Change of plans...

I headed to the gym for a spin class when Jason got home, but the power was out!  I waited there about 5 minutes and no one seemed to know anything, so I went back home, changed quick and was out for a run.  I ran the school loop and felt like I was really running, not jogging.  When I finished I was happy to see I ran it almost 2 minutes faster than I had been running that loop!  And the best part was I got home in time to eat a yummy dinner with the family.  Hope to find another time this week to get that spin class in.

Over 200 miles

This morning's swim workout put me over 200 miles for the year so far.  February is going much better than January did! 

2 good workouts, then a rest

Back to the pool for a good workout Friday morning.  I don't think it's ever going to be easy to get up and go swim that early, but I am feeling great in the water and enjoy talking to the others swimmers there.  Jason and I had plans for a long ride on the trainer Saturday afternoon but decided to trade off running instead.  It had been snowing on and off but I checked the weather radar and seeing that it was clear, headed out to run.  It was about 35 degrees when I started but I quickly warmed up and had to stop to take my gloves and jacket off.  Got into a groove and felt great.  At the turnaround point, it started snowing a little, but just a few flurries.  A little after that, it started really snowing.  Just a few minutes later, I felt like I was in a blizzard!  I had to stop again to put my gloves and jacket back on.  I find it frustrating to have to stop running to stretch or work out a cramp, but it's REALLY frustrating to have to stop to mess with my clothes.  I got going again and as I turned the corner, I saw our car and Jason and the kids coming to get me.  I had told Jason before not to worry about coming out but I think the near white out conditions had him concerned!  I was feeling great running and didn't want to ride home, so after a quick chat, I was off and he drove home.  As soon as the car passed, the wind picked up and I felt like I was running against a wall!  I was going up hill, into the wind and snow, with my hat pulled down so far I could hardly see where I was going!  And yes, starting to second guess my decision about passing up that ride...  The snow started to ease up and I finished the run in just over 58 minutes.  I couldn't wait to hop in the car and go measure the route.  I was slightly disappointed to find out it was only 6 miles, but I guess that time isn't too bad with three stops.  The route was nice and I look forward to running it again, with a little less crazy weather...
Today is a rest/catch up on other stuff while the kids nap kind of day.  Back to the pool tomorrow to kick of what I hope will be another great week of training!

Finally, a good ride!

I avoided the couch this afternoon and headed down to the basement for a ride.  When my dad was here we did some adjusting to my bike and it's amazing how much better I felt today.  The trainer makes a ton of noise so I brought my IPOD down and turned it up.  The first few minutes were a little rough but then I got into a groove and was rolling along.  I felt strong, comfortable (well, as comfortable as you can be on a bike), and am gaining confidence.  A few more weeks of good workouts like this and I am really looking forward to see where I am at when we can get out on the road. 

Hanging in there...

Jason was off to Utah early Monday morning so I took advantage of having Matt and Meghan still at the house and was able to get my swim in before they hit the road.  ***Just so everyone knows, we will most likely be taking advantage of all our visitors and leave you with our kids while we go workout.  Thanks in advance!***I had a great swim and am feeling really good in the pool.  Two sick kids kept me busy the rest of the day and up late at night, so an early Tuesday morning workout didn't happen.  They were feeling better by Tuesday afternoon and I was able to get to the basement for a workout.  45 minutes on the elliptical (4.75 miles) and then a weight circuit.  Felt great!  And then Tuesday night....  Makayla was up crying about ear pain until after midnight.  By the time I headed to my bed, setting the alarm didn't happen.  To the doctor today and Makayla's ears are fine, but Conner has an ear infection!  AGH!
I had intentions of going back to the basement this afternoon, but made the mistake of sitting on the couch "for just a few minutes."  Sitting by the fire, reading a book with the snow falling... Yeah, the workout didn't happen...

A run and a spin

Not sure what happened to working out on Thursday and Friday... but this weekend has been good!  Matt, Meghan, Warren and Grace arrived late Friday night for Makayla's birthday weekend.  After the boys ran some errands Saturday morning, Meghan and I headed to the battlefield for a run.  We were feeling good and I was happy to find out the trails are actually 5.26 miles (we knew they were 5ish but didn't know the exact distance).  Chick-Fil-A for lunch then a little relaxing before the big birthday party.  Makayla's party was at The Little Gym with 16 of her friends.  They all had a great time, and it was awesome to see the huge smiles on their faces!
This morning Meghan and I headed to the gym for a spin class.  The class was good and we are ready to enjoy all the Superbowl snacks this afternoon!
 

Early morning spin

Jason's work schedule has him going out of town at the end of the week so I decided to skip the pool this morning and get a spin class in.  It took a little while to wake up and get going, but soon enough I was spinning away.  There were quite a few people in the class and I am enjoying all the people I am meeting.  This workout took my total miles for 2012 to 144.  So it took me a month to do the miles that are in the one race I am training for.  Yikes!Today was Makayla's birthday so the rest of the day was spent making her day perfect.  She was happy and I am exhausted so I guess I did it right!  I did find a few free minutes to sign Jason and I up for the Chicago Marathon in October.  So excited about our race plans for the year!