Something that marathon training helped me to realize and 10 Saturday events.

After my pool run yesterday I jumped on an elliptical and lasted a full 5 minutes.  Flashback to before I started training for my first marathon—>  I was in an elliptical obsession phase.  I would get on the thing Monday-Saturday for SEVENTY minutes (unless I taught spin that day then I would add the elliptical to the spin time to equal 70 minutes).  I never veered from it, I had my favorite elliptical and I would buckle down and get to work.  Strength training wasn’t even a thought either.   And then I was talked into signing up for a marathon and my aunt sent me a training plan that had me running 4 days a week.  I quit doing the elliptical and switched over to running.  My training plan had me running 30 minutes some days, really long on other days and a lot more rest days than I was used to.  I quickly realized that I LOVE the variety of running and training for a race.  I love the easy/hard variation, the distance change each day and the fact that the pace varies GREATLY over the course of each week.  Some say running is monotonous but I think it is quite the opposite with how different each run can be.   So, long story short—>  marathon training opened my eyes to my deep love for variation in my workouts.  I don’t think I could ever go back to doing the exact same workout every single day. 

1.  40 minutes of pool running with a bunch of 30 seconds hard followed by 30 seconds easy on repeat.  I just started Serial Season 2 because I need one more thing to be hooked to and the time flew by.  

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PS has anyone ever tried the Jacobs Ladder before?  I haven’t but my sister told me that it is a KILLER workout.  

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2.  It snowed pretty much the entire day.

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3.  I made this baller lunch of a turkey burger topped with zucchini, peppers and spinach (cooked in coconut oil) with a baked sweet potato.   

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4.  A matinee with my mom, nephew, Brooke and popcorn.  Kung Fu Panda 3 for the win.  

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5.  We started to check out some stores for Brooke’s new room… time for the real deal kind of a bed and dresser.  

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She was pretty set on this chair.

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6.  She had the whole place to herself… I guess most people don’t hang out at the play place on Saturday nights.  

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7.  We went straight from the slides to a heavenly dinner. What is it about fluffy carbohydrates that makes me so happy?

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8.  Picked up this little beauty because we have a very important birthday to celebrate tomorrow (my sister’s little man)!!

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9.  And then back home to play with legos and to change straight into my run-thru pants and the run-thru jacket.  The beauty of these items is that they are mesh (to keep you nice and cool with great ventilation while working out) but they also have a DriLayer Burst layer on the inside of both the top and the bottoms that is crazy soft on your skin.  A thick waistband and semi-fitted on the pants makes me never want to take them off.  The jacket will be great for spring running with the retroreflectivity and because it is water-resistant on the top half and the fact that it is crazy light—> you can barely feel it on ya;)  

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10.  Oh yeah, and Brooke found a giant rose to sword fight with.

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Three things you have going on today?!

Do you need variety or do you like doing the same workout every day?  Ever had a time in your life where you stuck to the same workout every single day?

Anyone else listening to Season 2 of Serial?  

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50 comments

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I like to mix up my workouts. It is hard when I am running most of the time, but when I quit doing other things I notice a big decrease in my running. Those little things and different types of workouts go a long way!

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I used to do the same with my workouts. The same thing every single day and s lot of elliptical too! It wasn’t until I got injured that I changed things in a big way. Now I can’t even remember the last time I was on an elliptical. I personally feel they don’t do much for you other than give you a cardiovascular workout.

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I still haven’t listened to season one of Serial! I need to do that soon! I used to do the elliptical all the time too. Anymore I can’t handle it for more than about 30 minute but I do still like it. I don’t ever get bird with running. It never feels the same like some things do.

Today I’m running, doing some cleaning and hopefully going to spend some time reading. Should be a relaxing day!

I can’t believe your sisters little guy is 1 already! Where did the time go?!

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My runs have been pretty monotonous lately but I think I need one thing just to be on autopilot with right now. Not a fan of gym cardio machines though. What I do love variety right now in is yoga! Some days strength, others flexibility, etc.

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I call Jacob’s ladder, “Jacob’s ladder of death.” SO hard! Awesome workout though. I’m a huge fan of switching up my workouts. I go through phases with things like strength training, spinning and yoga, but when I incorporate them into my regular training, everything feels/works better.

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3 things today: a 6 mile recovery paced run, looking for a Valentine’s Day dress for my 12 yr. old’s upcoming dance, and a nap. Yes, definitely a Sunday nap.

Just started season 2 of Serial yesterday on my long run! I have always been a podcast listener in my car (I drive a lot for work.), but music on my runs. Lately, though, I am craving variety to help with the tedium of those 15+ mile runs.

I trained for my first 2 marathons at the same pace during every single run. I was fearful to add speedwork as I had gotten a pelvic stress fracture training for what was supposed to be my first marathon the year prior and had to stop running for 4 months! Now I need the variety of tempos, intervals, easy, surges, etc. Other than strength training, however, I must admit I haven’t really embraced cross training.

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Is baller salad a Utah term?

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Haha no I don’t think so… I meant baller as an adjective meaning extremely good:) Hope you are having a great Sunday Kathy!

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I love variety, especially in the winter before training for a race. Right now I do a power barbell class every week (strenght training class at my gym) and a spin class. Also a yoga on my rest day, in which we focus on stretching.
I love how you disposed your sweet potatoes exactly like I do most of the time to create a sun (or a flower) around your plate ;-)

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3 things for today:
bathing suit shopping
using all of my self love skills from the bikini rebellion
shopping for other stuff that’ll be more fun

I listened to the first episode of season 2 but just couldn’t get into it.

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Can’t believe your sister’s little man is turning one already… Time flies!

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If I’m doing a lot of treadmill or if I start getting bored with my runs I have to switch things up. But for the most part I stick to a pretty regular routine. I never go on the same run two days In a row, but distance, speed, hills all those kinds of things change I have a routine that I stick to for.

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Jacobs Ladder is SUPER tough! I tried it once before and it was a killer! I always have to change up what I’m doing or I get really bored!

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Check out the Jenny Lind beds from land of nod. In my opinion they are the sweetest girl beds i have found. We bought white for our daughter, but the other colour options were very tempting!

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I died. Thank you for telling me about these… seriously they are so cute!

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I LOVE Brooke’s face in the photo of you in the car with the snowy hair. You gals are so sweet.

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You mentioned experimenting with organic fuel sources, so in case you haven’t come across these:

http://www.amazon.com/UnTapped-Maple-Syrup-Athletic-Fuel/dp/B00VBVJ760/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454252430&sr=8-1&keywords=maple+syrup+fuel

(can’t imagine having pizza sauce but can personally attest the mango coconut banana is delish):

http://www.clifbar.com/products/clif-shot/organic-energy-food/banana-mango-with-coconut

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I don’t use the elliptical as much as I once did but I do try to get on it for a workout once a week! It’s a nice break from my running and fun to switch things up.

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It sounds like you are really making the best of the turf toe and the cross training is really going to help build your base.

I’m just trying to clean my house today but we will see if that actually happens…

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I live Jacobs Ladder. It reminds me of TBL. I just wish my gym had one. When I was in St Geezy I got a day pass to the most amazing athletic club and thy had one. I got on one for 30min and I had a lady come up to me after and tell me I was a ‘Jacobs ladder goddess’ cause she couldn’t imagine being able to do that machine for that long. Lol. It made my day.

I think I want to see Kung Fu Panda even more than my kids. I loved the first two. Like a lot.

I can’t believe your nephew is already one. It goes by too dang fast. P.S. I think that cake looks like the perfect size for Tuesday night ;)

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How is your toe feeling?!?

Three things I have going on today: Like … Nothing! I need to go to my local running store cause I have a $50 credit that expires today but other than that, I’m playing it by ear! Gotta love a day with no agenda to follow!

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Hey!!! It is slowly but surely feeling better but probably still a few weeks until I run! YAY for nothing days… those are the best ever!! Have a blast at the running store:)

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I do Jacobs ladder a lot, but I break it up– like 5 minutes on Jacobs ladder then 10 min of elliptical. Jacobs ladder is rough but super effective

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Oh gosh I did Jacob’s ladder ages ago when I had a personal trainer and it can be pretty tough! Like I’d do it for 5 minutes…

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That turkey burger dinner looks so cool and beautiful! My best friend does the elliptical for at least an hour every day and I couldn’t do it! I would like to start doing more group workouts and classes, but I love the variety of running too

I just went on a run with my boy friend and now we’re going to church and then I’m sure I’ll be in the kitchen today!

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That dinner with sweet potatoes and a turkey burger looks BOMB! Thats my kind of meal! :)

Ive got NO plans today except working on my blog and working out. I cant wait!!

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I can’t believe your nephew is already 1!! Seems like she just had him!! Time sure flies.

I like variety in my workouts, I don’t even like running the same routes over and over, I get bored easily lol.

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What do you use for headphones/phone cover while you are in the pool? I have done some research for lap swims and haven’t found anything great to use.

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So I am not lap swimming and so my head never gets wet while I am pool running. I use Jaybird Wireless Headphones to listen to my podcasts from my phone (I just keep my phone by the wall and they connect from there). I will ask around for some good ones that go underwater. Hope you are having a great day Martina!

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Had a pretty quite day over here. 1) had a coffee date with my favourite man :) :) 2) Went grocery shopping 3) baked a lemon poppy seed cake – yum yum!

I LOVE variety in my workout as well!! I get bored very easy so having something different to do every day is a must! Btw i ve never heard of Serial… What’s all about ??
Fyi I love the turkey/sweet potato dinner. I m a little bummed cause our local grocery store doesnt stock ground turkey anymore….

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Today I am going to church, making dinner, and spending some time with my family. :) I love mixing up my workouts because it keeps me excited about going to the gym and I love feeling sore in different areas of my body. :) I’m so excited to take my daughter to Kung Fu Panda 3! She saw the preview and loved it so I know she will loved the movie! She is almost two :)

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Jacobs ladder is a killer!!! I would see people hop on and they’d be finished in, like, 4 minutes. I was so confused….until I actually tried it!! Please let us know what you think.

I used to do the same gym workout for cross training….stair climber….sometime for two hours (to mimic the time I would be spending running)! Looking back, I wonder how on earth I ever did that!?!? So boring, so monotonous…and not really good for anything after a certain point.
Now I mix it up…running, boot camp classes, yoga, walking.

Your lunch has me drooling!!!
And YAY for big girl furniture!!! Is it weird that I’m secretly jealous of that tufted bejeweled princess chair? She’s such a cutie!

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Brooke looks like she found heaven in that chair; I love the color.

TJ’s, cleaning and going out with the husband. We tried to go out yesterday but he was way too tired. Recovery takes awhile.

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Today we did a 7 mile trail run w/ friends, then brunch!
Also, running to the mall & laundry.

I love changing it up because it gives muscles you don’t use a chance to get leaner and stronger. I used to run 4 miles everyday at the gym and then do weights, but eventually found classes and now I prefer to change it up!!

Haven’t listened to serial 2 yet, but definitely did the first one!!

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3 things today: Starbucks with a friend, Starbucks for a meeting, and grocery shopping. Jacob’s Ladder is so hard! I can do maybe 5 minutes max on it.
I have to mix up my workouts; otherwise I get bored really fast.

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3 things: church, reading, and grocery shopping! The weekends are always a quiet time for me.

I used to run 10k a day at a 8min/mile pace. No variations, no excpeptions. I was in a very unhealthy place then. Now, even though I miss my endurance (I get in about 30 miles a week now) I can run sub seven minute miles, and I don’t freak out if I can only get in a quick three miles for the day. I enjoy running much more.

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That turkey burger creation looks amazing!!

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That lunch looks amazing!! Happy almost birthday to your little nephew! Very exciting!!

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I have to switch it up! I get so bored doing the same thing everyday. My running gets better when I only run 3 or 4 times a week, and cycle or do barre the other days. Eeekk I can’t wait to listen to serial!! I need work to be less crazy so I can multitask!!
I decided to take my daughter to the park today. But I forgot the key and she fell asleep…so we just had a nice long walk. It felt good to stretch out my legs after my run this morning!

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Hiking with my friend, blogging, and visiting family tonight.

I have to get some work done today too :(

For almost 3 years I have been running on the same trail and it hasn’t gotten old. :) I don’t need to mix it up too much.

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Definitely used to be a run everyday for an hour kind of gal then embraced variety both with pace and distance, added weight training and yoga. Also used to always run alone. Now I not only enjoy variety in my workout routine and running schedule but also my running club. A lot had to do with feeling intimidated by new things and running with other people thinking I wouldn’t be fast enough. But in the end, I’ve become a much stronger runner because of all the changes.

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Running is always my “go to” activity, but when injured in the past, I have been a slave to the elliptical. Now that I’m eating more calories and WAY more fat, not only am I very rarely injured, but I’ve found that good old fashioned time off from ANY workout is the way to go when I do have a pain that won’t go away. Even a short break of a week or so will do so much to break the feeling like you have to exercise, no matter what, injured or not, which happens to a lot of us runners. After the time off, running feels so much better, too, if you haven’t been slaving away on cross training for weeks on end. I take a break every year now and haven’t been injured in four years, despite periods of high volume training. Winter is the perfect time for time off!

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Jacob’s ladder can be a great workout, however I do think it was a major contributor to a stress fracture in my foot a couple of years ago. Ease into it if you do try it :)
That salad looks amazing!!!

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I am a little leary of the Jacob’s ladder thing…. looks really tough!

Today, I hit a HUGE mile stone…. 18 miles! And it was a Solid run! Felt good!!! I think I am still in a state of euphoria! I think I might just make the 26.2 in March for my FIRST EVER MARATHON! YAY! :D

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Church, celebrating my twins birthday and extra cuddles with them.

I used to be on the stepmill for 30 minutes every day for years, followed by a 30 minute treadmill run. Those were my obsessive days, right after my twins were born and I was gym/childcare bound. Didn’t even enjoy it any longer towards the end. I ended up avoiding the stepmill for several years after that episode. ;)

Thanks for recommending serial. DH didn’t know about it them and is hooked on them now. ;) Perfect for when he is traveling. Any other podcasts you recommend?

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The Jacob’s ladder! Man that thing is killer. Currently I am a hurt runner and that thing gets my cardio up like no other. A great circuit is to do 3 minutes at 100 ft/min followed by a minute plank, some kettlebell swings, and squats, then all over again. Also Seriel season 2 is awesome. Another great podcast is “stuff that blows your mind” :)

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I get stuck in workout ruts where I only do one or two things with not much variety. For a year it was spin classes then body pump then hot yoga then running… as of now I am running and doing body pump a lot so at least there is a little variety!

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Our highlight was all the running fun we did!

Your turkey burger/sweet potato combo is legit! I will try it!

We like variety in tempo, hills, routes, distances. Hence, all our races from the marathon up to 135 miles. I get bored easily, especially with strength training.

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I’ve been wanting the try the Jacobs Ladder. I see it all the time on the Biggest Loser.

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I love the way you decorated with your lunch haha! And that first birthday cake is too cute!

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