Indoor Triathlon

When my student gym membership at Michigan Tech expired I went back and forth for quite a long time whether I should renew my membership there or go with the small town local gym 0.4 miles from my house. Even though the local gym was more expensive, I am SO glad that ended up being my choice! It really feels like home :-) Not only am I getting to know my neighbors, but I'm also getting lots of personalized tips and attention from the trainers, AND they do these awesome challenges to motivate us such as the Indoor Yooper Triathlon!

This challenge just wrapped up a few days ago and lasted for around a month. In the beginning we got to choose what level of  'Yooper' we were and then complete the required number of minutes required for running (treadmill), biking, and hiking (elliptical or stair-master). I chose the 'Super Yooper' category so I had to do 380 minutes of running, 360 biking, and 340 hiking. Since I finished my challenge I now get put into a drawing for a prize. Isn't that fun or what??

Half marathon training week 1!

I'm finally on my 1/2 marathon training plan!! To be honest it's pretty intimidating. I keep looking ahead to weeks 13 and 14 wondering how the heck I'm ever going to accomplish something like that... This sure is quite the undertaking. I can only pray that I continue to stay motivated, healthy, and that my health/weight continue to head in the right direction!

The plan: 
I chose a 16 week training plan that I got off of Garmin Connect. The workouts are sent right to my GPS watch so it tells me exactly what to do right on my wrist. What I love about this plan is that it includes so much more than running. I'll be cross training, lifting, and even doing some swimming and pilates! I figure this program will help me get on track to becoming a well-round athlete ( <---- did I just say ATHLETE!?) by the time this is all said and done.

The first week: 

Day 1: Cross training- 30 minutes! I ended up on the Arc Trainer :) that thing is HARD!

Day 2: Easy run

- Run, easy pace, 30 minutes

- Cool down, 5-10 minutes

- Stretch 

Day 3: Cross training - I got myself over to a "Core & More" fitness class that really kicked my butt

Day 4: Easy run - Same run as day 2, but I was SORE from the day before. I was SO HAPPY to make it to rest day! 

Day 5: REST DAY !!! *Today actually :) I'm planning on going to the gym with a book to do some easy walking. Trying to hit my step goal 30 days in a row! Oh, and a sauna will probably be happening too! 

Day 6: Pilates - I plan on heading over to The Balanced Life youtube channel and doing the first four videos in the Pilates Summer Series! Each video is 5-10 minutes long so it's totally doable!  

Day 7: Run - This was actually listed as 'long run' on my plan which is funny because it's actually shorter than the others! The plan is to bump up the speed a bit :) 

- Walk, brisk pace, 10 minutes

- Run, easy pace, 20 minutes 

- Cool down, 5-10 minutes

- Stretch

So far I'm loving this plan and feeling great! :) thanks everybody for your support and love! 106 days to go!