Called Out, and I'm *THAT* Human

Okay, I'm sorry.  

Explanation, post-reflection, post-realizing that I needed reflection, post-being called out (I mean this in the nicest way possible!) for needing to update here:  The last half of my school year was too stressful for me.  I focused really hard on being the best, most involved P.E. and Health Teacher I could be.  AND I WAS.  I'm still working on my Masters (I'm graduating in December!), and my fitness motivation has been BLURRRRGH for a long while (like, just before being diagnosed with a plantar fascial tear about two years ago).

All of these things lead me to believe that I had nothing to say on here.  To be honest, I most likely didn't.  What it boils down to is too much processing without a ton of output or closure.  When I have a ton of thoughts going through my brain, it's hard to put a pin in anything, let alone explain or analyze a plan of attack.

*LLLLLLLLLE SHRUG*

So here I am, refreshed over a break, focused on work, training, and life in equal parts (lololol let's see how long that lasts!), and kinda itching to say something on the bloggarooney here.

Some new things (!!!!):

Windy started taking swimming lessons over the summer.  She hasn't been running with me much this summer (she's like me -- loathes running in the heat and humidity [though I would take hear early in the morning, often just after dawn]), and this has been a great way for her to move.  She wasn't very fond of the idea of swimming at first, but I think she's starting to really enjoy it.

She's really good at it and her instructors say that she has really good form.  I have a lot to learn from her.:)

 I've gone back to Garmin -- the 935, to be exact.  I don't know why I left in the first place. 

That is totally a drop of sweat under my nose.

I'm teaching at a new school this year!  While I'm pretty stoked about the whole thing, I will definitely miss my colleagues, my administration, and most especially, my students.  There are quite a bit of changes that I'm going to face, and change is pretty tough.  Fingers crossed for me, please!

As excited as I am for the new spot, I'm even more excited to buy new stuff for my equipment closet.  Sophs is always happy to assist with purchasing of new, fun items.  Pool noodles are A MUST.

I started riding on Zwift -- if you ride on your trainer at home or run on a treadmill (I guess with bluetooth capability), then this is a fun way to connect with other riders and runners, and to get a great course workout.

I've been pretty good about going to Bootcamp Conditioning or a Body Pump class once twice a week for the past month or so.  Baby steps.

I'm now *that* human, and made an Instagram for their dog.  Here's Windy's Insta!

I just thought I'd catch you up a bit.  I'm off to get updates on all of you now (that sounds way more awkward than it should).  Have an awesome Monday!

Any CPS Teachers, students or parents out there?  Good luck with your new school year! <3

NYD5K, and five things I want to do in 2---0---1---8!

We all love a fresh start, and that's what a new year feels like.  

For no real reason at all, mind you.  Our "new year" could begin any day.  There's something so satisfying about committing to a new attitude about life and things we want to accomplish when it's on *page one of 365.*

With that said, I started off my 2018 with some solid work in -3*F for the New Year's Day 5K.

This was my third time to run this 5K.  You can't beat the price, and it starts at 11:00am.  This gives us a chance to bust out some New Year's Day miles, and then head over to Rev.

This is from my first time running it -- it was pretty much the same weather conditions this year.  Only about 100 people showed up.  It's saying a lot when my ~28:00 5K makes me 8th female overall.

While running in the cold is always favorable to running in the heat for me (and soooooo many others), at some point, it's very uncomfortable to run.  -something*F is pretty uncomfy.  I was pretty happy to see the finish line.

We didn't waste any time getting to the car after finishing the race.  Harry and I got back to the car, and then were off to scoop up our friend, Jennifer.  Jenn's a fellow Texan, but we met up here via running.  Running brings us all togetherrrrr!<3  Here's a shot of us from 2016 NYD5K.

As per mine and Harry's NYD tradition, we were off to Revolution brewpub for good food, good beer, and good convo.

My usual Breakfastman Burger with home fries.  Heaven.

Needless to say, the rest of the day was pretty chill.  Talk about starting off the new year on the right foot.

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Let's talk about some very generic goals for the year real quick.  I have five overall things that I want to accomplish this year, now that I'm finally healthy and heading into the new year.  We'll get into more specific stuff later.  I know...you just can't wait for that.:)

1.  STAY UNINJURED.  I really mean it.  And the following things that I list will help facilitate how, but for real, this is my biggest priority this year.  And every year thereafter, for crying out loud.  

P.S. I don't even know where this boot is now.  And I'm going to keep it that way.

2.  Create and stick to specific training cycle plans.  As it stands, I'm in a microcycle that exists solely for getting me back to a state of volume.  What I have failed to do in the past is recognize and respect the rules of training, with direct relation to training cycles (periodization).  When building up to, and recovering from races, it's key to vary your training intensity.  Different distances call for different training routines.  There really aren't THAT many differences, but what is important is to respect your body and allow for volume,  intensity, and recovery in timely manners.  

I will not be running a marathon this year, but I have several half marathons all set.  I am looking forward to finding a marathon next year!  You can check out my current racing calendar here!  

3.  Eat like I mean it.  I enjoy food soooooooo very much.  Just like my training, I need to eat in cycles that makes sense to my body.  It needs fuel, not a LOT of pizza.:P  Stricter eating won't happen for a bit, but I'm definitely going to be mindful of adding veggies to my regular diet.

This deliciousness was from Shalane's new cookbook, Run Fast, Eat Slow.  I'm going to do a review of the book sooner or later.:)

Alllllsoooooo, she RT'd me the other day, and it made my life.

4.  PR.  PR, PR, PR.  It's going to take A LOT of work to PR 8K, 10K, and a half this year.  I'm down for the challenge.  To be honest, a 5K PR scares me too much to try for it; I had marathon training mileage going on the last time I PR'd my 5K (22:54).  I would like to try for that next year.

(This picture isn't even from a race where I PR'd -- it's probably the only decent race picture [where I don't look like I'm about to sneeze, or 11 seconds from death] I have of myself.)

5.  OMG RIDE MY BIKE.  I have a VERY nice bike!  It's SO PRETTY!  Lola deserves to be ridden!  Whether it's outside or on the trainer, I'm hopping on my beautiful investment a lot more this year.  She and I already shook on it.

SO YEAH.  That's all I've got for right now!  I'm still on winter break, and we go back to school on Monday.  I've enjoyed the downtime, and am started to get the house and my life together today.  Or I'll just keep watching "Jersey Shore" on Hulu and do all of that tomorrow.  We'll seeeeeeeee.

Accurate: 

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How did you start off your 2018?

What's one generic goal you have for this year?

Life Things + One Rant (HI, AGAIN!)

Good gosh, I miss you guys.  Like, often.  I might snap a dumb picture of my food and think "My blog friends would love to see this...right?  I mean...right...yes...maybe...when I get a minute, I'll show them...", and then bam -- life happens, and I deprive you of said picture.

Ummm, on a related note: Windy likes pumpkins.

While I do catch up with you guys every once in a while, I have yet to readily blog about things as of late.  Everyone has a life, with life things, with life happening, and life blahs.  I know I'm not special (well, I kind of am...just like you!).  I have no real excuse for being away, and that's okay.  We'll just pick up from where we ended...

Work = awesome.  I'm a rockstar at work.  This has been my year of "no"; that sounds terrible, but let me explain.  I have taken on too much work in the past -- too many titles, too many projects, too many side projects, too many help offerings, too many events, too much "yes".  I've worked myself into a corner for the past few years, and I finally had enough to say "No, thank you" to some things.

I get the misnomer:  The P.E. Teacher doesn't have to do as much as classroom Teachers.  I don't have to do the SAME things, but that doesn't mean that I don't work as much!  I teach ENHANCED Physical Education; that means that I do not roll out a ball and expect students to entertain themselves, nor do I push students to participate in elimination (DODGEBALL...It has NEVER BEEN PLAYED IN MY GYM on MY WATCH) games.  I integrate math, science, and literacy into every lesson for grades Kindergarten through 8th Grade.  I most likely teach things you never learned or encountered in your "gym" (PLEASE call it "PHYSICAL EDUCATION"!) class.  I work my butt off to ensure that my students walk out of the doors of our school with the knowledge they need to make amazing life choices pertaining to their health.  I take my career and my job titles very seriously.

Also?  I like to cheer up my Kindergarten students with Snapchat filters when they're feeling blue.

/rant

That word "no" has been pretty powerful.  I mean, I'm not a brat about it.  I'm solution-oriented, so if I have to decline participation in something, I'll still attempt to help find someone else to fill the spot.  It's pretty cool when you realize that it's okay to say that word to your Administration/Boss/Leader, and they understand.

As my husband says, "Happy Wife = Happy Life".  We don't even see each other nearly as often as we used to, what with an additional title that requires my attention on Saturdays (I'm an athletic coordinator for two networks in my school district) and things that occupy our weekday evenings.  We're good, though!

Windy is EXTRA great!  She's running with me (about 11 miles per week for her), and she just had her first vet appointment (under our care).  Her new vet and their staff totally rock.  And Windy is negative for all of the yucky things.  She's a very healthy girl!

(She heard a kitty meow from the other room when I was taking this picture, hence the head tilt.)

Running and cycling are happening, but (of course, there's a "but") I have some things going on.  There's nothing wrong with my foot, but there's nothing great about my foot.  The top of my foot and ankle keep getting stiff, and even if Eric the Acupuncturist works on it and loosens it up, it gets stiff again within a day or so.  I'm still trying to figure out an action plan; I know it involves some Yoga and swimming!

Harry and I were talking earlier yesterday afternoon, and I've come to the realization that I do not put fitness where it should be.  I CANNOT EXPLAIN TO YOU how this happened.  It was happening before I got injured.  My priorities have gone rogue, and I wish to do a million things at once.  Wish = it never happens.  I make a plan, and fail in followthrough.  I've always preached that the more prepared I am, the less failure occurs.  And that's MAJORLY true for me.  I am a machine when I feel like everything is in its rightful spot.  

With that, I cannot explain how my plans fall through.  Last week, after spinning in the morning, leaving my gym bag with a fresh set of workout clothes for some afternoon lifting in my gym locker, with the full intention of going back to the gym to get that afternoon workout done, I waltzed into the gym, got my bag out of my locker, and left.  Without even guilt-tripping myself.  Without reminding myself of why.  I knew that I still needed to lift, but everything in me said "Nope -- get your bag and leave."  Just a bummer.

I'm wondering if this is a phase.  Have I trained and trained and now I'm just not motivated?  I make excuse after excuse, and KNOW that I'm making those excuses when I shouldn't.  I have been better than this before.  So what's so different now?

These are the ramblings of a crazy Tiffany.  I just can't.  I'll figure it out, and I'm serious, add some insight if you have any!  PLEASE.  I'm befuddled by my lack of...well...wanting to take care of myself.  It's the strangest, and I dislike it.  One thing I know to do is change what I dislike: A change I've made is taking a break from Facebook (I'm still on Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat).  There's too much going on at the moment, and I feel like I get sucked in so easily.  I'll probably go back once I feel like I have more control over things.:)

I'm gonna end this weird blog post with two things that I currently love, k?

Go get these from TJ's.  Now.  If you don't have a TJ's nearby, send me your addy and I'll send you some. <3

I'm the last person on the planet to use Audible.com.  I got a free credit (you can, too, if YOU are actually the last person to use it:P), and totes bought the Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone audio book.  The cooler weather kicked in today and really got me in the mood to listen to it!  And with a 45-60 minute commute to work, and another 45-60 minute commute home from work, listening to books is a much better option for me.

Y'all have a great week, and I'm off to read all of your bloggies to see how your life is going!<3

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WELL?!  How are YOU doing?  Big plans going on lately?

Do you use Audible.com?  What are some of your favorite audio books?

What's a misnomer about your job?  I'm REALLY sure that we all misunderstand until we're in each others shoes!

Finally, Some Structure

Last week's training was the start of something awesome:  structured work.  I'm working on my mileage, but I'm not stressing it.  I'm letting this process happen at the easiest pace ever -- I (really) don't want to get injured again.:)

Monday was 45 minutes on Quistis (road bike) on the trainer.  I will be returning to my favorite spin class this morning, but I love having the trainer as a backup option (i.e. if I don't have my bag packed and ready to go the morning of a 5:45am spin class).

Tuesday was a rainy run around the 'hood.  Tuesdays have always been my *short and easy* run, an intro to the rest of the week for running.

Four miles for Wednesday.  The sun is practically up by the time I step out for a run at this point.

Thursdays are usually rest days, so of course, I was cranky all day.  Students even asked if I had run that morning... (?!)

Friday morning = my first swim in ...I don't know.  *shrug*

I wasn't interested in staying in the water for much longer than 45 minutes, and I was basically right on the money.  I'll get back to loving swimming at some point -- I just know it.

And speaking of which, swimming makes me SO HUNGRY.  Like RAVENOUS hungry!  This was the first time in my entire life when I've devoured two pouches of oatmeal, so I figured it was worth taking a picture...?

I was totally going to run on Saturday, but I had a ton of planning (and a twinge of anxiety) to deal with.  I was running a track and field meet all by myself (!!!!!!), so I wanted to be extra prepared.  I'm not proud of myself for skipping training for what's basically stressing out over something, but at least I'll feel more confident at the next meet.

Long run Sunday!  I basically Snapchat'd a few times while running, and thanked anyone watching along when I was all done.  This run felt great, and though it was a little warm out (it was 65*F, but that sun was definitely doing its thing!), I kept an easy effort.

Harry treated me to some Honey Butter Fried Chicken, one of our favorite spots.  If you live in Chicago, you HAVE TO GO.  Also, you have to invite me.  Have to.

A little snack after a two and a half hour nap...

Harry had gone out for the afternoon, so I treated myself to some sushi.  I could only finish two rolls (which is pretty normal, right?), so I have some leftovers for today, yay!

The real hero here is Sunday, haha.
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Monday - 45 minutes cycling
Tuesday - 3.02 miles
Wednesday - 4.1 miles
Thursday - REST
Friday - 1500 yards swam
Saturday - REST
Sunday - 7 miles

TOTAL mileage ran - 14.12 miles
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Have an awesome Monday, y'all!  Keep it marvelous!

Putting it all together (GOOD EATS!), and the GYM helps

Picture me, putting my meals together at 4:30am on a Monday morning.😝  I would've been up that early, anyway...but probably would've been sitting on my booty watching "Family Guy" on Netflix while sipping coffee.

Around 5:30am, I plopped my booty onto Quistis (road bike) for a 45-minute trainer ride.  Mondays used to be my spinning or trainer ride days; getting back into the swing of things with training is a blast!

Oatmeal + cilantro + soft-boiled egg (so it was all gooey and delicious) for breakfast (not pictured because I devoured it in the car), and I was off to teach kids how to be freaking athlete rockstars.

My first class of the day isn't until 9:15am, then I have one more after that before lunchtime.  I sometimes need a little snack between breaky and lunch.

Second breakfast is real ----->

Around 11:30am, I finally got around to putting it all together -----> assembling a salad is tough work.

But it was soooOOOooooOOOOooooOOOOooo worth it.  Delicious and nutritious (plenty of veggies, protein and fat)!

These were the star of the show!

Swear:  I don't have to eat veggies for the rest of my life after eating that salad.  I could barely finish it, and it kept me happy and full all afternoon.  You can ask my work husband and my students during the last period oft he day-- that never happens.

I taught the rest of my classes for the day, and my after-school math intervention class, then head on home.  Traffic was pretty ridiculous (hey, Chicago!).  I grabbed something easy and yummy for an afternoon snakaroonie.

DINNER?  Yes.  Compliments of Harry.<3

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Life gets you down sometimes, man.  Mondays are tough.  And if you ask me, Tuesdays are tougher.  They're like Monday, part II.  I *could* start a stress journal and see which days of the week really put me through the ringer, but I know for sure that Tuesdays seem so much more emotionally and mentally exhausting than any other day.

But you know what?  No matter what day it is, no matter what challenges you're going through, sometimes all you need is the gym.  Get in there and warm up, crank your favorite music in your earbuds, straighten your ponytail, and make that iron your B, dude.  The iron will *always* be there for you!

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What do you think?  Mondays > Tuesdays?  Tuesdays < All of the other days of the week?  Which day is the most stressful to you?


Do you hit the gym, train, or work out to relieve acute stress?  
--I know most of us are pretty good about keeping that chronic stress level down as much as possible by taking care of ourselves!


What's your FAVORITE afternoon snack?

Five Ways to Feel Like an ATHLETE

What happens when you forget your bowl for your oatmeal:

Seriously y'all.  This week had only four work/school days.  And each of those days were really busy.  I guess it was only a matter of time before I forgot something slightly essential...like a food vessel...

I'm just happy it's Friday.:)

As per usual, I decided to go rogue on the Friday Five 2.0.  I'm the worst, but here's some great information for you, ya' rockstar!  Here are

FIVE WAYS to FEEL like an ATHLETE

1.  Train smart.

What makes your training smart = you push yourself (overload principle) but not past the point of no return.  You're training smart when you work your body systems in the manner in which your sport demands (specificity).  Your training is smart when you cycle your training from low to high performance levels (periodization), allowing your body a break without losing your fitness.

2.  Train WHOLE.

Fitness is broken down into five components: 

• Muscular Strength

• Muscular Endurance

• Cardiorespiratory Endurance

• Flexibility

• Body Composition

You gotta work ALL of those things, Athlete!  Now, depending on the specificity of your sport, you'll work harder on some of these things than others.

BUT

You cannot rule out working on your flexibility.  I know, it's tough.  You NEED to lift weights.  It TAKES TIME, I *know*!  Your core should be a wrecking machine, and YES, it takes TIME.  But if you train all of your parts to be part of a finely-tuned machine, then you are officially rocking your athleticism.

3.  Eat smart.

Athletes don't "diet".  They fuel up.  Odds are, if you're any kind of athlete, your training and performance will be affected immensely by what you nom on.  That means it can go both ways ---- ! If you put junk in the tank, you'll have junk training.  If you put quality fuel in the tank, then your body will respond in a positive manner, as if it were thanking you.

Getting those greens and veggies on your plate, nibbling on that fruit, chomping on that BROtein and including dairy where you can (if you can, CalciYUM) will help you build your fortress of awesome.

4.  Rest smart.

Fact:  You can't push your body overtime for too long.  Just like in a race, at some point, you're going to crash if you're going out way too hard.

Athletes need premium sleep to keep the motor running.

*TIP* Give yourself AT LEAST one FULL rest day from all exercise activities.  Your body will love you for it, and will obey you when you want it to go crazy on performance.  


*ANOTHER TIP* Shut down the screen.  Go read a book for at least 15 minutes before hitting the sheets, rather than staring at your phone.


*WANT ANOTHER ONE?*  Make your bedroom your DREAM room.  Don't scrimp on the things where your body rests for a good chunk of the day.  Major point:  A quality mattress.  

(Speaking of quality mattress -----> Check out some of Casper's Mattresses!  See what you like? Save $50.00 by using the coupon code at checkout ------> PENN)

*MORE TIPS* The peeps from Casper sent over some information for you --- HOORAY FOR FACT SHEETS!    

5.  Believe in yourself.  

Without your confidence, your smile, your determination and your love for yourself, you are nothing.  Those things may come with time, if you're just starting out there, my gorgeous friend.  But you'll reach Athlete Awesomeness when you give it your all...

...for you.:)

Have a terrific weekend, friend.  You rock my World.<3

Thanks to our wonderful hostesses ----> Running on Happy and Fairytales and Fitness

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What's going on this weekend?!


Is your long run on Saturday or Sunday?  How far are you going? 
(I have to live vicariously through most of you for now.)


Have any tips on how to be an ATHLETE?  Please share!