Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Day 27

4 miles... pretty average pace.  Legs kinda tired for no reason since I took yesterday off.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Day 25 = Long

8 miles.  Felt great - Last mile was fastest.  I love that.

I got 21 miles in last week.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Day 21

4.2 miles on treadmill while appeasing tired children - one of whom accidently stepped on the back of the treadmill while I was running and has a few scars to prove it.  Poor little guy.  Not the most awesome workout, but something.

12 miles over the past 3 days.  Looking for at least 20 this week.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Day 20

Ran 3 quick miles this morning before having a busy day with a 1st grade field trip.  Off to flag football practice!

Monday, August 22, 2011

Day 19 = Hard day!

Ran 5.2 on the treadmill, followed by the NTC workout Curve Carver.  Ouch.  This one's gonna hurt.  But I feel awesome.
Breakfast was an Organic Cliff Bar... Mountain Mix.  Have you had these?  They are good with coffee and only about 200 calories.

Lunch:  Egg soft tacos.... scrambled eggs, fresh avocado and fresh salsa (with tons of cilantro... yum!)  And a plum for dessert.  Clean eating except for the tortillas. :)  AND it had protein.  I have a hard time getting my protein!!
About 600 calories total.

Give Away!!!

Super Exciting Giveaway Offer!!  Title Nine $25 giftcard!!  Never heard of Title Nine?  Check out their web site here!  I love this stuff and I know you will too!  They have cute clothes, workout clothes, great sports bras... anything you could want.  And it's all so awesome.  So... here's what you need to do.  
1.  Comment on why you want this gift card!  Make sure you leave your email address.
2.  Join my blog
3.  Link to this post on your blog or Twitter account!  


I will randomly choose the winner on Friday, Sept. 2!
Come on, you know you want it!!!  I have a special place in my heart for this company because I went to college on a scholarship due to Title 9 from the NCAA - mandating men and women have equal opportunity in college athletics.  Love the name of this company!!

Time to get Serious

So, I weighed this morning.  The EXACT same as I started.  I could not believe it.  Food is my nemesis.  I do not eat much, but I do allow myself to eat some junk.  So this is what I'm doing.  Going back to my food journal and 1600 calorie limit.  I lost weight fast and healthily last year when I started this.  It's tough, but I have to go to the grocery today anyway, so I'll stock up on Chobani and veggies.  Here goes nothing.  Clean eating is the goal - no processed junk, no sugar.  Hoping this will also help my energy levels return.  Let me at 'em.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Day 17 = Hills

I walked/ran the hills in my parents neighborhood yesterday.  It was the middle of the afternoon and pretty hot - 3 miles of serious hills.  So I thought it was a pretty easy workout because I walked more than ran, but today the outside of my glutes are soooooo sore.  It's seriously amazing.  I do squats and lunges all the time, can run mile and miles, but walking straight up these humongous hills has made me very sore.  It feels good.  I'm going to try to get on the treadmill today.  I have the boys by myself today, so hopefully they will behave and I can get a good run in.

Can you run at night?  Sometimes I want to run after I get the boys to bed, but if I do I cannot go to sleep.  My adrenaline gets pumping I guess and my body doesn't have time to calm down.  I may try tonight.  Who needs sleep anyway right?  Only us cat-like people that need excessive sleep feel anxious when we don't get our alloted 8-9 hours.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Day 16 = L.A.Z.Y.

L = Laggard
A = Apathetic
Z = Anything but Zealous
Y = Yawn

NOTHING today.  Blah. Boo. Bleh.

I did go to the fire station on a Kindergarten field trip which was really fun.  They were so well behaved.  Why didn't I become a firewoman???  Awesome job!

Did I mention football season is around the corner?  And soccer?  Oh, I do love the Fall.  Tomorrow we are headed to Nashville.  I have some shopping to do and  my brother is coming in town from South Florida so we will get to hang out with him some.  Should be a fun weekend.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Day 15 = strength

Did 2.2 miles on treadmill level 8 incline alternating walking and jogging.  Watching Friday night lights helps, but didn't have time to finish a whole episode. Then did 45 minute NTC workout - lots of hops, burpees, squats, lunges, planks.

My  life is about to get way busy.  Both boys playing flag football this fall, thankfully on the same team.  Both boys playing soccer on different teams of which I'm coaching both (that's 3 nights of practice a week).


That including 3 Bible Study days and weekly volunteer work with a local food/clothes pantry.  Helping with Sunday School Sundays, while also helping with Kindergarten room mom.  Wow.  One more week of bliss.

Anniversary Gift

So this morning on my email was my anniversary gift... an athleta gift certificate!!  Yay, my husband knows me so well!  I usually don't buy much unless it's on sale, I am a sale girl, and I think their clothes are overpriced.  But, I love them all the same.  I have found that many times Gander Mountain will have similar styles in their private label brand that are much cheaper than Athleta, so I do shop there some.  But I love Mountain Hardware, also expensive, and all those cool outdoorsy/athletic looking clothes.  I'm still such a tomboy at heart.  You can put the girl in a dress, but inside she's still a tomboy.  :)

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Day 14 = Going Beyond

6 miles

This morning everything worked out.  It's cloudy and 70 degrees.  I remembered to eat an energy bar on the way to drop the boys off.  I was out the door by 8:30 - the ideal time for me to run.  I was awake, kind of.  Initially the plan was to run a quick 4 miles as I'm meeting the hubby for and anniversary lunch, and wasn't sure how I would feel that early.  But, after the first 2 miles I woke up and felt great.  Lots of people out walking, running and biking this morning and I felt like I could run longer.  So I did.  The best part was my fastest mile was the last one.  Granted not that fast, but overall I averaged a minute/mile faster than my Monday run.

So I've run 35 miles in the past 2 weeks, had a strength training session or two and have had two really great swim workouts.  I'm pleased with my consistency, looking forward to getting more miles in gradually in the weeks ahead.

I'm drinking a post run smoothie right now.  I usually have post run chocolate milk - my favorite being Purity brand whole chocolate milk... yum.  But we are out of chocolate milk, and we are out of chocolate syrup, and actually, we are out of regular milk as well.  Guess I'll be making a Sam's run this afternoon.  So I decided to just have a smoothie.  I added ice this time and it's so good.

Well I better hit the shower, I have a big date in a bit! :)  Have a great Wednesday.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

No Swim

Found out today I don't have to swim in the tri relay this weekend.  I am a bit relieved, though I am going to continue swimming as cross training.  I really enjoy it.  Should have gone today.  Still haven't gotten my workout in, maybe this evening.  I am battling a cold the kids have brought home from school, but it's not too bad.  Just feel really tired and have sinus issues.

Day 12 = SLOW!

6.2 slow miles

The weather has been so nice and much cooler.  I got 6.2 miles in yesterday, though slow.  I am not too concerned about speed yet, just getting my mileage base back up.  Gonna try to get 4 in later today and try to get 20 in for the week.  This weekend I won't be able to run so I will have to get the miles in during the week.

Tony and me 7 years ago

Thursday is our 10th anniversary!!  I can't believe it's been 10 years!  Amazing!  I am so blessed to be married to my best friend and such an awesome, God fearing man.  He loves me so well!

Friday, August 12, 2011

Day 9 = Lunch with Mommy...

4 miles
OK, ok, ok.  I was going, GOING to run longer today.  But this morning, my little Kindergartner asked "Mommy, will you come eat lunch with me today?"  Well of course, lunch starts at 10:40.  Uggghhh.  I didn't get home from dropping them off and running by the store until 8:45, and hadn't eaten anything since I woke up late this morning.  It was a crazy morning.  I left the house at 9:30 opting for a shorter, faster effort.  4 miles about a minute per mile faster than I've been running.  I was tired and it worked.  And I made it to lunch to eat with the Kindergartner and then the 1st grader.  Everyone was happy!  Have a super duper weekend!!!

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Day 8 = Liquid

weight - 130.8  If my stupid scale didn't give me a decimal place, I could say I lost a pound in a week.  Oh well, close though!
swim - 14 x 100M

The weather was so nice this morning!  It felt like fall kinda, mid 60s!  I hope it's like that tomorrow when I do my long run.  As I sit here drinking a Dr. Pepper (don't shake your head, it's been a while since I've had one!), my foot is aching so badly.  I don't know what I did to it this morning but I think I dropped something, or hit it on something.  It's right on top of my foot near my ankle.  It's swollen and a bit and bruised.  Hmmmm.

For breakfast I had a smoothie.  When I go on a health kick, smoothies become a staple.  They take the place of one of my meals.  Yesterday it was lunch, today breakfast.  Here's how I make mine....

Let me start by saying that my immersion blender broke a few months back and I found this cool little Oster smoothie maker.  Just stick everything in the blue bottle, screw on the blade, lock it on the blender and plug in.  It's so easy!  Then you remove the blade and screw a top on that has a spout to drink out of.  FAST FOOD!! :)
 Ok, so Chobani Greek Yogurt is my favorite thing ever.  Especially Pineapple flavor.  Plus it has 13 grams of protein in one serving and 140 calories!  Today I used it, with an overripe banana, (side note:  I cannot choke down a banana to save my life, but they are like Gold in a smoothie!) fresh cherries, pitted, fresh pineapple, and some pineapple/orange juice.  I also threw a little milk in.  I am so on a pineapple kick this summer.

 Here is the finished product!  I like to put it in a fancy glass to drink cause it makes me feel like I'm at a spa... don't laugh at me.

So, this smoothie energized my swim this morning.  Liquid fuel for a liquid workout.  I think I can do the 400 if I have to.  I'm gaining confidence each time I swim.  Felt great except when my foot cramped towards the end.  Kinda right where it was already hurting.... strange.  This pain better be gone by tomorrow.  This smoothie has some serious calories.  I'm guessing total about 350 maybe.  But it has so much protein that I'm still not even really hungry for lunch and it's been 4 hours and a good swim since I drank it.  Love me some Smoothies.  My friend Caryn makes smoothies for breakfast too.  She is an elite runner from Atlanta.  You can visit her blog here.  Have a Wonderful Thursday!!!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Day 7 = Combo Run

6 miles total
Part 1:  4 miles treadmill, watching Friday Night Lights from the beginning on Netflix.  If you never watched this TV show, go back and watch.  Especially if you are a football fan like me.  But it's just a really great, great show.  The series ended this year so I'm bummed, but it doesn't stop me from going back and watching it again.  I mean, I forgot some parts right?
Friday Night Lights Season 1 Cast


Part 2:  I transitioned from treadmill to road and finished with a good 2 miles.  The last mile I did some pick ups and it wasn't easy.  I haven't run 6 miles in a while.  It was hot and sunny too, but I did it (even though I wanted, really wanted to stop after 5).  Mile 6 I had some good speed bursts.  See how red my face is?  See how comfy my cat is??  See that exercise ball that turned into my boys' favorite toy???

Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, CAN'T LOSE!!!  (ummm, that's from Friday Night Lights)

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Day 6 = Nike Training Club




I love, love, love this app.  Find it here:  Nike Training Club
Didn't have time for a workout, had to get the house cleaned and visit family that is in town.  But when we got home this afternoon I was able to get two Nike Training Club workouts.  One for legs and one for abs.  Nice.  I may jump on the treadmill in a bit after I get the boys in bed.

I've been cheating my diet, but will get back to it.  I really want to get this weight off.

By the way my arms were a bit sore from swimming, but not bad.


Monday, August 8, 2011

Day 5 = Water Woes!

Weight = 131

Went Swimming!  Wow it was hard!!  I swam 50s mostly for 50 minutes.  I lost count of my laps.  But didn't rest much so got a good workout.  The main thing I noticed is that my arms get really tired.  They are not use to pulling water, or being used much at all for that matter - it's a totally different exercise than running.  Here I sit 30 minutes after my workout, I have the good post exercise feeling but I feel refreshed and, though my muscles are fatigued, definitely feel like the rest of my day will be without aches and pains.  I may be swimming a lot more in the future.  It's just a great workout.  As I was toweling off an older lady said, "You have a beautiful stroke, you look like you are just gliding along out there."  My response, "Thank you but I didn't feel that way."  I always wondered what I looked like swimming.  Ha!

The sprint triathlon has a 400m swim.  Initially I thought, "that's a piece of cake!"  Now I'm thinking otherwise.  I think I can do it in 8 minutes though, and if the team needs me that will give them a decent start.  My goal will be sub 8 minutes but I bet it ends up somewhere around 8:30 - 9:00.  If I can pace myself and not go out too fast, I will do much better.  I am going to swim a lot over the next 2 weeks and see what happens.  Maybe I won't have to do this relay at all!

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Day 4 = Perseverence

Ran 5 miles today.  Very proud of that.  Started with clouds and slight breeze, though the humidity was still stifling.  After 3 miles, the sun decided to shine on me.  I had decided to run 5 miles and that's what I did.  I find that before I run, if I have a set mileage that I want to accomplish, I am much more likely to accomplish it if I have it in my head from the get-go.  Otherwise, I am easily talked down.  It's that old belief that you have to know where you are going to get there.  If I'm wavering at all, or decide I will just run based on how I feel, most often I end up with less mileage than if I am focused on a goal.

Today felt good, I ran slow and steady and gained some confidence back.  5 miles in 85+ degree temps with high humidity is not too shabby here in the beginning days of training.  Very happy.  The will triumphed the mind today.

Tomorrow morning I will weigh in and also planning a swim session at the indoor pool, and hopefully a strength training session as well.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Day 2 = Yawn

I've been so tired this afternoon.  I only ran 3.5 miles this morning and I was soaking wet with sweat.  I must be tired from losing all that water.  My plan was to then go swim some laps at a local indoor pool.  My friend has asked me to be on stand-by for her sprint triathlon relay team since their swimmer is nursing an injury.  The race is 2 weeks from tomorrow so I better get some swimming in.  I swam on the swim team all growing up and into high school so it's pretty easy for me, but still, I would want to swim well if I had to jump in for their team.  Anyway, I get there and they only take cash or check which I don't have.  I was planning on getting a month membership with my credit card but I guess that will have to wait until Monday.  I had lots of errands to run today, along with mowing the yard, so didn't get a chance to get back there.

I may take tomorrow off and then run again Sunday morning.  I will weigh in again on Monday. :)  Feeling good about the weight going down.  I've been watching what I eat and think I can lose the first 5 pretty fast... after that it will require more mileage.

I'm so far away from where I should be right now.  It's ugly.  I really wanted to maintain over the summer, and here I am almost starting over again.  Still I'm excited about the process of regaining my endurance, even though it's quite painful here in the beginning stages.

Me and my boys playing on the computer today...



Thursday, August 4, 2011

Day 1 = Must Have Patience

My, how I've grown!!

Weight :  131.5
Waist:  29"
Belly Bulge:  35"
Hips:  35.5"
Thigh:  23"
Upper Arm: 12"



Ran 4.2 on treadmill.  I really need to work back into this slowly even though I now have time.  Don't want to cause an injury with my body being in "lazy summer" mode still.  So... I may still do another workout this afternoon.  But it would be smarter to not... but probably I will.  Just a strength workout.  Can't hurt right?  I'm so all or nothing.  It is so hard for me to work back into this slowly.  We'll see what happens.
In other news, here are my boys all ready for the first day of school!