Tempo

Last night I got off work about two hours later than planned, so my 2:30-hour run wasn't possible. Instead, I ran an hour at tempo pace (12:00 minutes miles for me) on the hilliest route I've got. My legs felt like jello at the end! I'll be getting that long run in on Wednesday instead.

I also did the first half of my grocery shopping yesterday. I usually go to two stores: Kroger and local co-op. At the co-op, I buy all our meat, which is locally and organically raised, fresh bread, and sometime items that are on sale that would be cheaper than Kroger. Last night's buy: chicken sausage, frozen shoe string fries, ground turkey, and bacon.

Today I'm working, heading to the grocery, and then hope to get in a quick run. It was almost 40 here yesterday, and it seemed like everyone in town was out running or walking.

Where do you grocery shop?

Let me control the things I can . ..

Like meal planning. I know I should go into the grocery store with a plan, but to be honest, I usually don't, and end up either buying less than healthy choices, or not having what I need to be able to easily cook all week. However, I have a plan for the trip this weekend, to make sure I have everything we'll need for dinners. I'll try to photograph and share winning recipes with you. Here's what we'll be eating:

Friday: eat out night
Saturday: Southwestern Egg Rolls - recipe from The Sweets Life blog
Sunday: Barbeque Chicken Pizza
Monday: Black bean enchildas
Tuesday: Leftovers
Wednesday: Pasta with spinach and chicken sausage
Thursday: Turkey burgers

Do you meal plan?

My workouts have been good this week. Monday I went to yoga, Tuesday I ran and lifted, Wednesday I did some speedwork and ab work, and last night I lifted and did aqua zumba. Is anyone else freaking out that Princess is less than a month away? I still have two long runs left . . .but I still feel a little under-prepared. Hopefully tomorrow's long run goes smoothly.

Melting Down

I promise I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. Things got suddenly crazy on all fronts: work, home, general mental health, and I'm spending some time facing some hard choices that I've been avoiding making. I'll be back soon with running and exercise (which I am still doing daily) and will be back to reading all your adventures, too.

Ch-ch-ch-changes

Happy Sunday all! I did a quick workout after church this morning, and set a new PB in the amount of weight I can squat for 10 reps: 100 pounds! I've added two pages the blog: one with my goals, and one to share all my meatless Monday ideas. I spent a good three years as a vegetarian, so I have a special love for veggie-based meals. I have work and homework to do tonight (with a 5 hour turn around between when I get off tonight and when I go back in tomorrow!).

What are your Sunday night plans?

Also, this playoff weekend leaves me with no teams to root for - I am a fan of the 1.Colts, 2. Giants, 3. Lions. Anyone want to sell me on their team of choice?

Working 9 to 5

Or more like noon to nine . . . anyway, this is the first of several weekends I'll be working in a row. This post will be a bit of rambling mess, and for that I apologize in advance.
Last night, I did hard set of 4 x 400s at 1-mile pace with a 2 mile warm up, followed by wings and basketball game watching.
I was able to get in a long-ish indoor run this morning (not quite to planned length, but I'm okay with that) since the temperature here at 8:00am was 8. By the time I left the at 10:45, it was  . .  16. Miserable cold. I then got some laundry and grocery shopping done before I had to leave for work.
I have my first homework assignment this week as well, which just seems strange. I don't mind school, but the idea of "having" to read something is such a distant memory. (Anyone an expert on the Jacobson v. Mass Supreme Court Case?)
I also bought part of my outfit for Princess - you'll have to wait and see it!

What are you weekend plans?

The Plan

I freaked myself out this morning when I realized:

 - Princess is 5 weekends from now.
 - I've still got 3 really long runs to do
 - I have no idea what I'm going to wear during either the 5k or the half
 - I still need to make a packing list, a trip schedule, and get the dog's boarding reservations made
-  Said trip is the week before midterms which matters now since I am *in school*
 - I am still heavier than I'd to be at the rqace

I needed a guiding force for my workout for the next month, to make sure I do everything I "should be" to get ready. Here is the master plan:

Saturday	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
22-Jan	23-Jan	24-Jan	25-Jan	26-Jan	27-Jan	28-Jan
2:15 run	3 mile run	3 mile run	40 min XT	Spinning	Aqua Zumba	45 min XT or off
		School	School	Lift	2 miles
29-Jan	30-Jan	31-Jan	1-Feb	2-Feb	3-Feb	4-Feb
2:30 run	3 mile run	3 mile run	40 min XT	Zumba	Aqua Zumba	45 min XT or off
		School	School	Lift	2 miles
5-Feb	6-Feb	7-Feb	8-Feb	9-Feb	10-Feb	11-Feb
2:45 run	3 mile run	3 mile run	40 min XT	Spinning	Aqua Zumba	45 min XT or off
		School	School	Lift	2 miles
12-Feb	13-Feb	14-Feb	15-Feb	16-Feb	17-Feb	18-Feb
2:00 run	3 mile run	3 mile run	40 min XT	Spinning	Aqua Zumba	45 min XT or off
		School	School	Lift	2 miles
19-Feb	20-Feb	21-Feb	22-Feb	23-Feb	24-Feb	25-Feb
1:45 run	3 mile run	3 mile run	40 min XT	Packing Day!	Aqua Zumba	Rest
		School	School		1 mile	Travel Day
26-Feb	27-Feb
3.1 Race	Princess

Seeing it on "paper" makes it seem much more doable. How do you get ready for races?

Honesty (and possible overshare)

I have IBS (irritable bowl syndrome). It started around April of last year, and symptoms are triggered mostly by stress, though it seems to randomly occur as well. It used to serisouly impact my running (during a time that I was super stressed and generally unhappy, leading to more symptoms leading to more stress). I figured I may not be the only one who has tummy issues with running, and in "honor" of some current digestitve issues, though I'd share some of my tips.

1. Hydrate. Tummy issues cause a lot of water loss, and dehydration and running are not good bedfellows
2. Be careful trying new fuel/drinks during runs. I've learned that Clif Shots are not my friend. Try new things either during indoor runs or on a route with bathroom stops
3. Learn where the "good" bathrooms are. For me, a good bathroom is clean, and feels safe. My usual stops include the public library, various buildings at the local college campus, local parks, the Y, and grocery stores. I try to avoid gas stations if possible.
4. Keep spare running shorts/capris in the car. Trust me.

In other news, I made the BEST oatmeal ever today. Oatmeal is one food that I have been envious of since I started reading other women's blogs - they seem to make delisicous combinations and really enjoy it, and mine tastes like glue. I typically use equal amounts of skim milk and water, put everything in a tupperware before I leave for work, and heat up mid morning.
Here was the winning mix:
1/3 cup oats
1/2 cup vanilla soy milk
1 banana
1ish tablespoon of natural pb - I use the grind-your-own kind
small handful of mini chocolate chips, maybe twenty-five

The soy milk changed everything - the texture, the way the toppings incoporated. It was just great - It's been about 5 hours and I'm still not hungry!What do you put in your oats? I really like pumkpin in mine as well.

Long day!

Work was ridiculously busy today! And I have to go in extra early in morning as well. Tonight I went from work to Zumba, ran a speedy mile and did some ab work, and then came home and made gnocchi with chicken sausage for dinner.

What are your go to dinners for busy evenings? I love frozen pasta cooked with premade sauce.

Look what's coming to live with me . . .

For an amazing $9 after rewards coupons and discounts codes! She's wicking and even has thumb holes!!

What's your go to running jacket/top layer?

Push it, Push it real good

Husband and I ran 2.75 miles yesterday. He is training for the Royal family 5k at Disney, and doesn't ever run anywhere but on a treadmill, so I persauded him to run outside with me. I did a few out-and-backs waiting on him: run ahead, run back to him, repeat. It began to rain mid run, so we cut our loop short.

I also went to zumba last night, and basically got my rear-end kicked. The music was old school hip hop, and I did more body rolls in that hour than I have in the whole rest of my life combined. Great fun, and great sweaty workout! I am a little sore today, especially my shins, which are weak from being babied so much.

My workout plan for the week:
T: 2-3 miles, school night!
W: 2-3 miles, aerobic class
R: 2-3 miles, aqua zumba
F: Aerobic class, yoga, or elliptical
S: 2:15 minute run
S: Rest Day

What are your workout plans for the week?

3 Questions About the World

1. Why is there so much boxing on the Biggest Loser this season? I caught up on the two episodes yesterday, and was somewhat amazed. Yes, the "unknown" woman coach is a boxer - but I'm guessing she cross trains. Jillain boxes, now too? I know, constestants, you have anger, and repressed feelings. And I feel bad for you. But hitting things (like your dad) is the only way to deal with this?

2. When did leggings become pants? I am back in school this semester, and in the two years I have been gone, pants have gone out of style? Jeggings = pants. Sheer leggings are not pants, right?

3. Why is it easier to get out of bed on a "go to work whenever day" than I day I have to be in at a certain time. I was up with no issues this morning, but I guarantee I'll fight the snooze tomorrow.

I am planning on working a few hours today, then going for a short run and either zumba or yoga. No school due to the holiday! Do you get today off work/school?

Long run done!

Currently fighting post-run queasies after today's 2 hour run! Note to my other ladies in cold climates: Gel Chomps will freeze!

180.00 - my number for the week!

Sorry I've been missing the past two days! Here's a quick recap:

Wednesday night: 5 mile indoor track run - 6 inches of snow in Southern Indiana.
Thursday: Loooong work day, 1.5 mile run, 11 minutes of elliptical with slightly achy shin, followed by aqua zumba l
I get my car back today - three weeks after it went to the repair shop! Thank goodness. I have missed automatic windshield wipers and heated seats a little too much.
I get most of the three-day weekend off, minus coming in for while Monday to do some work. I have a long run Saturday: 2 hours. My first "major" run of Princess training; for some reason, anything under that time seems much less serious. I'm debating the settting of this run: outside on still-snowy sidewalks, or at the Y on a combo of treadmill and track. The biggest plus of being inside: I can start running earlier, and be done earlier (maybe in time for a quick hot tub soak afterwards!). The rest of my time off will be spend cleaning: my house is almost out of control dirty. I have only had 6 days off since Thanksgiving, and it shows. I also plan on cleaning out my closet, since I have tons of clothes that I simply don't wear any more. I pixie'd my hair in November, and it changes what clothes you look good in. I *LOVE* short hair (have had it most of my life) but it rules out certain pieces of clothing, like turtlenecks (no-neck syndrome) and plaid shirts (k.d. lang syndrome).
I am starting to get pre-Princess planning fear, and would like to get some idea of what I'll need to buy to take with me for the race. A question: anyone use a spi-belt or similar product? Recommendations?

What are your weekend plans?

Treadmill Time

I got in a quick 30-minute treadmill run, abs, and squats and lunges before by class last night. We had about 6 inches of snow, so I had to coordinate my (quick) gym time with the Husband so we could drive there and back. I am *still* in a rental from my accident three weeks ago, and the little compact car doesn't do too well in snow.
I had class from 6:40 - 9:00, and have been overall suprised at how nice it feels to be back in school. I am really interested in the subject matter, and have almost talking myself into registering for a third class. Almost.
I was worried at first about school time taking away time from running - but I think for me, the busiest I am, the more productive because it forces me to schedule things in.
Given the ever-increasing snow, I'll probably running inside again tonight. How do you keep yourself entertained on the treadmill?

I've been tagged!

By two wondeful ladies, Danielle and Crystal!! The rules of this award:
1. Make a post and link back to the person who awarded you this award
2. Share 7 things about yourself
3. Award this to 7 great bloggers
4. Contact these bloggers to let them know they won!

Seven things about me:
1. All of my pets have formal names: first, middle, last. I started this as a kid
2. My favorite book is The Secret Life of the Lonely Doll, a biography about Dare Wright, a 1950s children's book author
3. I can't ride a bicycle
4. I was a vegetarian on and off throughout high school and college
5. I planned my wedding in 8 weeks
6. I didn't change my last name when we got married
7. The husband is 11 years older than I am

My tags:
1. Sara @ running in pink project
2. Nellie @ Midlife Cruise (Already tagged by Crystal!)
3. Middleaged Runner
4. Jess @ Blonde Ponytail (already tagged, too!)
5. Cotter Crunch
6. MamarunsBarefoot
7. Jenae at Hungry Runner Girl

Also, I survived Day 1 of classes! Only one more class this week!


 

My first class . . .

starts in about an hour!! I'm little-kid, freshman-level nervous! Wish me luck!

Weekends at my house

Shopping Day

Between church and work this morning, I did two very important things: registered for my two classes, and went back-to-school shopping at Target. My buys: a 5-subject notebook with a pink cover, a teal folder, mechanical pencils, and some new first-day  clothing (I know, I'm lame). I got a pair of dark demin jeggings and a shell to wear under one of my 500 cardigans. I live in my black jeggings, but can't wear them with my favorite brown riding boots, so I'm happy to have a denim colored pair. Do you do jeggings? I liken them to Spanx-pants: they keep everything still and where it's supposed be. My workout plan for this week:

S: Rest day, had "life" stuff to do, like laundry, church, and getting ready for school
M: Abs and arms -School night!
T: 3 miles  - School night!
W: 3 miles, Zumba or Step or Yoga
R: 2 miles speedwork, Aqua Zumba
F: 3 miles
S: 90 minute long run

I also cooked some "make ahead" items to help plan dinners for this week: chicken, ground deer meat, and a new to me food, quinoa, which will be making an apperance for tomorrow's Meatless Monday dinner.

One thing I have had to confront in getting ready for school is my lack of "everyday" clothing. I have more workout/sweats/t-shirt type clothing than I care to admit, and I have a nice work wardrobe of dress pants, cardigans, button-downs, work-even dresses, and blazers. But nothing in-between, except for 1 pair of jeans, 2 pairs of jeggings, 1 pair of khaki shorts, and shirts I wear underneath jackets at work. I have no cute-casual style. And I'm not sure what a twenty-something should wear to things like classes, or shopping, or anytime yoga pants are not quite dressy enough. I am VERY dressy at work, and maybe overcompensate with being super casual the rest of the time.

What's your style? Do you have a cute-casual look?

2010 Body Image Events

Thought you ladies might be interested in this slide show from HuffPost: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/leslie-goldman/top-10-craziest-moments-i_b_802845.html?ir=Style#s217553&title=10.%20Bethenny%20Frankel%20loses%20the%20baby%20weight%20--%20before%20she%20even%20gives%20birth%21

Snow day!

Not really - just a snowy work day. I wasn't brave enough to venture out running on the ice this morning, so I instead took a 20-minute ab class (and learned I have no core strength) at the Y and proceded to run on the hated 'mill. I made a promise myself: if I could go 70 minutes with no walk breaks, an all-running PR by 5 minutes, then I could quit before making it to the 90 minute mark. I was able to keep race pace for the first 45 minutes, then slowed down, but I made it! Thank goodness for my Ipod!

I have a question for all you: I am starting classes again Monday, as post-graduate student. I feel like I have been out of student mode for FOREVER. What do need to buy/do to get ready? I know I need my laptop, but beyond that I feel clueless. How do you get ready for the first day?

Weekly Weigh-in

I'll be weighing in on Fridays - I like seeing progress of how my week has gone, since I'm more likely to  fall off the healthy wagon during the week than the weekend.

Last night, I ran two miles in 23:00, and then took a 45 minute Aqua Zumba class. I am seriously sore today - the water's resistance makes for a much harder workout than I've ever had in a regular aerobics class.

I am working this weekend, but will hopefully get in my long run tomorrow and take a yoga class, and then get a short run in Sunday. I also need to do my meal planning for next week.

180.5 is my new number. Not too shabby.

What are your weekend plans?

Skirts

Last nights run didn't happen. I got off work about three hours later than planned, so I instead went home, did some lunges, squats, and about an half hour of time with the exercise band doing arm work. Hopefully I'll get a good run in tonight.

I have a question for you ladies: do you run in running skirts? I am trying to figure out what to wear for the half and the 5k at Princess, and while a skirt sounds fun, would they work for those of us who fight "chub rub"? Would I be better off with one with ones shorts underneath vs. the briefs that some of them come with?

What is your preferred bottom to run in? I love the Nike Pacer shorts and any brand of capri tights.

Busy week!

Yesterday after work I went to the orthopedist (all is well!), ran 2.98 miles in 29:00 minutes, and then began the process of registering for classes. Yup, I am officially going back to school this semester. Yay for me. (Or not. Kind of dreading this, actually) Tonight, I have few things to finish booking for the trip for Princess, then hope to get in a run and a class at the Y.

The exciting thing? All our dining reservations are made! Here's how the week looks:
F: Dinner at Cape May Cafe
S: Lunch at Coral Reef (1st time to eat there), Dinner at Shutters at Carribean Beach
S: Lunch at San Angel Inn (1st time to eat there, Dinner at  . . . CINDERELLA'S CASTLE. Finally got reservations for this! I am 5-year-old-kid exciting about eating here.
M: Breakfast at Tusker House, Dinner at Narcosoosee's

What is a dream restaurant for you?

Meatless Monday and Status Photos

Last night, I did 30 minutes on stair machine and lifted weights. Then went home and made this for dinner for myself and the husband:

That, friends, is a black bean burger, a new recipe for me. For 2011, I have given the husband no choice we have decided to go meatless on Mondays. I was a veg for most of college, so for me this is easy, and a good way to get more variety into our diet. I pared the burger (easiest thing to make ever:  mix one can of black beans, drained, two TBS panko bread crumbs, cumin, salt, and hot sauce. Mash with potato masher. Shape into patties, cook for 10-ish minutes in pan sprayed with cooking spray) with some swiss, a sandwich thin, some steak sauce, and sweet potato fries. Super good dinner.

Inspired by the fabulous Sara at the Running in Pink Project, I'm going to post some "starting out" progress photos, with the goal of updating them monthly. I'm a little embarrased by these, so please be kind. Fyi, my hair is all clipped back in front - it's really cute when done! Ok enough insecurity.  Here's how I'm beginning 2011.

Here's me in Oct 2009, right after I started running:

Granted, that outfit is way more flattering than the shorty-shorts and tank. I'm about 195 here.
How do you track your progress?

Week 1 Plans

My second run of the new year was much better than my first: 7.26 miles in 1:21 minutes. One thing I learned about running today: before you plan your routes based on bathrooms to use at the 1-hour mark (please tell me I'm not the only one who does this?) make sure the handy bathroom in the city park that you relyed on all fall hasn't been closed for the winter. Because then you will be grumpy, and have to add a quarter of a mile to your run to hit up a seedy gas station. The run itself felt good though, and my shin is only a little grumpy.

Here are my workouts planned for the week:
Monday:XT, lift
Tuesday: 50 minute run
Wednesday:  hot power yoga, 3 miles
Thursday: 3ish mile group run
Friday: XT, lift
Saturday: 3 miles

Total weekly mileage: around 21 miles

What's your weekly mileage?

Race Plans for 2011

I began today with a 3.5 mile run/walk done on way too little sleep. We rang in the New Year watching TV with the dogs, but midnight is still a late night for me! My three days off turned into only two, so I ended up working today. I began to plan my races for 2011:
 

			Register By	Overnight?
26-Feb	Royal Family 5K	Disney		Y
27-Feb	Princess Half	Disney		Y
26-Mar	Sam Costa Half	Carmel, IN	1-Feb	N
4-Apr	IU Mini	Bloomington, IN	1-Mar	N
7-May	Seymour Half	Seymour, IN	1-Apr	N
21-May	Geist Half	Indianapolis	1-Mar	M
27-Jun	Bean Blossom	Martinsville, IN	30-May	N
July/August?
3-Sep	Women's Half Marathon	Indy	30-Apr	Y
15-Oct	Indianapolis Marathon	Indy	31-Jul	Y
5-Nov	Monumental Marathon		18-Aug	Y
Dec ?

I'm only two halves short from my goal of 11 - I'd like to do a race in July (maybe combined with a vacation for Husband's birthday) and in December. Ideally, I'd want to do St. Jude's Half Marathon then, but it depends on some work/money related things if that will be possible. The green races are ones I plan on "racing" for PRs, the others are either challenging courses or races I'd rather do for fun. I haven't picked a target fall race yet.

Any recommendations for July races? Where are you racining in 11?