Mind Games

During January, my gym hosted a kettle bell swing challenge.  I decided to give it a try - it was 10,000 swings in 4 weeks - I broke it down into 500 swings for 5 days a week.  I'll be honest, physically this was not a difficult challenge for me but mentally this was a tough for me!  I never expected that!  I started my Ironman training about the same time that this challenge began and the kids had several snow days during February (I had to go to the gym to do the swings because I do not have a kettle bell at home - so when the kids were home for the day, it was difficult to get to the gym!)..... and completing 500 swings after running for 1 hour or biking for 1.5 hours was tough - mentally!  But I did it!  10,000 swings in 4 weeks.  After that we did a calisthenics challenge program that consisted of 75 jumping jacks, 50 sit ups, 40 mountain climbers, 30 lunges, 25 jump squats, 20 pushups, and 10 burpees.  week 1 = 1 set, week 2 = 2 sets, week 3 = 3 sets, week 4 = 4 sets.  I've really enjoyed this challenge because I can complete this one in the basement at home :)  And I feel like it's giving me a good core base for my triathlon season.

 

Winter is really dragging on and on and on here in the Midwest --- but I really feel like I've had some breakthrough moments in my training - I've learned that your workout will be what you want it to be - if you have a negative attitude going into it (specifically a run for me) - you will probably run slow and feel sluggish, but if you start out the run with a positive attitude and a specific pace in mind - good things will happen! 

 

Last weekend, I was able to get outside for TWO ten mile runs!  I was so happy to be running outside and NOT on the treadmill.  The first day, I was able to maintain a 7:29 pace and the second day ran a 7:39 pace.  I'm blaming Ross for slowing me down the 2nd day --- since we ran the 10 miles together :)  Not really, he didn't slow me down.  Both days were the same "hilly" course and I was really pleased with my times. 

I'm so excited to be helping with a 5k program at my gym this spring.  I designed the tshirt and wrote the training programs.  I'm also teaching some information sessions on hydration, nutrition, dynamic exercises, pace, etc.  So excited to share my love of running with the ladies at my gym.  The girl that babysits for me during my training activities asked me if she could participate in the training program - my heart melted! 

My sweet girl and her hot chocolate one day last week when it was snowing AGAIN!!!!