This is the final countdown to race day.   There are only two more formal training sessions before our big event (a Warrior Dash obstacle course race).   If I allow myself to think about it, I find that I have more than just a few butterflies.  I have to say that this has been a really fun event to train for; although, as we were crawling under the park bench and then jumping back over the top, my skinned knees and elbows has me questioning my sanity. The time is flying by; tick tock, tick tock, tick tock!  At this point, we have laid the foundation and trained hard.  It will be what it will be, now if I could only relax and have fun with it!  I just need to apply the correct taper and nutrition formula next week and all will be golden.

My Grandmother and I had a hot date  at the local Senior Citizen Center today.  I can’t believe that this was my only social outlet after I moved to this small town (no, I am not a senior citizen). I had just gotten Granny’s tray filled and we were situated at one of the banquet style tables.  The townspeople are cordial; they smile and nod.  It is good for my Grandmother to be out and about.   While Grandma was enjoying her über healthy lunch of a gigantic hot dog and sugary baked beans (yes, that’s sarcasm folks), one of the ladies at our table asked me about my running.  She told everybody at the table that she has seen me running all over town.  Really?   Am I that girl? It got me thinking…  In addition to the two days per week that I am working with clients, I have been out several more days each week by myself. The fact that my running is becoming a topic of conversation among the “townies” gave me a thought, “OMG, am I becoming the “Running Woman of Brewster”?   Another gentleman  asked me about the “other gal” who had been staying with my Grandmother.   What other gal?  I’ve been here for 3 years.    He explained that she was a “bigger” gal.   Oh.   Ummmm… That was me.  I’ve come a long way.

Splashfit Tuesday

10 minute elliptical
Jog .5 mile
run moderate pace 1 mile
Hill run .5 mile
100 1 1/4 Squats
50 Alternating Lunges
Run 1.5 mile
50 Sumo Squats with Lateral Leg Lift
Run Race Pace .5 mile

Superset x 4
Leg Press 210 x 25, 250 x 20, 290 x 15, 310 x 10
Stiff Leg Deadlifts 60 x 15

and done....

Tuesday afternoon, chores completed, we grabbed the SUP (Stand Up Paddle) Boards and headed out onto the Okanogan River.   We paddled 2 miles up river against the current and then 2 miles back down river with the current.  I have to say that paddling a board up river against the current is an amazing workout for the obliques.  Wowza!   Each stroke is a weighted twisting crunch.   Wednesday was an active rest day for me.  I hopped on my bike trainer and did a moderate level spin for 1 hour.  One thing that cyclists know, is that to enjoy longer rides, regular time in the saddle is crucial.  I can train my cardiovascular system in a lot of other ways, but nothing else seems to provide the necessary conditioning for my crotch.

Splashfit Thursday

10 minute warm up elliptical

Countdown to Raceday

Run 100 yards, Stairs x 10
Jog 100 yards, Stairs x 10
Between each running set:
10, 9, 8, 7, 6... etc to 1
Burpee Push-ups
Cossack Bench Dips
Park Bench Under Overs

Superset x 3
Barbell Power Clean and Press x 10
Full Body Rows x 10

and done!

With the training for our race rapidly coming to an end, I broached the subject of setting new goals.   I have always been goal driven.   Set a goal, break it into smaller steps, take those puppies one at a time, and cross the finish line.   When I was in school studying to become a personal trainer, the subject of goals was discussed.  The mainstream training community likes to push something called S.M.A.R.T goals.   “Goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely.”    I agree with this philosophy to a degree, but why limit yourself to setting only goals that appear realistic and attainable?  Is it a realistic goal for an overweight,  bookworm child to break an athletic record?   Probably not, but she did.

My friend, Heather “Anish” Anderson crushed the Fastest Known Time record for a continuous unsupported thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail (2662 miles).   Her record breaking time was 60 days, 17 hours, and 12 minutes, annihilating the previous record of 64 days 11 hours.   Here are Heather’s own words about setting goals:

“I was an overweight child, a bookworm who sat with her nose in an adventure book and daydreamed. I never exercised and couldn’t make it around the track without walking. When I graduated high school I weighed 200lbs.  I daydreamed of adventure, but the thing I daydreamed the most was that I would someday set a record. Not just any record though, an athletic record. I wanted so desperately to not be what I was. I hated my body and myself. I consoled myself by eating a bowls full of oreos and milk as though they were cereal. But somewhere deep inside I knew I was capable of doing something more. “

I am in awe and inspired.  I want to dream big dreams.  I want to live a big amazing life.   As I contemplate setting new goals for myself, I have to think that perhaps I should be a bit unrealistic… after all, the only person holding me back is me.