Money Saving Tip...

If you are looking to purchase a yoga mat, I would like to recommend going to TJ Maxx or Marshall's. They usually have an excellent selection of mats, and are about half the price of what they cost at a sporting goods store, or even Walmart, and you will have a better selection; at least that is my experience here in Las Vegas. I would also recommend getting an extra long mat. I am 5'7" and I absolutely use the whole mat, and appreciate the extra length, so I don't have to lay on the dirty gym floor.

Day 2 Training

Today's training schedule is stretching and strength training. I went to 24 Hour Fitness early this morning and did a yoga class. I had not been to this instructor's class before, and was not getting too excited when she popped in the soundtrack. First, this was supposed to be a contemporary yoga class, and that usually means that the instructor's use music that is either modern, or at the least, neutral. But, this lady pop's in nitty gritty finger cymbal, chanting authentic music from India - not my favorite, and I hate it when it is too loud, and virtually impossible to hear the instructor. Yoga is not my forte, so I actually need to see, and hear what is being taught. I really just want the stretching, I'm not in it for the cultural experience, and I don't namaste. That's just me.
The routine actually turned out to be perfect for a runner. We did a lot of triangle moves (5 pointed stars), and balancing motions. These are really the best yoga moves for runners. We don't need triple inverted hanging sloth's, and other pretzel twisted animal name maneuvers.
I felt really good after the class & I had successfully blocked out most of the music. I would really rather just hear a nature soundtrack. I must say though, I really HATE downward facing dog. This position get's used more than any other, and I swear the instructor's just LOVE seeing the participant's heads swelling up and getting red like a big, fat, overripe tomato, because they leave us in this position forever!
I found this article pertaining to yoga, and the benefit to runner's. I am definitely looking forward to trying this after my next distance run.
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-409--12827-0,00.html

For strength training I have a four day rotation that I have used ever since I began weight lifting. Today my workout was delts & calves. My routine is as follows:

DELTS
military presses 3 sets 12 reps with 20# dumbbells
front arm raises (alternating) 3 sets 12 reps 12# dumbbells
bent over dumbbell flys 3 sets 12 reps 20# dumbbells

CALVES
standing calf raise machine 3 sets 12 reps 70#
seated calf extension 3 sets 12 reps 135#
seated calf press 3 sets 12 reps 70#

*note: when using machines, each machine can be weighted differently, so adjust your weight accordingly. This is what works for the machines I use at the gym I go to.

Little Red Riding Hood

Again, I was one of the fortunate people to secure a spot in the Little Red Riding Hood Bike Ride. This event has been taking place for 24 years, and each year it becomes more popular. Due to permit restrictions in the towns that the course runs through, the ride has a limit on participants, and a limit on riders for the century distance--only 1,000. 3,000 women will be pedaling off on June 4th for one of the following distances: 18,36,50,80, & 100 miles. This will be the third year that I will be riding. Year one I rode 80 mi., year two 100 mi., and this year the 100 mi. again. I knew from registering the previous years that spots would go quickly. LRRH sold out in less than 24 hours this year. I basically stalked their website, waiting for them to open registration. Due to an error on Red's part, their link did not work properly, but I knew to go directly to active.com to get registered, so I was able to secure bib #110, my aunt, cousin, and two friends were also able to get in. I am so glad that we all were diligent in getting registered! We are going to have the best time. This is a first ride for my Aunt Faye, Kaedell, and their friend Karen. My friend Laurel will be riding for the second time, she rode the 100 miles last year--both of our first century.
This ride is truly one of the best all women's ride, and I love the beautiful scenery, and flat course. If you are interested in cycling, giving it a try, or participating in your first organized event, then this is one that you would definitely want to try for! If you are interested in finding out more about LRRH follow this link: http://www.littlered2011.blogspot.com/

Little Red 2009

*each year has a different theme, 2009 was a hula/pink theme

Finish Line!

Beautiful Scenery

Pre ride start in front of my favorite sock sales trailer...LIN Socks!

Little Red 2010 with a Wonder Woman theme.

I can't wait for this year's ride, we are all going to have so much fun, and the 50's theme is so cute. I'm going to put together a 50's iTunes play list in keeping with the theme. Any suggestions? I've already got the entire soundtrack of "Grease" on the list.