So That's Why They Call it a Brick Workout

This morning I woke up with a difficult combination of sheer determination but very little actual get-up-and-go motivation. The sky was grey and the air cold for a summer's day and I felt like curling up in front of the television and calling it a day.

That was until I remembered that I had blogged a little something about a brick workout not even 12 hours earlier. Oops! I guess when you put it out there you'd better be prepared to follow through. Now how's that for accountability?

So off I went. And when in doubt tell yourself that you "really, really want to work out today!!!". Sometimes you gotta fake it until you make it, as they say.

The first leg of the workout was a 2km run. My legs felt a little heavy from my workouts yesterday and with it being my first EVER brick workout I thought I should take it easy and let my body set the pace.

Next up was a 10km bike ride. I've got to say there is nothing more refreshing then the cool breeze on the bike after a run. I was instantly cooled down and feeling much more alert. Suddenly before I knew it my 10km ride turned into 15km and I was feeling pretty good!

The last leg was a 5km run. For this one I grabbed a Hammer gel, a bottle of water and my iPod and off I went. Within a few steps it hit me:

Ah ha! So that's why they call it a brick workout!!

My legs were so unbelievably heavy and I was shuffling along so much that I almost expected that I would look down and see a 8min/km pace (and a cement block tied around my ankle). Luckily I was still managing my marathon pace and although I felt fatigued from the waist down I was able to keep my spirits up and push through it.

I took a few minute long breaks to stop by the beach and check out the conditions. It was windy today and there were a lot of waves which got me thinking that I was grateful I wasn't attempting an open water swim as a part of this combo.

Getting back felt absolutely great. I was exhausted but so pumped that I had just pushed my way through something that was completely out of my element. So I did what I always do after a tough workout: My "I'm a rockstar dance". And when that was over I got back to reality and the business of refueling and relaxing.

And by relaxing I mean a 3 hour nap.

Hey, I totally kicked butt today. I earned all 180 minutes of that. Okay, well I earned 167 of them at least. The other 13 were on account of luxurious laziness that can only come from vacation.

Life is good!

So tell me, whats the toughest workout that you ever pushed yourself through?

Run, Bike, Eat

Okay, so not to rub it in or anything, but I freakin' love being on vacation! And while I do enjoy getting away to foreign destinations I have got to admit that cottage life is truly the life for me!

Today I woke up and immediately parked myself on the porch to enjoy the sights and sounds of non-city life. Living in an apartment has really embedded in me a certain appreciation for the ability to relax outdoors and look at anything other then traffic.

Once I'd had a chance to read a few blogs and fully wake up I decided that a recovery run was in order. Because my hamstrings were still very tight after the relay this weekend I planned to take it easy with distance and pace. Around the cottage is a series of streets that, when ran in a loop, equal 1.25km. This was perfect as it gave me a chance to pass the cottage several times and grab water and take a little breather.

Four laps later (all ran without my iPod I might add) later and I was done what seemed like a surprisingly manageable 5km. I guess there is something to be said for changing it up a little huh?

Next up was more blog reading and a late breakfast enjoyed out on the porch. I really plan to take advantage of every single second that I can out there!

After breakfast the Boyfriend and I moved to the backyard to soak up some sun. Its a hard life but someone has gotta live it. I am glad to be that someone this week.

A little while later (there is no actual "time" on vacation is there?) we agreed to go on a bike ride to enjoy more of the amazing weather.

Now, I should remind you that while the Boyfriend is a huge supporter of my physically active lifestyle, this is usually because he gets to admire it as an observer. I am not sure that he expresses the same sentiment when he's dragged brought along for a 24km bike ride. I know his butt was probably not my biggest fan by the time we got back. I'm just grateful that he's such a good sport.

Besides, bike riding is super fun right?!?

 

Of course it is! (Note to self: Buy him padded bike shorts for his birthday)

Getting back to the cottage meant more time relaxing and reading out on the porch until I couldn't satisfy the growling of my stomach with trail mix anymore. It was most definitely time to make dinner.

And oh what a dinner we made. Have I ever mentioned how much I love barbecuing? Its another one of those things I miss due to apartment living so I take every opportunity that I can when I am up here. On the menu tonight was marinated chicken breasts (so delicious) baked potatoes and spinach salad with tomato and goat cheese. Yum!

And because its summer vacation I couldn't resist a tasty ice cream cone. By the way, if you haven't tried almond bark ice cream you truly are missing out!

Tonight will probably be an early night for me (again) because I have another active day planned tomorrow. The Boyfriend is heading into the city for work so I am going to spend part of the day attempting my very first brick workout . I think I will most likely try a 2km run, a 10km bike ride and a 5km run. Wait, who the heck am I all of a sudden!?

I'm "Take Advantage of the Time You Have on Vacation to Try New Things" Girl, that's who!

I can't say it enough...life is good!


So tell me, what's the furthest distance that you've ever rode your bike? Have you ever tried a brick workout? What's your favorite flavor of ice cream?