It's Either Love or Hate, not Both

BFL: Week 1 Complete

2010-12-12T16:10:00.003-05:00

Okay so I'm going to have to admit I'm not sure I really should count this week as my first week of the challenge, but I'm going to anyway. I may not have done everything perfectly, or even close to perfectly, but I already feel a ton better because I'm thinking about what I'm eating and about being more active.

Food:
Overall I did extremely well with food this week. I used Tuesday (my cookie swap) as my free day and made the decision to eat well all day and just splurge a little during my swap. That splurge included only three cookies and then I took all the leftovers to work to get rid of them. The rest of the week I only slipped (purposely) a couple of times including eating a piece of my sopapilla cheesecake last night and a bowl of loaded baked potato soup (with bacon) on Friday night for dinner group.

It's amazing how even after only six days my eating habits are already beginning to change and when I go to eat cookie it just doesn't taste good or I don't want a second at least. And when I eat a meal, I really just want a small portion rather than to indulge.

Workouts:
Other than getting up with Afton on Monday morning I didn't do any of the planned BFL workouts. In fact the only other workouts I did were some intense volleyball on Monday and Wednesday night (2 hours each time).

Overall analysis:
I lost 3.5 lbs this week. And like I said before, this week already had me feeling much better without even including the workouts. So let's see how a week of workouts + good eating goes.

Next week's goal:
Complete at least 5 of the 6 workouts. I'd love to do all six but my cardio on Sat is probably not realistic since I have a vball tournament starting at 9AM.

Upper Body Workout 1

2010-12-06T07:54:00.002-05:00

I got up at 6 this morning, drank some water, and got ready for my upper body workout with Afton. I walked out the door to go downstairs to meet her and realized I'd forgotten my keys. Richie wouldn't wake up so I went ahead with the workout and got keys from the front desk after. He still wasn't awake.

Overall the workout was fine, but I realized something. Not only am I weak physically, I'm weak mentally, which is probably why I quit things so easily. Trying to help me out - I really do appreciate it - Afton gave me a couple of pointers on my form. All of the pointers were useful and helped but inside I was annoyed and thinking, "I'm here aren't I. Just let me do this." That's a terrible way to think about things, but I tend to think about a lot of things that way too often. I'm not sure if it's pride or really just me being too sensitive about certain things, but it's another thing I'm going to work on during this challenge. I have to be able to take criticism, especially constructive criticism, or I'll never get anywhere in life. Because I'm not always or ever going to be perfect.

But I did it. Only like 6000 more upper body workouts to go. I thought about putting my actual workouts here, but I just don't think anyone cares. And this is more for me to write what I'm thinking and feeling as I go through the challenge. My way to keep motivating myself to keep moving forward. But in case you do care, here goes...

Chest - dumbbell flys + dumbbell press
Shoulders - military press + front raises
Back - Upright rows + Lat Pulldown
Triceps - Dips (killer by the way) + Tricep kickbacks
Biceps - Hammer Curls + Bicep Curls

Body for Life Challenge - Starting Out

2010-12-05T21:28:00.004-05:00

I'm starting a 12-week Body for Life challenge with my friend Afton tomorrow. I'm really good at starting new things but never finishing them. I'm hoping that with Afton at my side AND Hawaii in the near future I'll be able to get through this one. People don't really want to read about my everyday triumphs and failures in the challenge so I'm going to track my progress here instead of my real blog. Starting with today - here are my goals for the challenge. I'll give a progress report at the end of week 1.

So here go my goals for my program:

Lose 10 lbs - if I didn't include this one, I would be lying.
Create and stick to a workout routine for 12 weeks.
Lose 2 inches from my chest and at least one from my waist.
Put on an outfit - any outfit in my closet - and feel good.
Fit easily into my size 4 jeans.

Family Goals

2010-07-08T22:12:00.003-04:00

They gave me a gift card at work about three months ago that I surprisingly haven't used yet. I decided yesterday, since I miss my family already, that when I hit my weight goal again I can use the bonus to buy a plane ticket to get visit my family again. So here goes nothing. As of Tuesday when I got back from my trip I was 10 lbs away from my goal. Today I'm seven pounds away. I'm going to make it because there's nothing more motivating than hanging out with my family - especially if I can take Richie with me this time.

It's Been a While

2010-02-26T00:26:00.002-05:00

I've been neglecting this blog horribly, not because I have nothing to say but because well it's just hard to split things between three or four blogs. But my half marathon training is actually going fairly well. I'm been doing a lot more cross and strength training than before for my workout competition - I'm determined to win this month!!! But I actually have been running some too. I ran six on Tuesday while I watched Duplicity, and it was great.

So I'm thinking I should actually start using this blog again for what it was made for. I've been looking for a great way to track my workouts and what better way than free-form writing? So here goes again. This week has been great so far.

Monday: 60 minutes of volleyball then 45 minute The Firm Hi-Def Sculpt (strength DVD)
Tuesday: 6 mile run + 1 mile walk
Wednesday: 45 minute SYTYCD Cardio Funk DVD (dancing DVD - so much fun!!!)
Thursday: 30 minute Self Bikini Ready DVD (arms/abs) + 30 minute pilates DVD

I'm planning to run a long run on Saturday and maybe a short easy run tomorrow. Seven weeks to go until I die in the altitude in SLC. I'll keep you posted.

Looking Ahead to #8

2010-01-20T22:02:00.002-05:00

I'm on day 20 of my no sweets month, and I'm doing great. I have definitely noticed that I don't need to snack as much during the day and don't crave things all night long without the sweets. I may just keep going and try and decrease my sweets intake after this month is over. But I really really really want a chocolate milkshake on Februay 1st.

I finished half-marathon #7 this weekend and had a great time. I'm already looking forward to #8 in Salt Lake in April. I'm really enjoying these get together with friends and family weekends. Now if I could just pick out a good marathon... that'll be for next month.

Scared

2010-01-10T23:55:00.003-05:00

I'm on day 10 of my no sweets month and doing great, still no real cravings at all. Apparently next month I need to give up salty treats and go back to the sweets.

I think I probably chose sweets because I knew it was doable, and I like doable a whole lot more than I like something that scares me or takes me out of my comfort zone. This weekend is going to take me out of my comfort zone. I'm running half marathon #7 next weekend and I'll admit it- I'm scared. Really scared. This is the least amount of training I've ever done for a half-marathon and my seven-miler didn't go great last week.

We'll see how it goes but I have a feeling the butterflies are going to be accompanying me to my pasta dinner Saturday. I'm just not going to think about it until then.

Day 5

2010-01-05T23:21:00.002-05:00

You know what I realized? It's much easier to say no to something when you have a reason for it or a goal in mind. It's been fairly easy to say no I don't want that piece or cake or no I don't want those rice krispy treats because then I just say, "I'm not eating sweets in January." With that goal in mind saying no is much easier than if I'm just like oh I shouldn't eat that. I'm not eating it vs. I shouldn't eat that is a huge difference.

So I'm about to go to sleep on day 5 and have easily said no to hot chocolate, peanut M&Ms, a milkshake, birthday cake and peppermint ice cream, rice krispy treats, and tootsie rolls.

Almost one week down.

Day 2 and Workout Reward Ideas

2010-01-02T20:05:00.003-05:00

Going well so far...it's 8PM and I've only thought about sweets once or twice while I was shopping at Whole Foods. Update- it's now 9:20, and I still haven't thought about them again.

And for a few minutes while I was trying to come up with an idea for our workout competition monthly prize. So I don't have to come up with these ideas again every month, I decided to write them down for once. Here's what I've come up with so far for rewards that are $10-$25. I tried to stay away from any food related rewards since that kind of defeats the purpose... but thought of a couple that were kind of fun.

Manicure/pedicure gift certificate ($15-25)
Magazine subscription ($15-20)
iTunes gift card (any amount)
Target gift card (any amount)
Sports Authority gift certificate for new workout gear (any amount)
Amazon gift certificate for anything really (any amount)
Cookbook ($15-$25)
Movie tickets ($15)
Mall gift certificate (any amount)
Workout DVDs
Baking stuff (mixing bowls, baking sheets, cupcake tins, silicone mat)
Bath and Body Gift Certificate
Candles/aromatherapy type stuff
Fresh flowers
Gift card to Etsy
Homemade dinner gift cards
Nice waterbottle/water pack for runners
Yoga mat and bands
Workout bag
Exercise ball (the big ones), medicine balls, kettlebells, dumbbells, etc.
Pedometer
Gift card to shoe store (DSW, Payless, Off Broadway, etc.)
iPod accessories (cover, headphones, gift card, speakers, running armband)
Online personal training program (Designed for the recipient)
Paying for a race registration

And then I thought that doing some type of themed gift basket would be kind of a fun reward as well. Here are some of the ideas I came up with.

Healthy treats- chocolate milk, fruit, baby carrots, string cheese, yogurt, granola
Homemade dinner - rolls, salad, main dish, dessert
Homemade goodies - cinnamon rolls, cookies, cupcakes, muffins
Night off #1: Movie Night - Blockbuster/Netflix/Redbox gift card, popcorn, movie candy, drinks, snuggie or fleece blanket
Night off #2: Game night - pizza place gift certificate, gummy bears, playing cards, any board games, written out instructions for games like mafia, Chex Mix/snack food, drinks
Night off #3 - good book, snuggie or fleece blanket, hot chocolate, goodies/chocolate
Breakfast in Bed - cute vase, breakfast tray, breakfast recipes, muffin tin/mix, juice, fruit
Pamper yourself/Girl's Night - chick flick, bubble bath, nail polish, foot lotion, face mask
Spa Day - massage lotion, candles, neck wrap,
Workout - water bottle, towel, workout DVD, CD of workout songs, magazine
Yoga - yoga mat, yoga socks, resistance bands, yoga balls, yoga DVD/cards
Baking - silicone spatulas, cupcake tins, mixing bowls, measuring cups, apron
Sweet and Salty Treats - Chocolate covered pretzels, trail mix, popcorn with M&Ms, chocolate/yogurt covered nuts or sunflower seeds, granola bars
iPod gift basket- iTunes gift card, iPod cover, headphones, speakers, armband, etc.

No Sweets Day 1

2010-01-02T00:57:00.002-05:00

I did it. I made it through day one, and it wasn't too bad. It probably helped that I didn't leave the house until around eight and spent the day working out (dancing, running, and playing RockBand). When I'm running chocolate and candy are the last thing on my mind. And I wasn't even tempted to eat the peanut M&Ms Ryan had during our game night.

And now on to day two.

8 Weeks

2009-11-22T19:43:00.002-05:00

I've got eight weeks until the Phoenix half-marathon, and I've run a total of four times in the past month. I've got a tough 55 days ahead of me.

Running

2009-11-17T01:07:00.001-05:00

I ran two miles tonight (in the middle of a 80 minute cardio session) and ran one of those miles in 9:20, which is pretty good for me. I'm going to continue to try and run short runs just a little bit faster each time. And I'm going to try and get the long runs in for real. I've got a ways to go with this half training for Phoenix, but I'll make it.

Day 2

2009-11-05T23:18:00.002-05:00

Food
I didn't eat any candy at work today, which is much better than yesterday's six pieces and two cupcakes. But I did make my MIL's Kuaui Krunch Kake, which is definitely not healthy and had a good serving of that plus a small slice of pie at the wellness night. A granola bar for breakfast, pizza (it was free and hard to pass up) for lunch, and pasta for dinner (just a little) with the krunch kake. Overall I felt like it was a good day and good decisions made.

Fitness
We had a church activity tonight that was a panel of four medical specialists- a family practioner, a midwife, a wellness coach/nutritionist, and a personal trainer. I didn't workout today, but I did get motivated to start working out again and I'm going to start a workout competition with a bunch of my friends. The doctor told Richie that he had to start working out again and hopefully that would flush the sickness out of his body, which means that we are going to start exercising together. Hopefully all of these things combined will get me moving.

Workout Log

2009-11-04T23:12:00.002-05:00

Hello running blog. It's been a while. Way too long really. And other than a handful of random workouts between then and now, it's been almost that long since I've had a good workout. That stops today. They say that it's a good idea to track what you eat and your workouts to get into the routine, so once again I'm going to try and keep a real workout log. I'm going to see my family in three weeks from tomorrow and then the rest of my family a month after that so it's time to get serious and back in shape. I've got six pounds to lose (2 lbs a week) and three weeks to do it in.

So here goes.

Food:
I've been struggling lately to eat anything for breakfast other than cereal, which takes time that I don't have. I normally eat a lot of fruit smoothies but Richie has been sick and can't have smoothies so really I've just been skipping breakfast. Today I had about half an apple and half a thing of yogurt (oh and some corn flakes). Definitely not the best start. And I just can't seem to walk past the cupcakes in the office kitchen without eating one. Tomorrow I'll walk by. So I had two cupcakes and a couple of pieces of candy. Fail. For dinner Richie made a broccoli cheese chicken that was delicious, and I actually ate a good portion size (not too much).

Workout:
I did a 45-minute combination weights/cardio DVD called Total Body- Time Crunch. Normally I love it, but I just felt like I was going through the movements today without having any power behind any of them. I still felt great at the end and was sweating like crazy (might be our hot apartment). I just need to remember that feeling the next time I don't want to workout. Success.

A Year of Breaking Boundaries

2009-09-25T00:03:00.003-04:00

This is the year I'm going to do it. I'm going to run a marathon. I'm going to learn to like running. I'm going to get into a routine and stick to it. I'm going to weight train and tone my arms. I'm going to be proud of my body and want to flaunt it (I won't, but I'll want to). I can feel it. This is going to be that year.

Happy birthday self. Let's make this year a good one. No hitting walls, no turning back. Just going, moving, and doing.

My First 5K

2009-09-21T23:51:00.002-04:00

My friends and I are going to run a 5K in October. I'm kind of excited to run with other people and just for fun. Then I'll have run most of the normal races that people run before a half-marathon. The only one left is the marathon and that's coming next year. Sounds like an eventful year.

I've Got to Get Faster

2009-09-20T22:47:00.002-04:00

I just looked at my second half-marathon time and realized that I am getting much slower...never a good thing. My goal for Baltimore (well maybe not Baltimore) is to get back under 2:20. Here's where I started and where I'm at now.

Athens, OH half-marathon at around a 2:10 pace.
Death Valley Half-marathon: 2:13
Boise: 2:18
Nashville: 2:32
Iowa: 2:25:37

Not sure what happened, but I've definitely gotten slower. My goal for Baltimore is under 2:20. I ran nine this weekend in 1:37, which is about a 10:45 mile pace and that includes running the first mile at a 12-minute mile pace. So that means running about a 10:30 pace for the entire thing. It's supposedly a hilly race though so who knows. Maybe running faster will be the goal for my next race since Baltimore is only three weeks away.

Two Weeks To Go

2009-08-23T18:34:00.002-04:00

Half-marathon #5 is two weeks from today. Not having run for two weeks, I've got a tough two weeks ahead of me. But I'll make it. I always do. So here's the plan for the next two weeks.

Monday- cross-training (I'm playing volleyball with friends for a couple of hours)
Tuesday- 5 mile run easy
Wednesday- 5 mile interval training
Thursday- 5 mile run easy
Friday- Rest
Saturday- 10 mile run easy (this is the biggie, I've penciled it in and have to get it in)
Sunday- Rest

Monday- Cross-training
Tuesday- 5 mile run easy
Wednesday- 3 mile tempo run (just faster than my normal pace)
Thursday- 3 mile easy
Friday-Saturday- Rest
Sunday- Half-marathon

I've got my stickers ready.

Walking Never Felt So Good

2009-07-30T23:13:00.003-04:00

Three people showed up to our running group tonight including me. One of the girls hadn't run since May so we ended up walking the majority of the route. And it felt great. We walked about 3.2 miles, and it felt so nice to just take it easy after working out hard Mon-Weds. So maybe I didn't run, but who cares. I got out there, went the same distance, and met someone new in the process. I call that a success.

8 miles down, 10 to go

2009-07-29T23:11:00.002-04:00

I can almost say that I like running again. Not love, but like. We had our second running group yesterday, and it went really well. There were only four of us, but one of the girls pushed us to run faster (she's training to drop time off her 5K pace) and we upped our pace and ended up runing around a 9:45-10:00 minute mile pace, which isn't really fast but it's better than the 10:30 we ran last week. We ran a total of 3.41 miles (according to my Garmin), and it was incredibly humid and hot but still fun to run with people. The second best part was that I got to go home and go back to bed for 2 hours, and I had already finished my run for the day.

Since my Tues/Thurs runs are only between 3-3.5 miles each to make it possible for other people to come, I decided to do a little longer (5 miles) on Wednesday night and throw in some speed training. So tonight I did 5 miles on the treadmill with the intervals below. I normally run between 5.5-5.8 on the treadmill by the way.

Tonight:
Ran 1/2 mile at 5.5
Ran 1 mile at 6.5 (felt great!!!)
Ran 1/2 mile at 5.3
Ran 1 mile at 6.3 (felt great)
Ran 1/2 mile at 5.3
Ran 1/2 mile at 6.0 and 1/2 mile at 6.5 (still felt great)
Ran .1 mile at 6.7, .1 mile at 6.9, .1 mile at 7.1, .1 mile at 7.3, and .1 mile at 7.5.

And you know what? I felt great and wasn't even breathing hard. Two days of running (8 miles) and two left. I'm going to do an easy 3 tomorrow and then try and get it 7-8 on Saturday. If I can run five hard like I did tonight, I think seven or eight easy will be just fine.

Half-marathon here I come :)

When, What, and Where

2009-07-20T22:34:00.003-04:00

I started a running group. Too bad I don't have any idea how to lead a running group. I run whenever, wherever, and however long I feel like it. Now I'm going to have to make sure the time, pace, and location fit other people. At least if I setup a time to run with other people, that means I'll have to be there as well. So here goes. Since I actually have something to write about on this blog now, I'm going to use it to keep track of how each meetup goes including how I felt running and if I liked the route or not. Maybe then I'll be able to come back and find ones that I love and run them again.

First run is this Thursday at 6AM meeting at BSM, and it'll be between 3-4 miles.

51 Days to Go

2009-07-16T23:17:00.002-04:00

My last post on this blog was on Sunday, June 28th. My last run was on Saturday, June 27th. I went on vacation the week after that and somehow just lost all motivation to run. I looked at my little half-marathon counter and realized I have exactly 51 days left until my next half-marathon. 51=less than 8 weeks. I've never trained for a half-marathon in less than 12 weeks, but not running isn't even an option so I better get moving soon.

I have great intentions and plan out my runs for each week and then somehow I never get them in. I need some motivation. Something more than me telling myself to run every day, something that actually forces me (literally) to get out there and run. I'm working on it but haven't come up with anything yet. What do you do when you don't want to workout? I've got less than 8 weeks, but those 8 weeks are going to be the best 8 weeks of my life- training wise at least. I'm doing it.

There's Such Things as a 5K Pace?

2009-06-28T21:16:00.003-04:00

Whenever I see training plans, they always say things like run it at your 5K pace. Or a little faster than your 10K pace. It never really made sense to me because for me I have one pace- the pace I run every distance. Probably not the best way to train or get faster for a long distance race.

So I've tried to incorporate some tempo and speedwork runs into my training lately so I can develop a "5K" pace that's faster than my half-marathon pace. Or at least be able to run three miles faster than I would normally run the first three of a half. I ran three on Saturday and ran the entire thing at about a 10 minute mile pace, which isn't fast I know, but it's faster than I've been running and that's progess. A little bit at a time, and I'll be able to run faster for longer. I'm going to track my pace here.

5K Pace= 10:00 (6.0)

How do you do speedwork training? Do you have a set pace for each distance?

Two Down Two to Go

2009-06-25T08:38:00.002-04:00

About a month ago I put together a Runner's World half-marathon training guide for the upcoming Iowa Storm. I haven't been doing real well sticking to it, probably because where the Hal Higdon training guide says run three miles easy, RW says run a six mile tempo run. But I need to get better, not just maintain my running, so I'm going to keep trying to stick to RW. Last night I was supposed to do six miles total, 4 miles at a 10:01 speed and the other two as a warmup and cooldown. I got in four and did the middle three at a faster than normal pace so just a condensed version of the training, and it felt good.

I think I might like this whole mix it up with tempo and pace training. We'll see how long it lasts.

Just a Number

2009-06-15T23:50:00.004-04:00

I know not a lot of people read this blog, which is why I'm admitting this here. I don't know why because it's just a number. So here goes... my goal weight is 125 lbs. I've hit that once in the past six months and stayed there for about two weeks. Then I went to Europe, and it's been a struggle to get back into the swing of things. I've been back from Europe for almost a month now, and it's time to get moving and eating healthy again. So 125 here I come. By the way, isn't that just a very nice round number? Much nice than say 131, which may be where I'm at right now.

Workout Buddies

2009-06-08T20:37:00.002-04:00

I started my online workout buddy program today...basically just emailed the four girls who said they'd do it to see if they worked out this weekend. And told them about my workout this morning, and you know what, I think it helped. I'm much more motivated right now to go run from 10-11 than I have been in a month.

Motivated because I don't want to be the one sending out the email that says oh I didn't work out because well I just didn't feel like it. And I don't want to be the one walking the 10K on Saturday, I don't walk in races. I don't.

And I'm off to watch the silly show Here Come the Newlyweds as I run since there is nothing else on Mondays during the summer. Just might have to sign up for Netflix again soon.

My First 10K

2009-05-23T11:38:00.002-04:00

I've run four half-marathons and never run any sort of race shorter than that. Crazy I know but for some reason I've just never done the fun 5ks that people always talk about. So when Heather posted about the Lawyers Have Heart 10K in three weeks I figured I why not. My husband's going to be a lawyer, it's in Georgetown, it's on a day I have nothing else going on, and I need a new t-shirt. So I signed up for my first 10K today and am looking forward to it.

I haven't run in three weeks, but I should be fine. Training for my half (thanks to a specialized plan from Runner's World) starts on Monday.

Workout DVDs

2009-05-23T10:00:00.000-04:00

I've got myself a nice collection of workout DVDs that I love, but lately I've decided to try out a couple of new ones. Based on the recommendations of so many others I picked up Jillian's 30 Day Shred. And CVS was having a great sale one day so I grabbed a whole The FIRM workout kit that included five different workout DVDs and small hand weights.

I did Day 1 of the 30 day shred on Thursday and realized how long it's been since I used weights or really did anything other than running. I did a Cardio Party DVD (basically the best of the best from the other Firm DVDs) on Friday and loved it. 40 minutes with five different leaders that go through their favorite cardio moves. Both DVDs were great and I'll continue working with them. Now if only I could get myself to stop eating things that cancel out the exercise...

Weekly Menu

2009-04-20T00:40:00.004-04:00

I've decided to post my last week's menu here so that I have a reference of if I liked or didn't like items. And I'll be able to find recipes when I don't have any ideas of what to make for dinner. So here was last week's menu.

Monday- Chicken Parmesan
Tuesday- Ham, turkey, and cheese bagels.
Wednesday- Brown Butter Tortellini with Spinach and Ham
Thursday- Chicken pad thai
Friday- Pei Wei
Saturday- Matchbox Bistro
Sunday- Baked Beef Ziti

On My Way

2009-03-25T00:22:00.003-04:00

I signed up for my race today. $100 later, I'm going to make it this time. Wish me luck.

Half-Marathon Training Week 3

2009-02-24T20:51:00.003-05:00

I lost all motivation last week. I ran twice and did strength training once. Pretty much failed on all of my goals.

Monday- Ran 3 1/2 intervals
Tuesday- 30 minutes of strength training
Thursday- Ran 3 1/2 miles on hills (1.0-3.0 incline)

It's a good thing the week ends and a new one begins.

On to week 4.

Half-Marathon Training Week 2

2009-02-16T17:55:00.006-05:00

The beginning of half training is always the easiest. I typically don't start until I'm at least in good enough shape to run 4-5 miles easily, so the first couple of weeks is a cakewalk. But still a cakewalk I have to do, and that's the hardest part. I'm a little behind this week, but I'm going to try and post this as part of Wishcake's Work-It-Out Weekends to do a weekly update on training.

I did well this week or at least well enough.

Monday- I started it out with 30 minutes of Wii Fit strength training/yoga. Then I ran three miles doing intervals. I like to run a quarter mile at increasingly faster speeds in sets of four So today I started out by running the first set at 5.5, 5.8, and 6.0 and then continued to increase per set. So I ended up running this.

Walked 1/2 mile
5.5, 5.8, 6.0, 6.2
5.5, 5.8, 6.0, 6.2
5.5, 5.8, (each 1/4 mile), 6.2, 6.5, 6.7, 7.0 (each 1/10 mile).
Walked 1/2 mile

Tuesday- Tuesday I ran (and partially walked) hills. I did a 60 min hill workout on the treadmill with a max incline of 6.0 and max speed of 5.8. I probably ran (between 5-5.8) about 3 of the 4.5 miles, and by the end I was beat. Hills are great, but they kill me.

Wednesday- Got in at least my 30 minutes of cardio playing 90-120 minutes of Raving Rabbids, a new Wii game I bought for Richie. It's got things in there where you have to play instruments with the Wii remotes, dance, and do silly things like ride a motorcycle. I was sweating heavily by the end.

Thursday- Ran 4 miles at an easy pace (5.8 on treadmill) and felt great. I definitely could've kept going, which is always a good sign.

Overall I ran 10 miles this week and walked (on an incline) around 2 1/2 for a total of 12.5 miles. That's not a ton, but it's definitely better than before. Only ten more weeks.

My goals for this week are:
Drink at least 64 oz of water (I've been really dehydrated) a day.
Get in 3-4 runs.
Run at least one five-miler.
Go to one spinning class.
30 minutes on the Wii Fit 2-3 times.
Lose 1 lb for weigh-in on Saturday.

Mixing Things Up

2009-02-05T23:51:00.002-05:00

The past two days have been great because I've done something other than just straight running. Yesterday I did a hill running program for 30 minutes (ran 3 miles) where it took me up and down hills. Today I walked hills and did arm weights (curls, tricep pushbacks, shoulder presses, etc.) while I was walking. And it felt great.

I'm getting there. I getting to the point where exercise feels good again. I'm going to go to a spinning class tomorrow and run four miles on Saturday. And then I'm going to go get my eyebrows waxed. That's what Jillian from Biggest Loser does after she reaches a goal. My goal was to get in all of my training this week, and I've done it so far. I've worked out for at least 30 minutes every day this week and can definitely tell in my energy levels and spirits. Now maybe I should get some sleep.

Yesterday Led to Today Which Leads to Tomorrow

2009-02-03T21:08:00.003-05:00

I thought about running three times yesterday, and the last thought was, "I'll run tomorrow." Never a good one. While I was laying in bed about to go to sleep I noticed a running log/journal I bought at a bookstore last summer. I opened it up and saw three pages filled out. One the week of July 28, 2008, one the week of September 9, 2008, and one for November 14, 2008.

Apparently I'm a quitter. Sad huh. No more.

So I may not write in an actual running log, but I'm planning on writing here. Keeping track of how I'm feeling about running and my progress. Starting with today.

I didn't run yesterday and I felt horrible about it. My calves were incredibly sore from the Wii Fit (did high knees and jumping jacks during the running games) and basketball game on Saturday, and I just couldn't find any motivation to go. So instead I ate a peanut butter cookie and watched two hours of TV.

Today was better. It actually worked out perfect because I couldn't tape American Idol at home. I watched Idol while I ran (90210 and Biggest Loser were recording on my TiVo) and ran three miles. It's been over two weeks since I've run, and I couldn't definitely tell. My body hurt, but I went through with it. My training schedule said three miles, and I went three miles.

I made it through today. Tomorrow will be a better one.

The Training Can't End Until It Begins

2009-01-27T23:45:00.004-05:00

So it's about time I used this blog for an actual purpose and wrote on it regularly. People say that writing about something (eating, exercising, etc.) is a good way to make you really think about it and make it a habit. So I'm going to try and write on this blog about each of my workouts, good or bad. Just as a way to journal my progress. I think that was kind of the point of this blog in the first place, but I'm starting a new.

Speaking of starting, I wrote out my half training and lucky me I've got the rest of this week before my 12 weeks of training start. The miles will go up gradually each week, but here's a basic week of training for me.

Sunday- Rest/Stretch/Yoga on the Wii Fit
Monday- Run intervals/speedwork (3-5 miles total)
Tuesday- Either a short run with hills (~2 miles) spinning.
Wednesday- Easy run (3-5 miles)
Thursday- Either a short run with hills (~2 miles) spinning.
Friday- Rest/stretch day
Saturday- Long run (4-11 miles)

On top of this, I'm still going to continue doing the toning and yoga exercises on Wii Fit but mostly just because I enjoy them. My goal is to get all of the running workouts in each week or at least the three major (intervals, easy, and long) runs and at least one other day of hard sweating.
And I've decided that I need to give myself a reward when I do well in my training. So for every week of training I successfully complete, I'm going to give myself a small reward (soak in the bath tub, sleep in a little longer, manicure, etc.). And when I finally lose the last five pounds that my body really just wants to hold onto, I'm going to get a massage.

MIA to BIA (Back in Action)

2009-01-25T20:01:00.004-05:00

I haven't been around for a while, and I wish I could say I had been running all that time I was gone. But I haven't been. I got miserably sick two weeks ago and then my friend came into town for the inauguration. Needless to say the training didn't go so well.

Good thing my dad decided this week that he couldn't do March 7. So we changed the location and push back the date six weeks. Now I get to start another 12 week training program tomorrow. I think it's about perfect other than the fact that the course has hills, and I've never run hills before. A slight slope yes, hills no.

I've never trained for hills. I've never run on hills. And I'm not excited about running hills but I'm going to have to. So the question is how do you train for hills? I currently do one day of interval/speed training, one day of tempo training, and one long run. I'm planning on adding in one more day of running for hill training but have no idea where to start.Please help.My next set of half-training (since the date has been pushed back) starts tomorrow and runs for 12 weeks. Any advice on running/training for hills will help in the cause of keeping me alive when I run on April 25.

Why I Love Running #1

2009-01-05T23:31:00.002-05:00

I've decided that every time I have a bad run or workout I'm going to come home and blog about a reason I love running. I ran 3 1/2 tonight, and it sucked.

So the first reason I love running is the definition that it gives to my legs. I've always had strong legs, but running just gives me those toned looking lines on my calves and the definition in my hamstrings. Oh and did I mention that I love the feeling of walking and the muscles flexing as I walk after a nice long run? Amazing.

It's working. I feel much better now.

Long Run One

2009-01-03T19:05:00.003-05:00

I'm following a training program that has me running 3-4 days a week. One easy short (3-5 miles) run, one interval short run (3-5 miles), and one long run (5-12) and then I can do an easy (2 miles) run or cross train on the other days. I recently picked up spinning, which is great for cross training so I'm going to do that instead of the fourth day of running. Long runs for me are by far the hardest to get in and are definitely the most important. So today I told myself I would run outside of my long run (5 miles) and finally got around to it at 4:00 PM. I got all geared up with Under Armor, my no slip belt for my keys, and my IPOD with the perfect running playlist and headed out to the Mt. Vernon trail.

I ran a little over six miles (a little over an hour) and finally felt like a runner for the first in over two years. I ran out and back (eight songs out and nine songs back) and when I got back to my car, I felt like I could've kept going, which is the best feeling in the world. The first mile was the toughest (like it always is), but I just kept telling myself 15 more songs, 14 more songs, etc. And I made it. One long run down, seven to go before the half.

Getting Back on the Treadmill

2009-01-02T19:17:00.003-05:00

I've been at my parent's house for the past ten days, and it killed me. I was pretty active (walking around an amusement park, 2-on-2 volleyball, racquetball, and basketball) but I didn't get any running in. And I got more than enough sweets in.

So yesterday started yet another new beginning for me. I ended off the year with a bang (and some gummy bears) and am ready to start this one off even better (and minus the gummy bears). Nine weeks from Saturday I'm planning to run my fourth half-marathon, and I'm really doing it this time. No more excuses this time. I wrote out my schedule and am going to stick to it. Albany, GA here I come.

I'm going to try and update this blog as I continue my training to keep me both motivated and tracking my progress. I ran 3.1 (I always try to run at least 5K) on the treadmill today while watching Friends and the GAC country music countdown. The run itself was okay, not great, but I made it. It was the first run back after a two week break, and I'm glad I did it. I'm going to dinner tonight and then down to the gym for some cross training... then a five-miler tomorrow. One day at a time. I'm going to do it.

Spinning Myself Silly

2008-12-02T21:20:00.002-05:00

I went to my tenth spinning class today. People tell me that it just gets easier, but it definitely wasn't easier today. The teacher was mediocre, and the music was awful. It was basically just techno music with no words for the entire hour. Some people may feel like that's energizing, but I just got bored. I was sitting there watching the sports conditioning class going on and just hoping that the class would end. Let's just say it didn't motivate my best efforts. I will not be going to that class again.

Oh but I did get rewarded for my hard work. We splurged and got pizza for dinner (healthy pizza), and when I got there I found out that Tuesday is buy one get one free day. Score two pizzas for me. Good thing I stuck out the mediocre techno obsessed man.

Georgia or Bust

2008-12-01T19:44:00.002-05:00

I've tried this before, but I'm serious this time. My half-marathon training begins today and ends in 14 weeks in Albany, GA at the Snicker's Energy Bar Half-Marathon followed a week later by a cruise (not a bad reward/motivator).

My training is going to include three days of running (two normal runs and one long run), two spinning classes, and two days of strength training a week. I've been doing almost this same plan for the last four weeks and now I just have to up the mileage with my Saturday long runs.

I'm going to try and make this blog what I started it to be, a running journal. For now, I'm going to get dressed and go to the gym for my first day of training.

My Perfect Running Playlist

2008-11-26T12:06:00.000-05:00

I’ve already posted about how good music can make such a difference in whether or not I can through and enjoy a workout. I base my satisfaction with spinning instructors on their choice of music, and I can just keep running if I have good music. I did a Google search looking for running playlists, and a lot of the stuff I found was either older music or slower. Not quite what I was looking for. I’ve got some good song that I love to run to but have been looking for new stuff. I’ve added a few new songs to the playlist and decided to organize my playlist into “intervals.” Most of the time I run one song at my slow pace, one song at a medium pace, and one song fast and then repeat. I decided to make the music match my interval paces. So I did. And I don’t like to listen to the same songs all the time, so I created a 52 song playlist (17 songs at each pace) so I can just go to my playlist and start running. Here’s what I came up with. They go in sets of three (slow, medium, fast). I’ve put stars by my all-time favorite running songs. If you’re looking for good running music, those are the ones to go for first. And if you’re wondering, this is about three hours total of music.

1. Almost by Bowling for Soup
2. Don’t know the name- Track 5 on Lisa’s CD J
3. *Girlfriend by Avril Lavigne

4. I Miss You by Blink 182
5. Too Good to Be by New Found Glory
6. *Move Along by All-American Rejects

7. Over You by Daughtry
8. Tell Me That You’re Alright (not sure who sings this, Lisa’s CD again)
9. Pump It by Black Eyed Peas

10. N.J. Falls Into The Atlantic by Senses Fail
11. When I Grow Up by The Pussycat Dolls
12. *Rompe by Daddy Yankee

13. Here by Hello Goodbye
14. Dirty Little Secret by All-American Rejects
15. Hips Don’t Lie by Shakira

16. Low by Flo Rida
17. Counting the Days by Goldfinger
18. **I’mma Shine by Youngbloodz from the Step Up Soundtrack (if this doesn’t get you going I don’t know what will)

19. My Happy Ending by Avril
20. Up Against by Taking Back Sunday
21. Shake It by Metro Station

22. Freak Out by Avril
23. The Young the Hopeless by Good Charlotte
24. Misery Business by Paramore

25. All the Small Things by Blink
26. American Boy by Estelle
27. See You Again by Miley Cyrus

28. 1985 by Bowling for Soup
29. Disturbia by Rihanna
30. Dance, Dance by Fall Out Boy

31. Some Hearts by Carrie Underwood
32. Sugar We’re Going Down by Fall Out Boy
33. Crazy in Love by Beyonce

34. Save Tonight by Eagle Eyed Cherry
35. Better Life by Keith Urban
36. *Red High Heels by Kellie Pickler

37. Sophomore Slump or Comeback by Fall Out Boy
38. Womanizer by Britney Spears
39. Check On It by Destiny’s Child

40. Somebody Like Me by Keith Urban
41. Pocketful of Sunshine by Natasha Bedingfield
42. So What by Pink

43. Behind These Hazel Eyes by Kelly Clarkson
44. Hot N Cold by Katy Perry
45. That’s What You Get by Paramore

46. Ohio (Come Back to TX) by Bowling for Soup
47. Single Ladies by Beyonce
48. *If You’re Going Through Hell by Rodney Adkins

Not Too Bad, Not Too Good

2008-11-03T23:54:00.002-05:00

Last week I was just too busy to get any workouts in. I did some weights on Monday and played competitive volleyball for a good hour on Saturday (and wow am I sore!!), but that's it. It definitely showed at my WW meeting on Saturday (I stayed exactly the same).

So this week is going to be better. I went and ran 3.1 today and felt great. I've already got a workout scheduled with my friend on Weds night and am going to a spinning class right after work tomorrow. This weekend I'm meeting up with friends in NYC and one of those friends is the one who initially got me into running. I'm planning on at least one run while there with her.

I picked out a new half-marathon to train for, it's at the beginning of March in Albany, GA and sounds like a great one to try for. It gives me a month to get back in shape (I'm getting there now) and then start training hard in December. It means a lot of treadmill running or freezing outside, but I'm determined to make it this time. Thanks to inspiration from my friend Melanie, I'm going to be tracking the number of miles on my sidebar along with the amount of minutes I've worked out total.

Skip to My Lou

2008-10-23T12:23:00.002-04:00

I've been trying out new things with my running routines. This week I tried what I call, "Skip To My Lou," workout. It was in this month's issue of Self Magazine, one of the two magazines I subscribe to, and really effective. I never knew skipping could be so hard. Try it out sometime if you want to change things up a little.

The instructions say to load 30 minutes of music onto a playlist and then change every song. I didn't have 30 minutes exactly; I just played my running playlist and went through each interval 3 times and then did an extra skip and extra sprint section to finish it out. Here's the workout.

Run 1 song (I ran at a 5.5 pace)
Skip 1 song (I skipped at a 4.5 pace, but you can definitely go faster)
Sprint 1 song (6.0-6.5 pace)

Repeat until your playlist ends or you've been doing it for 30 minutes (typically 9-10 songs). I worked out at paces comfortable to me, but you can definitely push yourself more if you want. I definitely felt it and didn't get bored with just running. If you have any other fun running/interval type things you've done, I'm always up for trying something new.

Mixing It Up

2008-10-21T22:27:00.002-04:00

I've been paying for a gym for the past year, and I've only been a couple of times in the past six months because I didn't feel like driving 15-20 minutes to workout when I have a treadmill downstairs.

I realized today that there is a gym five minutes from my house! So since I'm paying for the gym, I might as well start taking advantage of the things I can't get in my apartment gym like the classes. I love trying out new classes even if I feel like an idiot the majority of the time.

Every book or article I've read about staying motivated to workout says to keep your workouts varied so you don't get bored. So I'm going to take advantage of those classes and go to two classes a week- one on Tuesday and one on Saturday. I went to spinning tonight and LOVED it. It kicked my butt, but I feel great now.

Not sure what I'll try next, but I'm excited to be out doing new things again. It really does make working out more fun than just running on the treadmill every day.

Interval Training= My New Best Friend

2008-10-14T23:34:00.002-04:00

I made a decision today. I have to keep running. No other exercise does for me what running does. I just need to suck it up and get out there, slow and steady. So I did it. I did a 45 minute hill interval workout on the elliptical then jumped on the treadmill to run a mile to finish out the workout.

And.I.Ran.Three.

Three miles broken up into half mile chunks. I ran half a mile, walked .1 mile, ran half a mile, etc. I ran a total of three miles and walked another .5. And after a nice stretch, I felt great!

I may not be able to run 13.1 miles without walking anytime in the near future, but I'm not going to give up. I'll keep going until I can run 13.1 miles even if I have to walk between every mile. It's better than not running at all.

Long Time No See

2008-10-06T23:06:00.003-04:00

After the raving review from the doctor about my shin splints, I decided to heed his counsel and stop running for a couple of weeks. Too bad I stopped running, walking, and any other form of exercise I could think of. Probably not the best idea to strengthen my muscles, but oh well it's too late to go back and change it right?

So I'm going to start working out again this week and try and throw some running in every couple of days to see how things are going. People say one of the most common causes of shin splints is pushing yourself too hard too fast, so I'm going to take it nice and slow. I joined Weight Watchers this week (since I can't run, which is normally my trick to losing weight) and as part of my Sunday routine I'm going to be planning out weekly meals and an exercise schedule so I can actually fit everything in. I did a 30 minute Biggest Loser sculpting DVD tonight that was rough but felt great and am going to get some cardio in hopefully before bed or maybe tomorrow morning. I really think morning workouts would do me wonders, but will they do me more wonders than more sleep?

Oh well, I just wanted to give everyone an update. I didn't fall of the face of the earth. I'm not running a half-marathon in December but am going to keep running and keep posting on this blog about my progress. My goal is to be able to run 5 miles without stopping because I'm out of breath or in pain by the end of October. Slow and steady wins (or finishes at least) the race.

I Got My Massage But I Didn't Deserve It

2008-09-24T12:21:00.003-04:00

Good news and bad news. I got my massage last Friday thanks for my great MIL. The bad news is that I didn't earn it. And the even worse news is that I can't run at least not for right now. I've got really painful shin splints in my left leg, and the doctor wants me to get a bone scan to make sure I don't have a stress fracture before I run anymore. I ran two miles on Saturday morning and was still in major pain on Monday even after icing, heating, and stretching the area. So it looks like the half-marathon in December isn't really an option at this point. I'm not giving up on running though, just as soon as I figure out what's wrong, I'll come back slowly and take better care of myself.

In the interim, I'm not going to get rid of this blog. It will just be more focused on my overall exercise not just running. I'm planning on putting together a workout schedule for the next few weeks to include spinning, step classes, and other stuff to get me through. Oh and I'll get back to the weight training videos that got me so tone this summer before I gave up on them. That's the plan for now. I'll keep you posted. Hope that everyone else keeps running, be grateful you can.

One Down, Nine to Go

2008-09-09T00:12:00.003-04:00

That's how I track my running when I'm outside and have no idea how far I've gone. I normally run about the same speed so I'll track my miles based on how many songs I'm run to so far. Three songs typcially equals about a mile so at the beginning I just tell myself I have to run for 10 songs and count down as I go.

I haven't been running with music lately; I've been watching TV instead, but today I mixed it up a little while on the treadmill. It was 11:00 when I started running so all I could find on TV was Lingo on the Game Show Network. I decided to listen and run to music during commercial breaks, and it really helped keep me going. I ran three miles today without stopping in a little over 30 minutes, and I felt great. No red face, no hard breathing, no wheezing aftewards. I'm not quite back in shape yet, but I'm getting there. Getting into - it's time to actually start training for this half-marathon - shape. And it feels just as good as I always tell people it does.

And that massage is going to feel even better. I may miss Richie while he's in TX, but for that hour, I think I'll be able to hold myself together.

Grand Prize... A Massage

2008-09-07T18:56:00.002-04:00

I got a coupon in the mail the other day for a $39 hour long full-body massage, and I decided to make good use of it. I'm making it a reward for working out. Richie's going to TX in two weeks, and I need something to do while he's gone. So we made a deal. If I work out ten times in the next two weeks (before he leaves on the 18th) I get to schedule and go for a massage while he's gone. We went to dinner last night and determined the conditions of the deal because it has to actually be hard to get or I won't appreciate it quite as much.

The fine print...

A workout consists of either running 3+ miles or one hour of another type of working out (cardio, strength training, videos, classes, etc.).
At least five of the workouts have to be running (to stick with the half-marathon training).
Any dessert I eat (more than 50 calories/fudgesicle) negates one workout.
Any food that I eat that has no nutritional value (aka ramen noodles) negates one workout.
I can get more than one workout credit a day by working out longer or multiple times.

That's it. That's all I have to do. It shouldn't be too hard other than the fact that he leaves in approximately 11 days, and I don't workout on Sundays. So that means I have to workout once every day this week and once every day until he leaves the next. Piece of cake (that I can't eat). All I can think about is how bad I want that massage. I'm switching up my workout log on the sidebar with a countdown of the ten workouts. Counting down is so much easier than counting up. Rewards/competition really is a huge motivating factor for me so hopefully this works.

Dancing Through the Hallways

2008-09-03T21:46:00.003-04:00

I remember a couple of years ago I was training for my second half-marathon in college. I mostly ran outside that year, and I remember vividly the home stretch of a 7 mile run. I was running down the sidewalk and literally dancing while I ran. My strides felt more like I was bouncing along, and my spirit lifted right along with my steps.

I got that same feeling today. There is just something about the combination of music and running that lifts my spirit. I got off the elevator after my run and bobbed my head and body back and forth to the beat as I walked back to my apartment. But it didn't stop there- I kept the IPOD on and cleaned up my kitchen and cooked dinner, something I haven't done in a long time. And even now I'm in a much better mood than I have been all weekend. Thanks running.

I Almost Like Running Again

2008-08-28T22:53:00.003-04:00

It's been almost two weeks since I started running again, and I'm getting to the point where I almost remember why I started in the first place. It just makes me feel so good. When I get off the treadmill, my abs feel tight and my tummy is all sucked in (and not because I'm sucking it in). I want to make better choices when I'm eating because junk food just doesn't sound good (well except for my nightly craving for raw ramen noodles ). Maybe it's just the fact that I can watch TV without feeling bad or the endorphins talking, but I'm definitely feeling better about everything right now, including myself; that's a biggie.

I ran again tonight while watching Grey's Anatomy. When we finally get into a house someday, my housewarming present to myself is going to be a treadmill. Or dad, I'll let you buy me one. :) I always tell people that if I had a treadmill in my house I'd run every day because I could just sit and watch TV. Now that there's a treadmill kind of in my house (just downstairs) , and I can watch my own personal TV, I'm all for running and/or walking. Normally I'd be off the treadmill as soon as I was done with my required miles but now I stay and finish out the show and just walk up an extremely steep hill while doing so. It makes me feel much better about watching TV when I'm running rather than sitting on my butt.

I can do it. I can run this half-marathon, especially with the new fall season starting soon. Thank goodness the strike is over.

My Running Buddy

2008-08-26T00:15:00.002-04:00

My husband has been working out with me lately, and it really helps. It's another person (other than myself) telling me that we should go work out. This is three times in the past week that he's worked out with me and gotten me to go. A workout buddy really does make a huge difference... as does a TV. I'm getting back into running mode, and my body is telling me that it's ready to start adapting to be a runner again. Hopefully my mind agrees.

Week 1...Again

2008-08-19T00:04:00.003-04:00

It seems like I just keep starting over with this whole running thing. I run once, twice, or maybe even three times a week and then get too busy and just don't go the next week. It really isn't working for me at all. I sat down today and planned out a sixteen week training schedule that really seems doable (2-3 miles 3x a week for the next two weeks then moving up...).

My dad and I made the decision to sign up for the Memphis St. Jude half-marathon on December 6th, hence the 16 week training. I'm really going for it this time. No more excuses. I'm so sick of starting over. This time I'm running the half and signing up for another one in April so I don't lose it all over again because I just can't get myself started again and again.

Well enough rambling, just wanted to write a quick update for myself and whoever reads this blog. I did run today, only two miles, but it was more than yesterday or the day before. And it was what I'd scheduled myself to do so I'm on the right track. Tomorrow is strength/XT and then back into the running shoes on Wednesday.

My New Favorite Trail

2008-08-04T20:17:00.001-04:00

There is something about running outside that makes it so much more pleasant. And running five songs out and being able to turn around and say, oh hey I'm almost done (or at least on my way back). I think maybe I had just gotten so sick of having to drive to the gym to run on a treadmill and then drive home. This whole running on the trail by my office after work seems to be working. I almost didn't go today- I was really tired- but then I told myself if I run today, I only have to run 2 days out of the next five. Two!! I'm going to try and run more but two sounds so easy.

One day down, two to go. I ran 38 minutes, probably about 3.5 miles (haven't measured yet) today. I'm thinking about asking for a Garmin running GPS thing for my birthday so that I can actually track my distances. Either way, I ran the entire time and felt great! My confidence is returning little by little. It's definitely a love week.

Dedication Meets Stupidity

2008-08-01T18:07:00.003-04:00

I brought my stuff to work yesterday or at least most of it. I forgot socks but because I didn't want to skip running I decided to run anyways. Probably one of the dumbest things I've ever done. I was really just asking for blisters, and blisters I got. I've got a row of blisters on the inside sole of both feet. They don't hurt a whole lot until I run again.

But.I.Ran

I walk/ran a total of 35 minutes and ran 9 songs (so probably about 30 out of the 45 minutes), and it actually felt great, other than the blisters of course. I'm loving this whole trail outside of my office that I can run on every day. It's beautiful, the miles are marked, and there's actually shade about half of the time.

I'm hoping to make nightly runs a part of my weekly routine, at least until it gets too cold out. Then I'll make morning runs the weekly routine. Either way, I'm going to keep running. I already have more confidence and am feeling better. Not sure if I'm actually losing weight, but I feel stronger every single time I run.

So.I'll.Keep.Going.

Get out there this weekend and enjoy the beautiful (if it is beautiful) weather. I'm planning on running tomorrow again if these blisters aren't too bad. If not, I'll be back on Monday.

Committment

2008-07-28T16:29:00.004-04:00

I'm doing it. I'm running right after work today! This is my committment post. There's no turning back now!

Edit: I got dressed in my running clothes, put on my running shoes, and got on the trail today right after work. And then I ran 2 miles. It may only be 2 miles, but that's better than the past couple of weeks.

And.it.was.great.

It's so much nicer to run on a trail outside in the beautiful weather and see all of the different people sitting near or walking on the trail. I think I may have to make running outside a weekly event. I'm going to try and run again on Weds. I've gotta go to dinner tomorrow night but Weds should work out well.

Oh and an update on the pushup challenge- I got distracted when I went to Kansas so I'm going to start again on week 2 because I don't think I can go to week 3 after taking two weeks off. I'm almost motivated again.

My First and One of Only a Few Weight Loss Posts

2008-07-24T09:39:00.000-04:00

I may throw a weight loss note in here every once in a while. I hate to go on and on about weight loss so it will be an infrequent occurrence. I’ll still make this blog mostly my exercise/running blog so no worries. But last night was monumental.

Mom and I made a deal last night- if we lose 10 lbs by October 1st, we are going to do something extremely fun together to reward ourselves. I’ve got 10 weeks. Better get on it. Now. I think I might go to a Weight Watcher’s meeting on Saturday. I think the only way I’m ever going to actually make any changes is if I have someone (not myself) keeping me accountable. I’m not a very good liar so it’d be much easier if I had to go to a meeting and tell someone yes I worked out, because I actually did. $40/month is a small price to pay for my mental and physical well-being.

Great News!!!

2008-07-22T21:48:00.002-04:00

I started my new job today and they told me my schedule is going to be from 9:30-6:30 rather than the 8-5 shift I'm used to. That means I can actually get up and run in the morning, shower, be ready to work and still get to work on time. I love to workout in the morning but couldn't drag myself out of bed at 5:30 for any reason let alone run. 7:00 sounds much more doable. Oh and did I mention this doesn't start until we move in a couple of weeks. The gym is still too far away for me to drive and go before work in the morning. When we move, there will be a gym on the ground floor of our new apartment. Then I really won't have any more excuses :)

Back and Ready to Go

2008-07-21T13:04:00.003-04:00

While I was gone last week I exercised more than I have in the past couple of weeks, and I remembered how much I love it. I went for walks, ran (once), played racquetball (for three hours), and watched basketball and baseball. Sports have always been a part of my life and it's about time I put them back in.

I went to the library today on my last day off before the new job starts tomorrow and checked out two books on running. I skimmed through them both quickly and realized that it really is just about getting out there and running. Almost everything I read in the book about the benefits of running I already knew. All of those benefits (weight loss, feeling better, more energy, eating better, etc.) are things that I want so it's time to go get those benefits.

I looked up some new half-marathons since this summer's training just didn't work out. There are three great options on Saturday, December 6th that are within driving distance of my place in DC. December 6th is about 4 1/2 months away. My typical training plan is about 12 weeks or 3 months. That gives me a month and a half to get back into the groove of things slowly. I'm getting back into it gradually this time so I don't have the excuse of injury anymore.

One part of the book that I really liked was the part about setting goals. It talked about setting goals for each year then setting short term (2-3 months) goals and then setting intermediary goals to lead up to reaching that short term goal. I like that idea.

So here are my goals to lead up to the half marathon on December 6th. These may have to adjust based on my progress, but these are the goals for right now. I'll cross them off on my sidebar as I hit each of them.

Long Term: Half Marathon on December 6th, 2008.

Short Term 1: Run 6 miles (10K) by October 18th, 2008.

Intermediate Goal 1: Run 3x3 (3 miles 3 times a week) by August 15th.
Intermediate Goal 2: Run 4x3 by September 15th.
Intermediate Goal 3: Run 5 miles by October 11th.

Short Term 2: Run 13.1 miles (half) by December 6th, 2008.

Intermediate Goal 1: Run 5x3 by November 1st.
Intermediate Goal 2: Run 10 miles by November 22nd.

On to Week Three

2008-07-07T13:16:00.003-04:00

Two weeks ago I started the One Hundred Pushup challenge and have been very optimistic about everything. I started only being able to do four pushups. Last night I did 16 without stopping so I guess you could say it's working and I was excited to be able to do 100 push ups a month from now.

Until.I.looked.at.week.3.

Week 1 and 2 had me doing intervals of 3-6 push ups; week 3 has me doing intervals of 16-20 push ups. I can do 16 push ups without stopping but don't know if I can do 16 then sixty seconds later do another 16. We'll see how it goes. I may have to do week 3 a couple of times to get through it. Either way, it's working since I can do 4x as many push ups now than when I started.
If you haven't joined in on the challenge, you should. It only takes about 30 minutes, and I already feel a little stronger. As for the rest of my workouts lately, they've non-existent. I'm hoping to get back in the mode next week while I'm in Kansas. My brother and dad have been running, and I'm hoping they'll be the motivation I need to get the ball rolling. When I get back, I'm going cold turkey into working out and eating better.

I know there are at least a few of you out there doing the challenge with me. How's it going? Have you seen any progress since you started? I'd love to hear it's getting easier (or harder) for everyone else too. Good luck in week 3.

In Theory, If You Roll a Ball It Will Keep Rolling

2008-07-02T23:37:00.003-04:00

There have been very few time in my life when I have felt completely content with my life. Well that's kind of a lie. There have been very few times in my when I've felt completely content with myself. More specifically content with my body. It's amazing how if I'm not content with myself, it makes everything else just a slight shade darker in my eyes. Every one of the times that I've felt completely at peace with myself I was doing two things. I was taking care of myself physically and spiritually. I've never felt better about myself then during those three 12 week periods of half-marathon training.

Why am I writing this today? Because I realized today that I'm not content with myself. I'm not even close to content with myself. So many great things are going on and all I can think about in the morning is how bad I look in anything I put on or how thin the girl ahead of me in line is. Or maybe it's something else. I'm sure everyone has days this like, but what about months, years maybe? I'm going on a year now.

And you know what -I've done absolutely nothing about it. Nothing other than let the weight continue to pile on and continue to get more and more out of shape. This time I've really let it get too far, and it's taken a pretty big toll on my confidence and really every other part of my life. I don't know how I let it get this far, but it's time to take a stand for my physical health.

I'm not gonna make the Virginia Beach half marathon in August (who was I kidding??) but I'm going to run a half-marathon by the end of this year. And after that one, I'm going to sign up and run another one the next year, and the next year after that. I am not going to let the ball stop rolling again because like the law of physics, a body in motion stays in motion. I'm ready to get back in motion.

Two Steps Forward and One Step Back

2008-06-27T11:59:00.002-04:00

Here's a typical day in the life of me.

7:00-11:00 AM- Eat a good healthy breakfast and snacks.
Noon- Eat a healthy lunch and take a walk around my office (or my block).
2:00 PM- Crave, buy, and eat [enter junk food here] something.
5:00 PM- Go home and make a healthy dinner.
7:00 PM- Sit in front of the TV or computer thinking about how I should go to the gym.
9:00 PM- Work out (or not).
11:00 PM- Stop for a Frosty on the way home from the gym.

It seems like I can't make it through an entire day or being good, let alone a week. I keep taking one step forward (eating healthy and working out) then taking two steps backwards (gummy bears, not working out for three days). I'm pretty sure I won't make it to the top of the stairs anytime soon (or anytime for that matter).

So my goal for next week is to start taking two steps forward and only one step back. It might take me a while but at least that way I might eventually make it to the top.

One Hundred Pushup Challenge

2008-06-24T08:45:00.002-04:00

I started the one-hundred push up challenge yesterday. In six weeks, I'm supposed to be able to do one-hundred push ups. I did the initial test yesterday and could do four in good form. I'm going to do my push ups on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Let me know if you're joining in so we can support each other. Only 10 minutes, three days a week, and you should be able to do 100 push ups in a row, even if you're like me and starting out in level 1 (0-5 push ups). Oh and I'm going to the gym after work to run today. It's only three miles, piece of cake right.

Revised Training Plan

2008-06-19T17:29:00.009-04:00

So I'm beginning to think I like this whole 10K idea. The training plan looks much less intimidating than a half-marathon training guide. 2M + strength just sounds so much better then 4M + strength, at least starting out. I'll still do the half-marathon after the 10K, but it's much less to start out with something that actually seems achievable. Thanks to Hal Higdon, here is my five week 10K training plan that starts Monday (oh and I'm starting on week 4!).

Oh and if anyone wants to run with me, I'm planning on running the 10K in Vienna the end of July and would love a training buddy.

My First Race

2008-06-19T12:20:00.002-04:00

Did you know that the only races I've ever run have been half-marathons? People say that signing up for races actually gets you moving. I'm not sure why not, but I've never signed up for any shorter races as part of my training. Well that trend has been broken. I just signed up for a 10K that is five weeks away so I better get my butt in gear and start running. I can run at least 3 miles now so hopefully 6.2 isn't an unreachable goal. I searched for 5Ks, but there weren't any listed in my area in the next month or so. So 10K it is. My first ever non-half race and hopefully a boost to reaching that final half marathon goal. I'll keep you posted.

Goal #2- Three Days

2008-06-17T08:23:00.002-04:00

So goal #1 wasn't actually ever written down anywhere but in my head, but it was to run 3.1 miles (5K) without stopping. I got up this morning, got on the treadmill and just kept going. And guess what, I did it. My face may have been bright red (still is actually), but I probably could have even kept going.

I think it's about time to get serious about this whole running thing so my next goal is to get in three days of running a week. I'm hoping to accomplish that goal this week and work towards another goal (called strength training) next. I've learned that big goals come by setting up smaller ones that add up to equal the big one. Kind of like 1+1+1=3. Obviously my ultimate goal is to run another half-marathon so I've got to just keep coming up with smaller goals that will get me there.

I'm writing it down this time. This week's goal is to run three days a week.

I Must've Tired My iPod Out Last Night

2008-06-13T07:48:00.002-04:00

This morning was one of those worst case scenario days. One of those days that you have every excuse not to work out (and not just excuses I'm make up). Richie had to be in early, so I dropped him off at the metro and went to the gym with the motive to run outside then shower at the gym before work. I remember distinctly putting my iPod and head phones in my gym bag this morning, but somehow the headphones didn't quite make it. I HATE running without music. I need some type of distraction to keep me from thinking about how far I've gone. And music just gets your feet moving when your mind and heart can't.

But I sucked it up and ran anyways. I only ran a little over 2 1/2 miles (without walking!!!), but that's better than not running at all, which is I almost did. After my run tomorrow, that'll be three days this week!! Three days the next two weeks and then I think I'm ready to officially start my training.

Oh and here's a fun story. Except for the fact that it's not fun at all. While I was on my last 1/2 mile, all the sudden I hear my name (never a good sign when you're running) and this guy on his bike stops and says, "Britni. I thought it was you." I'm staring at this guy because I sort of recognize him but really have no idea who he is. He starts talking and then notices me staring and tells me it's Milo (I remembered as soon as he said his name). Milo, my best friend's buddy that took me to Homecoming junior year of high school. Milo that I haven't seen since my junior (maybe senior) year of high school six years ago. We chatted for a minute and then I politely excused myself so I could finish my run and get to work.

The worst part of seeing him was that he recognized me. I always hope that I've changed so much (in good ways) since high school that people won't recognize me. I guess not if a guy I hung out with maybe two times could pick me out running on the street, which by the way is my #1 reason for not liking to run outside. I without fail see people I know. And nobody really wants to see me when I'm running- it's just not a pretty sight.

Another Day

2008-06-12T08:57:00.002-04:00

Didn't end up having time to workout yesterday like I'd hoped. I sat in traffic for 90 minutes instead because the metro was having delays. Then we had a going-away get together for some of the girls in the ward. I ended up getting home around 11:30 because we just chatted away. Not a big deal, but it didn't leave me with time to workout. I was supposed to get up and go this morning but decided to come into work early and go to the gym after work instead. Probably not the best choice, but I'll get there and get on that treadmill. Started tracking what I eat yesterday with WW online and realized that some of the things I put in my mouth without even thinking about it are killers. Like that KitKat I took out of the candy bowl on Tuesday. I think that was like 10 points. Good thing I didn't start until yesterday. It really is making me be more conscious about what I eat though because I don't want to eat anything that has more than a few points. We'll see how it works out. I just keep telling myself that it can't hurt right. Slowly but surely I'll get there.

That Girl

2008-06-10T22:56:00.002-04:00

Two years ago when I was training for my half marathon and getting ready for my wedding, I went and got a pedicure. The lady working on my nails kind of laughed and smiled. I thought she was smiling because my feet were so gross or because I hadn't shaved before coming. But then she said, "Strong calves. Soccer player?" I told her I wasn't a soccer player but that I ran a lot. She smiled again and massaged my calves (the best part of a pedicure by the way).

I want to be that girl. I want to be the girl who gets told she has nice calves by the pedicurist. The girl who warms up for a volleyball match with a seven mile run. The girl who says she's training a half-marathon like it's nothing at all. The girl who plans and actually runs her runs.

That girl was me once. It's about time that I'm that girl again.

Today's Appointment

2008-06-10T10:51:00.003-04:00

The plan is to hit Best Buy tonight and then the gym right next door after work. It's on my Google calendar, and I'm not gonna miss this one. Time to start treating myself like I treat all of my clients. That Treadmill is calling my name.

Only Twice, But It's Progress

2008-06-08T20:27:00.002-04:00

Even with all of my good intentions I only worked out twice this week. But hey that's better than the one time the week before, and not going at all for the month before that. Two is definitely better than zero in any book. I'm repeating last week's training plan this week and hope to actually stick to it. As an added bonus, I'm going to start writing out everything I eat with my daily calorie intake. It's more for my benefit because supposedly if you have to write everything down, you are less likely to eat the handful of M&Ms or third piece of pizza. Supposedly. But it can't hurt to try. This week should be a lot less busy, and I'm about to go sit down with my husband to plan out some goals and our weekly schedule, which will include my daily workouts. Slow and steady makes it to (I'm not trying to win right now) the race right. I'll get there eventually.

Healthy Snacks

2008-06-05T13:58:00.002-04:00

Since I started working out again, I've been in dire need of food like all the time. I'm normally starving by lunch and have eaten all of my snacks by then. What am I supposed to do after lunch? Oh and my husband takes a huge lunch and somehow eats it all and is still hungry. I'm looking for some healthy snack ideas other than the typical ones (yogurt, fruit, veggies, nuts, string cheese, jerky, whole grain crackers) to keep from taking an entire box of crackers or bag of carrots. I want things that are simple to make or that I can just throw in a Ziploc bag and in my lunch box.

So here's where you come in. What are your favorite healthy snacks? What do you eat to keep yourself from starving throughout the day?

Daily Changes

2008-06-03T23:46:00.003-04:00

One of the features that I love about Self Magazine (one of the only magazines I subscribe to) is a 30-day makeover. They've done things like losing weight, getting in shape, having more energy, being more charitable, etc. I realized that I can't just go healthy cold turkey; it's just not going to work. So I've decided to take Self's idea and add in one healthy thing a day and continue adding things in until it becomes easier to make the right decisions. Some things just aren't going to work, and I'll deal with that, but it can't hurt to try right. I'll post my healthy change on the sidebar each day and try to stick with the ones that work for me. Who knows maybe I'll eventually love eating healthy after all. I'm not promising anything but at least I'm trying.

It Must Be A Fluke

2008-06-03T13:04:00.003-04:00

After two days of running, I already have more energy and feel stronger.

I've dominated in the past three office foosball games. Normally I'm the weak link.

Just another reason to keep running.

I Can Do This

2008-06-02T20:04:00.002-04:00

I ran again today- 3 miles with only a few walk breaks in between the miles. I'm beginning to think that maybe I actually can do this. I made it through the final mile with breath to spare. I've just got to continue to take all of the necessary steps to make it happen- plan my weekly training schedule, plan a time daily to workout, and finally the most important, go.

I actually did pretty good eating wise today too... well other than the two handfuls of Peanut M&Ms I stole from the office candy bowl. Oh, how I wish that wasn't there. There's no hope for me when free chocolate is available. I'm gonna have to stay away from the front desk from now on. But other than the chocolate I had a fruit smoothie and Fiber One Bar for breakfast, snacked on a peach and caramel rice crisps, had a chicken vegetable stir fry for lunch, and chicken divan for dinner. So no it wasn't all extremely healthy, but it wasn't too bad. Baby steps right. Tomorrow I'll walk right past the candy bowl.

Oww

2008-05-30T11:47:00.003-04:00

Man I'm sore today, but it's a good sore. The sore that comes from a good workout, and I'll take that kind of sore any day. I'm gonna do weights later tonight and gives my legs a break. It's back to running tomorrow. There's nothing better to start off a weekend then a nice Saturday morning run. Or sleeping in until noon, which I may do as well.

One Down Billions To Go

2008-05-29T08:00:00.002-04:00

I did it. I got up and ran today before work. My husband just started his internship and part of that means getting to work twice a week at 6:30 AM. We only have one car, and the shuttle to the metro doesn't run that early so it means I have to drop him off. The plus side of this is that I can go to the gym before work twice a week. I always said I would love going to gym in the mornings, but I think I meant like at 8:00 or 9:00, not 6:00. Like running it's kind of a love/hate thing.

Love: Getting my workout done early so I can stop thinking I have to go all day.
Hate: It's 6 AM and once I'm done with my workout I have nothing to do other than go to work so I get to work at 7:30 instead of 8:30.

Love: The gym isn't incredibly busy in the morning so I don't have to wait for a treadmill.
Hate: There isn't anything on TV other than the news.

Love: Being able to jump out of bed and throw on my workout clothes without getting ready.
Hate: Showering at the gym.

Love: It gives me more energy during the day and gets my metabolism going.
Hate: I'm dead by about 9:00 PM and need to go to bed by 9:30 to get my necessary eight hours of sleep.

Love: I don't have a choice in the matter so I'll keep going twice a week.
Hate: I don't have a choice in the matter.

Sounds like just the kick I needed to get going. I ran three miles today with short walking breaks between miles and realized how out of shape I really am as I climbed the stairs to the locker room trying to keep my legs from collapsing.

But. I. Did. It.

Day 1 is supposed to be the hardest. I guess I'll have to get through day 2, 3, and 4 to find out.

I'm Back

2008-05-28T09:49:00.002-04:00

May was insane, and I had every excuse imaginable to not run. Well June's almost here and I counted all of my viable excuses and came up with absolutely nothing. I'm finally back into a daily routine and am going to start scheduling my workouts in my day. Monday's the big day. Wish me luck.

SparkPeople

2008-05-23T08:55:00.003-04:00

I found a new website through another blog called SparkPeople. It's not much different than other exercise/diet websites, but I liked it. When you reach certain point goals, you get virtual trophies- kind of like my stickers at home. There are also teams that you can sign up for that have weekly and monthly challenges. I think any type of challenge or competition is a great motivator so here goes. I'm going to try and track what I eat and how much I exercise every day to give myself a good idea of what I need to do to become healthier. Check it out.

It's All About Hate Today

2008-05-22T17:40:00.004-04:00

I'm sitting at my office reading blogs, branding websites for work, and trying to figure out anything else to do. You want to know why? Because the other option is going to a hotel where I am supposed to be using their gym to run. Why is it that I will do anything, even things I really don't want to do, just to avoid running? I really do want to start running, I just can't get myself there.

The.truth.is.I.am.scared.

I'm afraid to start running again because I'm not going to be any good at it. Two years ago I could run five miles without a second thought. After seven, I was skipping home and singing to my IPOD. Now I don't think I can go out and run two miles without walking in the middle. I've tried starting back up again twice in the past year and failed miserably both times.

So it's more than just getting motivation to go to the gym. It's getting motivation to overcome a fear, a fear of failure. I know that I just need to start, but there's that little voice inside of me that just keeps saying, "You're going to fail."

Where's the voice that says I can?

Count By Numbers

2008-05-20T20:56:00.003-04:00

I decided that if I'm going to actually go through with this blog, I better do it right. I'd better track my progress in more than just words. So I'm going to track my progress in numbers as well. So on the side bar you may notice that I have a date and some numbers. I'm kind of weird about it and don't want to post my actual measurements so I posted my measurements times a particular number. I'll keep an update on my measurements (using that same particular number to multiply the measurements) over the weeks so I can always have a solid reminder of what running does for me physically. So check it out every once in a while and hopefully the numbers will be go down.

Not a Good Start

2008-05-19T22:30:00.002-04:00

Today was not a good day to start training again. I got to the office at 7:00 AM and got home at 9:00 PM, just in time to eat dinner and get ready for bed again. Richie starts class again tomorrow night, so I'm gonna go to the gym while he's at class. Tomorrow should be a better day. One step after another. One day at a time... that day is tomorrow.

Motivation Material

2008-05-19T15:46:00.003-04:00

I think that one of the hardest things about running is starting. Once I get outside or to the gym, I love it and am really glad I've gotten there. But getting myself to put on gym clothes, get into my car, and drive to the gym is tougher than anything ever should be. In the past, I've found some great sources of motivation that actually get me moving. And one of them is not the fact that when I run, I feel better even though it probably should be. Here are some of my favorite motivating tactics:

Stickers- There is something powerful about putting a WOW or BEST IN CLASS or GREAT JOB sticker on a box in a calendar after a good workout.
Competition- A friendly competition always gets me going.
Big rewards- Things like a new jacket, shoes, clothes, etc. if I reach some big goal (workout for a month).
Small rewards- I get to sleep in, get a pedicure, eat dessert, etc. if I reach a small goal (workout all week, run a particular number of miles, etc.)
Family- I have great family that is always ~~bugging~~ supporting me in my workout endeavors. My dad will actually be running the half-marathon with me in August.

So those are some of my favorites. What do you use to motivate yourself?

Oh and by the way, I know I'm scheduled to run 3-4 miles tonight but my legs hurt incredibly from walking and standing at Disneyworld on Saturday so I'm gonna switch things up a little. I'm going to do my cross training tonight and get in the running tomorrow. That's the beauty of creating my own training plan, I can do what I like as long as I get it done.

There's No Turning Back Now

2008-05-15T11:20:00.003-04:00

I'm off for one more weekend of sanity eating yummy food and not exercising (other than walking from Space Mountain to Splash Mountain). When I get back, the training begins. And it's not going to be like the last three times, it's actually going to happen this time whether I feel like it or not. Wish me luck.

P.S. Dad that means you can start training too. Feel free to use my training guide as your own. August 31st, we will be running by the beach listening to rock & roll.

Training Plans

2008-05-14T09:57:00.010-04:00

There are so many half-marathon training plans out there that you can definitely get confused about which one will work the best for you. But most of them have very similar elements- two or three shorter runs, some type of cross training or strength training, and a long run on the weekend. They all include at least one rest day a week, which is actually probably one of the most important parts of training.

Here are some of my favorite training guides I've found. They vary in length but have all of the elements above.

Hal Higdon's 12 week half-marathon training plan: novice, intermediate, advanced, and walk. I used the novice training plan for my first two half-marathons, and it worked well.
Runners World 9 week ultimate half marathon training plan
Jeff Galloway's 17 week half-marathon training
Josh Clark's 12 week half-marathon training (includes beginner, intermediate, advanced, and competitive.)

After looking at these four different plans, I've decided to try Jeff Galloway's 17 week plan and just skip the first two weeks. I really like the setup with cross training and running because I get bored with only running, but I am going to shoot for actual distances rather than time so it'll really be a mixture of Hal Higdon and Jeff Galloway's programs. Also, I'll probably add in strength training on the days with cardio cross train and switch the long runs from Sunday to Saturday.

So my schedule will be short runs on Monday and Wednesday, cross and strength train on Tuesday/Thursday, stretch on Friday, long runs on Saturday, and off on Sunday. I'll keep track of my weekly training plan on my sidebar for anyone that wants to train with me.

Virginia Beach Rock & Roll

2008-05-14T00:00:00.001-04:00

I did it. I picked out the perfect half-marathon today, and it almost got me excited to begin my training next week. There's a rock and roll half-marathon Labor Day weekend in Virginia Beach. It's two hours away from home and right by the beach, who could ask for more. There's even bands playing everywhere on the course, and running is so much easier with music. I've got seventeen weeks (starting Sunday) to get my butt in gear. If anyone wants to join me in training, I'd love the company. I'm gonna work out my goals and training plan in the next few days and will post them this weekend.

Wish me luck. The last two times I tried to start training, I got injured in the first two weeks. This time I'm going to take it nice and slow. Seventeen weeks should about do it.

A New Start

2008-05-13T16:39:00.001-04:00

I've been writing on my other blog for almost a year now, and I write almost daily. That is my happy and playful blog so I don't want to bog it down with my rants about exercise and eating better (you'll learn quickly that I don't like the word diet). That's what this blog is for. It's something to track my progress as I get back in shape.

Friends and family still say I look great, but I don't feel great. I actually don't even feel good. Almost exactly three years ago I ran my first half-marathon in Athens, OH. That same year, I ran my second half marathon in Death Valley, CA. Right before my wedding in 2006, I ran my third in Boise, ID.

Then I got married.

I think that since I've gotten married, I've maybe run 20 times and that may be pushing it. While in college, I was also playing volleyball three times a week and playing racquetball at least once. Those were also traded in for the wedding band. For some reason I am just not motivated. As another added bonus to marrying a husband who can eat like crazy and burn more calories in his sleep than I burn in an entire day- I started eating more.

Not working out+ Eating More= Not feeling very good about myself.

So I'm starting this blog to turn over a new leaf. I love writing in my current blog and think that maybe if I have this one, I'll do things (whether it's exercise or trying new healthy recipes) to give me something to write about.

I've found that I can't love and hate something at the same time. It works for some people but not for me- hate always wins. So my goal for this blog is to turn that hate into love- love of running, love of healthy food, and hopefully a greater love of myself.