Rest day, Schmest day

So, today was supposed to be my rest day, but it's hard for me to stop and rest when I've just gotten back in the game. I know rest days are important, and I don't recommend skipping them, so I thought...ok, I WILL listen to Hal Higdon and I WILL rest today.  And then I rationalized--It's a rest day for my legs, so why not do some upper body work? Plus, yesterday I bought a couple of new toys at the store.  Why spend the money if I'm not going to use them, right?

Meet my new kettle bell:

Felicia introduced me to kettle bells at the gym, but doing them by myself in front of everyone is a little strange for me.  I didn't want that to effect my progress, so I got one to use at home.  It was $32 at Sports Authority (on sale) and, if you can't tell, it's PINK! I'm not necessarily a huge pink fan, but I do like a little variety. I knew some limited kettle bell moves, so I looked online to expand my horizons and found this workout from Women's Health.
There are 8 moves and you go through them once, take a short break, and go through them again (2-3 times).  I set a stopwatch and did each move for a minute.  For the sets that used only one arm, I did my right arm the first time through and my left arm the second time through.  It was a short 16-minute workout, but I was sweating and feeling it by the second time around! It hits several major muscle groups (arms, legs, abs, back....guess I didn't rest my legs, but I was very gently on them) and was diverse enough to keep me interested. I will be incorporating that into my weekly routine for sure!

This is a Tiger Tail (Made in the USA!!!) and works wonders! I borrowed Felicia's for awhile but just had to get my own.  It has a foam roller between two handles and you just roll it across sore muscles (legs, back) for instant, magical relief! I use it mostly on my IT band (up the outside of my thigh and hip) which is where my PT was focused and where I am usually the most sore after running. I also got this at Sports Authority and it was $30.

I have a long run this weekend (long meaning 4 miles) and I think I am psyching myself out with the word "long".  Trying to have positive self-talk and to pump myself up for it.  I am excited though--it's fun to push my body and mind and see how much I really am capable of.