Semana Tres

I'm trying to work on my Spanish, hence the title. I'm also not feeling creative enough to think of anything better. Pretend I shrugged after saying that. Anywho, week 3 is in the books. Let's see what we had:

Monday started off with another banger of a long run, 100 minutes this time. 10 minutes longer than last week. I know I've talked about this before but it's hard to map out a route that doesn't involve any type of incline. I mean, I'm getting stronger at running hills, that's for sure, but not on purpose! I decided to take a route that I knew was going to be challenging at the start but if I could suffer for a few minutes (felt like hours), there was a steady decline straight into town. I also got graced with this amazing sunrise:

I ended that run with an average pace of 10:25min/mile, right on target of what McMillan wanted me at. Tuesdays have become faithful with recovery runs and I've enjoyed every minute of those. Now, the dreaded goal pace workout. Let me preface this by saying I am not a fast runner. I never have been, in my eyes. I'm actually slower now than I was this time last year by almost a full minute. After a warm up, I was instructed to run 15 minutes at goal pace, which is around 8:30-8:50min/mile. Hello, I'm dying over here. Makes me wonder how I sustained an 8:30-something pace for 26 minutes and some change this past February. I finished, though. And I wanted to jump in the pool fully clothed after. We finished the week off with strides. I LOVE stride workouts. I was introduced to them by my former coach (whom I still love dearly) during my last cycle.

I felt like I was floating after this one. I was so happy with how it went. Though I could have been more consistent with my 'on' paces, I wasn't about to pick apart myself for that and kept it positive. I jogged my recovery times and just hustled. Maybe it was the music (Stick To Your Guns), maybe it was the pre-workout. I know a few posts back I said I hadn't been taking it and was using Nuun+Caffeine instead but, I found that Nuun makes me have to pee a ton (TMI?) and I'm not about to feel like I have to do that 15 times during a workout. Plus, the 60mg more of caffeine was definitely needed. Energize is the only other pre-workout supplement I use besides your average 'ol glass of black coffee. It's about as natural as that.

That wraps up training for the week. Aside from studying for the RHIA, I watched all of the amazing announcements coming from Coach Summit in Indiana. Definitely some serious FOMO but I'll be attending in 2020! Lots of great things will be coming out in the next year including the re-release of this gem:

I used to be obsessed with Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Now, I will have one, if I even make it to Starbucks to get it. I'm perfectly content without having one or the extra BS that comes in the cup. So, you mean to tell me I can still enjoy the awesome taste but it's actually good for me? Sign me up. I'll take 5 salads worth disguised as my basic b**** drink. While we don't have much of a Fall here in Arizona, you'll still see me signing up for this. Come on, September! Real talk, though: I'm really picky about my supplements, guys. I do not fill my cup with crap. You might be rolling your eyes or maybe you didn't read this far and already closed the window but truth is, your body will thank you for feeding it properly. I enjoy my french fry and pizza cravings when need be. I'm as transparent as it gets.

Speaking of fuel, how about another new recipe?! This one is definitely going on the bi-weekly rotation. I have my specific list of go-to recipes I make either weekly or every other week. This Thai pineapple fried rice is not only packed with flavor but yummy veggies. It's also extremely easy to make and you only need one pan! Can I get an AMEN for less dishes?!

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I know that bottom picture looks like chicken but it is indeed tofu, I promise. Though, I'm sure this recipe would rock with some grilled chicken if that type of thing is up your alley. I made my rice ahead of time in the Instapot and let it sit in the fridge for 24 hours. For some reason, this makes it better for cooking with. I have no idea how, maybe Gorden Ramsey can tell me when he's done yelling at people on Master Chef. I will link the recipe HERE for your viewing pleasure. It's an excellent dish for meal prepping, too!

Okay ladies and gents, that's all for this week. We'll catch you back here for a recap of week 4. It's already been deemed a doozy of a week -_-

Getting Comfortable

Honestly, is it just me, or has this year already gone by fast? Here we are, accomplishing week 2 of training. My goal this week was to set out earlier for my runs. Back in Michigan, I would be the crazy one running the streets of Clawson at 4:00 AM while the rest of the world was still sleeping. While I won't be doing any runs that early (yet, at least), I do prefer the quietness of the night, less traffic, and well, it's just fun to run in my Tracer 360 vest (use my discount code BRITTERS for 35% off). Who doesn't want to be a running rave party? I do think I need to get a headlamp with more lumens because let me tell you, it is dark as dark can get around here. We live in an "International Dark Sky Community". Yep, it's a thing. Google it! Great for seeing some epic skies filled with stars. Let's take a glance at this week's numbers:

Monday - Easy pace w/Strides

Wednesday - More easy miles w/Strides

Thursday - Straight easy miles

Saturday - Easy miles with a faster finish

Clearly, I didn't feel like getting fancy with graphics this week. Still keeping the pace light and slowly building speed. Speed is a word we'll touch base on next week once I face my first Fartlek run in over 5 months. That 5:07 AM start for Thursday made me so happy. I set out very early that morning because I had planned to make a new breakfast dish for my husband and I that involved quinoa. Quinoa for breakfast? Crazy right? I had the quinoa cereal at Tempe Public Market Cafe and it blew my mind away. Naturally, I hit up my favorite website for a recipe that was similar (click here if you're curious for it). I highly suggest trying it.

Strawberry Quinoa breakfast bowl

One thing I did new this week? I went to a yoga class. The type of class I had to get in my car and drive to instead of pressing play on YouTube in my living room. I was nervous because Lord knows I don't know many yoga moves nor am I comfortable doing something I'm not familiar with in a room full of people who are complete strangers. I consulted with my friend and fellow blogger, Stephiee Cowan, who also happens to have her RYT and teaches at Bliss Yoga back in the Mitten, to see what would be best or if this class was worth trying. While I was probably more than half of anyone's age in that room (snowbird city), it was exhilarating and felt so good. It was a Gentle Yoga class that lasted 45 minutes and included meditation toward the end. Nicole, the instructor, was very easy going and so nice to speak with afterward. I definitely plan on making this a new habit and incorporate it into my weekly training schedule. Namaste, my people!

Last but not least and slightly not running related, at least this next part anyway: I got a new library card! Honestly, I'm probably more excited than most about this. Do you still know how to search for books using the dewy decimal system? While I love the feeling of holding an actual book in my hand, I do dabble with the feature of digitally checking books out via OneDrive on my iPad. While I'm transitioning into the plant-based life and always wanting to learn more about running and performance, I've started diving into Eat & Run by Scott Jurek, American ultramarathoner. I mean, why wouldn't I read a book that has my two favorite activities in the title? I also hope to gain some inspiration for my future ultra marathon dreams.

That's all I have for this Tuesday's segment. Bring on week 3!