Eq class: Deep Extreme

Last night I took a new class (new for me) called Deep Extreme. This is the description of the class:

"The barefoot cardio training of the future. All you need is your body weight and your breath to experience this challenging, unique workout. Move, swing, hold, release and fly in the most recent creation of Robert Steinbacher, fitness genius. Get off the machines. Get on your feet."

Sounds kind of dumb, right? I thought so and refused to take it because I expected a bunch of weird dance movements and yoga-like poses. But then I did some intense googling and read a bunch of convincing reviews so I decided to give it a shot before my 6:30 dinner.

The instructor is pretty good. She is also super fit and pretty...because she's a model, obvi. She goes around the class and actually does the moves with you. If you're doing something wrong, instead of adjusting you she just stands in front of you and does the move so you don't feel dumb and singled out. This happened to me a few times.

The class is pretty fast-paced and non-stop. There were a lot of plyometrics, some swinging of the arms (but not in a weird way), squatting, kicking, balancing, planking, etc. - basically all movements with your body weight, which I prefer over dumbbells and body bars. My disgusting puddle of sweat and sore bod today has convinced me to take this class again. I LOVE finding new classes and can I say again how much I love Eq?!

I felt so good after the class I ordered a salmon burger, sweet potato fries and a MINT OREO CRUMBLE MILKSHAKE at dinner. I haven't had a legit milkshake in a long time and it was so f-ing gooooood. It was kind of worth going over my daily caloric intake by 1000...

Tonight is my 7th PPTC workout. Hopefully my sore calves will make it through the track.

Allstate Half-Marathon Recap

On Friday, as I was perusing Twitter, I came across tweets about the Allstate 13.1 in Flushing Meadow Park Saturday morning. I figured I 1) I had no plans on Saturday, 2) may be moving to the hood soon, and 3) had to get in a 13 mile run anyway, so I got myself a last minute bib and decided to run it. 

On race day, my dad drove me the start but we couldn't find the entrance so he said to me, "you like to run so run around and find it." Once I found it, I still had about an hour to kill so I went inside the Tennis Center and bought Welch's Fruit Snacks (my fave) as mid-run fuel. There were a lot of people just roaming around and since it was so cold, I just ran around trying to warm up. The announcer wouldn't stop rubbing the weather in our face. That was super annoying. 

Once the race began, I started with a 1:50 pace group but about 6 miles in I decided to toss aside any thoughts of a decent race time and run the course,  just to run. That and my Garmin died on me sooo....it was a pretty clear sign. I had never done that before and it felt so good!

The course: Flat with about 4-5 repeats on the same bridge. It wasn't very long/steep but do it at mile 12 and you want to kill yourself. There were also a few puddles that we had to jump over several times because the course repeated. It's pretty scenic at times and pretty not scenic at other times, esp when you're running next to the highway and can hear all the traffic. I hate running next to cars. There were spectators and bands scattered throughout so that was nice too. 

The weather: Sunny but WINDY WINDY WINDY. At times I felt like I was running on a treadmill. The winds were between 20-30 mph. It was like that almost the entire time. Good thing I stole tissue from the porta-potty because I was sniffling the whole time. 

Overall, I would run it again. They had lots of snacks afterward (including OREOS!) and a band playing. People were doing the electric slide to the music. The crowd is great and it's a very nice change from running around Central Park. Good job, Allstate!

PPTC#6

Ok, I just realized that last night was the 6th session and I've only gone to 3. From now on I must go to every, single one because I also realized yesterday that I am extremely slow. Here was last night's workout:

20 min warm up (I just ran to the track and did a few laps while there)
3x1000m
10 min cool down

At the end of these sessions, I am going to make a list of all the workouts and do them on my own when I really start marathon training.

I also tested out my new Wave Riders. They felt good on the track but my blisters from the Inspires were bothering me. I still have to test them on a run outside.

I ALSO realized last night that my new compression socks are going to clash with my sneakers!! Noooooo!!!

Back to the Familiar

Yesterday, I ran an easy 6 miles outside in my new Wave Inspires and got three blisters. I went back to the store and exchanged it for the good ol' Wave Riders. The most updated version is the 16. I guess I shouldn't have tried to be adventurous. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

I missed my last two speed sessions with PPTC. I have to go today and if I don't, I will buy you (all four of you...) dinner.

Stay tuned!!

New Kicks and Weekend Excitment

I knew it was time for new sneakers when I started getting shin splints and blisters during every run. I deviated from my normal running shop and decided to stop in the Super Runner's Shop in BK. I'm so glad I did because they have this device that scans your foot and creates a mold of it. The mold is uploaded into a program, which shows you where you apply pressure the most, how low/high your arches are, and just by analyzing my stance the guy could tell I pronated more on one side (true). So he recommended that I try the Mizuno Wave Inspire 9, as opposed to the Wave Riders. The Inspires also have moderate support and just slightly more of an arch because I have a pretty low arch in my right foot. I tested these babies out on my treadmill run this morning and felt pretty good. I just need to test them outside now. I love new running shoes!!! 

To go along with my new shoes, I just ordered me some hot PRO Compression Marathon Socks. I tell you, once I shop, I can't stop. Stay tuned for the review. For 40% off, use code MARCH!

On another note, two major events happened this weekend

1. Baby Lucas is here!!!! I am going to be the best aunt ever and spoil that kid rotten. I am also going to take him running with me. Mommy is doing well and lookin' good and the baby is the cutest. 

2. Nancy finished her first 5k!!!! This was the 5k that my group of girlfriends were SUPPOSED to do together but two flaked and one got pregs (but still came out to support so equally as good!) (don't get me started on people flaking on races. That is an entirely different post...) BUT Nancy did such a great job. I ran from my apartment up to the race (11 miles) but I couldn't find the start so I just met her in the middle and ran about 2 miles with her. 

Random Notes:

I got 50% off my Starbucks latte this morning, which I'm pretty excited about. 

I made baked tofu last night and I'm kind of proud of myself. The brown stuff on the pan is the marinade I used - I poured the remaining over the tofu and baked it. 

Shin splints

After my kb class on Wed, I woke up with pretty bad posterior shin splints (the inner part of the lower leg). It hurt to run the rest of the week so I kept my runs slow. I ran 12 miles today at a pretty slow 10:00 pace because I didn't want to risk injuring myself. I suppose the smarter thing to do would've been to not run at all but we all know I can't really do that. Anyway, so during my run I began to kick myself in the butt bc I forgot to kinesio tape my shins. I don't know if taping really works (like scientifically) but even if its all mental, it's pretty much my savior for minor aches and pains. Check out my taping job (and please excuse my pasty legs and chipped nail polish):

I decided to keep my run in BK today so I did a loop around the park then ventured over to BK Bridge Park again. During the last leg of my run, some three-year old kid (I'm really bad at guessing kids ages...) randomly started running next to me for a block. I looked down at him and he was looking up at me beaming. He seemed so happy to be running with me it reminded me of the real reason I run - because I just really enjoy it. It's that simple. I get so caught up sometimes with racing and times, I forget how fun and therapeutic the simple act of it really is. Thank you, random cute kid.

I also decided to give Gu gels another shot since PHIL (he wants me to stop calling him "P") bought me a bagful for the Chicago Marathon that I didn't use. I tried the Gu Roctane chocolate raspberry one and it wasn't bad at all. I think I have been converted.

I made a pot of turkey chili and cous cous salad so that I have lunch for the next two weeks. I'm so excited to eat it. I will post pics later. 

Fasting with P

This weekend P made some delicious Daniel fast-friendly meals. Potato and leek soup and sweet potato burritos.

For the potato soup, P sauteed one leek, one onion, and one chopped up jalapeno. He then boiled 5 peeled/diced small potatoes and the leek mixture in one 32 oz box of veg broth. Once that started boiling and the potatoes became soft, he used an immersion blender to mix everything together until a creamy goodness was created.

p.s. someone please tell P to SHAVE his beard and get rid of those glasses!

The burritos didn't come out exactly how he wanted so we modified them into tortilla cakes. They were still really good and really easy to make- you literally combine masa flour with water. DAS it!

For the sweet potato filling, I boiled 3 sweet potatoes, mashed them, then we mixed the mash with brown rice, peppers, one onion, and one can of black beans. We then baked the mixture for about 10-15 min and threw it on the tortilla.

On Sunday my laziness from the weekend lingered and I could only muster up enough energy to run 10 miles. I did a loop around cp then ventured over to the west side. It was a pretty slow and low energy run.

Yesterday I tried my new Pearl Izumi spinning shorts!!! They were amazing. My butt doesn't hurt at all. They took a little getting used to but it's worth it. I ran for a little bit before spin in my shorts and that was not a great feeling...but doable! I just wouldn't go on any long runs with them...

p.s. I've gained 5 lbs in the past month. I don't know what to do but keep on eating!!!