I just got back from a three mile run/walk with Slade Runner where we were focusing on form and training different muscles. The mileage was not high but my knees and ankles are singing.
There are some big decisions to be made and hopefully by this time next week things will shake out. I am blessed and grateful for good people around me that are willing to lend an ear, give advice and allow me to bounce ideas around. Very fortunate for that in my life.
Just wanted to share.
10.07.2011
10.04.2011
For those about to study I salute you...
This run is for you!
#twudygroup, everyone studying for the CPA exam, family, friends and loved ones of those studying, anyone who finds themselves in front of a computer for more hours of a day than you are away from the screen, I run this run for you! Especially those canadiates getting ready to sit their first exam in the October and November testing window.
I know a post-CPA candidate blogging about training for a marathon and raising money for YTAC is a very small niche blog but I hope you all realize there is a life afterwards. Even if you are just starting your journey there is light at the end of the tunnel.
In a strange way preparing for this marathon has been like the marathon of studying. One was just more studious than physical. However, I think the lessons that I have learned from my marathon of studying for the CPA apply to my training and vise versa.
I recently met up with a friend of a friend who is just starting on her CPA journey. My friend JG (not her real name) mentioned Asper (also, not her real name) was struggling with this process and asked if I would just talk with her. I think you will find anyone you meet who has past the CPA exams in the last 12 months will jump at the opportunity to talk about the exams. We have just finished studying and sitting 4 grueling exams (or more if you failed, I sat 5, thanks FAR) what else do we have to share?
Anyways, I met with Asper and the more tips I provided her the more I noticed how preparing for the CPA exam is like preparing for a race, a 10k, a half marathon or even a full marathon.
Here are some of the tips I shared with Asper, if you are a runner or a CPA candidate or a CPA please feel free to add your own!
Tips:
#twudygroup, everyone studying for the CPA exam, family, friends and loved ones of those studying, anyone who finds themselves in front of a computer for more hours of a day than you are away from the screen, I run this run for you! Especially those canadiates getting ready to sit their first exam in the October and November testing window.
I know a post-CPA candidate blogging about training for a marathon and raising money for YTAC is a very small niche blog but I hope you all realize there is a life afterwards. Even if you are just starting your journey there is light at the end of the tunnel.
In a strange way preparing for this marathon has been like the marathon of studying. One was just more studious than physical. However, I think the lessons that I have learned from my marathon of studying for the CPA apply to my training and vise versa.
I recently met up with a friend of a friend who is just starting on her CPA journey. My friend JG (not her real name) mentioned Asper (also, not her real name) was struggling with this process and asked if I would just talk with her. I think you will find anyone you meet who has past the CPA exams in the last 12 months will jump at the opportunity to talk about the exams. We have just finished studying and sitting 4 grueling exams (or more if you failed, I sat 5, thanks FAR) what else do we have to share?
Anyways, I met with Asper and the more tips I provided her the more I noticed how preparing for the CPA exam is like preparing for a race, a 10k, a half marathon or even a full marathon.
Here are some of the tips I shared with Asper, if you are a runner or a CPA candidate or a CPA please feel free to add your own!
Tips:
- Set and pay for your race date or CPA exam sit date first thing.
- Count back from your date and set your schedule.
Admittedly, I was much better at this for my CPA than I have been for the marathon. What I mean with this for the CPA exam is, you know what you need to cover and how long you have to cover it. So break it up and write it down. Check each day and make sure you are on track. You know what you need to do and how long you have to do it in. I can only speak to Becker but I was spoiled on this task with them because everything is already broken down; FAR 9 chapters I took 2 months each time; REG 7 chapters about 7 weeks; BEC 5 chapters 4 weeks (before the writing portion was added); and AUD 5 chapters 4 weeks. For the marathon I am still struggling. I posted a plan a while back but struggled to keep up with it and fit it in to work. Now I am trying to run 4 times a week. I should take my own advice on this step and get a plan and stick to it.
- Get some accountabilibuddies
- Stock up on frozen meals, toilet paper and toothpaste.
This is more for the CPA exam than for the racing but it was important enough to post. Don't ask, just do it.
- Find a mentor and tap the resources around you.
For the CPA I would not have finished as fast as I did if it was not for AQ/AC and LR. Those girls got me on the right track and paced me as I went. For my running if it wasn't for Slade I'd still be in old shoes and if it wasn't for C-Bear I probably wouldn't have picked the Houston Marathon. People are open to sharing knowledge and experiences and while you should take advice with a grain salt it helps to stay motivated by people who are passionate. Both running and getting through the CPA are things I love talking about and I'm sure I'm not the only one out there.
- Rely on your training/studying
Your goal for test day/race day is to walk into Prometeric or toe that line knowing you have done everything possible to get you ready. On my first exam I was actually eager to get to the exam because I had really followed my studying schedule and put the leg work into the lectures, homework and simulations and I wanted to take the test and prove I worked my butt off and wanted to see the result. Same goes for race day the miles you put in now are what will get you through.
If you have more tips or any questions please don't hesitate to comment below. I'll talk anyone's ear off about studying for the CPA exam.
9.30.2011
Ice baths and chocolate milk
I blogged a while ago about my first ice bath and the cool down it provided after a long run with Slade Runner. I wanted to update you all on a blurb I read by Liz Applegate, PH.D in the October 2011 "Runner's World" magazine:
" ICE BATHS HINDER MUSCLE REFUELING"
According to a study released by the University of Montana this year participants who rode an exercise bike for 90 minutes to deplete their glycogen levels then over the next four hours intermittently soaked one leg in an ice bath while sipping a carbohydrate recovery drink researchers found that the iced leg re lodged only half as much glycogen as the leg that was not iced.
I may continue to ice as a treat after my runs in death valley like heat but now I know according to this study I am hindering my recovery time.
Good news from the same article for me and anyone else who uses chocolate milk as a post workout recovery drink "CHOCOLATE MILK HELPS YOU LOSE BODY FAT". Score!
In other news I have recovered from the flu and in the past two days I have done 2 classes and made it to a post happy hour 4 mile run with Slade. Really proud of myself the last two days. Also pst flu really focusing on eating healthy, mostly vegan with some vegetarian moments and one night of chinese that included meat.
Hope everyone else is reaching for their goals and pushing to attain them!
" ICE BATHS HINDER MUSCLE REFUELING"
According to a study released by the University of Montana this year participants who rode an exercise bike for 90 minutes to deplete their glycogen levels then over the next four hours intermittently soaked one leg in an ice bath while sipping a carbohydrate recovery drink researchers found that the iced leg re lodged only half as much glycogen as the leg that was not iced.
I may continue to ice as a treat after my runs in death valley like heat but now I know according to this study I am hindering my recovery time.
Good news from the same article for me and anyone else who uses chocolate milk as a post workout recovery drink "CHOCOLATE MILK HELPS YOU LOSE BODY FAT". Score!
In other news I have recovered from the flu and in the past two days I have done 2 classes and made it to a post happy hour 4 mile run with Slade. Really proud of myself the last two days. Also pst flu really focusing on eating healthy, mostly vegan with some vegetarian moments and one night of chinese that included meat.
Hope everyone else is reaching for their goals and pushing to attain them!
9.27.2011
Speedwork
Not quiet so speedy.
4 pounds lighter and a healthy ego brusing experience later, I've recovered from the terrible disgusting flu that infected me last week. I bought a new pair of shoes (finally- details later) and Slade Runner challenged me to a speed work out. With new shoes itching for a run and enthusastic pit crew, Kai (not his real name), my 10 year old Anime charater brother trying to delay his bed time I headed out to the local elementary school for a track work out.
LESSONS LEARNED (and there were many).
* Do recon.
The entire drive to the school I'm explaining to Kai, 4 laps equal a mile and how to work a stop watch and what to do etc. We arrive and this is not a standard track. I have no idea how long it is, there is a weird jog in the straight away and it is hard cracked asphalt. BAD!
* Come prepared
Two words: Bug Spray
The bugs and the frustration over the weird track was enough to kill me after two laps but after looking at the times it is probably close enough to a standard length to use. I'm going to try again tonight on my own if it is too close to Kai's bed time. The goal is to warm up, run 1 mile at 12-13 minutes pace then rest 4 minutes and then run 1 mile as fast but as consistent as I can to give me a base for determining pace. I still need to work on my base which is freaking me out.
*breathe*
What are you waiting for? Get out there too.
9.22.2011
Call off the search parties....
RB75 is back. My focus might still be wavering but I am back. I took a bit more than a week off as I had family duties and a mini vacation. I had full intentions of running but was not disciplined enough to follow through. Hats off to all Moms and Dads out there who can find time after or before or even during to get out there and workout while with the kiddie 24-7 I couldn't get it figured out. Maybe next time?
Also, hats off to all who can travel and get runs in. I was able to get some amazing runs while on a West coast vacation to a new place last year. I actually consider some of those runs a highlight of my trip. You will be surprise the things you find when you just lace your shoes up and head out of a hotel door. Anyways, I was not able to accomplish the same feat with my East coast trip this time. I think it had to do with my guilt about wanting to see everyone I could for as long as possible so going for runs didn't seem fair especially when my amazing friends drove 4 hours to see me for 3. Something for me to think about the next time I travel and maybe my experience will make you think about your trips. Do you exercise or take "you time" on trips? If not, why?
So back to the grind and a race fast approaching on Saturday. I'll post details afterwards. I am nervous about my performance even sitting 30,000 feet in the air I think I am going to be in for a ruder awakening than my conservative self is prepared for.
Update:
I wrote this post over a week ago on the flight back from my second hometown. The race was a rude awakening(I blame the sand) but gave me the kick in the pants to buy new shoes, set a bar for time and get re motivated to get out there.
I am currently sidelined with flu like symptoms which as of thirty minutes ago have turned into hives all over my face. But I now have a new most embarrassing story which ends with an amazing friend literally giving me the shirt off her back. I will get back out there ASAP until then run on readers I will join you soon.
Also, hats off to all who can travel and get runs in. I was able to get some amazing runs while on a West coast vacation to a new place last year. I actually consider some of those runs a highlight of my trip. You will be surprise the things you find when you just lace your shoes up and head out of a hotel door. Anyways, I was not able to accomplish the same feat with my East coast trip this time. I think it had to do with my guilt about wanting to see everyone I could for as long as possible so going for runs didn't seem fair especially when my amazing friends drove 4 hours to see me for 3. Something for me to think about the next time I travel and maybe my experience will make you think about your trips. Do you exercise or take "you time" on trips? If not, why?
So back to the grind and a race fast approaching on Saturday. I'll post details afterwards. I am nervous about my performance even sitting 30,000 feet in the air I think I am going to be in for a ruder awakening than my conservative self is prepared for.
Update:
I wrote this post over a week ago on the flight back from my second hometown. The race was a rude awakening(I blame the sand) but gave me the kick in the pants to buy new shoes, set a bar for time and get re motivated to get out there.
I am currently sidelined with flu like symptoms which as of thirty minutes ago have turned into hives all over my face. But I now have a new most embarrassing story which ends with an amazing friend literally giving me the shirt off her back. I will get back out there ASAP until then run on readers I will join you soon.
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