RICE, RICE, baby

February 21, 2012

in Marathon, Running

Today, I am home sick because my body has finally said, ‘kaput.’

Whether it’s my newly acquired ‘allergies,’ a head cold, or my body’s way of telling me to slooooow down, I’m drowsy on Dayquil and snuggled up in my warm bed.

On top of everything else, my left calf muscle is giving me a lot of trouble.  As I sit here eating my ricotta and pesto pasta with my leg propped up on a frozen bag of mangos, I’m trying not to worry that this is going to turn into a serious injury.

For the past few long runs, I’ve felt a deep pain in my left calf muscle.  I didn’t think too much of it and continued to spend extra time stretching it.  However, when I woke up this morning, it started cramping very badly.  I used my foam roller on it for a few minutes and gave myself a deep tissue massage.  I’ve also implemented RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.  So far, the pain dulled but I can definitely still feel it.

As a precaution, I’ve opting out of running tonight and am going to a spinning class instead.

Has anyone else experienced a similar pain when training for a race?

 

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Marathon Monday: Week 7 & mixing things up

February 20, 2012

in Marathon, Running

Happy Monday, everyone!

Training recap:

I am in my bed resting my exhausted  and extremely sore body.  Even lifting my arm is a challenge.

Once normal activities such as going to the bathroom, getting out of the car, and getting up from my bed are now extremely challenging.  I look so pathetic hobbling around–it’s quite hilarious, especially to a stranger.  All I can do is laugh along…except laughing makes my abs hurt even more!

Despite the soreness, this week was fantastic.  I finally made a conscious effort to do some cross-training!  Our routine was getting very monotonous so I decided to spice things up this week–jalapeño style!

Monday: rest day

Tuesday: My first 1-hr spinning class in over 6-months!  I painfully learned the necessity of bike shorts during this hour, but I got a great cardiovascular workout with some interval training.

Wednesday: rest day (I’ll admit it.  I originally planned on working out but decided to go shoe shopping instead.  oops…)

Thursday: 4.3 miles before work and it felt fantastic.  morning runs=awesome.

Friday: A quick 6-mile run before heading out on our quadruple-date.  Felt strong during this run (for the first time in a few days!)

Saturday: 1-hour BODY PUMP class.  Oh my goodness gracious, this class kicked my butt.  Although I used small weights (2.5 and 5), we did multiple reps and did not stop for a break during the entire hour.  It’s amazing how out of  shape you can feel despite training for a marathon!

Sunday: 13 miles.  I felt pretty strong during this run, but my stomach was growling during the last 6-miles.  Honestly, I could stuff my face right before these long runs and still be starving.  I’m working at finding a solution to this hunger issue (apparently Gu is not the answer.)

 GU is poo?

It should come at no surprise that my appetite has increased significantly since I started training.  For some very annoying reason, I am constantly hungry during the last 4-6 miles of my long runs.

It doesn’t matter how much I eat before the run or how many packets of Gu I try to eat, my body doesn’t want sugary liquid, it wants food.

For a long time, I struggled to find the perfect mid-workout snack.  I tried Power Gel (disgusting,) Power Bar Fruit Snacks (made me sick to my stomach and gave me gut-rut) and GU (lime flavored–gag me!)

So, what’s a picky girl to do?  My  local running store recommended that I try Honey Stingers.

They are so delicious and organic (EVEN better!)  Although they are made for bikers and harder to eat while running, these little crackers are slices of heaven.

AND for the first time, I found a packet of GU that I actually like!  Dom bought about 10-lbs worth of Mint Chocolate GU on Saturday.  I ate one before my 13-mile run and was very pleasantly surprised!

For my 17-mile run coming up on Saturday, I’m planning on brining a bag of trail mix to munch on along the way.  Although GU and Honey Stingers are good for energy, my stomach needs a little somethin’ to keep going.  Will let you know how it works out!

Hope you all have a fabulous rest of the week!

 

 

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Valentine’s Day

February 15, 2012

in Life

Although Dom and I celebrated Valentine’s Day over the weekend, he still had a few tricks up his sleeve!

I went to a spinning class last night. {And by the way…OH MY GOODNESS I need to invest in a pair of bike shorts.}  I arrived at Dom’s apartment all sweaty and stinky and as he opened the door…

I saw candles lit everywhere, a table set for dinner, and a bouquet of flowers waiting for me.

He made homemade mac & cheese (he really knows the way to my heart!) and cracked open a bottle of wine.

After dinner, he sent me on a hunt to find a few little presents hidden around the apartment.  Chocolates and a picture frame full of photos of us.

SO sweet!  And to top it off, one of my best friends is coming to visit in less than a month.  It was definitely a fantastic Valentine’s Day.

What did you do to celebrate?

 

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Virginia is for Lovers ♥

February 14, 2012

in Travel, USA

This past weekend, Dom and I took a last-minute trip to Richmond as an early Valentine’s Day celebration.  Neither one of us had visited before and we were eager to escape the city for a weekend.  Originally, we wanted to visit Harpers Ferry, but we realized that’s a trip we need to take in the Spring/Summer.

Trip report:

Destination: Richmond, VA

Distance: 1.5-2 hrs from DC

Length: 2-days, 1-night

After my torturous 15-mile run on Saturday morning, I was definitely ready to start the weekend.  We booked a Top Secret Hotel deal on Travelocity and stayed in the Wyndham Virginia Crossings Hotel & Conference Center.  Best way to get an unpublished (and discounted) rate on a 4-star hotel!

As we drove south to Richmond, we drove through a totally random snowstorm.  It literally went from 0 to blizzard in less than five minutes.  The visibility was terrible and I stared out the window completely perplexed!

One hour later and the snow was gone.  Weird.

The hotel grounds were absolutely beautiful with acres of land and a golf course in sight.  Although the exterior was mesmerizing, I was disappointed with the interior of the hotel.  The rooms were standard–nothing special–which I wasn’t expecting from a 4-star hotel.

The brunch was eat-able, but also nothing special.  The gym was pretty decent but the pool/jacuzzi were outdoor only so we didn’t get the chance to use either.

Overall, I feel as if we got what we paid for, but I probably wouldn’t stay in the hotel again.  However, in terms of location, it was the perfect spot because it was about 15-20 minutes from the center of Richmond.  Parking was included (whereas if we had stayed in a hotel in the heart of Richmond, we would have paid extra for parking.)

Wyndham Virginia Crossings Hotel & Conference Center

1000 Virginia Center Pkwy  

Glen Allen, Virginia 23059

One of the best perks?  The doors opened by themselves!

Dom surprised me by taking me to an absolutely incredible restaurant on Saturday night.  It was by far, one of the best meals I’ve ever had.

The Tobacco Company

1201 East Cary Street,

Richmond, Virginia 23219 

As I walked into the dimly lit restaurant and admired the brick interior, I got a true feeling of Southern hospitality.

Four stories high, The Tobacco Company was a beautifully renovated, old tobacco warehouse.  An antique elevator took guests to all four floors and a giant chandelier glowed in the center of the restaurant.

I stuffed a pomegranate martini, home-made butter and bread, a shrimp cocktail and a brownie dessert down.  My stomach was literally the size of a yoga ball, but it was totally worth it!

On Sunday, we woke up and met my cousin and her boyfriend for lunch on Cary Street.  After, they recommended we try Bev’s Homemade Ice Cream.  Ummmm, can anyone say Espresso Oreo ice cream?

We spent the rest of Sunday shopping, driving back to DC and watching the Grammy’s.  Overall, a fantastic weekend on a pretty low budget.  One more reason to love the East Coast!

I hope you all have a wonderful Valentine’s Day surrounded by the people and things that you love.
XO

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Marathon Monday: Week 6 & a 15 mile run and that time I almost burst into tears and gave up

February 13, 2012

in Marathon, Running

Training Recap:

Week 1 (January 1-7)

Week 2 (January 8-15)

Week 3 (January 16-22)

Week 4 (January 23-29)

Week 5 (January 30-February 5)

Last Saturday, I turned into a whiny, ‘I’m giving up’ girl on our 15-mile run.  Poor Dom.  Thank goodness he was strong enough to stay positive and encourage me when the running got tough.  One more mile and he would have ended up carrying me home.

Let me tell you–that run was one of the most physically and mentally challenging things I’ve done in a long, long time.  At mile 10, my body (and confidence) was done. Kaput. My legs and knees screamed at me to stop, my stomach was twisting with hunger pains and the cold, drizzly weather wasn’t helping either.

I moped.  I almost started crying.  I whined that I couldn’t go any longer.

And then, somehow, I finished the run.

For the first time, I really doubted my ability to run 26.2 miles.

There are a few negative factors that probably played a large role in my struggle.  However, because this is my first marathon, I’m bound to make mistakes and learn along the way.  I’m going to take this experience to heart and work towards improving my performance on my next long run.

This week included 3 running days and 1 cross-training day.  Again, I still need to work on improving my cross-training.  I know I keep making excuses, but it is just so hard to find the time!

On tap for this week: HOT YOGA!

Yes ladies and gentleman, you heard me right.  This lady is trying it out.  On Valentine’s Day.

Guess that means that things are really heatin’ up :)

HAPPY MONDAY!

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Georgetown Cupcake

February 8, 2012

in DC Eats & Drinks, Treats

Getting close to the front of the line!

This past weekend, one of my best friends from Minnesota visited DC for the first time.  When I asked her what she wanted to do, she replied: ‘Go to Georgetown Cupcake!‘  Although I prefer Sprinkles to Georgetown Cupcake, I wanted to be a good hostess so I agreed to face the treacherous line in Georgetown.

Waiting in line, in the cold and rain, behind about 50+ people

We made it to the front of the line in about 30 minutes (pretty fast given how long it was!)  I couldn’t decide between a few flavors so I chose two: Mint Chocolate Oreo and Strawberry Chocolate Fudge.  Meg opted for Red Velvet and Peanut Butter Fudge.

Colorful and delicious-looking cupcakes filled the small bakery.  Even with over 10 people behind the counter, the inside was a zoo! Luckily, they handed out menus to all the patrons in line so we knew what we wanted to order ahead of time.  After picking up my cute pink box, I indulged in my Mint Chocolate Oreo Cupcake.  Meg enjoyed her Peanut Butter Fudge.

The verdict?

The Mint Chocolate Oreo gets a B.  I liked it, but didn’t love it.  Was it worth waiting in line for?  Probably not.  However, Meg’s Peanut Butter Fudge cupcake was incredible and gets an A+.  Liquid chocolate filled the bottom and oozed out (as saliva dripped down my jealous face) when she took her first bite.  Was this cupcake worth waiting in line for?  Absolutely.

The Strawberry Chocolate Fudge was good, but also nothing special.  If you like very sweet frosting, you’ll love it.  The subtle hint of strawberry (only in the frosting) mixed with the molten chocolate was great.  But again, even a sugar and soda lover like myself can’t eat more than 3/4 of the tiny cupcakes without feeling sick.

Cute Valentine's Day Choices!

Overall, I still prefer Sprinkles.  I get to avoid the line and the sugar-overdose.  But hey, at the end of the day, I’m always down for a cupcake :)

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Marathon Monday: Week 5

February 7, 2012 Marathon

Happy belated Marathon Monday!  I can’t believe I’m already on my 5th week of training!  A lot of people say that it takes 6 weeks to notice a physical change in the body, and I can already see some of the positive (and negative) ones.  Recap: Week 1 (January 1-7) Week 2 (January 8-15) Week [...]

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Valentine’s Day plans

February 2, 2012 Life

Happy (almost) Friday!  This week went by quickly–thank goodness!  One of my best friends is coming into town tomorrow morning. It’s her first time in DC so I’m excited to show her my city! Can you believe it’s February already?!  Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Although I was the Grinch of Valentine’s Day last [...]

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Marathon Monday Week 4

January 30, 2012 Marathon

Recap: Week 1 (January 1-7) Week 2 (January 8-15) Week 3 (January 16-23) This past week was probably the biggest disappointment since I began training.  Because we rescheduled our long run, the rest of the week was a little off. This week: Monday: rest Tuesday: 6 miles Wednesday: rest Thursday: rest Friday: 9 miles Saturday: [...]

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Marathon Monday Week 3

January 24, 2012 Marathon

Happy Monday, everyone! Recap: Week 1 (January 1-7) Week 2 (January 8-15) I had a few ups and downs this week with training.  It’s so difficult to find the energy to run after a 9-hour day of work so I missed a few workouts, again.  However, we ran 12 miles this morning and I felt [...]

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