What have I been doing?

Not blogging, obviously. I've been to sore to type.

So, I finally got a job a few weeks ago. I started teaching fitness classes. I am teaching 10 classes a week. And because of several factors, I cannot just dictate these classes - I end doing 60-90% of each class. On top of trying to stick to my marathon training plan - running around 50 miles a week. Let's just say there's been a lot of ice baths, ibuprofen, and wine in my life recently. Although I might just develop the best ass in Boston at this rate. And also a side of thunder thighs if I keep doing this many squats a week (and I'd really like to NOT purchase new jeans).

I am really hoping that over time I am able to do less in these classes, because it's certainly affecting my running. I am left either too tired or too sore to effectively finish runs. Also, it has taken me a while to figure out how to fuel myself for all this. I only eat certainly things before I teach for fear of stomach issues, and then I try to run later and realize I haven't eaten anything but Larabars, hardbolied eggs, and bananas and 3 miles into a run I have a huge crash.

So anyway. Running. Yes, I'm still doing it. This past week went pretty well considering my body was on the verge of cutting me off all week.

Monday - Yoga

Tuesday - Taught Conditioning, Ran 8 miles, 8:18 pace. Felt totally effortless.

Wednesday - Taught Step Training. Ran 3.17 miles. Set out to do 9 miles with 6x1000 at 5K pace. Around mile 2 I realized I was so hungry that I might not even make it home. Stumbled to the nearest neighborhood and devoured a sandwich at Panera. I might have scared the other patrons.

Thursday - Taugh Conditioning. Taught Abs. Ran 4 miles on the treadmilll between classes. Those stupid gym treadmills autmatically forced me to cool down after 30 minutes. I was in the middle of a faster interval (7:15 pace) and I got irrationally angry and quit (I was going to do 6 miles). Dumb.

Friday - Ran 10.4 miles, SLOWLY. 9:30 pace. I don't think I've done a long run that slow in a long, long time. My legs and body were so spent that honestly I'm shocked I made it that far.

Saturday - 60 minute spin class. Yes, I might be a masochist. I want to eventually teach spin, but I need to shadow someone, so I chose to do it Saturday. It actually felt really good to do something low impact for a while. Although it left my ankles and calves sore. Yay. More ibuprofen.

Sunday - Ran 17 miles, 8:49 pace. I wasn't even sure I could get out the door, and put it off until mid-afternoon. I eventually accepted my fate and set out to run the Charles. The first 8 miles were an enormous struggle. Only a few miles in I told myself it was okay to just do half now and half later that night. But somewhere along the way I zoned out and decided that if I ran far enough out, I'd have no choice but to run back (yes, I see the logic is flawed, but it worked).
I eventually hit a good rhythm after the halfway point and finished out pretty strong (and uphill to boot). I then came home and ate my weight in Chinese food and did hot/cold contrast therapy like it was my job. We have a separate tub/shower, so I fill the tub with cold water and sit in it for as long as I can stand (usually about 3 minutes), and then I get in the hot shower. I then repeat this process two more times. I swear it's the only reason I could walk (and do what felt like a million jump squats) today.

So, here I am. Trying to find a balance between training others and training myself for the next 5 weeks. Everyone talks about the 'taper crazies', but honestly, I'm looking forward to it. I am very grateful that I can run, and that I am ultimately glad I decided to take on another marathon, but I'm not sure if I'm cut out for marathons. I'm looking forward to toeing the line on race day and throwing down the best race I can, but after that, I am going to focus on more balance training and give my feet and joints a rest from the pavement pounding.

And now for the photo portion of my blog:

Planning a revolution

Our friends came to visit for the weekend and Molly and I ran into these lads. So of course we had to get a photo. I pinky swear I wasn't wearing a belly shirt (I am far too old for that).

Game Day ready

Kenny and Darla, dressed for our first SEC game. Hold the MFing phone, we beat Auburn! And we are now 3-0! Who is this football team we've gotten this year? I don't know how it happened, but I am thoroughtly enjoying it (we love our college football in this household).

You know you said it a Ron Burgundy voice in your head

And just because. HAIL STATE!