Weekly Therapy: overloaded

- Mel

the week:
First full week of my new job, and I’m (hopefully) filling into my role. I have business cards!

On the school front, I had to drop my first class in the program. I was feeling really overwhelmed with some of the course requirements — especially at already taking 16 credit hours. I’m hoping to get into another class that starts later this month, but my advisor has been completely MIA (which is a whole other unnerving thing in itself) and my student status is considered “overloaded.” STORY OF MY LIFE.

me_blue chair

weekend:
Friday night was the ballet — Beauty & the Beast — and then half marathon kick-off weekend! Wow. It’s here. So I want to take my weekend full of “down time” to be active and OUTSIDE. Because we are all excited about 30-degree temperatures in this place.

seven things, seven days:
1. First evening CrossFit session, and I felt BEASTLY. Maybe there’s something there.
2. One group presentation out of the way!
3. I had a volunteer info meeting this week, which I thought was downtown, so I didn’t drive to work. And then I realized said location was not downtown at all, but in Oakland. Woof, my perception of things.
4. Feeling SUPER meh about my last StitchFix box. Even with notes to my stylist about needing new work pieces and redefining my classic style, this Fix fell WAY flat — as in, not work-appropriate for me at all. Also: another really cheap bracelet for $30 kinda pissed me off. Also-also, they sent me the SAME dress I already purchased from another box, but in a different color. What the heck?!
5. There’s nothing like waiting for a package from USPS… and finding it face-down, frozen in the ice in your side yard. Yeah, they basically just tossed it over the fence without care or regard. SIGH.
6. Oh, hey, it’s OK to be an overbearing pet parent (and yes, there is some merit to the “crazy cat lady” title) {via Science of US}
7. I loved the message behind this post from the Greater Good blog: Be divergent, not perfect.

Pittsburgh Half Marathon Training: Week 3

- Mel

Sunday: RUN DAY! 4.66 miles (according to MapMyRun; Garmin logged 4.45 even though I stopped my watch at 4.50 UGH!) Anyways, it was early and cold and it FELT SO GOOD TO BE OUT. And my dumb phone died again when I stopped my workout on MapMyRun.

train bridge winter

Monday: Woo, did I need some restorative yoga. Side note: don’t rely on Hulu exercise videos. Not only are the yoga episodes disruptive with loud commercials (seriously, at least 5 commercials within the first 20 minutes), the video abruptly stopped after one of the “breaks” and wouldn’t reload. How frustrating. I took the remainder of my session to stretch out what was bothering me. Too bad I couldn’t get an appointment with my massage therapist on Monday or Tuesday because I have a dang pinched nerve in my shoulder again.

Tuesday: Afternoon CrossFit session: handstand push-ups, back squats and stair climbs (and rowing for the cash out #dumb). Man do I miss these noon workouts during the week. Totally taking advantage of my last day of non-traditional scheduling.

Wednesday: REST DAY

Thursday: SUPER SLEEPY DAY. And wow, are my legs still sore from Tuesday’s CF!

Friday: EVEN MORE EXHAUSTED.

Saturday: Wanted to do a CrossFit class this morning, and disappointed to see that all classes were canceled because of an away competition (annoying). It’s so freaking cold (like, negative cold) that I wasn’t able to run outside (wah!). Anyways, I took an awesome two-hour Trigger Point Therapy workshop at Urban Elements yoga studio (although, I was car-less for the afternoon and had to walk). More on this in my next post!

What a weird, all over the place, week. It’s yet another training week where I started out strong and quickly lost steam. I’m trying to give myself a break, considering the weight of adjusting to a new schedule and the stressful exhaustion that comes with starting a new job, but… ahhhhh, the defeat. I can only try again, right?

Total Runs this Week: 1
Weekly Mileage: 4.45
Total Pittsburgh Half Training Miles: 18.62
January total (per MapMyRun): 18.83

Weekly Therapy: plan for greatness, but also don’t forget to adapt to reality

- Mel

the week:
Well, I’m glad my two new classes are rolling out slow this week, as I hit my midway point in my Coaching class (and have another paper due this weekend), AND I started my new job on Wednesday. I have a lot of nervous energy, but through my peer coaching sessions, I made some good measurable goals to take me through this transition with (hopefully) little anxiety and a lot of success and openness.

I have to say, I am loving the autonomy and flexibility that comes with this position (no more asking for bathroom or lunch breaks). But holy crap, you guys, I have been EXHAUSTED.

weekend:
I’m excited for a Trigger Point workshop hosted at the new yoga/spinning studio Urban Elements on Federal Street (North Shore) on Saturday — it’s targeted to runners and athletes with and emphasis on myosfascial techniques and work on mobility and flexibility or injury points common with runners.

Then, I’m GETTING MY HAIR DONE! (finally.) It’s also the Super Bowl this weekend, if you’re into that…

52 books in 52 weeks:
#5: Coaching & Mentoring at Work: Developing Effective Practice — my required textbook for my Organizational Coaching class, but finished the book in advance of some intense assignments coming up for the next couple weeks.

seven things, seven days:
1. Snow, YAY! LOTS of snow. Woah.
2. I tried out three different modes of commuting to work this week: car, walking, and bus. It’s certainly a benefit that I have options!
3. Is it silly that the thing that made me most nervous about my first day at work was lunch with my boss because of all my diet restrictions. (edit: it went fine — but of course I had to return my salad when it came out with tomatoes.)
4. LOTS of fancy deluxe-size sample goodies came with my Bergdorf beauty order, and my feminine side is all SQUEE.
5. Received — and LOVE — my new furniture from West Elm. Now I need to get this old couch out of here!
6. Some perspective we all need to consider: How to embrace Plan B {via Carrie Cheadle}
7. As I have been exploring more about the topic of Authenticity, I came across: The Authenticity Paradox {via Harvard Business Review}

Pittsburgh Half Marathon Training: Week 2

- Mel

So I perused my upcoming Higdon training schedule — just to get an idea of what’s to come in terms of distance markers, frequency, when to sign up for races, etc. I realized that the date I’m supposed to run a 10k, I’m running 10 MILES in the DC Cherry Blossom run. It’s still a month before the Pittsburgh half, but I hope it doesn’t derail my training plans (and that I don’t go through some early plateau that Chelsea has warned me about).

In any event, this week was TOUGH to schedule runs, what with a BOB SEGER CONCERT (!!!), Pippin’ tickets, a fun event with Levo League, AND a wonky last week of work schedule (including my last day and subsequent going-away party). Geesh, excuses much? I am nothing but transparent here, folks. While four runs was proving to be impossible, three runs is also really tough. I would be happy still with two runs. But you know what, it’s actually really disappointing I could only find ONE DAY to run. By the way, I totally tapped out on that Ab Challenge — 15 Days was challenge enough for me, and well… I need to refocus.

watch 2 miles

Sunday: Rest Day (work, and a PSYC paper due)

Monday: RUN DAY, 2.03 miles! And I kept a 9:30 pace.

Tuesday: I, err… damn. Rest Day.

Wednesday: CrossFit workout before work! I realized this morning that I might have to bump up into the 5:15am class when I start my new job and… OH GOD.

Thursday: CrossFit before work. This was my kind of workout: birthday burpees for our coach set to Roxanne; the WOD was a 15-minute AMRAP of handstand pushups and box jumps. WOOT!

Friday: Stop asking me!

Saturday: Going to have to do another Rest Day (my last day of work, then my going-away party). REST DAYS ARE IMPORTANT, OK!?

Oh well, I know we can’t all be winners every week. I noticed there being some daylight when I was walking home this evening, so there’s hope soon that I can get some runs in after work. Otherwise, I’m waking up early Sunday morning and starting over!

Total Runs this Week: 1 (GAH!)
Weekly Mileage: 2.03
Total Pittsburgh Half Training Miles: 14.17

Weekly Therapy: what do you want?

- Mel

the week:
I went to a wonderful Levo League event this week focused on goals and resolutions for 2015. With the help of a life coach, we did partner exercises similar to what I’m learning in my coaching class — using the 5-W Questions to help one another get to the root cause of our resolutions. For many of us it’s an emotion or feeling that is underlying, and well… MAN it is difficult to actively listen and figure out what to ask next. That said, I got a LOT out of the session, and I really put myself out there to be receptive to the process. It is difficult enough to leave the house to meet new people, but recently I’ve felt re-energized in my pursuits to own my weaknesses and face them (mine: social anxiety and looking foolish in front of strangers) and meet new people. Anyways… wow, this could easily be its own post.

Regardless, I left with one big personal takeaway from the emotional session, prompted by the discussion from the coach: BE MORE FUN.

That’s loaded, eh?

weekend:
I have Pippin tickets tonight, and that is complemented by the Gallery Crawl; I will probably eat all the fried things at Grit & Grace too, since they’re batter everything with tapioca flour. My last day at work and farewell party is Saturday… it’s bittersweet. I promise that I’m getting in a training run on Sunday though! OH yeah, and homework natch.

52 books, 52 weeks:
#4. Good Manners for Nice People Who Sometimes Say F*ck. There were some really good parts in this book about how to reframe your situation — especially when emotionally (over) charged — and lesson on how being the nicer person is better for everyone (but more-so yourself). Most of the wit felt forced, however, which left a lot of intended jokes not so funny. Also, that dating chapter, while partially rooted in sociology and science, made me visibly cringe; I felt those topics to be wholly unnecessary and, frankly, out of touch. But I am neither author or sociologist.

seven things, seven days:
1. My application to be a FitFluential Ambassador was accepted! WOO!
2. I was also asked to be a Sweat Pink Ambassador to their community too. Two amazing communities of which to be a part.
3. My favorite coach is leaving my CrossFit gym. I have the sads.
4. BOB SEGER! Life achievement seeing him in concert: unlocked.
5. I need to make a decision on car vs. bus for commuting to my new job. I first typed “car vs. bar” I’ll have you know. That’s a fun slip.
6. Did a little (bit too much) credit card damage this week, since I need office-appropriate clothes and shoes for my new job. It’s been fun trying to figure out what my Office Style is at this stage of my life.
7. Wow. A striking read on marriage, middle age, and happiness. {via Pacific Standard}

Let the Half Marathon Training Commence: Week 1

- Mel

While my Higdon Half Marathon Novice training program doesn’t begin until February, my mental training begins this week. By that, I mean, I need to train my body and brain into running a couple times per week — it’s all about the frequency right now. Nothing by calculated time or distance, but just getting out there and running a few miles here and there. I also intend to amp up my strength training program a little with consistent CrossFit workouts.

running outside

Naturally, I started Day One (Sunday) by COMPLETELY FLAKING OUT ON THE FRIGID 5 MILER. And then I felt guilty after chatting with the clerk at True Runner about skipping out on the race, and decided to run a couple miles in my neighborhood later in the day. Even though it was a decided “heat wave” from the prior week, DANG was it still cold. I hit a puddle about 2 miles in, and 2.38 was it for me. But I got to test out my new Garmin running watch!

Day Two: Did my 30-day Ab Challenge (Days 11 and 12. Woof.), and some good ol’ healthy foam rolling.

treadmill day

Day Three: Dreadmill, Treadmill Day. Wanted to run after work, but didn’t have the energy to get dressed for the weather. So with a boyfriend in tow, I scooted my new-Fabletics-covered-booty over to the YMCA for 3 miles. Then I came home for Day 13 of the aforementioned Ab Challenge (BLECH!).

Day Four: 30-day ab challenge again (ooof).

Day Five: Treadmill day. I can’t do another treadmill day. Thankfully we’ll have a little weather break in Pittsburgh this weekend, so I can get back outside. I could only do 2.5 (totally miserable) miles. And then I came home to complete Day 15 of the 30-day Ab Challenge (help me!). I’m also pretty sure that I fell asleep on my yoga mat for a hot minute.

Day Six: REST DAY!

Day Seven: I missed the training Run with SCRR (wine on an empty stomach was a terrible idea), but later in the afternoon I did 4 miles! The weather was glorious, and I SO missed being outside. My Garmin Forerunner and MapMyRun logged two different distances (and times), so I kept running until the lagging one caught up to 4 miles. I was also angry that MapMyRun logged me running some other completely different course — no clue how that happened! And then I ended my last mile running up a north side hill (because apparently my side stitches weren’t bad enough?).

northside_run

I realized that I need to work on my scheduling. I only have one class right now, but in a couple weeks when I’m in THREE at once, planning and ACTUALLY DOING these runs will be critical to keeping up with my training program… and, well, everything else in life.

Total runs this week: 4
Total miles this week: 12.14

I need to find a race next weekend, if I’m going to meet my “one race per month” goal, so I need to get on that.

Post contains affiliate link for Fabletics. I am seriously in love with their workout clothes and bras!

Weekly Therapy: change is not a bad word

- Mel

the week:
A lot can change in a week. As an adult, I think it is important to be able to change your mind, your answers, your direction, or the field — whatever and whenever necessary. I made some big decisions this week as result of my life (and career!) going in a new direction. I do not fear change; in fact, I needed a whole lot of it in my life! Because I suppose I fear complacency more.

Also in change: we bought some new living room furniture on a fun binge at West Elm. I’m getting a blue couch! SQUEE!

weekend:
Friday, joining the ladies for the 21+ night at the Carnegie Science Center, and then joining the Steel City Road Runners Club for a training run on Saturday morning! And then it’s back to my usual “all homework Saturdays!”

52 books, 52 weeks:
#3. Mindy Kaling’s “Is Everyone Hanging Out With Me?” A new fan (and binge-watcher) of The Mindy Project, I was hoping for continued hilarity, like her, but this book was pretty abysmal and pointless; while easy to read, I found myself skimming a lot just to finish. It felt really forced and… bluff. MEH.

seven things, seven days:
1. I have no idea how I got this subscription of Sunset magazine, but… somebody wants me to move out West? I was quite excited to see a gluten-free orange cake on the cover, however!
2. I WANT THIS HOUSE. And I’m REAL SAD that it is already contingent.
3. Stopped into my NEW JOB to meet my team and other employees, and do a little orientation. I am SO excited about this position, you guys! I start officially on January 28. AND I HAVE AN OFFICE!
4. I also completed my first peer coaching session with a classmate. This class is so hands-on and scary and intense, but the course and different coaching frameworks are so interesting.
5. We got to celebrate a little with brunch at Eden in Shadyside. I have dreams about their chickpea pancakes smothered in cashew butter!
6. No One Is Successful to Spite You: How to be Happy For Others {via PsychCentral}
7. I swear, every time I read Nicole Antoinette’s blog posts, an internal fire gets lit inside me (is that redundant?): What Makes Your Life Better, Easier, & Way More Fun? {via Life Less Bullshit}

Weekly therapy: This is not recess. Everyone is accountable.

- Mel

the week:
Winter semester (and, well, WINTER) is upon us. My first class started on Monday, and in a couple weeks I’ll begin two more. Two semesters to go! Also, this week marks the return to roller derby. Can you believe tryouts are already next week? We held our introductory meeting (in my tiny house!) this week, and I announced my final season and leaving my post as team Captain. I loved our leadership team last season, but I really needed to step down from those responsibilities to maintain extra focus on school and upcoming graduation.

weekend:
Looking forward to the Frigid 5 Miler in North Park this Sunday!

52 books in 52 weeks:
Let’s try this again, shall we?
1. Coaching for Performance: GROWing Human Potential and Purpose by John Whitmore. Recommended/required as part of my Psychology course this semester — yes, I got a head-start on my reading — this book provoked a greater interest in performance as it pertains to organizational coaching through Whitmore’s GROW framework: goals, reality, options, and will — through context of awareness and responsibility.

2. Making Sense of People: Decoding the Mysteries of Personality by Samuel Barondes. It was an quick easy read — with a lot of footnotes and references (almost 100 pages!!!) — but not very instructional in “how” to actually read people. Not required or technical reading by any means, but informational to the novice or “armchair” psychologist. I enjoyed the profiles of Benjamin Franklin and the comparisons of presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama; likewise, the expanding of the Big Five personality traits was engaging (and I followed a link to another personality quiz included in the book). Otherwise, the book left me unsatisfied.

I also started and abandoned two other books because, boring… and WOW are we dead at work right now.

Does anyone else love the movie Less Than Zero as much as me?

seven things, seven days:
1. HOLY SKATE BAG SMELL, sMEL.
2. Surprisingly not very sore after my first derby practice back… and I had to re-test my minimum skills. Won’t take a 90+ day break again!
3. We had two weather-related work delays this week, at two hours a piece. The days did not go any faster, and, well, it’s fricking freezing.
4. I put in my notice at work, by the way. MORE LATER.
5. Because of winter, I finally got to break in my new Sorel boots. These things are legit!
6. The subtle art of not giving a… well, you know. Strong language alert, so likely NSFW. {via Mark Manson}
7. Long-form, interesting and a must-read: Has Technology Killed the Jewelry Industry? {via Pacific Standard}

Every 30-something needs: new workout gear for 2015!

- Mel

The holidays are a great time to take stock of your athletic equipment and think about what’s missing, what needs replaced, or what you need to reach your goals and resolutions. Several of my needs included items of a $20-price point that were inexpensive to add to lists for gift exchanges and stocking stuffers. Boy, was I was incredibly spoiled this holiday by family and the boyfriend, receiving almost every piece of athletic gear on my wish list. (Still need to upgrade my phone armband, which is probably good considering I’ve upgraded to another phone model since the holiday.)

gym bag yoga mat
Christmas Loot!

Under Armor ColdGear Infrared hat — I’ve been running in a fleece-lined Browns winter hat, which offers up some quiet fist bumps on the start line from secret Cleveland fans, but it gets VERY sweaty. This UA hat not only is awesomely purple and properly retains heat, but has reflective elements AND a ponytail hole! {similar item}

Knuckle Lights — Considering Pittsburgh’s short days, some of my training runs are going to be in the dark. When I found these lights online, I knew that I needed them. They’re not bulky at all, and have three power options for high, low, and blinking.

Gaiam Everything Fits gym bag — my gym stuff is currently carried in one of those khaki fabric totes and does not a proper gym bag make. Of course, I fell for the teal color of this bag by Gaiam, but extra bonus of a bungie at the bottom of the bag to carry a yoga mat or foam roller. See also: TONS OF POCKETS, including a separated, mesh pouch for smelly shoes.

Amphipod — carrying a water bottle wasn’t a huge necessity… until I started on longer runs. And then there was that time one of those “foldable” flat water carriers leaked down my pants during a cold holiday run. Yep, I needed a water bottle option, but didn’t want another belt. This amphipod is pretty sweet: comfortable, lightweight, and has another pocket option for when I won’t need my winter running jacket.

Running Buddy — I ooooh-ed at this bag at the Hot Chocolate Expo, and the boyfriend remembered! Not only good for running, this magnetic “fanny” pack will be good for derby travel too.

Garmin Forerunner 15 and heart rate monitor – YAY! Definitely top of my list this year, and I’m excited to try it out for the first time (and be more conscious of pacing). There will certainly be a learning curve, as I’ve never used a running watch.

Tell me about your new gear!

Running goals for 2015: UPDATED!

- Mel

I have quite a few things that I will attempt to accomplish in 2015 — graduation, a priority, and derby and personal goals. I have some running goals set for myself too. This post is about the running, however, because this year will be my first half marathon.

Let-The-Games-Begin_huge

I’ve selected a charity as well, and will be running for the National Aviary — an avian zoo here in Pittsburgh that is dedicated to education, conservation, research and respect for birds. Check out my Crowdrise fundraiser page.

I’ve set 2:20 as my goal to finish, based on my finishing times for other races. As its my first half, I hope this is not unrealistic. I’ll reassess this time, of course, as my training and season progresses.

I also plan to do 100 individual runs (not including races), which breaks down into two training runs per week. I know this might seem like not a lot of running, but I need to keep up a solid training base, alongside a crazy derby practice schedule AND doing my strength training through CrossFit. Basically I do a LOT of two-a-days, which doesn’t bother me, and still allows me to have 1-2 days of complete rest (my favorite!). Mileage-wise really depends on my (hopeful) goals to also complete a full marathon this year, but I might be kidding myself. I will also reassess this plan as my derby season progresses. For now, I will set a 500 mile goal for 2015 — which, at about 40 miles per month and 10 miles per week, I think is completely doable.

My 2015 race schedule is really up in the air, since I work weekends right now, but I would like to complete one race per month. Here is what I have on my radar… Suggestions welcome!

RACES FOR 2015
January: Frigid 5 Miler (1/11) DNS, wasn’t prepared.
February: Cupid’s Undie Run Didn’t feel like doing this one by myself. DNS.
March: Just a Short Run 5K (3/28) I am doing SWELL on my running goals! DNS.
April: Cherry Blossom 10 Miler (4/12)
May: Pittsburgh Half Marathon AND 5K (5/03)
June: Stride for Pride 5K (06/07)
July: Liberty Mile (7/31)
August: Rock Hall Half Marathon (Cleveland, 8/23)
September: Akron Relay (9/26)
October: Niagara Falls International Marathon (10/25)
November: I’ll likely do the EQT 10 Miler again Dang it, the date moved! Ugly Sweater Run 5K
December: Christmas Story 10k (12/05)

Have any fun races that I should add to my calendar? Do you struggle with or benefit from doing two sports?