90 Day Plank Challenge

A couple of months ago I had a great idea. 

Me: Let's do a plank challenge!

Self: Great idea Maria! Lets find one onlin-

Me: Oooooh-ho-ho-ho no self! We can't do a simple, online 30 day challenge!

We're going to do a 90 Day Challenge with a 5 minute plank as 

the ultimate goal. 

Needless to say I couldn't find one already made. That should have been my

first warning. So, being the genius that I am, I made one up. And then

because I was afraid to do it alone I dared Barry to do it with me.

Downloadable Link

As you can see, there is no set start date. There is literally not a single excuse you 

can make about when to start. You don't need to start on a Monday, or the first of the 

month. There is no calendar. You can start TODAY. 

I made it through Day 68 before my schedule got super crazy and I missed too many days.
But I start again today and I'm feeling good about this round!

I'll give you a tip, don't quit. We both got a cold at the same time and didn't do a plank for a couple of days and let me tell you, that first plank back is a killer. But honestly, once you do it for a couple of days your body remembers. And your body will hold if you don't allow your mind to give up.

-Ri

Go Big or Go Home

So. I may have done something stupid. 

I just bumped up my marathon date by over 6 weeks. 

Mistake? Maybe. Maybe not. 

I'm getting kinda tired of talking about how I'm going to run a marathon one day. I just ran 13 miles straight last weekend. I think I can go ahead and start officially training for the marathon. 

So that's what I'm doing. I just abandoned my half marathon plan and started a marathon training plan. I only missed one run with the new schedule (nothing about running is perfect) so I will probably double up somewhere down the road to make up the run. Because I'm neurotic like that. 

Guys I can't tell you how excited I am about this. I think that I'm losing my momentum and if I don't do this marathon soon I'm never going to do it. Also, I want to start losing weight and contrary to popular belief most people don't lose weight while training for a marathon because they're ALWAYS HUNGRY. And I have found that I can't perform my runs to my satisfaction if I'm not properly fueled and I can't fuel myself AND restrict calories so there.  

I'm still planning on doing the Houston Half at the end of October, It actually fits into my training plan nicely, and then I will run the Texas Marathon in Kingwood on January 1st. The marathon has no time limit (yay!) and it runs through some woods so I'm super excited about it. I think deep down I'm a lazy trail runner. I love running in the woods...as long as I'm running on pavement. 

It is a smaller race so there won't be the screaming crowds or anything like that. It's just you and the trail and I think I'm ok with that. It won't be as impressive as some of the bigger races but since no one (except Barry) ever comes to my races, meh! The medal makes up for it though.

pic credit

Three. Pounds. 

This thing is gigantic. It's three pounds of victory. Three pounds of glory.
Three pounds of I Freaking Did It. 

I can't wait to lug it around! I'm going to wear it everywhere.

Grocery shopping? BAM! Medal!
Out to watch the football game? BAM! Medal!
Go see Barry's family? BAM! BAM! DID YOU SEE MY MEDAL!?!?!

It is going to be awesome.

:)

-Ri

Long Run Recap - 13 Miles

Today was a good running day, the best even! Today I did a personal best for time and distance. 

I tried a new trail: the Terry Hershey Park Hike and Bike Trail.  It really is an awesome park to do out-and-back long runs! Even at 7am on a Sunday there were enough people I felt safe but not so congested I felt like I was running in a traffic jam. 

There were plenty of bikers on the trail. Most were really polite and warned me they were coming ("On your left!") but every now and then some dick would come flying by and freak me the eff out. 

I don't generally mind bikers though. Especially if they are coming towards and fly past. There is always a breeze as they pass and it feels amazing. 

It was a beautiful morning to run. It was brisk (for Houston) and I was able to maintain an AWESOME pace for most of the run. The last couple of miles were really tough, it started to heat up as I was finishing. 

I had planned on doing a 12:15 min/mile pace but I didn't really think I would hit it. Instead I did 13+ miles at an 11:42 min/mile pace!!! I felt really good so I let that dictate my pace. I didn't really start pushing myself until those last three miles when I fought to maintain the pace I had started with. It was so great to run and feel that bounce in my step and really see progress. 

When I was looking at the park map last night I couldn't really gauge how long the trail was so I didn't think I would be able to run the whole thing. This picture is me at the end of the trail (or the beginning, depending on where you park). I have a 14 mile run coming up so I'll have to see if there is a different place to park to get my mileage without having to double up. 

Seriously though, the most beautiful park I've run in town. You really feel like you're in nature without having to run on a trail or losing amenities. There were water fountains every mile or so and bathrooms at either end of the trail. They even had runner showers although I still haven't figured those out. What EXACTLY are you supposed to do with what is essentially a mounted hose in plain view. It's not like they're in a stall! Are you just supposed to get everything wet?! 

All in all I am super excited about my pace. I really needed this run to help motivate me to keep going. All these summer runs have been killing me with the heat. It was so nice to just run for the hell of it AND get a PR. I will definitely be back to run at this park!

But for now...nap time. 

-Ri

The Ultimate Motivation

The number one thing people tell me when they find out I'm training for a marathon is:

"I don't know how you do it."

Followed closely by:

"I could never do that."

It is those comments that really make me think. How did I get to this place? Am I really going to be able to train for a marathon? Do I have what it takes to do 20+ mile long runs on three consecutive weekends before I even get to the marathon itself? How am I going to do this? 

It all comes down to this single idea:

I am never going to do this again. 

Let me tell you a story. When I was running my second half marathon, I ran all the way to mile seven. It was the longest I had ever run without stopping and I was so proud of myself. I was going to start walking when I realized that I didn't really need to, so I pushed to mile eight. Once I got to mile eight I came to a very startling realization. 

I was two miles away from running double digit miles.

It is that thought that pushed me through mile 9. Everything hurt, I was being passed by walkers, technically I could have strolled faster than I was "running" but I was determined to get to mile 10. All I could think was "Honestly Maria, when is the next time you are going to be running these kinds of numbers? When is the next time you are going to get this opportunity. Keep. Going"

And that is where I am at right now. 

While I'm not feeling 100% during my runs (its still too damn hot) I am feeling better than ever. I'm running faster for longer distances and honestly I just don't know when I am ever going to be in better shape. At this point, it is easier to keep going than to accept the fact that if I stop, I'll have to start all over again. 

Running started off as an escape for me. With three boys under the age of two I thought I was going to lose my mind. Money was tight, I had no idea what I was doing or if I was even doing a good job, the babies wouldn't let me sleep for longer than an hour (not an exaggeration), this went on for months. A friend started running about this time and watching her pace progress inspired me to start running. Most people I know who start running start out at a 10 minute mile, something I can only consider in my dizziest daydreams.  I finally saw someone start running about as fast as I do and every week she slowly got faster. it was so inspiring that I started running. 

Then something amazing happened. When I ran, I was so busy gasping for air and trying not to die that all my worries and doubts disappeared. For a short while my mind was blessed clear of all the negative thoughts that I berate myself with every day. It was addicting. And just like any junkie I slowly acclimatized to the longer distances and faster paces and I needed more.   Now I'm running double digit runs on the weekends, just last weekend I ran 13 miles without stopping and I did it at a great pace. 

I'm still not training for a marathon more than once. But when am I ever going to get to do this again? When am I ever going to have this opportunity? These are the thought that keep me going during my long runs. 

And if you're wondering if you have what it takes to train and run a marathon - you do. We all do. We just need the right reasons.

Mine just so happens to be that I never want to do this again, so I might as well do it right and do it right now.

😂

-Ri 

I Love Day 1s!!!!!!

Today is Day 1. Also known as Best Day Ever (Home, anyone?). I just finished my first strength workout in a while, I've taken my before measurements and photos, and I have started tracking my food again on MyFitnessPal.  I'm ready to start fresh, I'm ready to start feeling better, I'm ready to have my energy back, I'm ready for anything!!!

Because I am the way I am, I made a couple of print outs for the next three months. Since I tend to slim down without actually losing any weight I made a body measurement tracking page. I'm also using my 90 Day Plank Challenge and Monthly Goals Printable. The Monthly Goals printable is by My Love for Words. It is totally free (as are my printables) you just need to sign up on her site and she will automatically send it to you. It. Is. Worth. It! I use it every month. It is an editable printable so you can click on the boxes and type in your goals!


Body Measurement Tracker Link

90 Day Plank Challenge Link

Monthly Goals Printable Link- By My Love for Words

Now, some people may ask "Why three months? Isn't that kind of long?" 

Why yes, yes it is. 

For me, I need a challenge. And 30 days just isn't enough of a challenge. Also, 30 days isn't a long enough time for my body to make a real change. Three months is long enough to be challenging, long enough to see a definite change in my body, and long enough that the healthy changes I make become habits by the time the challenge is over.

So I'm excited to see where I'm at at the end of 90 days! In addition to my running posts I'll be doing weekly challenge updates. 

So essited!!!

-Ri

Remember This Day

I want you to remember this day. 

You just got invited to an impromptu pool party with Barry's (very loving and supportive) family. You were so excited and then you looked down. There was no body shaming or "god I'm too fat to go". You just realized that you didn't really feel like going. 

You feel bloated.

Tired. 

Anxious.

Lethargic.

You looked in your closet and couldn't find anything that you would be comfortable in. You could probably find something that would look nice, and your bathing suit is very forgiving in all the right places. But finding something cute to wear isn't what is holding you back.

You. Feel. Like. Crap.

This is the difference between being healthy and being thin. 

So, over the next couple of weeks while you're doing your reboot, I want you to remember today.

I want you to remember the dread you felt when trying to decide what to wear. The next time you want to eat crap, I want you to remember this day. 

Lets turn this around. Lets remind ourselves how we felt just a few short weeks ago when you were eating healthy, doing your runs and strength training. Remember how awesome you felt? Remember how confident you were? You posted bathing suit photos on Facebook for cryin' out loud!

And you were PROUD of them!!!

Lets get back to that shall we? Your 90 day challenge starts tomorrow. Lets kill it. 

-Ri

Disclaimer: Just in case you guys think I'm not going because I feel fat, that is not the case. I would have totally gone if Barry could come with me but he is working today and I'm not about to try to corral three water-loving, non-swimming toddlers around a pool. I'm not dumb lol

September Goals

Things are staring to wind down over here at the Strickland house. My mom is up and walking around, she will be done with physical therapy next Wednesday so she won't need me to drive her around (not that I minded, I loved spending so much time with her!). Barry has started his fall feature which means I have a lot more time to be productive.

Don't get me wrong. There is still tons to be done: our last couple of years of taxes, Bear Bear's birthday party, some pretty serious house repairs, and just catching up on bills and such. But Fall is just around the corner and I'm starting to get inspired again. 

Which brings me to this post. I have been nutritionally negligent over the last month or so. I've been lazy with my workouts and I completely gave up on eating healthy. Most of it stemmed from being stressed about money and the feeling of being spread too thin. But with everything starting to turn around I'm feeling really good about starting fresh. 

So here are some of my goals for September:

-Make a concentrated effort to stick to healthy meals. I need to come up with a monthly meal planner that works for me and my babies. I read about decision fatigue the other day. It's something that, as the head of the household, I struggle with a lot. I need to streamline our food and our household so I don't have to make so many decisions every day. Honestly I just need a solid routine.

-I want to, at the very least, complete two runs during the week and my long run every weekend. 

-I want to introduce strength training to my schedule again. Once a week at least but I would like to aim for twice weekly. 

-Drink my freaking water. 

-Drink my freaking green smoothies. Honestly, I can feel the sludge in my system. I'm gaining weight, I'm bloated, I'm sluggish. All of these things can be fixed if I would just drink the smoothies. 

These are my main items. I don't want to put too much on my plate because like I said, I have too much to get caught up on I don't want to get that feeling like I'm drowning again. 

I'm excited about starting fresh! The cooler weather will be here soon. Instead of waiting to start during Fall I want to be prepared when it gets here. I am so looking forward to all the adventures we are going to go on and I want to look good in the pictures (vain, I know, but we all need goals). I also want to have the energy and the stamina to run after my boys. 

What are some of your September goals!?

-Ri

Long Run Recap - 13 Miles

Oh. My. Goodness!

Last Sunday I ran the farthest I've ever run! I've completed two half marathons but I've only ever run 10 miles, I did a walk/run the rest of the way. 

We had a pretty little sunrise. Let me tell you! The sun rises QUICK! I had every intention of leaving the house just before the sky started to get light. I looked out our kitchen window and it was pitch black, I rinsed my coffee mug and plate, looked up and it was bright outside. Shit! Lol! I walked halfway to the park before I realized I left my heart rate monitor at home. Back I went and by the time I got to the park it was day-bright outside. I thought I was going to run out of time, I thought it would get too hot before I finished. 

It was still really pretty outside. This is one of my favorite spots. It's where I enter the park right before the track starts. It's right before I start my runs and it is such a spot of promise and excitement. 

I did really well until about mile 5. Between miles 5 and 7 all I did was try to convince myself I didn't need to pee. It didn't work and I ended up having to run home, hurry inside and pee, and then run back outside to the track. I think I'll plan on using the bathroom at the halfway point during the race. Last year during the races I used every Porta Potty available. I had just had the twins so I still wasn't totally in control of alllllll that down there lol. No accidents but I wanted to be safe rather than sorry. Mom-lyfe. 

After that pit stop (see what I did there?) I did awesome until about mile 11. It was at that point that I realized I didn't just have one more mile left, I had two. My last mile is always my fastest with the middle mile almost always being my slowest. During this run, my second to last mile was definitely my slowest. But I ROCKED that last mile! 

I am so proud to say I ran 13 miles. Now. Let's talk serious. My best half marathon race pace was 14:10 per mile. This pace was 12:36/mile. That's nearly a TWO MINUTE difference per mile!!! I ran these 13 miles in 2 hours and 40 minutes. I beat my goal by five minutes and I beat my previous race time by nearly 28 minutes. Holy crap!!! When I set my goal I  didn't realize how much of a time difference it was from my race pace. 

Here I was thinking I wouldn't be able to finish the half in 2 hours 30 minutes. That is only ten minutes faster than today's pace. And it will be cooler!! 

As you can see, I'm just a little excited. 

I followed the run up with an ice bath. I have learned to keep yo pants on during an ice bath and it isn't nearly as bad as doing them naked. 

And then to top it all off my goodies came in after the run. Of course. But now I have oodles of GU and THE BEST PROTEIN COOKIES OF ALL TIME. ALL TIME YA'LL. 

All in all it was a good day. :)

-Ri