The Verdict

Sorry to say, even though I went to the doctor yesterday, I still have no idea what/was causing my craptastic week.  But I got you pulled in, didn't I?  Sneaky, no?  Anywhoo, she did sound a bit alarmed by all the things that went wrong, given I'm usually pretty healthy and in pretty good shape.  She ordered up some blood tests, and 8 viles later, I'll get the news at the end of the week.  If they're good, no need to go back and to chalk it up as just an off week.  If they're not so good, she'll call me back in by Friday and we'll discuss it together in her office.  Fingers crossed it was just a bad week.

This week is a ton better.  My energy is still not fab, but I think I have figured out how to get around the tummy troubles.  I eat my pre-running meal at least 2 hours before, chug some Pepto and chew a couple of ginger candies.  Yes, a ton of planning, but so far it has kept me from feeling like I'm going to puke.  I'll take it as progress.  Hopefully by the end of the week I can wean myself off this stuff:

On the running front, I have done some good miles already.  Monday I decided I wanted to hang out with Doug, so off to the gym I went.  Yes, it has been beautiful here and the temps absolutely perfect, but I knew some cross training was in order.  This time, I went longer than I had the last few times and that Doug really worked me!  I chose an interval training session and most of it was out of the saddle!  Can you say, holy sore quads!  I guess I have weak quads (that's for you Katie)!  I also was listening more to Doug this time and he says some pretty funny stuff.  For example, he constantly reminds you "this is your ride, own it," or "feel that sweat dripping off of you!"  Really?  I should be sweating?  I knew I was doing something wrong.  Also, the music is hilarious!  One of the disco mixes is to the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies!  Yes, that Christmas song!  WTF?  Or, some mixed up version of an AC/DC song when he wants you to push hard.  I can't say I love his taste in music, but he sure knows how to work a girl out!  And finally, he ends the ride with a good old, hands in prayer position, saying "Namaste."  He's spiritual, too.

After my ass kicking on the bike, I headed over to the treadmill to get a good BRICK in.  I LOVE doing these, you feel like such a bad ass when you're done.  I started out slow to let my legs and hips warm up and by mile two I was back at MP.  I finished up the run with a 10K and 17.21 miles on the spinner.  Nice way to start the week.  And in good news, my stomach behaved itself.  I was starving by the time I was done (literally I think my stomach was caving in!), but I think that was due to the fact that I had eaten so long before and I had spent almost two hours working out.  Needless to say, I enjoyed a brownie after dinner that night.

Yesterday I headed back to the gym (yes, I'm a pansy) because it was sooo windy out.  I don't do wind.  The gym was empty which was nice, so I got to pick one of the more favorable treadmills (right in back with a TV).  I put on HGTV and went to work.  After a two mile warm up, I went straight into some speed work, 5x800 at 7:00/mi pace then did a cool down mile before I started 3x1 mile hill repeats.  I finished the workout with 9 miles for the day and again starving.  Some jerk at the front desk was eating a cheeseburger when I walked out and I did everything I could not to reach across and grab it out of his hand.

With the weather getting darker earlier and the weather not so fab, I think we should all embrace the treadmill and use it to our advantage.  It's easy to incorporate speed work and really nail paces.  And you can also use the incline to really rock those hill repeats.  Yesterday for my hill repeats, I would start out 1.5% incline and slightly slower than MP, then work up to 4% at MP by the end.  They kick your butt and get the hills in that you need.  I'm going to need some hills workouts since CIM is rollers.  Plus, again, you feel like a badass when you're done ;)

This morning my mamma and I are headed over to a grand opening of a Whole Paycheck Foods that is finally making its way to our neck of the woods.  Yes, we are dorks, but who wants to pass up free food and schwag??  If anything, it will be a fun time to hang with my mamma and get my grocery shopping done (which if you don't know me, is my nemesis!).  I have a medium-long run planned for later in the day when hubbs gets home and so far this week is looking a ton better than last.  Thank goodness, let's just cross our fingers the doc doesn't come back with something that will take it all to a screeching halt!

Have a great Wednesday peeps!
Happy Running!
P.S. Got entered into the lottery for NYC 2011 - who's with me?
P.S.S. Thinking about a half this weekend to catch the 1:37 that I need to qualify - can't decide still.
P.S.S.S. Last one I promise...lost a follower, WTH?