Well we made it through the first day of 2016 - go us!
What is it about a New Year that is both so inspiring and completely panic inducing? I haven't been that great about setting "New Years Resolutions" the past couple of years. My goals are usually either too vague or too specific if you have not yet gathered this, there is not much grey-area in my life so I end up not knowing how to go about pursuing my vague goals or I miss one day of drinking warm water with lemon and cayenne in the morning and all is shot to hell.
Some people like to focus on shedding the baggage of the previous year, getting rid of what did not serve them, which I am all for. 2015 was a bitch. Not totally bad, not totally good, just bitchy. A lot of what went down is not my story to tell - there were career changes to varying degrees of success; movings out, movings in, movings back out; truly amazing people were lost; injuries came and went and came back again; harsh realties were faced. That's not to say 2015 didn't have it's great times, it most certainly did. But for me, it was what I like to call a "learning year."
So where exactly does that leave on 1/1/2016?
Well, I spent the last night of 2015 having a wonderful dinner with the two greatest parents a person could ever ask for. Then I went off to ring in the New Year with my sister, Guinness in one hand Champagne in the other. Yes I showered, put on makeup and real clothes, I also managed to get home at a reasonable hour AND take off said makeup before bed - if that's not adulting please tell me what is.
What are you doing New Years Day?
A whole lot of nothing honestly. My ankle and ITB are still pretty angry at me, and while the last thing I wanted to do was to start a new year injured, I can now honestly say that missing one week of training is not worth doing any more permanent harm to my body. So it was Pure Barre ftw this morning, maybe 2016 will be the year I get abs and an ass? a girl can dream I cancelled my Weight Watchers account, which is big for me. I joined forever ago to lose the pounds I gained post-college and pre-running. It originally held me accountable for poor diet and exercise choices, but eventually turned into a restrictive obsession that was at odds with a heavy training load. See, major learning going on here I got my first day of free coffee with my new Starbucks Tumbler I love Chistmas presents. I made freaking Broiled Lamb Chops from my Runner's World Meals on the Run Cookbook Seriously, I love Christmas presents. And now I'm here taking to you fine people, getting ready for bed and focusing on all of the great things I already have to look forward to in 2016.
Tomorrow morning I am going to get up and try to have the best day I can, I think maybe that will be my 2016 Resolution.
Sorry Yoda.
Friday, January 1, 2016
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Tuesday Troubles
and by Winter I mean it's 46 and sleeted for a hot sec
2. Ankle, still bruised and sore
2. Ankle, still bruised and sore
8 miles on the schedule today that are probably not going to happen
3. TUESDAYS
what I can say, we just do not get along
But I'm pretty tired of being a Debbie Downer SO
Things could be A LOT worse, so here's a few things I should be/am thankful for this Tuesday
- Commuting from my parents house means I don't have to walk 3 miles to and from the PATH on a bum ankle
- If I can't run at least it's on a SUPER gross day
- I have a STACK of Disney DVD's from Christmas to distract me and make me smile
- Instead of throwing a tantrum, WebMDing myself into a meltdown or just running anyway "because it doesn't hurt THAT bad" - I went to the doctor for some professional advice and found out Doc has some SERIOUS taping skills
I feel like the Terminator just kicking back in my couch fort - A little perspective from Andrea Duke
- Today is my Friday - no more work for 2015!
Not gonna lie I'm still really upset about my ankle and it's pretty much constantly in the back of my mind. But it happened, it's happened before, and let's be honest it will happen again. If I'm going to be a runner at some point I will have to accept that this shit comes with the territory, why not start now?
Your Turn!
Are you a Debbie Downer or a Pollyanna?
If you're a Pollyanna will you teach me your skills?
How you do deal with running injuries and setbacks?
Can anyone beat Doc in the kinesio tape department?
Your Turn!
Are you a Debbie Downer or a Pollyanna?
If you're a Pollyanna will you teach me your skills?
How you do deal with running injuries and setbacks?
Can anyone beat Doc in the kinesio tape department?
Monday, December 28, 2015
Why I can't have nice things
Alternate title: Pity Party table of 1
Alternate alternate title: When your Mom asks you if you would consider wearing a head lamp
Seriously you would think going in to work for TWO FREAKING DAYS would not be so hard, like suck it up Sally...
Since I am only going to the city twice this week I figured it would be easier to take the train in from my parent's house instead of lugging all my shit back and forth to Hoboken, totally solid idea, until I remembered how much I hate commuting from my parents house.
which hit home at around 10pm last night - or like 3/4 of the through Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 if you tell time by ABC Family Marathons which I absolutely do.
via GIPHY
There was one bright spot to my Sunday Bumday mopeyness, while I was loathe to wake up at the ACOD that's Ass Crack of Dawn for all you nice adults who don't swear to get my run in, I would get to do sporting my beautiful new Garmin Forerunner 225 my parents put Santa Clause TO SHAME this year, just, I can't
Sure enough 5am rolls around, it is pitch-freaking black out and I am just looking for any reason to stay in bed. Whatevs. I suit up and gently put on my new 225 convinced I am going to somehow break it ? Me and the new watch are cruising along the dark. as. night. streets of my hometown and I make the idiotic decision to run through the park. Where there are literally no lights. And no sidewalk. I'm already pretty grumpy and trying to talk myself out of a bad mood when foot meets pothole and my ankle goes down hard. Hey at least we know the pause button on the Forerunner 225 works?
Luckily I had just hit my turn around point and only had to head back home. The way back was not exactly painful, but somewhat uncomfortable, and mentally stressful as I started rewinding back to how hard it was dealing with my last injury and what how badly I would lose my shit if I had to stop running again. I would like to think that I will take all of the lessons I learned from this year's injury and use them to make calm, rational decisions regarding my ankle and future injuries, but very little about me is calm or rational - so we'll see how that goes. As for now I am slathered in Pain Relief Foot Cream, stuffed into Compression socks, sending my ankle healing thoughts and checking out my less than stellar stats from this morning's run.
2016 New Years Resolution = NO. MORE. INJURIES
Now more about my awesome Christmas present:
I have only ever run with Garmin Forerunners and I have loved them all, to the point where I'm sad to say good bye to my old ones even when my new watch is prettier and all technical and crap.
My first watch was the Garmin Forerunner 10 in pink of course and I got Pops his own not pink when he started running. The 110 was great when I was a newbie runner, but I did run into issues getting a GPS signal. Some days it would take a while to sync, and if I tried to run in NYC fugghetaboutit, I never got anything. About two years ago I upgraded to the Forerunner 220 and it was my everything, I named it Bob, we were besties. It's been with me ever since, without one single problem well there were many problems but they all fall in the category of user error.
I had my eye on the Forerunner 225 since it was announced in May, but never worked up the nerve to get it mostly because I was seriously that attached to my 220. I really try to keep myself away from the crazy bell and whistle running gadgets because all the hype drives me bonkers. Honestly as long as I can get my times, mileage, and plug in some interval training, I'm a happy camper. But, in an effort to be more aware of my health, and other such normal adult things, I was jonesing for a heart rate monitor and knew there was NCIH i would wear a heart rate strap hello, chafing, no thank you. Multiple doctors this year asked me if I monitored my heart rate, especially during my runs, and I started to think there may be some value to what they were saying. So the Forerunner 225 made it's way to the top of my Christmas List this year, and as previously mentioned my parents are completely insane, because it was waiting for me underneath our tree this year!
I am the opposite of technically savvy but I really do want to pay more attention to what I put my body through during training so stay tuned for more adventures as I try and figure out how to use my new toy!
Now I know half of you are at home and the other half are at work doing nothing so let's #runchat!
What should we name the Forerunner 225?
What is your must have running accessory?
Is Monday being a bitch to you too?
Alternate alternate title: When your Mom asks you if you would consider wearing a head lamp
Seriously you would think going in to work for TWO FREAKING DAYS would not be so hard, like suck it up Sally...
Since I am only going to the city twice this week I figured it would be easier to take the train in from my parent's house instead of lugging all my shit back and forth to Hoboken, totally solid idea, until I remembered how much I hate commuting from my parents house.
which hit home at around 10pm last night - or like 3/4 of the through Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 if you tell time by ABC Family Marathons which I absolutely do.
via GIPHY
There was one bright spot to my Sunday Bumday mopeyness, while I was loathe to wake up at the ACOD that's Ass Crack of Dawn for all you nice adults who don't swear to get my run in, I would get to do sporting my beautiful new Garmin Forerunner 225 my parents put Santa Clause TO SHAME this year, just, I can't
Sure enough 5am rolls around, it is pitch-freaking black out and I am just looking for any reason to stay in bed. Whatevs. I suit up and gently put on my new 225 convinced I am going to somehow break it ? Me and the new watch are cruising along the dark. as. night. streets of my hometown and I make the idiotic decision to run through the park. Where there are literally no lights. And no sidewalk. I'm already pretty grumpy and trying to talk myself out of a bad mood when foot meets pothole and my ankle goes down hard. Hey at least we know the pause button on the Forerunner 225 works?
Luckily I had just hit my turn around point and only had to head back home. The way back was not exactly painful, but somewhat uncomfortable, and mentally stressful as I started rewinding back to how hard it was dealing with my last injury and what how badly I would lose my shit if I had to stop running again. I would like to think that I will take all of the lessons I learned from this year's injury and use them to make calm, rational decisions regarding my ankle and future injuries, but very little about me is calm or rational - so we'll see how that goes. As for now I am slathered in Pain Relief Foot Cream, stuffed into Compression socks, sending my ankle healing thoughts and checking out my less than stellar stats from this morning's run.
 |
| Now I can see when I fell in 3 different very pretty ways! |
2016 New Years Resolution = NO. MORE. INJURIES
Now more about my awesome Christmas present:
I have only ever run with Garmin Forerunners and I have loved them all, to the point where I'm sad to say good bye to my old ones even when my new watch is prettier and all technical and crap.
My first watch was the Garmin Forerunner 10 in pink of course and I got Pops his own not pink when he started running. The 110 was great when I was a newbie runner, but I did run into issues getting a GPS signal. Some days it would take a while to sync, and if I tried to run in NYC fugghetaboutit, I never got anything. About two years ago I upgraded to the Forerunner 220 and it was my everything, I named it Bob, we were besties. It's been with me ever since, without one single problem well there were many problems but they all fall in the category of user error.
I had my eye on the Forerunner 225 since it was announced in May, but never worked up the nerve to get it mostly because I was seriously that attached to my 220. I really try to keep myself away from the crazy bell and whistle running gadgets because all the hype drives me bonkers. Honestly as long as I can get my times, mileage, and plug in some interval training, I'm a happy camper. But, in an effort to be more aware of my health, and other such normal adult things, I was jonesing for a heart rate monitor and knew there was NCIH i would wear a heart rate strap hello, chafing, no thank you. Multiple doctors this year asked me if I monitored my heart rate, especially during my runs, and I started to think there may be some value to what they were saying. So the Forerunner 225 made it's way to the top of my Christmas List this year, and as previously mentioned my parents are completely insane, because it was waiting for me underneath our tree this year!
 |
| MOVE bitch |
Now I know half of you are at home and the other half are at work doing nothing so let's #runchat!
What should we name the Forerunner 225?
What is your must have running accessory?
Is Monday being a bitch to you too?
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Found Dory!
I mean you're probably already aware, but if not.... Just. Keep. Swimming.
That's all.
-Stay caffeinated my friends
Monday, November 9, 2015
Girl Power, Sisters before Misters
Last week was a very odd combination of lots of good things and lots of really annoying things that just would not go away, I felt like I was trying to play Whack-a-Mole at times. By the time Friday came around I was just over the unnecessary worrying and tired of trying to control things that were in fact outside of my control. Which is when I came home to this.
For example:
When I basically broke the left side of my body and was having a complete meltdown about being injured, she posted this story about her Achilles - Ask Lauren Fleshman
When I was terrified of attempting to run the Marine Corps Marathon after said injury, this popped up as Runner's World QOTD
 |
...and I have just come to the realization that LF is actually my Fairy Godmother...so add that to her list of accomplishments.
The girl crushing continued on Saturday when I got to spend some much needed quality time with my Mom and Sister getting ready for my Cousin's "Engagement Party." Aka it wasn't a real engagement party, we just all happened to be getting together and will use any excuse necessary to buy large quantities of Champagne and make multiple trips to Michael's. The McCrystal girls far outnumber the men in both quantity and volume, so it was obviously all about us Saturday night.
And the Happy Couple, of course.
We're going to politely gloss over the majority of Sunday morning, as said Champagne and cookies took quite the toll on my poor sad body. But sometimes you really just need an excuse to load up the DVR with Quantico and crush on Priyanka Chopra and that chick from UnREAL who was also on Greek and you just kind of hate to love. I could have quite literally spent all day moping on the couch. But this chick decided to win the Big Sur Half Marathon, and I was like ok Kara would want me to get up and be productive.
Been a long time since I broke the tape! Thank you for all the support today! 71:13. Onward and upward!! ❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/bEzTvBr2C2— Kara Goucher (@karagoucher)
So in her honor, I pulled on my KG Tights, Oiselle trials hoodie, and managed to do semi-productive (normal people things) like laundry, errands and a quick 3-mile recovery run + conditioning. This is why you should always ask yourself WWKGD because chances are it's a lot better than whatever you're currently doing. [unless you are watching Quantico, because it's just a really good show and I'm sure Kara would agree].Life is a whole lot better when you're surrounded (physically and digitally?) by people who inspire you. I was reminded this weekend that I am a lucky did, let's see how long the warm and fuzzies last when faced with weekdays!
-Stay caffeinated my friends
Friday, November 6, 2015
Friday Faves
For someone who is extremely anal about when/where Holidays can be celebrated I feel like the majority of the things that I’m loving this week are Holiday related. Perhaps I am getting lax in my old age.
My Favorite Things, from Oprah’s Favorite Things
Believe it or not, I was not really aware of Oprah’s Favorite Things Episode until I got to college. A suitemate had it on her room when I walked by her room and needless to say I never made it to my class that day. Pretty much the entire suite ended up piled onto the two twin beds, hysterically crying, because Oprah
Ever since I’ve been addicted to Oprah’s Annual Christmas list because, the chick has pretty awesome taste, and it always reminds me of happy college days. While I sure as hell can't afford the majority of the things on Ms. Winfrey's Wish List, there were a few things that stood out and might just make their way on to mine!
- Typhoon Vision Stainless Steel Digital Food Kitchen Scale
- Arlington Milne Women's Large Wallet
- Modern Sprout Kitchen Herb Kit
- Peace Love World Women's I Love Sundays Comfy Cozy Sweatshirt
- Butter London The Ultimate Lacquer Wardrobe
- Carousel Cakes Elvis Cake but please don't get it for me cause I will stick my face in it
The IKEA Commercial that gives you ALL THE FEELS!
A rando posted this on Facebook, and I was legitimately bawling my eyes out at work, no shame.
A rando posted this on Facebook, and I was legitimately bawling my eyes out at work, no shame.
JT at the CMA's yaaaaassss
I do not like Country
I used to hate JT
but damn
I have a very strict “No Christmas before Thanksgiving Rule.” But even I will concede for a special occasion. Home Alone is one of the most treasured movies in our Christmas collection and a family favorite around the Holidays. No way in hell I was missing out on seeing in theaters for the first time (it came out when I was 4).
Hope everyone out there in blogland is enjoying Friday and their own favorites!
- Stay caffeinated my friends
and keep the change ya filthy animal
Hope everyone out there in blogland is enjoying Friday and their own favorites!
- Stay caffeinated my friends
and keep the change ya filthy animal
Talk amongst yourselves:
Oprah’s Favorite Things - yay or nay?
Two thumbs up from this girl!
Fan of Country music (try going to college in North Carolina before you answer that particular question)
Um, no.
What’s your policy on the start of the Christmas season? Chose your answer wisely because I may hunt you down…
The Christmas Season officially begins at 12pmET Thanksgiving Day when Santa Claus makes his first appearance at The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Favorite Home Alone line? Character?
Character: Uncle Frank, obviously.
Line: You supposedly can't pick a favorite child, I imagine this is a similar situation.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Don't Call it a Comeback
Why is it that regardless of the training plan, coach, whatever I'm using - Tuesdays always equal speed work? Let's just also say that Tuesdays and I don't really get along in general. Monday I can handle because you're all "it's a new week, anything is possible, I'm going to change the world!" then you wake up Tuesday morning and it's all nope, still the same, of and you still have four more days until the weekend! But I digress...
Today was my first real day back to "training" which means my life once again has some semblance of order, at least before 9am. I'm using Jason Fitzgerald's Injury Prevention for Runners plan, and am looking forward to cutting back my mileage a bit and putting more focus on improving my running from the bottom up. Let's just call it getting back to basics.
Today's workout called for a quick warmup, 6 miles with 8x1' Fartleks at 10k pace, followed by some core work.
Here's how that goes:
(day before)
Psht, 6 miles that's not too bad
(night before - cut to me trying to do the math on how long the Fartleks and corresponding jogging rest will take)
hmmmm this is adding up, I'm going to go to bed at 9:30pm and get up at 4:30am and conquer life!
(9:30pm the night before)
crap
(4:30am)
zzzzzzzzzzz
(4:50am)
alright alright I'm up
(5:30 am)
Finally out the door - OMG this is perfect running weather, I feel great, this is awesome, best day ever!
(runs the 3 miles to get to the track)
Alright let's freaking do this
(Round 1)
I'm so fast
(Round 2)
starts sweating
(Round 3)
how many of these are there
(Round 4)
HALFWAY
(Round 5)
speed work is the devil
(Round 6)
you are so going to be late for work
(Round 7)
Tuesdays suck
(Round 8)
Boom...done...
now go run 3 miles home
Not only did I go home and do my core work (all like 10 minutes of it) I freaking showered, ate breakfast, put on makeup, and generally acted like a normal human being - which is impressive for me.
I then spent the rest of the day feeling entitled to a nap/being cranky, because hello I did speed work this morning, so no I do not feel like being productive, thank you.
Takeaway: Training again, complaining about training again, life is back to normal.
-stay caffeinated my friends
Today was my first real day back to "training" which means my life once again has some semblance of order, at least before 9am. I'm using Jason Fitzgerald's Injury Prevention for Runners plan, and am looking forward to cutting back my mileage a bit and putting more focus on improving my running from the bottom up. Let's just call it getting back to basics.
 |
| Who's not amused it's Tuesday! |
Today's workout called for a quick warmup, 6 miles with 8x1' Fartleks at 10k pace, followed by some core work.
Here's how that goes:
(day before)
Psht, 6 miles that's not too bad
(night before - cut to me trying to do the math on how long the Fartleks and corresponding jogging rest will take)
hmmmm this is adding up, I'm going to go to bed at 9:30pm and get up at 4:30am and conquer life!
(9:30pm the night before)
crap
(4:30am)
zzzzzzzzzzz
(4:50am)
alright alright I'm up
(5:30 am)
Finally out the door - OMG this is perfect running weather, I feel great, this is awesome, best day ever!
(runs the 3 miles to get to the track)
Alright let's freaking do this
 |
| If you're must do Fartleks, do them with a killer view! |
(Round 1)
I'm so fast
(Round 2)
starts sweating
(Round 3)
how many of these are there
(Round 4)
HALFWAY
(Round 5)
speed work is the devil
(Round 6)
you are so going to be late for work
(Round 7)
Tuesdays suck
(Round 8)
Boom...done...
now go run 3 miles home
Not only did I go home and do my core work (all like 10 minutes of it) I freaking showered, ate breakfast, put on makeup, and generally acted like a normal human being - which is impressive for me.
I then spent the rest of the day feeling entitled to a nap/being cranky, because hello I did speed work this morning, so no I do not feel like being productive, thank you.
Takeaway: Training again, complaining about training again, life is back to normal.
-stay caffeinated my friends
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