Two weeks in: Holy hills!

Weekly update post on the 2012 goals! This week had it's ups and downs, was really crazy but I survived!

Goal #1 - 4:10 at the Pig: This week I took a big and necessary step toward this goal -- I registered for the race! I secretly thought about wimping out and doing Cleveland instead, but now I'm committed!

Training went very well this week! I did my second tempo run, then did hill repeats on Thursday. I missed MIT Saturday due to crummy weather, so as an added bonus I ran more hills Sunday during my 10 mile run! Since I did most of my long run solo (Brandie came with for the first 4), I sped up and averaged out at 9:47. I don't know if that's a good or bad thing. I ran a total of 27 miles for the week (plus one walking).

Elevation profile of Sunday's run

Scheduled miles for this week (slightly modified, of course!)
Today: 4 miles easy
Tuesday: 6.5 miles tempo
Wednesday: 4 miles easy
Thursday: 4 miles hills
Friday: Swim
Saturday: 10 miles
Total: 28.5

Goal #2 -- Train for a triathlon: Except for spin classes, no movement on this one this week!

Goal #3 -- Lift more: I've resigned to the fact that I only really have time to lift twice a week, but I'm getting that in!

Goal #4 -- Learn to teach something new: Nothing here, either.

Goal #5 -- Weigh 120: Had several missteps this week. I'm back on track now!


Goal #6 -- Increase blog traffic: Traffic is down this month, way down :( Debuting a new feature tonight -- Music Mondays!

Sun, fun, and an 8-mile run! (Wow, that was tacky)

I had two free tickets to the Disney parks, and I didn't go.

I spent my free time in Florida in what I consider to be an ideal manner, pounding the miles out in the early morning breeze, and spending the sweltering afternoons laying out by the pool. Crowds? Frazzled parents? Screaming kids? Not for me!

I went to Orlando for a journalism conference, but had a day and a half to play after the work was done. I really needed to stretch the legs after I got off the plane Thursday so I ran three miles around the lake. There wasn't any time Friday. I attempted my long run Saturday, but let's just say that the combination of an open bar and big dinner the night before, and a big breakfast that morning yielded an epic failure. I managed one lap around the lake at Coronado Springs.

I moved over to the Hyatt Grand Cypress Saturday because I got a better deal, or at least I thought I did... I'll save that rant for later in the post. Important stuff first, though. The hotel was lovely and the decor was very modern. The best part about the place was... ok I won't kid myself here... the three pools which included designated "quiet areas". I finally got good use out of the swimsuit I got at Filene's Basement at Sawmill a few months ago!

Now for the second best part! At Coronado I went to the concierge and asked where I could get a 3 mile run in. They seemed to think I was nuts, "umm, 3 miles, you could circle the lake three times" (it was a very lovely lake).

But at the Cypress, the bellhop perked up. Jogging trails? Yes, we have those! Just follow the red bricks down to the corner and there will be signs to direct you. We'll have water for you when you get back.

Sure enough, I leave the hotel and come to this sign:

 

(continued)

Greetings from Orlando!

It has been a beautiful weekend in sunny Orlando! I'm taking a break from the pool, so enjoy some photos!

(And yes, boss, I did learn lots at the conference.)

I started at the Coronado Springs Resort, the conference hotel for the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, which I was attending. I got a really good deal at the Hyatt Grand Cypress on Priceline so I'm here tonight. Both are really nice!

I got a three mile run in Thursday and one mile today. I wanted to do my full 8 this morning but after an open bar, a huge dinner and a huge breakfast... yea... I did one, I'll try 8 again tomorrow!

But... really Mickey???? The evil mouse knows you're a captive audience that can't leave!!

My sunscreen and razor were taken at security since I carried on. The resulting damage:

The lovely lake I ran around:

My room and the view at the Grand Cypress: