(Actually) Back on Track.

The weather was so weird this past weekend here in the Chi.  Exhibit A:  A la Suzlyfe.  It's been overcast, cloudy, very cool, drizzly, and kind of BLEH.  Don't get me wrong; it's the best snuggle weather of my life.  BUT, the sun needs to come out every once in a while.  It really seems to affect everyone; even my fellow Teachers were dragging a bit yesterday.

I got up extra early and hit the gym for a Monday morning spin.  Since they built an LA Fitness DIRECTLY behind the school where I teach, I have no choice but to rock out a training sesh before work.  They don't have Spin classes on Mondays, so I have to dig deep and reminisce of my Spin Instructor days.  I generally throw on Pandora (80s Pop Cardio ------> YES) and just go with whatever song plays.

Some climbs, some fast flats, some sprint intervals, and some jumps later, I was done with my first workout of the day.

I never get tired of the brilliance of my students.  I'm teaching my first graders about shapes and manipulating our bodies.  I asked them to turn themselves into a square, and this is what some of them produced.<3

LUNCH.  And um...DELISH.  This might be my new most favorite thing to nom on during my workday when it's kind of yucky out.  It hit the spot, and made me feel cozy.

No matter how yucky it was outside, I hit the gym again for some weights and stability and core work.  HIT THAT BOSU HARD.

I have NOT been regularly lifting!  We'll talk about the bennies of keeping lifting in your training soon -- like this week.  I love adding the BOSU to some lifts.  It keeps things a little more exciting, and since I used to be in love with lifting HEAVY, I gotta spice things up when it comes to lifting light.:)

I did several exercises in a couple of circuits:
A: 3X 15 x step-ups, 12 x 12 BOSU side lunges, 12 x DB Hammer front raises, 12 x DB lateral raises, 15 x toe touches with 6.6 kg ball, 15 x squats with 6.6kg ball, 15 x military press on flat part of BOSU
B: 3X "Writing" the Alphabet with the BOSU, 1-minute Stability Ball "Pass Offs", 12 x DB double rows, 12 x 12 standing lunges with 6.6kg ball overhead

Doing these ------------------------> <3 <3 <3


Stability ball pass off, A.k.a. "Crazy Abs"!

Harry has been going to Monday evening classes for a few weeks, so I've got the house to myself on these night.  I hit up the grocery store after some dinner, sat down and stalked you guys for a while, then was ready for bed.  Two workouts + the goofy weather really got to me, but it sure was a fantastic day.
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*BRAIN HUG* for today!  It totes made me giggle.:)

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Do you regularly lift weights?  What kind and how often?

What's one of the coolest/funnest core exercises you do?

RANDOM:  Have you carved a pumpkin yet?!  

-We're going to carve ours the next time we see Sophs!

What day is your favorite day to train?

I gotta bail, & this video will rock your life!

I got to hang out with this lady a couple of weeks ago.

We're twinning!

We started talking about all of the important things in life:  Food, running, and more food.  In the process of us going from blogger friends to Besties, Susie helped me realize that, though I had ample time, no injuries, and the right stuff to go into 70.3 training, I just wasn't mentally prepared with things that came up after I had registered.  Simply put:  I tried to take on too much.

I have a huge list of excuses, but I seriously won't go into them.   All I know is that this has been me for the past three months:

So let's face it:  It ain't happening.  And you know what?  That's OKAY!  I do NOT like the fact that I couldn't handle training for something that I was TRULY excited for, and it kind of bums me out that I won't get it done this year.  However, I can't change, and wouldn't even dream of changing, the past few months.  I'm happier knowing that I have some time before my next training cycle.  Happy running and training = Happy Tiff.

Also, shade makes me happy.

And running in sprinklers.

And jumping for #joy!

And hanging out with Chicago kin.

In fact, Harry and I had the pleasure of meeting our newest family member, Laila, last Monday.

Fact:  I have never met a 12-hour old human.

If you guessed it, you're right:  She does smell like pink.:)

And later that evening?  I've never had a Chocolate Cake Shake from Portillo's.  Two firsts in one day = win.

So yeah, that's what I wanted to marvelously share with you on this Monday.  I appreciate you reading, listening, and of course, the positive feedback and support that I get from you.  I love that I can talk to you about anything, blogging Besties.  Enjoy your day, and rock out your week!



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Your *BRAIN HUG* for today, and something that will make your heart smile -- I just know it!

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Do you have anything marvelous planned for this week?
-I might make force bribe beg ask Suz out for another lunch.:)

Have you had to DNF well in advance of an event or race?

Chicago peeps:  Have you had the Chocolate Cake Shake at Portiollo's?

I Feel Taller

Last week, FitApproach and Amplified Pilates treated me to a Pilates session.  I used to teach Mat Pilates, and I have never used equipment, with the exception of resistance bands.  This was a fitness adventure, for sure!  Angela, my instructor and Amplified Pilates founder, greeted me at the door, asked me to sign in, and since it was my first time there, I had to fill out a small bit of paperwork.  What I noticed about this paperwork was that it wasn't filled with the ordinary questions.  They are interested in what other sports or activities in which you're involved.  I was asked to rate certain criteria on level of importance, including things like weight loss, feeling sore the next day (I do miss DOMS so much, but this got a 4 or 5 on a level of 10, I think), and questions regarding my use of Pilates for other sports (YES!).  I always find it impressive when a fitness enthusiast, gym, club, or private exercise studio is open-minded about other sports and exercises and how their specific area of expertise can affect it; it shows the utmost professionalism to me.  Amplified Pilates seemed to cater to every physical and fitness need, as designated by YOU.  Of course, all injuries should be reported and discussed with your instructor; I'm confident that the staff at Amplified would accommodate to your needs.

Onto the class!

They look like torture machines, huh?

Angela  proved to be extremely resourceful, informative, and very attentive to my needs, as well as the other clients in the class. She was very hands-on (which I LOVE...yes, PLEASE move me to the spot in which I need to be!), and gave constant and consistent feedback to all of the clients in the class.  We did a variety of classic moves on the machines, working legs and arms, independently, laterally, and any which way you could think.  Her direction was very diverse (it bugs me when instructors use the same words over and over again) and precise.  We did several sets, then would move onto a different plane of movement or the exercise, and sometimes combine the exercises.  I was thrilled with the variety!

After the session, I felt taller, like my core and head were *straight*, my shoulders were naturally sitting back and down, and my hips felt more adjusted.  I love, love, love what Pilates does for my body -- it feels like such a natural head-to-toe alignment.  The equipment made a HUGE difference!  Having the springs and resistance to work against when doing those exercises doesn't necessarily mean that it feels more difficult, but seems to have a more lasting effect than Mat Pilates.  

Sorry, no action shots!  I was very focused, as were the other patrons, and Angela during the class.  I didn't want to disrupt the practice just for one picture.  Not to mention, I was enjoying myself too much to think about it.:)

One of my biggest "YAYs!" to private exercise studios/gyms is when they are accommodating.  I need a shower!  I need a place to store my stuff.  This place had it all, and I even mentioned that the shower was a huge selling point for me.  Then, like a total geek, I started taking pictures of everything.

Amplified Pilates provided a CLEAN space.  I bet there wasn't a speck of dirt or dust anywhere to be found.  This makes me feel very comfortable, especially when you're doing an exercise that requires bare feet.

Check out their website!  They have an array of classes spread throughout the week, information about the instructors, and offer specials regularly! Take a glance at their current specials HERE.

Also, holy-conveniently-located, Batman!  Although it's street parking, I had no problems finding a spot.

With a Dunkin' Donuts AND a Starbucks right next door, no one has any excuse to not jump out of bed, get their Pilates on, and take off from the studio to work or school.

And this Starbucks looked like an Apple store to me.  Wha...?

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As far as other Wednesday stuff...
Some Instagram love!

Suz really knows how to rock a teaser.  Here's her bloggie post if you can't stand it any longer.

What I'm about to go run in -- time to bundle!

And well...yeah...

Happy Wednesday, friends!
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Do you or have you done Pilates?  Equipment or mat?

What do you look for in a private exercise studio?

Chicago friends:  Are you ready to say "goodbye" to Fall already?

Whose Socks Rock? [PRO Compression Review & Discount!]

I'm not going to make you wait until the end of this blog post to give you the discount code.:)

USE THE DISCOUNT CODE PINK TO RECEIVE 40% OFF YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE OF PRO COMPRESSION GEAR!

Wasn't that a nice thing for me to do?   Now, if you're on the fence about purchasing any products from this amazing brand, here's your chance to get some quality information about how to #KeepItTight!

Key features:

• MADE in the USA
• We always have a super fun Sock of the Month! A new sock designs every month with a discount! (so make sure you are on our email list).  Can sign up on the home page under: Receive Monthly Specials. 
• One of the few compression socks companies that makes a true graduated compression sock (the ones that work!). 
• We sell direct, what does that mean to you?  Bigger discounts and more focus on the customer. Our goals is to make sure everyone is in the correct sock or sleeve that is best for them!
• True Graduated Compression 
• Arch support with just the right about of compression 
• Stabilization zone through the sides to mid foot.  Helps provide foot bed comfort. 
• Open toe box so it will not keep your toes to tight. 
• Wide cuff for added comfort. 
• Moisture wick'ing materials
• No blisters! 

PRO Compression socks deliver maximum comfort and speedy recovery times. The science is complex, but benefits such as improved blood flow, stability and comfort are universally understood. The moment you put these socks on your feet, you will feel the difference.

This design requires more effort to put on than standard socks. But it’s that extra effort and much-needed compression that make all the difference. Be patient and your feet will thank you.

True graduated compression promotes circulation by pushing fluid up from your feet and ankles to toward your knees. This design also helps reduce swelling and inflammation while providing critical support to muscles and tendons.

My personal experience with PRO COMPRESSION socks:
I wear them while I'm running.  I haven't tried wearing them while cycling, but I'm sure that I would get an equally as awesome experience as I do when I wear them while running.  To be honest, I generally don't like compression on my calves.  For whatever reason, I haven't had a very good experience with other calf compression sleeves or knee-high socks.  My lower legs get tired and wonky.  (?!)

My experience with these, however, has been very different.  My belief is that the PRO COMPRESSION socks allow for more natural biomechanical movement of my (giant) calves.  I have worn them to speedwork sessions several times, and the long run a few times.  My lower legs feel fresh the whole time.  I don't get blisters (which has been another issue from other knee-high compression socks), and since I have a wide toe box, I appreciate that they accommodated for more room in that area of the socks; plus, squished toes = more blisters.

And how can you #sweatpink without some PINK socks?!

Go ahead and treat yourself to a pair, y'all.  You deserve THIS!

Tweet: I #KeepItTight w/ @PROCompression! Use the code PINK for 40% OFF your entire purchase! http://ctt.ec/W2UDL+ @fitapproach #sweatpink

Danger!

I gotta say, I've got it pretty good.  I thank my lucky stars often, especially while I'm running.  

This morning's long run was absolutely fantastic.  I couldn't have asked for better weather or grander conditions!  After my usual two cups of coffee (which you'd think wouldn't be all that smart to consume prior to a long run, but I enjoy it and don't really have any issues with it [usually; keep reading!]), I hit up my favorite route, one that I've stuck with  for my long runs for the most part.  I can extend my run as long as I need to, since it's an out-and-back route that goes toward the Lakefront Trail.

Do you ever leave the house, know that heading out for a long while, and realize that you have to pee as you're walking out the door?  Yeah.  That happened to me this morning.  Two cups of coffee + ~40 ounces of water = peeing forever.  I got out near my turnaround point, and realized there was a restroom nearby.  There are many of these up and down the trail, but they've been closed for the winter.  This is my first time out on the trail when they were open...THANK GOODNESS!  I was nearly desperate enough to find a bush.  Seriously.

Everything is so green now.  The tress are filling out quickly and flowers are blooming beautifully.  It's hard to imagine that it dang snowed yesterday.  Haha!

My tummy really started gurgling around mile 10.  I was RUNGRY!  This doesn't happen all that often, but I think it started hitting me hard because I was running slower than I normally do for long runs.  I'm going to have to do some research and try-outs now with nutrition; I haven't quite decided what to try next. I ran my first two marathons with GU, but I'm not entirely sure that it's right for me, since I had so many GI issues.  Any tips, y'all? 

Just like my easy runs, I really need to slow down with my long runs.  I averaged a 9:42 pace this morning for 14.03 miles; VERY comfy pace, and I felt like I could go forever with it.  

I immediately cracked open one of these when I got home.  Thanks, ZOOMA!

After a shower and a nap (ahhhhhhhh!), I had a delicious, gooey tomato, hummus and basil sammich, paired with a Honeycrisp apple.  Harry had just finished his 14-miler as I was making this.  We had a very important outing to get to quickly, so I gobbled (and totally, completely enjoyed) this down and got ready to walk around the block... 

...to the grand opening to the brand new frozen yogurt joint in our neighborhood!  O...M...G.  We've been waiting for this place to open since last August!  We had both run 14 miles today so far...can you say...DANGER?...!  We have already decided that this will be our traditional post-long run spot.  Also, we've decided that we will come here anytime we want.  MORE DANGER!

Not to mention that they had a ton of delish flavors and combinations and TOPPINGS.  Harry and I tried most of the flavors, then committed to our yummies.  I ended up with the dark chocolate and strawberry swirl, creating a chocolate-covered strawberry!

We have a couple of errands to run this afternoon, including grabbing some foodies for grilling burgers out on the deck.  Just what we need after the glorious nutrition we've already had today, heh.  

The Energizer Night Race GIVEAWAY ends tonight!  Get those entries done and come light up the night with me!  :)

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Do you have a special spot near your house or work that you like to hit up for post-workouts?

Any pre-workout nutrition you absolutely stick to?  What about post-workout?

Are you ready for the summer? 

-I'm not even used to having a spring, so I'm trying to embrace it before the heat shows up!  :)