Three Things Thursday

Well, hello! I've been bad about updating this little piece of Real Estate over here. I've been busy! In typical Erin fashion, I can't say no to anything which has resulted in being on the go from 4 am to 7:30 pm most days, only to shower, scarf down dinner, walk the dogs and do it all over again the next day. I'm not complaining though - I enjoy being busy, especially when I am doing things that make me happy. And, with Dan in season right now, it gives me something to do since he has long days on the golf course coupled with a lot of travel in the Fall.

So, quick update:

1. This week wraps up my 3rd month of Camp Gladiator Boot Camp. I honestly never thought I would love it as much as I do. Had I not won a free month in the first place, I never would have even tried it out. The workouts legitimately kick my butt (last night we did over 500 squats in the workout - no joke) and I have a lot of fun with them- part of that is due to the trainer - she comes up with some rock star workouts. I typically do boot camp 4 evenings a week on top of running, and I've really started to notice a change in my body. New muscles! I also really enjoy Camp Gladiator for the social aspect. I have met some great people. It's been really interesting to meet people from different fitness backgrounds - I've self admittedly always been a running snob so it's been good for me to see that running is not the only way to be fit. I've even been convinced to try a Piloxing Class tomorrow evening. Who am I?
   
   
2. I'm teaching now! Admittedly, for awhile now I have been feeling kind of blasé about my job. Not because I dislike it, but I began to feel like I was stuck in a bit of a rut - same thing every day, not challenged as much anymore, and beat down by the politics and red tape involved in a government job. Yet, when looking at other employment options there wasn't anything I found that provided the stability, salary or other benefits that I have at my current position.
   
   So, I began to look inside the organization to see how I could use my skill set in a way that would excite me. And, I was lucky to find something - turns out we have a Wellness Committee and they were looking for people with a vested interest and experience to jump start some programs for our new City-Wide Wellness Program. Since I already lead a Tues/Thurs morning run group that I am passionate about, my idea was to start a beginning running program for City employees (similar to Couch 2 5k program) to train participants for a November 5k. So, I am now teaching a Tues/Thurs run group during lunch for employees, as well as a Core Fitness Class on Fridays after work called "Healthy Happy Hour."
   
   This is all volunteer but it's really good for me. I tend to keep to myself at work, so this allows people to see a different side of me and gets me out of my shell to get to know other people in our organization. Plus, it's truly rewarding to watch people meet their fitness goals and change their lives - that's the best thing about it all.
   
   
3. Running - it's happening, though it's not been my focus. The past two weeks I've finally got my mileage back up in the mid-50's, but it's been nothing spectacular. I am not following a plan, and so if I miss a long run (or several) it's been no sweat off my back.
   
   Right now I've really been enjoying pressure-free running. Over the past few years, I have sacrificed my my body, and my heart for this sport and if I were to be honest, I do not always feel like it was worth it. Since I don't plan on having children, I am calling this training cycle my "maternity leave from running" and took advantage of the opportunity to try out other things.
   
   How does this bode for my Fall marathons? We'll see. I'm doing enough other training where I am not concerned about my fitness level or ability to complete a marathon. The big question mark is my speed, and in that case you get what you put in - and my effort level can be best described as "half assed" most days (yet, I go give 110% at boot camp every time, so it's all about attitude for me right now... and I've clearly proven to myself that I don't have the desire to let Garmin paces dictate my life right now).

That's all folks! I hope everyone has a great Labor Day weekend!