A New Moon (no teenaged vampires)

Hello! Welcome back to the adventures of sweatbomb.

Saturday's 7 miler ended up being pretty pleasant. I never felt incredibly tired, but I did feel the boost my 3 shotbloks gave me at mile 3.5. I think I'm going to bump up my first 3 blocks to 3.25 because they didn't really kick in for a while and I don't want to risk being drained. If that ends up being too late, I'll start at 3. This whole running thing is too much trial and error.

I started out takin' her easy ("take her easy...she's my lady and that's what I said"...anyone? Anyone?!)

And maybe it was a little too easy. Splits came in around 11:08, 11:03, 10:58 and 10:52 (from what I can remember) so I decided to stop being a baby and remember a 10:35 and 10:45 in there. No idea what the other mile clocked in at. I ended with a 10:51 average pace which is a little too slow for a 2:20 half. BUT, I forced myself to not feel too bad, because I honestly felt great during this run and never really got bored or wished it was over. (A miracle.) 

Sunday I ended up missing yoga because I went to Tempe for the Sigma Kappa chapter at ASU's for MOCK RECRUITMENT! It made me remember just what a freaking weird time sorority recruitment is. Plus, it's weird how different it is at KU compared to here. Overall, it was cute and all the girls I talked to were friendly and outgoing. I could tell some were incredibly nervous, but I remember wanting to basically poop in my pants going through mock for my first time as a Sophomore so I can't judge. I have no idea how I handled work week AND recruitment without the help of some handy dandy 5 Hours, but I do remember caffeine pills being involved. (Sorry, mom.) My throat hurt after talking for less than 2 hours, so I'm definitely out of practice.

Also, how did I ever forget the glory of the song that is "Goodbye Ladies"!?!? Don't worry, it's been blazing through my head ever since. 

Since I missed out on Sunday yoga I attended a new-to-me 6:00 a.m. flow class yesterday morning at the Gainey Village location of my gym. I'd been to this location before, but never to work out. The class was FABULOUS. It was the perfect mix of challenge and flow without being too intense and making me feel like I was dying. Our instructor walked in and let us know a new moon had started that morning and so if we wanted to set any good intentions or start projects that it was a great time to do so. I've decided I'm going to really focus on being healthier and to start out each morning in a positive mindset, and hoping it will cross over into work as I embark on my 2nd year of treacherous budget work. Here's hoping!

(Oh, and! I finally got to use my Yogitoes towel and it was a glory!)

This morning's 4 miles went great. It was cool and a little cloudy/humid and felt great. Splits came in at 10:45, 10:16, 10:09 and 10:00! Beauts! I decided to actually push myself instead of being lazy. It paid off!

It's insane that August is almost over. I'm dying for the weather to cool down as these long runs get longer, but knowing AZ we'll be in the 100's into October. Puke!

The week so far (humid nightmare)

It's Friday, and I hope you're getting down.

This week had it's challenging moments, but I've made it.

Tuesday's 4 miler was Charles Barkley Turrble. 

First, my Garmin refused to turn on, so that was fun. I had to use my MapMyRun app on my phone. It's nice that I have that second option, but it's not my favorite by far. I like to be able to see where I'm at simply by glancing down, and with my phone in my SpiBelt it's just a hassle to unzip and check. Speaking of my SpiBelt, 95% of the time I wear it, I can't even tell it's there. This was not one of those times. For some reason it was bouncing around and being uncomfortable. In fact, "uncomfortable" was just how I'd describe this run. The temperature wasn't too bad from what I remember, but the humidity was soul-destroying. I had to WALK TWICE between miles 2 and 3. Luckily I made it back home about 5 minutes before the monster storm dump that Arizona got to live through this week.

Two bright spots of the run:  

• Even with babyish walk breaks, I got 4.06 miles in at a 10:41/mi pace. Right at pace time for my 2:20 half goal. YAAAAAAAAAAS.

• Monday afternoon I had a surprise waiting for me in the mail from my WonderTwin Ashley! My very own Yogitoes Hband! And all I have to say is, it held up PERFECTLY in my disgusting, sweaty humidityfest run. It didn't slip at all! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

 

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wuv

 
Wednesday's speedy treadmill run didn't start off so speedy. Apparently I run way too close to the "emergency stop" bar and I accidentally pressed it. THREE. TIMES. Would you like to know how mad I was? I'm not sure I can describe to you without unleashing the hate of a thousand firey suns. (Hyperbole is one of my strengths.) I ended up going the 5K in 30:27, a 9:49/mi pace. Fast for me! It's just so much easier to run on the treadmill, but so much more BOOOOOORING. Ended with some upper body weights in the weight room. And yes, the weight-hogger was in there and yes, she was wearing pink and white UFC workout clothes. So she's got that going for her.

Yesterday's yoga was of course wonderful. We held some loooooong poses. Will my quads ever not melt and be on fire when I'm holding Warrior?

Today was redemption for the earlier "meh" runs this week. I felt amazing. I took a new route and watched the sun rise over the McDowell's. The clouds were pink cotton candy. It was humid, but cool enough to where it wasn't as debilitating as Tuesday. I had to use MapMyRun again (really praying my Garmin is ready to go tomorrow for my 7-miler) and just estimated where to turn around for my out and back 5K. I turned at exactly 1.5 miles out. Perfect! I ended 3.11 with 10:41, 9:53 and 9:57 splits, for a 10:11 average. I actually thought "aw man, that's it for this morning?" once I got home, which NEVER happens. I wrapped up with some core work.

Like I said, tomorrow's 7-miler is what's on deck for me. Here's to an early wake-up call and negative splits! And no rain, please baby Jesus.