To Lunch or not to lunch?

As I made my morning walk from the parking lot and up the stairs I looked around the hall way and thought “It’s a Christmas miracle!” Someone came over night and decorated the entire floor so much work just for one day who is crazy enough to do that?  As I walked further I saw stickers on the window I thought Purchasing Dept stickers does that mean they’re the ones who did all this decorating for us?  Then as I was about to put the key in the door to the office I noticed someone I didn’t recognize go in the other door…. Hmmmm  I had exited the stairwell on the second floor not the third floor!!!!!  I snuck out before anyone could see me but was laughing hysterically as at myself and the person passing me in the stairwell looked at me funny so I just said “Merry Christmas!”  It’s a ghost town here and most are already on vacation and those who aren’t physically are mentally, hence the above story.  As the brave few still left sit around discussing whether we’ll get that delightful e-mail from the prez telling us we can leave early and to have a happy holiday!  So I ask myself do I lunch or not?  Will they let us leave or not? 

Fa la la la laaa la la la laaaa!!   That’s all that’s going through my head.

Ok so Monday was a weird workout, I was scheduled to do 50 minutes of cardio.  I started on the treadmill, 10 mins. Felt funny so took a bathroom break, step machine 12 minutes still felt dizzy and lightheaded so went to the mats to do some crunches then pushed through another mile on the treadmill.  All in all only managed to get about 35-40 total minutes at the gym (including the crunches) and went home.  I don’t get why this randomly happens to me I ate well that day I’m gonna have to start taking gel packs to the gym even for short workouts, ridiculous!!  It happens to me about 2-6 times a month for no apparent reason…  Tuesday on the other hand had an awesome plyometrics and weight workout that totally made up for Monday.  Burned over 400 calories and felt awesome.  Wed. had an indoor soccer game that we brutally lost but we were short subs so I did A LOT of running!  Today if we get out early I will go for a hike with my wonderful doggie and my bf, yes he’s wonderful too we just have a difference of opinions from time to time ;-)  Then to go grocery shopping to prepare for a fun filled Christmas weekend.  Extra bonus my good friend since 7^th grade will be in town with her new hubby and we will be seeing the Luminarias together!!!  I’m so lucky to have the friends and family that I have surrounding me!!

Menu:

Friday -  BF = Eggs or Tofu with grits (tortilla for D), "soy bacon"
             Lunch = Steak or Vegetarian Meatloaf, mashed potatoes
             Dinner = Salad and/or leftovers
 Daytime hike or sledding and snowplay with Lexi
 Friday night we will go to Old Town to see the Luminarias then drive around to see Christmas lights (S & Fam joining us)
 Saturday - MERRY CHRISTMAS!
 BF = Berry Tasty Breakfast Cups
Lunch = Sweet Potato Casserole (w/some set aside for D to be made with marshmallows), Rice and artichoke salad, crescent rolls, Couscous loaf, corn on the cob (or some type of grilled vegetables), Mom's choice of dessert
Dinner = Leftovers or Salad
 D & N 12 mile run, someone else could walk Lexi
S and Fam to stop by in the afternoon for hot chocolate distribute neighbors gifts....

Sunday - 
BF = Hot Cereal (or left over crescent rolls for egg sandwiches w/soy sausage
Lunch = Spaghetti w/Marinara Sauce (Mom's Style Sauce) and Garlic Bread
Dinner = Salad, Leftovers or sandwiches
 9am spin class or other activity

Monday -  2 hour Volunteer w/Road Runner Food Bank first thing in the morning.....

Yes this is an actual email I sent out to my family, I know I have a problem with planning ;-)  See prior post…

Fun in the snow!

Finally got some snow in the mountains.  Two hour delay for work which is funny cause the roads in town were fine but I'll take what I can get.  Had a great 8 mile run on Sat. (recovery week) then went to the east mountains for some play time with good ol' Lexi.  Sunday did a spin class to help keep my muscles from tightening up and wow what a good idea!!  I felt so great!  I had been taking Sundays off due to hurting so bad from Sat. long runs and because usually had to catch up on errands but I loved it!  What do you think would spin class help also after the longer runs?  hmm....

So much on my mind

Days filled with holiday parties and special events keep me busy and tired but still happy!  Have the local Roadrunners Christmas party tonight which is always fun and the chance to win running related gifts is an added bonus (last time the runners bracelet I won was awesome).  So thankful that my new workplace is considerate of vegetarians, twice they made accommodations without me having to ask, yesterday vegetarian red chile and squash enchiladas and today veggie delight sandwiches from Subway!  WooHoo…  we won’t mention the cheesecake I had afterwards…  Had a nutcracker “experience” and we’ll just leave it at that, then helped the bro pick up some wood flooring and tonight the party, when is a girl to work out!!!!  Tomorrow is a rest week in my marathon training, 8 mile run.  We were going to do some hill running but it has since snowed so think we’ll stick to the city.

Recertified again with NASM as personal trainer, I keep doing it “just in case”.  I did let my USAT triathlon coaching cert. lapse though.  I’m thinking of maybe picking up a few clients on the side, make some extra cash.  Personal training was the funnest, most enjoyable ,and rewarding job I have ever had.  I just couldn’t quite make ends meet with it at the time cause I tried going back to school again at the same time.  But I figured this way I get the best of both worlds.  So with my new job I get 1 week and 1 day off for Christmas wow!  I didn’t plan a trip anywhere b/c the bf would have been jealous.  So instead I’m going to do a boot camp for myself with at least 2 cardio workouts and some weight training each day!  I will also take that time to register myself as a business so I can start the personal training.  The catch is I don’t quite feel like a trainer.  I mean I am still in shape but about 15 lbs heavier than when I was a trainer before.  Maybe it’s just the motivation I need to stop shoving those extra calories down my throat, he he he....  Losing that weight would sure make my running easier too!  Gotta pull out the “Racing Weight” book again and start reading.  But I get so tired of keeping a food log L  No one ever said it was easy right, ok I will practice the speeches I use to give to clients on myself.  I will also start a mirror of motivation like I had done when training for my Ironman (I’ll post a picture once I’m done with it).  So I never like to do New Year’s resolutions but I do like to set midyear and annual goals for myself, do here it goes:

1)      Get to my “race weight” or as I prefer to call it my “fighting weight”

2)      Register for at least 8 triathlons in the local challenge series

3)      Register myself as a business and acquire a few clients

4)      Not injure myself this year with skiing, running, soccer, etc

Goal date: March 2010  Will keep you posted!

I feel good, I feel great, I feel wonderful (repeat)

As I started off on last week's long run (16 miles) Saturday morning I started on my usual routine of chanting in my head.  For the first half I chanted "I feel good, I feel great, I feel wonderful."  Over and over and over, it also helps when you envision Bill Murray repeating this as he rubs his temples at the beginning of "What about Bob?"  The first 2.5 miles were an uphill warm up not bad just a little slow, then the next 5.5 miles felt really good but I had to keep reminding myself not only was I going slightly downhill but the wind was at my back pushing me along.  Then as I was looking for the bf at the turn around I became concerned.  I didn't see him and he had been quite a ways ahead of me the whole way there.  So I thought maybe this wasn't the turn around so I kept running.  Finally, I gave up and turned around (probably added about 1 extra mile to my run).  Then the wind hit me full blast and so did the slight uphill.  At about mile 11 I had to start walking more often and for longer periods of time.  It was pretty miserable but I knew I couldn't stop.  I kept having to take stretch breaks.  Then the final 2.5 miles were downhill and the most brutal on my sore leges! 

As I got closer to the end I kept thinking ok if the bf is already done why hasn't he come in the car to check on me.  Also when ever the times get tougher I usually switch chants.  I start chanting "Come on (insert name), you can do it, put a lil' pooowwweerrr into it! and move 2,3,4 and move 2,3,4"  and I repeat that over and over then there comes the point where it becomes so painful I become present and that is the worst during a long run.  When you are not present it is easy to get through the run and minor uncomfortableness due to fatigue.  I realized how funny I sound sometimes when I tried telling my bf about this practice of chanting and how chearleader like it sounded at least it gave him a good laugh.  Turns out he finished behind me somehow we have no idea how cause on the way out he looked so strong.  We think that during the time I ran an extra mile at the turn around he had dodged in to McDonalds to get a cup of water (he had to ditch his belt at the start of the run) and we must have missed each other.  That still doesn't explain how I got so far ahead to where I was the one in the car picking him up (he only had about 1/2 mile left when I picked him up).  But we made it we did our long run.  Sunday we were soooo exhausted though.  All I managed to do was walk my dog for about 2 miles.  I have said this before and I stick to it WIND is my LEAST favorite element!!

It was my turn to bring a snack in to work this morning and I brought humus.  It is amazingly quick and easy to make and you can add all kinds of twists to it.  Today I made the basic humus.

Humus
1 can (14oz) garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
Lemon Juice (1 lemon)
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup plain fat free yogurt (or soy yogurt, or olive oil depends on if you are trying to cut out fat or dairy products)
2-3 tablespoons sesame seed paste (tahini)
2-3 cloves garlic
Salt
Throw all of it in a food processor and blend till smooth (add water if too thick)

Some of the things I might add (but not all at the same time just depends on what flavor I'm looking for) are: fresh parsley, green chile, chipotle powder, sun dried tomatoes or avocado.  You could drizzle a little bit of olive oil on top and some people put chunks of white onion sticking out.

It's the small things in life that make me happy!

I'm so happy I can find joy in the small things!  Some may call me kooky or quirky but that makes me happy too so I'm ok with that.  Today's small things:



Making sure Toys for Tots had plenty of bikes to give away!



 



Dog in a box = hours of laughter!



Lots of colorful pens so that my work and to do lists aren't boring...

Pipe cleaners to give out to ppl that need something to do.. or kids that stop by

TootsiePops for anyone that has a meeting with me to complain about their boss this always helps!

And of course every time I have an awesome workout like last night.  Tonight is sprints in the gym!  What makes you happy?





What a difference a night makes (zzzzzz)

Ahhhh, got to bed early last night (9pm) tossed and turned for bout an hour but then once I finally fell asleep, wow, what an awesome night of sleep, beautiful sleep!!!    Last night I went to my soccer game thinking I'll sit out a lot cause of how I was feeling.  But everyone else was also tired and it was a TOUGH game so I ended playing a lot and doing extra running.  Second half we were short by 1 girl for 2 mins. as a penalty for her cussing but that team was playing rough so we gave it right back ;-)   I got 2 bruises and a swollen ankle and leg.  Full force close range ball to the thigh then a kick to the inside of my ankle that already has problems.  We lost our first game of the season and we had been in 1st place before this.  But hey we're still doing way better then last season.  All in all I felt good and I'm glad I played as much as I did even though I was exhausted! 

Today I feel so refreshed and not only am I caught up at work but ahead.  I am looking forward to an awesome plyometrics and weight lifting workout tonight!  The new Juanes CD came out today and excited to add it to my playlist!  On the menu tonight Vegetarian Posole, hoping if I make it extra spicy it will clear out the last of the congestion.  The new trick I'm going to attempt is cooking it in a pressure cooker so it will be done faster.  Only attempted using it once before for risotto but ended up burning it so let's hope this experiment turns out better.

Good and tired.

How do you people do it?  I mean keep a social life, manage the household and stay in tip top racing shape?  I will always be an average athlete and proud of it...  Over the years when I set my race goals I always meet my goals but never improve on them.  My over all goal is to keep racing local events to be able to associate with fellow athletes and to remain healthy, not to actually be competitive, because of weekends like this last one I realize my limitations. 

This weekend was fun filled yet exhausting and I'm DRAGGING at work today.  All I can think of is my nice comfy bed at home that I can't wait to crawl in to but I have a 7:30 pm soccer game I have to participate in and buy the last two items on my Christmas shopping list before that happens.  Sat/Sun I organized the house and especially my home office, finished putting decorations up, wrapped gifts, bought more gifts, cooked, got a surprise visit from a really good friend, went bowling, stayed out too late Sat. ran more errands, volunteered at Toys for Tots Sun. morning took a nap that threw my schedule off but boy did I enjoy it, ran 10 miles with my bf, did laundry and fell asleep in front of the TV Sun. night before prepping my lunch and gym bag for the next day.

Tomorrow I told my brother I'd help him go to pick up the last of his wood floors that finally came in, Wed. there is the Nutcracker that my bf wants to see and Fri. friends birthday dinner followed by a musical, anniversary on Sat.

Now to find time to fit in all my training, I'll have to do a few at lunch and a few late night workouts.  I know it is worth it in the end because I get to see the smiling faces of my friends and family.  But through all of this the last month or so I keep feeling like I'm fighting off a cold even if I stop to take some rest days.  Ok I will suck it up and go on my merry way!

On a roll...

It's kind of weird that while I'm being asked if I'm coming down with a cold I'm on this awesome workout streak!  I love getting on a roll like this I feel awesome!  Ok, so I may sound congested because I am, my ears are plugged, I have a bad sinus pressure headaches but when I get off work and hit the gym it all goes away.  Yesterday I did about 4 miles total: 1 mile treadmill warm up, 5 suicides on the basketball court 2 x high knees, butt kicks, skipping, thn was kicked outta there so went back to do 1 minute sprints on the treadmill x 5 followed by a 1 mile cool down.  The bf did maybe 1 mile of sprints on the treadmill then did the elliptical for 10 mins he seems to be having knee problems....

I think I have finally jumped on board with my training/healthy living plans.  I'm back to my normal self!  Today I'm going back for some more plyometrics as well as weight lifting.  Friday is going to be my day off followed by a 10 mile run on Sat.  The high temp on Sat. is supposed to be 45 so I will have some time to run errands in the morning while I let it warm up a lil.

Had the most awesome homemade salad for lunch today and came in about 450 calories with dressing and all.  Some of my favorite salad toppings are baby corn and avocado yum!  Sometimes I splurge and and get palm hearts or artichoke hearts. My favorite dressing is so simple: 1 tblsp olive oil, 1/2 lemon juice, 2 tblsp balsamic vinegar, crushed gralic clove and italian seasoning. 

On my mind...

I love blogging on my lunch breaks it gives me something to look forward to.  Not to mention the fact that if I did it from home in the evenings we only have the computer hooked up on the big screen and I don't like writing while someone is watching my every word, is that weird?  (I need a laptop!).  Last night's workout was awesome!!!  The only thing that was changed was instead of doing the mile run after I was doing sets of stairs in between sets of weights.  Stayed well below my calorie limits for the day in meals.  The trick I need to stick to is usually I would write down what I ate for dinner in my food log after the fact.  I find that if I log it before I eat it I have to think do I really need those extra calories?  Success!

Today is sprints but it is so cold outside I am going to do 1 mile warm up on the treadmill run sprints in the basketball court then cool down with another mile on the treadmill.  Goal for today is to walk the dog as soon as I get home from the gym I don't care how cold it is.  She is so much happier when I exercise her and I just have to remember how I feel on the days I don't get to exercise and I can't do that to her....   I'm feeling like I'm trying to fight off another cold but don't think I'll actually come down with anything.

Just got a txt from the bf informing me he was going out for some drinks with co workers on Fri.  I reminded him we have a long run on Sat.  Now what I need to remind myself is a) I am not in control of his training and b) he is not in control of my training.  I am going to have faith that he is going out for 1-2 drinks and will still make the Sat. run with me.  HOWEVER, if not I will not let this anger me or affect my own Sat long run I will do what I am scheduled to do with or without him.  Any takers on a bet?  When he started this training I told him most people run around a 4 1/2 hr first marathon with proper training.  He said he'd have that beat and place in his AG.  Then he says ok I won't place but I'll still finish in less than that.  Now it is becoming ok I'm definitely going to finish the marathon.  I hope he does but at this rate neither one of us is doing well in the training.  The difference is I have realized this and am taking owner ship of my shortcomings and catching back up.  We'll just have to wait and see....

My favorite shoes to run in are New Balance I love how they fit my narrow foot and it's an extra bonus that they carry lines made in the US sweatshop free!

Lil bit of training & lots of planning

Anyone else feel like they spend most of their time planning and planning to plan?  I am constantly making lists, lists of goals for each year both work and personal, lists for groceries and shopping, lists of things I need to do each week then broken down to each day, lists of what trips I need to plan and what I'm going to do while I'm there and what I need to do before I get there, training schedules, race schedules, holiday lists and schedules, daily work tasks lists etc, etc.... No?  Just me?  Come on I know all you triathletes and runners out there must have some Type A tendencies!  I've been made fun of more times than I can count for being such a planner.  Then on the flip side I've been thanked for being a planner cuz if not half the stuff wouldn't have been possible (especially on vacations).

Not to say that I don't leave room for some spontaneity but it has to fit into the empty slots ;-)  I guess it's just about staying in motion....  Right now my latest lists involve Christmas Gifts and Volunteer Events.  I've started my own little tradition in that the only gift I really want from my friends and family is their time.  I usually have to find the events for them to volunteer at and and book it but it's worth it in today's world of commercialism and corporate holidays I wanted to bring a little taste of reality back to it.  On the block so far this year for different events is a food bank, toys for tots, and homeless veterans.  I've decided to take a short break from volunteering year round with a local hospice and possibly pick up some extra volunteering with an outdoor group, I spend enough time in the outdoors that maybe just 2 x a year for a trail clean up isn't enough!

Training: Yesterday I played another soccer game.  We won which has been a nice change compared to our previous season.  I was told to not be afraid to kick the ball hard at the goal that I was tapping.  1st I've never played forward so I don't know how to take goal shots I welcome any help in that area, 2 my ankle is still tender so I was a little gun shy.  But with time comes experience.  Today I'm going to do 20 mins plyometrics, 30 minutes weight lifting and 1-2 miles on the treadmill.  Tomorrow is sprints.  I'm arguing back and forth with my other half whether to do the 16 mile run this Sat. or next either way 10 miles will be the longest we've ran so far so I don't see the difference and that would mean I could participate in an event I look forward to every month with my local running group... But we'll see who wins the logic behind this one!

Keep moving!

Post Thanksgiving Fallout

Thanksgiving was a success as far as food, friends, family, outdoors, relaxation, sleep goes.  As far as workout status I'm a little bummed.  On Thursday I managed to run 1 mile warm up, 8 hill sprints, and 1 mile cool down and it wasn't too cold.  The bf was complaining about his knee but I felt really good.  On Friday we took the entire family for a hike (about 3 miles), including the new pup and it was awesome weather.  Sat we started out on our 15 mile run and I felt awesome but bf still having knee problems.  Then about mile 4 he actually passed me and the wind hit me like a ton of bricks.  It slowed me down and I got very chilled!  We made it to 6.5 miles then decided to catch a ride back to town instead of finishing the run.  My ankle was swollen I think due to post soccer and hiking strain on the old sprain.  On Sunday we drove back and I had every intention of working out but when the weather didn't cooperate I decided to clean and decorate the house.   :-(

I'm torn I had an awesome weekend but am feeling desperate when I think about how far behind we are in our marathon training!  Wish me luck in hopes of catching up next weekend!  Tonight I have an 8:20pm soccer game and I hope I don't agitate the swollen ankle.  I can do this!  I won't let others influence my workout frame of mind and I won't be so easily swayed by extenuating circumstances, starting NOW!

Vegetarian Chili  (to serve with Frito pies)

1 package Lightlife Smart Ground Mexican Style (or if you prefer to leave this out make it a 2 bean chili and add some black beans)

2-3 cloves garlic (to taste)

½ - 1 chopped white onion

1/2 chopped red onion

2 stalks celery halved                                            

½ bell pepper

1-2 tblsp tomato paste

Add the spices you enjoy: salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, paprika, chipotle powder, green chili (I usually add all)

½  or full package if small one of Small Red Beans (remember to sift for dirt/rocks)

In a crock-pot add beans, garlic, onion, celery, bell pepper, and all the spices except for the salt fill up half way with water if half bag or ¾ full of water if full bag.  Cook on low for 7-8 hours.  After done cooking take out the celery, bell pepper, and whole garlic cloves.  Stir in tomato paste, Smart ground, and salt.  Serve over Fritos and top w/lettuce, chopped red onion, tomatoes, cheese (optional)

Enjoy!

Thanksgiving Shenanigans

Super duper excited for a long weekend in the mountains with friends, family and my bf.   Keeping my fingers crossed that my new job lets me out early.  We have a 3.5 hr drive to the mountains in the middle of what is supposed to be a nasty storm.  I'm going to offer to drive because the bf has been sick, I know I'm great you don't have to say it :-)   

So the last 3 or 4 years my brother and I had convinced my parents to have a completely vegetarian thanksgiving and they've loved it.  This year however we are having extra guests including the bf (1st holiday season together) so the parents have decided to do both a turkey and tofurky...  But maybe I can convince a few extra ppl it is just as delicious, nutritious and filling.  I am making vegetarian gravy from scratch (the main ingrediant is turnips) very yummy.  We have of course the mashed potatoes and stuffing and a vegan green bean casserole that has been requested.  We are doing the tofurky, for some reason my brother loves this stuff, personally I would prefer stuffed squash or grilled portabellas but I can compromise....

Along with that I will be going to the gym today during lunch in preparation for driving after work. Thurs. will be hill sprints (bf's idea but now that he's sick don't know if he'll participate).  Friday will be a hike with the dog (as long as there isn't snow on the trails) and Sat. will be a 15 mile long run with hills at 9,000 feet.  I brought lots of layers!  The average person gains 5-20 lbs over the holidays, yikes!  I'm going to indulge but not overindulge....

I am thankful for my friends, family, boyfriend, being able to run, having a car that will get me there, having a job still that is allowing for me to do all this and my health! 

Goooaalllll!!!!

I scored my first goal at last nights indoor soccer game!  Or at least my first goal since I have been reintroduced to soccer.  I remember playing regular soccer when I was younger from about 3rd - 8th grade then I had to stop because my highschool was too small to have a soccer team.  Later in college I took a PE soccer class and played intramural soccer off and on.  It had been almost 8 or 9 years then a friend asked if I wanted to join her indoor soccer team.  Wow!  What a workout!  I like it for my sprint days.  I wore my HR monitor and my HR is defenitely anarobic during the sprints it will go up and down between 120s to 170s and it goes by so fast.  But I've also noticed I'm more prone to injuries which is bad when you are trying to train for a marathon...   Yesterday I felt my ankle almost give out again, and I thought noooo there is no way this can happen cause last time it took me 2 months to recover from the sprained ankle.  But then I went on to score a goal instead.

I am torn between having fun crosstraining days with my friends or playing it safe!  My final decision is that I'm going to keep playing at least this season.  The whole point is to keep me moving that's why I signed up for the marathon and that's why I try new sports.  So I will keep playing..

Now on to more recent news we had a TG potluck at work (frito pies which I brought the vegetarian chili for, recipe soon to come) and I had 2 bowls!!! Plus 1 cookie! :-(  I am so full I can't think straight.  My body becomes sluggish I can't think straight (see I already said that) and I'm even thinking how am I supposed to work out feeling like this.  Well, lesson learned stop at 1 serving and wait at least 1 hour before going back for more!

I called my mom and told her how full I was and that I no longer fit into my clothes.  She said well you just have to take it easy with the food.  She said I don't want to hear you complaining when you come up to visit for Thanksgiving that you are eating too much.  You have to know your limits and control yourself.  I am thankful for having people in my life that can tell it to me how it is and that I am open to taking it the right way.  So I will workout tonight to the extent I can without getting sick and I will take control of my eating for this Thanksgiving Holiday!

Reality Check

So this is the picture at the finish line from my 11k race last weekend.  Now two things stand out here to me: the time on the clock; at the 6 mile mark the time they called out to me was around 54 or 55 mins. that means it took me about 8 minutes to run the last .6 miles really!!  What happened! and I look like I'm WALKING, the second my foot crosses that line I'm done?  I should have sprinted all the way to the end cuz apparently I started walking too soon that is why at the very last second someone snuck up right behind me and passed to cross the finish line before me, you don't see her b/c she is in front already getting her number removed!

Ok this weekend calls for an 8 mile run on Sat. and some cross training today.  But tomorrow is a 4 mi. handicap hill run with the running club with a potluck that I always enjoy and I have to be ready for a "ball" at night funny huh I don't even have a dress picked out, or I'm afraid to see what I still fit in to.  On Wed. when I tried running the dog outside my lungs were still burning from the cold and having a cold and this morning I still had a bit of a sore throat.  So I've decided I'm going to do my long run indoors today after work.  I'm going to try and do 8 miles on the treadmill and if not at least 5 with some elliptical or stairstepper thrown in to mix it up.  Then tomorrow I will still do the 4 mile run with my running group.  I hope to get a swim in on Sunday which means not staying up too late like Cinderella I'll have to leave at midnight only there will be no prince charming ok ok I already met my prince charming but when he will have access to an open bar I'm afraid prince charming will also disappear at midnight!  So I might as well be in bed by then anyway right?!?! 

So here's to a good weekend to get back on track and to no more walking finishes.  My next finish line photo will show me in full sprint leaning forward trying to cross for the perfect photo finish!

Overwhelmed yet optimistic

Becoming slightly overwhelmed with feelings of helplessness from time to time is normal it's how we deal with it that counts, or so they say...  Let's see what do I feel overwhelmed about? 

1. My weight, tracking my food, increasing training and having to give in to buying a bigger pair of jeans to fit into is overwhelming because I haven't seen any progress in the last 2 months I feel like it isn't fair as my bf loses weight with our increased training I'm still at a plateau. I know we can't compare the two metabolisms, and I shouldn't resort to malicious tactics such as forgoing the HUGE free muffins they gave us but taking it back to my bf to eat tonight just in hopes to even the playing field (j/k I would never do a thing like that)
2. Having depressing work meetings that tell us the doom and gloom of the next years to come with the economy and the prediction that the unemployment rate will take 5-10 years to fully recover.  Realizing that I was the last in to my dept. and that usually translates to first out during layoffs.
3. The holidays are coming up and my savings account keeps going down instead of up.
4. The learning curve on my new job should be better in my own eyes but everyone keeps telling me I'm right on track...
5. The pressure to be married and have kids in order to avoid the social stigma of becoming an old maid, I mean really ppl what century do we live in...
6. Is it really that important to be excited about a fancy holiday party coming up when I will be going through all my old dresses keeping my fingers crossed that I still fit into one while thinking I should be more worried about other things.
7.  Being sick and not having gone to the gym in 3 days.

But I'm feeling better and today I will be back at the gym so all this should be shaken off by the end of the day with a whole new bright perspective!  I still have a job, I still have food on the table, I still have my house, I have close friends and family to spend the holidays with and I will try to help others in need in any way I can with some extra volunteering this next year! 

So I'm not giving up I'm gonna keep trucking along and this weekend's long run should put me back where I need to be.  Cheers!  This weekend I go shopping for yummy vegetarian THANKSGIVING food and going to practice being THANKFUL!

2011 Calendar Photos

I was trying to pick which photos to submit for my 1 free calendar they give us at work to create my 2011 calendar and it was so hard!  I did realize that I prefer and do more in the fall and winter months because I didn't have many "summer" pictures.  I did play around with the colors and cropping on a few of them.  But here are the finalists I chose.  Now for next year I'm gonna try to make it a point of taking a few pictures each month of the year in preperation for next year's calendar!  I'm excited to see my final result...

 

 

Ow! Week 3

Keeping up with my long runs on the weekends!  Working harder to keep up with my workouts during the week.  Missed a few last week but did a 9.9 mile run last Sat. on a loop course which meant there were 3 hills.  Training for a hilly marathon is way harder than training for a flat one....  At least on race day we'll be at a lower elevation than we are training in, woohooo! 

This was the first run the bf actually ran faster than me!  Not on the first loop but the 2nd a 3rd loop he smoked me...  He must be doing his weekly workouts now and I decided to slack last week, oh oh!  Also my foot hurts soooo bad ever since my long run Sat.  It's on the big toe of the right foot I believe it's the ligament that hurts.  It's a hard place to try and stretch.  Today walking around is very painful.  So tonight instead of a 40 minute run that it calls for in my training I'm going to do a 40 minute bike ride then go take my dog for a walk.

Hopefully this gets better soon because my run last Sat. although I felt good was pretty pathetic time wise.  It's been unseasonable warm for this time of year which has made it easier to get out there and run but that is supposed to change this week.  Next week for the long run we are doing the Veteran's 11k then gonna keep going to finish out the 14 mile run that's on our schedule.  So here's to hoping for a speedy recovery and motiviation on week nights to pump out those important evening workouts.  Wed. I start another indoor soccer season so that should help with sprints as long as I don't sprain my ankle again.  I think I'll wear my ankle brace during games to help prevent that!

I'm excited for these beautiful fall colors....
See you on the road!

Back on track, kind of

Stuck to some awesome workouts last week!  Did my speedwork on Wed., my cross training on Tues. & Thurs., some weight lifting and best of all the 8 mile run on Saturday!  It took a little longer than I would have liked 1:26 but I was in a lot of pain (lady problems) and pushed through it.   So I was very proud of my self....

Then came Saturday night!!!  I ended up staying up way past my bedtime (3:30am) and did partake in some of the celebrations but mainly keeping everyone else calm and safe.  Needless to say Sunday we were both useless and barely got the kitchen cleaned up.  We have decided that for now we are done being hosts.  We love having friends over and enjoy everyone's company but not always being the hosts.  It's time to let others step up for a while or only host small groups )2-4) for dinner. 

This week hasn't been as spectacular as last:
Mon. 40 minute 13 mile bike ride with hills AWESOME
Tues. Upset stomach & voting (coincidence?) = no workout...
Wed. 30 minute run/walk with my new puppy (fun but could have been a little more productive if she didn't try to run in front of me everytime a car went by)
Thursday (possibly no workout at all because I have vegetarian cooking class until 9pm tonight)

But Friday I'm going to lift weights then head out to a low key date to carb up with my bf.  Saturday we're doing a 5k Diabetes run then just gonna keep going at the finish line to make it a 10 mile run.  Then my dad is visiting on Sunday and would like to get a bike ride in.

So hopefully even though I was off to a slow start it will pick up the later half of the week.

Also need to sign up for puppy training classes. 

Minor Setback to Training

I know, I know, so early into the training plan and ALREADY a set back!! But that is OK I will not let this deter me I also take FULL responsibility so in this explanation make no mistake when it sounds like I'm providing excuses I know I am the one that allowed the circumstances to overtake my will!  So we had to make a quick and unexpected trip to AZ (8 hour drive each way) due to a family emergency.  We were supposed to leave around 5 or 6pm on Fri. night but they didn't let my bf out from drill until about 8pm so he decided he'd rather take a 4 hour nap and drive the 8 hours at 2am.  So that's what we did we arrived in our PJs to see his family.  I went because it was really important to him for me to meet his grandparents, especially with the new developments on the health front.  I understood this and went along.  I decided I was way too tired to run the 8 miles that Sat. that we arrived and made the decision we should run it on Sun. before we would drive back.

Well, Sat. 3pm rolls around and "grandmother" decides it's time for some wine.  No one had eaten lunch yet other than some cheese and crackers and before we knew it everyone was a little bit tipsy.  Every time I turned my back my wine glass was being refilled by her.  I know I choose to keep drinking it.  Around dinner time I ate way more than I should have because the food was so good and I finally decided no more wine I was going to hide the wine glass.  But everyone else kept going and the tears were flowing freely due to the highly emotional state of everyone with the recent news.  Luckily we went to bed early but in new surroundings on a sofa bed I usually don't get much sleep.  I did see a wonderful sunrise!  I also got up enough times to chug water that I actually did not feel dehydrated the next morning but I was still very tired.  We arrived back home at 9pm Sunday and had to be up at 5am the next morning because the bf had to work out of town this week.

All that being said I have now gone 4 days without a workout!!!!!!!!!  Tonight is kickboxing and Wed. is sprints and so on and so forth.  I will get back on track starting tonight.  Now this coming weekend I am determined to run the 8 mile run on Sat. (instead of the planned 5 mile easy week)  as well as not participate in certain "liquid" celebrations during the bf's birthday party!  I will behave.  Totally did not take into consideration how hard it would be to train for an endurance event during the holiday season.  With another possible trip out to AZ for Thanksgiving my resolve has to be strong if I'm not gonna fall flat on my face for this race in Feb.  I have to know that I am my own person and if my bf decides not to commit that doesn't mean I can't.  It just means I might have the option of kicking his butt come Feb. if I remain more committed.

So here we go again!  Bring on the workouts and healthy eating.  Never stop, when the road ahead is steep and difficult just focus on the step you are about to take directly in front of you not the one half way up the hill that seems unattainable.  Step by step I will get there.  I will post again after this weekend hopefully with a story of a baby step success.  I will make it through the celebrations without another set back!

Marathon to success

For about the last 2-3 weeks I've been going back and forth with my significant other and my own subconscience on whether I should be allowed to do the half marathon or suck it up and train for the full.  Here's the thing the first time I did a full marathon was about 6 years ago and I had horrible knee problems.  I was running with braces on both knees and taking advil before, during, and after each training run.  I still did it and I can say been there done that!  Then I started getting back into triathlons because (after the fact) I found out all that horrible knee pain went away when I included cross training.  It appears the cycling and swimming helped strengthen the muscles that held my knee cap in it's proper place or something like that.  Since then I've done a handful of half marathons and the only other marathon I've done was part of my Ironman. 

One thing that helps keep this relationship together has been how active we both are, we have many differences, but one thing we have in common is the need for adrenaline and/or endorphine producing sports.  He has been a little jealous however that I have certain things marked off my list.  So it was his idea to train for a marathon together and that it wouldn't be the same if I just did the half.  I tried to convince him that way I could be at the finish to cheer for him but he wasn't buying it.  So I've given in and I'm training for the full but am going to try and include plenty of cross training, ab work and weight lifting.  So far we are only on week 2 of training and I've kicked butt the last few runs.  Which is odd, I know it's just a matter of time before he's passing me, he's usually way faster. 

The good news is it appears my ankle has 100% recovered from the sprain (about 2-3 months later!) because there has been no more swelling after workouts.  Also it has made it easier to stick to the other healthy habbits I was trying to get back on track with.  Here's to hoping this is what will allow that extra weight to fall off.  Now the trick is to incorporate the ski season into my training.  I might have to do some long runs on a week night in order to do some skiing on the weekends.....  So far I like the idea of winter marathon training because my body does not like the heat so it seems I'm able to run faster with the cooler temps.

The marathon is in Sedona in February on Valentine's weekend so that will be our present to eachother.  And this should put me in good enough shape to start next summer's triathlon season in best form.  Yay I'm back on the scene!

Kickboxing revisited

As the view out the back door of the room bobbed in and out of my line of sight I thought to myself what awesome golden light, I wish I had my camera with me.  Then the pang of pain in my ankle reminded me where I was, kickboxing class, and that I had forgotten to wear my ankle brace.  I’m trying this out again through continuing education because it’s one of the perks of my job I get to take classes for free.  I remember the first time I went to this class I thought I was in the wrong place as I walked up the dark stairs in the metallic tunnel.  But when I got to the top there was a mix of young children, older men and women and people who you could tell were obviously fighters by the drastically louder sounds that came when they hit the bag.  The person running this place was a fighter himself and now runs this in order to allow some of the less fortunate people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford classes to participate. 

He keeps the gym hot to make you sweat more and yells at you if you aren’t doing your push-ups in between rounds but will take the time to stop and show you correct form or tell you good job!  The hour long workouts consist of changing stations at each round 1:30 minutes of normal work on the station :30 secs of extra fast then :30 secs for sit ups or pushups.  The stations consist of different style bags for kicking and punching and weights and a tire you jump on or you might be in the ring hitting someone wearing protective gear while they tap you in the stomach to remind you to hold your abs tight.  What an awesome workout!  Muscles are sore that I never remember even having.  I’m considering once this class is over joining for a few months and going more than just the 1x per week.  That would get me back into shape for sure.

Saw the nutritionist yesterday and got some good pointers and was surprised by the amount of calories she said I could consume and still lose weight.  I will lose it slower but by not starving myself the weight I do lose won’t come back on as easily.  So she took my height, age, weight and set the activity level to almost completely sedentary then once you have those calories (basically just what you need to survive) and add on any calories you burn during a workout.  So if I need 1650 calories a day and my heart rate monitor tells me I burned 450 calories during my workout that day then I can consume 2,100 calories that day and still be on track to lose ½ pound per week.  Once I reach my goal weight I can consume 1840 calories plus the amount I’ve burned in my workout.  So this calmed me down a little and I am completely confident I can fit into my full wardrobe again in a couple of months.  Yay! 

Weeds & Such

Which do you prescribe to?  Do you tackle the small weeds as soon as you see one pop up, better get ‘em now before it gets out of control, or do you wait until it becomes noticeable and get them all at once?  Is there a time benefit to this?  I’ve attempted both and am not sure which is best.  Same goes for house chores or paperwork.  I want to enjoy life so I usually let it go so I can have some fun and be active but then the day comes where I can’t ignore it anymore and it takes me an entire weekend to catch up.  You may think well this would be easier if I had someone to share in the work, no, then you just have someone else to share the blame with when it doesn’t get done and to enjoy in the guilty pleasure of ignoring it.  It makes me wonder what happens once people have kids, how do you fit in the fun stuff plus chores plus raising a child?  Ahhhhhhh!!   I’m not going to think about that one until I’m forced to.

This last weekend I spent the whole time making sure I got my workouts in, finishing the preparation for my best friends bachelorette party and wedding trip (last one I am participating in only my best friend is worth that kind of dedication to construction paper and painting mini buckets) and my laundry didn’t get done or the kitchen cleaned or the carpets vacuumed.  I just can’t decide if it’s worth the worry I’m still going to call it a productive and well spent weekend.  It would be so exhausting to try and be Molly homemaker while trying to stay in shape, be social and nice, adventurous, educated, well read, up to date on movies and anyone who does must not get any sleep or get to let their hair down.  So if anyone wants to ask what’s for dinner or that it should be easy to keep the house perfect they can officially kiss my @!#$%*!  Or at least not expect me to have a smile on my face by the end of the day.

So far I’ve managed to keep upping my workouts for 2 weeks!  This last week went as follows:

M – 5 mile hill run

T – 1 hour kickboxing class (the real deal)

W – day off

Th – 1 hr Spin Class

Fri – Weights and running

Sat – 4 mile run

Sun – 27 mile bike ride

I was very proud of myself until stepping on the scale this morning and seeing that I gained 2 pounds instead of losing or maintaining!  I have an appointment with a dietician next week and have kept a food diary.  We’ll see what she says and I’ve made it very clear this session is not to discuss my vegetarian ways but my theories on calories in vs. calories out and why it’s not working… I’ll keep you posted…

Couscous Tacos

Quick and easy for those days you need something without much prep.  Again, one of those recipes that everyone enjoys, the meat eaters don't ask where's the beef they say this is good and forget it's vegetarian.

Sautee 1/2 chopped onion and 2 cloves garlic with olive oil to taste
Add 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes with green chile (or fresh if you have the time)
1 cup vegetable broth
1 cup couscous (whole wheat is healthier)
If you feel the need you can add 1/2 package tofu cubed (I actually prefer this recipe without it)
Spices: cumin, chile pepper, chipotle, salt, pepper to taste
Bring to a boil then let sit after you turn it off for about 5 - 10 minutes

Remember the left over corn tortillas that you probably have if you made the enchiladas you can just fry those and use them as taco shells.

Garnish with chopped lettuce, tomatoe, fresh cilantro, cheese (vegan or not).  And the big hit is usually home made guacamole.  Add lime to taste...

Renewed Entusiasm

A few things have happened in the last few months that have made me renew my enthusiasm towards sports and specifically triathlons.  I did a four mile obstacle course run over the weekend with ankle brace and all.  It was handicap run which means they start you based on your normal 5k time and everyone should roughly finish around the same time.  I finished LAST even with the help from the handicapped times and I was so exhausted!  I had a blast reconnecting with fellow runners and the endorphin rush was making me feel invincible.  I realized although my ankle is still sore and sometimes swells the worst is over with the sprain.  NO more EXCUSES! 

I have also noticed over the last month or so that my pants selection is getting smaller and smaller only because my waist is getting bigger and bigger!  Arrg!  I refuse to spend money on a new wardrobe to fit this expanding waste line.  I realized I have now gone 2 triathlon seasons since my Ironman without officially announcing my own return.  I keep having excuses why not this season, there was being sick, head injury at the end of ski season, sprained ankle I could go on and on!  But I have to shake myself a little and jump back on.  I may not be fast but I have the mental endurance to make it through tough distances.  I realized the goal of having a race that I signed up for is necessary to keep me in check.  I love cooking and eating what I cook and never had a wardrobe malfunction due to how active I've always been. 

Well, the metabolism hit a wall and I am in serious need of a mind, body and soul jump start!  I sleep better, like people and find joy in the little things in life more often when I am pushing my body to its limits.  So it is official I am announcing to myself it is TIME!  My first triathlon of next season will be February and ski season will not be an off season I will be skiing as well as training up to be ready for triathlon season.  I am excited and rejuvenated.  I kick this off with a 5 mile run with a killer hill after work so here I come!  Next will be dusting the cobwebs off my favorite bike and enter a fun Halloween ride.  See you on the road.... (please don't run me over)

Green Chile Enchiladas

I have now made this recipe several different ways and it seems each time I try something new I perfect it a little more, so maybe you can add your twist.  BTW when I make the vegan version of this there have never been any complaints from the "meat eaters" in my life.

Green Chile Sauce
1 White onion
3-4 cloves garlic
1 can condensed cream of mushroom (vegan portobella version of this is yummy)
About 1 can Vegetable broth (depending on how thick you like it)
3-6 tomatoes diced
Cumin, Salt, Pepper, Chile Powder (to taste)
Fresh roasted green chile (as much as you can handle)

Sautee the 1st two ingredients with some olive oil until onions are clear but not brown.  Throw the rest in bring to a boil then let simmer for about 20 minutes.

Then in a glass pan start with a layer of sauce, add layer of corn tortillas, add layer of cheese (vegan or not a yellow variety is usually used).  Keep alternating these layers until last layer has both sauce and cheese.  Bake in oven for about 20 minutes or until cheese is melted.

I usually make a quick rice cooked with cilantro and add lime to it after cooked.

I'll post a picture if it's not all gone by the time I get home!