2-a-days?

I left the gym last night at 7:30 and returned today at 5AM.  Does that count as two workouts in one day or one in each?  They were less than 12 hours apart!

So, I've been absent from blogging.  I was at Put-in-Bay this past weekend with my BFF Sherri and her boyfriend.  It was a lot of fun but I ate a lot of bad for me food, but it was delicious.  So on Friday, before I drove to Ohio, I ran 8 miles.  My new thing to motivate me is drinking chocolate milk after my run.  It is recovery food, people!

Monday, I ran 4 miles on a trail with my running partner.  We saw a COYOTE.  I live in Wisconsin, not like Arizona or some crazy western state.  We were so freaked out.  I think it made us run just a tad faster home. :)

Yesterday, I did 6-pack spin but I hd a terrible day so I asked Wendy to really kick my butt in class.  I can barely walk today, but that didn't stop me from waking up at 4:40AM to go run 3 miles then do some core work after.

Why, you may ask, does someone wake up so early?  Well, I have Open House tonight, a hair appointment tomorrow and rehearsal after that.  I won't be able to run again until FRIDAY, which will also be an early morning, because I fly HOME to Pittsburgh on Friday afternoon! Woo!

Now, don't panic...

2 posts in a day! Don't worry, I am ok.  I promised I wouldn't blog about running today, but I am.  I can't help it!

Ok, so it is like a state law or something here in Wisky that school can't start until sept. 1st.  AWESOME. I've spent 16 hours already at school this week, preparing.  I took some pictures, but didn't up load them. (See: LAZY)  Anyways, I was thinking about how I'm no longer than baby in school...ok, ok, I am the youngest employee, despite being one of 5 new teachers and since we didn't hire anyone new, I'm still a newbie.  BUT I know what I am headed into a little better than last year.  So, on my 4 mile run today, I thought about those new teachers out there. My advice for them is simple: be uncomfortable.  I did not do this enough at the beginning of the year.  I had these WONDERFUL coworkers who invited me places, lunch. dinner, drinks, to the lake, to the farmers market, to Kenosha.  I went sometimes, not always, because I was afraid to make new friends.  I was afraid to meet new people in a new town.  I was comfortable coming home to my boyfriend and watching Dexter.  DON'T decline eating with the 3rd grade teachers in the break room, don't tell the 2nd grade teacher you are too busy for dinner.  Don't deny the middle school teachers a cup of coffee.  And let those experienced teachers buy you lunch, you'll be able to pay them back later in the year.

And someday?  You'll take that new teacher out to lunch and see how grateful they are to have someone to talk to.

As rough as year one is, my amazing new friends and coworkers made the ride so worthwhile. I'm looking forward to another year.  And now I belong to an amazing gym, so after school I have something else to look forward to, as well.

Workout: run 1.5 miles to gym, run 2 miles on track, do 10 minutes of abs/planks/medicine ball work, run home.  AWESOMELY sweaty.

Thoughts on a small town

This is a non-running post.  I am so tired today I will run at the gym later.  But, I wanted to discuss my thoughts on my small town with you.

It is not picturesque like Westerville was...and I do miss that town.  It is small, but has traffic lights.  It has some good places to eat (some really good places) but, it is what it is, a small town.  A town where you go to the bank and people ask if you are the new band director.  Ugh.

I'm not sure what it is that makes it so different from my hometown. The far proximity to good shopping or a JCrew?  The lack of a large city less than 20 minutes away?  Most likely, the lack of my family.  I miss being home SO MUCH, but would I like to teach there?

I love being "on my own."  Having to solve my own problems, picking up my own food, having no one to check in with (besides the boyfriend.) Getting to eat ice cream for dinner (yes kids, it does happen someday!).

I think everywhere you live will suck.  I HATED Ohio but now I miss it.  I don't miss the sales tax.  Or the Buckeyes.  But I miss the fun and familiarity.  I miss little Westerville and Polaris and Easton.  I miss the nice sidewalks everywhere and my old running loops.

I don't think I shared my GREAT news.  I am the principal clarinetist for the Lake Geneva Symphony!  I am so excited about this new adventure.  I have rehearsal in a week and it will be once a week.  Unfortunately, I won't be able to join in TRIVIA with my friends, because they are at the same time.  However, I miss playing so much, I am so excited for some clarinet love.

 

Weekend Fun

School starts in a week...inservice then the kiddos arrive on Sept. 1st.  I have some super fun weekends coming up, but this weekend was really fun.  I went to Elkhart Lake with my boyfriend.  Now, I know this sounds Nascar...but it is really not.  It is all Porsche, BMW, Audi, Mazda...nice cars.  We saw a super sweet Ferrari for $350,000, which, clearly my teaching salary can afford, so be looking for me in one here soon!

Elkhart Lake is really big and there is no way to get around except to walk.  I walked FOREVER.  My 6 mile run went well on Friday, besides the sweat in the eyeballs, but I didn't really get a rest day.  So, I'm taking my rest day TODAY and am doing nothing.  I probably walked over 6 miles yesterday and at least 3 on Friday.

Tomorrow start week 3 of training, my last week of working out in the morning for this race.   Crazy how time flies! Do you like working out in the morning or night?

Thursday Update

Ok, so I was looking at my stats for this site and found out I have many referring sites, which is cool.  However, SOMEONE googled my name followed by music teacher. Which one of my students was googling me, huh? Or ex boyfriends. I'm sure it is one of the two.

Anyways...I was on HungryrunnerGirl, my favorite blog, and she posted a questionaire, which I am doing, too. She is a teacher, too!

Name:  Molly

What Classes will you be teaching: Band, Strings, 2nd grade recorders! Woo!!

If you had one wish what would it be: World Peace (what...this ISN'T toddlers and tiaras?!) Ok, but really? For everyone I love to find true happiness.

What is your favorite treat: Chocolate!

What is your favorite way to spend a Friday evening:  Out with my friends or date night with my boyfriend

What is your favorite color:  blue

When eating Neapolitan ice cream, which flavor do you eat first: chocolate...it is the only flavor I would eat from that

If you could spend a day with any Harry Potter character which one would it be:  HP!

Do you have a phobia? What is it: Needles, close spaces, bridges collapsing when I run over them, heights

Sky diving or scuba diving: Neither.

You find your self with free round trip tickets to anywhere in the world, where would you go: Monaco

What animal do you identify with the best and why: A peacock, because I like to show off my latest clothing/accessories.

Surprising fact about you: I have never been in a lake until I moved to Wisconsin.

You are happiest when: I am with my family or playing my clarinet

Other hobbies and interests: Running, spinning (the class), strength training, playing in the symphony, reading, being outside, cooking, traveling

Today, Emily and I did the stairstepper for a whopping 12 minutes then we did hardCore and I thought my butt was going to fall off.  TMI? Maybe, but its true!

I'm going to Elkhart Lake for the weekend with my boyfriend and some other Dynasty employees, so I'm getting in my 6 mile run early before heading "up north". Have a great weekend!

Tuesday Ten

Well, tonight is 6pack spin and I won't bore you with the details of it later tonight.  I probably wont have time to blog tonight because it is also the night of Tosh.o, which means D will be over here, hogging my cable. The things girls go through...

I decided it was time for another Tuesday 10.  Here are 10 things I am craving (hint hint! My birthday is 2.5 months away!)

1. The Essential Run Jacket

http://www.brooksrunning.com/Essential-Run-Jacket/220314463.035,default,pd.html?start=20&cgid=womens-apparel-outerwear

I need this.  This is my NUMBER ONE item for my birthday or Christmas.  This will be GREAT for running, biking, and just hanging out on a Saturday.

2.  The Utopia Soft Shell

http://www.brooksrunning.com/Utopia-Soft-Shell/220323321.030,default,pd.html?start=26&cgid=womens-apparel-outerwear

This shell is super expensive but living in Wisconsin, I think this would be a great addition to my wardrobe.

3.Sleeveless Print Ruffle Front Dress

http://www.loft.com/loft/product/LOFT-Petite/LOFT-Petite-New-Arrivals/Petite-Sleeveless-Printed-Ruffle-Front-Dress/265410?colorExplode=false&skuId=89920992&catid=catl000036&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=8943

I love Loft.  Their clothes are so appropriate for teaching.  I love this dress.  It would be great for conducting a Fall concert, with a cardigan thrown into the mix.  It would also be good for the first day of school...hmm...

4. Perfect Pocket Tote in Lemon Parfait

http://www.verabradley.com/product/Category/Totes/Perfect-Pocket-Tote/1001113/defaultColor/Lemon+Parfait/pc/638/c/0/sc/642/p/1001113.uts

I LOVE the Lemon Parfait pattern.  I also love Baroque (I have a few items in that pattern) and Very Berry Paisley.  This tote will be awesome for my lap top and my water bottles (one for teaching and one for the gym).

5. Epiphany Stretch Shorts

http://www.brooksrunning.com/Epiphany-Stretch-Short-II/220265090.035,default,pd.html?start=5&cgid=womens-apparel-shorts

I have these shorts in gray and orange.  I LOVE THEM.  My first piece of Brooks apparel.  Thanks to FleetFeet, I got them at a discounted rate.  I LOVE the gray and blue combo.  Can you tell I love blue?  I think the blue shell (above) would look lovely with these on a cool fall day.

6. Too Much Fun Dress in Ocean

http://www.modcloth.com/Modcloth/Womens/Dresses/-Too-Much-Fun-Dress-in-Ocean

I recently discovered ModCloth, thanks to my friend Sherri.  I bought a shirt I LOVE and I love so many of their dresses and tops.  This one takes the cake, but it is just slightly out of my price range.  I hope that I can buy it for my little sisters graduation from Penn State.

7.  Coach Conney Flats

Coach will not let me get a picture of these flats, but I LOVE them.  Here is the link:  http://www.coach.com/online/handbags/clic

katcoach-10551-10051-en-SMCO0006?cid=SMC

O0006&partNumber=Q1280_pup&t=PURPLE MULT

I&copyURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.coach.com%2Fo

nline%2Fhandbags%2F-shoes-10551-10051-10

5-en%3FviewType%3Dviewall%26t1Id%3D105%2

6t2Id%3D105%26LOC%3DHR%26viewpid%3D97622

8. Penn State Tee

http://www.pennstateclothes.com/store/TSHIRT-LIARLIAR%21000/Liar+Liar+Vest+on+Fire+T-shirt

Ok, ok.  I don't want THIS tee.  I just wanted to rub it in to my Ohio friends.  I love any new Penn State clothing.  I really love the Nike track jacket, Tempo shorts, dri-fit tee's.  But, if I included all of those, I will be over my 10.

9. Daylight Hours Applique Dress

http://www.shopruche.com/daylight-hours-applique-dress-p-8265.html?zenid34=7502cff0502cb1a293cc64b7ec4a569c

Another site shown to me by Sherri.  I love the model's sweater and dress combo.  Yellow and gray are quickly becoming my favorite combination.

10. Giraffe Necklace

http://www.etsy.com/listing/78059165/cute-giraffe-pendant-necklace-s2167-1

Giraffes are my favorite animal and this necklace is adorable.  And cheap!

What are you craving?

An indoor run in the summer?!

Yes.  I did the unthinkable.  I ran 5 miles on the indoor track of my gym on Saturday.  I woke up to death clouds and decided to play it safe.  Also, I am terrified to run alone, so I thought it was best to be inside.  52 laps later (I decided to run 50 minutes...so I got 5.2 miles in!) and one play list down on the iPod, I was done.  I was not bored or dizzy.  I was SHOCKED.  How could I get through a run only with my music, no partner and def. no major thoughts.  I think a break from the routine helped spice up my running life.  I always run without music and lately, outside, with a partner.

Knowing Wisconsin, it will snow next week, so I should stick to the outdoors.

Today, I taught a lesson to a wonderful flute player then ran 4 miles in my teaching town.  I was constantly looking over my shoulder, but I ran SO FAST.  34 minutes to get 4 miles in?! I was happy.  And it was hilly!

So, Sunday was my rest day.  D came home from his business trip for DCI finals.  I was so happy he was back!  I met him at his work to pick him up, only to find out that an ATV was left there so he and a coworker rode it around.  I am a true Wisconsinite.  I rode an ATV.  In a skirt.

What can I say? I am a total class act.

Do you like running indoors?  Or is the outdoors always calling your name?

Back to the grind

So, last night, I went to 6-pack spin at 6:15.  It was REALLY REALLY hard to find the motivation to get up off my couch, stop watching the Kardashians and go to the gym.  I even had my gym clothes on all day. (Well, most of the day.  I went to pick up my car in my bathing suit. Such class.) Which btw, my car is ALL fixed.  Only cost me my life, but it is all better. So, I can't afford clothes now, but I'll look damn good driving.

So, I ate a spoonful of peanut butter (I forgot how delicious that is), grabbed my spin shoes and went to the gym.  I am SO GLAD I did because WENDY taught.  Wendy knows me and she always yells at me in class which makes me work even harder/faster/longer whatever.  After one hour of torture, we did 15 minutes of abs. My body was SCREAMING at me this morning, but I still got up at 8:30AM to run with my running buddy!

We ran 4 miles around town then did about 30 minutes of upper body work.  However, we struggled through the move where you have your arms to your side, your hands on the bench and you put your legs out in front of you and lower your body up and down. Now, we always struggle with this, but today, I couldn't stop laughing because SNOOKI does this SAME move in the first episode of Jersey Shore Season 4.  If she can do it, I can, too.  But, I really couldn't. It was embarrassing.

We made a pact to go to the gym tomorrow morning and try to STAIR STEPPER for the first time.  Well, it's my first time.  Emily told me it feels like you were hit in the butt with a baseball bat when you are done.  Perfect for hardCORE right after, right?

Well, I realized this post is called back to the grind.  Why? Because training at NIGHT made me SO HAPPY. It felt so routine.  I cannot wait to get back to teaching. :)

Thinking like a dog

It's been awhile since I have ventured down the sidewalks with just my thoughts.  I am unsure if I will have a running partner for the Columbus marathon, so I need to get used to training alone.  However, I HATE training alone because there are creeps EVERYWHERE.

Anyways, when I run, I run naked.  That is, without music. I run only with my thoughts.  I try, try, TRY to think about one particular thing, like planning a lesson or setting up my classroom or picking out music for my kids.  But, I am like a dog.  Everything I pass, I think about.  I always am grateful I did not trip over an uneven sidewalk.  I think about flipping off the guy in the truck who just honked and yelled out the window.  I think about the bee that JUST missed my shin.  I think about the houses I pass and the shady street I accidentally turned down.  Today, I thought about buying a fish.  I tried to think of a name for this fish, but couldn't.

I only ran for 35 minutes and later today, I will be doing HardCORE with Emily to get in my strength training. I may even stay after to lift some weights.  We will see how many times the instructor makes us do push ups, planks and the dreaded rope.

Do you think of random thoughts as you run?  Or do you just focus on breathing/technique/form?

Wendy's BACK!!!!

This is one of the GREATEST days in workout HISTORY! Wendy, my all time FAVORITE spin instructor is BACK!!!!!!!  She has been out due to medical stuff and I am SO HAPPY she is back.  Her workout KILLED me but I loved it.  I got to chat with her a little afterwards and was sad to know she will only be teaching twice a week for awhile.  I will rearrange my life to get to those classes.

In the first 10 minutes of spin, I thought I was going to throw up...that's how hard she works us!  She played some of my FAVORITE songs, like Carryout and Sometime Around Midnight.  I got up to level 20, which I haven't done since I had her last...which had to have been before my last 1/2 marathon.

No run today, but I think I lost 4000 lbs from spin.  I am off to school to help out with registration, because I am a newbie still and get sucked into that stuff. :) My audition last night went well...so cross your fingers that I will get the principal position in the Lake Geneva Symphony for the fall.