Semi-Wordless Wednesday: Coolest CEO Ever Edition

Happy Hump Day!  I hope everyone is having a super week.  My week has been a little crazy, but that seems to be the norm when I have a short work week.

The CEO of my company decided to turn one of our conference rooms into a gym.  This is where I will be spending most of my lunches from now on.  #Triathlete'sDream

Today's midday run- easy 3 mile run.

I did my first run in my fancy new trainers- Adidas adiZero Boston 3. They super light weight  and feel awesome.  This weekend I caved and bought a pair of Newtons, so during my transition those, I will be rocking these flashy shoes.  FYI for non-runners- you cannot jump right into wearing Newtons.  Newton running shoes are designed to make you a more efficient runner.  So if you are a heel striker like me, it is going to take time for the muscles and tendons to adjust to the new running form.  

Race Weekend: Kickoff Edition

Happy Friday everyone!

I am pretty pumped about this weekend because it will be my first race since the Rock N Roll Half Marthon in March.  Luray is also special for another reason.  This weekend will kick off what is going to be an exciting and challenging year and half.  I have signed up for IM USA, and hope to be able to sign up for IM Florida in a couple months.  If I one of the lucky folks who can get in to IM Florida, I will be attempting to do 2 full iron distance races in 2013. Like I said above, exciting, but CHALLENGING 2013.  However, I think I am totally up for the challenge.

Not racing in 2012 has made me realize how much I miss doing it.  Not to mention, how much it motivates me. Don't get me wrong, I have been working out.  I am just more inclined to have a 2nd or a 3rd glass of wine on a Saturday night if I know I don't have to bike 100 miles on Sunday morning. I also have developed a nasty habit of turning off my alarm and going back to sleep when I have an early swim practice. This may explain why I haven't been in the pool for 2 months. :P

Ironman training does not start for awhile; however, this weekend is when everything starts for me.  My plan is to start to get back into racing shape.  Translation- starting to train for triathlons again instead of just running. What does my race schedule look like?  Well until late October, I am running. :)  What do you expect? I love running!  So this is what I have coming up. 

1. Ragnar Relay Washington, DC ULTRA: September 21-22
2. Army 10-Miler: October 21
3. Marine Corp Marathon: October 28

After MCM, my #1 focus will be getting to team cycling workouts.  I have the most room for improvement on the bike, so I am really going to capitalize on that this winter.  SPIN, SPIN, SPIN.  As for late fall and winter races, I am not sure yet.  However, I am pretty sure that I do not want to do a marathon this winter.  Because of my profession, the first few months of the year are brutal, so I think it is wise to just focus on getting my workouts in and having fun. More to come on that stuff later though. :)

Good luck to everyone racing this weekend!

Oh and here are my new flashy trainers.  #I<3NewRunningShoes



Sooooo pretty and sooo comfortable.



Three Things Thursday

1. I am almost 2 months into my MCM training, and my hill workouts are finally getting easier. Woop woop!  Last night after a brutal day at work, I pulled on my trainers and went for a run on the Custis Trail.  Running was the last thing I wanted to do, so I wouldn't say my heart was really in the run.  However, after the first 3 miles, my legs loosen up, and I negatived spilt the last 3 miles.  Translation- AWESOME!!  It is nice to see that my training is paying off.  My hill workouts were kicking my tush last month, so I am thrilled that I am now doing the tush kicking. 
2. My friend just posted some of the vacation pictures from Costa Rica. Yep, that's right, I was in Costa Rica. :)  If you haven't been, I highly recommend going to CR.  The people are very friendly, the country is breathtaking, and there are a ton of fun things to do.  I will post more pictures later, but here are a few.

   

   Horseback riding was a blast.  Clearly, I wasn't expecting to go that afternoon or I would have wouldn jeans and boots.  :)

   

   I tried Rambutans for the first time.  Here is what Wikki says about them.

   

   I saw wild monkeys!!! They were everywhere.  Check out this guy above. It looks like he is taking a nap.

   
3. Today is new shoe day.  I know it is silly, but I get excited when I get to buy new running shoes. I love the feeling of running in new shoes.  It is like you are running on clouds. #Totalrunnerdork. 

Happy almost Friday!