Friday, September 1, 2017

Friday Five: What I Learned in August

Does anyone else feel like August went by in the blink of an eye? Maybe the old adage, time flies when you're having fun, is true because there were a lot of good times happening in August. I had fun trying new things and learning new ways to do the things I love to do.

I love that we are never too old, young, etc. to try something new. At any given time we may find our fitness changes because of life events, age, injury, or whatever. Being able to embrace new things and look at familiar passions with a new perspective is important to being happy and having fun.


Here are a few things I learned this month (some links are affiliate):

1. Discovery Run group - I learned that I can still run with a group. I started joining this Monday night social running group a couple of weeks ago and I'm so glad that I did. I'm not a huge fan of running at night, but being part of a group (of at least 30+ people) running through the streets of DB is quite fun. I was craving the days when I would run with my MRTT friends in New Hampshire, but apprehensive about whether I could "keep up" with my knee. It was the perfect environment to run my run. I even got mrC to join the fun!



2. SUP racing - I learned how to race on my SUP. I thought being on the cover of the Around DB Magazine as part of the DB Ladies SUP group was exciting until I participated in my first SUP relay race with the Paddling Section of the Lantau Boat Club. Racing on a stand up paddle board is hard but fun! My arms have never been so tired and I only went 500 meters. It's definitely something I hope to do again.


3. August Miles - I learned that I'm ready to run in a race. As the temperature increased, my running days in Hong Kong decreased. A lot of people run on the treadmill in the summer, but with my knee I do not feel super comfortable doing that right now. Most of my miles for the month came from sprint workouts on low carb days and the Monday night group. I ended the month with 8 runs for a total of 12.85 miles. The group runs have let me know that I could do ok in a race situation. I've got my eye on a 5k (and possibly a 10k) in November, so I'll be making sure to log some longer runs each week moving forward.


4. FWTFL VIP - I learned how to make the carb cycling fitness plan work for my every day lifestyle. I started carb cycling in Spring 2016 because I was working out all the time, but continuing to gain weight ---> especially in my belly. I had moved to China, stopped running almost completely because of my knee and just seemed stuck in a rut. The results were so amazing that I have continued the program and recently joined the FASTer Way To Fat Loss VIP group. The VIP group allows me to maintain my weight, get stronger and leaner all through brand new workouts each month. This program works for me because it is challenging and I can incorporate the things I love to do (running, Bodystep, hiking) into my workouts. Amanda is starting a new FWTFL group on September 14 ---> learn more here (affiliate link).


5. New gear - I learned that you can always find another pair of awesome shorts :) (and other things). A good sale by my favorite brands will get me every time. I ordered the Trekkie shorts from Athleta in flint grey and crossed my fingers that they would work even though I hadn't tried them on. I think I wore them almost every day for a week, ha! I'm also loving this pair of running shorts that I ordered at the same time (and I put these from Lululemon on my wish list). I also got a great deal on this tank and this one too. This new running bra goes great with my new shorts and tanks.



What have you learned this summer/month/training cycle?

Today's post is part of the Friday Five 2.0 with Lacey and Meranda and Rachel and I'm also joining  Nicole for the Fit & Fashionable Friday link-up.




14 comments:

  1. That's awesome that you found a great tunnnig group! Although I do most of my runs solo, there is something very nice about a group run!

    I have heard some great things about the Faster Way plan - I will have to check it out!

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    1. Yes! The group run mixes things up a bit just for fun. Used to run with a group for moral support on the long training runs.

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  2. The heat always slows me down, although we haven't had much heat to speak of this summer. It's really cool right now because we're experiencing some aftereffects from Harvey. Amazing how even though we live so far north, these big storms affect our weather!

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    1. That storm has been crazy. Still praying for everyone affected and hope they bounce back quickly. I'm looking forward to cooler temps while we are home for a visit.

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  3. I did not know there was such a thing as SUP racing! How cool is that? I love that you found a new crew to run with. Running groups are the best

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    1. That's how I felt too! They are just as intense as running races ;)

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  4. That's great that you found a running group! I also didn't know SUP racing was a thing or that you made the cover of their magazine. So cool! I hope you have a fun fall too Amy! Thanks for linking up!

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    1. I was expecting the cover to have the group on it, so it was quite surprising when I saw myself!! ;) Fun memory though!

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  5. Wow congrats on making the magazine cover! My friend's husband SUP races, it looks like it's so hard! I've only done lazy supping. :)

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    1. That's what I usually do. A nice low intensity, recovery day type paddle. It was fun to do the relay race though!

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  6. You had alot of great things happen in August! Its great to hear you are almost ready to run a 5k. It sounds like your patience and hard work paid off.

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    1. Thank you. I sure hope so! I have missed the race atmosphere.

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  7. It's been exciting following all of your activities...that Monday evening running group sounds like so much fun!

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    1. I love showing up and seeing how many other people are there. I'm going to miss it for a couple of weeks while we travel, but hopefully I will be jumping right back in when I get back.

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