The Final Countdown!

Greetings! How is everyone doing tonight?

Today was a lovely day, kicked off with a 2(ish) mile run. I have attempted several times in the past to fit in a run before work, and today was the first day this year I have actually done it! Felt great and I can't wait to do it again tomorrow.

The day was a blur of rock show planning and other work-y stuff. Nothing new to report :-)

Side note: I. Love. This. Song. My friends recently had this as their 'Grand March' song at their wedding. Awesome. But seriously, it's stuck in my head as I think about the Pikes Peak Challenge. I am starting to get really excited / anxious as it's just 16 days away (!!!). Literally, it's 'The Final Countdown'.

Since the big hike is getting so close, I am re-vamping my training program to include an emphasis on cardio, strength and stretching exercises in near equal proportions. There are two long-distance hikes, which are exciting to think about, in addition to my favorite form of cross-training: horseback riding!

Obviously I've improved as a rider since last year when this photo was taken. I am also gonna request a horse that's a bit larger next time.

Oh yeah, and there's a Lady Gaga concert and a very special wedding in there too. Gotta love dancing as cardio :-) Especially when it's high-intensity booty shaking like I'll be doing at Gaga!

(image source)

Yoga will also be important in leveling out my anxiety and getting in some much-needed deep stretching. I am not used to running so often, not to mention dancing in stilettos, so yoga should help immensely.

Here's le Grand (training) Plan for the final stretch:

DAY 16

Fri. 8/27 - AM: Run (30 min, 2+ miles) + Squats / lunges / calf raises (50 ea.)

(Point Fish Fry & A Flick - The Big Lebowski at work)

DAY 15

Sat. 8/28 - AM: Hike through Lapham Peak (~7 miles)

PM: Yoga (40 min.)

(Weird Al Yankovic, Trampled by Turtles shows at work)

DAY 14

Sun. 8/29 - AM: Horseback riding (~2.5 hours) + Squats / lunges / calf raises

PM: Rest :-)

DAY 13

Mon. 8/30 - AM: Run (30 min, 2+ miles)

PM: One hour walk / run (5+ miles)

DAY 12

Tues. 8/31 - AM: Run (30 min, 2+ miles) + Squats / lunges / calf raises

PM: 30 minute walk around Downtown MKE + Stairs at Riverside?

(Alice Cooper show at work)

DAY 11

Wed. 9/01 - AM: Run (30 min, 2+ miles) + Squats / lunges / calf raises

PM: One hour walk / run (5+ miles) + Yoga (40 min.)

DAY 10

Thurs. 9/02 - AM: Run (30 min, 2+ miles)

PM: 2+ Hours of DANCING at the Lady Gaga concert!!!

DAY 9

Fri. 9/03 - AM: Rest / Recovery from Gaga :-)

Throughout the day - Squats / lunges / calf raises

PM: Rehearsal Dinner / Jem's + Kevin's wedding

DAY 8

Sat. 9/04 - AM: Run (30 min, 2+ miles) + Squats / lunges / calf raises

PM: An entire evening of dancing and celebrating at Jem + Kevin's wedding

DAY 7

Sun. 9/05 - AM: TBD Wedding activities?

OR ~7 mile hike at Lapham Peak OR Horseback riding (2.5 hours)

PM: Rest / Yoga (40 min)

DAY 6

Mon. 9/06 - AM: ~7 mile hike at Lapham Peak OR Horseback riding (2.5 hours)

PM: Yoga (40 min) OR Squats / lunges / calf raises

DAY 5

Tues. 9/07 - AM: Run (30 min, 2+ miles) + Squats / lunges / calf raises

PM: 30 minute walk around Downtown Milwaukee

(Crowded House concert at work)

DAY 4

Wed. 9/08 - AM: Run (30 min, 2+ miles) + Yoga (40 min)

PM: One hour walk / run (5+ miles)

DAY 3

Thurs. 9/09 - AM: Run (30 min, 2+ miles) + Yoga (40 min)

PM: Squats / lunges / calf raises before hopping on a plane to Colorado Springs!!!

DAY 2

Fri. 9/10 - AM: (Hopefully) 3 Hour Horseback ride through Garden of the Gods!

PM: Pre-Hike Rally at the Olympic Training Center, then REST

DAY 1

Sat. 9/11 - 3AM wakeup call! 4:30AM - Pikes Peak Challenge hike begins!

It's now time for Jersey Shore, so I shall leave you with some food porn. In honor of my work showing The Big Lebowski tomorrow, I give you my signature White Russian Cupcakes.

Until tomorrow, friends!