Monday, January 7, 2013

TrainingTruths: Fun Challenges

Last week my training coincided with the kick off of a couple of fun monthly challenges. Challenges are fun because you can find motivation, sometimes win prizes, but most importantly improve your overall fitness.

#TrainingTruth - If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you

This month I am hosting the Chilly Challenge with Janine from The Purple Giraffe and I want my team to win the prizes. I logged my first miles for Team Escapades with a 10K race on Tuesday. 


Shrinking Jeans has me motivated again with Fab Abs January. This 30 day challenge is meant to supplement your current fitness routine (like running) and build your strength by progressing each day. I did a couple last year with positive benefits to my running and overall fitness, so when I saw this one I had to do it. 


With temperatures at a feels like 8 degrees, I took my Thursday run indoors where I could wear my favorite Oiselle shorts. After logging another 10K on the treadmill, I cooled off in front of the fan - which just feels weird when it's so cold outside.


Temperatures warmed up to 29 degrees on Saturday, so it was time to head back outside. I layered up in my favorite Nike thermal top with built in mittens and mixed up some Cytomax to put in my Simple bottle. For the first three miles around the frozen lake I felt like I was overdressed, but the higher elevation and winds kept me cooler on the second half.


Last month I mentioned that I was learning how to use my Polar HRM. Mid-morning Sunday, I drank half a serving of FRS and then fired up the treadmill for a 30 minute walking workout determined to get in one day of cross training for the week. I listened to Grrl Power Vol. 2 from RockMyRun and watched the end of Legally Blond while treading out 1.77 miles.  



How was your first week of 2013?


Want to know more about how to join Team Escapades in the Chilly Challenge? Check out all the details here or skip right to the sign-up part and be sure to choose #TeamEscapades! Already a member? Don't forget to follow #ChillyChallenge on Twitter and join the Facebook group.



21 comments:

  1. it was ok.
    this week needs to ROCK!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a great week, Amy! Your training truth is so right-on :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. You're off to a great start! My first week of Jan. was good also and now week two brings official marathon training into reality.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I admire you getting out to run in that chilly weather! The run around the lake looks beautiful in the snow. My year started with a fabulous run up and down one of the volcanoes - a buzz!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great job and what a fabulous first week of January! Mine has been a little up and down and I'm ready to settle in and get back at it. Love your training truth!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great 1st week for you Amy!
    Fighting a bit of a cold/crud last week kept me more low-key than I wanted so I'm looking to rev things up this week!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hey, thanks for that calendar. Pinning so I can do it too!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I am Team Giraffe, but I love that First run in Lowell. I need to do it next year.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I had a great week of running and cross training! Logged 30+ miles for #TeamEscapades! Woohoo!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Needed a rest day today for sure. I had a blast though, and I am meeting so great peeps on twitter! Looking forward to getting back to it tomorrow.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I am so "fab abibing" this month.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Rest days are worth it. Have fun!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Happy to share what I find! Good luck.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Happy to hear you feeling better. The team needs you!

    ReplyDelete
  15. My soccer coach used to say it all the time. Drove us crazy until we learned he was right ;)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Ahhh, reality. Facing that one this week...

    ReplyDelete

I love comments!

*