Iced Coffee Obsessed

Surprisingly, I love iced coffee. I'm not a huge coffee drinker besides the occasional latte from Starbucks, but as soon as the heat hits I get this thirst for iced coffee that can never be quenched. Unfortunately, this habit gets expensive over three-ish months. Now, I've been trying to make it myself on the days I really need a pick-me-up.

I've seen this easy recipe on a ton of blogs so credit goes to everyone but myself. All I do is wake up, brew an espresso in my Tassimo, let it cool while I get ready, mix it with a cup (or more) of almond milk, and a dash of sugar. We have a ton of reuseable travel cups for both hot and cold drinks in my house so I usually just throw it in one and head out the door.

I don't know why it didn't occur to me sooner just how simple iced coffee could be.

Sunday Morning Breakfast

Sometimes there is nothing more satisfying than a big plate of fruit for breakfast as I sit in bed and catch up on my favourite blogs... except cherries on sale for $1.88/pound. 

Training Log -- July 25, 2014

Weeks left until Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon: 12
Kilometers scheduled: 23
Kilometers clocked: 22.8

Originally I had meant to run on Thursday, but when I woke up sore the morning after an intense flow class I thought was a great idea to take after four weeks away from yoga, I decided to switch my run to Friday. It didn't help much. 

The first few kilometers I fought through pain in my left IT band and in my right foot (I think the foot is because of all the hop-backs onto my toes in yoga). I ran slow, running about 2.85 kilometers before walking 0.15 kilometers, and repeating the cycle. The pain mostly subsided as I ran. 



As I got to 22 kilometers I came to the awful realization I was still at least two kilometers away from home and I was seriously tired. Running after a full day of work is really draining and I've decided that running on my day off is a blessing. Luckily my boyfriend had been kind enough to surprise me with water (again!) so I hopped in and decided to call it a day, just under my goal of 23K.

After a quick-ish shower I drew a cold bath. After slowing sinking in I couldn't decide if this was the best or worst thing I had ever decided to do. Maybe it's all in my head but I really felt like it helped (coupled with obligatory foam rolling, of course). 

My IT band is still a little sore today and my foot is also tight. I'm going to keep stretching and icing to see if it helps. 

Overall I'm happy with my progress. Each run is a lesson for me and I'm learning, adapting, and growing with every stride I make. 

Re-evaluating My Workouts

I've made the decision to put down the weights. As much as I like lifting I just find that on my self-designated gym days I'm trying to fit in way too many things and I have to sort my priorities. For example, I've neglected my yoga practice the last three weeks and this actually upsets me. It's good for me physically, but more importantly it's great for me mentally. I need to fit yoga back in to my life.

As I summarize my long-runs every week, we know that my running and the training that goes along with that is also high on my priority list, if not the top priority for me. So my long-run day, my speed training day, and my cross-training also remain. 

Also, in October I'll be participating in the CN Tower Climb for United Way and I'm going to be adding some stair-climbing into my schedule so I can beat my time from last year (23:15). 

Really, lifting is all that's left. The problem I'm finding lately is that I'm not recovering as fast as I should be. I don't know if it's the heat, the running, a deficiency, etc., but it's making it difficult for me to exercise as much as I would like to. 

So, for now, I'm forgoing the lifting. I was drafting a tentative schedule this morning on how my week's could look once I get rid of the weights and I'm already looking forward to the change.

Monday: 20-40 minutes of stairs. Cycling. 

Tuesday: Speed training. 

Wednesday: Cycling. Yoga.

Thursday: Long run. 

Friday: Rest. Walk at least 30 minutes.
Saturday: Easy run/trail run. 

Sunday: Yoga. Walk at least 30 minutes. 

Maybe once the fall comes or I finish my next big race I'll re-introduce the weights. As much as I'm going to miss them, I think I'm going to feel more fulfilled. 

Warrior Dash - Toronto 2014

Since I started running I've entered into a few races. I started with a Santa Shuffle, ran two Color Me Rads and their sister race, ElectroDash, the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront (half) Marathon and the Goodlife Toronto (half) Marathon, and today I completed the Toronto leg of the Warrior Dash.

The Warrior Dash is a hugely popular obstacle race and I can see why. It was organized and efficient, fun, and challenging. The race took place on a ski hill and the elevation was crazy! Some of the hills were so steep that I found myself sprinting hard up them only because I didn't want to tumble backwards if I lost momentum. 

As someone who is incredible scared of heights -- meaning the fear of falling from heights -- I can't believe I accomplished this race. Pulling myself over walls and crawling across beams much higher than I feel comfortable with was an exhilarating feeling. Also, there's something about running through knee deep mud and leaping over fire that makes you feel like a bad-ass. 

Participating in the Warrior Dash was a great break from my usual gym and running routine. I'm also feeling inspired to add some more trail running to my schedule -- once I figure out where I can find trails nearby. 

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Farmers Market Lunch

I woke up this morning to my needy fur baby looking for some love. No one in my house got out of bed until nearly 10am and sleeping in drives me insane. Him, too. All he wants is love from everyone. 

Like most Saturday mornings I headed over to the Farmers Market. Fresh corn, basil, blueberries, pears, and fresh baked goods. There are few things I love more than coming home and digging into a big bowl of the fresh fruits or veggies I just bought. 

What are your favourite Farmers Market products?

Training run -- July 17, 2014

Weeks left until Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon: 13
Kilometers scheduled: 22
Kilometers clocked: 22.2

Does anyone else find that the more detailed your plan the more you end of deviating from it? This always happens with my running schedule.

After a long-run I make my plans for the following week based on how my run went and how my calendar looks (work, social, etc.). Last week I scheduled a three-hour training run for 6:30 am so I could run, shower, and have time for my other plans for the day. Two days before (Tuesday) my plans change for the first time. I was going berry picking with my grandparents and they decided they would pick me up at 9:30 am. Unless I wanted to get up earlier it looks like there was no morning run for me. I had rescheduled my run for noon but I didn’t get back to my house until 11:30… and I had only had a juice so far that day. No way was I running on an empty stomach so 2 pm was my next goal. Now, I could have said “no” but my mom offered up Starbucks at 1:30 pm. Okay, let’s try again.

Finally at 3 pm I left my house. Despite having slight muscle soreness in my thighs from adding leg work into my gym routine on Monday, it went well. I foam rolled twice and I feel pretty good today. No glute or leg soreness, except for a weird, tight muscle near my left knee. I guess I must be feeling off because I haven’t been hungry. Before I left for my run yesterday I only had consumed a juice, a smoothie, some fresh berries, and a cookie. Usually after my run I’m ready for a huge burrito bowl but I didn’t want that either. I ended up with a handful of frozen grapes immediately after, and then a bowl of cherries and some guacamole on pita for dinner, but I definitely did not eat back the energy I burned. Even this morning, the day after, I only had some oatmeal and a latte. Usually I wake up the day after feeling famished. Maybe I just need a good, long rest.

Hmmm.