Things on my to do list

These things are on my to do list:

Get my ass back on a running schedule.
Get a my hair cut. I haven't done that since March 18th (2 days before my half).
Get my ass back on a running schedule.
Stay off the scale until August 6th.
Start doing crunching every day to tone up my muffin.
Get my ass back on a running schedule.
Put together a giveaway on my blog so I can giveaway some stuff I don't want/need.
Get my ass back on a running schedule.


Do you see where this is going? So far this week? 4 miles. I try so hard to go to bed early and I usually do. But sometimes I can't sleep. Or I wake up around 4am when the birds start tweeting and wake me up and I can't fall asleep. So I get up to pee or get a drink of water and I look at the clock and it's FOUR FREAKING A.M. and I'm annoyed and realize my alarm is going to go off soon and AHHHHHH!!! You get it, right?

I originally said I was going to stay off the scale until July 2nd, but I have pushed it up until August 6th. We're going to a wedding that day and I really want to look good. I'm not in the wedding or anything, but I haven't seen some of these people in a very long time. AND some of these people I went to high school with. And junior high school with. So, I want to look good.

I want to try Cross Fit. But...it's a lot of money. And the husband isn't going for it. Pffft. I'm going to try to work him over and see if I can get my way. Haha! After all, he is taking karate now and I didn't say anything about the cost of that.

So. That is that. Tomorrow is a new day. And I'm learning NOT to beat myself up over things.

Oh and I want to have cake on the wedding. So, there is that to look forward to.

My next half marathon

I seriously gave myself an anxiety attack on Sunday when I thought I had to start training for my half marathon.

The hubby and I were sitting at breakfast (we do it ever Sunday now, go out to a different place) and I mention how the half was in October and if we went to the Cape for our anniversary, I would have to squeeze in training time. And all of I sudden I froze. Should I have started training? Oh no! Was I already behind? I wasn't going to be READY!! It started to consume me. Because, let's face it...I wasn't 100% ready for my first one. Oh, sure, I finished it. But it wasn't amazing. But I was slow. And I had to walk some of it. And sure, my idol was there. And we had fun together. But I was scared. But if you remember, I didn't really talk about it after. And I didn't post pictures. Hell, I didn't TAKE any. I was scared out of my MIND about the whole thing. I didn't know what to expect and I just wanted it to be OVER!! It was an experience that I wasn't sure I was going to do again, but I signed up for another one. And I most likely will do another one.

So...when we got home from breakfast, I tore through the calender and was so happy to see I have 6 weeks before I have to start training. And the more I thought about it, the more I realized I'm actually looking forward to this half marathon. I'm READY this time. Because I know what to expect. And I don't have to go to another state and leave my family behind. This one is 20 minutes from my house. My husband and mother in law are planning on being at the finish line. My Mom might be visiting when I run and that would be AMAZING if she is. And if Kelly happens to be running (which I think she is) that would be great, too. Because again, she got me running. And she's just plan awesome. Plus I want this half to be better. I know it's going to be better. I want it to be better.

S0 bring it!! I'm ready!!

**confession. My husband and I have been a couple for 18 years and that was the first time since we've been together that I went anywhere overnight without him. He's gone places without me, but I have never left him. Not to mention I drove myself to the train station, where I had never been, all by myself. I'm a big wussy about stuff like this. It was a big freaking deal for me. I'm a pretty tough woman about a lot of things, but I hate driving to places I don't know.**

Hit the ground running...

Athlete? Born to run? I've been trying to figure out how to write this post for the past hour or so.

I had a rough week. I don't even know how to begin. I started last weekend when I had the stomach bug. And when I missed my Sunday run. And my Monday, AND Tuesday run. So I ran on Wednesday. But missed Thursday and Friday. Trust me, I could have used some running this week. Work was rough. REALLY rough. We were short handed big time. We had 2 people on vacation and my bosses wife went into labor. So we were down 3 people. And the new girl is still new.

And my eating was not good last weekend. I ate things I know I shouldn't, but when I'm running it doesn't normally make a difference. I can eat a few cookies and some pizza here and there and doesn't matter. During the week, I still ate like I was running every day. So I know my weight is up. But I didn't weigh myself. I know it would just push me over the edge. And it's not worth it.

So it was a tough week.

I told myself that I needed to rest, that it was okay to give my body a break. For my mind. For my body. For my soul. But today I needed to get back out there and run. Because, after all, I am an athlete. I am born to run. Even if I didn't figure that out until I was 34 years old.

Plus, I feel so much better when I'm running. The weeks I ran every day, I could feel an amazing difference in my body. I felt stronger, leaner and much, much calmer.

4 miles today. And most likely 4 miles again tomorrow. I will NOT skip anymore Sunday runs. Those are always my favorite for some reason.

Not afraid of fat

Since I started tracking my food at Sparkpeople.com I have learning I eat a little too many carbs, the perfect amount of protein and not enough healthy fats.

To help with the fats, I started eating almonds. I won't be giving up the carbs anytime soon. Ha! It's not like I sit around and eat slices of bread. I don't even BUY bread. It just seems that things I eat have a lot of carbs in them.

I used to be afraid of fat. I tried to stay away from it. But now I don't really pay too much attention to it. I know my body needs it and I try to eat more of it. I know nuts are good source of it and that is why I have been enjoy almonds every day as a snack.

As for my running? I did 4 miles before work and it felt great!! I'm thinking I just needed a little break because it was awesome to get back to it this morning!! Back in the saddle!!

Back to basics

Admitting I'm stuck in a rut is the first step. So I'm doing just that.

After all, didn't I just change my blog name? Wasn't I just the girl who was running every day like a week ago? And now I've missed 2 workouts in the past 4 days. Not good. Of course, I was sick on Friday so there is that. But tonight I just couldn't deal with the gym. I am a morning workout person. And that is the way it is. And always will be.

Tomorrow I am going to run my 4 miles before work. For my own sanity. I can't deal with doing it after work and sure, the Elliptical is a fair alternative, but it's not the same.

And my eating. I have not been eating very clean. I'm eating the same boring things and I need a change. I have to push myself back to the way I was before. Obviously I'm not eating junk because I lost 0.4 pounds last week, but still. I feel 100% amazing when I eat clean and that is what I want to do.

So...I'm digging through recipes and checking online for new food ideas.

And most importantly, I'm getting back to basics.

Slacker

I'm here to say I've been a slacker. With my eating and exercise for the past few days. I blame the stomach bug, but no one held those frosted sugar cookies to my face and force me to eat one. Or six. Moving on...

The Kidney Walk was fun! It always is. The first year we did it (2009) I received a shirt that was a XX-Large and it was too small. This year? I received a medium and it fits. I was cold enough to put it on when we were walking. However, I did not like that it was only a 1.5 mile walk this year. The first time we did it it was 3 miles. And I was too hungover sick to run on Sunday morning. So I had hoped to get in more exercise from that.

Fail!

This morning I had planned on running. Didn't happen. But I did go to the gym after work and busted out 60 hot, sweaty minutes on the Elliptical.

Back to more running tomorrow. I miss it and I was Miss Bitch at work today for awhile because I haven't been getting in enough exercise.

Before you go, please be sure to check out the giveaway for Chocolate #9 Gels here at My Dirt Road Anthem. They look really awesome and if I don't win, I am going to buy some myself.

Stomach Bug

I'm feeling much better today. Not 100%, but better.

I must have some sort of stomach bug. I'll just leave it at that. I'm sure you can figure it out from there.

I was feeling good enough to try and run today. And I did manage 5 miles, but it wasn't my best. I'm not complaining, because I love any kind of run I get in. But I was hoping for better. Again, not complaining. Just, you know? Moving on.

So...I know I said I was going to stay off the scale until July? I lied. Opps! I weighed myself this morning and I was 157.6 pounds. I haven't been under 158 YET since I started losing weight. So I'm pretty happy with that. It could be the stomach but or all the hard is finally paying off.

I've been tracking all my food at Sparkpeople.com and it's such and amazing service. It has really helped me. It helped me figure out I was getting too many carbs and not enough healthy fats. Well...I still eat too many carbs, but I've now made almonds a staple in my diet, which helps with the fats. My protein has always been spot on.

Tomorrow is the Kidney Walk. If you want to donate you still have time. And if you want to reason behind why we're walking, you can read that here. I'm looking forward to it. I plan to run before we go for the walk.

And of course, tomorrow is my hubby's Birthday. He hasn't told me anything he wants. What is the deal with men?

I've been hanging around the apartment today, not doing too much. My stomach isn't too happy with me, but I was able to hold down lunch. So that is a plus. I was going to go into the office for some overtime, but didn't

Anyway, have a great weekend!!

And now I'm sick

I didn't plan on getting sick. It just sort of happened. And I hate it.

I was pretty happy with my workouts. They were going great. I was going on 21 days straight and loving it. I could feel that I was tightening up things and losing inches. My clothes were loosening up.

And now I'm sick.

So...I didn't workout tonight. I'm not letting it ruin me. I have stuffed myself full of OTC medication and vitamins and hopefully will feel better enough tomorrow to get back in the saddle. But I know when my body is trying to tell me something.

I went to bed at 8:30pm last night. That was not my first clue.

In other news. My husband and I are invited to a wedding in August. I'm really excited and happy for our friend. He's a sweet guy. It's a BBQ/Picnic theme. Isn't that cool? So I have the dress already picked out. It's a red sundress. It's a size 8. It fits, but I need to tighten up my stomach.

OH IT IS ON!! Haha. So that is my plan between now and August 6th. Tighten up my stomach. And my arms, too. Because it's a sundress. Although I've been wearing tanktops since the heat hit.

Off to lie down. Must.Get.Better.

We meet again, Elliptical

I haven't really talked about this on my blog, but I sort of decided to workout every day this month. Not for any other reason but to see if I could.

And so far? I've done so. Actually, I've worked out every day since May 21st. I'm pretty proud of that fact. One day I did Karate (which was last Thursday) and tonight I went to the gym and hit up the Elliptical and weights. I don't remember the last time I worked out on the Elliptical. It's been awhile. And I really pushed myself, too. I know I can't run every single day. It's not healthy for my body. Even if I want to run ever day. My left knee has been bothering me so I decided to give it a break today and it feels much better after a rest from running and a little ice.

I also need to lay off the scale for a bit. I try so hard to not let the numbers make or break my day. And I know I'm worth so much more then that. Back in 2010 I let go of the scale for a month and I am going to do that again. So I am not getting back on the scale again until July 2nd. Not quite a month but it's a Saturday. So it's good enough. And I have good feelings about this.

Going over my old posts, I realized I also gave up soda almost a year ago in June of 2010. Pretty awesome. Yes, I have had a few soda's here and there, but I don't buy it or bring it into my house. I don't miss it one bit.

I'm loving this lovely hot weather we're having. I am not cut out for the winter. When did that happen?

abcdefood

This post is popping up everywhere, but I found over at a cake for a wife.

A is for Apple, what’s your favorite variety?
Pretty much any kind. I love apples. But I find myself leaning towards Red Delicious.

B: is for Bread, regardless of nutrition, calories, or whole grains what is your favorite type to have a nice big piece of?
I have a problem with bread. We have an unhealthy relationship. So I don't actually buy it anymore. But, when I do eat it (which is usually when I go out to breakfast) I pick wheat. If there happens to be a breadbasket on the table somewhere when we go out to dinner, you had better watch out. Because I'm going to push you out of the way for it.

C: is for Cereal what is your favorite kind currently (just one!)
Frosted Flakes. What? You didn't say healthy.

D: is for Doughnuts, you might not currently be eating them but what kind do you fancy?
Chocolate glazed. And again, I can't have them in the house or I will eat the whole box. Friday was National Donut Day (who makes up these days?) and when I went to get my coffee from Dunkin Donuts they asked me if I wanted a free donut. I declined. I could have given it away to a coworker, but I also could have inhaled it in the car on my way to work. So, better not chance having it in near me.

E: is for Eggs, how would you like yours prepared?
Scrambled! With lots of fun toppings like veggies and olives and cheese.

F: is for Fat Free, what is your favorite fat free product?
Yogurt. Chobani to be exact. Frozen is even better. Yum!!

G: is for Groceries, where do you purchase yours at?
Stop and Shop. If I had 4 square on my phone, I would totally be mayor of Stop and Shop. I am there way too often.

H: is for Hot Beverages, what is your favorite hot drink?
Coffee. I am totally coffee's bitch.

I: is for Ice Cream, pick a favorite flavor and add a fun topping.
Cookies and cream! Oh my gosh, that stuff is so good. I actually never add toppings though. Although sometimes if I'm eating plain vanilla I will crumble a cookie on top to make my own version of Cookies And Cream.

J: is for Jams or Jellies, do you eat them, and if so what kind and flavor?
Strawberry. But I don't have it in the house or even eat it very much.

K: is for Kashi, name your favorite Kashi product?
Kashi Go-Lean Carmel bars are like crack. Stay away from them.

L: is for Lunch, what was yours today?
I had the most amazing lunch. It was a Chicken Walnut Cranberry Salad. So good. And 210 calories.

M: is for microwave, what is your favorite microwave meal/snack?
Popcorn. I love the stuff.

N: is for nutrients, do you like carbs, fats, or proteins best?
I don't eat a lot of carbs anymore. I eat more proteins and I'm trying to eat more fat. But i don't get enough in these days.

O: is for oil, what kind do you like to use?
Olive oil.

P: is for protein, how do you get yours?
Lean meats, yogurt and eggs.

Q: is for Quaker, how do you like your oats?
I have them every day!! I have oatmeal with strawberries for breakfast. Best breakfast ever!! 1/2 cup of oatmeal with 1 cup strawberries. Yum!!!

R: is for roasting, what is your favorite thing to roast?
Good question. I can't tell you the last time I roasted something...

S: is for sandwich, what’s your favorite kind?
I don't eat a lot of sandwiches. The last one I had was a roast beef one and it was really good.

T: is for travel, how do you handle eating while traveling?
The last time I traveled was to Las Vegas and Arizona in September/October 2010. I lost 2 pounds. So you tell me how I did? Of course, I stayed with my Mom for 2 weeks, but still. I made sure to exercise and drank a ton of water.

U: is for unique, what is one of your weirdest food combos?
??? I don't know. I can't even think of anything weird that I eat.

V: is for vitamins, what kind do you take?
I take everything!

W: is for wasabi, yay or nay?
Nay.

X: is for XRAY. if we xrayed your belly right now, what food would we see?
It's almost bed time. Everything I ate today. So that is a lot of food. Do you want me to get into that?? lol

Y: is for youth, what food reminds you of your childhood?
Hot dogs and beans remind me of my Dad. He made them for me all the time.

Z: is for zucchini, how do you prepare it?
Anyway I can. Love the stuff!!

YOUR TURN.
Pick a letter and tell me what YOU like! Or let me know if you fill this out on your own blog. I love reading about what other people eat.

What's in a name?

Just so you all know, I changed the name of my blog. Yes, the URL is the same because I didn't want to change that because you wouldn't know where to find me. But for me, it's not about the size of my pants anymore. Oh sure, I still want to get into my size 8's, but I'm happy where I am right now. And if I don't get back into those 8's, I'm not going to cut a bitch about it.

I've been planning on the name change for awhile now, but I just finally got around to doing it.

A big thanks to Karen for the help. I wanted to do something with running. And yes, I do like to run for my coffee, because that is the first thing I want when I'm done. But there are a lot of blogs about running for coffee. And really, I am running for myself.

So there it is. Running For Myself. I like it. I hope you do, too.

Who likes to punch and kick things?

Last night the husband and I went to our very first Karate class. I was pretty nervous about it. Not sure why. Probably because I didn't want to make an ass out of myself. Seeing as I've never taken Karate before. And I'm not very coordinated. I had originally suggested the idea to my husband because I feel like he has a lot of pent up anger he could stand to get rid of (more then a little really) and he asked if I wanted to go. I thought why the hell not. It's just one more thing I can try now that I'm not so nervous everyone will be staring at me.

The first thing they do is hand me this uniform that I go put on and I swear the pants look like they are made for a small child. I think to myself these are never going to fit. But I figure I'll try anyway and when they fit? I nearly peed myself.

We started off with a 15 minute warm up that I had no problem with...except for the push ups. This girl has never had it easy with push ups. But everything else was a breeze. I could hear a few people huffy and puffing and it made me thankful I run so much. My arms and abs are sore today. I'm pleased about that.

So the class was FUN! I had fun punching and kicking and getting out a lot of frustration and stress that I had from work. The woman I was working with is going for her BLACK BELT in 2 weeks. That is insane!! I'm not sure I'll ever go that far, but it is fun and that is what I was going for. I had been thinking about joining Cross Fit (there is one near me) but now I'm thinking of Karate.

Hubby and I going back tomorrow for another class. I am going to run before hand so I'll be getting in 2 workouts. I didn't run yesterday because I knew I was going to the class. I've now worked out for 13 days straight. I love it!!

As of today, the scale said 158.8 pounds. Not a huge loss, but it's all good. Considering last weekend, I'm happy with a loss. Even it's small.

This is going to be another great weekend!! Enjoy it!!

Happy National Running Day!!

It's been just about 9 months since I started running again. And I owe that all to my friend, Kelly. If she hadn't motivated me, I might not have started. It was seeing her training for the NYC marathon last year that got me up and running again when I got back from my trip to Las Vegas and Arizona in October 2010.

I'll admit it hasn't been all unicorns and glitter. Or rainbows and butterflies. I've had back issues and was in a lot of pain. So much pain that I missed work. And my husband had to help me off the couch. I cried I was in so much pain. I've gotten sick and ran anyway. I've gotten sick and wasn't able to run when I wanted. We had a lot of snow and I had to run in some cold freaking weather. I cried because I didn't want to run. I ran my first 5k and prayed I didn't come in last. I hoped I didn't pass out or throw up on anyone.I ran my first half marathon and just wanted to FINISH. 6 miles in and I thought I was going to die. I swore I wouldn't do it again and then I went and signed up for another one in.

But, I will admit this:

I love saying I ran a half marathon, even if I was slow. I love having my 13.1 sticker on my car. I love the fact that I ran a lot of miles last month. 101 miles according to daily mile. I love the fact that I can run. That my coworkers comment on how fantastic my leg muscles are and that I know it's from my running. I love calling myself a runner. It really is something I love to do. And even after I run my next half in October and I never run another one again, I am a runner and I always will be. I take care of myself. I go to the Chiropractor for my back. I stretch after my runs. And I just take good care of myself.

I've also run 12 days straight. Not because I have to, but because I want to. And if I wake up tomorrow and decide I don't want to, I'm fine with that, too.

Some Memorial Day highlights. I have a love for tank tops. It was warm and I loved being able to throw on small, light clothes and feel comfortable. We saw some friends we hadn't seen since last summer and they were amazed at how much weight I lost. I was around 205 the last time I saw them, so it's a decent loss since then. I drank at said party. I think I was sweating beer during on run on Monday morning. But I planned for the beer and I love that I can do that. This party was a last minute on Sunday but it was fun. And I almost wore a bathing suit!! I just didn't end up going in the pool because I ended up drinking. Pool and beer? Not a good idea. Ha!! But the fact that I brought a bathing suit to a party? That is a huge thing.

I indulged a little over the weekend and that's okay. I got back on track on Monday and I'm fine with it. I told my husband that I love my body. That I really am okay with myself and I don't care if I lose another pound.

Life is amazing.

Going back to work after a week off? Not so amazing. But it wasn't so bad.

I also got some fantastic coffee from Whole Foods on Monday. I am a coffee WHORE!

Need to catch up on all your blogs.