Caramel corn rice cakes have become a favorite of mine. When I am craving something sweet and salty I put a tablespoon of peanut butter on top of one and have a 130 calorie snack that's good for me.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Whatcha Eating...
Caramel corn rice cakes have become a favorite of mine. When I am craving something sweet and salty I put a tablespoon of peanut butter on top of one and have a 130 calorie snack that's good for me.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Visual
I've got them all hidden away in a tote in my closet. I get them out once in a while to look at, to remember. I pulled something off the shelf and the tote fell. Everything inside spilled out on to the ground. I wasn't intending to get them out and look at them, but was thankful for the mishap. I have a visual of my accomplishments...my hard work and dedication....and I am hoping to add at least three more to my collection this year
Medal Count:
1 Warrior Dash (3.1 miles)
4 CRIMs (10 mile race)
1 Marathon Relay
4 Half Marathons
3 Full Marathons
...and countless training miles.
Monday, January 16, 2012
End of Week Two
Saturday marked the end of week two. I ended my week with 30 miles and then 50 minutes on the spinning bike. I was pretty sore...it's been a while since I have logged 30 miles in one week.
While I met my mileage goal for the week, I didn't meet my weight loss goal. I am still down four pounds, but didn't add anything to that. It was discouraging, but my goal might have not been that realistic, especially with dropping 4 pounds the week before. So, I am hoping for the two pounds this week.
I have a busy week a head of me with work and then a little getaway this weekend. I am hoping for 25 miles this week and just to be mindful of what kind of food and how much I put in my mouth while we are away over the weekend.
I bought a few new songs for my marathon playlist...leaning toward making it a full in May!
So, here's to a good week!
While I met my mileage goal for the week, I didn't meet my weight loss goal. I am still down four pounds, but didn't add anything to that. It was discouraging, but my goal might have not been that realistic, especially with dropping 4 pounds the week before. So, I am hoping for the two pounds this week.
I have a busy week a head of me with work and then a little getaway this weekend. I am hoping for 25 miles this week and just to be mindful of what kind of food and how much I put in my mouth while we are away over the weekend.
I bought a few new songs for my marathon playlist...leaning toward making it a full in May!
So, here's to a good week!
Friday, January 13, 2012
Benefits...
I scored a great deal on Shape magazine on cyber Monday. My first issue came at the beginning of this week and it's packed with tips, exercises, and a ton of information. Here's one article I thought was worth sharing:
On the Clock
Even a little exercise improves your well-being, but the benefits multiply as your rack up more time. See where your weekly tally falls on our weekly health-o-meter, then make every minute count:
Live Longer
90 Minutes - Get moving for just 15 minutes six days a week and you'll increase your lifespan by three years according to a Taiwanese study
Feel Happier
135 Minutes - Working out boosts your energy and reduces stress. Plus, a Duke University study found that 45 minutes of cardio three days a week may be as effective as prescription drugs for depression.
Strengthen Your Ticker
150 Minutes - Research published in Circulation found that 2.5 hours of exercise a week lowers a woman's risk of heart disease by 14 percent.
Prevent Diabetes
210 Minutes - Research in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport showed that this amount of exercise improves blood sugar control, which can halt onset of type 2 diabetes.
Drop Pounds
275 Minutes - A healthy diet along with 55 minute workouts five days a week may help you lose 10 percent of your weight -- and keep it off --according to a study in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
On the Clock
Even a little exercise improves your well-being, but the benefits multiply as your rack up more time. See where your weekly tally falls on our weekly health-o-meter, then make every minute count:
Live Longer
90 Minutes - Get moving for just 15 minutes six days a week and you'll increase your lifespan by three years according to a Taiwanese study
Feel Happier
135 Minutes - Working out boosts your energy and reduces stress. Plus, a Duke University study found that 45 minutes of cardio three days a week may be as effective as prescription drugs for depression.
Strengthen Your Ticker
150 Minutes - Research published in Circulation found that 2.5 hours of exercise a week lowers a woman's risk of heart disease by 14 percent.
Prevent Diabetes
210 Minutes - Research in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport showed that this amount of exercise improves blood sugar control, which can halt onset of type 2 diabetes.
Drop Pounds
275 Minutes - A healthy diet along with 55 minute workouts five days a week may help you lose 10 percent of your weight -- and keep it off --according to a study in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
A Mommy...A Runner
It was a hard adjustment. I went from doing my own thing...eating when I wanted to eat, sleeping when I wanted to sleep, going anywhere when I wanted to go...to no longer having my own freedom. Nothing was my own any more. My body was not my own, my bed was not my own, my room was not my own...I couldn't even take a shower without having her in the room with me. After giving birth to my first born, life changed...forever. I was a Mommy. All other things fell to the way side. She was my priority. I cared for her round the clock. And after the months went by, I felt as if I was losing myself....losing my identity, my individualism. So, I had another 14 months later...because, afterall, I was a Mommy now and nothing else mattered.
Then, one day, I was going through bins in the basement and came across some old pairs of jeans that I told myself I would never wear again. I felt a twinge of something inside of me...a spark that was on the verge of starting a huge fire. The guilt set in. I told myself that I was a Mommy now and it was selfish of me to want things for myself...my focus should be on my kids. But, the nagging thought would not leave my head...and I decided on January 1st, 2006 that I was going to do something about it. I was going to get "me" back.
A few months went by, I felt the shell start to crack around me. Everything I did, though, all the hard work was put in while my kids were sleeping. Any time that I took away from caring for them, I felt guilty about. Time away from my kids was not a "good Mommy thing" to do...but my ideas began to change as much as my body was changing. And, I knew that I needed this time for myself as much as my kids needed it. I bought a double jogger for my birthday that year in 2006 and the rest is history.
I remember stepping on the scale one morning and looking down at a number that was lower than what I started at before I became a Mommy. I had accomplished what I had thought to be impossible. I wasn't selfish. I wasn't a "bad Mommy". Through running, I was showing my kids that I cared enough about myself to keep myself healthy. I cared enough about them to make sure I kept their Mommy healthy. I was showing them what hard work, determination, and dedication looked like. They knew that every morning at 10AM they would go for a ride in the jogger because Mommy needed her exercise.
Today, running looks a little differently for me. I don't push a double jogger anymore...rarely do I push anything...except for myself. It's a chapter in my life that has slowly faded out. These days, instead unfolding my double jogger, I lace up my shoes and hit the road solo. Instead of loading up two (at one time, three) of my kids in the jogger, I blow each a kiss and tell them that Mommy is going for a run. It's me time...it's a time of pounding out the stress of life, listening to the thoughts in my head, with nobody asking me for anything, calling my name, or needing me. It's just me...on the open road. I have discovered over these last (almost) six years, who I am. They call me Mommy and I am thankful for every minute of it. But, it's also wonderful that I can hang that hat up several times a week and lace up my running shoes...for me...because I am also called a runner.
Then, one day, I was going through bins in the basement and came across some old pairs of jeans that I told myself I would never wear again. I felt a twinge of something inside of me...a spark that was on the verge of starting a huge fire. The guilt set in. I told myself that I was a Mommy now and it was selfish of me to want things for myself...my focus should be on my kids. But, the nagging thought would not leave my head...and I decided on January 1st, 2006 that I was going to do something about it. I was going to get "me" back.
A few months went by, I felt the shell start to crack around me. Everything I did, though, all the hard work was put in while my kids were sleeping. Any time that I took away from caring for them, I felt guilty about. Time away from my kids was not a "good Mommy thing" to do...but my ideas began to change as much as my body was changing. And, I knew that I needed this time for myself as much as my kids needed it. I bought a double jogger for my birthday that year in 2006 and the rest is history.
I remember stepping on the scale one morning and looking down at a number that was lower than what I started at before I became a Mommy. I had accomplished what I had thought to be impossible. I wasn't selfish. I wasn't a "bad Mommy". Through running, I was showing my kids that I cared enough about myself to keep myself healthy. I cared enough about them to make sure I kept their Mommy healthy. I was showing them what hard work, determination, and dedication looked like. They knew that every morning at 10AM they would go for a ride in the jogger because Mommy needed her exercise.
Today, running looks a little differently for me. I don't push a double jogger anymore...rarely do I push anything...except for myself. It's a chapter in my life that has slowly faded out. These days, instead unfolding my double jogger, I lace up my shoes and hit the road solo. Instead of loading up two (at one time, three) of my kids in the jogger, I blow each a kiss and tell them that Mommy is going for a run. It's me time...it's a time of pounding out the stress of life, listening to the thoughts in my head, with nobody asking me for anything, calling my name, or needing me. It's just me...on the open road. I have discovered over these last (almost) six years, who I am. They call me Mommy and I am thankful for every minute of it. But, it's also wonderful that I can hang that hat up several times a week and lace up my running shoes...for me...because I am also called a runner.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Whatcha Eating...
I *love* these wraps. They are found near the bread at most grocery stores. I prefer the plain as opposed to the Tomato Basil, but both are tasty. They are low carb, around 70 calories per wrap, and have 12g of fiber! I love to wrap a few slices of turkey or a few strips of chicken, throw some lettuce and cucumber in there, and it makes for a delicious lunch or dinner.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Pushin...
A new workout week started yesterday. I ended Saturday's post with "push yourself this weekend" and I feel like I did exactly that.
Yesterday, I got up early to go to the gym. My goal for yesterday was 10 miles. I knew my mind could not take 10 miles on the treadmill so I was shooting for six. It's all I can stand. I kept a nice relaxing pace of 10:30/mile. It felt nice, although I was a little sore from the workout on Saturday. Later on that day, the weather was gorgeous and it was time for round two. It's amazing to me that it's the second week of January and I am still able to run in a long sleeve shirt and a t-shirt over that and be comfortable. The temps have been perfect! I had a great afternoon run. I put in four miles in 39:15.
This morning, my body was tired. Today was day six...I haven't rested since Tuesday. I decided that four was all I could pull out. I did a comfortable four and then worked on weights. Tomorrow is rest day!
I had forgotten how fun this is! It's got me itching for another full marathon and I am thinking that Rockford might be the one to do that. I'm going to think on it a little more...see how the rest of this month goes. I would love to be able to run a full so close to home. In the mean time, I am going to look for a good training plan and see how this all plays out.
Yesterday, I got up early to go to the gym. My goal for yesterday was 10 miles. I knew my mind could not take 10 miles on the treadmill so I was shooting for six. It's all I can stand. I kept a nice relaxing pace of 10:30/mile. It felt nice, although I was a little sore from the workout on Saturday. Later on that day, the weather was gorgeous and it was time for round two. It's amazing to me that it's the second week of January and I am still able to run in a long sleeve shirt and a t-shirt over that and be comfortable. The temps have been perfect! I had a great afternoon run. I put in four miles in 39:15.
This morning, my body was tired. Today was day six...I haven't rested since Tuesday. I decided that four was all I could pull out. I did a comfortable four and then worked on weights. Tomorrow is rest day!
I had forgotten how fun this is! It's got me itching for another full marathon and I am thinking that Rockford might be the one to do that. I'm going to think on it a little more...see how the rest of this month goes. I would love to be able to run a full so close to home. In the mean time, I am going to look for a good training plan and see how this all plays out.
26.2 Bling
Ever since running my first marathon, I have wanted to get one of the 26.2 stickers for my van. After running Chicago, I found a cute pink one. I love it. It's a great reminder to me of what I have accomplised...and also motivates me to keep it up.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
One week down...
Well, I made it through the week...and I feel like I was pretty successful with everything I set out to do:
- My goal was to up my mileage.
I finished out the week with 29 miles under my belt and a total of 85 minutes on the spinning bike. I really like the visual of having my mileage up where I can look at it on my calendar. My only day off this past week was Tuesday.
- My goal was to lose at least 2 pounds.
I stepped on the scale this morning and I am down 4! I couldn't have been happier...my hard work and dedication has paid off.
- My goal was to make healthy food choices.
This is the area that I struggled in the most. Coming off of the holidays, I have gotten so used to eating anything is sight. I have been surrounded by cake, cookies, cupcakes, brownies, pies...mmmm. I have a bad habit, that I have acquired this past year, of night eating...which I didn't do at all this past week. I was able to eat healthy ( I did allow myself some chocolate), stop the night eating, and watch my portions....it was tough though and I had many, many times where I had to fight temptation.
Goals for next week : 30 miles, lose 2 pounds, no night eating
- My goal was to up my mileage.
I finished out the week with 29 miles under my belt and a total of 85 minutes on the spinning bike. I really like the visual of having my mileage up where I can look at it on my calendar. My only day off this past week was Tuesday.
- My goal was to lose at least 2 pounds.
I stepped on the scale this morning and I am down 4! I couldn't have been happier...my hard work and dedication has paid off.
- My goal was to make healthy food choices.
This is the area that I struggled in the most. Coming off of the holidays, I have gotten so used to eating anything is sight. I have been surrounded by cake, cookies, cupcakes, brownies, pies...mmmm. I have a bad habit, that I have acquired this past year, of night eating...which I didn't do at all this past week. I was able to eat healthy ( I did allow myself some chocolate), stop the night eating, and watch my portions....it was tough though and I had many, many times where I had to fight temptation.
Goals for next week : 30 miles, lose 2 pounds, no night eating
Saturday, January 7, 2012
The Relation Between Speed and Weight...
Check out this article over at Runner's World. Worth the read!
I have a spinning class on my to do list today and then maybe a run outside. So far, this week, I have run 25 miles and done 40 minutes on the spin bike. I am so happy to finally have a scale again! I stepped on this morning (I couldn't wait until tomorrow) and was so excited to see that I have lost 3.4 pounds this week! It's nice to see my hard working paying off. I still have a ways to go to get me back to a comfortable racing weight, but after reading the article it has inspired me...especially if I plan on reaching my half marathon goal in April!
Push yourself this weekend!
I have a spinning class on my to do list today and then maybe a run outside. So far, this week, I have run 25 miles and done 40 minutes on the spin bike. I am so happy to finally have a scale again! I stepped on this morning (I couldn't wait until tomorrow) and was so excited to see that I have lost 3.4 pounds this week! It's nice to see my hard working paying off. I still have a ways to go to get me back to a comfortable racing weight, but after reading the article it has inspired me...especially if I plan on reaching my half marathon goal in April!
Push yourself this weekend!
Friday, January 6, 2012
These Shoes
My babies
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Whatcha Eating...
Another one of my goals for this coming year is to make healthier food choices and eat appropriate serving sizes. It's been so difficult for me to go from eating anything I want to eat during the peak of my training and then have to watch what I eat when I am putting in fewer miles per week. It's been a real struggle and something that I really have to watch.
So, every so often I will be posting a list of my top 10 (that might turn in to top 20) healthy, low cal food choices. And because I have gotten so many cans for $1 this week, I will start with this one:
So, every so often I will be posting a list of my top 10 (that might turn in to top 20) healthy, low cal food choices. And because I have gotten so many cans for $1 this week, I will start with this one:
Soup! This Progresso Light soup has 80 calories per serving, two servings per can. In the summer, I am not too in to having a hot bowl of soup for lunch or dinner, but in the fall and winter it's a wonderful thing. You can eat one serving and save the other for next time or you can eat the whole can. Not only is it good for you, it's very inexpensive too!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Keeping Track
Another one of my goals for 2012 is to keep a record of miles I log. I did really well at this back in 2010 when I was training for my first marathon. After that was done and over with, I stopped.
I print out a little calendar (www.vertex42.com) with my work days highlighted and hang it next to my regular calendar in the kitchen. So, I decided that I will use that calendar to keep track of not only my work days but also the miles that I log...it's out in plain sight, it's fast, it's easy, it's free. When I am done with the month, I will total my miles and slip the calendar in to a three ring binder. It's nice to have a visual of my hard work for the week and it will also help me keep track of how many miles are on each pair of shoes...speaking of which, I am in desperate need of a new pair...but that's another post.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Swallow This
Along with my racing goal for 2012, I also have a couple more that pertain to living a healthy lifestyle and I will be sharing those over the next couple of days.
From the time I got pregnant with Kaitlyn to about a year after Collin was born, I took my vitamins faithfully...like my life depended on it. For about a year and a half now, it's been hit or miss with me. I will remember for a month or so and then miss a few days and before I know it, two months have gone by. So, this year I plan to change that.
Along with my new scale, I also have a new bottle of Women's One A Day on my kitchen counter. I was taking about five or six different vitamins, but I have decided to keep it simple for now...plus the very thought of fish oil burbs and that darn nasty after taste of the vitamin B complex has me wanting to dry heave a couple of times. One vitamin, once a day...I can handle that.
From the time I got pregnant with Kaitlyn to about a year after Collin was born, I took my vitamins faithfully...like my life depended on it. For about a year and a half now, it's been hit or miss with me. I will remember for a month or so and then miss a few days and before I know it, two months have gone by. So, this year I plan to change that.
Along with my new scale, I also have a new bottle of Women's One A Day on my kitchen counter. I was taking about five or six different vitamins, but I have decided to keep it simple for now...plus the very thought of fish oil burbs and that darn nasty after taste of the vitamin B complex has me wanting to dry heave a couple of times. One vitamin, once a day...I can handle that.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Plans for 2012
I bought a new scale for 2012. I haven't had a working one since summer. I am using that as my excuse as to why I have gained eight pounds in 2011...just let me have this one excuse and then I promise I won't make any more this year. So, with my new scale and my new motivation for the new year, I am planning on being bikini ready by Spring Break.
I ended 2011 with a four mile run outside...without a bunch of layers on. It was wonderful and gave me some quiet time to myself to reflect on the year that I had. I was so thankful to be able to end my year that way.
Then, the very next day, the first day of 2012, I started my year out with 6 miles on the treadmill. I would have much rather been pounding the pavement, but I was afraid I would get blown away...heck, I am just a sissy lately when it comes to the cold. Even though I was on a treadmill, I decided to challenge myself with not only speed but also incline. I delivered a real butt kickin workout and was so thankful when I hit that six mile mark and I could stumble off of that machine. I don't think I have been this sore after six miles in a while. It was just what I needed.
In 2011, I fell short of finishing a half marathon in under 2:10. So, that is my goal for this coming racing year. I want it so bad. I have been looking over several races for the upcoming year and I am thinking my year is going to go something like this:
April 28th (my 30th birthday!!!) - The Christie Clinic Illinois Half Marathon - Really hoping to reach my goal on my birthday!
May 20, 2012 - The Rockford Half Marathon - Love this race...the course is nice and it's close to home.
June - The Milk Days 10K - If I have this weekend off, I am thinking I will give it a go.
August 18th - The Warrior Dash - This race was so much fun when I ran it in 2010...looking forward to getting dirty and having some fun this year!
August 25th - The 10 mile CRIM - I've lost count but I am thinking this will be my 5th one. I am hoping that I will be running next to my sister again this year and maybe my Dad...and hoping we can get my Mom, Aunt, and a few cousins to come along and at least walk.
Sept - I would like to run another half but we shall see...I might just be focused on my training
October - Another full marathon. I am still deciding between a rematch in Chicago and the Detroit marathon. I have some time, but I do know that I will get another 26.2 under my belt in 2012.
I am looking forward to another year of running! Happy New Year everyone and have fun working on your 2012 goals.
I ended 2011 with a four mile run outside...without a bunch of layers on. It was wonderful and gave me some quiet time to myself to reflect on the year that I had. I was so thankful to be able to end my year that way.
Then, the very next day, the first day of 2012, I started my year out with 6 miles on the treadmill. I would have much rather been pounding the pavement, but I was afraid I would get blown away...heck, I am just a sissy lately when it comes to the cold. Even though I was on a treadmill, I decided to challenge myself with not only speed but also incline. I delivered a real butt kickin workout and was so thankful when I hit that six mile mark and I could stumble off of that machine. I don't think I have been this sore after six miles in a while. It was just what I needed.
In 2011, I fell short of finishing a half marathon in under 2:10. So, that is my goal for this coming racing year. I want it so bad. I have been looking over several races for the upcoming year and I am thinking my year is going to go something like this:
April 28th (my 30th birthday!!!) - The Christie Clinic Illinois Half Marathon - Really hoping to reach my goal on my birthday!
May 20, 2012 - The Rockford Half Marathon - Love this race...the course is nice and it's close to home.
June - The Milk Days 10K - If I have this weekend off, I am thinking I will give it a go.
August 18th - The Warrior Dash - This race was so much fun when I ran it in 2010...looking forward to getting dirty and having some fun this year!
August 25th - The 10 mile CRIM - I've lost count but I am thinking this will be my 5th one. I am hoping that I will be running next to my sister again this year and maybe my Dad...and hoping we can get my Mom, Aunt, and a few cousins to come along and at least walk.
Sept - I would like to run another half but we shall see...I might just be focused on my training
October - Another full marathon. I am still deciding between a rematch in Chicago and the Detroit marathon. I have some time, but I do know that I will get another 26.2 under my belt in 2012.
I am looking forward to another year of running! Happy New Year everyone and have fun working on your 2012 goals.
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