My First Spin Class!

Today I tried a brand new class at the gym I just joined Friday.  I joined the YMCA in Evans primarily because they had a good class schedule.  I really like taking yoga - I used to go every Thursday night in Pittsburgh when my bff Caitlin lived there - because it helps me recover from running workouts and builds upper body strength.  I'm sure it helps prevent injuries, too.  I also took a body pump class with Caitlin when we were both living in Pittsburgh.  It was great because it was primarily for women and used lighter free weights and crazy things like resistance bands and step blocks.

One class I will probably never take is Zumba.  I seriously struggle with learning dance moves and always end up going the opposite way everyone else is going.  It took me 6 classes to get down 'the grapevine' warm-up routine in body pump, my feet always seemed to get tripped up over each other!

Today, I tried a 45 minute spin class for the first time!

of course I had to throw on the Boston jacket on my way to the gym

I never really got why spin was so popular, but I understand now.  When I use the bike or elliptical at the gym, I just can't seem to push myself and it is so incredibly boring.  Today, we did all kinds of crazy spin moves - climbing hills, doing jumps, resistance intervals, riding in different positions, doing squats - I had no idea you could do that much on a bike.  The instructors were hilarious and we worked out in a dark room with a blacklight, listening to really fun music.  I felt like I was at a dance club.  It was also a great class because you can push yourself however hard or easy you want to go, by adjusting the resistance on the bike. I was super sweaty I was done.

Depending on my work/running schedule, I would like to start trying to fit one of these classes into my workout routine each week.  I still believe that running is the best way to become a better runner (i'm old school that way) but this is a fantastic way to get your heart race up and gain fitness.

While I was out and about, Mister Bruno had the important task of guarding the home.

the best little watch dog

Happy Sunday!  Anyone else like spin classes, too???

Why Yes I Am Alive and Marine Corps Marathon Recap

Let's start off with a Penny and Bruno photo, since I am pretty sure that is the reason why anyone reads this blog!!!

the pups

I am looking forward to trying and blog more often.  I am not sure why I was gone for so long, but I think some of it has to do with my new job this year and working longer hours.  What I missed most was reading everyone's blogs and talking to everyone else through my blog! 

Since this is a blog about running marathons....

October 30th, 2011 I ran the Marine Corps marathon.  I originally planned to run this and shoot for sub 3:10, but very sadly I was injured much of this summer.  I didn't start running again until the first week of August, after doing lots of strengthening exercises at Physical Therapy.  I was thrilled to run again, but really did not expect to run the race in October.  I like to have a long time to build up a base and prepare for my race.  However, in my previous post I ran a half-marathon PR in Erie (1:29:05) and that convinced me to follow through with the race, especially since my friends Leslie and Kate were running it for the first time ever!

All in all, I am very glad I ended up doing the race.  It was a beautiful day and I ran much of the race with Kate, Leslie, and even Charlie!  I felt absolutely fantastic the first 15 miles.  I felt so light and running was so easy.  Around mile 3, both Kate and Leslie came up from behind.  We ran together for a long time.  Those first 15 flew by and we really enjoyed taking it all in together.  My friend Charlie actually dropped back with us, so at one point all four of us were running together.

Having too much fun together

 
My knee started to ache soon after.  Around mile 21, Leslie sped up and I fell back.  The last few miles were agonizing.  I was running so wierdly on my knee, I was pretty much dragging it!  I was discouraged because the first 20 miles I was at around 3:06 pace and it felt SO GOOD and SO EASY.  I kept telling myself that since the first 20 were so good I could still run pretty poorly and get a decent time.  I didn't even expect myself to run the race a few weeks earlier.

Face of pain

Thankfully, I made it through and finished in 3:14:19.  That is 37 seconds off my best, so I really wish now that I tried to push it a little more at the end...but not so sure that I could.

Leslie and I at the finish

Kate, Leslie, Leslie's friend Sabine and I entered in the team division.  We were "Pittsburgh's Smoking 4" and we came in as the fourth women's team.  However, the three teams that beat us were the Air Force, Marine, and Army teams.  I am okay with losing to them.

sparkly headband bought at the expo - $5

One of my favorite things about this race was my specially selected racing attire.  I loved the pink overkill.  The arm warmers were fantastic, especially at the start when it was 35 degrees. 

In addition to running the race with my friends, I got to visit my twin at his apartment Saturday night and stay overnight at my best friend's apartment right across the street from the Pentagon City Mall.  I love her place.  However, that was not totally planned.  We were going to just leave Saturday morning, since we had the dogs to look after.  My dad called at 8pm Friday night and said a snowstorm was moving in.  We threw all our things in a suitcase and left immediatly.  My parents dog sat and we got to Caitlin's apartment at 2:00 am.  A little past my bedtime, but it was awesome to stay with her.  Another unexpected event was the tick Jordan had to get removed at the UrgetCare down the road. Sorry, I did not photograph the tick.  We managed to take care of that on our way to the Expo.

with my twin at his apartment

What is next you may ask?  Starting one week from today my official training for The Boston Marathon begins!  I am excited to begin and try chasing a PR there.  I have heard that it can be pretty hilly, so I have been doing hill repeats once a week to prepare.  I am hoping it is not so hilly that it makes it unrealistic to try for a PR here.

If you have run Boston before, any advice?

We missed you all!

Erie Half Marathon

Yes, this is a running blog again!

First, some fun pictures from the last few weeks.

We finally met Bruno and Penny's cousin, Moose!

Bruno enjoyed some couch cuddling after a long day at school/hard run

Can you find the weenie?

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this vest from Macy's.  I may be watching too much Real Housewives of New Jersey, though.  Is it appropriate for a kindergarten teacher?  Or at least to wear out to dinner with some jeggings and high boots?  Did not buy it yet...but am thinking of getting it soon!

 I had signed up for the Erie half marathon at Presque Isle to get my body ready for the Marine Corps Marathon I am doing October 30th.  I was pretty unsure about this race, mostly because I just started running at the end of July (due to injury) and have been following my own training plan.  We woke up at 3:30 am this Sunday morning to get to the race around 6:30!  It was an awesome morning for a run, cool, sunny, the only complaint was that it was very windy on a couple of the miles that weren't shaded (we were on the peninsula at Lake Erie).  I had no idea what pace to try for so when my first mile was 6:53 I thought what the heck I might as well try to keep that up!
Mile 2 I caught up to a group of three girls and my mile split was 6:51.  I was feeling pretty comfortable and tried to just relax and enjoy the scenery of Lake Erie.  It was a beautiful fall morning.  6:e58 for the next mile and I reminded myself not to get comfortable and slip off pace.  6:44, 6:52 and by that time I passed two girls who I could tell would probably not catch up, and the other girl that was with us left me in the dust, suddenly taking off at mile 5.  The next few miles we had the wind to deal with, but I felt like I could keep up my pace for the whole race, unlike the last time when I ran this course and totally bombed the last few miles. 

Mile 6 was 6:51.  Next, 6:50, 6:54, and 6:49.  When I got to mile 9 I mentally told myself to start picking it up and 'catch' those marathon runners who started a half hour earlier (they had to do two laps) and just enjoy the feeling of racing again.  My legs were very tired and I was breathing so hard I kinda startleted those marathon runners, but I felt great at the same time.  A lot of very nice marathon runners gave me words of encouragement, especially since I was a girl.  The last four miles were 6:45, 6:42, 6:36, 6:33, and the last .1 at 5:46 pace.  I was thrilled and totally surprised to cross the line and see that I got a 3 second PR at 1:29:03, and that I got third overall!

Nothing beats the feeling of a new PR, especially when you have a marathon coming up that you hope to PR in....after I finished I found my husband of the year, did a two mile cooldown, grabbed some chocolate milk and headed to the lake to take some pictures.

by the lake!

pretty day!

number one fan

My award was a really cool glass picture plaque of one of the lighthouses at Presque Isle.  It was a very good day in Erie, and I got to see a bunch of my friends run the whole marathon and half marathon.  To top it all off, we got back about ten minutes before the Steeler game started - and they won!

Today was a much needed day off from running, mostly because my calves are on fire from racing.

Finally, I am starting to feel like sub 3:10 is possible at Marine Corps!  40 days!

MIA

So I haven't blogged in about a month.
Basically, my time has been consumed with getting ready for my NEW JOB!!!

I have been hired as a KINDERGARTEN teacher at a new charter school in Pittsburgh, Imagine Penn Hills.

Our School's Grand Opening

I know everyone has probably heard from the teachers in their life how much work is involved...but can you imagine doing that AND helping start up a brand new school?  It has been a very fun, but also very busy time.  I felt a little guilty blogging during this time!

I have 20 kindergartners and they are a great bunch.  I have been spending A LOT of time teaching them things that might seem silly - how to line up, how to wait in the hall, how to ask for help, how to gather materials, etc.  Not too exciting yet! 

At my desk - we built all our furniture!

 The days are somewhat longish - I actually woke up around 4:40 to run before work this morning!  I am hoping this is something I can get in the habit of, I actually have more energy at work when I run first.  More time to spend with puppies later!

On another note, last weekend we attended my best friend's sister's wedding.  It was at a CASTLE!  It was so beautiful out and we had a great view.  We had a great time with Caitlin and Peter!!!

yay for fake tan lotion

up close!

castle!

dancing without shoes

As requested, a picture of Bruno.  He is a bone chewing fiend.  He looks like he is smoking a cigar!

Bruno!

Our majestic Corg!

Goodbye for Awhile!!!

Busy week!!! Wednesday was Jordan's 25th birthday and we celebrated again at his mom's.  
Two exciting things going on this weekend.....
my track team friend and freshman year roommate DIANE is getting married tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!  I am a bridesmaid (she picked the most adorable dressess and shoes!) and today's festiviities include lunch, nail appointments, and the rehersal.  Can't wait for tomorrow!

Diane is the heptathlete on the far right, at our Indoor conference championships!  

Then, EARLY the next day, we are flying to Cancun, headed to this awesome all-inclusive resort!!!

ahhhhhhhhh

One thing I am very excited to do is Yoga on the Beach - Jordan said he would even do it.

Going with these guys!  Jordan's college roommate Cory and gf Kristen!

The only bad part is I will really miss my two little knuckleheads.....

Talk to you when I get back!!!

The Past Week

Since this is a supposed blog about running (when lately it seems more like a weenie and corgi blog) I'll share with you my running news first before I post doggie pictures.

I started physical therapy this week, along with doing the other knee/hip exercises the sports doctor recommended.

I ran a mile and a half Thursday and 3 miles yesterday with no knee pain!

I am pretty excited because I think my strengthening exercises have been paying off!

I also feel that I have been keeping myself in good shape - biking at least an hour every day and lifting three times a week, so I am hoping to still run the Marine Corps Marathon Oct. 30th!!!

The past week has been a busy one with the new puppy.  He is whining for a cuddle so I will post some pictures to fill you in on the last week!

Love to Run t-shirt, size XXS

He is now my son

Jordan and Maura's B-day celebration Saturday at BRGR

The Happy Couple

It took way too many times to take a normal picture.  Haha.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Penny and I getting ready for our Girl's Day Out while the men worked on our bathroom.

Indulging in free doggie ice cream, from Dog Days 2011 at Hartwood Acres

So tired.

I ordered an egg sandwich at sheetz with hotsauce.... instead of putting it on they gave me the mini-est little bottle ever!  A highlight of my week for sure.

Why I love my life!

Weenie!!!

 

Friday started off great....Jordan revealed to me my special anniversary gift that I would get later that night....

But first, I got to meet up with old running friends Autumn and Tasha at the Olive Garden in Robinson.  It was so nice to meet up and really made me miss running Cross-Country and Track with them.  It's so funny because when I think how I miss college I ALWAYS think about my running friends and cross-country memories.

Running friends!  Tasha, me, and Autumn

And here is my present!!!!

Our Puppy's Mommy

He will be named BRUNO!

so excited.  Please quit ripping my shirt off!

such a cuddly puppy

meeting Grandpa

Penny shared her red toy

Penny seems happy

He will be her husband someday

mid bark

Meeting his cousins

napping on Daddy

napping

Still my number 1 girl!!!!!!!!

Meeting Uncle Corey

1st bath

Penny was so glad she was not being bathed!!!

All clean now!

opening our wedding cake!

It was good

We are enjoying our new puppy so much!  I am very relieved because Penny seems as happy as ever.  Initially, she was very afraid when Bruno chased her around our house.  Now, she likes to get him to chase her, I just have to discourage him from the biting that puppies do so he doesn't make her mad!  And Jordan is being such a great Puppy Dad!

I am ready to enjoy our anniversary today :) !  Melting Pot tonight!!!
PS If you have any advice on getting two dogs used to each other, let me know!!!!!!