Oh Hello, Cardio

Posted by Nicole

Time for 3 Random Things and some Running Talk

1. It’s midterm season! I’ve been doing lots of note-taking, homework, and exam prep. Yes Mom, this is my proof that I am learning, because I know you question me sometimes often.

And when I reach my limit, I resort to watching Skins (UK version) and doodling. I used to doodle all the time in high school, and I miss it! It’s mindless relaxation.

2. I got two wonderful Monday Night deliveries. (Remember how sororities and fraternities send each other gifts during Monday Night Dinner? It’s a great tradition.) Question: What’s better than receiving flowers from one boy? Answer: Receiving flowers from 20 boys! The pledges of Sigma Nu got me a beautiful bouquet as a “thank you” for helping choreograph their Anchor Splash dance. They didn’t win the competition, but I was still proud of them!

A couple weeks back, during a Target trip with my friend Ezana, I ooh-d and ahh-d over this coconut water. Not because I particularly like coconut water, but because of the anchor logo and it was “omgz so cute.” My friend Ezana surprised me with a delivery of the exact drink! Very thoughtful :)

3. For the past week, I have completely changed my breakfast cravings. I have no idea how I went from wanting oat bran, with banana and cinnamon, and sweetened greek yogurt to EGGS, but I just can’t stop. I feel awesome after eating eggs… probably because of the natural protein and healthy fats. I typically do 2 eggs and 2 egg whites, mixed with some veggies, and some bleu cheese dressing (this one is my obsession). This morning I was out of veggies, so I just put the eggs on some iceberg lettuce. Talk about being a broke college student; I buy the $.98 bags of iceberg lettuce because they are significantly cheaper than the $2.99 bags of spinach. Oh well, who needs iron and extra vitamins anyways? Not me!

And oddly enough, when I don’t eat sweet food in the morning, I don’t crave it as much throughout the day. Imagine that ;)

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And now… let’s chat about running. (Or lack thereof…)

This morning I got up and hit the gym in my so-called favorite speedy outfit. Only problem, I’m not so speedy anymore.

I’m realizing that I really miss running. The only problem is that when I try to run, it’s not as easy as I am used to, and I get discouraged. Well, I just need to suck it up and slowly rebuild my mileage and endurance. While this is mentally frustrating, especially because I am terribly impatient, I think that getting back into the running groove will make me a lot happier with my fitness (and life in general).  I’ve been managing to fit in little 1-3 mile runs here and there, but it’s due time for a more concrete schedule. I miss being able to bust out 5+ miles, and I miss the unbeatable runner’s high.

That said, I have dance practice 6.5 hours per week, school, and homework; those things take priority over running. In order to balance everything out, I’ve made a pretty set schedule for the week. It’s flexible, but I’d like to stick to it as much as possible. Keep in mind that dance is a completely different type of exercise than running. I cannot get back into running shape unless I incorporate steady cardio (our dance routines are less than 2 minutes each = not steady enough)

• Sunday- Long Run (allocated 2 hrs of time… probably won’t use it all) in the morning
• Monday- Treadmill Hike (30 mins) in the morning, Dance Practice (2 hrs) at night
• Tuesday- Treadmill Hike (40 mins) in the morning, Dance Practice (2 hrs) at night
• Wednesday- Mid-Long Run (60 mins) at night
• Thursday- Treadmill Hike (30 mins) in the morning, Dance Practice (2.5 hrs) at night
• Friday- Speed Run (60 mins) in the morning
• Saturday- Mid-Long Run (60 mins) in the morning

I do not have set days for strength workouts, because I honestly get enough of that at dance practice. We do a lot of conditioning, stretching, ab workouts, and arm workouts. Gotta get ready for holding those pom poms… and wearing tiny spandex.

Also, this schedule has no rest days… mostly because I know that things pop up and some of my workouts will be missed naturally. I am in college, after-all. And life does not revolve around scheduled workouts. Things happen.

Overall, it will be a good shift in my current schedule and I’m excited to feel good about cardio again. I know I keep saying this, but I don’t want to die in the SF Nike Women’s Half Marathon in LESS THAN 3 WEEKS. It’s kind of late to start “training,” but a few extra workouts will help my mental preparation. I feel like 95% of finishing a race is all mental anyways.

Hope your week is ending well, I’ll write back soon. (Trying to get on a more consistent blogging schedule!)

- N

Q4U: How much do you plan your workouts?

I always waver between extreme organization and planning, to none at all, and back again. I’m still trying to figure out what works for me.