Oh my. Oh yes. So this past weekend was my 6.2 mile trail run, or a 10K for you running aficionados. Yes, I spell-checked that. I think that this race was a good measure of my current toughness level. I am giving myself a 4 out of 10, feel free to debate!
Now, I have never done a trail run, I like flat surfaces. I knew that a trail run was going to be a challenge. I did not know that 2 miles in I would say, "So...how would you guys feel about making this a 5K and training for a redo?"
Goodness. After running for...forever...we approached a water station and assumed that we would at LEAST be at the 3 mile mark. Nope. 1.99 to be exact. Trail running is a whole different animal my friends, let me tell you. This is not to say that I didn't LOVE it and that I am not already signed up for the August 28, 2011 run. It was just way harder than I was expecting, but I had great people to run with (Erin and Grant! Shout out!).
I did get 2 huge reality checks this past weekend. #1 - I am dead meat in the Boilermaker in 2 weeks. Nine miles, all hills. Running up the bike trails in Oleta was fun but HARD! And I only did 1/3 of what I'm about to attempt. Does it raise my toughness number a point that I'm going to do it one way or the other? Running, walking, or crawling: I am finishing that race.
Reality check #2 - the Tough Mudder is going to be tough. I knew that, but I really like yoga. And jogging. And bubble baths. And reading. And wine. Two weeks in and I am starting to get a little nervous about my abilities. We are signing up next week, so it's go time. I need to put my money ($110) where my blog is.
And with that, I am off. Stay tuned for my next blog....we can talk about what I've been eating! I know it, get excited now!
Song of the day: None! Erin and Grant's awesomeness got me through trail run 10K day! Thanks guys!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
Welcome to another meeting THA...
Hello. My name is Nikki, and I'm a treadmill hater. It's true, and I know it's mean. Treadmills didn't do anything to me. I'm sure it takes way more effort to hate someone, as opposed to just letting them not effect your mood at all. However, they just freaking suck. One mile on a treadmill vs. one mile outside is really no comparison at all.
That being said, I chose to run 4 miles outside this afternoon in the 90 degree heat. It definitely was steamy, but I guess it's good training for my July race. I mean I'm sure they don't call it the Boilermaker for nothing. Today's run gave me a huge wake up call to what I need to do between now and July 10th. Nine miles with hills is no joke. I just have to keep telling myself that the Waskiewicz women have all done this race. And none of the men. And it ends at the brewery....
My next run is is a 6 mile race, next weekend in Oleta State Park. They host trail runs on the black diamond bike trails. Let's break this into a check list:
Distance? yes
Tough terrain? yes
Florida heat? yes
Badass? yes
There you have it, tough training approved. I have a new goal after this week. I want to be a beast at something. Not sure what, just something that I am so awesome at that people have to call me a beast. And I'm not picky, I'll take, "Man, Nik is a BEAST at yoga!" or as my friend Josh suggested, "What if you're a beast at not being a beast at anything?" Oh ye of little faith.
So that's all. I am signing off for the night. Early to bed, early to rise for this Tough Mudder trainee and I'm going to visit a sea turtle rehab facility tomorrow morning. For those of you who don't know, I freaking LOVE turtles, of all kinds! And the song "Take Over Control" by Afrojack. I'm just saying.
That being said, I chose to run 4 miles outside this afternoon in the 90 degree heat. It definitely was steamy, but I guess it's good training for my July race. I mean I'm sure they don't call it the Boilermaker for nothing. Today's run gave me a huge wake up call to what I need to do between now and July 10th. Nine miles with hills is no joke. I just have to keep telling myself that the Waskiewicz women have all done this race. And none of the men. And it ends at the brewery....
My next run is is a 6 mile race, next weekend in Oleta State Park. They host trail runs on the black diamond bike trails. Let's break this into a check list:
Distance? yes
Tough terrain? yes
Florida heat? yes
Badass? yes
There you have it, tough training approved. I have a new goal after this week. I want to be a beast at something. Not sure what, just something that I am so awesome at that people have to call me a beast. And I'm not picky, I'll take, "Man, Nik is a BEAST at yoga!" or as my friend Josh suggested, "What if you're a beast at not being a beast at anything?" Oh ye of little faith.
So that's all. I am signing off for the night. Early to bed, early to rise for this Tough Mudder trainee and I'm going to visit a sea turtle rehab facility tomorrow morning. For those of you who don't know, I freaking LOVE turtles, of all kinds! And the song "Take Over Control" by Afrojack. I'm just saying.
Monday, June 13, 2011
*Punta Gorda Tough*
My weekend was filled with the following.....
In order, those things are: an awesome beach, my beautiful bestie, my feet (relaxing & keeping it classy), and Bailey (sweetest pup on the planet). There were two pretty great brothers there as well, but I don't have any photographic evidence of that. You'll have to take my word.
Things that you will NOT see in these pictures include: my NB Minimus', running shorts, a sports bra, etc. Now, don't think with the lack of working out, that I didn't work on getting tough at all this weekend...
The Proof:
Mmhmm steely, lingering, deliciousness.....FMB (love you, Michelle).
Song of the Weekend: Knee Deep by Zac Brown Band w/ Jimmy Buffett
In order, those things are: an awesome beach, my beautiful bestie, my feet (relaxing & keeping it classy), and Bailey (sweetest pup on the planet). There were two pretty great brothers there as well, but I don't have any photographic evidence of that. You'll have to take my word.
Things that you will NOT see in these pictures include: my NB Minimus', running shorts, a sports bra, etc. Now, don't think with the lack of working out, that I didn't work on getting tough at all this weekend...
The Proof:
Mmhmm steely, lingering, deliciousness.....FMB (love you, Michelle).
Song of the Weekend: Knee Deep by Zac Brown Band w/ Jimmy Buffett
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Hump Day and the living's easy...
Good evening all. It's Hump Day, both of my bosses were out, and I was feeling slightly less than motivated to work today. Still did, but it was a rough one. I was going to do a little lunch time blogging, and then I remembered, "That's how people get fired." So I held off, I know that my many, many followers have been waiting in anticipation for a new blog, a little glance into the inner workings of my quick-witted mind. That being said...
I did not go to yoga last night. I was not feeling terribly tough. I thought I was getting sick AND I'm sore from the Ladder. Whine, whine, whine. I treated myself to some light stretching and a bubble bath instead. I know, SO badass. However I am a huge believer in listening to your body and taking care of yourself when needed. Those things combined with my many cups of green tea yesterday, have left me feeling F-I-N-E!
Today I had a surprise work out buddy, my friend Jay! We did the TY loop and then went out for sushi. All in all, pretty great workout/night. I am ready and willing to attempt the Ladder again tomorrow, sticking with the 5 rungs though. Bearcrawls may be my new favorite exercise...although we can definitely file that workout under "Things that look easy when someone else is doing them..." So who's with me!?
I did not go to yoga last night. I was not feeling terribly tough. I thought I was getting sick AND I'm sore from the Ladder. Whine, whine, whine. I treated myself to some light stretching and a bubble bath instead. I know, SO badass. However I am a huge believer in listening to your body and taking care of yourself when needed. Those things combined with my many cups of green tea yesterday, have left me feeling F-I-N-E!
Today I had a surprise work out buddy, my friend Jay! We did the TY loop and then went out for sushi. All in all, pretty great workout/night. I am ready and willing to attempt the Ladder again tomorrow, sticking with the 5 rungs though. Bearcrawls may be my new favorite exercise...although we can definitely file that workout under "Things that look easy when someone else is doing them..." So who's with me!?
Monday, June 6, 2011
*Expletive*
Well, the "Stop Being a Bitch" ladder did just that. We talked, it called me a bitch, I took it, end of story. Let me just give you a quick break down in case you aren't familiar with this tortuous circuit.
10, 20 foot bearcrawls forward and backwards
10 full burpees
10 v ups
then 9 bearcrawls 9 burpees 9 vups
8…8….8...7…7…7…6…6…6…5…5…5…4…4…4…3…3…3…2..2…2…1…1…1.. DONE!!!
*This hellish workout was found at http://www.howtotrainfortoughmudder.com/
Ha. Halfway through round one I realized this was going to be a 5 rung ladder. While I did cut this workout in half, I'm still pretty damn proud of myself and excited about the new goal I set (to do the whole thing). My knee started to pull a little during cool down mile, I'm icing it as I type. Must have been the bearcrawls. But I think it will be ok, no swelling. I have never been so looking forward to a yoga class as I am to tomorrow's.
In more news...Bruise Watch oh'11 is in full effect. My left leg looks like someone took a baseball bat to it, alas, none of these bruises are awesome battle wounds. I walked into a bed frame. Sober. Just a little sharing. Ya know, because sharing is caring.
And lastly our playlist song of the night goes to...drumroll please...."Slight Figure of Speech" - the Avett Brothers. Perfect pace for the end of my mile.
Good night all!
10, 20 foot bearcrawls forward and backwards
10 full burpees
10 v ups
then 9 bearcrawls 9 burpees 9 vups
8…8….8...7…7…7…6…6…6…5…5…5…4…4…4…3…3…3…2..2…2…1…1…1.. DONE!!!
*This hellish workout was found at http://www.howtotrainfortoughmudder.com/
Ha. Halfway through round one I realized this was going to be a 5 rung ladder. While I did cut this workout in half, I'm still pretty damn proud of myself and excited about the new goal I set (to do the whole thing). My knee started to pull a little during cool down mile, I'm icing it as I type. Must have been the bearcrawls. But I think it will be ok, no swelling. I have never been so looking forward to a yoga class as I am to tomorrow's.
In more news...Bruise Watch oh'11 is in full effect. My left leg looks like someone took a baseball bat to it, alas, none of these bruises are awesome battle wounds. I walked into a bed frame. Sober. Just a little sharing. Ya know, because sharing is caring.
And lastly our playlist song of the night goes to...drumroll please...."Slight Figure of Speech" - the Avett Brothers. Perfect pace for the end of my mile.
Good night all!
Am I tough enough to start using WOD yet?
I'm going to go with yes. So today's workout will be:
1 mile warm up
The "Stop Being a Bitch" Ladder
1 mile cool down
Details and feedback to follow...
1 mile warm up
The "Stop Being a Bitch" Ladder
1 mile cool down
Details and feedback to follow...
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Lessons learned...
Set Realistic Daily Goals.
One cannot run 3 miles on a (semi) regular basis and then wake up this morning and decide to run 6 miles. Setting an unrealistic goal like doubling my (semi) regular run just like that is a great way to get discouraged, overworked, or hurt. So before setting out, I reset my goal to run 3.5 miles instead, and I kicked ass and powered through to run 3.71 (ps - MapMyRun.com is an awesome way to plan your runs and track your miles).
I finished my workout off with 20 burpees and some vegan protein powder, followed by a shower and some black bean tacos. I am mentioning food here because I am trying to figure out exactly how much I need to eat to properly fuel my body for the training I plan on doing. For those of you who do not know, I am the world's worst vegetarian. That aside, I eat really healthy snacks all day that are in no way filling....suggestions are welcomed.
So that is all for day one. I got up, got my ass out, and now comes the tough part: doing it again tomorrow.
I leave you with the Song of the Day that came on at the perfect time and helped me pick up my feet a little faster and power through the end of my run. "Untouched" - the Veronicas.
One cannot run 3 miles on a (semi) regular basis and then wake up this morning and decide to run 6 miles. Setting an unrealistic goal like doubling my (semi) regular run just like that is a great way to get discouraged, overworked, or hurt. So before setting out, I reset my goal to run 3.5 miles instead, and I kicked ass and powered through to run 3.71 (ps - MapMyRun.com is an awesome way to plan your runs and track your miles).
I finished my workout off with 20 burpees and some vegan protein powder, followed by a shower and some black bean tacos. I am mentioning food here because I am trying to figure out exactly how much I need to eat to properly fuel my body for the training I plan on doing. For those of you who do not know, I am the world's worst vegetarian. That aside, I eat really healthy snacks all day that are in no way filling....suggestions are welcomed.
So that is all for day one. I got up, got my ass out, and now comes the tough part: doing it again tomorrow.
I leave you with the Song of the Day that came on at the perfect time and helped me pick up my feet a little faster and power through the end of my run. "Untouched" - the Veronicas.
Please allow me to introduce myself...
Hello, my name is Nikki and I'm kind of a wuss. I am not one to subscribe to the theory of pushing yourself to the limit. My activity of choice is yoga. I like to run, bacause I am only competing with myself. I have two nicknames circulating amongst my group of friends: Foot and Wankles. These stem from my uncanny ability to break a foot or injure an ankle with the greatest of ease, doing regular, everyday activites such as: walking down a flight of stairs, running to first base in a softball game, or crossing a gas station parking lot.
In addition to the aforementioned badass qualities, I suffer from an acute lack of motivation to put down my glass of chardonnay (or hell, just postpone it) and get outside to train for events that I sign up for. And I sign up for quite a few. This past January I ran the Disney Half Marathon. Not only did I skip the training part, but I dropped a 30 lb. box on my foot 2 days before the race. I know you will be shocked to hear that this landed me with a knee injury, walking the last 4.5 miles of the race. Not fun. At all.
This coming July I am registered to run the Boilermaker, a 15k in Utica, NY that dead ends into the brewery once you make is past the 9 miles of hills in the heat. Today is June 5, 2011 and to date my training has included some serious carb loading, weekly yoga classes, and two training runs that included a hill. Yeap, one hill. But I did run over and back so I am thinking that counts for something. I feel like this is an important moment to point out that I am not some lazy, unfit, bump on a log. I run 5k's, 10k's and recently did the Merrel Down & Dirty Mud Run. I am just no where close to accomplishing what I know that I am capable of.
A month ago my brother, Adam, did the Spartan race in Miami. I didn't sign up because I assumed that I would not be able to finish it. 8 miles, countless burpees, crazy obstacles...tough stuff. We went down to the park to cheer him on, and I was struck by a feeling of disappointment in myself that I didn't even try the race. I saw people crossing the finish line that certainly did not look to be in better shape than me, out there having a blast and pushing through it. It was inspiring and exciting.
Cut to a few days later when Adam asked if I wanted to try the Muddy Buddy in November and the Tough Mudder in December. He was probably asking about the Tough Mudder just to be nice, good brother that he is. The Tough Mudder is not a race, it's a personal challenge. And this challenge is 10-12 miles long with 20 obstacles in between. They don't time you because the goal is to finish. Good lord. Of course I said yes.
I immediaitely started to talk a little smack and psych myself up. Then I watched the videos on the website and checked out some of the obstacles. NBD - just running through fire, live electrical wires and chest high ice pits. Crap. The Tough Mudder website states that it is an exceptional event for the toughest of the tough, and that's certainly not me. But it's about to be, because I'm hooked, and I really want to complete this challenge for myself because I know that I can. So I am starting today with my training and I decided to blog it. Because even if I am the only one that ever sees this, there is a level of accountability in putting my goals out there on the internet. So with that, here we go....Day 1 starts now!
In addition to the aforementioned badass qualities, I suffer from an acute lack of motivation to put down my glass of chardonnay (or hell, just postpone it) and get outside to train for events that I sign up for. And I sign up for quite a few. This past January I ran the Disney Half Marathon. Not only did I skip the training part, but I dropped a 30 lb. box on my foot 2 days before the race. I know you will be shocked to hear that this landed me with a knee injury, walking the last 4.5 miles of the race. Not fun. At all.
This coming July I am registered to run the Boilermaker, a 15k in Utica, NY that dead ends into the brewery once you make is past the 9 miles of hills in the heat. Today is June 5, 2011 and to date my training has included some serious carb loading, weekly yoga classes, and two training runs that included a hill. Yeap, one hill. But I did run over and back so I am thinking that counts for something. I feel like this is an important moment to point out that I am not some lazy, unfit, bump on a log. I run 5k's, 10k's and recently did the Merrel Down & Dirty Mud Run. I am just no where close to accomplishing what I know that I am capable of.
A month ago my brother, Adam, did the Spartan race in Miami. I didn't sign up because I assumed that I would not be able to finish it. 8 miles, countless burpees, crazy obstacles...tough stuff. We went down to the park to cheer him on, and I was struck by a feeling of disappointment in myself that I didn't even try the race. I saw people crossing the finish line that certainly did not look to be in better shape than me, out there having a blast and pushing through it. It was inspiring and exciting.
Cut to a few days later when Adam asked if I wanted to try the Muddy Buddy in November and the Tough Mudder in December. He was probably asking about the Tough Mudder just to be nice, good brother that he is. The Tough Mudder is not a race, it's a personal challenge. And this challenge is 10-12 miles long with 20 obstacles in between. They don't time you because the goal is to finish. Good lord. Of course I said yes.
I immediaitely started to talk a little smack and psych myself up. Then I watched the videos on the website and checked out some of the obstacles. NBD - just running through fire, live electrical wires and chest high ice pits. Crap. The Tough Mudder website states that it is an exceptional event for the toughest of the tough, and that's certainly not me. But it's about to be, because I'm hooked, and I really want to complete this challenge for myself because I know that I can. So I am starting today with my training and I decided to blog it. Because even if I am the only one that ever sees this, there is a level of accountability in putting my goals out there on the internet. So with that, here we go....Day 1 starts now!
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