with me I was left to my own devices to figure out the interval setting on my Garmin and I totally screwed up the first 0.25 mile sprint. Oh well. But, I did learn that the loop that I’ve been running on in my own ‘hood for a couple of years now for Track Tuesday is the perfect “track”. And that made me proud even if my sprints didn’t.

Total Distance 3.53 miles

1.1 mile warm up
Time 11:25
Ave Pace 10:22

Lap 1 – 0.25 mile
Time 2:13
Ave Pace 8:55

Lap 2 – 0.25 mile
Time 1:59
Ave Pace 8:00

Lap 3 – 0.25 mile
Time 1:58
Ave Pace 7:54

Lap 4 – 0.25 mile
Time 1:59
Ave Pace 7:58

1 mile cool down
Time 9:58

Are you having a colorful week too? How are your workouts and training runs going? Link up and share.

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Random Thoughts about a Fitbit and Track Tuesday

For the past month, I’ve been walking around with a happy little fitness gadget on my hip. Actually, this little fitbit fellow is only happy if I’m moving. On my more sedentary, lazy days, he’ll stick his tongue out at me until I move.

Then, once I start moving, he’s happy again. He was really happy at my kids’ running club.

He enjoyed the Gasparilla expo and the Gasparilla Arts Festival too.

This fitness gadget is perfect for the person who doesn’t have time to work-out. If that’s your excuse, then you will find satisfaction in learning how much calories you burn throughout the day. For a more active person, like me, it’s seems a bit silly. When I run, I burn calories. If I cycle, I burn calories.

However, the fitbit comes in handy on my rest days, because let’s face it, like most moms on the run, I rarely rest. I’m running up and down stairs chasing after a toddler. I’m carrying loads and loads of laundry. I’m shopping. Basically, I’m still moving and that’s where it’s nice to know how many calories I burned during my usual mom duties.

After a day with my new happy little BFF fitbit, all the information recorded onto the device via Bluetooth connection and all that data is uploaded and logged online, once setting up a fitbit account.

I decided to wear the fitbit to Gasparilla Half Marathon to see how many steps I would track during the race as well as pre-race and post race. With walking up to the start line and walking back to my car, I was curious to learn how much more would be added to a finished race distance. For 13.1 miles, my Garmin recorded 1370 calories. The fitbit recorded 14.41 miles, 2598 total calories and 29,997 steps.

And for that, my fitbit was happy.

A couple of years ago, when I was trying to lose all my pregnancy weight, the fitbit would have been perfect. I desperately counted my calories and recorded my foods in an attempt to lose the weight I gained after baby number three. But now, with all the intense training I do, it seems silly for me to track my caloric intake and my food.

As an experiment, I wore the fitbit on a rest day to track my steps and calories burned. Then, based on my age and weight, I wanted to learn what the fitbit recommended if I wanted to lose ten pounds for a sedentary lifestyle.

On a typical housework chore day, it recommended a intake 685 calories. For most my rest sedentary days thereafter, the recommended caloric intake averages under 600 calories. I find that appalling! That is not a healthy weigh to lose weight!

So, I have to say. I’m honestly not a fan of the fitbit. I prefer to run to eat. Refusing yourself nutrients and essentially starving yourself is not the best way to lose weight.

Speaking of running for food, here are my sprints for today. Since my legs were still stiff after Saturday’s half marathon, I wore compression sleeves. My hamstrings were hurting too. About halfway into our sprints, it started to sprinkle and I really hate running in the rain. To take my mind off the raindrops, I serenaded Chrissy and Maribel with some rain songs, which turned into a rainy day song montage. It definitely took our mind off the rain and the soggy sprints.

Even in the rain, I took 3295 steps calories and burned 505 calories. And my fitbit was very happy.

Do sprints in the rain make you happy? Is it possible for sprints to make you happy?

“Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Ambassador program and have been provided with a fibit device in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.”

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Random Thoughts about Raising the Barre on Fitness, Bad Influences and Track Tuesday

Hubby was out of town last week, therefore I had to get really creative with my work-outs. Basically, I took advantage of some YMCA guest passes. It’s a win-win because Little Lion Man can play with other kids in the child care while I work out.

My friend, Jenny of Metamorfit, invited me to try her friend, Monika’s CSI class. The name alone had me intrigued. I wondered if we were going to work-out to some LL Cool J, but much to my disappointment, I learned that CSI means (Cardio Strength Intervals).

When I participate in classes like this, I realize just how weak I really am. For about an hour, we rotated through strength training stations. We did squats, lunges, lifted kettlebells lifts with squats, bicep curls, crunches planks, and whipped heavy, long combat ropes.

Attempting to do planks, push ups and crunches on large fitness balls made me feel like something out of I Love Lucy. I was looked Lucille Ball fighting with the chocolate conveyor belt.

And just when I thought I was going to die, we did it all again. Yep, we rotated TWICE through these strength training stations. My arms were killing me the next day (in good way)! I loved the class and want to go back for more!

Since my arms were so sore, I postponed my pushups challenge Day 1 by one day. I did my first set on Saturday and then my second set on Monday. I also received some feedback that my pushups in my initial test were not proper good form pushups because my chest didn’t touch the floor. Whatever. I can do a ridiculous number of alternate pushups on my knees, but I wanted to challenge myself. So, I will continue with alternating sets of good form pushups on my toes and alternate girlies pushups on my knees. For my final test vlog to demonstrate progress at the end of the challenge, I’ll do as many good form pushups on my toes as I can until I collapse, rest a day and then do as many alternate pushups on my knees. I want to show good faith, good form and great progress!

Speaking of good form, I tried another new fitness class today which is a much as about good form as the technique. My friends and I visited Pure Barre, which uses a ballet barre to target the arms, abs and tush.

As much ab exercises as I do, this class killed me because we were working targeting trouble areas with completely different exercises and a localized focus. In fact, a lot of the Pure Barre exercises reminded me of the old Jane Fonda exercises from the 80s. Remind the tush lifts? We did about a gazillion of those today.

I found this YouTube to better demonstrates how the class raises the barre on fitness. There are Pure Barre studios all over the country, so check the site to find one near you.

My allergies were killing me this weekend and I came down with a horrible head cold, so I over slept and missed my Saturday run. Oh well.

Still feeling crappy, I didn’t run on Sunday either and since I had a Mom Squad taping, I didn’t run on Monday either. For this week’s Mom Squad, we talked about the Yahoo CEO who called “all-hands on deck” with her employees. You can watch that WTSP Channel 10 Mom Squad segment here.

Now, gather ’round to hear a cautionary tale about the importance of surrounding yourself with friends who don’t sabotage you like mine do. Let my story be a lesson to you. To protect the guilty parties, I have changed their names.

On this chilly, frosty Florida morning, my darling friend, “Marisa” didn’t want to run. She wanted to stay inside her toasty warm car instead of running laps. Tried as hard as I could, I simply could not convince her to run in the cold with me. Then in a clever and crafty way, she manipulated poor “Laribel” into skipping sprints with some Starbucks. It was mutiny, I tell you! They sabotaged my speedwork! My laps were bamboozled by a steamy, frothy hot vanilla latte!

When “Marisa” returned us to the scene of the crime, I felt guilty for guzzling down a latte and missing my sprints. Wanting to PR for my half marathon this Saturday, I eagerly wanted to run some sprints to prepare for the race. So, I ~~guilted~~ convinced “Laribel” to run them with me. Since we were pressed for time, we only did a quarter mile warm-up, 4 quarter mile laps and a quarter mile cool down. Nothing fancy, but it took the guilt away.

0.25 mile warm-up
Time 2:12
Ave Pace 8:51

Lap 1
Time 1:54
Ave Pace 7:37

Lap 2 – 0.25
Time 1:52
Ave Pace 7:30

Lap 3 – 0.25
Time 1:49
Ave Pace 7:17

Lap 4 – 0.25
Time 1:54
Ave Pace 7:37

0.25 cool down
Time 2:15
Ave Pace 9:01

I am just thankful to have some speedwork to report to my readers and for not listening to the advice of my bad influence friends to “make up some stats”! I am also really grateful for not shitting myself in the middle of the track, since I didn’t know how my body would handle coffee before running.

And thank goodness for good influence fitness friends, like Kat, Jenny and Chrissy!

Do you drink coffee before running? Do your friends encourage or sabotage your work-outs?

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Random Thoughts about Loving My Abs, a Fitbit, Fitness Flops and UnTrack Tuesday

Last week was a really light fitness week for me. Other than last week’s speedwork, laps my kids running club, the Love My Abs challenge and the Gasparilla Half Marathon, it was a relatively low-fitness week. If you count housework and running after a two year old, then I guess I did a bit more.

Housework and running after a two year old may seem like lame excuses, but I have this nifty little Fitbit that would disagree with you. It tells me how many steps/miles I walked, how many calories I expended and how many calories I can take in. Now, as much running as I do, I typically don’t worry about my calories. Also, my Garmin tallies up my calories burned during my runs. But on days when I don’t or can’t run (like today), it’s nice to know that I have done something and according to my Fitbit, it totally counts. Plus, it smiles at me when I move and that make me smile too. Expect a post with more details about how it works and my review of the Fitbit in another post.

This week, we wrap up February’s Love My Abs Challenge. I’m up to 250 reps including bicycle crunches, cross-over crunches and regular ol’crunches and I can plank for about 1:30-2:00. Here’s a collage of the four week progress. I wore the same sweatpants for each photo because I always have a muffin top in those pants and I wanted to lose the love handles. I think I did pretty good. You can definitely seem some progress.

Even with the #lovemyabs challenge winding down, I’m still going to show my abs some daily love (or at least 3 times a week) because Spring Break and swimsuit season is only a few weeks away! ACK!

For March, we’re Pushing Our Luck with a push up challenge. Once again, I’m teaming up with Jenny of Metamorfit to host another fitness challenge. The hundred push up challenge is one of my favorite fitness challenges, because my arms show progress so quickly and I feel so strong through the process. I feel like a super woman!

Come push your lick with us! To learn more and join the challenge, visit the Pushing Our Luck Facebook Event Page. On Thursday, I post the vlog of my initial test for this week’s Soup du Jour Vlog Hop Post. So stayed tuned for that!

Our Track Tuesday speedwork was rained out this morning. Therefore, I have nothing to report and since hubby is out of town, my training runs are a no-go. It’s days like this I wish I had a gym membership, because it looks like another fitness flop week for me. Thank goodness my Fitbit will say otherwise and log some activity.

I hope you’re having a better fitness week than me.

What’s your go to indoor workout when the weather isn’t the best for running outdoors?

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I'm a mom on the run!

Category Archives: Track Tuesday

Random Thoughts about a Cold, Flunking Challenges, a Koss FitClips Review and UnTrack Tuesday

Random Thoughts about National Moms Nite Out, Boxing, a Boston Run, Stepping Up My Sprints and Track Tuesday

Random Thoughts about Some Rain Delays, Another Boston Run, a Joggermom Marathon and an UnTrack Tuesday

Random Thoughts about Stroller Strides, Being Boston Strong and Track Tuesday

Random Thoughts about an Oil Spill, New Shoes, Boston Marathon and Track Tuesday

Random Thoughts about New Workouts, Iron Girl, Kona Kase and Track Tuesday

Random Thoughts about Color Me Rad 5K and Other Colorful Topics and Track Tuesday

Random Thoughts about a Fitbit and Track Tuesday

Random Thoughts about Raising the Barre on Fitness, Bad Influences and Track Tuesday

Random Thoughts about Loving My Abs, a Fitbit, Fitness Flops and UnTrack Tuesday

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