Quiet Week

I'm having one of those weeks where I just can't quite seem to fit in a workout. So here's a few bullet points so you don't forget I exist!

1. Do you miss seeing my face or reading my lovely prose? Well, never fear! You can check me out over here! That's my "fashion" blog. Really, it's just me showing you what I wear to work in the hopes I can give you some useful ideas. If you own clothes that you aren't sure what to do with, please go check it out and/or like it on Facebook! I post there every day even when I'm not posting here.

2. I rode my bike last night after dinner for 55 minutes and averaged 17 MPH. I usually don't work out after dinner but my husband and I made a pact. I rode my bike on the trainer while he lifted weights. By the way, my butt is STILL sore from Sunday's bike ride.

3. A part of me really, really wants to try swimming laps before work but the other part of me can't quite bring myself to do it. My current excuse is that I don't have a swim cap. But, truly, the reason that I can't get myself to the pool is that I'm scared. I'm scared of not knowing the "rules. Not knowing the culture and etiquette. Being the new kid on the block who gets in everyone's way. I don't know how to "circle swim". I don't want to share a lane with someone and slow them down.

Also, I hate mornings.

Tips?

Exciting News

1. I had another employee join my lunch time strength training class and she can actually do push-ups! Hooray! Now, the challenge is to find exercises that will challenge her but not be too hard for everyone else. We did side planks today. Thirty seconds was a bit too much for some people.

1A Bird Dog (10 reps, alternate sides)
1B Roll Up (10 reps)
x2

2A Walking Lunge w/twist
2B One arm dumbbell row (10 each side)
2C Crunch & hold (10)
x2

Side steps with resistance band
x3

Front Plank (30 sec)
Left side plank (30 sec)
Right side plank (30 sec)

Push Ups – Week 1, Day 2 of hundredpushups.com

2. I decided that in my on-going goal to do things that I love, I started a fashion blog called Loop Looks!

My goal for this blog is to give other woman a chance to see real-life outfits from someone who has to commute in all four seasons, can only wear jeans to work on Fridays, and who is working with a limited clothing budget.

Please check it out and share it with your friends!

3. But the most exciting news I've gotten all day? The sports medicine doctor I'm seeing told me I can try running again!!!

We're currently working under the theory that much of my pain is caused by a spasming TFL. Not sure how accurate that is but if more stretching and PT can help me avoid surgery but keep running and working out then I'm all for it.

Although, I have to say, that walking workout I did yesterday trashed my legs. That workout is no joke. Seriously.

What I Did on My Rest Day

No Wednesday workout?  Why’s that?

Well, because I was busy after work.  Doing what?

 

Going from this:

 

To this:

 

I hadn’t gotten my hair cut since (I think) April 2011.  That’s almost 10 months. 

Crazy!  My hairdresser commented on how long my hair was and asked if I’d had it blown out or straightened to see just HOW long it was.  I mentioned that I straightened it on New Year’s Eve and that it was a lot of work.

“A lot of work?!” he exclaimed. “You ran two marathons last year and you think straightening your hair was a lot of work?!” 

Hey, there’s a reason I run instead of doing hair. 

Anyway, I love my hairdresser and he’s probably the best and cheapest in the city of Chicago (let me know if you want his info).  Of course, he’s actually IN the city whereas I technically live in the ‘burbs.  So it’s kind of a production to get there.  Which means Wednesday night I didn’t get home until after 8:00 PM.

Thankfully, I’d purchased some pre-breaded eggplant slices so I made myself quick and easy eggplant parmesan for dinner.  I highly recommend this brand if you can find it.

So, there you go.  How I spent my Wednesday evening.  Let’s just not talk about the part where I got all turned around when I got off the train to go to my hair appointment and walked at least half a mile (in heels) out of my way.  Okay? 

Bonus 11

Maggie tagged me for the 11 questions meme. Even though I already answered some earlier I figured, hey, why not do some more?

I mean, why else do we blog if not to talk about ourselves, right?

Anyway, here are 11 more things about me as asked by Maggie:

1. Why do you run?

I started running because some of my online friends were doing it and I thought, "Hey, if they can do that so can I!" Plus, I was getting pretty tired of the elliptical. I still run (when I'm not injured, anyway) because it's a great workout, it gets me out of the house, and gives me an excuse to hang out with fun people and explore new places.

2. What other athletic things do you enjoy?

I like riding my road bike. I love lifting weights. Pilates, depending on the instructor, is awesome. And dancing. I really enjoy dancing.

3. Where did you grow up?

Champaign, Illinois. I lived there from the age of two to the age of 28 (not counting the four years I was a college undergrad)

4. Why do you currently live where you do?

When I accepted my current job in downtown Chicago my husband and I were living in Champaign in a three bedroom, two car garage, fenced-in yard house. I couldn't imagine giving that up to move to an apartment or a condo or a townhouse in the city. But I also didn't want too long of a commute. We compromised on renting a three bedroom house with a garage and a yard just outside the city but that is still on a major city transit train line.

Thanks to my father-in-law for the photo!

5. Where is your favorite place in the world?

If there's one thing I know about myself, it's that I'm a homebody.

I really enjoying being at home.

Whether that's on my couch, on my back porch, or even in my bed, I enjoy it.

But my real and true favorite place?

My mom's house.

6. Do you know how to do something that not everyone can do?

I used to be able to do the splits as well as a toe-touch jump.

Of course, the last time I tried a toe-touch jump I fell on my ass so I don't know if I necessarily STILL know how to do one.

So I guess my most current unique skill is the ability to put together a last minute presentation and actually keep people engaged.

7. What foods do you hate?

I intensely dislike olives and artichokes. And cilantro.

8. What kind of car do you drive, and why did you buy it?

I drive a black 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. I used to drive a 1998 Saturn sedan but after Jason and I realized that neither of us had a car that was A. any good in the snow and B. able to transport our two large dogs without getting fur all over the back seat we decided an SUV was in order. This one was a good price, had all the options we wanted and so it came home with us.

9. Have you ever quit anything? Why?

I dropped a class in college because, after the first session, I knew it wasn't going to be as interesting as I originally thought.

I quit my previous job to take this job because the benefits at my current job are much better.

10. What was your major? If you could go back in time, would you pick something else?

My Bachelor's degree is in Psychology with a minor in Criminology. My Master's degree is in Library Science. I don't think I'd want to not have those degrees but if I got another Master's degree it would be in something more technology related or in human resources or training.

11. Where did you go to college? Why? (And if you didn't go, why?)

I went to undergrad at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. My Master's is from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. I chose Miami because I wanted a school about 4 hours away from Champaign, in a town that didn't feel too overwhelming. My step-dad knew the university president so he suggested we visit. The campus was lovely, the town was small but still had stuff to do, and I just felt more comfortable there than I did at any of the other schools I visited (Valparaiso, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Washington University in St. Louis).

For grad school I went the easy route: move back to my hometown and go to school there. I already knew I wanted to get my Library Science degree and UIUC has a nationally renowned program. Easy.

Random Things are Random

Since I was guest-lecturing at a graduate class on Tuesday evening I have no Tuesday workout to write about. But that's okay! Instead, I'm going to share 22 random facts about myself courtesy of being tagged by Kim and Lauren in the 11 Random Questions Meme. I think I'm also supposed to post 11 random things about me, but I'm going to ignore the rules and just answer their questions! Look at me, being a rebel. I'm not, usually. There, there's one random unsolicited fact about me.

From Kim:

1. What is your dream job?

I'm not really picky about the field, but my dream job would be doing something that people WANT. In so many of my jobs I've felt like a salesperson trying to sell policies and procedures that many people view as red tape. Instead I'd like to be an archivist who helps people do historical or genealogical research. I'd like to be a personal trainer who helps people feel better about themselves. I'd like to be a corporate trainer who helps people navigate the ins and outs of their jobs. Or, in a real fantasy world, I'd be a forensic pathologist. However, I have no desire to go to med school at the age of 32.

2. What is the farthest (furthest?) you have traveled from home?

I guess the furthest I've ever been is Helsinki, Finland. I loved Helsinki.

3. Do you think you can you have more than one best friend?

I think if you're an extrovert, then yes. And each of those best friends would fill a slightly different role in your life. Think Sex and the City. If you're an introvert, though, you probably only have one, maybe two people who you would consider your best friend. And they don't have to stay the same throughout your life.

4. What is your favorite cuisine?

Thai food! Which is strange since I don't like curry or cilantro, right?

5. Who is the first person you want to share news with?

Usually, Kim! Followed by my husband and my mom.

6. What are people likely to ask you to help them with?

Proofreading, training on how to do things at work, what to make for dinner, fitness ideas

7. What are you likely to ask someone to help you with?

Technology issues, cleaning and organizing

8. Why do you read blogs?

I first started reading blogs when I didn't have very many in-person friends. Reading blogs made me feel less alone. I keep reading them because it's a fun way to see what other people are doing, discover new ideas, and, still, feel like there are other people out there like me.

9. Who knows you the best?

My mom.

10. Do you believe in karma?

I believe that the decisions we make affect us much further down the road than we realize.

11. What’s something you are really interested in, that most people don’t know about? (that you are interested in it, not the thing itself)

Did you know I wrote my undergraduate honors thesis on the differences between male and female serial killers?

Yep, I did. You used to be able to find the abstract online when you Googled my name but either it's no longer there or it's just been buried by race results and professional association links.

I'm not as interested in real-life serial killers anymore but I love police procedural shows and books. The criminal justice system still fascinates me.


From Lauren:

1. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Currently, I'd love to ride the donkeys to the bottom of the Grand Canyon or hike through Alaska. Although, I just got the REI Travel catalog in the mail and a cycling trip through Vietnam or Spain sounds pretty exotic.

2. Do you have a goal / legacy that you’d like to leave behind?

I've never really thought about it before. I suppose, though, that in keeping with my previous answer of having a dream job where I give people something they want by actually helping them, I'd like to be remembered for what people learned from me.

3. What is the food you eat most frequently?

I have to say peanut butter. My day doesn't feel complete if I don't eat it at least once.

4. What is the best meal you ever ate?

The first night I arrived in Venice, Italy with my parents we found a restaurant off St. Mark's Square. We ordered the prix-fixe dinner and to this day I dream about that lasagna. I have no idea what it was but that meal was amazing.

5. Favorite Run?

The very first time I ran 18 miles will be emblazoned forever on my mind. That run could not have gone more perfectly.

6. Who did you last talk on the phone with?

As of the actual writing of this post, it was my mom.

7. What is the last book you read?

I'm sort of reading House Rules by Jodi Picoult but since I already guessed the ending (and jumped ahead to see if I was right) I'm not really feeling it. The last book I finished was Faceless Killers which was just okay.

8. Open- or closed-toe shoes in the summer?

For six years I worked at a place that didn't allow us to wear open-toed shoes to work. Hence, I hardly owned any sandals. But since starting my current job almost 4 years ago I've been slowly building up my sandal collection. Now I'm open-toed in the summer all the way.

9. What’s the coolest race swag or prize that you’ve received?

I have a few shirts that I really like but my favorite race swag is the wine glass I got at the Napa-to-Sonoma Half Marathon. I use it all the time.



10. Do you consider yourself to be shy or outgoing?

In most situations I would consider myself shy. I'm really bad at making small talk and I very rarely initiate conversations. I can be awkward in social situations as well. But that doesn't mean I don't want to hang out! It might just take me a few times to open up.

11. Do you live near or far from family?

My parents live two and a half hours away. My husband's parents live in Arizona. We also have family in the Chicago area, in Florida, and in St. Louis. Strangely, we see our parents the most even though they aren't necessarily the closest.

Now it's your turn! If you want to, you can answer any of the questions above either in your own blog or in the comments to this post. Or, if you want to answer different questions, here are 11 from me:

1. What is your favorite way to communicate with people?
2. Describe your ideal day.
3. What is your favorite photo of yourself?
4. What hobby or activity would you like to learn?
5. Which books do you re-read or which tv shows or movies do you re-watch over and over again?
6. What is one skill you've discovered about yourself in the last 2 years?
7. Do you prefer to be the organizer or just show up?
8. What is your go-to small talk topic when you find yourself in a group of people you don't know very well?
9. List three websites you visit every (or most) days.
10. Which of your habits do you wish you could break?
11. A book store is going out of business and giving away all their books for free. What section do you head towards first?

A Day in the Life

This is what my Thursday looked like:

Go to physical therapy

 

 

Go to work  

 

Stop by LOFT on my way home to check out their additional 60% off all sale items sale

 

"Official" photos of some of the things I bought 

 

   Make myself lunch for Friday



Asian Noodle Salad  Use an iPhone app called "Workout Trainer" to do just under 25 minutes including intervals on the stationary bike 

 

 

Make myself dinner

Grilled cheddar cheese and tomato with roasted carrots

Watch television

Only because the original "Criminal Minds" series isn't available via Netflix Instant Queue

And then it was basically time to get ready for bed. Exciting, huh?

The Human Body is Amazing

I went to Cleveland this weekend to see my best friend from college and attend her baby shower.

I had no plans to fit in any kind of exercise. I wanted to savor a weekend with my friend and celebrate her upcoming first child.

Little did I know I would get to witness a feat of a different kind of strength training, endurance, and pushing your body to the limits.

Yes, my friend went into labor the morning of her baby shower.

I wasn't in the room for the actual birth but I was at the hospital with her and her husband for most of Sunday and Monday. And my friend, who once thought running 10 miles was beyond her capabilities, gave birth to an adorable baby girl who has the softest skin ever.

In my mind, giving birth is probably harder than any endurance event. I have no plans or desires to have children of my own. Still, I most certainly appreciate the strength, both mental and physical, it takes to do it.

It's kind of like running a marathon. You can plan, you can visualize, and you can have a goal. But, in reality, you have very little control over what happens when the day arrives. You take what the situation gives you, you push through, and hopefully at the end you can look back and smile.

There were lots of smiles this weekend. And some pain, too, of course. And just like some marathons (Chicago, New York) there's still a ways to go even after you reach the finish line.

And then, from what I understand, you begin a different kind of endurance event: parenting :-)

(Sorry, no photos or details. Not my story to share.)

Outside the Bubble

This time last year I was out doing speedwork in the dark. (Bonus: if you go to that post you’ll get the reference I made in my previous post about the Bike That Couldn’t Slow Down).

Last night was the start of those winter speedwork sessions.  I had so much fun doing it last year and I’m a little sad that I’m not out there this year.

But, I discovered a benefit to being injured.  You have the time to do other fun things! 

Two weeks ago my favorite wine store & bar sent out an email announcing their upcoming events.  On the calendar?  A guided painting session lead by The Twisted Easel.  The goal?  Create your own version of this:

 

If I’d been able to run I would have been torn between doing speedwork and attending the painting class.  Runners are typically a little OCD and in 2011 missing a run would leave me feeling guilty.  I fully admit I can be a slave to a training schedule. 

But this year, instead of sitting around wishing I was running or feeling torn between getting in a workout or attending the class, I signed up for the painting class without a moment’s hesitation!

First, though, I arrived at the wine bar a little early and treated myself to dinner and dessert.  And, of course, some wine.

Then it was time to paint.  The instructors were amazing and walked us through every step with encouragement, guidance, and suggestions along the way.

There were about 10 ladies in attendance and we all laughed and encouraged each other while painting and drinking wine. 

It was one of the most fun evenings I’ve had in awhile.  Was it out of my comfort zone?  Definitely.  Was it a little bit therapeutic?  You bet.  I plan to hang this in my office at work to remind myself to not be so tunnel-visioned.  There are so many things out there to try. 

Like a different painting next month! 

Random Raffle Result

After the Frank Lloyd Wright 10K I filled out their online survey about the race. This apparently got me an entry into their participant raffle.

Yesterday I received an email that I had won a raffle prize!

Hooray!

Except, well, it's a "Rock N Roll Half Marathon Tech Shirt".

Which Rock N Roll Half Marathon? I'm not sure. Maybe Chicago?

Short-sleeved? Long-sleeved? Men's? Women's? Size? All unknowns.

Not to mention that I've never even run a Rock N Roll Half Marathon and I'm not a HUGE fan of wearing shirts for races I didn't run or volunteer for. I have one exception: the 2010 Quarryman 10 shirt that a coworker gave me...it's perfect for biking.

Oh, also, I can only pick up my prize between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. Considering I'm at work 40 minutes away or commuting from 8:00 AM til 5:45 PM Monday through Friday that makes it kind of difficult.

I mean, I don't want to look a gift horse in the mouth, but, really, what if it's a horse you didn't really want in the first place?

So, anyone else want a mystery Rock N Roll Half Marathon Tech Shirt and can pick it up in Oak Park, IL during business hours?

Or maybe I should email them and say "Thanks, but no thanks" and suggest they draw another name. That would be the charitable thing to do, huh?

The White Stuff

In case you didn't hear, Chicago got hammered with snow on Tuesday night. But don't worry, I'm home safe and sound and was not crazy enough to attempt running during a blizzard.

However, I do have some fun things to talk about in my Weekly Workout Wround Up post next week. But, until then, here's a glimpse into how I spent my Wednesday:

Let There Be Light

Yesterday I didn't run and I didn't go to the gym. Instead, Jason and I spent over an hour and a half outside turning the front of our house into this:





Hanging Christmas lights in sub-freezing temperatures counts as a workout, right?

When a Runner Can't Run

So what have I been up to since I'm still resting?



Sleeping in!



Spending quality time with the escalator to nowhere.



Stretching



Icing



Attending birthday parties



Going out to dinner



Doing yard work



Going grocery shopping



Drinking wine



Hey, not running equals resting in my book!

So, how about you? What do you do when you can't run?