Running for Pizza & Giveaway!

I need to do some catching up.  Time has gotten away from me lately.  I'm not sure if it's the day job, combined with the whole being a mom thing and then fitting in runs and making dinner...oh, cleaning up here and there... probably all of the above.  I'm not complaining... just simply saying that I've been running out of time the past few days!

On Monday, my workout was 7 miles.  Well, ok, 6.99.  How stupid is that.  And, how dumb that it actually makes me a little bit irritated that I didn't just run to the next driveway!  Anyway, it was a good run, and about 8:09 or so minute miles.  Not that I'm obsessing with mile pace, but lately I'm kind of... obsessing with mile pace.

Yesterday was Insanity Max Abs.  This was squeezed in to make sure we had enough time for Buddy's Pizza.  The BEST pizza.  I love it.  And, Buddy's Pizza itself is one of the reasons why I exercise.
For Insanity it was Me, Drew Man my faithful parter, Sweet Jordan, Shaun T, Hubby and the Furnace Guy... he was cleaning the furnace.  Anyway...

Today I have my sights set on an easier 5 or 6 miles.  My knees are a little bit sore.  I'm not sure if it's from the jumping in Insanity yesterday or what, but I'm going to take it easy today.

Speaking of today, here in Michigan it's going to be 60 something degrees today, which is awesome!!  But...I was looking in my closet, deciding on which boring pants to wear with which boring shirt  and I realized...everything is boring!  I would love to re-vamp my closet...

I need Stacy London and Clinton Kelly to come and help me out!  More on that to come...I've been checking out the latest fashions in my US Weekly, and I've decided that I'm definitely on the drab and somewhat out of style side.

So 2 things...step it up with my actual wardrobe and with my workout wardrobe.  I'm going to have to take it one piece at a time.

Oh, I actually have some single packs of Shakeology for sale.  Like the Get Fit and Sweat Trying page and leave a comment on Facebook (there's a link to the right), or leave me a comment below if you're interested.  I can send it off to you ASAP!  If you've been thinking about trying it, but want a sample first before you dive in, this is the perfect way to do it!

***If you have ever used a Beachbody Product...any product at all, I would love it if you would leave a comment and tell me about your experience!!***  One lucky comment - er will win a free Shakeology sample!!  Comment by March 10th to win!!

Things I Love - Part 2

Work out today was another 10.17 miles.  I was unbelievably windy, but a good run.  I don't want to speak too soon, but I might be getting the hang of this am really having fun with this!  I think it was about an 8:30+ mile pace.  I'll take it.

Quote of the day from Drew Man:  "Hey, old Lucky Charms taste like chicken!"  Gross.  Funny, but gross.  Don't worry, I'm  not serving my kids old cereal...I just never cleaned up the bowl from the table...oh, my house isn't a pit, really...usually...ummm, never mind.

A while back I wrote about a random few things that were my favs at the time.  I've got some more.

1.  As always, #1 are my peeps...

Story time before bed...

2.  Sweet Jordan loves to draw lately...here's her latest.  It's called, 'Mommy'.  It's beautiful.

You've just got to really appreciate the beauty in this one.

3.  I just can't say enough about my Camel Back!  It's like I just got it new, although I've had it all along.  Dorky as it may be, it's awesome because I can put my IPod in the zipper pocket and have water, all hands free.  Love It!

Had to make a re-appearance.  

4.  Another thing I can't say enough about is my Shakeolgy!  When I say the stuff is amazing, I'm not even exaggerating one bit.  There are so many benefits, but the one that comes to mind right now is the recovery drink that it is!  10+ miles feels so much better after a Shake!  No headache, no stomach ache, so much less a feeling of fatigue and "how am I going to get through the day without a nap" feeling.  It rocks!!!!!!

Another re-appearance, but I can't say enough about this product!  

5.  The Shop It To Me website.  This is an amazing place where I've gotten way too many bargains to even count.  I'll try though...I'm talking shoes for both kids on at least 35% off, Crocs for my parents at 50% off, Nike running shorts X2 (at least) for me at, the very least 25%off...we're talking any brand...you name it, all on sale.  Any time your favorite brand is running a sale, you'll know about it.  Click it and it's yours.  Doesn't get any better than that!

This is not me, and these are not my legs...but...this is a Shop It To Me image!

6.  Here's something I'm loving, but I don't have one yet.  I'd love a Kindle!  That's going to be my next big purchase.  I'm buying one.

7.  Oh, and I've been hearing more about Compression Socks.  I don't have any of those either, but they might be worth the investment.  They are supposed to help with blood flow and recovery from races and long runs.

Photo from runnersworld.com

Out of the Comfort Zone

Feeling stuck in a rut can be frustrating.  You feel like you're working your butt off, and you've hit this limit...you can't get over the hump.

Maybe it's that you want the scale to drop 5 more lbs. and you just aren't making any more progress.  You're doing the same things...eating right, breaking a good sweat 30 minutes 3-5 times a week, and nothing more is happening.

Maybe you set a goal to run a certain distance, but you feel like you can't run another step if you tried.  Getting past that 3 mile or 6 mile mark seems crazy.

It's the "comfort zone".  I am the queen of Loving my Comfort Zone.  It's such a predictable place.  I never have to worry about what will happen, or how it's going to happen.  It is what it is in my little Comfy Place.

In my Zone, I have a Shakeology shake in the morning.  I add 1 cup of unsweetened coconut milk and 1/4 cup of water with 12 ice cubes.  13 ice cubes, and it won't blend without adding more water.  11 ice cubes and it's too thin.

I have a bowl of cereal and some raisins for lunch.  Cheerios, Rice Squares...I love the Chocloate Cheerios!  Sometimes I have an orange too, or a Nutra Grain Bar...occasionally I'll go for a 6 inch Subway sub...occasionally.

For dinner - oooh, this is the scary part - dinner is NOT comfy.  I struggle with planning out dinner meals.    It's too unpredictable...I need to work on dinner big time.

Working out in my Zone is VERY predictable.  I have a set 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10 mile run that I do without fail.  I rarely branch out and run somewhere different or switch up my route too much.  I love knowing exactly how far I have left to go, and now a days, how much longer I have to get to certain land marks.

It's time to BREAK FREE!!  Yesterday I went my usual 6 mile route.  Not very interesting.  But...I had my best run to date, and I was uncomfortable the entire time!  It was Awesome!

From the get go, out my front door I had decided to push it just a little more than usual.   What did I have to lose?  If all else failed, I could walk, right?  I went for it; starting out much past my comfortable -just get into the groove at the beginning of the run- kind of start.

I remembered the days back in college, swimming hard.  Really hard, and pushing myself to the limit.  I  wanted to see if I still had it in me.  I actually felt a little glimmer of that feeling again.  I loved feeling exhausted and done.  When I hit the end of my run, I was Done, out of breath, my legs were Tired, and it was cool!

Is it necessary to push the limit of comfort for every workout from now on?  NO!  That would wear and tear so fast...but more frequently I plan to just Go For It!  Now that I know that it's possible to run just a little faster for a little longer, it's not such a scary thought.

How do you break free from your comfort zone?  


Is it hard for you to deviate from your normal routine?

Looking Good

This is one of the inspirational quotes circulating the web.  I found this on Pinterest and I think it's pretty cute.  For all those who are stylish and have trendy and cute workout clothes, this is a funny little saying.

You start out looking like you're going to tear it up...and then you end up looking like you tore it up, right!!

I must have missed the memo on the part where you are supposed to start off looking cute in order to have something to compare to at the end of your  workout.

Something went bad wrong this morning when I suited up for my 10 miles.  I was under the impression that everything was just fine; right before I left Sweet J said, "Mom, you look fabuwous!"  There wasn't a hint of sarcasm in her voice when she said this, however she must have been lying through her adorable little teeth.

Hubby shot this picture with his phone before I left.   I'm not sure why he, also let  me leave looking like a deranged frog.

Oh yes.  I spent 1 hour and 30 minutes running through town looking like an alien from another planet.

What you can't see in the picture are my light baby blue fingerless gloves.  Those really pull the neon green and the forest green together.

Of course this was the run where I ran into actual people that I know along the way, driving in their cars probably wondering if I lack mirrors in my house!

However, I am glad I had my Camel Back for this run.  I don't know why I haven't been using it all along!  I think it really helped.  A few weeks ago I dropped my water bottle and it rolled under a parked truck about 1 mile in.  I hadn't even had a sip yet!  So this worked out much better.

This is the one I have and I really like it.  There are different styles of course: a back pack style and one with a water bottle instead of the water pack and hose straw.

Oh Yes, I almost forgot!!  Once I reached my destination at the end of my run, I unhooked my Camel Back and discovered that somewhere along the way I got dive bombed by a bird.  A bird pooped on the front of my shirt while I was running.  I had no idea!  How did that happen without me knowing it? I got pooped on.

Special thanks to my Mom and Dad...mom, for providing me with the plastic bag to put my bird shirt in, and Dad for driving my sweaty self home!

I mean, am I the only one who just can't pull a cute workout outfit together?  


Do you make sure to hydrate before, durning, and after a workout?  I found that during is one of the times I pay least attention to and it's probably most important! 

In Need of a Running 101

The closer it gets to race day, the more anxious I feel about my pace!

The problem is that I have no idea what my pace should be!  I need to get this run under my belt and go from there.  There is a 6 year old half marathon PR to compare my impending March 25 time to, but can I really say that is a valid goal?  I was a totally different runner then...ugg!  Is is safe to assume I can run it under 1:50?  I have no idea!!??

Today's run felt awesome; it was an easy 6 miles, and I felt like I was cruising.  8:30+ minute miles is pretty good for me, I think, but as soon as I add on the next 4 to make 10, it all goes down hill from there.

My race background is measly at best, and I'm actually missing one of my medals.  Not that I have a shrine of them or anything, but I did go dig them out the other day just to see what I actually had.

Motivation to run is not what is lacking, in fact, I'm pretty sure I'll sign up for the Ann Arbor Marathon in June...anybody in with me?  It's pacing an specifics on training that I need...

EDIT:  Keep those dreams in sight!  He loved having those medals on...who cares if they were just "participation" ones!

I think I need to read a book.  A good book about running.  I need some guidance and some direction beyond how many miles to run each day.

Any suggestions?

Is It Still the Weekend?

So, since I'm a teacher, we have plenty of breaks.  This just so happens to be 'Winter Break'...and we packed it to the gills with things to do!

I'll start with my 10.5 mile run on Saturday morning.  Since I'm writing in part about my journey to a much fitter me, that's a great place to begin.

Saturday morning:  I left the house at 6:23 a.m.  It was dark, so I decided to carry my phone with me, in case I might need it.  I didn't need it, but I had to carry it in my hand for over an hour and half which was annoying...but a small price to pay in the event that I needed it...which I didn't...you see where this is going.

The sun didn't come up for about an hour, which was actually a good thing.  I prefer running in colder, darker weather.  Maybe I was made for living in Alaska or something.  I guess Michigan isn't that far off.

Timing myself has been such an inner struggle for training this time around.  I thought that I wouldn't care that much about pace at all; just getting back into it was enough...turns out I was wrong.  I tried not to look at my watch during my run, but I couldn't help it, then when I finished, but I couldn't help that either.   I was totally disappointed in my mile pace, which completely bummed me out about the run as a whole; even though I thought (before I looked at my watch at the end) that it was a good run.  I felt good the whole time.  And I finished.  End of story.  I'm not trying to set any record, I just need to keep that in mind.  I have one month left to train and beat my last half marathon time from 2006!


So glad I had my Shakeology after the run because I had no time to feel tired, or run down this weekend!

Still Saturday morning:  Left for Imagination Station science center in Toledo at 9:30 a.m.  This place is awesome.  I have some pictures, but our camera is still on the fritz.  We went with some friends and their kids.  So glad they suggested it!  Kids had a ball.  Every kid and parent in the Toledo area and beyond had the same idea, get there early and leave just before as melt-down occurs.  My child started screaming, "Let me go!" as we were leaving the restroom.  I totally got the, "Get your screaming kid out of here before my kid loses it because of your kid" stank eye from a few parents.  But...2 thumbs up for Imagination Station...for kids and dads.

Drew in the submarine.

Tree house slide.

Dad up in the tree house...

Saturday evening:  Surprise birthday party for my uncle.  He insists that nobody mention the age, so I'll just say it's somewhere between 59 and 61.  Love that guy, and it's always fun to get together with family.

Who doesn't love a Lalaloopsy?

Birthday morning!

Sunday:  Sweet Jordan's birthday on Monday, so grandparents came over for some low-key festivities.  Jordan felt so special, and she had her little cupcake party just like she wanted.  My mom found awesome cupcake cake molds and my theme birthday cake tradition continues...nobody ever said I was professional.  During Jordan's pre-party nap, Drew and I made time for some Insanity Max Abs.  Love my workout partner!

Make-shift Pinkalicious Cupcake party...she loves her new Pinkalicious game too! 

My workout partner in crime.

So excited to be at Kalahari!

Monday morning:  Leave for Kalahari Resort in Sandusky.  If you have never been there, you should go.  Hands down, an awesome place.  Ginormous indoor water park.  Anything you can think of involving water is there, all in one spot.  The kids stayed in a hotel for the first time, and had a BLAST.  We will be going back for sure.  Maybe a lame excuse for a workout, but if you're not used to swimming, and treading water and staying afloat in a wave pool while holding on to at least one kid...man, that was my workout for Monday.

Family photo

Since there's a safari theme...

Little Mermaid ready to go!

Tuesday:  Woke up at the insane water park and I managed to do some abs and push-ups before we hit the waves again.  We stayed until about 1:00...the kids began to come loose at the seams...rightfully so, this place was awesome, but overwhelming to say the least.  We left for home, and here we are.

Tuesday evening:  Another great dinner with my BFF and cousin, Jenny.  We are, well, cousins...but we were college roommates, and BFF's.  As always, life happens and you get married, have kids and time gets away from you.  But, we've been meeting up for dinner every few weeks, and I really enjoy chatting and just catching up.  We can just pick up where we left off last time...love that!

All in all, a great weekend.  I keep calling it a weekend even though today is Tuesday.  Give me an extra day or two off of work and I can't remember what day we're on anymore!  Love that feeling!

Needless to say, with all of the festivities and happenings this "weekend", meals have been a little shotty.  But, I did pack some healthy snacks for our trip so we didn't have to settle for some of the fried up snack bar foods at the water park.  We didn't eat perfectly, but it's not the end of the world.  Tomorrow's another day, and it'll be fine to pick up where we left off.

How was your weekend?

Have you had a super fun weekend get-a-way recently?  with or without the kids?

Motivation: The Salmon Shorts Edition

These shorts.  The reason my fitness revolution began...in that moment at least.  I just wanted those salmon colored shorts to fit me again!  I have nothing to wear with them, they are not really that cute, but I just needed them to fit without bulging over the top!

Not even really a color...but they used to fit, and I wanted them to fit again, darn it!

Well, this was back in May of 2011.  I was exercising, kind of running, without rhyme or reason.  Basically, I would use exercise as an excuse to eat like a pig once the summer came.  BBQ's and salty foods were the name of the game.  If I ran, then I could eat more delicious summer food!

Nothing budged.  I still looked like a stuffed sausage in the salmon, khaki shorts.  

I had Insanity by Beachbody sitting in the DVD drawer for a while, basically untouched.  That was going to be way too hard and way too much of a commitment.  But it was summer...I thought long and hard...and Bit The Bullet.

My first DAY of Insanity was BRUTAL!  Oh my gosh it was so hard.  I barely got through the Fit Test...the one  before you actually start the workouts to see where you are...and I was at the bottom.

Week 1 was no good.  No good at all.  But, I could feel results.  And that is what kept me going.

Week 2, 3, 4 and I was still feeling results.  Seeing them was a different story.  No 6 pack, no guns; still a sweet muffin top over my stupid shorts.

The half way mark was a turning point.  On to MAX Insanity.  And it's just that.  Insane To The MAX.

Workouts are twice as long and twice as intense.  When you see the hard bodies in the video dropping out for a drink and to compose themselves, you know you've hit the MAX Insanity Level!

Well, I got through the cycle.  It was definitely a feat.  But my shorts were still not fitting the way I wanted them too.  Not like they used to back in...ahem...pre-childbearing years.  But that's no excuse, I told myself!  Get those things to fit!

So, I decided to go through the Insanity routine again.  This time it was...not easier, that's not what I'm trying to say.  I had way more control over my body.  I could feel that I'd developed the muscle strength and some core strength to do a much better job this time around.

Once school started back up, and time was an essence again, I had to start supplementing with running and...I could totally feel a huge difference there too!  My runs were more fluid, and I could feel my core and legs doing so much more of the work.  Less struggle with my upper body.  Way more muscle control.

This brings me to the present day.

Today I popped in Insanity MAX Interval Circuit.  59 minutes of circuit training Insanity.  3 Circuits, 3X each, 45 seconds per exercise.  

Meet Shaun T.  My in-home personal trainer.  He will kick your butt up and down your own living room, or basement, or where ever you decide to let him in.  He won't let you stop until you've gone just a little bit further than you thought you were up for that day.  And then you'll go some more.  Love this guy!  


And, combine running with Insanity and most of all dropping off the excuses at the door.  I can fit into my beloved shorts.  I realize it's the middle of February, and I won't be wearing them for months (and since they're not really that cute in the first place, probably not ever again) but the satisfaction of buttoning them up is good enough for me.


I still have a long way to go.  But, little by little, seeing and feeling changes is the coolest thing.  I was so excited to finish the Circuit today, and that makes me want to do it again!  It's a cycle...one of the healthy kinds!  And that's a good thing!


Seriously, about the shorts, that's just a visual motivator.  You know, a silly goal, that helps you get to a point where you feel like you've gotten back some control...and that's what it's all about!  You ARE  in control.  Every time you make a healthy choice, you've taken one more step toward to your goal, whatever it may be. 


More than all of that...I Feel Better.  I Feel So Much Better.  Days of complete exhaustion and fatigue are Few and Far Between.  I Like Feeling Better!  I know that if I continue on this path, I will keep feeling this way, and that's one of the big factors that keep me motivated.


What motivates you?  

Losing It

It's always a pain in the butt when you lose something.  I know this from experience.

My glasses -I found those in a dusty dress shoe in the closet- that I lost a couple of weeks ago.

My IPod.  I had to pretend I just wanted to run without it 2 days ago because I didn't want to admit I didn't remember where I put it.  It was on the wine rack.

The car keys.  It's pretty much a mad search for them every morning.  Yes, we do have a key rack on the wall right when you walk in from the garage.  I tend to drop them on the counter along with the 10 other bags I have in my hands, or they go in my coat pocket, or in the abyss that is my purse.

Chap stick.  Where is all my chap stick.  Somewhere, there is a chap stick  hoarder who is in hog heaven from all of the dang balm I've lost.

My shoes.  Since I usually have to rush someone to the bathroom as soon as we walk in the door, and then I never really sit until after 830...my shoes end up in the oddest of places.  I had to change my entire outfit last minute yesterday morning because I couldn't find my brown boots.

My wallet.  Since Sweet Jordan periodically empties out my purse, you never know if all of the contents have made their way back in.  How many times have I gone to the grocery store without it?  Super awesome that I don't find out till the checkout.  Good thing it's only 5 minutes from home.

My school keys.  This sounds so horrible, I know.  It's my job...get it together at your job!  But, those things are going to be the death of me.  Today, I asked my awesome friend and our secretary if she'd seen them and the other 3 people in the office said, "Again?"  That's a bad sign.  They were in my abyss purse.

Anything I ever put in the zipper pocket of my purse.  Come to find out there was a whole in bottom of the pocket, sucking everything down into the lining.  A true abyss.  I wasn't going crazy!  Found 7 chap sticks and about $15 in change.  No wonder that thing was getting so heavy.

My planner.  I thought, hey, keep a planner.  Try to pull yourself together.  Write stuff down, get organized and get a grip.  I lost it.  I lost the stinking planner.

I'm going Loca!

One of the reasons why I run is to clear my mind.  It helps me to feel more cool, collected and I swear I can think better if I've been running on a regular basis.

What the heck would happen if I ever stopped running.  I shudder at the thought of it.

Can I still use the excuse of "baby brain" when my kids are almost 3 and 5?

8:40

It's 8:40.  Kids in bed.  Waiting for.....The Bachelor to run a little longer.
Why?
Because I hate tons of commercials I've seen a million times, and if I wait a little bit longer, I can fast forward through them all without catching up to real time.  It's all about strategy.
Although, I think Ben is blowing it with his strategy.  Turns out he might just be a regular d.o.g. after all!  Bummer!!

My run today was not supposed to happen.  But, it did.  The day after a long run is usually reserved for a day of rest, so to speak.  For some reason, the voice inside said, "Go And  Run."  It ended up being a short 3 miles, but it felt great.  However, now, my knees are telling me otherwise.  
Tomorrow might be an ABS only day.


Yesterday, I ran out of Shakeology.  It comes in a 30 day supply bag each month.  Right to my door step. It's glorious.  I was prepared to spend a few days without my lovely breakfast drink.
But, like a miracle from UPS, a package was waiting on my doorstep when I got home from work.  
Wooo Hooo!  Gotta love Home Direct Delivery!


I've updated my IPod, thanks to tons of great suggestions, and now I have a good 30 songs to keep me going for a while.  Thanks!
Although, today I ran without it...sometimes just thinking makes the run seem shorter. Go figure.


I plan to do a few short circuits with my 10lb. weights during The Bachelor. That's all I've been doing weight-wise.  Every couple of days, while I'm watching TV, just pick up the weights and do a few exercises.  
Lots of reps with lighter weights.  Totally do-able.  
I got  mine at Target...where else?  Probably along with pull-ups, deodorant, a Hot Wheels and a slushee.  Isn't that place great!?!


I loved the SuperBowl commercial (because it was new and I hadn't seen it a million times) for The Voice with Betty White.  She's Awesome!  We heard a snipit of it on the radio this morning, and Jordan said, "Hey, I saw that lady last night!  She was funny!"
AND, the Clint Eastwood, "It's Half Time" was pretty sweet too!


Did you have a favorite Superbowl commercial?

The Fog Has Lifted

For the Love!  I finally got out for a run after a hiatus of a few days.  I missed it!

Since it was almost 50 degrees in February, I had to take advantage!  Perfect weather, no gloves, no hat and no ice and snow to navigate around.  It was awesome!

And... I made a new play list...

1.  Umbrella - Rihanna
2.  Won't Back Down (feat. P!nk) - Eminem
3.  What's My Name? - Rihanna & Drake
4.  Cinderella Man - Eminem
5.  Cowboy - Kid Rock
6.  Get The Party Started - P!nk
7.  Not Afraid - Eminem
8.  F**kin' Perfect - P!nk
9.  Soldier - Eminem
10. Disturbia - Rihanna
11. The Sweet Escape - Gwen Stefani
12. Everything Zen - Bush
13. Can't You See (feat. Kid Rock) [Live] - Zac Brown Band
14. Learning To Fly - Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
15. Mean - Taylor Swift

I need some more song suggestions.  I've got to have at least 15 more to make sure I don't have to start it over during a long run.  A few I might repeat somewhere in the middle because the have a great Tempo for a pick-me-up!  There are hundreds, maybe more songs on our IPod, but half of them are nursery rhymes, or crazy stuff I just skip over when I'm on shuffle.

Oh, and we had a little snafu today with Little Miss Jordan and some markers.  She said she wanted to look like a baseball player.  I'm not sure exactly what that meant, all I know is that the markers are for use under -supervision only- until further notice.

The red was washable and the blue stamps, not so much.  It took a good scrubbing.  This coming right off of the heels of yellow in the same arrangement yesterday.  The placement of the markings seems to be key?

Have any song suggestions for my running playlist?

And...how are you taking advantage of this sweet February weather?

Confessions

I have a confession.

I've been running for about 12 years.  The earlier part of the 12 was when I was, well, 12 years younger.  I could really focus on just me.  Run when I wanted, train my heart out and totally stick to a rigid plan.
This part of the 12 years, I'm older...obviously...and now, my focus is spread thin.  Super thin.  I still love it, but it's a different kind of love now.  It's a more fragmented and less structured kind of love.

These days...

I have no idea what I'm doing.  I just run.  I look at my watch when I start and I look at my watch when I'm done.  In between, I just run.
I try and apply the training principles of distance swimming that I learned through the years.
Start off at a good pace, and then half way through, pick it up.  That's all I do.  Not very scientific.

I'm not following a race plan this time.  I'm totally winging it.  I haven't printed off, or downloaded any training schedule.
As long as I run 3 times during the week, plus a long run 8+ on the weekend, I should be ok, right?  I suppose we'll find out!

I perform much better under pressure.  I need a time crunch.  Today, I had 30 minutes from start to finish.  I set out on my usual 4.2 mile square, and was done in 33 minutes.  Ran over a little, but was my best pace per mile as far as I can remember.

I have very little actual running gear.  I have a few pair of Nike running shorts, and I can't live without my Brooks Adrenaline, but that's it.  One or two dry fit shirts, and the rest we're talking leggings that were made to wear with dresses, my husband's baggy sweatshirts, and a bunch of stuff I've probably had for the 12 years (off and on) I've been running.

I carry my IPod in my left hand while I run, and I believe it's making my left arm scared to move.  It's hard to see myself, but I picture my left arm hardly moving while my right arm is going crazy.

Occasionally I'll pass by a runner.  I mean, a real runner.  You can just tell by the sweet sunglasses, the reflective zip up jacket, leggings to match, IPod tucked away somewhere with arms and hands free.
I'd be willing to bet I just look like a complete hot mess.

But, I don't care.  Well, I kind of do, but what can I do about it, you know?

I just really really like to get outside and go for a run.  That's pretty much it.

I confess, I'm not a professional.  Or an expert.

I do have a degree in PE and Health.  I know a lot about that stuff.  I know that exercise is great for you in all ways, and I know tons of stuff about cardiovascular health, and fast and slow twitch muscles and how they work.  I know where all the major muscles in the body are and great weight training exercises to increase strength in all of them.  I know about blood pressure, and cholesterol, carbohydrates, fiber and vitamins.  All that stuff.  But, I'm still not an expert.

You don't have to be.  You just have to like it.  Just pick something you like, and do it.  Who cares if you aren't the most chic, or the strongest, fastest, leanest one out there.  You're out there! And by doing that, your better!

On the chic note, does anybody actually have suggestions for comfy running pants that aren't meant to be leggings under dresses?  Ha!

Cold Can't Stop This Girl

Today, I decided to Rev Up my running routine, and throw in the first actual long run while training for the Rock CF Rivers Half Marathon in Grosse Ile, MI.

There's a loop starting right out my front door that is a little over 4 miles.  I do that all the time.  Sometimes I veer off for a mile and then hook back up to make it longer.  There's no real way to make it shorter since right in the middle, mixed into a few neighborhoods is a huge field with a set of railroad tracks running through.

Anyway, today, I ran that loop twice.  So just a little over 8 miles.

I was a good run.  I felt really great, and I sort of felt like I could have kept going, but I didn't want to push it.

There could have been a glitch though.  Since the loop starts right outside my front door, I had to pass my house half way through.  A small part of me thought, just for a second, about stopping then.  4 miles is a good hearty amount.  But, the bigger part pushed on past and went for round 2.


The other thing was this:  it was only 16 degrees this morning!  That is super duper cold in everyday life!  Frost bite cold!

But, in running, it's not that bad at all.  Yes, it's cold, don't get me wrong.  It did make it a lot better that the sun was shining, it wasn't too windy, and the snow wasn't too deep.

When it's cold-er outside is when I prefer to run.  I'll run in any temperature, but cold is better.  I'd much rather it be 16 degrees than 80 degrees.  That's for sure.

If you decide to get outside for some exercise, and the temps are chilly, all you have to do is dress for the occasion.  Put together some simple layers, cover your fingers, cover your head and you should be good!

Here is exactly what I wore running today.  Everything but the unders.  I kept those out of the pic.
And let me tell you, I'm not winning any award for "The Stylish Runner".   You don't have to spend a fortune to be well equipped for the colder weather months.  You probably have what you need already!  As long as you're not worried about looking HOT, then you can definitely stay warm while you're out there!

Red Adidas Dry Fit:  layer 1

Yellow Cotton Long Sleve:  layer 2

Old Red Hoodie:  layer 3

Running Shoes and Regular Ankle Socks

Glove/Mittens from The Family Dollar

Kent's Adidas Winter hat

Nike Cotton Pants (from my cousin Jenny) which I love 

IPod

All stuff I've had for at least 3 years or more!  Nothing new.  The Dry Fit layer 1 is to wick away moisture.  This will keep the chills away, especially if there's wind.

That's all there is to it!

If you're walking, you'll want to bundle up a little more, and maybe add a layer on the legs and another pair of socks.

Don't let the cold air keep you indoors!

How do you feel about trekking outside in the bitter cold temps?

It's All About Moderation, Baby!

Have you ever eaten a King Sized box of Mike and Ikes?  I mean, all by yourself?

Mmmm...they just look so good, don't they?

Almost immediately after, you get this sick feeling in your stomach, and a headache.  Then you feel dizzy, then you feel tired.  That's a boat load of sugar!  Not to mention the major empty calorie intake!

If you know this is going to happen to you; that eating an alien sized box of candy will give you minutes of joy, but hours of anguish...why do it?!

I asked myself this same question not too long ago...(just the other day) at the local SavMor Drug Store.
You see, I let the kids both choose a piece of candy.  Harmless enough, they both picked ring pops.  Remember how fun those used to be?

I apparently though it a good idea to choose a candy myself.  I chose the ginormous box of Mike and Ikes.

Yep.  The King Size.

Over 100 calories a serving, with 7 servings inside, of pure unadulterated S U G A R.

I said to myself, "Melissa, it's not like you're going to eat it all at once."  Knowing that was a complete lie, I went for it anyway.

So dumb!

As the kids sucked away happily on their blue raspberry Ring Pops, I shoveled handfulls of those damn things into my mouth.

Oh, I ate all of them alright.  I felt sick, I felt guilty...not worth it at all!

Why do we do this?  It's not like we don't know it's not healthy for us.  It's the same with the half a bag of Doritos, or the portion the size of your head at the restaurant.  Must...eat...all...

Yuck!

It's really all about moderation.

I'd be a crazy liar to say that I'm never eating a Mike and Ike again.  Or never buying another bag of Doritos.

No, next time, my smart sensible self is going to kick in and tell the googly eyed self when enough is enough.

There's no reason to give up "junk food" and eat rice cakes and drink water from here on out.  Part of the journey is to become more aware of my weaknesses, and hone in on those and just make changes!

Pushing every tempting food out of your life forever does not follow the idea of moderation.  There's got to be a balance.

I'm finding it, and  I find that the better I feel, the less often I'm tempting myself with a "box of doom".

It all goes together, it's all a process and YOU are in control!

Is there something you just can't resist?  You know you shouldn't, but you cave anyway?

Do What You Do!

In 2000, I ran my first marathon.  Well, more accurately, my only marathon.  It was an awesome experience...one of the best ever.  Not just running the marathon, but it was in beautiful Anchorage, Alaska.  What a trip!  The running part was great, and yes, it was grueling.  Somehow, I barely remember the pain or the complete agony of running up-hill, I mean a steep hill, for the last mile.
More, I remember kayaking, hiking on a glacier, white water rafting, RVing through the woods and endless roads through gorgeous, untouched by man, land.  What a week.  What a time.

I ran 2 more half marathons after that.  One it Dexter, MI and one in good old Detroit, MI.  Neither one was stellar enough to write home about, but man did I love the experiences!

Then, in 2007 I had my sweet son Drew.  I never felt like I had the time to continue the running;  I felt like it would take too much time away from him.  In 2009 I had my little princess Jordan.  Same thing... no time, and no way did I want to take away attention from them!

I ran into a neighbor at Target one day just after Jordan turned 1.  She asked if I wanted to get up early the next morning, before work, and go for a walk/jog.  I had really been thinking about getting back into shape, but never doing anything about it.  I said yes, got up the next morning, went for a walk/jog, and haven't stopped since.

I'm not sure if I want to run another marathon.  Man, that's a lot of work, and time, and super duper dedication every day.  Above and beyond staying fit and in shape.  I can at least say I ran one.  But, a half marathon is in my very near future.  There's a local one in Grosse Ile, MI, that I'm doing in March.
I'm really excited to get back into the swing again.  It feels great to have that right around the corner.

Having something to work for has been key for me to keep motivated in fitness and running.  Some days it's just getting through the same 4 mile loop as usual.  Other days it's pushing it a little bit further and adding in another half mile or mile.  Then on other days, it's getting through a 50 minute Insanity workout.  Heck, there are days when making it all the way through the 16 minute AB workout is killer!

Do what you can do, and do what keeps you feeling good and motivated.  If you're feeling good, then you're doing something right, right?

Finding Time

When is the best time to work out?

They say you should work out in the morning right after you wake up.  You know, get up when the sun shines through your blinds, stretch, roll out of your bed, strap on your running shoes and jog through the park in the morning sun, wave to roller bladers, pet a dog, hug a baby...ummm...right.

When I wake up it's pitch black all the way till I roll into work, and pretty much it's pitch black by the time I get home, at least in the winter time.
What about you?  I mean, if you fall under the park runner in the sun category, then more power to you!  But, I've got to map it out so that I can squeeze in a workout during the day sometime before the next day starts!

It's a priority for me to break a sweat most days of the week.  And, you better believe I'm going to make it happen.  There are a few reasons for this...
1.  I feel so much better on the days that I get a workout in.
2.  I sleep so much better on the days that I get a workout in.
3.  I eat so much better on the days that I get a workout in.
4.  I am one step closer to my personal goal on the days I get a workout in.
5.  I'm leading by example to my kids about the importance of being active on the days that I get a workout in.

Some days I'll wake up 45 minutes early in the morning.  Not ideal.  I do not love getting up before 5 in the morning.  I hate it in fact.  But...once I'm up and doing whatever it is I'm doing, I'm so glad I'm doing it!

Some days I'll wait until the kids are in bed.  Not ideal.  I'd rather be watching a recorded 'Modern Family' or 'Gossip Girl'....ha...did I just admit that?  But, again, so glad I did, once I've started.

Some days I'll be able to sneak off for a while when Kent gets home for maybe a run if it's not pitch black out by then.  More ideal, but it takes time away from my hanging out with my fam.

Point is, it's not going to be the most ideal time, or situation.  You're not always going to feel like, "Oooh, I can't wait to workout!"  But, the more you do, the more you like the feeling of feeling good because you did it!  And, you'll find that what you just did was faster, better, longer, stronger, than the time before!  And that's a cool feeling too.

I believe in the saying that it takes 21 days to form a habit.  Be it a good one, or a bad one.  I'd say working out would be under the good category.  On the other hand, waiting until my car gets to E before  I fill it up...now that's a bad one...I should work on that!

What about you, when do you prefer to workout?