Category Archives: Workouts

Jazzercise Pink Dance Party

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Happy Monday morning! I know we’re all excited to start a new week..right?? Okay, maybe not. I’m pretty exhausted and could’ve used about 3 more days of rest. Hopefully I’ll feel different after another cup of coffee!

Last night I promised you a new Crock Pot recipe that I tried out, but I want to back up before dinner yesterday for this post. I promise the recipe later today. 🙂

Yesterday morning started bright and early because I couldn’t sleep! I thought after my long run on Saturday that I would be able to sleep straight through to my alarm at 7 AM, but no such luck. I awoke at 6 AM with a rambunctious dog crying at the foot of my bed. Mac and I got up, got the morning paper, and set out on a quick 3 mile run to warm up my sore body.

The weather was around 40 degrees, and we met lots of other runners along our path. It was a nice little morning to be out and about I guess! We made it home in about 26 minutes, and I immediately sat down in our livingroom floor to stretch out my sore quads and glutes.

The rest of the morning continued on with some hot breakfast and lots of coffee!

IMG_2343I toasted an English muffin and spread it with raspberry jelly before topping one side with some colby jack cheese. I love the combo of salty and sweet! I also had some Greek yogurt on the side for extra protein.

Jazzercise Pink Dance Party

I did some grocery shopping and had lunch before heading over to Jazzercise for our Pink Dance Party! We hosted a fundraiser class for some students that are raising money for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. They are walking this upcoming Saturday in the American Cancer Society’s event. Everyone (not just Jazzer students!) were encouraged to attend and give a donation of $10. And of course, we encouraged everyone to wear pink!

IMG_2354Several members of our instructor team, including myself, volunteered to teach a fun Jazzercise Plus class that included a few more cardio songs and less body sculpting. We made sure we threw in as many ‘tata’ songs as possible!

IMG_2352Our turnout was fairly light, but we still had a great time! And my favorite part (besides the dancing)?? Cupcakes. 🙂

IMG_2356Yum! I had several of these tiny cupcakes and didn’t even feel guilty. We worked up quite a sweat during this special class!

IMG_2358I’m once again reminded of how blessed I am to be a part of such an awesome group of ladies. My friends from Jazzercise are some of the most fun and caring people I know!

And then after this fun class we headed to the London Calling double decker bus for an instructor meeting!

IMG_2361Cool, huh?! I think it’s pretty darn awesome. One of my fellow instructors is opening up a food truck here in Springfield called the London Calling Pasty Company, and this double decker is only part of their fun set up! If you like British food and are in the area, stop by London Calling starting this Friday! I can’t wait to try out some homemade meat pies. 🙂

Well I hope you enjoy your Monday! I’ll see you all later today!

 

Sunshine Run 10K

Daily Life!, Workouts, ,

Well, I did it folks! 10K has been completed and totally dominated. IMG_2254Yesterday morning I ran my very first 10K in the Sunshine Run 10K here in Springfield, and I had a blast!

The day started out rainy and stormy, so I was definitely awake early and worrying about the weather. My race was at 8:30 am, so I was sure to wake up by around 6:30 to get some food in my belly and be sure I had everything ready to go. I had some Cheerios and an apple to keep it light on my tummy. And of course I had my typical morning coffee – just not quite as much as normal.

IMG_2245I was dressed and ready to head out with Nick by my side around 8 am. The race started at Hammon’s Field, home of the Springfield Cardinals, which isn’t too far from my house. It was also absolutely POURING rain at this point, so I was in no rush to get there early and stand in the rain. 🙂

IMG_2246See all the water on the field? It was intense. Luckily right as we arrived the rain started to lighten up, and it was totally done by the time I got to the starting line.

IMG_2247 IMG_2238The rain definitely kept the numbers down. I went to the starting line probably 5 minutes before race time, and I was still way up in front. I was getting extra nervous at this point!

IMG_2240This was also my first timed race, so I was worried about my chip the whole time. Silly, I know. It stayed right in place the whole 6 miles.

We took off quickly, and I settled into my normal groove of running and breathing. I don’t listen to music when I run outside, so I tend to focus on my breathing a lot. It paid off too! I found a good set of people to help me pace easily, and the 6.2 miles flew by. It was a ‘down and back’ course, which isn’t my fave. The course seemed to be uphill the whole return trip though, which kept my mind off the course itself and more on me picking up my feet and not passing out. 🙂

IMG_2249 IMG_2248Nick caught these photos of me right outside the stadium which is where the race ended. I was so happy to see him cheering me on and to know that I was almost done! The race ended after one lap around the outskirts of the field. This is where I got completely muddy and gross! But with the finish line in site, I didn’t mind too much.

IMG_2250Woo!! I ended up running a little more than 6.2 miles (I was not hugging the inside of the track enough!) in 50:54 officially. My pace was 8:10 per mile which is my fastest yet!

IMG_2241And with those numbers, I was super happy but completely pooped.

IMG_2253I’m exhausted and sweaty in this photo. Can you tell?? HA! And look at this fancy pose…

IMG_2256I’m super cool, I know. 😛

IMG_2242And here is just a taste of all the mud that got slung up on my legs during my final lap in the stadium. Yuck!

They handed out bananas, Greek yogurt, and protein bars along with lots of water after the race, but nothing sounded good to me for a bit. So we headed on home where I finally stomached some yogurt and showered off. It was such a fun time!

This was way different from the other races I had been in though. I showed up just on time to run, and then I headed home as soon as I caught my breath and had some water. It wasn’t the most fun race as far as activities and huge crowds, but I still loved it, especially since I was so happy with my time. 🙂 Plus I placed 61st overall, and 2nd in my age group. Woot! And for the record, I really don’t care about all the numbers and stuff. I just set out on this run with a goal of finishing strong without any walk breaks. And that I did with ease! So it’s a win in my book.

The rest of the day consisted of relaxing and lots of eating to fuel my running tummy! I got on my comfiest outfit and we headed out to lunch at TGIFridays.

IMG_2258Ha. Once again, I’m super cool. I had a grilled chicken salad with lots of blue cheese, avocado, and a balsamic vinaigrette.

IMG_2259I had one happy tummy. It was the perfect post race meal. It just took me a while to gain my appetite, but no worries, it showed up and hasn’t quite gone away yet!

Overall, I’m really proud that I completed my 10K without any issues, and I’m hoping that I have many more races ahead of me. Running is tough, but it’s extremely addictive. I love it!

IMG_2272Have a great night everyone. I have something yummy cooking in my Crockpot for our dinner on this nice cool, Fall evening. Recipe to come asap! See you then!

Just Keep Running

Daily Life!, Workouts, ,

Morning Run

This morning started at 5:15 when my alarm went off. I told myself last night that I would wake up early today and get in a fairly long run before work. When that alarm went off, I had every intention of just going back to sleep. I felt like I could sleep for at least 3 more hours! And this isn’t normal for me – I’m the annoying morning person that pops out of bed with a smile on my face. Well not today…

I fought with myself for a moment or two before dragging myself into the closet to find some weather-appropriate running clothes. During my morning runs lately, it’s not cool enough to warrant long sleeves or a jacket, so I’m still just sticking with the standard running crops and bright colored tank. I’m still waiting on the cooler temperatures that should have arrived with October and Fall!

I made it 5 miles and completely wanted to head home. I was exhausted, and my legs were starting to ache. I pushed through the last mile to make my 10K distance for the day…but I didn’t like it! I was so thankful to make it to my driveway after the 52 minute run. I felt glorious afterwards like I usually do. It just took a bit more effort today to get there.

The whole run I had the little song that Dory sings on Finding Nemo in my head, but more running appropriate. Just keep running, just keep running, just keep running, running, running… That movie warms my heart!

Breakfast

photo(121) photo(122)Breakfast was typical today except for this Chobani yogurt. Look at this weird stuff! It was passion fruit flavor and had real passion fruit seeds in it. It was strange but ended up being my favorite part of breakfast! I will definitely be purchasing it again soon! Maybe I’m not such a yogurt snob after all. 🙂

The rest of the day flew by at work. I had a normal lunch with a salad and some scrambled eggs. And now tonight Nick and I are just munching around the kitchen for dinner since I’ve been cleaning and doing laundry. I got nothing done last weekend around the house, so tonight I’ve gotta make up for it! I also decided between 2 different dresses for the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks ‘Hooked on Dance’ gala we are attending on Friday night. I can’t wait for Friday evening now!

Have a great night!