“A bruise is a lesson...and each lesson makes us better.” ― George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones

This week is the week of PAIN.

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I knew going into the second month of Insanity that I would be sore, but I never expected to be this sore. What is most impressive to myself is that I'm working through it even though I really, really, really don't want to.

The DOMS (delayed on-set muscle soreness) is as bad as it was when I first started exercising over 6 months ago. Yesterday was really sore legs. Today is really sore arms and shoulders. If it doesn't challenge you it doesn't change you, right?

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=)

Today's Insanity workout was Max Cardio Conditioning. I don't know if it was because this was an off day from running or that the workout was only 47 minutes, but I actually had some semblance of "fun." Max Cardio wasn't nearly as bad as Plyo or Interval Circuit. Now next week it starts to be combined with cardio abs so we'll see if that feeling lasts!

People's reactions to the fact that I do Insanity are funny. Most people just don't believe me or think I'm crazy. That's fine. I like doing something that most people won't even try.The biggest tip for surviving Insanity is to take an extra rest break or two (or three!) when you need it. There has been a few times I pushed a little too much and either started dry heaving or had those little black "pass out dots" appear. Unless you faint, puke, or die keep going!

Running since the race has been interesting. I've been pushing hard to get comfortable at running 12:30 minute mile. I did 2 miles at that pace and was in the land of side stitches. Maybe in a month things will be easier? I sure hope so.

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For now with running,  I'm going to start focusing on increasing distance and endurance over speed. The big event of this year is the 10K in November. I went race shopping crazy today and signed up for two races in September. The first race is September 22nd and is a 7K. The second race I thought was a 5 miler but it is actually a 5k is September 28th. I'm super excited for both but nervous because they are smaller races so you can't hide in the crowd as much! No matter what happens I'm going to own each and every mile! Side stitches or not!

In the far future I want to do a 10 miler and then a half marathon (my ultimate goal!). It is going to be a long, hard road to get to each goal race, but I'm learning to embrace pain. Sore muscles and pulled muscles are just part of this lifestyle. At first I was very freaked out by the little aches and pains. Now I'm starting to realize that there are going to be days/weeks of pain, but there will also be those days/weeks of feeling strong, awesome, and powerful. Right now is a week of pain. This too shall pass.

I'm debating on getting up super early on Saturday and going to the lake for an easy jog. I've been waking up every morning at 6 am feeling wide awake and usually fall back to sleep until 8. With it getting hotter during the early afternoon, I need to do early morning runs. I run HORRIBLY in the heat. Anything above 70 degrees makes me feel awful. I cannot wait for fall and winter! I've never said that in my life, but I feel better when it's cold. Summer is my self-proclaimed off season for races. I'd like to do some races with my friends but July and August are completely off limits. Unless the race is in Canada or the very northern US states.

I'm exhausted! Time for a dark chocolate strawberry smoothie! I'll share the recipe next post.

Do you like running in the heat or the cold? Why?