Last run of the year...success!

Distance: 2.134 miles
Time: 31:30 min.

I am so excited because I bought new shoes today! I went to the official running store, had an associate look at how I walk, and he recommended various shoes based on my supination. Apparently I land on the outside of my foot when I move. Hmmm, who knew?


I love them! They are Asics Gel Nimbus 12's. So pretty. It was really neat having someone help me who knew what they were doing, as opposed to standing in an aisle at Sports Authority in a clueless haze.

Husband and I shopped for a good portion of the day, so I didn't get my run done until 4 in the afternoon. I opted to use the treadmill.

I am pleased to say I conquered the run that turned me into a nasty witch on Tuesday. The five minute stretches were tough, but I made it without walking. Yay me!

My family is playing a new Wii game. I must go join them.

Goals for the year? Keep doing what I am doing. And stretch more. I really need to focus on that!

Happy New Year!

Better Mood

I felt better today. I got my elliptical workout in pretty early. I finished watching When Harry Met Sally while I worked out.

I took Child #2 to the doctor because his cough is getting worse. He sounds like a little barking seal. He'll be on nebulizer treatments for the next three weeks. Poor baby. Poor Mommy.

Husband and I went to our Weight Watcher meeting. I lost 1.2 pounds for a total of 12 pounds! I wasn't expecting much tonight. Granted, even with holiday eating, I stayed within my points, but I wasn't eating very good food. When I'm working and on a schedule, I eat my fruits and vegetables, but on vacation, not so much.

I wouldn't have been surprised if I gained. I figured with beef stick, apple pie, cheesecake, McDonald's, Carl's Jr, pizza, meatballs and candy over the past week, there was no way I'd see a loss. The two things that must have worked were portion control and exercise.

I was a little freakish on Christmas Eve at my mom's house. I took my food scale and weighed everything I ate! I didn't do that on Christmas Day at the in-laws, but I was pretty careful about my choices. I also made sure to track every morsel that went in my mouth.

Needless to say, I'm pretty happy about my progress. I'm not making any resolutions this year. I basically have two goals to work on: health and finances. I'm already on the right path to continue with health. Husband and I need to sit down again to discuss finances.

I'll narrow down precisely what I'd like to see happen for 2011 in the next few days.

Funny tidbit: at the WW meeting tonight, the leader said that on average, people only keep their resolutions for 17 days. I've already been working on losing weight and running for longer than 17 days, so I'm pleased to get a jump start on the continued goals.

Funky Run

I ran today, but I don't know how long or how far. I was cruising (and huffing and puffing) along on the treadmill when things got messed up. I got a phone call, it distracted me, I got mad at Child #1 for not answering the house phone, I flipped my cell phone off the treadmill bar, it caught on the treadmill key, and the whole thing came to a grinding halt.

I was needlessly mad. I reacted poorly. I yelled. I'm ashamed.

I got back on the treadmill and finished from where I thought I was in the workout. I had a tough time running for five minutes straight. I can handle three, but five was tough.

I didn't feel so great after today's workout. Hopefully tomorrow's elliptical workout will feel better. And then hopefully Thursday's run will feel even better than that. Hopefully I'll be able to run outside, and I'll be able to run for five minutes without wanting to die.

Hopefully.

Rested Yesterday, Ran Today

Distance: 2.171 miles
Time: 34 min.

Well, I ended up remaining in my pj's last night and did not run. I am okay with that. I just wasn't feeling very good. I'm glad I didn't "push" through it.

This morning I took Child #2 to daycare, and Child #1 stayed home with me. We did a lot of cleaning, snuggling, and laughing. It's been a while since he and I have had a day to ourselves.

I finally got on the treadmill in the late afternoon. I watched When Harry Met Sally while I ran. I felt surprisingly good! I figured it was going to be hard to breathe with my cold, but I felt strong and rested. The run also gave me a burst of energy to get through the rest of the afternoon and evening.

I love it when a workout makes me feel that way.

Undecided

I am supposed to run today. Daylight is gone, so if I do run, it will be on the treadmill.

I have a few things keeping me from actually getting on the treadmill. I'm tired, and I have a cold. It's starting to settle into my chest. I'm afraid running will aggravate it.

However, I know I'd feel better about getting exercise once I am done. But I'm in my new fuzzy pajamas which I ADORE, and I don't really want to take them off. Running in fuzzy fleece won't work.

Whether or not I run tonight, I am vowing that I won't quit. I'm too excited about the progress I am making to quit. I just hate it when my routine gets messed up...whether it's my fault or not.

In other news, my dear sweet husband got me a Nook for Christmas, and I LOVE it. Fuzzy pajamas and a Nook. What could be better? I finished reading Water For Elephants about an hour ago. Loved it. I already downloaded another book, but I can't remember what it is called. Short term memory loss? Probably.

Still debating about that run. We'll see what happens in the next hour or so.

Christmas Eve

Distance: 2.36 miles early morning run
Time: 34 min.


Three of the four boys lounging near my mom's Christmas Tree.

Christmas Eve has always been a pretty big deal for us. I've always loved the fact that we start the celebration a day early. Looking back, I think I treasured Christmas Eve even more than Christmas Day.

We always dressed up for church, and then came home to open gifts from each other. It is a tradition in my family to open the presents one by one. This draws out the fun as well as allows us to really appreciate what we got from one another.

Even as my sister and I have grown up, gotten married, and had families of our own, we still spend Christmas Eve with my side of the family.

We got to my mom's today at around noon, and we've spent the day laughing, eating, talking, and playing games. We'll head to church at 6:30, come back here and change into pj's, and then open presents from each other.

The first few years I was married, it was so hard for me to leave my parents' home at 11 p.m. to go home to my own house. Something about Christmas always makes me feel like a little kid again, so why would I leave my mom's house?!

But now I am the mom getting Christmas ready for her two little kiddos.

We will wake up in our own home tomorrow to see what Santa brought. Then we'll travel to Bakersfield to be with Husband's side of the family. It still feels a little weird not to be with my own family on Christmas Day, but at least our Christmas Eve traditions are preserved.

Merry Christmas to all!

Sunshine

Distance: 2.41 miles
Time: 34 min.

Today is the first day in a week that we have seen the sun...and it is glorious! Kids are at daycare, sun is shining, and I was able and wanting to go outside for my run. Love it!

I was quite pleased with some of my times. During my running portions, I managed to stay under the 12 minute/mile mark. Well under. I would love to go faster, but I must remind myself I am just at the end of Week 3. Give it time. Give it many months!

Husband is home today. He finished clearing our tree off the front yard, and I helped a little. I am baking my bread. I need to finish purchasing stocking stuffers. I need to get my nails done. I need to finish wrapping three presents.

Husband and I are possibly going to go have lunch. I could do lunch everyday. It is one of my favorite things to do, especially with him. That's why summer vacations are dangerous for me...I have lots of time to have lunch with friends!

I plan to run again tomorrow morning. I'll take Christmas Day off.

Lost

Husband and I went to our weekly Weight Watcher meeting tonight. We weighed in last week, but didn't get to stay for the meeting because of a pesky little school-wide Christmas play that I was directing. I was looking forward to our meeting all day. The leader, Annie, is a hoot!

I lost 2.8 pounds! That brings my grand total to 10.8 pounds lost in three weeks! Yahooooooo! I hit my 5% loss and got a nifty giant star sticker in my booklet. It's funny how much I love that sticker!

I am hoping to increase my fruits and vegetables intake for Christmas week.

This morning I did 34 minutes on the elliptical. The rest of the day was spent cleaning and refereeing the two nuts. Rainy days are making us all a little cranky.

I took the boys to the doctor at 2:30 because they are both coughing and have stuffy noses. Luckily it's just a cold. They were tested for strep, but it was negative. I'm trying to avoid their germs, but that's not easy when they are always on me, touching me, near me and slobbering on me. I'm hoping eating better and exercising more will help keep the germs at bay.


This is what these two yahoos were doing this morning during a 20-minute break from the rain.

Inside Out

Distance: 2.172 miles
Time: 34 min.

The boys are home with me this morning. As long as the boys aren't bickering, I love these kinds of mornings!

We snuggled in my bed while watching cartoons. I bribed the boys with Fruit Loops and Egg Nog so I could get my run done on the treadmill without having to stop and referee a fight. We all took a bath. (Someday I'm sure I'll be able to bathe alone...but for now when the two monkeys hear the bath water, they come running with their clothes flying.)


In no hurry to get dressed.

Now I'm doing a little web surfing in my bathrobe and towel, Hudson is using his brother's toothbrush to brush his teeth, and Evan is probably watching tv. We have some errands that we are going to run in a bit. Haircuts and shopping.

Oh, and the toothbrush? Husband forgot the rule that Santa always brings a new toothbrush to the kids in their stocking and allowed Child #1 to get a fancy battery spinner-type brush a few weeks ago. Of course, Child #2 is fascinated with it. And yes, I'm closing me eyes to the fact that the kid is using his brother's brush. Believe me, they share more than toothbrush germs, so I'm not too worried.

I just received a super sloppy kiss from a little naked boy. And he is climbing on my desk and chair as I try to type. Good thing he's cute.


This kid is always in the way. He just has so much to say and do. Busy busy busy boy.

My final random thought for the morning is that it is irritating when you put your contact in your eye inside out. When the contacts are in properly, you can't feel them at all. Well, I could feel the right one, and it was freaking me out. I took it out and didn't see any lint, so I put it back in. Still felt weird. I took it out again, flipped it inside out and realized that was the problem. All better now.

My Day

34 minutes on elliptical - I wish my elliptical gave a mileage. I would love to know how far I've traveled. It gives a distance, but I can't figure out what kind of a distance. It doesn't even correspond to when my feet press down, so I'm not sure what kind of distance it is. Is it steps, is it feet, is it inches? I don't know.

Today was my day. And I spent it cleaning the house. Both boys got sent to daycare so I could work my way through the house with little interruption. I think they prefer to go to Linda's. They get to play with friends there. Mom is not nearly as appealing.

I did massive amounts of laundry, cleaned and organized, listened to Christmas music at very high volumes, and worked out on the elliptical while watching The Bounty Hunter. I also colored my hair and did grocery shopping before picking up the kids. I wanted to get my nails done, but I couldn't quite fit that in today.

There is still much cleaning and organizing to be done, but the house looks way better than it did yesterday. I want to clean the boys' room and playroom tomorrow. We need to make way for new presents that Santa is sure to bring!

We also need to finish up a little bit of Christmas shopping for Dad. I wish it would stop raining. At least the tree is still standing.

Storms

Distance: 1.921 miles
Time: 30 min.

We woke up this morning to very wet and windy weather. I didn't mind not being able to run outside because I wanted to finish watching When In Rome. Cute movie.

I have been running in 90 second intervals. Today, however, for my long run I decided to run for 1/4 mile intervals at a 5.1 mph pace. Then I walked for 1/10 of a mile at a 3.0 mph pace. I made it through three of the running intervals before I gave in to lack of air and fatigue. I just couldn't maintain the pace for almost three minutes.

At first I was really disappointed with myself. Then I had to remind myself I've only been back in the running game for two weeks. I'll be starting week three on Tuesday. I need to give myself time to build up again. I should enjoy the "easy" runs while I can, because they will increase in duration before I know it!

After exercising, we met my mom and sister to pick up the kids. By the way, we had a gloriously quiet morning together. Husband even wrapped all the presents because he knows I hate doing the wrapping. I didn't once have to pour someone else's milk, watch cartoons, or break up an argument!

My mom and sister wanted In N Out Burger, but I wasn't willing to spend the WW points on a treat like that, especially after my great meal last night. I ended up not eating lunch which isn't good.

When we got home, we had to get to work cutting down our wonderful and fabulous climbing tree on the side of the house. With all the wet weather we've been having, our back fence fell down again and our tree starting leaning towards the house. Not good.


You can see the bump of soil near the base of the tree where the roots are starting to come up.


A little too close to the house for my liking.


Poor little bare tree.

We'll probably cut the rest down as well. No more great climbing tree for the kids. Sad day.

Date Night

My mom and sister took the boys home for a slumber party after we all saw Yogi Bear. It was a cute movie. Better than yesterday's flick.


The boys getting ready for the movie.

Husband and I did whirlwind Christmas shopping while we had the chance. I was on a mission to finish! Done but for stocking stuffers. Phew. Oh, and the boys and I will get Eric something this week, but I couldn't do that tonight with him with me.

We ate at Cool Hand Luke's, and I feel really good about my food choices. I am being a little bit obsessive right now, but it's okay. I'll settle into the WW program.

I had a 7 oz. sirloin and ate probably four ounces of it. I ordered rice pilaf and separated it into what looked to be about a 1/2 cup portion. I ordered salad with ranch on the side. I dipped corners of lettuce into it and probably used about a tablespoon's worth of dressing. I enjoyed a scrumptious sourdough roll with a smear of butter. I'm not even a huge bread fan, but these rolls are so delicious! I also had probably five bites of the ranch beans and enjoyed them so much.

I calculated everything I ate and still stayed under my points target for today! I am quite proud. I don't feel deprived. How could I when I ate steak, rice, roll, salad and beans? I didn't leave feeling so full that I could hardly move. That never feels good. I also didn't have my stomach rebel on me while we were out shopping. That is huge for me.

It's reassuring to know I can enjoy dinner out without feeling like I'm a diet freak or have to be severely restrictive.

I'm not counting them as activity points, but we also walked and walked and walked while shopping. Probably burned off the five bites of beans at the very least!

Tomorrow morning I need to deal with wrapping and hiding of the presents.

And while the kids are at Grandma's, they did some of the following things:


Played with cousins.


Made a giant cookie.


And got an early Christmas present from Grandma. My two stinkers are the little ones in the middle.

When In Rome

Distance: 1.992 miles
Time: 32:30 min.

When In Rome is the movie I started watching on my phone while I did my run this morning. I'll go back to Benjamin Button some other time. After yesterday's boredom at the theater, I was really hoping for a romantic comedy that would lift my spirits. So far so good with Rome. It certainly doesn't hurt that Josh Duhamel is in the movie.

I felt WEAK while running this morning. I attribute that to the fact that I didn't eat a whole lot yesterday, and I didn't eat anything before running this morning. Now I'm scarfing on an apple and Fiber One bar. Maybe someday soon I'll start trying to make myself breakfast rather than try to unwrap breakfast.

I am looking forward to the rest of the day.

The boys and I are meeting my mom, sister and nephews to go see Yogi Bear at the movies. Then I'm handing the kids off to my mom and sister who will take them home for a cousin slumber party. Then Husband and I get the rest of the day and night to ourselves!!! Yay!!!

We plan to do some whirlwind Christmas shopping and enjoy a nice dinner out. We may even go to church in the morning and actually be able to listen to what the priest is saying! I swear, I haven't been able to really pay attention in church for over six years. I'm either dealing with my own two boys or I'm dealing with school kids on Friday Mass day. I am willing to bet all I own that if just Husband and I go to Mass, I won't have to scold him even once for talking too loud or touching someone or standing on the pew! I bet he'll behave just fine!

Can't wait for tomorrow's run so I can watch more of When In Rome. I'm going to save my little Netflix movies as an incentive and motivation to get my butt moving.

Early and Late

Distance: 1.992 miles
Time: 32:30 min.

I was able to sleep in until 6 a.m. today! It was glorious not to be woken up by a blaring alarm clock. I didn't need to be at Mass until 8:45, so I threw caution to the wind and risked waking up the 3-year-old by running on my treadmill this morning.

I actually really enjoyed my workout. A few days ago I noticed that the Netflix app was on my iPhone. When I asked Husband about it, he said it was so I could watch movies if I wanted. Gee, what a concept!

I figured I'd try it this morning. Much to my non-techie self surprise, I was able to log in (thank goodness Husband keeps the same passwords for things) and watch Benjamin Button while I ran. I've never had a run feel so quick! I just might need to avoid running outside from now on!

In any case, I want to run more because I want to see the rest of the movie. Plus, we are supposed to have buckets of rain all week long. I'm not hardcore enough of a runner to run in the rain.

Got in a good workout, but then I was late to Mass. I was so embarrassed. Luckily I only missed the first two minutes, and I slipped in next to the fourth grade teacher. Other teachers were later than me!

We had a really nice retreat. The priest led us in a great talk about Joseph. All the attention usually goes to Mary, so it was a nice change in perspective.

I wasn't about to pick up the kids until I had to! I went and saw How Do You Know? with Reese Witherspoon.

Now, I am a sucker for a romantic comedy, and I enjoy just about any movie, but I was thoroughly bored. I never get bored at a movie, but I seriously didn't care one way or the other how it ended, and then once it did end, the way they did it SUCKED. I should have gone to see The Fighter.

I really need to get my camera charged so I can post pictures of my super exciting life. For some reason my phone isn't loading photos to the computer without freezing everything up.

Vacation. I am so happy to be on vacation.

Lost 8!

Time: 32:30 min. on elliptical

I am so excited! I weighed in at WW today and am down 3.8 for the week and 8 pounds total! I lost 8 pounds in two weeks! I fully don't expect to keep losing at this rate, but it sure feels good to see high numbers to begin this journey.

I am also pretty proud of myself tonight because I came home from directing our school's Christmas play and still got on the elliptical for a pretty good workout if I do say so myself.

I can barely contain my excitement because tomorrow is our last day of school before vacation, AND it is a half day! Yay! And I declared it to be a free dress day! Double yay!

I have got to go throw a load of laundry in the washer so my one hard core workout bra is clean for tomorrow. I'll be able to run outside in the afternoon while Child #1 follows me on his bike. Can I hear another cheer for half days?!

Maybe I'll finally have time to shop, wrap presents, and get Christmas cards sent.

Proud

Distance: 1.992 miles
Time: 32:30 min.

My run felt a little tiring tonight, but good. It was a treadmill run. I'm just glad I was working out because I got sick last night and threw up dinner. Not good. I skipped my elliptical workout and went to bed at 8. Luckily I woke up feeling much better. Just a little weak and tired. Strange.

I'm not proud of myself today. Well, I am, but that's not the reason for the title. I am proud of Husband. When I got on the treadmill, he worked out his arms on our Bowflex which I don't think we've touched since we bought it used over a year ago. It was great having him in the room with me. I love seeing him exercise!

Weigh-in tomorrow. Looking forward to the meeting.

Motivation

Distance: 2.19 miles
Time: 34:22 min.

Today was one of those days where I should have gotten my run out of the way early in the morning, because as the day stretched into the afternoon, I was less and less motivated to go out and run. However, at around two, I changed into my workout clothes and headed out.

It felt good to be out, but my run sort of sucked.

Figures since I had such a good run (in my opinion anyhow!) the day before.

I also did 10 minutes of abs and 10 minutes of arms.

Not much else to talk about. I am anxious to see how I did weight-wise this week. I'm going to fit my meeting in before going to the Christmas play on Wednesday night. At the very least I'll weigh in. But I'd like to stay for the meeting. They are fun.

Two Runs

12/10
Distance: 1.864 miles
Time: 31 min.

12/11
Distance: 2.02 miles
Time: 31 min.
Avg. Pace: 15:20/mile

Friday's run was on the treadmill. I was determined to squeeze it in before we headed to a football game last night. I felt pretty tired last night trying to run. I also had not had much to eat all day. Just one of those days going from one crisis to the next.

Fast forward to this morning. I ran outside and felt great! I was able to get two of my run segments into the 9/min mile range! Wow! And only one of my nine run segments was in the 11/min mile. The rest were in the 10's. I just felt strong this morning.

I love that!

Workout is done for today. We have a lot to do today, so I must go.

Lost!

I lost 4.2 pounds over the past week! Husband and I are back at Weight Watchers. I am loving their new overhauled plan. It makes so much more sense.

I managed to lose weight AND do the following things: eat at Wendy's not once, but twice - and one of those times I had a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger with cheese and mayo; eat at Olive Garden (soup, salad, one breadstick), eat a Mexican lunch delivered by wonderful moms at school, and eat all the fruit I wanted to eat.

One of the reasons I have always loved WW is for the fact that nothing is off limits. It teaches you to mindfully eat. Sometimes I get irritated that I have to "mindfully" eat, but then I have to realize I wouldn't be in this situation if I'd have paid attention to the food going in.

Anyhow, I was super excited to have such a big loss at my first weigh-in. Talk about great motivation!

I also didn't let excuses get in the way, and I exercised every day this week. Last night was 31 minutes on the elliptical and 10 minutes of arm weights.

Besides being tired, I'm feeling pretty good this morning!

Inside vs. Outside

Distance: 1.863
Time: 31 min.
Running segment pace: 5.1 mph

I ran on the treadmill tonight. I must have been tired because I felt like it was such an effort the entire time. The exercise felt good, but it was just an effort.

That got me thinking about a trend I have noticed. When I run outside, I tend to average about 11:30 miles. However, I can set the treadmill to run 12 minutes miles, and I feel like I am dying! Why is that? I have two theories.

1. The treadmill is boring. Mine isn't even set up near my tv. I have my music and my Christmas decorations to gaze upon while I huff and puff. The boredom must make my effort feel exaggerated.

2. When I'm outside, my 11:30 pace is an average. Therefore, I can slow down or speed up according to what my body is able to do. On the treadmill, I just run at that one pace. My body isn't really used to doing that.

Those are the thoughts I had tonight as I logged my mile point eight.

Not even going to attempt to upload a photo tonight. Don't have it in me.

Monday

Elliptical 30 minutes

Sometimes I hate having to name blog posts. I don't want to sound too cliche or corny, but I also want to convey the "feeling" for the day! Well, today's feeling was "Monday."

It was just a long day. Getting back into the working/teaching groove can sometimes be challenging.

My class led a prayer service this morning for the founder of the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, Blessed Carmen Salles. Since our school is a Sisters of the Immaculate Conception school, this is a pretty important day. It was a beautiful prayer service.

Then it was a 1/2 day followed by a two hour staff meeting. As soon as the meeting was done, however, I grabbed Child #1 and zipped home to get his homework done. He cooperated with me because I told him if he messed around, we'd go get his brother, and then he'd have to do his homework amidst the chaos that is Hudson.

While Evan finished his homework, I cleaned the kitchen from yesterday and started some laundry. We picked up the Little Child and headed home to make dinner.

Baths, dinner, snuggle time. Then I had to spend an hour working on time cards for payroll. Ugh.

I so badly wanted to say forget working out. But once I use excuses for one night, I can justify them any other night. Even though it was after 8 p.m, I got my workout clothes on and got on the elliptical for 30 minutes.

I'm just about ready for bed, but popcorn sounds like a good snack first! Either that or a hot bath. I'm cold.

I was going to post a gross sweaty picture of me, but I couldn't get it to download to my computer. Stupid thing. The computer, not the phone.

Maybe another day.

Exertion?

Distance: 1.97 miles
Time: 30 min.
Avg. Pace: 15:14/mile (includes walk breaks)

You know that Rate of Perceived Exertion? I think it's crap. And the reason I think it's crap is because whenever I run, I exert myself for 30 seconds and think that is about all I can do.

I tried this method earlier today. I want Sunday to be my "long" run day. Rather than following any prescribed times, I decided to just run until I felt tired. The first "run" lasted two minutes. Then it went downhill from there. I just don't trust my body to be able to keep going according to how I feel. I feel tired. I feel like I want to stop. I feel like crap...just like the whole exertion thing.

After about two rounds of running and walking, I realized that plan was not for me. So I decided alternating between running a 1/10 of a mile and walking half that distance. I was definitely getting more and more tired by the end of this pattern, but I kept going, because I told myself, "I can do anything for 1/10 of a mile."

I ended up running for 12 minutes and walking 18. Doesn't sound like much. However, it's up from running 9 and walking 22. I must remember this is a process.

One last note for today. It started raining, so I jumped on the treadmill. Less than five minutes into my run, the kids were making me furious getting into things, playing the piano, bugging me, etc. I jumped off the treadmill and told Husband I would rather deal with rain than with those two crazy boys for the next 30 minutes. I run/exercise to de-stress, not get more agitated than before! Sure enough, I came back feeling much better, and luckily the weather held out pretty well. Only minor sprinkles.

New Week

Distance: 2.44 miles
Time: 39 min.

My mileage ended up being a bit more than I intended this morning due to a bathroom emergency. I was three minutes into my warm up walk when IT hit. And you know what I mean when I say IT. Cripes.

I considered trying to ignore it, but since I was only three minutes from home, I figured I might as well turn around, walk home, use the bathroom, and then get my run in. So that's what I did.

It worked out well. I felt fairly strong during my run Part 2. I know I would have been miserable if I'd kept going.

I also worked out my arms this morning. Husband is putting up the Christmas lights. The boys were outside riding bikes and kicking a soccer ball. I grabbed my 5 pound weights and did various arm exercises outside.

I have to say, it's been a nice morning.

Thanksgiving Run

Distance: 1.94 miles
Time: 31 min.

Last year I competed in my first ever Turkey Trot. We didn't do that this year due to the fact that my running has dwindled down to nothing. Hope to change that. This year we slept in until all of 7 a.m, cleaned the house, and watched the Thanksgiving Day Parade.

I headed out to do a quick run at 10:30. It's the first outdoor run I've done in quite a while.

Tomorrow is my rest day, and we'll be having a second Thanksgiving with Husband's side of the family.

My family joined us for the holiday today. We've been having fun laughing and playing games.

Happy Thanksgiving!


May you all sleep as peacefully as my little guy tonight!

Day Before

Distance: 1.85 miles
Time: 31 min.

I am so unoriginal. I named my post for today on my other blog with the same title as this one.

I figured I had better exercise today because it was either that or I was going to come unglued on a particular 3-year-old who lives in my house. Let's just say that he was good at helping me bake, but also good at destroying some of the finished product. Grrrrrrrr!

I bake a special bread each year at Christmas, but I decided to make it for Thanksgiving this year. I'll do it again at Christmas as well, but I was having a craving for it.


It tastes even better than it looks!

Anyhow, once we were done, Hudson decided to play in the sink and managed to get water all over two of the loaves. We'll see later if they dried out.

The monkey also managed to spoil his dad's surprise of us getting him a cake. I never should have told him we were going to buy his dad a birthday cake. I didn't even consider the fact that he might blab it to his dad.

The joy of children.


And here I am in all my baking glory.

Happy Day Before!

Happy Healthy Birthday to Eric

Distance: 1.851 miles
Time: 31 min.

I'm on Thanksgiving Vacation. It's wonderful. The only problem is that I am in full vacation mode and have no energy or motivation to do some of the things that I really need to do.

I finally just told myself to get off my butt and do two things. One was to run on the treadmill. The other is to pick a spot, any spot in the house, and clean for 15 minutes.

I wanted to document my run before I head to the cleaning portion of my day. I think I'll start in the kitchen. If I have any more time after the timer goes off, I'll head into the formal dining room since my family will be here in two days to celebrate the holiday. They would probably appreciate a decently clean house. I'll appreciate myself if I don't leave all the cleaning until Thursday morning.

I am once again trying to get myself back into the running and healthier food habit. Day one. It's a good day to start back up. It's Eric's birthday. I won't forget the day I started going back to better habits since it's an important day.

Good Start to the Week and Giants Win!

Distance: 1.867 miles
Time: 32 min.

I was actually looking forward to my run all day today. That in and of itself is a good sign. I didn't feel as wiped out when I was done. Another good sign.

Giants won the World Series. A very good sign!


My visor. I am debating whether or not I should wear it tomorrow!

Pretty decent day! Happy All Saints Day!

Halloween

Today's exercise consisted of walking for an hour while Trick-or-Treating. We didn't walk overly fast, but a walk is a walk.

I plan to run again tomorrow. I have to admit, it felt good thinking about getting my health back on track.

I bought a new outfit today for the first time in months (years?). An actual pair of pants and a short sleeved sweater. I like them. I like the style, the fit and the colors. They only thing I don't like is the size. Hopefully that will change.

I made myself realize that I have to shop for clothes NOW...not "when I lose weight." If I continue to be healthy, shopping will become more fun as the sizes shrink. And if I have clothes that fit and look nice, I'll stay motivated to continue exercising and eating right.

I leave you with a bit of creativeness. I sometimes manage to pull it off.


Mummy Dogs and Worm Juice


Carrot Fingers

Happy Halloween! Here's to a healthy November!

Not So Small Break

Distance: 1.866 miles
Time: 32 min.

My break was a bit longer than I anticipated. My best excuse is that life happened. School started. Enough said! Anyone who is a teacher or who has ever gone to school themselves knows that this is enough of an explanation.

I never said my excuse was great. I just said it was my excuse.

Another big change is that my oldest is in first grade. What a difference between Kindergarten and first grade! Him getting older means more homework, soccer practice twice a week, scouts once a week, games on Saturdays, numerous birthday party invites, and emotional crying fits at least once a week.

My youngest just turned three. Whoever said the Terrible Two's are bad never met my 3-year-old. Let's just put it this way: thank goodness he's cute. He is my Jekyll and Hyde. I call him my Lovebug for good reason. He knows how to turn on the charm when he is being naughty, which is most of the time.

While the beginning of the school year has gone well, my health has plummeted. I'm tired all the time, eating junk food all the time, grouchy, lazy, and unmotivated. I know deep down that the only thing that helps me snap out of this is exercising.

I'm not sure what flipped the switch tonight. In any case, I got on the treadmill. I was tired, but I sure feel good now. I have to repeat my favorite phrase to myself over and over: you never regret doing a workout, but you almost always regret skipping one. Boy have I regretted the past three months.

But enough regrets. Forward, always forward.

Small Break

I haven't been running lately. I sort of lost my motivation to get up so early, but more importantly, the bottom of my left heel hurts pretty badly. I think it is wise to give it a break.

I'm not quitting, however, because I have to be ready for the Susan G. Komen race in October. Just slowing down for a bit.

Save Mart

Distance: 2.28 miles
Time: 33 min.
Avg. Pace: 14:29/mi.

Still plugging along. Not much to say about my run this morning other than I did it. I was hot and sweaty when I got back. I was also tired. Luckily, I curled up on the couch and watched tv because I didn't have to rush anywhere this morning.


Why is it that I can never get a normal looking photo of myself? Other people do it. I end up looking like a freak. I look like I'm peeking into the photo here.

On a totally unrelated side note, I am switching grocery stores, and I have been having major anxiety over this. You would think it's no big deal, but it is!

I have been a Von's customer for years, but I am switching to Save Mart because I am tired of Vons' customer service, prices seem comparable at Save Mart, and I can swipe the SHARES card and get money off of Evan's tuition.

I had the best experience at Save Mart this morning. I made a mistake in a promotion I was taking advantage of yesterday, so I went today to get it fixed. Not only did the manager fix the problem, but I got another $10 coupon for my trouble...and the trouble was basically my fault! I was so happy!

It makes me laugh at myself because I am treating this grocery store switch like it is this HUGE deal. It's just groceries. I shouldn't be so weird about it. However, the great customer service this morning helped a bunch!

Long Walk

Distance: 5.77 miles
Time: 1:43:27

I did my normal Week 6 Day 1 run, and then set out to walk to get to at least 5.5 miles. I'll explain later why I want to go that far.

Better Than Last Month

Distance: 3.1 miles
Time: 45:06 min.

I have been rather inconsistent with my exercise for the month of July. I did manage to work out 3-4 days a week for most of the month, but I gave up walking, and I slipped up big last week.

That being said, I set out this morning to go at least three miles. The reason I wanted to go that far? I wanted to do better in my mileage for the month of July than I did for the month of June, and three miles would just get me over the mark!

I ran in 8-minute segments and walked in 3-minute segments until I got to three miles. It took me 45:06 min. That gives me great hope that by the time the Susan G. Komen race rolls around, I'll be able to run it in under 40 minutes. Hey, I might even shoot for something crazy like 36 minutes!

Once again, it felt good to be out moving. Waking up early on a Saturday isn't always easy, but the temperatures are worth it.

One little nagging problem is heel pain and shin splints. I'll admit, I don't stretch, and I have sucked with my weight training. Need to do better. And I will.

Week 6 - A Bust

Time: 31 min.
Distance: 2.17 miles
Avg. Pace: 14:17/mi.

My lazy brain took over this week, and I only ran on Monday and today. (My goal is to run 4 days a week.) I didn't even follow Week 6's plan on the two days that I did run, so I am going to follow it starting on Sunday. I am also going to run tomorrow, but I'll run according to how I feel rather than follow times or distances.

I gave in to the laziness. I was so lazy on Wednesday that I set out on my run, but my Garmin died at 6 minutes, and I quit and walked home. I could have used my phone for a timer, but I didn't want to bother with it. I didn't want to run without knowing my distance. Major cop out on my part.

The key for me is to keep going. Even if I don't want to run or eat healthy, I need to do it for a few days. Then I trick my brain into thinking this is the norm. Then it becomes the norm. If I act lazy and eat junk, my brain thinks that is the norm. I want the healthy norm.

My run this morning was just what I needed. I certainly did not want to get up, but I was very happy after I was done.

And now on with my day.

Back From Vacation

Time: 34 min.
Distance: 2.34 miles
Avg. Pace: 14:31/mi.



This is how I spent my first day at the beach...and let me tell you...I was in heaven! I was comfortably chilly, relaxed on a blanket on the warm sand, covered with my sweatshirt and towel, and at one point all alone while the boys took a walk. The only bad thing about that day was I got a sunburn. I should have known better not to slather on the sunscreen even though it was overcast. Bad Heather.

In any case, that picture pretty much sums up my whole attitude over the past three days. Lazy, relaxed, comfortable.

I know I yakked on and on about how I wanted to run at the beach. I even took my clothes, shoes, Garmin, etc. Then I just had no motivation to leave the hotel room to actually run. I'll blame Hudson because he slept in my bed and woke me up every two hours during the night. It's not the best excuse, but it will do.

I also ate like there was no tomorrow. Onion rings, Caesar salad and steak at McLintock's. Buttery clam chowder and bread at Splash Cafe. Candy in the car. Soda. Shudder.

To make matters worse, we came home on Saturday night, and I intended to get up on Sunday morning to run. That didn't happen.

So here I am on Monday, trying to pull myself out of this vacation induced slump. I got up and ran this morning, and I intend to do so for four days straight. I haven't pulled out of the bad eating just yet.

Running felt hard, but good once I was done. I just want to be back at the ocean. I want to sit on my blanket at the beach and let the 62 degree weather wash over me. I want to live there. We plan to go back for the day in a few weeks. The kids had a great time digging in the sand. I forget that we can get there and back in a day. It's not that far.

Trying to pull myself out of vacation envy.

I have just three short weeks of summer left before the teachers go back to school. Then a week later the kids arrive. I've been in and out of school all summer, but I'm not quite ready to go back full time. My how summer flies.

The backgrounds on my blog went haywire, so I switched to this design. I'll see if it grows on me.

The only other interesting thing that happened to me today was nearly burning my eyeball out of the socket. I use Clear Care contact solution. It says on the bottle not to use it to rinse lenses. I guess I thought I was smarter than the bottle, but I'm not. Oh my Lord I nearly fell to the ground in pain from the burning. I could barely get my eye open enough to get the lens back out. I rinsed and rinsed with water. Luckily I can still see. That ranks up there with one of the more stupid things I have done. Note to self: follow instructions on the bottles.

And with that, I'm going to go rest my still sore eye.

Two Miles

Time: 35:12 min.
Distance: 2.54 miles
Avg. Running Pace: 12:34/mi.
Avg. Total Pace: 13:51/mi.

When I set off on long runs (hee hee, I am still at a point where I consider two miles to be a looooong run!), my mind is so much more in control than my body. If my mind sucks it up and says, "I can do this," then I feel fine. When my mind gives in to the huffing and puffing and the aches and pains, then I want to quit.

My mind was in charge this morning. Last Thursday I ran for 20 minutes without stopping. Today I did the distance of two miles. It took me 25 minutes and 12 seconds for a 12:34/mi. pace. I am pleased. I am proud. I also love that my running pace has the numbers 1-2-3-4 all in a row! Yes, I am strange like that! (I also love that everyone in my little family here was born on an odd day, and the three boys are the 3rd, 13th, and 23rd!)

Run is done, I've already downed a glass of water and a Fiber One bar, I washed all the dishes, and I'm now about to jump in the shower and start the rest of my day. I feel really good right now!

Forgot

I ran yesterday but didn't post! Time just got away from me. And my dishwasher broke, and I had to wash an entire dishwasher full of dishes by hand. Anyhow...here are yesterday's stats.

Time: 37:04 min.
Distance: 2.54 miles
Avg. Pace: 14:37/mi.

I ran two segments of 3/4 miles each. I was pleased because I managed to maintain at least a three-minute pace for each 1/4 mile.

I'll be running two full miles on Thursday. I expect it to take me a while. I need to get good sleep tonight so I can do this!

The 11's!

Time: 36:41
Distance: 2.55 miles
Avg. Pace: 14:22/mi.

Today starts Week 5 1/2 of Couch to 5K training. Last week I followed the time suggestions for Week 5. This week I am following the distance suggestions. I ran three segments of 1/2 miles with two 1/4 miles segments in between.

I was super excited to see my paces for the first two 1/2 mile segments were 11:28 and 11:35! The last one was 12:20. I wasn't really pushing for the first two. I was just running at a pace that felt pretty comfortable. I LOVE it when I am running at what I think is a comfortable pace, and I look at my watch and see that it is faster than I would have ever imagined! Great confidence booster.

A couple other cool things to report this morning. Sunday is my "weigh-in" day. I say that because while I am following the Weight Watcher concepts, I am not signed up with the program and going to meetings. However, I'll still have my official weigh-in on my scale right in my bathroom on Sunday morning. And this morning?!!! I lost 3.9 pounds this week! Yahoo! Yippee! Yay! It feels good to eat well and exercise and see results!

Sorry about all the exclamation marks. I'm just excited! My goal is to lose 36 pounds before I'm 36 (Feb. 11). That means I need to lose about five pounds each month. I am well on my way (weigh!) to losing my five pounds for this month.

I can definitely say this has been one of my best eating weeks in a LONG time. My poor body doesn't know what to do with all these fruits, vegetables and fiber. Feels good, though. It also helps with digestion. I had my gallbladder removed a few years ago, and ever since then, digestion just isn't the same. Eating well really helps to regulate all that.

The last thing to report is I successfully drank at least 64 ounces of water each day since last Monday. The water challenge is great. I wake up craving water, it satisfies me, and I feel clean from the inside out.

I want to be especially mindful of my eating, water and exercise this week because we get to take a short overnight trip to the coast this weekend. We already have reservations at a steakhouse for dinner, and we'll be so close to Pismo, that it would be a crime not to swing by Splash Cafe for some of the most amazing clam chowder I have ever had in my life. I don't know how that will all pan out for next Sunday's weigh-in, but I don't care. Splash Cafe is to die for!

I hope to run at the ocean. Oh what a dream that would be to do every day!

Four Days a Week

Time: 35 min.
Distance: 2.38 miles
Avg. Pace: 14:41/mi.

The Couch to 5K program calls for three days of running. I have been doing three days of running with sporadic walking on the off days. I want to increase my running to four days a week with two days of walking. Eventually I'd like to be up to running five or six days, but I want to increase slowly. Last winter I had some nagging hip problems from running, and I'd like to avoid that.

I didn't set my alarm to go running early today. I wasn't really even planning to go this morning. I was at my computer at 7ish, and Eric asked me if I was heading out. I said no.

Then I started reading weight loss and running blogs, and I started to get some motivation! I kept checking the temperature outside. I knew I'd feel better the entire day if I just got out there and got moving. I also knew that I would not want to get on the treadmill, even though I always say "I'll run on the treadmill later." The dreaded "later."

I got my running gear on, told the kids to be good, kissed Eric, and headed out for a somewhat hot run. I did two 10-minute runs in the bright and sunny 80-degree morning. I am not a sun worshiper, so getting out in the 6 o'clock hour to avoid direct sunlight is a good thing for me...besides it being cooler.

Not the easiest or best run, but I don't regret getting out there. I love that saying or various versions of it. In effect, you don't regret exercise, but you will probably regret NOT exercising. I won't regret eating healthy, but I'll probably regret eating junk. Etc, etc.

Enough of my ramblings. We are headed out to get allergy shots. Three out of the four of us get poked, and it's just a matter of time before Child #2 starts injection therapy. I do have to say, it's been a pretty mild allergy season for me this year. I guess years of being on shots has finally paid off!

Ah Did It!

In the words of Hudson, "Ah did it!" What he is saying is I did it, but it comes out a little country!

What did I do? I ran for 20 minutes without stopping. Yippee! Trust the training plan, I guess.

Time: 30 min.
Total Distance: 2.08 miles
Avg. Running Pace: 12:45/mi.

The plan called for running two miles in 20 minutes. Yeah, not gonna happen right now. Maybe with three more years of training I'll hit that mark! I made it 1.57 miles when my 20 minutes was up. Not bad.

I must have been pretty anxious about this run, because I have been awake since 4:30ish, and I'm not that tired. I got to bed at a decent hour, so I feel pretty well rested. I finally got up at about 5:30 and left the house at 5:50. I took a cold shower once I got back, and now it's time to get ready for school.

I love it when I get things accomplished before 7 a.m!

I got all my water in yesterday, and I'm working on my first 16 ounces already this morning. I'm also doing well on eating within my point range. The one area where I am not doing well is strength training. I don't have much time in the morning to fit it in along with a run, so I have to leave it for later. Then later comes and I have no motivation to do it. I'll work it in eventually.

Water

The oddest thing happened this morning. I woke up wanting and craving water.

I have spent the past three days being very mindful of drinking at least 64 ounces of pure, non-packet flavored, non-carbonated aspartame laced water. I like my water cold. I measured one of my big cups, and it holds 16 ounces of water along with 10 ice cubes. As long as I drink four of those puppies, I'm good.

I've never been much of a pure water drinker, so imagine my surprise this morning when I woke up and all I could think about was downing some ice cold water. Hmmmmm. Maybe this water challenge will be a good thing for me.

I walked around the house with my glass of water, opening windows, getting my shower ready, and checking Facebook. Before I knew it, my first 16 ounces were gone, and I felt more alert and refreshed. And I needed that this morning because Child #2 decided his bedtime should be 11 last night, and he woke up several times in the night. I was ready to scream.

This water challenge is becoming a pleasant surprise.

8 Minutes

Time: 31 min.
Distance: 2.06 miles
Avg. Pace: 15:01/mi.

I can once again run for 8 minutes straight! I know that isn't the most amazing feat ever in the history of running, but it always amazes me when I successfully add more time or more distance to my run. Running is simply HARD for me to do. So each time I do better, I am proud and amazed with myself!

This morning's run included two 8-minute runs with a 5-minute walk in between. Felt pretty good. Both of the runs clocked in at under 13-minute mile paces (12:30 and 12:50). Slow, I know...but I don't care. I did it!

I'm a little nervous about Thursday's run. I never understood how the program goes from the longest stretch of 8 minutes to suddenly doing a 20 minute run with no walk break. I guess I shouldn't question it too much. I'm nowhere near being a running expert, so what do I know about the best way to increase speed or distance?!

Anyhow, good run this morning. Decent temperature, but can't wait for winter running.

Gettin' Serious

Time: 31 min. (Week 5)
Distance: 2.02 miles
Avg. Pace: 15:21/mi.

Walk with the boys
Distance: 1.13 miles

Today I was up and out of the house before 7 to do Day 1 of Week 5. It went okay. Not too bad. I didn't die.

Once I got home, I told the kids to hurry and get dressed, because I was planning to take them to our neighborhood park. Early in the morning is the only time we can go out, because it just gets too stinkin' hot to be outside in the afternoon. I wish we had a pool.

We ended up having to rush the three blocks home because Child #2 needed to poop. Sigh. After he took care of business, we walked BACK to the park. I kept them there til nearly 10. Once we came home, we were home for good.

And now onto the serious part. I have been doing pretty well with my exercise. Now it's time to get serious about my eating habits. I started today. My birthday is exactly seven months from now, and I'll be 36. I'd like to lose 36 pounds by my 36th birthday. That is about five pounds a month which is completely reasonable.

I'm not going to go to Weight Watchers, but since I have been a member in the past, I understand the process, and it is practical. I'll be using the WW lifestyle to keep track of what I eat. Today was a pretty great eating day.

I found a recipe in Cooking Light magazine for a Peach/Tomato salad. I would never have thought to cut up peaches, onions, and tomatoes and drizzle them with oil, vinegar, and honey! The recipe made eight servings, and I think I ate over half the bowl! It didn't matter because each serving was only one point.


Yummers!

I am also starting a three-week challenge to drink at least 64 ounces of water each day. That officially starts tomorrow. I think I got close today. No more sodas. Also, no more fake water. No flavor packets. No aspartame. Just clean, pure water. These two blogs are the creators of this challenge: ALL THE WEIGH and THE DAILY DIARY OF A WINNING LOSER. Both of these blogs are extremely inspiring.

Water, exercise, food. That seems to cover it. Getting serious.

Not Feeling It

Time: 30:46 min.
Distance: 2 miles
Avg. Pace: 15:22/mi.

I guess I am still feeling a bit sluggish from being sick. Or maybe I'm just tired. Or maybe I'm just lazy. Whatever the reason, I cut my run short this morning. That is something that I haven't done since I started running again five weeks ago. I hate that I did it, but I felt so weak out there.

In total, I got in a mile of running before deciding to skip the final 1/2 mile. I just walked until I hit the two mile mark and called it a morning.

I think I am going to move on to Week 5 in the program next week. The perfectionist part of me wants to finish Week 4 1/2 in a positive way (as opposed to how it ended this morning), but I have to get over the fact that not every run is going to be great...or even successful...or even finished! It's okay to move forward even if I didn't feel like I conquered the prior week. And by conquer, I mean finish, even if it is with super slow times.

On a positive note, I have stuck to my short sessions of weight training. I did my arms this morning.

We are going to go see Despicable Me today. My daycare provider is on vacation, so I am taking Child #2 and Child #1 (along with the rest of the summer school kids). He has never been to a movie before, so we'll see how he does. I am fully prepared to hang out in the lobby if he can't handle it, but I hope he enjoys the movie.

Walk

Time: 30 min.
Distance: 1.59 miles
Avg. Pace: 18:54/mi.

Easy, pleasant walk this morning. My throat is a bit scratchy. I'm hoping it's just congestion or allergies.

Not much else going on. We are smack in the middle of those lazy days of summer. Next week I am teaching summer school, so I'll be a bit busier. It will be good practice to see if I can still squeeze my workouts in in the morning. I hope so.

________________

Edit: I went to the doctor, and she confirmed that I have a sinus infection. I pretty much didn't move all day. Even reading was too much effort. Now I'm wondering if I should attempt my run in the morning. I've already got antibiotics running through my system, but I'm so wiped out. Maybe I'll take a rest day tomorrow and resume on Friday. Being sick sucks.

New Ring

Time: 37:29 min.
Distance: 2.55 miles
Avg. Pace: 14:41/mi.

I was sooooo tired this morning. It could't be helped though. I have very important tv to watch on Monday night so as to keep up with my celebrity gossip. It is terrible, but I am addicted to The Bachelorette and True Beauty, and just about anything reality or trashy. What can I say? It is mindless entertainment.

Anyhow, I was tired. I managed to get up one minute before my alarm went off. It was so tempting to get back in bed and forget running. But I didn't do that. I ran. I always think to myself, I'll never regret getting out there and exercising, but I'll probably regret NOT doing it.

Today's run was an improvement over Sunday. I love it when that happens. I went a smidge further and cut off about a minute of time.

Later this afternoon Child #1 and I drove to a childhood friend's ice cream shop. She has the cutest shop. It was fun because my mom and her friends were there, too. We had a great time talking and eating.

I also bought the cutest little ring while I was there. I think rings are going to be my new accessory fad. I wish I'd also bought the big orange flower ring. I just might need to go see Julie again very soon!


Isn't this cute?!

Fun day.

OW!!!

I dropped a five pound weight on my foot this morning. See? I knew I shouldn't be doing strength training! It is tender, and I'm sure there will be a bruise, but other than that I think I'm fine.

Time: 38:21 min.
Distance: 2.54 miles
Avg. Pace: 15:06/mi.

Week 4 1/2 of Couch to 5K. I followed the distances as opposed to the times for Week 4. It took me a while to finish, but that's okay. I just kept chugging along.

We were at a wedding last night. Granted, we were home by 8, but I was still tired this morning. I let myself sleep in an extra 20 minutes. Once I was up and out the door, it felt good to be moving. I just wish I could crawl back in bed right now. That won't be happening. My mom and sister will be here later for the 4th. I need to shop, cook, and clean.

Happy Fourth of July!

Better

Time: 34:56 min.
Distance: 2.25 miles
Avg. Pace: 15:33/mi.

This morning I ran three minutes and walked three minutes. Ran three minutes and walked three minutes. I did that until I got to two miles. Then I did my cool down walk and came home.

I wasn't following the Couch to 5K program, but was just doing my own thing. I want to build up to four days of running and two walking. I just finished Week 4 of Couch, but I am going to repeat Week 4 instead of moving on to Week 5.

This past week I followed the times (run 3, walk 90, run 5, walk 2 1/2, etc.). This week instead of following the times I am going to follow the distances. I can run 1/4 miles in 3 minutes. Did that consistently in today's run. However, I can't do a 5 minute 1/2 mile pace. My paces are somewhere in the 11 minute and change range.

I figure I'll follow this plan for the rest of the Couch program. First week follow times, and the second week follow distances. The 8-Week plan will turn into 12 weeks, and that's okay. I'm not going anywhere, and the roads aren't going anywhere. The Susan G. Komen race isn't until October, so I'm good. Last year I didn't start training until August, and I did fine.

I got back from my run and did five minutes of leg strength training. Oh how I hate strength training. However, I notice that my legs are pretty fatigued on my runs. I think having stronger muscles might help with that. I know five minutes isn't that long, but it's a start, and I'll build from there.

We are off to a wedding this afternoon. Looking forward to a long weekend.

Same Time, Same Distance

Time: 31:30
Distance: 2.17 miles
Avg. Pace: 14:30/mi.

My stats listed above are the exact same stats for Sunday's run. I compared the two runs, and there are slight differences in the individual walk/run segments, but overall, I was moving my body at the same speed as I was before. However, it somehow felt easier than Sunday. It definitely felt easier than running on the treadmill on Tuesday.

I wore one of my running skirts this morning. I like the way it fits, and I like how it looks. I slathered Body Glide on my thighs, so chafing wasn't on issue. The skirt didn't bunch up between my legs. But, there was a problem. The waistband slid down and the my shirt rode up leaving about two inches of my belly showing. Ewwww.

I spent quite a bit of time either trying to hike the waistband up or trying to yank the shirt down. I think that might have accounted for some of my slower run segments. Not easy yanking and tugging while trying to run.

I HATE having my belly showing. I felt like I did when I was pregnant, and I was constantly worried that the stretchy panel in my pants was showing. I was always telling my husband to tell me if the panel was showing so I could yank my shirt down.

By the end of the run I just had to let it be. Of course, normally I see NO ONE at 6 a.m., and today I must have seen 20 people out running, walking and driving. Where is everyone going at 6:17 in the morning?

Short of pinning my shirt to my skirt, I'm not sure what to do about this little wardrobe issue. Maybe I'm just self conscious about it because I don't exactly have a flat stomach.

On a happier note, it was a glorious 60 degrees out this morning! Yahoo! It felt so good to be out in the cool, fresh, nippy air. It is still supposed to get into the 90's this afternoon, but that's okay. I plan to be indoors when that happens.


Non-running related photo of my boys and their blankets. They aren't even aware of me. Probably watching SpongeBob. Good thing they are such active little buggers during the day.

Last Day of June

Time: 30 min.
Distance: 1.6 miles
Avg. Pace: 18:43/mi.

It's the last day of the month, so I am excited to update my June totals in the sidebar at the right. Not as good as January when I was at my strongest, but certainly better than piddly February and March. We won't talk about April and May.

Feels good to be back in the habit of moving my body. Now if I could just get my mind wrapped around watching my food intake. It'll come. Regardless of how I am eating during the rest of the day, I am starting the morning off by eating a Fiber One bar. They are great because they give you 9 grams of fiber! They taste good, too. Right now I'm into the Oats and Strawberries with Almonds.

Now if I would just force myself into eating fruits and vegetables until it becomes a habit.

Not much else going on around here. I went and saw the movie Grown Ups yesterday. It was pretty funny. I ended up sitting by an old couple, and I kept sneaking looks at the old man. He didn't seem to think the movie was funny at all, and he never once laughed or even smiled. I guess he didn't like the humor. Probably not the best choice of movies for him. Me? I was laughing the whole way through. However, I'm not always the best judge of movies because it doesn't take much to make me laugh, and I am pretty easily entertained. It has to be pretty bad for me not to like it.

I also laughed (almost hysterically) as I walked up to the theater and saw a bunch of people sitting under shade tents in lawn chairs, blankets, and towels. For a second I thought maybe there was a farmer's market going on. Yes, I am that unaware sometimes. Just crazy Twilight fans. Don't get me wrong. I read and own all the books...and like them. I have also seen the first two movies, and I intend to see this one. However, there is not much on God's green earth that could get me to sit on pavement for 19 hours in 100 degree heat. And that something certainly wouldn't be a movie. Sheesh! I was cracking up with the ticket taker in the theater because I asked her if the people out there realized that it was 100 degrees outside? She said, "Oh honey, don't engage them! Don't even look them in the eye! They are crazy!" That gave me a smile the rest of the afternoon!

Today I want to go see Knight and Day. Maybe tomorrow I'll see Eclipse. Three movies in one week would be my personal record. I was talking to the priest at my church yesterday, and he saw five movies last week while on vacation. He's got me beat!

Need to go help Child #1 finish homework that he couldn't do last night because he was too busy having a meltdown. And it was very hard homework. He had to write the days of the week two times. I'm such a mean mom for making him go to summer school!

New Skirts!

Time: 36:29 min.
Distance: 1.59 miles
Avg. Pace: 22:54/mi.

I know this was a very slow walk, but I was actually on a field trip this morning with my son and the rest of the summer school kids. We walked from our school over to the public library to check out books and watch a fun snake show.

I wanted to see how far it was there and back. It made for a nice little walk, even if it was slow and hot. I was the leader of our little pack and had to keep stopping to let everyone catch up. Didn't want to lose any kiddos along the way!


We stopped for ice cream on the walk back. I was too thirsty for ice cream, but Evan enjoyed some chocolate chip cookie dough.

Time: 31:30 min.
Distance: 2.059 miles
Avg. Pace: ? This was a treadmill run.

Okay. How is it possible that I actually run faster outside? I don't get it. I don't run faster by much, but the whole process just feels easier outside. Is it because outside my times are made up of my averages...so I am able to slow down and speed up as needed? On the treadmill it is a steady pace, and it wears me out.

In any case, it wasn't a very pleasant run tonight on my treadmill in my house at 80 degrees. However, that was better than the alternative of being outside in 95 degree heat in the dark (which I don't do).

I've never been much of a morning exerciser, but I am enjoying getting the workout done early (when it is cooler), and then it doesn't interfere with the rest of my day. When I run at night, it cuts into family time. Morning is just better all the way around. I intend to keep it up at least until school starts in August. Then I'll have to reevaluate.

But the best thing is that my two new running skirts arrived in the mail today! Yay! I wore one this evening to run, and I like it. It certainly didn't bunch up between my legs like shorts do, so that is a plus. My favorite thing to run in are my black yoga pants. Love 'em, but it's a bit too hot for those right now. Hopefully the skirts will do the trick when I start racing again.

On a totally non-running note, my two-year-old keeps coming into the room with his little toy gun saying, "Put yours hands up!" If I wasn't so irritated that he's still awake at 10 p.m., I'd be busting up laughing. He is such a character.

Starting Off Right

Pretty sunset from the other night. I wanted to see if I could capture the colors.

Time: 37:53 min.
Distance: 2.0 miles
Avg. Pace: 18:56/mi.

Today was a walk day. Instead of a 30 minute walk, I decided to do a 2 mile walk. It worked out nicely since I got up extra early. It was 78 when I left for my walk. I am sorry I continually talk about the weather and how hot it is. And I know there are many places that are much hotter than the Fresno area, but being hot makes me crazy. I can't help but fixate on it. It should not be in the upper 70's for a 6 a.m. walk! It just shouldn't!

We spent yesterday at my in-law's. It was a pleasant visit. The kids always like to see Mama and Papa. Got home, watched Army Wives, and went to bed.

This morning I am headed to my mom's house. We are going to have my dad's ashes placed out at the cemetery. There will be a tiny service for just us. Dad died over a year ago, and Mom has had his ashes on her bookshelf, but we recently realized it is hard not having a "place" to go visit to talk to him. (Standing in front of the bookshelf wasn't going to work!)

I better go make my husband's lunch and get ready so I can get out of here on time!

Starting Week 4

My baby and me at the zoo on Friday.

Time: 31:30 min.
Distance: 2.17 miles
Avg. Pace: 14:30/mi.

Today I started Week 4 of Couch to 5K. It seems to me like the program jumps rather quickly once you get to this point. I must say, running is sooooooo not easy for me. It is something I have to work at to feel comfortable with it at all. That being said, I was rather pleased with my times and paces.

Today was the first day I used the "lap reset" button on the Garmin. Today was also the first day that the program called for 1/4 miles and 1/2 miles to be run. Without getting into too much detail, I managed to keep pace with both 3-minute 1/4 -mile run segments, but I was a bit slow for the 5-minute 1/2-mile run segments. It gives me something to work towards.

I am toying with the idea of staying in this week and not progressing on until I can run the distances in the time the program suggests. I've already got the 1/4 miles down, so now I just need to work on speeding up those 1/2 miles. We'll see what I decide as the week goes on.

We are off to the in-laws today. Glad I got my run done, but it was already in the mid-70's when I set out at 7 a.m. Yuck. Wishing for winter.

End of Week 3 Running

Time: 34 min.
Distance: 2.3 miles
Avg. Pace: 14:47/mi.

I didn't increase my distance or pace, but I felt a bit stronger today. At least at the beginning of my run!

I am hoping my running skirts get here soon. Like today. I wore shorts and spent the entire run/walk yanking on them. I hate that. Not to mention that I look like a complete dork with my shorts bunched up and doing things they shouldn't be doing. Sigh.

I am spending the morning with Child #2. Normally Child #1 is always around, but he'll go to summer school this morning while #2 and I play at Target and the zoo! Later this afternoon all of us are going swimming at a friend's house.

#2 is not happy about this. I have tried to explain to him many times that he had me all to himself for three years before his brother came along (which I think he still hasn't gotten over!). He still gets me to himself more often because he goes to school where I teach. There are many afternoons where he'll hang in my classroom or we'll go get an ice cream before picking up #2. Reasoning with a 2-year-old is hard, but reasoning with a stubborn 5-year-old isn't much better. He understands perfectly. He just doesn't want to admit it.

I have got to hop in the shower so we can start our day.

Rest

I'm taking a rest day today. I stayed up too late reading blogs. Bad excuse, but it just felt good to climb back in bed and snuggle under the covers.

My massage last night was heavenly. I seriously did not want that foot massage to end.

Not much else is going on. I'm working on organizing some files at school while Child #1 is in class, I have a school meeting this afternoon, and I'm thoroughly enjoying my vacation. It's fun to work a little and play a little.

_____________

Ugh! I just realized that I forgot to pack my husband's lunch. I normally go for my run or walk and have just enough time when I get back to make his lunch before he leaves. I feel so bad! Packing his lunch is one of those things that makes me feel like I'm doing a decent job at being a wife.

Packing his lunch is a fairly recent task. Eric started a new job in April where he is in one location. Prior to that, he was traveling to see four or five clients a day. He never wanted a lunch packed because he never knew where he was going to be. Now that he has an office and a fairly routine schedule, he is able to sit at his desk and eat his ham sandwich.

I was surprised to find out that he really appreciates his lunch being packed! It means a lot to him. He said it's because he knows I care about him, and it keeps him from having to figure out what to go buy for lunch. Awwww!

Anyhow, tomorrow I'll be back on track with running and lunch packing.

Slow Walk

Time: 30 min.
Distance: 1.62 miles
Avg. Pace: 18:33/mi.

I was content to be out walking this morning, but I just wasn't feeling the fast pace. Not sure if there was anything wrong in particular, but I just didn't feel the need to zip up my pace like I have on previous walks.

My legs are still hurting from using weights two days ago. Sheesh.

It's definitely starting to heat up here. We are into the upper 90's. That makes even my 6 a.m. walks slightly warm at 70 degrees. I live for temps that are 60 and below. I just don't understand people who say they love to feel the heat on their skin. I'm sure those people don't understand me when I say I love the cold. Given a choice, I would run outside in 40 degrees rather than run in 80 degrees. Ugh. Unfortunately for me, I live in a place where we have warm weather for 7 months out of the year.

I shouldn't complain, because we have had a seriously mild May and June. We've only had to use the A/C a handful of times so far this season.

Not doing so great with food choices over the past two days. I need to get a handle on that. I'm thinking I might need to buckle down and start either counting points or calories. Points would probably be easier since I know that system. Making myself do it is another issue. Movie popcorn is becoming my downfall. Even without butter, it's got to be loaded with calories. It's hard to sit at the theater without popcorn to munch.

I saw the A-Team yesterday, and then I took Child #1 to see Toy Story 3 today. Super cute. This makes my 4th movie in less than two weeks. I love summer vacation!

At some point, I WILL do arm exercises with weights and crunches (before bed).



Child #1 got hurt at summer school. He and another kid hit hard on the blacktop while playing basketball. Poor little man was trying so hard not to cry. He's tough. At least that's what he told me as I bandaged him up.

I am getting a massage with a friend tonight. Looking forward to that!

Chuggin' Along

Time: 34 min.
Distance: 2.31 miles
Avg. Pace: 14:43/mi.

Improved my distance and average pace slightly over Sunday night's run. My legs were sore from my 16 tremendous squats yesterday. Sheesh. I am so out of shape.

This morning's run was hard. I definitely didn't feel that runner's high. I am longing for the days when I can go out and jog for 30 minutes and not feel like I am about to pass out. Right now it's just hard.

Ahhhhh, Morning

Time: 30 min.
Distance: 1.71 miles
Avg. Pace: 17:34/mi.

Had a nice morning walk listening to Bubblegum Oldies on Pandora. Most of the oldies have a peppy beat to keep me moving. A pleasant 60 degrees out this morning. Wore capri pants and a long sleeved top. Far different from last night's workout.

Stayed up way too late watching Army wives that I DVR'ed. Hard to get out of bed. Glad I did.

Came home and did a few reps of leg exercises using 5 lb. weights. I wanted to start with my 3 lb. weights, but I could only find one of the set. Children...grrrr.

I'm down four pounds as of this morning.

I Like Morning Better

Time: 34 min.
Distance: 2.28 miles
Avg. Pace: 14:54/mi.

After being up yesterday by 5:30, out of the house by 7, and walking around a theme park all day, I was only wanting to sleep in this morning. That didn't quite happen with the two little people waking us up fairly early, but I was in no mood to go for my early morning run.

I should have gone.

I put it off and put it off and decided to wait until the evening. At 7:40 tonight, I set off. It wasn't what I'd call "hot" at 79 degrees, but it is a good 10 degrees or more cooler when I run in the morning. There are a lot more people out and about in the evening. I used to like that fact. It made me feel safer. But now I just want the solitude and peace of dawn.

Anyhow, I am glad I didn't skip the run. I really had no intention of skipping it. I just now know that when possible I need to run early.

I started Week 3 of Couch to 5K. Due to my weird and strange running rules for myself, I was out there for 34 minutes. Twelve of those minutes were running, and the rest were walking. Soon enough I'll build up to where I'm running more than I am walking.

After only two full weeks of running, I can tell that my endurance is getting better. My legs were hurting more than my lungs during the three-minute run. I haven't integrated weights as of yet, but I am going to start that this week. I started by doing 16 sit ups on my exercise ball once I got back this evening. Pathetically few, I know, but I'll build from there. Making myself do the weight training is difficult. More difficult than making myself run, and that is quite a feat.

It was an extremely lazy Father's Day, but I'm glad I ended the day with my workout.

Great Day

I have two new favorite photos.


This one is of my two boys. We surprised them this morning with a trip to a theme park called Gilroy Gardens. They were very excited to be there.


This is my 2-year-old and me while waiting in line to get on the balloon ride. It looks like Hudson is kissing me, but he was actually trying to turn his head to avoid the photo. I don't care. I like how it looks!