Gimme gimme gimme

Christmas is right around the corner, and like any red-blooded American, I'm ready with a very detailed Christmas List for all my friends and family. Since I consider you all my friends, I think it's important that you have my list too. I'm considerate like that.

1. Now, who doesn't love a little Coach in their life? My current keychain is a plastic Colorado Buffalo keychain that doesn't even play the song it used to back in the day. Not sure if that makes it better or worse. Anyway, it's time to upgrade.

2. If the pages of Lucky magazine have taught me anything about fashion, it's that layering little silver necklaces is tre chic. Especially a mix of expensive and inexpensive pieces. This little Tiffany bow would be the perfect addition to my collection.

3. Work out stuff? Oh don't worry, I want plenty of that too. Apparently arm warmers are all the rage. Not only are they badass looking (and even qualify people for Boston!), but they seem fairly functional all well. Sign me up.
4. I'm actually pretty excited about my very own pair of cycling shoes. I've been sort of borrowing a pair from a friend for races, and they aren't quite my size, and really, sharing shoes is kind of gross. There's no doubt I'm sticking with this triathlon business, so it's more than time for my own shoes.
5. And last but not least, these sunglasses are straight up sexy. I want.

I accept gifts until January 1, so there's still plenty of time to get to shopping!

Lifting (again)

After last week's return to lifting and subsequent whining and soreness, I figured I was ready to get back at it and make this a part of my workout routine. Mapping out a plan with circuits and reps seemed like too much mental effort after a draining day, so I defaulted to my favorite DVD to let someone else dictate my workout:Ah, Jillian. How I love your butchy workout clothes and hack therapy sessions with people bawling about mommy issues while exhausted and slung over treadmills. Don't ever change, hon!

But back to 30 Day Shred. I got it last year, and it's not bad. It's certainly not a viable substitute for a long run (or any run, in my opinion), but if you're just getting back into lifting, it's 10 degrees, and you're looking for some instruction so you don't have to think, it's pretty good.

I generally do workout 2 and 3 together, and the best part is all the push up work. I used to be able to do a decent amount of real push ups, but, well, I have a long way to go at this point. It's not pretty.

My least favorite part (which may have annoyed me so much it's looped back around to amusement) is the total slacker lady in the background. You know the one. Not the one with the sick abs, but the super tall girl Natalie who half-asses everything. Everything! Jillian does make a few comments about the slacking, so that makes me feel a little better, but you know she's just dying to clinch her teeth and unload.

Anyway, I did a much better job stretching before and after this time. Unlikely that this DVD will ever make me "shredded", but I'd say I'm just about perfectly sore and quite pleased with my mid-week effort to get back into lifting once and for all.

Thank you, rich people

I was pretty excited to run on Friday afternoon. The weather was great, my body felt good, and work didn't seem like much fun. My only dilemma was figuring out where to run. We had gotten a foot of snow that week, and since most of my route is streets and non-residential sidewalks, I knew it would be covered in snow and just too dangerous.

My first thought was the bike paths and trails around town. Unsure if they would be cleared, and knowing I wouldn't have time to drive around a check before dark, I sent out a few feelers to people who might know. Responses ranged from "I don't think so" to "AHAHAHAHA", and I knew I was out of luck. (Way to keep that reputation strong as a crappy running town!)

Assuming I'd just figure something out, I rushed home, bundled up, and took off along my usual route through the neighborhood. About a mile and a half into a slippery run though Really Rich Neighborhood Next to Mine, I noticed a path to the trail around their little lake. Hmmm, could that really be plowed? Could I be that lucky?

Yes! It was perfectly plowed, perfectly scenic, and perfectly one mile. And just when I didn't think it could get much better, I crossed a footbridge they had covered in holiday garland and bows!

I ran around that lake several times Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. One mile circles are a little monotonous to do much longer, but it's been wonderful this weekend. Hopefully the snow melts soon, but until then, I'll continue to love rich people. Who knows if any of them have taken advantage of the plowed and decorated trail, but that insane association fee they must pay each month is certainly appreciated by me.

Lifting is a bad idea

First, thank you to everyone who so kindly welcomed me back to blogland and thought/worried/inquired about me while I was gone. My hiatus had nothing to do with turning 30 (which is shocking given my propensity for the dramatic), but I'm happily back regardless.

I've been running as usual, but as I exited my 20s last month, I figured I should start lifting again. I stopped once racing season started in the spring, and I know the ol' metabolism isn't what it used to be back in college. Apparently running, and only running, isn't going to give me those sculpted arms and back for next summer. Who knew?

Well, Tuesday was the day. Tuesday was the day I would begin incorporated lifting back into my workout routine to build some muscle mass and keep that weight in check for the rest of my grown up life. Tuesday.

All this week was spent traveling for work, and the hotel had a very nice workout room full of plenty of free weights. Perfect. I walked down first thing in the morning with my little bottle of water, Shuffle, and filled to the brim with motivation. I spent a couple minutes stretching (my first mistake) and got to work doing all the basics. Three sets of 10: A little bicep curl, some tricep dips, a few chest flies, lunges, squats, etc using mostly 5lb hand weights. Nothing too crazy.

I neatly put everything away and spent a couple more minutes stretching. (Also, a very large mistake.) After a quick shower and productive/tiring day, I went to bed quite pleased with my morning effort. Also quite convinced I had paved the road to a lifetime of athletic success and someday cougar status.

Until the next morning and every single excruciating moment there after. Holyshit am I sore. S O R E. Like everything. It hurts when I laugh, it hurts when I sit, and don't even get me started on stairs. Screw 30, I'm like 100 right now! Worst. Idea. Ever.

What I really need to do is get out and run to kick some of this soreness, but the city has basically shut down since it's so cold and snowy here. School has been closed for three straight days. Shoot, they even shut down the mall. I hate running inside, but I'm almost desperate. Drugs and whining aren't curing me as fast as I need, and it's kind of getting embarassing trying to hobble around.

Oh, hello December

So you know how you get almost 80 comments on a post? Make everyone wish you a happy 30th birthday and fall off the face of the internet for almost a month. Really, try it some time.

Life got to be a lot for a few weeks, but I think I've picked myself up and rejoined society again. And it true blogger form, I'm recapping the last month in bullet form before I trot off to read the 554 posts looming on my Google reader. Since last we talked:

• The husband and I celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary. (With cake. Obviously.)
• I ran in 68 degree weather on a Tuesday and 18 degree weather four days later. (Never change, Nebraska!)
• In true xc2 form, I hosted my own Turkey Trot run on Thanksgiving morning. Guess what? I won!
• I had two Thanksgiving celebrations with either sides of our family. (If you've never had Thanksgiving feast cooked by rural Nebraska folk, you are missing out.)
• I got a pasta maker for my birthday and have been a noodle-rolling fool. (Full report to come.)
• I made a Christmas list full of sweet run and workout gear. (Full report to come on that too.)

Can't wait to read all the fall race reports from everyone!