6-miler and still pain free!

I'm pretty pumped today because I had one of the best runs I've had in a long time! I talked last week about how I was aiming for 6 miles this week, and I admit I was a little nervous to see how it would go. But there was no need for that because I had zero pain! 

My endurance has also really increased as well from the speed workouts that I do as well as hill sprints and other HIIT workouts. It all pays off eventually! So I felt really good during the run too a.k.a. didn't feel like I was going to pass out or die haha! Real talk: all runners know what I'm talking about when you have to get back in the game. The best way getting in to running shape was described to me is this: running is like running in to a wall every single day until one day unexpectedly the wall breaks so keep going because you never know when that day is right around the corner. 

It's so true because honestly a lot of my runs lately have felt like they weren't going well or were for nothing but then BAM I crank out six wonderful miles! It's all worth it in the end. 

I kept my pace on the slower side as I usually run somewhere between 8-9 minute miles just depending on what the run is designed for. It was a comfortable pace, and I was pleased that I managed to keep it under a 10 minute mile average. 

I always think to myself that some day I'll get a fancy running watch that gives me the break down of each mile time but never get around to it! Probably because I'd rather spend my money on food or workouts clothes haha! 

Overall, I was so happy with how this run went, and can't wait to potentially try to seven soon. I might give it another week or two and just hang out around this mileage because I don't want to increase too much too soon. So we'll see! 

Also, before I forget I have gotten some questions about my reverse diet and I realized I haven't updated you guys in forever so I'll do that soon! Which means I actually have to remember to take progress pictures since I haven't done that in awhile either...figures. 

Monday Morning: Quads & Breakfast

Good morning! In between homework breaks, I wanted to get a quick post up from my workout this morning. Mondays are my leg days and let me tell you my quads have been feeling it alllll day already. I'm slightly scared to see how I'm going to wake up tomorrow morning, but hey! It's all in the name of the gains, right?? 

Today I switched it up and instead of doing 3-4 sets of a lot of different exercises, I really wanted to make sure I was tiring out my quads by doing 6 sets of extremely heavy reps. I picked my three favorite exercises to target my quads which are leg extensions, smith machine lunges, and the leg press with a narrower leg stance (much more quad focused). Altering your leg stance can make all the difference with which area of your leg you want to hit. 

Then, I added in 3 accessory exercises at the end to really make sure my legs were toast! 

Lots of people ask what it means to "lift heavy" and honestly I don't think there's an actual range! It's all about what's heavy for YOU. Just for an idea here is some of the weight ranges that I use for my quads. Please note that this is going to look different to everyone depending on their experience level, I'm sure this will seem like warm-up sets to a lot of people! But I worked hard to get to this point so I'm proud :) 

Leg extensions: started out at 140lbs for 12, then 145 for 10, 150 for 8, and 160 for 6

Smith machine lunges: 70lbs for 12, 90 for 10, and 110 for 8

Narrow leg press: 200lbs for 15 (warm-up), 220 for 12, 240 for 10, 260 for 12, 320 for 6 

I went nice and slow (slower than usual) to really utilize each rep. If you truly want to risk not being able to walk, you can pause at the contraction, which is what I did and I'll probably regret it tomorrow. It'll be worth it, though, because my love for leg day is a little insane haha! 

After wobbling to the car and managing to drive home, I whipped up breakfast! Fresh chicken eggs and turkey bacon. Along with a waffle that I couldn't take a picture of because I was in desperate need for food, and couldn't wait for the bacon and eggs to cook. So that was gobbled up in approximately 0.2038 seconds. 

I have a couple of other posts that I'll work on getting up this week! I promise that I'm going to actually be a blogger, and write stuff on here haha! 

Things I'm Lovin' Lately

Alright, now I've gotten several requests to bring back Friday Favorites but the truth of the matter is I just can't promise to post stuff like that on the reg haha! I can do really well for awhile but then it just slips away. 

SO, I made a compromise. This is just going to be a post every so often (a.k.a. when I remember) to just update y'all on some things that I am currently obsessed with. I really and truly tried to get this posted on Friday to give you a little taste of good ole Friday Favorites but that obviously didn't happen :)

Iced green tea lemonade! Although, it has cooled considerably this week so I've been making it warm instead of iced, and I like it just as much! 

I've been looking up a lot of hiking trails in the area because I really want to take Layla on more hikes this fall. I decided to invest in some quality boots because it's been a long time coming. Amanda, my dad, and I are planning on a trip up to our house in the mountains in about a month so these will come in handy then as well! I found this pair of Timberlands on Zappos, and I couldn't be happier with them. They don't need breaking in at all, and provide so much support. I've worn them a few times already, and definitely recommend them! 

These truffles are AMAZING! I sent some to Margot in a care package, and I got a text that read "OMG SAM THESE TRUFFLES" which is the most accurate way to describe them. Hands down some of the best truffles I've ever tasted! 

I am seriously in love with the book "Made to Crave", and was thrilled when I found out there was a devotional to go with it! I'm re-reading the book again because I make so many markings and write down quotes that I feel like I need to go through it again to let it sink in. It is such a relatable book, and Lysa isn't afraid to talk about topics that people skirt around, which I absolutely adore about her. She just delves right in, and I honestly wish I had known about this book three years ago. I would recommend this book to anyone, you won't regret it! 

Salted cream cheese and bagel thins, need I say more?! It legit tastes like salted caramel cream cheese icing which is more than okay in my book. 

I actually invested in some non-gym clothes for this fall, and I'm officially in love with one of my new sweaters from Target! I got this one on sale in the store, and it's amazingly soft and comfy. It was a big day this weekend because not only did I do my hair and make-up BUT I wore REAL PANTS (well, jeggings so close enough). A friend of ours took Amanda and I out to dinner to celebrate Amanda passing her chemistry praxis exam!

And it is pumpkin season after all! Did you really expect me not to have some kind of pumpkin-related thing on here?? These cookies are delicious and I like to enjoy them with a cup of my macro-friendly hot chocolate :) 

Hope you're all enjoying your Sunday!