Weekly Roundup 2.1-2.7

Happy Super Bowl Week!  I love running but I LIVE for football Sundays!  Super Bowl 50 proved that defenses win championships.  I have always been a bit of a Peyton Manning fan but I was really pulling for Carolina.  Cam Newton is just so fun to watch!

The highlight of the night: Lady G & Queen Bey.  SO GOOD! 

The low point: The Marshawn Lynch tweet.  Did Beast Mode really retire?!!!

[Related Post: Lessons in Life from Marshawn Lynch]

Omg!  Big news last week that I forgot to mention!  My cousin Michele signed up for her 2nd half marathon, the Buffalo Half Marathon!  After running in Houston, Michele had 2 options:

1.     Hate running and never want to run ever again.

-or-

2.     Catch the running bug and become motivated to see how well she could do if she followed through on her training.

Running is contagious, my friends!  I keep saying that!  I also found out my cousin Melissa’s friend Ali signed up!  (Melissa registered before I did.)  Join us for 13.1 miles (or 26.2 miles!) through my favorite city on May 29th & use discount code BRSkiba05 for $5 off registration!

http://www.buffalomarathon.com/

This past week I also made the big jump and turned Garmin!  I’ve been a loyal Nike+ GPS watch wearer but Nike no longer makes them :( and mine is slowly dying.  I was so indecisive about what to buy and I owe a BIG thank you to Dave at Marathon Sports Mashpee for helping me out.  I’m excited to use the next couple weeks to play around with my new Garmin Forerunner 230 and figure out all the settings before Buffalo Half training begins on March 7th!

My Friday icy run with Georgie was short & slow but the snowy views were breathtaking!

Upcoming events:

·      16 weeks until the Buffalo Half Marathon!

Monday 2.1.16

I don't think I've ever slept this good all week!

1.90 miles with G (17:44)

10,830 steps

Tuesday 2.2.16

Taught spin class. The playlist: We are the Champions Spin Playlist

10,175 steps

Wednesday 2.3.16

3 miles treadmill (24:00)

30 squats
13,418 steps

Thursday 2.3.16

Taught spin class. They playlist: Welcome to the Big Show Spin Playlist

40 squats

11,078 steps

Friday 2.4.16

50 squats

8,245 steps

Saturday 2.6.16

1.58 miles with G (17:55)

60 squats

Hip & Core Exercises

13,415 steps

Sunday 2.7.16

Super Bowl Sunday!

Taught spin class. The playlist: We Will Rock You Spin Playlist

Burdenko H2O

45’ walk with Lindsey

15,652 steps

This week’s mileage: 6.5 miles

This week’s G mileage: 3.5 miles

February Totals: 6.5 miles

2016 Totals: 58.5 miles

Vegas Recap

I’m back!!

Old Ladies Trip was a blast!  I don’t want to bore you all with details of our trip so I will just mention some of the highlights:

 

·      New sneakers… obviously.  Nike LunarGlide+ 5.

·      Watching the Kentucky Derby in the sports betting lounge at Planet Hollywood.  Barb won $55 thanks to a California Chrome victory.

·      Britney Spears Concert!!!  She was awesome.  It was everything I imagined it would be.  90 minutes jam packed with all the classics, dancing, and theatrical performances.

·      KISS by Monster Mini Golf.  An indoor, glow-in-the-dark, mini golf place with all things KISS.  It was hilarious.  We even drank a beer while playing 18 holes.  Linda won.

·      Eating the best burger I’ve ever had… ever… at B&B Burgers & Beer.  We went there after watching Mario Batali on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.  It was a cool little restaurant at the Venetian with outdoor seating to watch the gondolas in the canal.

·      Yolos Mexican Restaurant, 15” slices of pizza at Pin Up Pizza, Pinkberry (duh), gelato when in Rome at Caesars Palace, an Asian restaurant at the Bellagio called Noodles with a noodle wall - amazing, and even dessert in Paris.

·      Celebrating Cinco de Mayo Las Vegas-style with a Mexican Bar Tour: La Salsa Cantina, Cabo Wabo, and Senor Frogs.

·      Running into Meb… well sort of... :)

·      Hiking Red Rock Canyon & Valley of Fire.

·      Walking 25,000+ steps every day.  Don't get used to it, Fitbit.

Overall it was a great trip.  I’m glad I was able to tag along and keep up with the old ladies.  A lot of laughs and fun times.  Thank you both for everything!

--

Before I left, I created a Facebook page so you will never miss a blog post.  Like it to keep up with my training, fitness tips, spin playlists, and more!

Nike Women's Half Marathon: One Year Later

Loving all the #WERUNDC posts on Instagram today.

In honor of tomorrow's Nike Women's Half Marathon, I bring you my “We Run DC” memories in pictures from the inaugural DC race in 2013...

Remember when Shalane Flanagan gave me a high five at the finish line?

What a great race and a fun weekend with my parents last year.

Good luck to all the runners racing the streets of DC tomorrow!   

Wish I was back there with you!  13.1!

[Related Post: DC and Rock & Roll Providence Race Report]

Workouts by Catie

It was a finally a spring day on Cape Cod!  I was motivated by my coworker Catie’s lunch break workout so I asked her to write it down for me.  I like to share with you all my favorite workouts and medicine ball core work is no joke.  I have some work to do!

4 mile run (31:42)

Med Ball Circuit #1

·      Uneven Push Ups x10

·      Spiderman Plank x10 each

·      Single Leg Bridge x10 each

·      V Sit Up with Toe Touch x10 each

·      Med ball burpee x10

Repeat 2x through.

1st round with 4#, 2nd round with 6#

Med Ball Circuit #2

·      Wall sit with rotation x10 each

·      Wall Ball (Squat & Throw) x10

·      Alternating Lunge with chop x10 each

Repeat 2x through.   

1st round with 4#, 2nd round with 6#

Thank you Catie!  Love my Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist friends.  

Sidenote: Does anybody actually like burpees?!  I feel so awkward!

"For every second..."

“For every second you spend debating if you should get out there, there’s someone that already is.”

@NikeRunning #run #justdoit

Christmas Wish List

Brooks Utopia Softshell II $150

“In the dead of winter, the Utopia Softshell II brings the heat from pre to post-run. No detail was overlooked from welded, reflective weaming to a snuggly collar for a totally winterized workout.”

What Jen says:

If I’m going to keep up with my winter running goals, I need a winter running jacket!  The pattern is super cute and I love the colors.

Balega Hidden Comfort $12

·      New improved elastane throughout for a more structured hold providing a second skin fit

·      Hand-linked seamless toe for seamfree comfort

·      Specially constructed mesh ventilation panel to keep your feet cool and dry

·      High tab heel ensures that your sock stays in place, providing for a comfortable fit

·      Extra-deep heel pocket

·      Medium volume construction - not too little - not too much - just right

What Jen says: 

These socks are my favorite.  They are just the right amount of cushion and the right amount of protection to keep my feet blister free.  Happy feet, happy Jen.

Nike Lunarglide+5 Shield $125

“A runners' perfect match, the Nike LunarGlide+ 5 Shield Women's Running Shoe is lighter than its predecessor and features updated Flywire technology and springy cushioning designed to go any distance. Water resistance, reflectivity and a fleece collar make it ideal for running in wet, dark, cold conditions.” 

What Jen says: 

I have way too many pairs of Lunarglides but these are just cool.

Nike Pro Max Shield Hyperwarm Women’s Tight $70

“The Nike Pro Max Shield Hyperwarm Women's Tights add a layer of warmth with high-performance fabric that lifts sweat from the skin for enhanced comfort during your cold-weather workouts.”

What Jen says: Expensive but they last forever.  I’m still wearing Nike running tights that I bought in high school.  The Hyperwarm line is great and actually hyper warm.

Nike Thermal Women’s Running Tight $75

“The Nike Thermal Women's Running Tights offer lightweight warmth and a tight fit for comfort and coverage to brave the cold.”

What Jen says: 

Another option.  I’m not picky.  Warm tights are a must.

Buffalo Bills Knit Hat – Zubaz $25

“Zubaz are sweeping Buffalo! Get the hottest style in hat form with the Buffalo Bills Zubaz Knit Hat from New Era! The Zubaz Knit Hat features a large Charging Buffalo logo on red, white and blue acrylic knit fabric. Keep warm this winter and get that signature Bills fan look!”

What Jen says: 

Had to throw this in there.  Who wouldn’t want this?

PS - I'm a small and I wear a size 7 shoe :)

Cleaning Out My Closet