Week of 4/2

Looks like a pretty decent week lined up. I will be subbing on Thursday night at LA Fitness for Ed.

This weeks goal for me is to stick to my plan and not overdo it in Spin Class! Two weeks ago I hit each class pretty hard and even continued pushing on my 18 mile Saturday run. it took it's toll on last weeks planned workouts. I was sluggish throughout the week, didn't get my speed workout runs in, and was even feeling the effects on this weekends long, 20 mile run.

Lesson learned...it's important to have a plan and stick to it. Now that the marathon is only a month away, I'll be spending less time going hard on the bike & more time focusing on my 2 weekly runs & long Saturday run.

I'm also working on a new strength program that we'll be starting either this week or next, depending on if I can build it Sunday night.

Spin Schedule
Monday -LA Fitness @ 5:45am class
Tuesday -LA Fitness @ 6:45 pm, Rivers Club @ Lunch
Wednesday - LA Fitness @ 5:45 am, Rivers Club @ Lunch

Thursday - LA Fitness @ 6:45 pm, subbing for Ed
Friday -LA Fitness @ 5:45 am

Other Workout Schedule
Monday - LA Fitness @ 5:00am -Strength Training/Stretching
Tuesday -LA Fitness @ 5:00 am -Marathon Training & Swimming
Wednesday -LA Fitness @ 5:00 am -Strength Training /Stretching
Thursday -LA Fitness @ 5:00 am - Swimming, Lunch time run time @ the rivers club
Friday -LA Fitness @ 5:00am -Strength Training /Stretching

Saturday -Long, Marathon Run

Sunday - Reovery

Pittsburgh Marathon 20 Mile Training Run by kcp487 at Garmin Connect - Details

A pretty good training run today, although it felt pretty rough toward the end. My heart rate went really high early in the run which was a bit strange. I don't think it was due to any static built up in my shirt interfering with the sensors either (as it will do some times) because I felt like it was high...maybe I should go get that checked out again sometime soon! After stopping for a moment, it felt fine and the HR monitor showed 140 so we started back at it.

Overall my average BPM were 154, or just about low Zone 3. Even though it felt like a slower run today our average pace was 8:29, which again is right around a high Zone 2 or low 3 for me. I also ran into some issues at about mile 16 when some pain set in on my lower right back, then ran down the outside of the right leg into the knee. If I had to go 6 more miles it would have been a challenge to keep up the pace. Still work to do before marathon day.

Stick to Your Plans!
I'll be ready as long as I stick to my plan and don't overdo it in my spin classes. As a little fyi for you, his is actually the point of having a plan. Know when your hard days are and when your easy days are. Stick to them as best you can while also listening to what your body is telling you. Two weeks ago I felt fantastic. I decided to ride ever spin class that I felt good in as hard as I could. Also went hard on my 18 mile run after that crazy week of Spin classes. Where did it get me? Burned out!

This week was brutal! I didn't feel like going hard at all. I missed my running speed workouts and was probably a little bit slower today than I should have been. Point being, if you have a good plan, stick to it. Straying from the plan to go harder than you should will burn you out and cause you to have less energy on the days you really need it!

Anyway, enough preaching...you can check out all the details of today's run below!

Pittsburgh Marathon 20 Mile Training Run by kcp487 at Garmin Connect - Details

Dale is subbing today

Dale OS subbing at the Rivers Club. Crazy week, sorry for not having the normal post up.

Not going to be at the gym Monday

Stacy is subbing, see you all Tuesday. Blog update to come tomorrow...

No More Pink Slime At Giant Eagle!

A big thanks to my awesome wife Kelly for pointing this news story out to me! As you know, I have blogged about the meat at Giant Eagle. I like Giant Eagle & the fact that they responed to my questions earlier this month...but now I like them even more!

See what happens when consumers demand change!

"While Boneless Lean Beef Trim (BLBT) is USDA and FDA approved and has been considered safe and nutritious for more than 20 years, recent media attention on BLBT has prompted questions, confusion, and a decline in consumer confidence in the product. After careful review of feedback from our customers, Giant Eagle has decided that effective immediately the company will no longer source fresh ground beef containing BLBT"

Read more:

No More Pink Slime At Giant Eagle - Health News Story - WTAE Pittsburgh

Week of 3/18

Sorry for not getting this post up last night, but I hit the bed early.

Basically this week looks the like a normal week. I plan on teaching all my regular classes at LA Fit & The Rivers Club. Since I'm posting from my phone I won't spell them all out, but check out last weeks schedule to get an idea of my teaching schedule if you dont know it.

See you at one of the workouts!

The Answers to my Pink Slime Question!

Alright, here is the response I got when I asked Giant Eagle if there is "pink slime" in their ground beef... I've added some comments in RED.

Good Afternoon Ken:

Thank you for contacting Giant Eagle regarding questions about recent reports regarding the usage of Boneless Lean Beef Trim (BLBT) in ground beef products. Boneless Lean Beef Trim is government approved by both the USDA and the FDA and has been used safely for more than 20 years.

-So yeah, 20 years ago laptop screens were smaller than my current cell phone's screen and cell phones were larger than my current laptop. Just because we've been doing something the same way for 20 years doesn't mean its the right way. That said, I get it....the government thinks its safe, cool.

We also offer an alternative product for customers interested in avoiding all additives: our Nature’s Basket Ground Beef.

-This is the part that I love! Most of you know I'm a big fan of the free market & here it is in action! Consumers are demanding other choices and producers are responding! So, if you want to eat this "pink slime" stuff that is "safe," go for it...but if you want to make your own decision to eat what you believe is a better choice, have at it!

I actually buy all Natures Basket meats and have since watching Food Inc. I get that its not organic, but it is a good inbetween.

If you have any other questions or comments please call us at 1-800-553-2324, seven days a week from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Thank you,

Giant Eagle Customer Care

No, Thank you for the choice GE, and I hope to see more of your products carry this name soon!