September 2nd, 2010

The Treadmill Trap

You’ve read my lamenting posts about the dreadmill time and time again.  I’m here to report that I’ve had a change of heart.

School started on Monday.  On that day, work and training collided.  Last winter and spring, I trained for a half marathon while working, but it was very different from this.  The weather was cool, so I had the option to run before or after school.  I was also running less mileage during the week.  This training cycle requires more mid-week mileage in the heat and humidity.

Morning workouts are my saving grace.  I spent the entire summer waking up at 6:30 AM to run…but 6:30 was still too late for a pre-work run.  I set the alarm for 5 AM – a dark, scary time.  Reluctantly, I retreated to the treadmill.  I ran four speedy miles.  With lots of intervals, the run flew by and I had plenty of time to get to work.  The next morning I repeated the routine.  I returned to the gym for a solid eight mile training run.  I played with speed a little, but kept a comfortable pace.  I enjoyed being around the other folks at the gym.  Even at that early hour, it was bustling with activity.

Last night, I decided I should run outside in the morning.  I can’t run on the treadmill ALL the time…can I? Then the alarm went off.  I stood in my bedroom, surrounded by humid air.  I changed in to my running clothes and walked into the kitchen.  My Camelbak was waiting to be filled.  My keys were on the table.  I grabbed my keys and walked out the door!

Three treadmill runs, one week!  This morning I ran five “hilly” miles.  I played with the incline the entire time.  I backed off the speed and pushed through some challenging hill intervals.  Forty-five minutes later, I was dripping sweat and stretching my legs.

I got to thinking about that crazy machine and why I suddenly like it:

  • I can zone out.  On the streets, I need to be alert to my surroundings – cars, dogs, people.  I am not alert at 5 AM.
  • The gym is well lit.  Self-explanatory!
  • Friendly faces greet me in the morning.  Morning workouts can be difficult, but seeing other cheerful people encourages me.
  • I can incorporate speed work and hill work whenever I want.  I have not perfected speed work on the road, but I do enjoy it.  It’s much easier to get it done at the gym.

Confession: I am really worried about how these runs will affect my training…so I made a plan.

  • Do my best to simulate road running (with incline) during my treadmill runs.
  • Continue to run every long run outside.  Long runs are my favorite part of training.  I love being outside, the road beneath my feet, as I reach new distances!
  • Add some afternoon/evening runs when the weather cools.

What are your thoughts on treadmill runs vs. road runs?

Have you ever had to train on the treadmill?

Note: I track all of my workouts at Daily Mile.  Check out the widget in my sidebar!  You can track your workouts, too…and we can be Daily Mile friends!

CategoryRunning | Comment12 Comments »

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September 2nd, 2010

A September Adventure

Last night was filled with excitement.  It started with dinner.

Lauren and I made plans to meet for dinner at Garden Grille in Pawtucket, RI.  When she suggested the location, I was SO happy!  Garden Grille is one of the few vegetarian restaurants in our area and it’s always gotten rave reviews.  I wanted to eat there for quite awhile and I finally had the perfect opportunity.

Garden Grille is small and bright.  The atmosphere is super friendly and comfortable.  Lauren and I snagged a booth and took our time reviewing the menu.  So many great options!  I decided on a Garden Grille favorite – the roasted butternut squash quesadilla.

Whoa baby!  It was seriously good.  The roasted butternut squash was combined with the ultimate trifecta – black beans, avocado, and jack cheese.  It had the most amazing flavors.  I devoured three wedges and can’t wait to eat the fourth for lunch today.

Funny Story: Garden Grille has an incredible list of vegan desserts.  I knew I wanted to try one.  When the time came, Lauren and I decided on the same dessert: chocolate-peanut butter coconut ice cream served with a warm chocolate chip cookie.  We chatted while waiting for our sweet treats.  The waiter came to our table with ONE dessert!  Shocking!  Share a dessert?!  Haha. Of course sharing dessert was just fine, but it got us so flustered that the cameras never came out.  We laughed and split the order.  It was just right.  There was plenty of deliciousness to go around.  Crisis averted!

***

Lauren is pretty awesome, so I would go out to dinner with her anytime; however, this dinner had a greater purpose.  We met to solidify our fall race plans.  I am joining Lauren for another adventure!

In three weeks, I will run the Reach the Beach Relay in New Hampshire.  With my recent mileage increases, I feel ready for this challenge.  It also fulfills my adventurous streak.  This is an experience I have had on my to-do list, so when Lauren asked me to join a team with her, I immediately said YES!  I know I am in for some surprises…that’s part of the fun!

This race is all about fun.  It’s running in a whole new way.  I will post more about the race in the coming weeks and can’t wait to share the experience with you.

Have you ever participated in an adventure race or relay?

Tell me about your favorite race/event.

CategoryDinner, Races, Restaurant Eats | Comment11 Comments »

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September 1st, 2010

Time Flies

Wow!  Wednesday is almost over.  The past couple of days have been a blur.  I’m learning so much!  Today, I smiled at work.  It was a real smile.  I’m getting the hand of things, which I love.  I also love knowing that I’m that much closer to working with the kids.  That’s who I’m there for.  It’s the best part!

But enough about work.  I’m HERE for food and fitness.  So let’s get to it!  Today started off well.  I got to sleep in – 6:30 – yahoo!  I even had time for an extra special breakfast.

Pancakes!  They look so boring, but they are far from it.  They make the morning so much more enjoyable.  This batch contained some tasty stuff, too:

  • 1/3 c. quick oats
  • 1/3 c. egg whites
  • 1 tsp. baking power
  • 1/2 T. chia seeds
  • 1/2 mashed banana
  • cinnamon
  • Toppings: Barney Butter, 1/2 mashed banana

I can’t live without bananas.  I need one everyday.  Bananas, oats, and nut butter – a winning combination!

With such a great start to the morning, I left for work with a positive attitude.  I made some headway today and really have a handle on things.  Kindergarten seems worlds away!

When lunch time rolled around, I broke into the handy dandy lunch box.  Okay…maybe still have some kindergarten teacher left in me! I always pack a lunch.  I don’t always post it, but you can bet I bring it everyday.  Today I had a snazzy salad.

My dressing baggie is hiding a world of deliciousness!  I jammed so much into the bowl – mixed greens, carrots, red bell peppers, cucumbers, broccoli, whole wheat pasta, dried cranberries, and almonds.  It was the best thing to eat on this super hot day!  Schools around here lack the luxury of AC.  My car is my haven these days.

I also had some snacks to get me through the afternoon slump.

Trail mix, an apple, and crack an Adora disk kept me on my toes as I dug through files and collected documents in the hot, hot building.  I may have tossed in an iced coffee along the way.  A quick pick-me-up never hurt anyone!

I squeezed in some cross-training – elliptical and strength – right after school.  Now I’m rushing out the door for a fun dinner with a fabulous lady!  We’re headed to a place I’ve always wanted to try…and I can’t wait to tell you all about it.  I also have a fun announcement coming your way, my friends.  Big doin’ in lil’ Rhody!  Be ready!

I hope you had a wacky lovely Wednesday!

Do your bring or buy lunch?

What goes in your lunch box?

CategoryBreakfast, Lunch, Snacks, Uncategorized | Comment4 Comments »

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August 31st, 2010

Crazy Eights

Change is good. Right? While change is good, I don’t know if I am good at change.  The harsh reality of my new position hit me today.  I burst into tears when I realized that I would not get to meet a new crop of kindergarten sweethearts tomorrow.  I really loved working with such energetic, fun little buddies!  I keep reminding myself that I will start working with new students soon and I will bond with them just as I did when I had my own classroom.  I’m adjusting.

There is a silver lining, folks.  I was able to channel my emotions into a great workout – eight miles on the treadmill!  With the help of my Twitter friends, I made the decision to stay off the dark, scary pre-dawn streets for the time being.  Since its too hot to run after work, this means more treadmill runs.  Luckily, the runs have been much more enjoyable than I ever expected.  I was skeptical, but its working for me.

The alarm sounded at 5 AM.  I woke up, rolled into my gym clothes, inhaled some toast with PB-banana, and drove straight to the gym.  It took a couple of miles to wake up, but I did.  My body felt surprisingly good for waking, eating, and running within 15 minutes.  I completed 8.0 miles in 1:09:50.  Not too shabby!

I even had time for a lovely breakfast when I got home.

Oh, that bowl!  I filled it with lots of good stuff:

  • 1/2 c. old fashioned oats
  • 1/2 c. organic skim milk
  • 1/2 c. water
  • 1/2 c. frozen blueberries
  • 1/2 T. chia seeds
  • Toppings: plain yogurt, almonds, dark chocolate chips

Filling and fueling – just what needed for a day of furious note-taking.

Organization is key these days.  When I feel overwhelmed, organizing is my sanity.  A place for everything and everything in its place! I like binders and folders and notebooks.  I write everything out by hand.  I’m old school like that.  I’ll type it out later, but writing things down burns the information into my memory….and stops me from biting my nails off!

After a long morning, I was more than ready for some veggies.

Lunch was a giant salad, full of colorful, local vegetables and some whole wheat pasta.  To make it a meal, I added plate of pepper jack and crackers.

I powered through the rest of the afternoon.  I worked and enjoyed an unpictured Larabar towards the end of the day.

I’m off to Open House.  Finally, it’s time to meet some kids!  They are the best part.  I can’t wait to hear “Miss Paige” being shouted from all directions…music to my ears!

What do you to to stay organized? You know me – plan and prep, plan and prep!

CategoryAt The Gym, Breakfast, Lunch, Running, Uncategorized | Comment14 Comments »

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August 30th, 2010

A New Routine

Thank you for all of the well wishes!  I went back to work with so many positive thoughts because of you.  Each time my Blackberry flashed and I read another comment, I smiled a little wider.  It made for a nice day.

Getting back to the grind is tough.  It’s tough after a week off, but it’s really tough after eight weeks off.  I wouldn’t trade those eight weeks for anything – don’t get me wrong!  I just have lots of adjusting to do.  I feel like I have a lot on my plate – starting a new job and marathon training – and I want to give my all to everything!

To make the transition a little easier,  I planned ahead:

  • Set my alarm for earlier than normal.  Just in case I get off to a slow start!
  • Prepared my workout gear the night before.
  • Planned my work outfit the night before.
  • Packed my work tote the night before.

I set my alarm for 5:15.  It’s been a long time since I woke up at that hour.  Did you know it’s dark at 5:15?!  Very dark.  Very, very dark.  I didn’t know that I was afraid of the dark until today.  I chickened out and went to the well-lit gym for a four mile treadmill run.

Warm Up: 0.5 mile @ 6.7 (8:57/mi)

Intervals:

  • 3 minutes @ 7.0 (8:34/mi)
  • 2 minutes @ 7.7 (7:47/mi)
  • 1 minute @ 8.3 (7:13/mi)
  • Repeat four times.

Cool Down: 0.44 miles @ 6.7 (8:57/mi)

It was a speedy run.  I finished four miles in about 33 minutes and felt great – ready to tackle the day!  I was also ready to tackle breakfast.  I had something special waiting for me.

An empty Dark Chocolate Dreams jar!  I’ve been saving it for just the right moment.  OIAJ is quite a treat around here.  The first day of school requires a treat!  I filled that pretty little jar right up.

The chocolate-y, peanut buttery goodness melted right into my piping hot banana oats.  I topped it all with a sprinkle of Kashi GoLean Crunch. I love a little texture.  That’s the way to start the morning.

By 8 AM, I was on my way to work.  It felt like I’d never left.  The kiddos weren’t there today, so I had a chance to meet with my colleagues and ask lots of questions about the new job.  It will be very different from kindergarten, but I am excited about the change.  I will work with children with special needs that are mainstreamed into the regular education setting.  I get the opportunity to work closely with the students and their families to address individual needs.  It’s a connection that is difficult to make when teaching a large group.  I think I’ll really enjoy it!

I’ll probably enjoy the job more than I enjoyed my afternoon snack…

It looks innocent enough – apple and carrots with almond butter.  An apple for the teacher, I thought.  Not quite.  Can you guess what I sprinkled on that apple? Cinnamon? I wish!  I absentmindedly doused my snack in chili powder…then I ate it!  Hot chili apples.  It was surprisingly edible, but not a favorite.  Stick with the cinnamon.

I feel like my mind has been racing all day.  That’s probably why I dumped chili powder on an apple.  I can’t think straight.  I keep making lists and writing down questions.  I have so much to process.  Tomorrow is a new day with new challenges!

Did you have a lot to learn when you started working? I feel completely capable in my new position, but I know that I will be asking lots of questions and taking lots of notes.  It’s new and different.

CategoryAt The Gym, Breakfast, Running, Uncategorized | Comment17 Comments »

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