Back again.

So after finishing up my half in April, I totally fell off the bandwagon - with exercising and eating.  I know I wanted a break, but not to this point where I'm dying getting back out there.  The heat played a role in this decision, too.  There was no way I was getting out there in 90+ degrees and I work too early in the morning to try that option.  I rejoined my gym hoping to get back into kickboxing.  June went well and then I didn't go at all in July (it was a busy month - birthdays, 4th of July, crazy storms).  I did play field hockey every Tuesday, so that was something!

I finally hopped on the scale again and I wasn't too please with the number, but I couldn't be mad either because it was my fault.  So here I am trying to get back into the swing of things.  The weather is starting to cool down so that'll make runs easier and more frequent.  I do so well with my diet during the week, but as soon as the weekend hits it's as if I don't remember to be good - food, desserts, drinks, it all adds up unfortunately.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!!

Proper Attire

The Pixie Dust faded, just as I thought it would.  The first mile of my run was pretty good, but then I was struggling.  I didn't even do 3 miles!  It could have been the weather - it was about 20 degrees cooler and it had rained earlier in the day.  But at least I went out there, right?!  Nearing the end of my run, I told myself that I had to go to kickboxing, too, since I didn't perform my best.  I knew none of my friends were going, so this was my first solo class at the gym!  It wasn't as bad as I thought - not as much fun and laughing to get my through, but still a good workout.

I never know how to dress properly if it's not warm out.  I tend to put on too many layers.  In my mind I know that I'll get hot a couple minutes into the run, but that hasn't stopped me from throwing on a zip-up.  Half way through my run I get uncomfortable and maybe that affects my performance.  Jeff Galloway has a section of what to wear in different temperatures, I'll have to reread that section and follow it!

Oh. My. Goodness.

Yesterday I really thought I was definitely going Kickboxing and that I'd try for some kind of run beforehand.  Whelp, that plan changed - for the better, I would say!  I hit the pavement after work, only expecting 3 or 4 miles.  I DID 7.1!!!!! Forrest Gump must have taken over my body because that is crazy for me!  I have never ran more than 4.5 in my life!  Maybe not running for six days did me some good.  I also hit my fastest mile time to date - 9 minutes and second mile the pace was still about 9:15.  Then for miles 3 to 7 my paces stayed relatively the same around 10:15 - 10:30.  That, I think, made me the happiest.  I didn't slow too much adding on!  This run made me fully aware that I CAN DO THIS!  I just ran a half of the Half Marathon, and I know I could pull the rest out of myself! :)  I'm so incredibly happy and proud of myself right now.

Does this happen to anyone else...  Lately, when I run my fingers and hands get swollen.  I've only noticed it the past couple of runs.  At the end of the run yesterday, it hurt a little bit to make a fist.  And that's why I skipped kickboxing, I didn't want to hit the bag and hurt my hands.

Bows Galore!

Yesterday was just an off day for me.  I tried something different with when and how I eat during the day and it did not work.  It made me eat way more than I usually do - no bueno.  So I laced up my shoes and went for a run, after I was stuck at work for an extra hour - again no bueno.  I thought I was going to do my 4.5 mile route, but I was wrong.  I finished my first mile under 10 minutes, which I've never done while recording time.  So I know I pushed myself too hard for that first mile and I was burnt out.  I knew I was going to kickboxing later, so I was okay with a lighter run.

I have to share this shop on Esty - JollyHolidayBowtique.  She makes such cute Disney inspired bows, I wish I could buy them all!  They would definitely be cute to wear on race day! :)

Dress to Impress

My friend came over again yesterday to run.  We did the same route, and shaved 4 minutes off our time!  I tried to use Galloway's run-walk method more for her this time.  I think she just needs to figure out what techniques work for her the best and then we'll be golden!  We have ten months - I'm glad we're starting so early.  I want to get to the mileage and then improve on my time.  And I'm dragging her with me whether she likes it or not.

I found this DIY shirt on Pinterest (love that website!!).  I tried it over the weekend with an old shirt that was way too big on me, and while it worked it looked silly because of how big it was.  So yesterday I picked out a tie-dyed shirt that fit properly and cut away.  Love it!!  Michael's is having a sale 5 for $10 t-shirts.  We went and picked up shirts and this weekend we're having a craft day.  We're going to make motivational Disney Princess running tank tops!!  So I just have to pick some quotes/sayings to write on the shirts.


I think we're going to put something like this on every shirt - to remind us of our goal!  I'll post pictures of our final products!