Ohhh Heyyyy Spring!

Posted on April 4, 2014 by kaprise

With the start of spring (please don’t snow again!!) I’ve been sorting through my things and organizing. With my running and work out stuff, I’ve been going through and wearing everyone once more to test if it is worth keeping or not.

For those of you who are into fitness, you are well aware of the struggle. Something might be absolutely amazing when you try it on in the store, and then you wear it to work out and it is a failure. I can’t tell you how many things I’ve purchased with great hopes, only to be horribly disappointed. There were those spandex that slid down my bum as I ran… or the shirt with the weird stitching that made me bleed… and of course the countless sports bras that seemed fine, only to be uncomfortable and awful.

However, on a whim I purchased a sports bra from Under Armour and it has surpassed my expectations in all sorts of ways. The straps are not as elastic and they cross slightly higher than I’m used to – however this has proven to be far more comfortable. The bras come with removable pads, which I like because I can still maintain shape and modesty in tighter tops. Most of all? I like that the bras come in actual bra sizes so you can actually buy a bra that is made for your size.

Check them out here: http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/armour-bra

Marathon Training (a 60 Day Challenge)

Posted on January 7, 2014 by kaprise

Hello hello!!!

Today, I wanted to share my goals for this year in terms of running. I am planning on running either a half or full marathon on March 8, 2014. I know that seems like a super weird statement… what do you MEAN “either”?!

My friend C emailed me and R last year in the fall and asked “MARATHON?” and of course, I was immediately psyched and IN. C and R started training using a 24 week training schedule. Me? I came down with a violent cold that had me bedridden for nearly 3 weeks. The minute I felt better, I was flying to Korea for a funeral. When I returned from Korea, the stress of losing a loved one sent me straight back to bed with a pinched nerve in my back. Then, the holidays rolled around, and I was inundated with family, presents, and cold weather. This year has been unusually cold, and so running outside (my preference) has been a bit of a struggle.

This brings us to NOW. It’s about 8 weeks to the marathon, the hotels and flights are all booked, but my training isn’t where it should be. So far, I’ve really only been able to get a couple long runs in and then some shorter runs on the treadmill. I know that because I have a high tolerance for long runs that I could potentially be ready for this marathon without hurting myself, but I’m hesitating. Someone once characterized my running as “brute force” because of my ability to push through long runs despite obstacles. Since I have been running for a long time, and have training for many (many!) races, I do know the limit to my “brute force.” I think I’m toeing the line right between being ready and pushing it.

So… what is my 60 day challenge? I am going to train as if I am trying to get a half marathon PR, and try to throw a longer run in when I can. I’ll make the decision to run the marathon in early February… and worst case? I’ll PR in the half. 🙂

Why am I telling you this? Because I think it’s important to realize that planning these races is important to being successful and to keeping your body healthy. So… I’m holding myself accountable and will post once a week updating you on my progress. 🙂

Excellent. Run healthy and happy.

Scenes

Posted on July 1, 2013 by kaprise

Running Headaches

Posted on June 23, 2013 by kaprise

Literal, not metaphorical.

Occasionally after I run, I suffer from horrible migraines. The kind where you need a combo of gatorade, a fistful of Advil, and an afternoon long nap. When I first started getting them, they weren’t terrible. I could just manage to get through my day… but recently when I do get a running headache, it seems like nothing will make it stop. Today I ran, and just like that the worst of the worst headaches visited me. I finished my run at 11:00am today, but after struggling through the better part of the day, I slept for the rest of the afternoon and just woke up a few hours ago.

I ate some dinner, ran some errands… and I have to tell you I still feel pretty shitty.

Anyone else suffer from these? What do you do to prevent them?

Day 11 (minus 1 Day) – Fitness Challenge Update

Posted on June 11, 2013 by kaprise

I ran my usual 3 miles… I’m really having a hard time leaving my comfort zone when it comes to running short distances. I promised to run new routes, but I’ve only run 1 since I started my challenge this month. No matter… it’s more about getting out there anyway!

So yesterday, I woke up and looked out the window and immediately thought “NO.” So I decided not to run. I’ve been really into running everyday, so when I woke up and everything inside of me said “NO” I decided it was best not to. I did think about walking a bit on the treadmill before bed, but I decided against it since No means NO.

In terms of weekly mileage, I haven’t been surpassing anything I’ve done before, but I have been surpassing the number of consecutive days that I run, which has been much more mentally challenging than I anticipated. I have experience with feeling burnt out after running, so I decided that a Day 10 rest would be alright.

So far, I really like running shorter distances every day, but it is quite a bit time consuming. I drive 20 minutes to my running path, run for 27-30 minutes, stretch and bop around for 30 minutes, drive home 20 minutes, shower, unpack my gear, and then get on with my day. It ends up being a 2 to 3 hour commitment depending on how efficient I am with packing my gear the night before and how quickly I get home and into my routine. I know that once I come up with comfortable routes to run closer to home that the everyday running will be less time consuming, but for now I’m finding it difficult to beat the shady, uninterrupted 3 mile loop that I’ve been running.

Anyway – that’s my little running update for today. I think I’m going to finish off my ziti and think about making knock-off Chipotle burrito bowls for the rest of the week.

What do you guys have planned?

(Oh… did I mention I had some AMAZING wine the other night? I took pictures of the label, so I’ll put up a review tomorrow)

Picking Up the Pace

Posted on June 9, 2013 by kaprise

Yesterday and today I picked up the pace for my runs. I’ve been running the same 3 mile loop around a nearby lake, but I can’t seem to drag myself to run anywhere else. The path is partially shaded, by the water, and easy to access from my home – so I naturally gravitate to the path.

Normally, I run with my Sony headset, my Nike watch, and occasionally I’ll drag my cellphone along with me… but I’ve really been enjoying the “electronic” free running. I stopped using my GPS watch a few months ago, instead choosing paths that I knew the mileage for so I wouldn’t drive myself INSANE looking at my watch. Since, I’ve been a little scattered and have been forgetting my music too… and that has been surprisingly nice. It’s nice to hear my breath and my feet on the pavement.

Since I am planning on running/biking every single day for 30 days straight, my priorities have shifted. I know that I can’t just decide to run 12 miles one day because it’s nice out, I have to weigh whether or not I’ll be able to run the next day. So… I’ve been strategically running low mileage every day and resisting the urge to just keep on going when the weather is agreeable. It has been an interesting challenge, and I have to have a certain degree of self control over my running whims. I’m often tempted to run extra mileage, but I have been resisting so that I can continue my 30 days of running. However, since I have been keeping low mileage, I have decided to pick up the pace on the days where I’m tempted to run more. Yesterday and today were absolutely gorgeous out and I knew that I would be tempted to do extra mileage, so I simply picked up the pace so I would be ready to be “done” at the end of my runs. It’s been a good exercise, since for the last 3 years I’ve been more interested in the number of miles instead of the speed.

Anyway – that is my update for the day. For some pictures of my gorgeous runs and the beautiful lake I run by, check out my instagram. I post the temperature, my shoes, and a scenic shot after each of my runs!

xoxo!

Day 7 – One Week!

Posted on June 7, 2013 by kaprise

Hello hello my friends!!

Today has been amazing so far!! I did wake up later than I normally do, but I made it to the lake at 10:30 and bopped through my 3 miles. It was raining pretty hard, but like I promised “RAIN OR SHINE” so I ran. I was the only person at the park, but I loved every single minute of it. I saw an adorable duck with her adorable ducklings crossing my path, I saw some deer grazing in the woods, a beautiful swan fishing, and a bunch of these beautifully colored birds flitting through the air. It was amazing to just get out and run on my own, without anyone else on the path.

I always thought that running with other people made me faster, and that I enjoyed the competition of spotting a person and passing them… but I think I actually prefer today. It was quiet and beautiful and I could really focus on my running and just enjoying the absolutely gorgeous nature happening around me. I even danced a little at the end!

After my run, I ate a little and headed to run errands before hitting the library. I picked up a couple treats for myself to reward myself for the 7th day of my challenge. I just got here (the library) and the rain doesn’t look like it is going to let up, so I’m actually kind of excited to run again tomorrow in the absolutely quiet park in the rain.

Oh… and today, I wore spandex shorts, running tank, and hat from Nike. I topped off with a new rain jacket from GAP, which I am absolutely in love with. I found a similar one online in case you want one… go HERE. I bought it in an XL (I know… I’m a little nuts) but I like my running gear to be long and the hoods to be big, so I usually buy the biggest size. This one has scrunchy pulls so I can make it work.

What have you gotten into today? Did you see anything amazing? Do you like running in the rain??

Day One of the Kaprise Active 30 Day Challenge

Posted on June 1, 2013 by kaprise

Today was Day 1 of my challenge. I managed to get a 2 mile run in around 8:00pm… which was nice but kinda buggy out. I know for sure I swallowed a bug or two on this run. I think I will try to run in the mornings so I get it done and I can focus on the rest of my day. Today, I woke up thinking about my run and then wasted the entire day thinking about it instead of just getting it done.

I also dropped my athletic-wear drawer on my foot so that kinda dampened my run… combined with the bruised toes I have from wearing uncomfortable teetery heels for a wedding last weekend.

Basically… it was good to get back out there, but I think I need to be less clumsy and do my runs earlier.

What did you do today??

Thirty Day Challenges – My ACTIVE 30 Day Challenge

Posted on May 30, 2013 by kaprise

I’ve been reading a lot of these “Thirty Day” challenges online… or thirty day diets or thirty day somethings. For those of you who know me, you know I don’t proscribe to any type of dieting regimen, and my philosophy about running is quite simliar.

That being said, I think it is important to challenge yourself mentally and physically when possible so that you maintain a healthy soul and body. So, I’ve come up with my own little thirty day challenge. I’m calling it the Kaprise Active 30 Day Challenge. I’ve never been one to run every day, so I’m challenging myself to a run or bike ride every single day for 30 days. My rules are these:

Run or Bike every day from June 1-June 30
No less than 2 miles a day
No more than 10 miles in a singe day
Varying length runs and bike rides
Try ONE new route a week (for a total of at least 4 new routes during the 30 days)
Run smart – in reflective gear, sunblock, etc.
Don’t let anyone or anything distract from the Challenge!

I’m not going to impose any other restrictions on my running/biking, but only to remember to enjoy every single day and be happy! Endorphins!

I’ll document my runs and bike rides in pictures on Instagram, and I’ll keep you all posted on my blog. I haven’t decide how I’ll post, but maybe we’ll just let the blog posts happen organically.

What are your challenges for the summer?? Will you do the 30 day run/bike challenge with me?

Sunday Seven

Posted on March 24, 2013 by kaprise

Back! I’ve been busy doing random little things and getting my life together. Because I only work part time, my schedule has been off balance for the last couple weeks… add to that the sudden realization that I actually have a half marathon to run in 3 weeks! I’ve been getting my ass in gear.

Yesterday I went running. I started off nice and easy, bopping my first 3 miles in just shy of 30 minutes, but as I rounded into the second 3 miles there was an older couple running ahead of me. From the looks of their easy lope, they were both experienced runners… so naturally I set the goal to catch up and stay ahead of them. I managed to stay ahead of the gentleman until the last 500 meters when he just pulled ahead and demolished me. I loved every minute of my last 3 miles because I felt that competitive fire again… and let me tell you, that guy? Kept me on my toes! We had a good natured talk afterwards, like only runners can. I always find it wonderful to talk to other runners because there is something about our heads that work the same way. Anyway, what started as a good run, ended up being totally amazing because of that couple that I “raced” with. I rounded my second 3 miles in just under 26 minutes, a decent enough pace to wake up a little sore.

This past week, I’ve also thrown out about a dozen eggs trying to make popovers. I’m still not friends with the recipes, but I’ll update you once I’ve stopped wrangling with the proportions.

And as always, here are some pictures!! If you follow me on twitter or instagram, some of these photos might be repeats, but I’ll try my best to show you guys, in pictures, the things I’ve appreciated the last few weeks that I’ve missed posting here.

Love;

Carrots, arranged neatly for roasting