Back in Action

So I have been the worst blogger ever, it's been over a month since my last post.  Part of the reason is because I have really been slacking with my running.  I did my first official race on October 20, 2012.  I had originally signed up for the 10K, but I didn't feel prepared.  So when I went to pick up my bib, I switched to the 5K.  My friend was doing the 5K, too, so I figured she wouldn't be waiting around forever for me to finish my race.  I hadn't run in a week or two before the race so I wasn't expecting a great time.  My time was okay, just over 34 minutes.  It was definitely fun running on the boardwalk in Atlantic City.  And I got my first medal for running, which was a great experience!

In training news: my friend decided to make up a challenge of running 3 miles a day in November.  Knowing that I have do start actually doing my long runs, we decided that I could just do a total of 90 miles in November.  I did three miles on the first.  Yesterday I did 5.25 miles!  It was cold and I didn't walk at all!!  I was so proud of myself.  I kept up an awesome pace (for me), of about 10:30.  I definitely could have gone longer, too, but it was getting dark and super chilly.  I definitely need to start wearing my gloves (which I just found last night while I was organizing my closet) because I could barely move my thumbs when I was finished.
I think I've given up on the gym and kickboxing.  I haven't been there since the beginning of August.  It's just too late at night (7:30-8:30) for me to want to get back up once I relax after work.  I'd probably like to have the treadmill available once we get some snow, but I'll just have to figure something out.  I'm obviously still going to need to train.  I will still have my membership until December, though, so we'll see what happens.

In personal news:  I met a great guy. :)  He came with me to my cousin's wedding on October 27th.  He fit in pretty well with my family.  And he loves Disney, how awesome is that!  He actually did a college internship program there a couple years ago.  So I think I've convinced him to run a Disney half with me at some point.  He would have done the Princess with me if it was a mother/daughter trip.  So right now we're shooting for Disneyland half in September.  That way I could get my Coast to Coast, as well!

Slight Freak Out

Although I thought I had mentally prepared myself that I'm going to run 13.1 miles in February, seeing posts about Galloway Training Programs starting next week freaked me out, just a little.  That means in 22 short weeks I will be flying down Florida with my mom.  I'm debating which program I want to "follow"... the beginning 22 week program or the 19 week experienced runner: To Finish in the Upright Position program.  I put follow in quotations because I generally adapt the programs to fit me and mix it slightly with a Hal Hidgon program I found.  I wouldn't call myself an experienced runner, but I can do the first few weeks of the beginners program without a problem.  I'll probably just go with the flow and see how I feel next week.  Sometimes field hockey makes it harder to run, depends how sore I feel Tuesdays after playing 2-3 games between Sunday mornings and Monday nights.

On a different note I started to make the tutus for that weekend!  I made mine for the 5K.  Next is my Halloween costume/half marathon outfit.  And then onto my mom's for the 5K.  I also have to find someone to make shirts for my mom and I.

Did that just happen?

So after looking on my MapMyRun app I realized that I hadn't run since August 24th!!  Two and a half weeks off made my Tuesday run a real struggle.  I was shooting for 3-4 miles, the first mile and a half, maybe a little more, went great.  After that I just fell apart and I gave up at 2.85 miles.  I know I should have pushed through, but that time off really hit me.  My thighs were killing me on Wednesday so I took the day off.  I was debating a run yesterday since it was warmer than it has been, but a friend told me I should just go, so I did.  I am so happy that I went!  It was hot, but I ran 6.2 miles!!! I was aiming for 4, then 5, then a 10K to prepare for next month.  The last half mile was really difficult, but I pushed through.  My time wasn't amazing, about an hour and nine minutes, so about an 11 minute pace.  It was actually just a thirty second increase in pace from my longest run (7.1 miles), so I guess it isn't too bad.  All I'm thinking is that this is really possible now - the 10K and half marathon!!  I'm one happy girl today.

Major Slacker Here

With the end of summer camp and the start of the new school year.  I feel like I've been so busy.  This extends to my blogging and my training.  I have not been to the gym in a month!  It started out with doctor appointments, a class to take for work, and other odds and ends.  Then I just got extremely lazy and once you get out of the swing of things it is so hard to start back up again.  I thought a friend was on board to go last night with me, but I didn't hear from her until it was about time to leave for kickboxing, and at that point I was over it.  I've been running once or twice a week, most of the time.  I did sign up for the 10K in October!  I realized I really need to get back on track since that's in a little over a month.  I think I'll be okay for that, though.

We made it to the first round of playoffs in field hockey.  We had to play the first place team, so I knew it was a long shot, but we did surprisingly well and were winning the entire first half.  It was a good season.  I'm signed up for 2 leagues for the fall - indoor on Sundays and outdoor Monday nights.  That should be interesting.  It starts this Sunday, with a double header!

I am so excited that it is almost fall!  This is my favorite time of the year.  Not only is the weather awesome but everything is pumpkin - coffee, cookies, pie, I love it all!  I also can't wait for Halloween, I have to start making my costumes for work.  I have never been pumpkin picking or carved a pumpkin, so my goal this year is to definitely do that!
Along with fall comes football season is here and I couldn't be happier!  I spent Sunday on the couch watching all day.  I also made dinner (this does not happen often) for a friend's birthday - Hawaiian BBQ Chicken in a crock pot with rice and broccoli and funfetti cupcakes decorate as footballs for dessert! :)

10K?

Ran Monday night... just shy of 2.5 miles without walking!  I was shooting for three miles, but knowing that I hadn't run in over a week I kind of knew that wasn't going to happen.  I was still surprised by the not walking thing.  I skipped kickboxing for this, but I'm okay with that.  Now I just need to keep this up!

Yesterday we had our last field hockey game of the regular season.  We lost 0-1.  I blame the grass, it wasn't cut and so thick.  You could barely see the bright orange ball in it!  I still think we have a good shot of making playoffs next week.  Top 8 teams make it and right now we're in 8th and just a couple of teams play tonight.

I think I'm going to sign up for the Atlantic City 10K today.  My friend just signed up for the 5K last night, so we can drive down together and she'll just have to wait for me to finished.  But I think that would help my nerves just I bit.

The green smoothies taste better than I thought they would.  I'm not sure if they're helping any, but I'm going to give them a month to see if they work.

Disney Here I Come!

Plane tickets are purchased.  The hotel is booked.  I'm all ready to head to Disney in February!!  I'm so excited, but really nervous for the half.  I definitely need this vacation, though (it's only been about 5 years since I've been on a vacation)!

Last Friday night I went to my parents neighborhood and ran 3.1 miles and then went for a 15 minute swim.  I did my first mile faster than I intended, and that's something I really need to work on.  It was a 9:16, which is awesome for me, but at the same time I need to think about longer runs and I can't start that fast when I'm increasing my mileage.

Field hockey on Tuesday was good, scored my second goal in outdoor!!  As long as we have the subs, I really don't mind being a back/middie now.  I get an awesome workout doing that!  I'm thinking I may count my games as my runs.  I only have like one left unless we make playoffs.  Then indoor will start in September, and I've heard talks of another outdoor league in the fall.  If that happens then I'll have two games a week which means two awesome workouts!

I really need to get back on track with my running, though.  I'm just really struggling with the idea of getting up before work to run, but it's finally starting to cool down so I think I'll be okay.  I'm thinking of skipping the gym tonight for a run and swim.

I also think I'm trying those green smoothies.  My friend started because her neighbor did really well with them.  She told our other friend about it and now she wants to try them.  So I think we're going grocery shopping today after work.  I've been at such a plateau lately that I just need something to work.

Small Victories

Lost a half a pound this week.  And that was after eating a huge bowl of fro-yo last night.  A friend and I went to the doctors and we rewarded ourselves with frozen yogurt.  But I feel great after seeing that slight change.

I am loving the Olympics!  Team USA is doing such an amazing job and they are such an inspiration!  I saw a tweet last night... “@MensHumor: We live in a country where we care about being "16 and Pregnant" more than "16 and an Olympian" and it's crazy how it's true.  Hopefully teenagers and young adults will start to look up to these Olympians.  I wish I was good enough at a sport to be a part of the Olympics.  Think if I start training now I'll be good in 4 or 8 years?  :)

I'm researching new shoes and I feel like there are just so many brands and kinds that I just get confused.  What are your favorite shoes for running and working out?

Field Hockey

The last two field hockey games have been amazing for me!  I'm not one to brag, but I definitely think that I've gotten better.  Everyone on the team says I do a good job, I love getting the compliments, but I'm just so hard on myself I wonder if they're just saying it to say it or if it's actually true.  I've left the comfort of defending my circle and goal and have been pushing up to a defense/mid position.  It's strange because I kind of don't know how to act once I cross the 50, but I like it.  I almost scored last week, but was just outside the circle (darn it), but in my defense the lines were poorly painted on the field.  And this week, I redeemed myself!!  Scored on a corner in the first half! :)  I'm so proud of myself.  I still think I prefer to defend over playing offense, but just because that's what I'm comfortable with.  It sucks because I only have two more games of outdoor and then it's back to indoor in September.  And while I love indoor, I think I'm better outdoor because I love to drive the ball and I know I'm good at that, but you can't do that indoors.  As long as I get to play, though, I'm a happy girl.

Compliments are the best

Field hockey was great this week!  It was a 7:30 game, so it was just a little cooler but it seemed to help a great deal.  We only had one sub because a few girls were on vacation and one was a the doctors, but in the end it was fine.  I pushed up more (more running!!) and I almost scored once!  And we won!  The best part was the compliments, one of the other defense players said that she thinks mid fielder is my calling.  I don't believe that, but it was really nice to hear that I did well!
I had to skip kickboxing Wednesday because I was cooking for my work pot luck.  Made Sweet Potato Chili, and it was delicious!!
Back to the gym last night.  This class was intense, because we only had seven people.  I haven't sweat like that at kickboxing in a while.

I'm planning my outfits, and my moms, already for the Disney races!

Weekend Runs

Maybe posting about being a slacker got me motivated.  I rarely run on the weekends, but this weekend I ran Saturday and Sunday!  Saturday I had a family party at the shore, and of course I ate entirely too much.  After everyone left I laid down for a half hour and then told myself that I needed to get my butt in gear.  I forgot how nice running in Brigantine was, that's where my running journey started 5 years ago.  It's a different atmosphere and the people are so friendly.  I did 3 miles.  Sunday I woke up and felt like I could go for a run again, but I only brought one outfit with me.  When I got home and did that lazy thing around the house then forced myself out the door around 7:00PM.  By that time I had already lost motivation but I knew I'd feel better if I went.  I only did 2 miles, but I told myself it was 2 more miles than I would have done!
I got a huge blister on my heel, so I skipped this morning.  It was painful doing kickboxing in just my socks last night.  But none-the-less, I have field hockey tonight, which is always a great workout because I do a lot of spirits.

I'm debating signing up for a 10K in October.  I feel like it would ease my nerves a bit about the race in February.
I also saw that The Color Run is coming to New Jersey (about 1 1/2 hours away from me, though) in September.  Thinking about that, too.

Slacker

This week I have been severely slacking on my training.  Monday I went to Kickboxing.  Tuesday I set my alarm for my morning run, but slept right through it.  I couldn't fall asleep until almost midnight, so that's why. I had a field hockey game Tuesday night, though, and I did a lot more running/sprints than I usually do.  Yesterday I missed kickboxing, and felt horrible about it.  I had dinner with my parents, we had business to discuss.  My car decided not to work when I went to leave work yesterday, so I had to get a ride home (I only live a minute or two away) and my mom had to pick me up for work this morning.  Again I decided to sleep through my running alarm this morning.  I'm feeling so tired this week.  I don't know if it's the crazy heat wave we're having, but I'm not falling asleep as easily.  My uncle came to the rescue and fixed my car today, so I'm definitely going to the gym tonight.  Maybe I'll force myself to hit the cardio room before class... we'll see.

Picture Overload

16th - A sign I made my mom for Mother's Day three years ago.

11th - Two awesome letters.

12th - Texture - Flax seed in my yogurt.

13th - Open.

14th - Work.

15th - Thumb's up for my birthday!

17th - My addiction!

And pictures from my fun-filled weekend!!

My awesome Tie Dye Mickey birthday cake!

My bests ready to celebrate!

She made me princess headbands to train in.  So we took a "running" picture.

Birthday Weekend

The weekend was just what I needed.  I woke up Saturday with an alarm in attempt to go for a run.  I had a big internal debate, but decided against it in the end.  It was my birthday weekend, and as much as I enjoy running and knew that I should have gone, I wanted to relax.  The weather started to scare me and my friends coming from home said that it was raining, but it cleared up after we had lunch!  The six of us headed to the beach and the weather was great, cool and just a little cloudy!  We went back home after a few hours, had cake (red velvet - my favorite, and decorated like a tie dye mickey - couldn't get more me), and three of the girls headed home.  The afternoon consisted of naps, TV, pasta dinner, and getting ready.  We went out to Atlantic City, the Mountain Bar in Bally's because it's fairly cheap.  Stayed out until 4AM, haven't done that in a loooong time!  Good thing all I had to do Sunday was go to the beach!  I escaped the entire weekend without getting sun burn - score!
Came home and headed to my parent's house to have dinner with the family.  Saladworks and homemade Peach & Blueberry Cobbler!  Got the cutest card from my niece.  My brother and sister-in-law got me an outfit for running, and in my favorite colors (and apparently my brother picked it out on his own, good job).  My parents got me two Pandora charms (that I picked out with my mom), new running shoes (but I have to exchange them), and my plane tickets for Disney!!!  All in all - best birthday I've had in a couple of years!

Happy Friday the 13th!

Today is the third Friday the 13th of the year, I think that's awesome!  I was never a superstitious person, I do have a black cat after all!  What makes this Friday the 13th even better is that it's the start to my birthday weekend!  I had a horrible birthday last year, so I'm just trying to have fun this year and relax.  I'm heading to my shore house with a couple of my girlfriends tonight.  A couple more are joining us just for the day
to go to the beach tomorrow.  Then we'll head to AC for a fun night out.  And a relaxing beach day again Sunday.  Once I get home I'll have a family dinner and I requested a blueberry and peach cobbler as my cake.  YUM.

I'm going to try my hardest to run tomorrow morning, but I told myself it was okay if I didn't.  I did really well with every other day this week!  But somehow I gained weight again.  Please tell me I'm getting toned and in a few weeks it'll show!

First Week is going well!

Kickboxing last night.  3 mile run this morning.  I'm on track so far!  I stopped just shy of the three miles this morning because my new ear buds were driving me crazy!  They kept sliding out of my ears once I was halfway through the run and would barely stay in once I was a few minutes away from finishing.  My friend said that she prefers in "in ear" ones so I thought I'd try them out, so I bought them for a couple bucks at TJMaxx.  No big deal, but I guess I'll just stick to the usual iPhone ear buds.

Monday night I had an awesome dinner.  I found this recipe on Chocolate Covered Katie's blog.  Banana Split Pancakes for one.  Her nutritional information says it's about 190 calories for it all, but I'm sure I didn't use the "healthy" version of something and added more calories.  Regardless it's not bad at all for 3 decent sized pancakes!

While I was eating pancakes I had Turkey Spinach Meatballs in the oven.  I got the idea from back when I made Spinach balls for a pot luck at work, and I bought ground turkey this week.  So why not combine them.  Googled a recipe and cut it in half so I could use half the meat for tacos.  The turned out amazing.  Last night I made dinner for my friend/gym partner.  Pasta in tomato sauce, these meatballs, and string beans.  She loved the meatballs!  Maybe I can cook after all!

Planning a vacation is a little crazy when you've never done it before.  But I know it'll all be worth it in the end!!  Still can't believe I'm registered for the Princess half!! :)

I have to catch up on my Photo a Day..

Today's the Day!!

Well it is registration day for the Princess half, a day I know a lot of us have been waiting for!

I am so thankful to have a wonderful, amazing, and awesome mother who has graciously decided to pay for my registration for both the half and the 5K!  My grandma was in town for a week and she's been in and out (mostly out) of work and knows that it was hard on me.  Once worked calmed down from all the usual morning craziness, she told me that she had talked to my dad and they decided that she was going to do this for me.  I love her with all my heart and I'm so happy that she's going to Florida with me and participating in the 5K!

I've been debating with the idea of doing a race beforehand.  Not only is there the possibility I could be bumped up to a different corral because of the time, I also think it'll help the nerves subside a bit.  As much as I would love to do the Hershey half in October, it's not practical because of the travel distance.  So right now I'm really considering the Atlantic City marathon race series in October.  It still gives me plenty of time to train.  Now the question is whether to just go for the 10K or try the half!

This is also the first week of my training!  I'm going to try and follow it the best I can!  I love Jeff Galloway, but I'm going with Hal Higdon's training program.  12 weeks.  I can do this!
Yesterday was a Stretch & Strengthen day so I went to Kickboxing.  Amy and I also inquired about getting a personal trainer, so we'll see the cost of that.
Today was a 3 mile run which I did this morning!  I have my first field hockey game of the season tonight.

My favorite color combination!

It's not really 'big', but it's the best I could come up with while sitting at my desk.
And yes those are Mickey Mouse ice cubes.

Busy, Busy Weekend

Friday I went and visited my college roommate, who I haven't seen in over a year!  It stinks that life gets so busy that I can't even see close friends unless they live close (she's an hour and a half away).  And she definitely gave me a boost in confidence because when she opened the door she told me I looked great!  It was so good to just sit and talk with her.

Saturday I got up early with the intention of an easy, short run.  The weather was supposed to be over a 100, so needless to say that it was hot at eight in the morning!  I picked up my two friends at 10 and we were off to Philly to get our packets for The Color Run.  I dislike the city, especially driving in it and now I think my friends know to not let me.  Packet pick up was fast and easy and we were home in no time.  Dropped off my Brian because he had to go to work.  Amy and I hit up shop rite and then headed to my parent's pool.  We made a Skinny Poolside Dip that we got off of Pinterest.  It was super easy to make - just cream cheese, ranch seasoning, corn, olives, peppers, jalapenos and we used wheat thins to dip.  We gossiped and swam and had a few more drinks than we probably should have. :)

Brian came over so we would all be in the same place for the morning.  I set my alarm for 4:30AM - yikes!  I finally rolled out of bed around 4:45 and got ready quickly.  I put on a pot of coffee and started making pancakes.  I love making pancakes, it's the one thing I know I can make well.  I woke them up around 5:15, we ate, and they got ready.  And we were out the door around 5:45.  The city was filled with people in white clothing.  We walked around for a couple of minutes and then got into the starting line.  I'm not sure what time we actually started.  Brian left us and ran almost the whole thing and we ran for a total of maybe 7-10 minutes.  I know I could have done more, but you never leave a friend behind especially during a fun race like this!  We had so much fun!!  I would do that every weekend, including waking up that early for it!

Photo catch ups

The 7th:

My parent's backyard.

The 8th:

Panera.

It's Friday!!

Kickboxing was good last night.  I had to fly solo because one friend is out of town, one just got back in and her gym clothes were packed, and the other I don't know where she was.  Weighed myself this morning again.. I'm back where I started with the Biggest Loser! :(  I don't' get it!

A fellow Sweat Pink Ambassador, Michelle at Push.Pump.Progress posted this 26 things about them, so I figured I would give it a shot, too.

A is for age: 23, but just for another 9 days!

B is for breakfast today:  Always coffee.  Today I had Kashi cereal with soy milk, strawberries, and blueberries.

C is for currently craving:  The weekend.  Only about 4 more hours to go!

D is for dinner tonight: I'm not sure yet.. it's only noon.

E is for favorite type of exercise: Kickboxing.  I also love running, it's just too damn hot outside and the treadmill is so boring to me.

F is for a fave food: Peanut butter.  I could eat it on everything it seems - fruit, PB&J, on eggos, with nutella, PB & cheese sandwich, on a cheeseburger.

G is for gross food:  Muscles and clams.  Never tried them, so I suppose I should.  But the idea is just gross.

H is for hometown:  Sicklerville, NJ

I is for something important:  My family.  I don't know what I would do without them.  And in my family I do include my cats, they're like my children.

J is for current favorite jam:  Call Me Maybe

K is for karaoke: I did it once, I was in the background of a bunch of my sorority sisters.  But I don't think I'd ever do it again.

L is for luxe: I'm not big on spending a lot of money.  But when it came to things for my house, especially my kitchen, I definitely spent it.  My house will be worth a lot more once I decide to sell it.

M is for muffins: I love muffins.  A co-worker has a recipe for healthy mini muffins that I could eat all the time.  Now I wish I brought some of them to work with me.

N is for something you need:  Today to be over.  For it to be Sunday so I can run the Color Run.  But really... new workout capris/shorts.

O is for occupation: I am a co-director at a day care.  I work with my mom, it's a family business.  I also do the accounting work for the company, so I can say I use my degree. :)

P is for pet peeve:  Hypocrites, children not saying please and thank you or even hello (goes along with the job), bad drivers.

Q is for a quote: "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." --Dr. Seuss

And any form of the "Live. Laugh. Love" saying.

R is for running: I'm trying!  It's just so hot outside and I don't like running on treadmills.  But I'm doing a half marathon in February.

S is for favorite healthy snack:  I'm a big fruit eater.  I also like hummus with veggies.

T is for favorite treat: Ice cream! <3 

U is for something that makes you unique:  On my left arm, I have what I call my Polish birth mark. I have one big and one small white marks (then random white dots on both arms) that do not get tan.

V is for favorite vegetable: Peppers.

W is for today’s workout:  Possibly a run, but I'm not sure because I'm visiting my college roommate tonight.

X is for X-rays you’ve had:  Teeth, collar bone, wrist.

Y is for yesterday’s highlight: Yesterday seemed like a second Monday so work wasn't that great.  So the best part of yesterday was leaving work.


Z is for your time zoo...as in animal that I would HAVE to visit when I go:  Tigers!

This is where I get to sit everyday.

Sleeping.

Facebook

I decided to make a Facebook page to go along with the blog.  I couldn't use "There's Something About Mary" because it was already taken by the movie.  There's not much there, but it's a start.

A Mary Little Life

Back to Reality

So I had a nice Fourth of July.  I went for a late morning run, I didn't expect to do well since I haven't run in a couple of weeks, but it wasn't too bad.  I just wish I had brought something to drink because it was hot outside!  I went 2.21 miles and walked about a mile home because I couldn't take the heat, but it was something, right?  I went over to my parent's house and laid in their pool for about an hour.  Then showered and went back over for dinner.  This morning feels like Monday morning all over again.

I've looked through a couple of training plans since I've decided to run the half, and I think I finally found one I like.  The main thing is, I don't want to give up kickboxing for running, I want to be able to do both.  This one happens to have cross training or strength days on the same days when I take kickboxing!

I've been really good this week with my diet and exercise, so tell me how I've gained weight, and 2 pounds at that!?  I'm going to tell myself it's muscle.  Tomorrow is the weigh in for my work's Biggest Loser, part of me is hoping that number today is wrong and tomorrow will be back to normal.
I'm trying to eat much healthier than I was before, shooting for close to clean eating.  Do you think that could make my body act weird and retain excess shenanigans?

But in better news - less than a week until the sign up for the Princess half!!  I was talking about it with a friend yesterday, I'm just hoping she can come up with the money for the trip (she's in grad school).  At dinner my mom and I were discussing it as well.  We're deciding on what days to go down there because she hasn't been in about 15 years, so we definitely want 3 or 4 days for the parks.  Would you guys suggest going to the parks before or after the race?

4th of July fun

Pictures

I decided that I need to start taking more pictures and then I stumbled upon this.



Since I'm a couple days late here are my pictures for the 1st:

On the way to the gym.

and the 2nd:

Lots to do at work.

and today:

Relaxing on the couch when I get home from work, with my cats.

Blog make over

I'm slightly changing the layout and a couple of the "widgets."  And I'm considering a new title.. We'll see what creativity this day brings.

It's July already?!

This weekend was so nice!  Friday night I had a nice night in, watched Day 1 of the US Women's Gymnastics Olympic trials.  They really gave me some inspiration to work harder at the gym.  We had an intense storm overnight.  I woke up between 1:00 and 1:30AM and it looked like there were strobe lights outside my window from the non-stop lightening.  The thunder was crazy, too!  I woke up early to head to the shore.  I didn't realize how bad the storm was until I got on the roads.  I don't like to take the expressway, so I generally take the back roads - so many trees and tree branches down, and some even blocking part of the roads!  A few towns didn't have power, which meant traffic lights were out.  Apparently half the island didn't have power, but luckily my half did!  Went to the beach for a couple hours (didn't get any sun burn!!).  Then just had a lazy day around the house, played with my niece and watched a movie with my parents.  Yesterday, I intended to get up and go for a run, but apparently my body thought my bed was so much more comfortable than the one I have at my house, and I slept for about 11 hours!  It felt really nice, actually.  A couple friends drove down and we went to the beach.  We went in the water most of the time, which was nice because it was so hot outside!  I got a few patches of sunburn, but not too bad.  When I got back home, I went over to my brother's for cake and ice cream because his birthday is today.

I've been thinking of different workout schedules that involves both my classes at the gym and running (I know I need to start it back up, sooner rather than later).  So my tentative schedule will be:

Monday - Turbo Interval and Kickboxing
Tuesday - Field Hockey (for the next six weeks) and either a run or a class at the gym
Wednesday - Kickboxing and possibly a Core Conditioning class
Thursday - Run and Kickboxing
Friday - off
Saturday - Run
Sunday - off

This week will be a "get ready for this new schedule" kind of week, because the 4th of July is Wednesday and the gym is closed.  And I have the Color Run on Sunday!!!  My first ever race, I'm so excited!!

In other good news, I am now a Sweat Pink Ambassador!!  I'm still trying to figure everything out (it being Monday morning is making everything more difficult).  But I'll definitely keep you guys updated!

Hydration

Weekly workout recap:
Monday - Cardio Interval & Kickboxing
Tuesday - I was really thinking about going to the gym, but my friend wasn't going, so I chose a rest day instead.
Wednesday - Kickboxing
Thursday - Kickboxing


Despite the heat wave, I need to get out sometime this weekend to do some type of run, even if it's just a mile or two!  I'm going to our shore house weekend, so maybe I'll pack some workout gear since it always seems a little cooler down there.

So I tried Gatorade (the low calorie one) while running and I liked it, so while shopping at Sam's Club I looked at all the Sports Drinks.  I went with PowerAde Zero.  It was cheaper than Gatorade and I liked that it had no calories.  I brought it to Kickboxing last night and that's when I really looked at the nutrition label.  It had more sodium than I anticipated.  So I did a little research today and this is what I saw:

"Not all sports drinks hydrate equally. Those that contain higher amounts of sodium are preferable, because they are absorbed quicker and maintain fluid balance in the blood and muscles better. Choose a sports drink that contains at least 15 mg of sodium per oz."

--Active.com

So I what I'm drinking is okay.  What do you drink while you're working out?

Motivation, thank you for returning!

Babysitting was awesome!  Except they said I could have anything I wanted in their pantry.  And of course they have mini snickers, pretzel M&Ms, and cookies.  Had a little binge, but whatever.  She was really good for me, too!  Sunday I did go to the beach with a friend.  We only stayed for like an hour because she got some kind of rash on her thighs.  It was probably for the better, so I didn't end up getting burnt.  Then we got some delicious fro-yo and went to a friend's house to hang out.


Yesterday I tried that new classes that I've been itching to go to for a while, Cardio Interval.  I finally got my friend to go with me and I think she hates me for it.  The instructor was kind of a jerk, but in a "I'm going to make you work hard, and use the right technique/form" way, which isn't too bad in my book.  My friend just didn't like him, so I think she's turned off to the class now.  But since I went once with someone, I'm sure I'll be fine going on my own from now on.  After that we had a half hour break and then onto kickboxing!  I've been doing the class in just socks for the past week.  And now I know why I should wear shoes - I sort twisted my ankle while doing a switch kick.  It wasn't too bad, I took a couple minute break and got right back into it.  But I woke up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom and it felt a little sore.  So I wore an ankle brace today.  No time to get hurt because I'm finally back into the swing of things and I'm starting to see results!
I'm debating a rest day, going for a short run outside, or doing 2 classes at the gym again...  What to do, what to do.

Awesome week!

So four days at the gym this week!!  I'm so proud of myself.

Monday - Kickboxing
Tuesday - Circuit training/Strength class
Wednesday - Kickboxing
Thursday - half hour on the treadmill AND kickboxing
(I really don't like running on a treadmill.  I'm much rather be outside enjoying the fresh air and scenery, but with the heat that's not really an option.)

I'm definitely looking forward to the weekend for a break, let my muscles rest.

Lost a pound this week! :)

Tomorrow I'm babysitting my niece while my brother and sister-in-law go to a wedding.  Then I'm thinking about possibly going to the beach Sunday.

M.I.A.

I've been the worst blogger!!

The transition from the school year to summer camp has been a little hectic at work.  We had our Pre-K graduation last Thursday and this is the week where we don't know who will show up when because school's are letting out and some of our children will finish for the summer - I call it the "test week."  It drives me crazy!  I like to be very organized and being uncertain about these types of things bother me.

I was also sick last Monday.  The stomach bug finally got me after being around work for a few weeks.  That was probably the worst I've ever felt!

I bought a SPI belt, it is the cutest and best thing ever!!  I got a sparkly purple one. :)  I really am amazed at how much could fit in it.  I love not having my phone on my arm anymore.  But it's a little annoying trying to get it in and out of the belt, when I'm using it to track my run (starting and stopping MapMyRun).  So I'm looking into a garmin or something to use on my wrist now.  The one run I've done since, that I can think of off the top of my head was a little over 2.6 miles.  But I could tell it was humid out because it was a little bit of a struggle.


I have so much motivation for the gym right now.  Could be because my gym buddy renewed her membership finally.  If you have someone there with you, I think you rub off on each other and it makes it all easier!  I went to kickboxing Monday and a strength class yesterday.  And I'm going today, definitely for kickboxing, and before that I'm either going to do a core conditioning class that I've never been to before, or just hop on the treadmill.  I know that I should be focusing more on running, but I feel like for a little while I'm okay with doing the classes to loose the little weight I want, and hopefully get stronger.  Then I'll start my "real" training up, maybe once the summer's over and this crazy heat passes.

Back to the gym...

I looked back at my past workouts and realized I had not been to kickboxing since May 3rd - 5 weeks!  The last time I took three weeks off, I died at class, and this was a longer time span.  I was fully prepared to want to kill the instructor and to be sore this morning.  There were three of us there that hadn't been in a while, so it was nice to suffer with others.  The warm up wasn't too bad, since we generally jog/side shuffle/scoop around the bags and running makes that part a little easier.  As soon as we got to the actual bag work, I knew I had to take it slow so I didn't wear myself out.  But alas, I was out of juice pretty quick.  The instructor looked at me and said that we were going to love (full of sarcasm) the second half of class.  With just the look he gave when I asked him what it was, I knew it was going to be something difficult.  At 8:00 we put our bags off to the side. Usually I give a little cheer when he says this, but then I remember what he said and that took my enthusiasm away.  He announced we'd be doing basically suicides in our tiny gym room.  (He says one - we run across the room once and touch the floor.  He says two - we go to the other side, touch, and back.  All the way up to five, and back down to one.)  First set not so bad.  I didn't know we were doing multiples so I pushed myself a little too hard, but I refused to give up!  Next set he added push ups at the end, one - two - depending on what number we were on.  And surprise.. a third set with burpees!  But I convinced him only to go up to five and not back down.  After all of that I thought I was going to fall on the floor, but I felt amazing because I did it (and faster than everyone else).  Then we did abs.  A woman in the class, who also teaches classes at the gym, did them and man is she a beast.  I could not keep up with her!  But alas I am not too sore today.  I'm still waiting for it to hit me later, so we'll see.

Did that just happen?

Monday I was planing on going for a run after work.  It looked so dark and scary outside and the weather channel said there was a 50% chance of rain.  I decided to skip my run (I know, I know..), and of course it didn't rain!  Just my luck.

So yesterday I got home and was ready to hit the road!  I wanted to try a different route and I wasn't sure how long it would be, but I knew it had to be around 5 miles.  After the last run with my friend, I knew I could do at least three miles without stopping so that was the goal.  The first mile was pretty easy.  Mile two was a little difficult, the mile-barrier I had to push though!  Mile three was pretty easy, so I decided to keep on trucking.  I went for 5 miles straight.  Let me say this again... I ran 5 miles without stopping!  My pace started out at 10:20 something, and every miles went up around 10 seconds.  I was determined to finish with under an 11 minute pace - 10:58!

With today being National Running Day, I know I'm going to have to get out there and do some kind of run.  I'm thinking of keeping it short since yesterday was a long run.  There's also the Philadelphia Rock n Rock half marathon coming in September.  And if you sign up today you get $20 off!  I'm really considering it, but I have to make up my mind asap!

Weekend Round Up

So this weekend was workout-less (that's how it seems to go with me, unfortunately).  Friday was National Donut Day and at Dunkin Donuts you got a free donut with an beverage purchase.  So after work, a friend came over and we hit up our local Dunkin.  I was debating between my favorite, strawberry frosted, and their new cocoa donut.. I went with the cocoa.  But as I got the bag I realized it seemed pretty heavy for one donut. The worker put four donuts in my bag!  Score!!  The cocoa donut, strawberry frosted, and 2 chocolate frosted.  She made my day!  I ate two that night (oops?) along with my almond coffee.  We watched Say Yes to the Dress and gossiped.  We decided to start a little competition with each other, for weight loss.  We start tomorrow and will go until Friday, July 13th (the start of my birthday weekend).  The winner gets $10 to the Disney store, complements of the loser.

Saturday I got up early to babysit for a couple of hours.  Getting paid to watching children movies and sit on someone's couch is pretty awesome.

Sunday I had to get up early again.  Our field hockey game was at 9, ouch.  So I guess I did workout this weekend.  We actually had seven people show up, still not enough for subs, but we at least had a full team!  Apparently our team is overloaded with defense players, so I got stuck at offense.  I just looked at it as a better workout, as I died running up and down the field.  After we got killed, I showered and got ready to head to the beach, my happy place!  Spent three hours there and didn't get burnt this time!

I got to work this morning and thought we haven't done a Biggest Loser here in a while.  So I'm starting one up for this Friday until August 31st.  Can you tell I really want the motivation?  What do you do for extra motivation?

It's Friday!!

The weather is driving me crazy!  I feel like it's so humid outside.  I need to start running in the morning or running later in the evening.  I'm the type of person who just likes to get home and workout so then I have the rest of the evening to relax, though.  So we'll see.

I came across this giveaway on Karen's blog. Loosing It.  I've been looking for a new alternative the standard iPhone band because the phone is so tight in mine and I'm thinking about just changing it up!  So these bands are from Bondi Band and look really nice!  Go check it out!

I found a new training plan that I think I may try in the next couple of weeks.  It's only ten weeks long, so we'll see!

Good Workout Day!

One of my oldest friends is home from Grad School, for a little while at least.  She's kind of a runner and every time she's home we say that we'll run together, but never do.  Yesterday she convinced me to go with her.  I was nervous, because although she says she's not fast, I didn't know if that was true.  She only wanted to do 3 miles, which she said she does in about 32, so that made me feel a little better.  We did a warm up walk and caught up for a little, then off we went!  I knew she didn't take walk breaks, and was determined to give it a try (I used to run 3-4 miles straight back last year).  When we got close to my house, she said we were a little short and wanted to do the courts in our neighborhood, but I was done.  I pushed myself at the end to go faster because I thought we almost finished.  But you know what - 2.61 miles with no walking breaks sounds fantastic to me!
She told me that her and some of her friends are planning to do the Philadelphia Rock and Roll half in September, so I may do that with them!  And then her friends want to do the Disney full, but I'm trying to convince her to do the Princess half with me, and work up to the full maybe the next year!

Thank you!

I thought I posted this via my phone, but I guess it never went through.  Can't trust technology, I suppose.

When I got home Friday from work, I went to get the mail.  I opened the mailbox to find a little package waiting for me!  I got so excited to see it was the shirt that I won from Tess's giveaway.  I put it on right away and fell in love!  I can't wait to wear it out, not just on my runs but everywhere!  I actually wore it down to the beach on Saturday.  It's super comfy.

If you haven't checked out this shop on Etsy, definitely do it!  Nutrition Snob

Memorial Day Weekend was a busy one, for sure, but unfortunately not a lot of training.  Had a lazy Friday night watching movies, went to bed early-ish because I wanted an early start to Saturday.  Drove down to my family's beach house with a friend in the morning and hit the beach for four hours.Now I'm pretty fair skinned, but I applied sun screen regularly when I was there, but still managed to get a funky sun burn.  Just a strip on the back of each leg, one worse than the other, and half my back.  Now I'll be half tan when it goes away.  My friend's back and butt were all burnt, so we suffered together.  We came home and later another friend came over and we just hung out.

Sunday we planned to head into Philly for the day.  Our friends work on the Ferry boat that takes you from the Camden Waterfront to Penn's Landing.  So we hopped on that to see them, and it was something we never did before so it was nice!  We knew we had to try out this ice cream shop, Franklin Fountain.  If you're ever in Philadelphia definitely check it out!  It was a bit pricey, but totally worth it.  We shared their biggest sundae - three scoops of ice cream with the works.  We went with Maple Walnut topped with strawberries for her, Peanut Butter topped with chocolate syrup for me, and Banana topped with pineapple in the middle - all topped with almonds and whipped cream.  So delicious!!  This was our lunch - I know not a great lunch nutrition-wise, but sometimes you just have to live a little.
Then we walked around all the tourist spots in the city.  We really haven't been there since we were kids on school trips so it was nice to see it again!  We saw Independence hall and the buildings around it.  The Liberty Bell had a long line to see, so we looked at it from the outside of the building.  We were about the go into Betsy Ross's house, but there was a charge, and we were being cheap so we didn't go in.  Walked passed the Mint on the way back to the Ferry.  On the way home we got a flat tire!  When we finally got home we relaxed for a little and then got ready to head to Ocean City for a little board walk fun.  We went on a ride, walked around, and then got some amazing late night Pizza.
Monday we had a super lazy day.  Layed on the couch most of the day.  We decided since it was Memorial Day we needed to get a burger so we headed to Five Guys.  (I ate so horribly this weekend!  So it's back on track today.)  And now, I'm unfortunately at work.  How was everyone's Memorial Day weekend?

Weekend Roundup

This weekend was a pretty relaxing one.  Saturday I got a huge tree removed that fell in my yard a couple of months ago and two other trees taken down.  My backyard looks so big now!  I can't wait to fix it up and "landscape."  I do not have a green thumb by any means but I'm going to try because I want a fun summer backyard.  I'm thinking a fire pit and a cute little area to lay out in.  I went out with a friend Saturday night, for her friend's birthday.  Got home at like 2AM, late for me!

Sunday was another field hockey game!  I got to play defense the entire game, still no subs, though!  So 45 minutes of internals - run/sprint/walk with a few breaks of nothing when the ball was at the other end.  I think I pulled 2 muscles, so I look really awkward walking today.  We lost terribly.  So we celebrated that by going to the local ice cream place after the game!  Yumm!

It's raining today and add the pain I'm in, so I'm not sure I'll get a run in.

Testing out the Gatorade

Wednesday I was so tired.  I guess my body can't handle going out until 1:00 and then getting up at 6:30 for work.  I tired the Gatorade chews in the Orange flavor.  They have a texture that I'm not too fond of, but the taste wasn't horrible.  But I do not think they gave me energy because I proceeded to lay on the couch and watched my recorded TV shows that day.  But maybe it was really the lack of sleep, who knows.  I'll give them another shot Sunday before my field hockey game.  Currently, though, I prefer the Power Bar energy chews.

Yesterday I told myself I had to go for a run.  I was determined to make it a longer one, too.  I also bought Gatorade to take on the run with me instead of water.  I can't tell if it made me more thirty or not, since I don't regularly bring water with me.  But I chugged a bottle of water when I got home, which I usually don't do.  I was shooting for 7 miles, but only made it 5.28 (still not bad though!!).  My running plan is usually to walk a short distance every mile.  I seem to have a hard time with the third mile for some reason, so I usually take two walk breaks then.  Yesterday, during mile four and five, I went for a mile and half without stopping.  I don't know where the energy came from, but it was nice.  Thinking about it now, I should have taken the walk bread earlier though, because then maybe I could have gone a farther distance.  Oh well.  Still a successful day if you ask me!

Energy in a chew?!

Yesterday was my mom's first day not there - she's babysitting my niece two days a week now that my sister-in-law went back to work.  And of course that's the day the phone decides to ring off the hook.  But all in all, it was a decent day.  The weather couldn't make up it's mind - pouring rain then sun and back again.  My mood is really effected by the weather, so I felt tired just from staring at the dark skies all day.  By the time I left work  the sun was starting to break through more and more so I thought there was a chance of a run.  Alas the rain held up, and now I just had to convince myself to get out there!
While grocery shopping this past weekend, I got PowerBar Energy blasts, so I figure it would be the perfect test!  I ate two and waited to feel the extra energy.  I had heard that you should drink extra water when taking these, but I forgot so I started to get a headache.  I downed about 12 oz. of water and felt so much better!  I got dressed and cranked my music up and off I went. My new song, Call Me Maybe - don't judge, came on in the first couple of minutes and I found myself running faster!  It's amazing how a good song pushes you to keep going or pick it up a notch.  What I didn't realize was how hot and humid it actually was, so I was dripping sweat and dying. Maybe I pushed myself too hard in the beginning or maybe it was just the weather, but I cut it short and only did 2.5 miles.  Still happy I went out there, though!

Catch Up

Thursday I convinced my running buddy to come over after work.  She's been having a hard time with motivation lately, so I'm trying to help her out.  We ran two miles, at her pace, and then ended to walking and chit chatting for the two miles home.  I figured, though, that we did something which  was better than nothing.

Saturday I woke up with the intention to run, but after I ate breakfast I realized that I had close to no food in my house.  Needless to say, food shopping won that battle - but I made sure to buy a lot of yummy fruits and veggies.  Then I got ready to head to Brigantine, my family has a shore house there so that's where my mother was.  I spent the afternoon with them, and we went out to dinner.  It would have been nice to stay the night, but I didn't want to have to wake up extra early to make it to my field hockey game in the morning.

Sunday I played indoor field hockey, with some friends I haven't seen in a while (it was so nice to see them and hang out with them again).  I haven't picked up a stick in about six years, so I didn't know how it would go, but as long as I had fun I knew I would be happy.  Our team lost, terribly 11-1, but I did have fun!  I even scored our only goal!!  That's extra awesome, because I think it may have been my first goal ever, in eight years of playing in school - I did play defense.  Oh my, was it a workout though.  I had to play the front and mid and defense positions during the 40 minute game, and we didn't have any subs.  I thought I was going to die once or twice.  I can run, at my slow-ish pace, for miles, but now I see why every says interval training is so great.  Those bursts of spirits killed me.  And just the way your body has to move, pivoting and bending down, uses muscles that I usually don't - my butt is hurting.

I'm so frustrated!!  How do I keep gaining weight?  I eat pretty healthy and I work out.  I just don't understand!  I mean I suppose this weekend I didn't do too well with eating, with mother's day cake and a few other goodies.  But it just stinks to get on the scale in the AM and have it go up - not a good way to start the day!

If you haven't already checked out Bethi's blog, you definitely should!  She's currently having a giveaway of a SPI belt that looks super cute!  It looks small, but it expands to fit your necessities!  I love Minnie Mouse and this belt is red and white polka dots, just like her!  She has the different ways to enter, so go take a look.  She's also a huge inspiration during her journey to running a half marathon!

Tess is also having a giveaway!  Super cute workout shirts that have great motivational sayings!  If you need that extra boost to get you out the door to run or workout, these would sure help!  I think that when you look and feel good, you have an easier time getting out there.  And the best part, is that they custom make shirts if you don't find one you like!!  Esty has surely become my new favorite place to find little treasures!

Middle of the Night

I woke up in the middle of the night and stretched my legs while lying in bed.  Big mistake, apparently.  I don't know what I did, but it felt like my calf muscle was tearing away from the bone, ouch!  I leap out of bed as fast as I could to try and relieve the pain. I did different stretches and it finally went away.  When I stretch it now, it still feels a little sore.  Weird, right?

Morning run success!

Second morning of the year and this one was much better than the last one!  Just getting up early enough to do this is an accomplishment for me.  I decided to walk down my street to warm up my legs, usually I just walk down the driveway.  This definitely helped because my last morning run my legs were hurting.  First mile went GREAT, but mile three was a struggle for some reason.

I can do this.  I can do this.  I CAN DO THIS!!

We Are Family

So this weekend was filled with family.  Saturday I ran errands with my mom and helped her get some food ready for my niece's baptism.  Then I got to babysit my princess for a few hours.  She's the cutest thing in the world.  I am determined to make sure she likes everything Disney.  So I was playing Disney songs and every time Tale As Old As Time came on she just lit up and smiled and laughed! :)  Sunday I got up early and planned on going for a run.  But I got a call from my brother just as I was about to get ready, he asked if I could get the pretzel tray they ordered.  So I told myself I would try going after the party.  Whelp, I feel into a food coma and that idea went out the window.  Back on track today!

I was talking with my cousin.  She and her brother run and they did the Broad Street Run yesterday.  It got me thinking as to what I want my first race to be.  Should I start with a 10K, or just go all out and try a half marathon?  What do you guys think?