So. Ok. What's the deal with fruits and vegetables? I have never been a lover of eating colorful food, I am a lover of the brown, tan, white color. I am even ok if you want to splash some food coloring in my food...but natural colors have never been my thing. Just take a look at the lovely foodie pictures I took a few months ago, it's pretty depressing. I read a lot of blogs where the authors have major love affairs with a salad!?!? How does that happen? Is it innate? Learned? How much work will it actually take to make me have a complete change of the foods I am comfortable eating?
My other gripe is time. It takes me 3 minutes and zero mess to clean up when I eat a Lean Cuisine, but when I make a salad - I mean a salad that I actually enjoy - it takes me at least 5 minutes plus the mess, and that is just for the salad. Also, I just never think it will fill me up. If some expert happens to stumble upon my blog...please tell me how can an ordinary person go from a dough and sugar lover to a fruit and veggie lover without having some sort of major awakening?
In other news, I completed the HB 4th of July 5K in 33:57, even though I am 2 minutes from the goal for this race, I feel like I am making some progress. Now I just have to keep it up and work hard to get to my goal by next month. I have a feeling I am going to get very close even if I don't get there.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
Blog Addict
Call in the 12 step program people, I have a serious blog reading addiction. Now that I have one of those Smart Phones I have been able to read every one's blogs via my Google Reader. I swear, I refresh the Google Reader more then I do my Gmail - which is another major addiction. I went out "shopping" for more blogs to read last night - I found some good ones by checking out the comments section on the blogs I read most faithfully. I found some good ones! I am going to see if I can find some more today. I am learning so much and it is so cool to see real people who are able to incorporate running and nutrition into their daily lives.
If only I could read or comment on my Google Reader from my phone, my life would be utterly perfect.
I have another 5K to run on Monday morning, my goal is under 32 minutes, which seems ambitious knowing that just a couple weeks ago I did a 5K in 36 minutes - on a 20 gram of carbs a day diet. Remember how I said I was president of the bad idea club? Racing and Atkins do not mix for me. I am hoping that since I have added carbs back to my diet (watching calories), that it will make a difference in my time. I have 1 more 5K scheduled in August, if I don't make my 27 minute goal by then, there will be more 5K's.
My training has been moving right along, I have been using the treadmill most of the time now, I think because it is new and I have been liking it more and more, plus I can run while Jesse is taking a nap. My longest run is 4 miles, so it is not like I am spending a ton of time on it. My weight lifting has dropped off though. I need to pick that up again - I'll make it a priority next week. Speaking of next week, I have a 5 mile run on the schedule! It has been a long time since I have run 5 miles, to me 5 miles is a big turning point in my running; once I get there, I feel like a runner.
My schedule is going to change soon, I have been interviewing for a full time role where I will no longer be working out of my house (with my own hours). While contracting has been great for me as a mom and keeping up with my industry, it offers no stability or benefits. Jesse started Pre-school 3 days a week and I think it is time, to be honest, I really miss working with a team and going in the office. It gets pretty lonely on my own.
When I finally get something, I am going to have to figure out a new running schedule. I will have to make it work since I am signed up for the LB 1/2 in October! I will not be running another 2:50 half, I would like to be close to 2 hours, but I will take anything under 2:30...I guess we shall see when we get there.
Alright, it is time to publish this post and get my fix from other blogs!
If only I could read or comment on my Google Reader from my phone, my life would be utterly perfect.
I have another 5K to run on Monday morning, my goal is under 32 minutes, which seems ambitious knowing that just a couple weeks ago I did a 5K in 36 minutes - on a 20 gram of carbs a day diet. Remember how I said I was president of the bad idea club? Racing and Atkins do not mix for me. I am hoping that since I have added carbs back to my diet (watching calories), that it will make a difference in my time. I have 1 more 5K scheduled in August, if I don't make my 27 minute goal by then, there will be more 5K's.
My training has been moving right along, I have been using the treadmill most of the time now, I think because it is new and I have been liking it more and more, plus I can run while Jesse is taking a nap. My longest run is 4 miles, so it is not like I am spending a ton of time on it. My weight lifting has dropped off though. I need to pick that up again - I'll make it a priority next week. Speaking of next week, I have a 5 mile run on the schedule! It has been a long time since I have run 5 miles, to me 5 miles is a big turning point in my running; once I get there, I feel like a runner.
My schedule is going to change soon, I have been interviewing for a full time role where I will no longer be working out of my house (with my own hours). While contracting has been great for me as a mom and keeping up with my industry, it offers no stability or benefits. Jesse started Pre-school 3 days a week and I think it is time, to be honest, I really miss working with a team and going in the office. It gets pretty lonely on my own.
When I finally get something, I am going to have to figure out a new running schedule. I will have to make it work since I am signed up for the LB 1/2 in October! I will not be running another 2:50 half, I would like to be close to 2 hours, but I will take anything under 2:30...I guess we shall see when we get there.
Alright, it is time to publish this post and get my fix from other blogs!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Still Here
Yup, I am still here and still going. I am up to 4 miles now. There hasn't been too much to report. I tied going back on Atkins, ran a 5K (me+low carb+running=out of gas)that was my worst time ever, 36 minutes. Then I got the stomach flu, now I am back to just plain counting calories. In the midst of everything, I have lost 10 pounds. I have another 5K coming up on the 4th of July, lets see how much better I do with carbohydrates. It feels better running with carbs - I feel like running is less work and more fun. I know their are people out there that run on low carb diets, but I can say, for me, it is too difficult.
The best thing about Atkins is that it forces me to cut out sugar completely. I need to watch my sugar intake, my Grandma had diabetes, and my mom is pre-diabetic. I could probably eat sugar for every meal if I could actually keep a stash (instead of eating it all in one sitting). So, along with calories, I have incorporated some of the sugar free products (as a replacement). It was definitly a great jumpstart to my weight loss (stomach flu included).
I have really been doing great with running - my old TM finally died, so I bought a used one off of Craigslist for $250 - it was hardly used and is much quieter then my last one. I have been running about every other day - about 4 days a week. The consistency has been helping me to get my mileage back up and I seem to getting zero injuries/pain this year.
My goal is still a 27 minute 5K. I doubt I will get there by next week, but I am aiming for 32 minutes on the 4th of July. I am doing one more 5K in August at the OC Fair - I am determined to hit my goal by then. We shall see.
The best thing about Atkins is that it forces me to cut out sugar completely. I need to watch my sugar intake, my Grandma had diabetes, and my mom is pre-diabetic. I could probably eat sugar for every meal if I could actually keep a stash (instead of eating it all in one sitting). So, along with calories, I have incorporated some of the sugar free products (as a replacement). It was definitly a great jumpstart to my weight loss (stomach flu included).
I have really been doing great with running - my old TM finally died, so I bought a used one off of Craigslist for $250 - it was hardly used and is much quieter then my last one. I have been running about every other day - about 4 days a week. The consistency has been helping me to get my mileage back up and I seem to getting zero injuries/pain this year.
My goal is still a 27 minute 5K. I doubt I will get there by next week, but I am aiming for 32 minutes on the 4th of July. I am doing one more 5K in August at the OC Fair - I am determined to hit my goal by then. We shall see.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
5 Things I Wish I Knew Last Year
Let me make this clear: I am in no way any type of expert in running – I AM a new runner. Last year I learned a lot about running, through making bad decisions and I thought I would share.
1. Go to the running store immediately and invest in some shoes. When I first started running, I kept getting shin splints and muscle pulls. Once I finally broke down and got everything measured, I found out I had high arches, narrow feet, I pronate inward and I was buying shoes a ½ size too small. Once I got the correct shoes and inserts for myself my re-occurring injuries magically went away.
2. When it hurts, stop. I am not talking about tired muscles, I am talking about when it actually HURTS, like when something is wrong. I kept taking a day and getting back to running. I was popping Advil like candy. Unfortunately Advil does not actually heal pain, it just masks it. So when I was down, I was down for at least a week. This year I am taking it easy if I feel something awkward.
3. When you get sick, unless you have a fever, stomach flu, or cannot breath – run anyways. You may not agree with me on this one, but I insist this is the best idea for me. First of all trying to get my mileage back after taking a week or two off, especially since I am a new runner, takes twice as long. I am not a “natural” talent; I didn’t run my first half marathon in some amazing time without training. I have to work at it. Taking long amounts of time off do not help me.
4. Stretch, Yoga, do bendy stuff – whatever the trend – do it. Yes, it is boring. Yes, I am a person with no patience – that is actually how I started running – I got impatient with walking. It takes more self discipline for me to make time to stretch then it does to follow my training plan. BUUUUUUUT, it does make a difference for me. Oh – and just a side note, I always wait till after my body is warm to stretch.
5. Get a hand held water bottle. I drink a lot of water, when I get thirsty out on a run I NEED to drink. If I have no water, it can get to the point of me coughing a bunch and then it takes me forever to come back from that. I tried that belt thingy and hated it. First of all, it bounced everywhere. Second of all, I am already carrying around my own extra weight; I definitely do not need to carry around more weight. I have found that my little hand held water is perfect, I can fill it up at water stations everywhere.
I am sure I will have a whole new list after this race season, so stay tuned.
1. Go to the running store immediately and invest in some shoes. When I first started running, I kept getting shin splints and muscle pulls. Once I finally broke down and got everything measured, I found out I had high arches, narrow feet, I pronate inward and I was buying shoes a ½ size too small. Once I got the correct shoes and inserts for myself my re-occurring injuries magically went away.
2. When it hurts, stop. I am not talking about tired muscles, I am talking about when it actually HURTS, like when something is wrong. I kept taking a day and getting back to running. I was popping Advil like candy. Unfortunately Advil does not actually heal pain, it just masks it. So when I was down, I was down for at least a week. This year I am taking it easy if I feel something awkward.
3. When you get sick, unless you have a fever, stomach flu, or cannot breath – run anyways. You may not agree with me on this one, but I insist this is the best idea for me. First of all trying to get my mileage back after taking a week or two off, especially since I am a new runner, takes twice as long. I am not a “natural” talent; I didn’t run my first half marathon in some amazing time without training. I have to work at it. Taking long amounts of time off do not help me.
4. Stretch, Yoga, do bendy stuff – whatever the trend – do it. Yes, it is boring. Yes, I am a person with no patience – that is actually how I started running – I got impatient with walking. It takes more self discipline for me to make time to stretch then it does to follow my training plan. BUUUUUUUT, it does make a difference for me. Oh – and just a side note, I always wait till after my body is warm to stretch.
5. Get a hand held water bottle. I drink a lot of water, when I get thirsty out on a run I NEED to drink. If I have no water, it can get to the point of me coughing a bunch and then it takes me forever to come back from that. I tried that belt thingy and hated it. First of all, it bounced everywhere. Second of all, I am already carrying around my own extra weight; I definitely do not need to carry around more weight. I have found that my little hand held water is perfect, I can fill it up at water stations everywhere.
I am sure I will have a whole new list after this race season, so stay tuned.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
2-MGTNYDVDWL
So yesterday I did another 2 mile "long run." I stopped to stretch out my calves after I finished the first mile (cause guess what!?!? they are hurting again) and the watch stopped timing, then I started messing around with it, pushed every button and finally gave up on it. I realized, I have no idea how to work that thing. So I spent a good part of the afternoon learning how to use it. I finally was able to download the software and find out where I can see my results on the computer.
Oh! I am convinced for sure that my treadmill is off on the speed setting. My Garmin said I was going 10:30 avg - which is substantially different then my 12-13 minute miles on the treadmill. Something is up. I can say, if that is the case, well that will be my secret weapon to 9 minute miles....that and a lot of praying....and some weight loss....and some more praying...begging....pleading....please God help me get there!!!
I bought the Yoga DVD from Target and will be committing to doing it every Sunday.
Source
This year I am combining strength with running (which is another reason why my miles are building slow). I was hesitant last year since #1 I had no idea what I was getting myself into in the first place and #2 I build muscle very fast - I mean the bulky unfeminine kind not the pretty long lean kind. But I am guessing I will need muscle to get faster and I am hoping that as long as I am not lifting heavy weights and just do more repetitions of lighter weights I won't bulk up too much.
Wow - this post is really all over the place...I have no idea what the title should be...perhaps "2 Mile Garmin Troubles New Yoga DVD Weight Lifting," hmmmm I think that is just a tad too long - aha! I will make it an acronym!
Oh! I am convinced for sure that my treadmill is off on the speed setting. My Garmin said I was going 10:30 avg - which is substantially different then my 12-13 minute miles on the treadmill. Something is up. I can say, if that is the case, well that will be my secret weapon to 9 minute miles....that and a lot of praying....and some weight loss....and some more praying...begging....pleading....please God help me get there!!!
I bought the Yoga DVD from Target and will be committing to doing it every Sunday.
Source
This year I am combining strength with running (which is another reason why my miles are building slow). I was hesitant last year since #1 I had no idea what I was getting myself into in the first place and #2 I build muscle very fast - I mean the bulky unfeminine kind not the pretty long lean kind. But I am guessing I will need muscle to get faster and I am hoping that as long as I am not lifting heavy weights and just do more repetitions of lighter weights I won't bulk up too much.
Wow - this post is really all over the place...I have no idea what the title should be...perhaps "2 Mile Garmin Troubles New Yoga DVD Weight Lifting," hmmmm I think that is just a tad too long - aha! I will make it an acronym!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Races on the Calender
Yesterday I signed up for 3 races. I will be doing the Anaheim 5K next month, then the Huntington Beach 5K on the 4th of July and the Long Beach 1/2 in October. I am probably going to sign up for the OC Fair 5K - but I figured I would hold off since I just spent a lot of money all at once (somehow it is more economical if I break it up). I am determined to break 27 minutes on one of the 5K's I do.
I am sure next month's 5K time will be horrid - but hey I figured I'd get started trying right away. I am hoping for 32 minutes next month, based on where I am at right now, that is ambitious. The OC Fair 5K is in August, so if I do not get to 27 minutes by the HB 5K, then I WILL get it there!
My goal for the Long Beach 1/2 Marathon is 2-2:15. I have plenty of time to get there and I have all of the mistakes I made last year under my belt; hopefully I wont make them again. PLUS I have my supersweet Garmin. I have big plans for that little guy. Poor thing has been collecting dust for a couple months. The LB 1/2 is like my rematch of last year - where I actually completed it, but I had MUCH room for improvement. This year I am coming back to pick the fight again...grrrrrr.
I will pick a marathon too - eventually. That's right, you heard me, I will finally pick, pay, and then be forced to train for the event I have had as a gaol for over a year. Since it will be far out in like Jan or so - I figured as long as I schedule it before I complete the 1/2 in October I will be fine.
I have realized that I NEED to have a race on the calender. I am a goal oriented person and while I really like to run, I LOVE to run races and get to my goal times.
I am sure next month's 5K time will be horrid - but hey I figured I'd get started trying right away. I am hoping for 32 minutes next month, based on where I am at right now, that is ambitious. The OC Fair 5K is in August, so if I do not get to 27 minutes by the HB 5K, then I WILL get it there!
My goal for the Long Beach 1/2 Marathon is 2-2:15. I have plenty of time to get there and I have all of the mistakes I made last year under my belt; hopefully I wont make them again. PLUS I have my supersweet Garmin. I have big plans for that little guy. Poor thing has been collecting dust for a couple months. The LB 1/2 is like my rematch of last year - where I actually completed it, but I had MUCH room for improvement. This year I am coming back to pick the fight again...grrrrrr.
I will pick a marathon too - eventually. That's right, you heard me, I will finally pick, pay, and then be forced to train for the event I have had as a gaol for over a year. Since it will be far out in like Jan or so - I figured as long as I schedule it before I complete the 1/2 in October I will be fine.
I have realized that I NEED to have a race on the calender. I am a goal oriented person and while I really like to run, I LOVE to run races and get to my goal times.
Monday, May 9, 2011
2 Mile "Long Run"
Man I have a LONG way to go. This weekend I did a 2 mile "long run" - it's almost embarrassing to say that - I won't even post the time - it was even more embarrassing....ok it was 26 minutes and some change (there were walking breaks). I feel ok today - no shin splints so tomorrow is 1.5 plus 30 Day Shred (same for the next 2 days). I am just going to work at this slowly, with balance and moderation. I will get to that Marathon one day - I know it. First things first - I am going to tackle a 27 minute 5K.
So I made the Vegan Enchiladas that Angela from Oh She Glows raved about - with some modifications - OH MY!!! Really super and really filling. They are as good as she says. I made mine with Zucchini instead of Sweet Potatoes and Anaheim Peppers instead of Bell Peppers (I hate Bell Peppers). Delish! You don't even realize the cheese is missing. That will be a good go to recipe.
Also, I made the Almond Butter she made, while it is not exactly the best thing I ever ate - it does make a great lower fat replacement for my nut butter addiction.
So I made the Vegan Enchiladas that Angela from Oh She Glows raved about - with some modifications - OH MY!!! Really super and really filling. They are as good as she says. I made mine with Zucchini instead of Sweet Potatoes and Anaheim Peppers instead of Bell Peppers (I hate Bell Peppers). Delish! You don't even realize the cheese is missing. That will be a good go to recipe.
Also, I made the Almond Butter she made, while it is not exactly the best thing I ever ate - it does make a great lower fat replacement for my nut butter addiction.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Forever and a Day
So I admit, it has been forever since my last post. I have been reading everyones stuff - just no comments since I have been reading posts on my Android through the Google Reader app. Posting really started to dwindle when I got sick and my running went downhill. Then my work increased and I started looking for a Preschool for Jesse. I found one - he starts next week!! I completely flopped on OC Marathon (the race I really wanted to run) - I was not training and so I took a big pass.
So I have been at the beginning of running again for the past 2 weeks. Last week I just did Jillian and Turbo Jam video's, this week I am still doing the videos, and adding 1 mile of running on the TM. I have no plan, but the goal is to run a 5K in anywhere close to 27 minutes. I am focusing on shorter faster runs, since my work has really picked up and time is limited. Also, it seems more attainable - I have it stuck in my mind that if I can make it to that goal with a faster time, running the 1/2 Marathon in a quicker time will be easier.
I want to train faster - with a smaller goal in mind it seams more attainable.
So I have been at the beginning of running again for the past 2 weeks. Last week I just did Jillian and Turbo Jam video's, this week I am still doing the videos, and adding 1 mile of running on the TM. I have no plan, but the goal is to run a 5K in anywhere close to 27 minutes. I am focusing on shorter faster runs, since my work has really picked up and time is limited. Also, it seems more attainable - I have it stuck in my mind that if I can make it to that goal with a faster time, running the 1/2 Marathon in a quicker time will be easier.
I want to train faster - with a smaller goal in mind it seams more attainable.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Colorful Food
So yesterday was a big day for me, 6 miles (the longest I have run in quite a while) and then a day with the family. I bairly pulled off 6 miles -there was a bit of run/walking in the end - that is why my time is so slow - whatever, I did it.
I discovered I need to run outside more or add hills into my treadmill workout - some of the hills in the backbay were killing me. It has been a while since I have done a long run out there. So I am pretty sore today and I will be purchasing a yoga DVD very soon to undo the soreness.
I have been running with my old shoes lately and I have noticed that the shin splints and calf pain is gone. Go figure. So I will be going back to the shoe store to get my old shoes again. That's what I get for venturing out of my shoe brand. Brooks are for me.
On the food front, I have noticed a couple things in taking pictures of food (1) I have a bar addiction that I need to get under control and (2) the food I make for myself is very bla. These are pictures of food that I ate at restaraunts for my birthday this week:
That last picture, is not so good since I demolished my beatiful fish before I took a picture of it. Ok so now that you have seen supper yummy food with flavor explosions in every bite, let's take a look at some of the things I have made for myself this week:
The most colorful thing I have made for myself was this - and even when I look at it now, I want it:
High Maintenance Makeover:
I discovered I need to run outside more or add hills into my treadmill workout - some of the hills in the backbay were killing me. It has been a while since I have done a long run out there. So I am pretty sore today and I will be purchasing a yoga DVD very soon to undo the soreness.
I have been running with my old shoes lately and I have noticed that the shin splints and calf pain is gone. Go figure. So I will be going back to the shoe store to get my old shoes again. That's what I get for venturing out of my shoe brand. Brooks are for me.
On the food front, I have noticed a couple things in taking pictures of food (1) I have a bar addiction that I need to get under control and (2) the food I make for myself is very bla. These are pictures of food that I ate at restaraunts for my birthday this week:
That last picture, is not so good since I demolished my beatiful fish before I took a picture of it. Ok so now that you have seen supper yummy food with flavor explosions in every bite, let's take a look at some of the things I have made for myself this week:
The most colorful thing I have made for myself was this - and even when I look at it now, I want it:
High Maintenance Makeover:
- This week I will choose one meal each day and make it as colorful and visually appealing as possible.
- I am getting my hair cut and colored (no more bleach blonde) - thank you mom and dad!
- I will purchase 1 >$20 accessory that is NOT black.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Bad Idea Club
Wanna join? I am the president.
Just consider posting my food a big fail. Its probably not the best idea to do that sort of thing over your birthday week - seeing that everyone wants to take you out to eat to celebrate. So start again on Sunday. I do a 6 mile run tomorrow morning, I am looking forward to the higher mileage, it will be the longest run in a while (last one was 5). I am going to run outside with the Garmin. I'll let you know how it goes!
Just consider posting my food a big fail. Its probably not the best idea to do that sort of thing over your birthday week - seeing that everyone wants to take you out to eat to celebrate. So start again on Sunday. I do a 6 mile run tomorrow morning, I am looking forward to the higher mileage, it will be the longest run in a while (last one was 5). I am going to run outside with the Garmin. I'll let you know how it goes!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Erase! Erase! Erase!
My birthday wish is that today's eating escapade did not have any calories or fat grams. I blew out the candle and made the wish, so it must be so. If that didn't work, I ate 2 carrot sticks to erase the crap I ate.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Day 2 - Better
So Day 2 is a tad more successful then day 1. I cut back on the bar addiction...they are just so easy to eat when I get hungry.
So breakfast was oatmeal with a tsp of Vanilla, 1/2 cup of applesauce, a ton of Cinnamon, a tad of Stevia, a handful of Cinnamon Cheerios and a tbsp of Sunflower nut butter. Don't write down the recipe...it was a total fail. I read about all the blog ladies putting nut butter in their oats and I decided to give it a whirl for the protein...ick. I am a HUGE fan of nut butter - just not in the oats and not mixed with applesauce. I think I might try it with some vanilla protein powder tomorrow. I ate it anyway and found that I wasn't half as hungry as I was when I ate the Cliff Bar for breakfast. So Breakfast wasn't a complete disaster...I learned that fiber+protein=full me for a while.
Snack was an apple.
Lunch was a faux "Turkey" burger from Morning Star - it was a new California flavor. I liked it, but then again, I am a big fan of faux burgers or burgers or basically anything in a bun with ketchup, mustard and pickles, Pop Chips (my version of fries) and this time something green - soybeans. So ok, I know that soy beans are not a veggie...but its a start and it does make my plate look better then yesterday.
So breakfast was oatmeal with a tsp of Vanilla, 1/2 cup of applesauce, a ton of Cinnamon, a tad of Stevia, a handful of Cinnamon Cheerios and a tbsp of Sunflower nut butter. Don't write down the recipe...it was a total fail. I read about all the blog ladies putting nut butter in their oats and I decided to give it a whirl for the protein...ick. I am a HUGE fan of nut butter - just not in the oats and not mixed with applesauce. I think I might try it with some vanilla protein powder tomorrow. I ate it anyway and found that I wasn't half as hungry as I was when I ate the Cliff Bar for breakfast. So Breakfast wasn't a complete disaster...I learned that fiber+protein=full me for a while.
Snack was an apple.
Lunch was a faux "Turkey" burger from Morning Star - it was a new California flavor. I liked it, but then again, I am a big fan of faux burgers or burgers or basically anything in a bun with ketchup, mustard and pickles, Pop Chips (my version of fries) and this time something green - soybeans. So ok, I know that soy beans are not a veggie...but its a start and it does make my plate look better then yesterday.
Snack was a Fiber One bar and a handful of Pop chips.
Dinner was spaghetti with whole wheat pasta and turkey meatballs (they were the frozen) and 100 Calorie toast with Earth Balance butter.
Dessert was the BEST flavor of Yoplait Light - if you see it GET IT!! I had that with 4 Cinnamon Jolly Ranchers.
I pulled off a 4 mile run with one 2 minute walk break. I'm on FIRE today!! Tomorrow is my Bday 31 years, so no food makeover goals.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Day One: Food
So taking pictures of everything I ate today, gave me a perspective that I never noticed. You know how I mentioned yesterday that I generally eat pretty healthy? Well, I have noticed how much processed food has creeped into my diet...it's amazing!! Those little bars are my favorite snack - anything in bar form works for me. So the bar habit has got to decrease a tad.
So breakfast was a Cliff Bar and 3 cups of coffee (I drink it black so I figured I didn't need to post it). Breakfast might be a good area to look at changing up, since just eating the Cliff bar and coffee, I got super hungry by snack time.
Dinner is where I get all of my vegetable requirements for the day. I love to have a huge salad.
After dinner snack was...guess what? Another bar and Jolly Ranchers - my treat...even though I seemed to have several other treats throughout the day.
Well, that was painful. Apparently, my goal of eating less processed food is not working. Tomorrow, I am going to add more calories to breakfast, more color to lunch and more protein to dinner.
So breakfast was a Cliff Bar and 3 cups of coffee (I drink it black so I figured I didn't need to post it). Breakfast might be a good area to look at changing up, since just eating the Cliff bar and coffee, I got super hungry by snack time.
This is what I ate when I got super hungry at about 10ish:
Then came lunch, when I took a picture of this, I realized - yes everything on my plate was low calorie or "diet" food, but it was missing color. I had Pop chips, a Morning Star burger on 100 calorie bread and Yogurt. I think my lunch needed some veggies or fruit, I think the reason I reached for the pre-made stuff was that I was hungry all of this stuff was already in the fridge. Perhaps I need to pre-wash/chop all of my fruit and veggies to have them more easily accessible.
Afternoon snack....another bar, Fiber Bars are my favorite...you just should not eat more then one within a 24 hour period...bad news...no binging on the Fiber Bars.
And here is where it went all wrong. This is the last of the Goldfish, we will not be purchasing these anymore.
Dinner is where I get all of my vegetable requirements for the day. I love to have a huge salad.
After dinner snack was...guess what? Another bar and Jolly Ranchers - my treat...even though I seemed to have several other treats throughout the day.
Well, that was painful. Apparently, my goal of eating less processed food is not working. Tomorrow, I am going to add more calories to breakfast, more color to lunch and more protein to dinner.
No working out today...just stretching for tomorrow.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
High Maintenance Part Dos
It has been about a week since my last post and my choppers are getting pearly white - like I never drank a cup of coffee. I have 2 more white strips to go until I am finished. So success on my teeth transformation!!
This week I really sucked at working out. I was worried about the shin splints and calf pain (in the back of my calves) - so I just took it easy. In addition to taking it easy on the running, I took it easy on the eating better part to. Those two seem to go hand in hand for me...the more I work out, the better I eat. This weekend I went old school and did a Tai Boe workout from back in the days, and the next day I ran a mile on the old mill and then did a Jillian Shred workout. So I am planning on running 2x's this week and doing videos the rest of the week - in hopes the lower impact combo will help my shins go back to normal and still allow me to get cardio+strength in.
I have noticed how wishy washy I have been with my goals and I am realizing, I need to make things a little shorter term (with the exception of races). This week in my mission to becoming more "high maintenance" I am going to post everything I eat, in order to take inventory and cause me to be more thoughtful of what I am putting in my mouth. I think the main problem of me not losing weight at this point is the thoughtless eating and constant snacking. Having a toddler, we have to have little snacks around for him, Goldfish, Wheat Thins, Pop Chips, cereal, etc. Just my luck, I love the toddler snacks - I could probably live off of Goldfish. I generally eat pretty healthy with the exception of toddler snacks and "celebration" food (cake). It's my mom and my birthday this week - so cake on my birthday will happen - just sayin - and I will post my piece.
This week I really sucked at working out. I was worried about the shin splints and calf pain (in the back of my calves) - so I just took it easy. In addition to taking it easy on the running, I took it easy on the eating better part to. Those two seem to go hand in hand for me...the more I work out, the better I eat. This weekend I went old school and did a Tai Boe workout from back in the days, and the next day I ran a mile on the old mill and then did a Jillian Shred workout. So I am planning on running 2x's this week and doing videos the rest of the week - in hopes the lower impact combo will help my shins go back to normal and still allow me to get cardio+strength in.
I have noticed how wishy washy I have been with my goals and I am realizing, I need to make things a little shorter term (with the exception of races). This week in my mission to becoming more "high maintenance" I am going to post everything I eat, in order to take inventory and cause me to be more thoughtful of what I am putting in my mouth. I think the main problem of me not losing weight at this point is the thoughtless eating and constant snacking. Having a toddler, we have to have little snacks around for him, Goldfish, Wheat Thins, Pop Chips, cereal, etc. Just my luck, I love the toddler snacks - I could probably live off of Goldfish. I generally eat pretty healthy with the exception of toddler snacks and "celebration" food (cake). It's my mom and my birthday this week - so cake on my birthday will happen - just sayin - and I will post my piece.
Monday, February 21, 2011
High Maintenance
One of those things that happens when you have been married for a while is "letting yourself go." What this generally means is you start to decrease all the high maintenance things you would do to yourself when you were dating. After being married for a while, having a baby and working from home, most all of those "high maintenance" things I used to do have gone flying out the window. My PJ/Workout clothes drawer has multiplied into 2 drawers and my fancy clothes from 4 years ago are in the back of my closet. The other day, I stumbled upon a picture of me on my first date with Bill (which I was looking pretty good in) and I began to recall of the things I did to get ready for that day. I did my hair, wore a skirt - actually it was a whole ensemble, polished my nails, did my eyebrows, the list goes on and on. I took a look at my closet and realized that somewhere down the line, I lost my style, lost my high maintenanceness - if you will, I lost my grove. I'm gonna get it back.
I have been really good about finding the time to work out and get my runs in and finding the cash to finance my races, shoes, and other gadgets...along with that I need to find the money and time to get out of my sweats and my official hair-do of a ponytail and into something a little less...homeless looking. I realize we just don't have the moola for an overnight transformation and I definitely do not need to be a "Swan" contestant, but I need to learn how to be a tad more high maintenance on a budget. I graduated from cosmetology school for goodness sake, I should be all up on the makeover bandwagon.
This week I bought Crest Whitestrips (Advanced Vivid) from Target, I think they were around 35 bucks or so. They are the first step to my high maintenance lifestyle.
There will be up and coming posts on this self transformation.
As far as running, last week I didn't wear my compression socks and my calves/shin splints were on the rise...so I ran less miles and did a couple Jillian Shred workouts (I am up to level 2). I think the issue might be with my new shoes, but I am trying to ignore it since I spent lots of money on them. I am going to wear my old shoes next week and if I do better in them, I might just have to suck it up and get another pair. I plan on getting back to my mileage schedule tomorrow which is 4/2/4/R/6. I still have not selected a race for May...but I do plan on picking one!!
I have been really good about finding the time to work out and get my runs in and finding the cash to finance my races, shoes, and other gadgets...along with that I need to find the money and time to get out of my sweats and my official hair-do of a ponytail and into something a little less...homeless looking. I realize we just don't have the moola for an overnight transformation and I definitely do not need to be a "Swan" contestant, but I need to learn how to be a tad more high maintenance on a budget. I graduated from cosmetology school for goodness sake, I should be all up on the makeover bandwagon.
This week I bought Crest Whitestrips (Advanced Vivid) from Target, I think they were around 35 bucks or so. They are the first step to my high maintenance lifestyle.
Yes, I am wearing the strips for the picture, they are just hard to see.
I also painted the nails and toenails, since mani-pedis are not in the budget. I really believe that manicures and pedicures can be done at home...but an occasional pedicure is necessary. No feet pics, since I am sporting my compression socks and it is too much of an effort to get them on and off.
There will be up and coming posts on this self transformation.
As far as running, last week I didn't wear my compression socks and my calves/shin splints were on the rise...so I ran less miles and did a couple Jillian Shred workouts (I am up to level 2). I think the issue might be with my new shoes, but I am trying to ignore it since I spent lots of money on them. I am going to wear my old shoes next week and if I do better in them, I might just have to suck it up and get another pair. I plan on getting back to my mileage schedule tomorrow which is 4/2/4/R/6. I still have not selected a race for May...but I do plan on picking one!!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Crazy Day
The day started off very, very bad...
In case you are wondering, yes, my car got broken into. I just bought the car and installed a brand new stereo less then a month ago. The same thing happened to me 3 years ago right after I bought my VW Passat. I guess it is tradition that whenever I get a new car, it will get broken into.
On the flip side, I still had the original stereo, so we just stuck it in and presto chango, everything is better.
I got contacted by a recruiter this afternoon - it was an interesting opportunity and I am noodling around.
Then I ran and my shin splints acted up...so I stopped. I'll try again tomorrow morning.
Best part of my day was finishing this...
Life is soooooo...goooooooood.......
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Fashion Show
So my day started out with my own personal photo shoot....
Then my Bill came by and caught me being a nerd in the garage....
And then he decided to take the pictures for me...
Then Jesse busted us...
And decided he would rather run on old Bessie...
I love having a nosey family, I swear, there is nothing private in our house. I also love how we got all dressed up for our fashion shoot - we are super flashy.
Then my Bill came by and caught me being a nerd in the garage....
And then he decided to take the pictures for me...
Then Jesse busted us...
And decided he would rather run on old Bessie...
I love having a nosey family, I swear, there is nothing private in our house. I also love how we got all dressed up for our fashion shoot - we are super flashy.
I decided to run outside today, it was perfect weather...99% of the time it is perfect weather here. I think I did pretty good all things considering. I would like to get to a 9 minute mile (or better), but since this is week #2 of CONSISTENTLY running, I am pretty proud of those numbers
Yay me!!
Yay me!!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Face Lift
I did a little face lift on my blog. I think it needed a little TLC. I have been so lazy with posts, so I am making up with it by having tabs up with the information behind them - go me!
I learned how to get the tabs up with this website. After trying several different methods of messing around with the HTML, I found out that Blogger has a widget to do it through their system...that is more my style. Again, if you want to put them up, read this site first, it will not dissapoint.
Also, I changed the URL to http://balancemoderation.blogspot.com/ from the mom Barnes one. When I set up the blog, I wasn't sure where I was going with it...so now that I am all fixed up - I am good to go!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Back in Business
So ok it has been like forever since my last post. I know, I suck. I had some work things to straighten out - I am good now, back to working (and getting paid), then the family got the flu, and this week I concentrated on getting back on track with running. I ran 3 miles 3 times and then 5 on Saturday - all using the rickety old treadmill from the 90's.
Our garage is messy right now - I just block it out when I run (we are in garage sale mode so don't judge). I have really been into the whole treadmill thing - I have been choosing it over running outside lately. I like watching my time and all the numbers - plus I can run while Jesse naps and at night. The only major issue with the old TM is the noise it makes, it is super loud when you turn it on, thank God my headphones drowned it out, I just worry about what my neighbors are hearing, so I try to be respectful and only run before 8pm.
This week has been better nutrition-wise - I am back to watching what I eat (I fell off the wagon over the holidays and have been sucking ever since).
I leave you with this cute little face:
Our garage is messy right now - I just block it out when I run (we are in garage sale mode so don't judge). I have really been into the whole treadmill thing - I have been choosing it over running outside lately. I like watching my time and all the numbers - plus I can run while Jesse naps and at night. The only major issue with the old TM is the noise it makes, it is super loud when you turn it on, thank God my headphones drowned it out, I just worry about what my neighbors are hearing, so I try to be respectful and only run before 8pm.
This week has been better nutrition-wise - I am back to watching what I eat (I fell off the wagon over the holidays and have been sucking ever since).
I leave you with this cute little face:
Monday, January 17, 2011
Loss
I haven't posted in a while since there has been a lot going on. Life is in session. My running has been half assed. I missed 2 planned runs this week and I am kind of in that uncaring mode right now.
I turned into a contractor at my old job when I decided to stay home with Jesse. So I have been blessed with the ability to work from home. My work went on a new payment program for all vendors (which I am now considered), where they pay vendors 90 days out. I agreed to it and budgeted for it. It has been well over 4 months now and they are behind (past 90 days) on 4 of my invoices. I have called, emailed, and finally told them I was unable to work for them unless they caught up 100%, and still nothing. So last Friday was my last day with them, after this even if they caught up, I have no plans on going back. The only reason I am talking about this on my blog - which has more to do with training - is that it is effecting my training. My heart is broken, I have been with them for over 5 years and it feels like a major loss for me. I have other ventures and things to do, but I am still mourning a major loss.
My favorite thing to do when I am upset is watch TV and eat. However, seeking out the new me and this new way of life, I will see what happens when I stay on track for one day.
Any advice on what you when you are upset would be appreciated.
I turned into a contractor at my old job when I decided to stay home with Jesse. So I have been blessed with the ability to work from home. My work went on a new payment program for all vendors (which I am now considered), where they pay vendors 90 days out. I agreed to it and budgeted for it. It has been well over 4 months now and they are behind (past 90 days) on 4 of my invoices. I have called, emailed, and finally told them I was unable to work for them unless they caught up 100%, and still nothing. So last Friday was my last day with them, after this even if they caught up, I have no plans on going back. The only reason I am talking about this on my blog - which has more to do with training - is that it is effecting my training. My heart is broken, I have been with them for over 5 years and it feels like a major loss for me. I have other ventures and things to do, but I am still mourning a major loss.
My favorite thing to do when I am upset is watch TV and eat. However, seeking out the new me and this new way of life, I will see what happens when I stay on track for one day.
Any advice on what you when you are upset would be appreciated.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Doing It
This would have been a perfect Christmas picture....had we taken it before Christmas!! Story of my life.
The past 2 days I have been still in holiday mode, so nothing really officially started until today.
Yup, the goals are in motion. I ran 3 miles on the treadmill this morning (took me 40 minutes again??). I have been eating fairly good today with the exception of sunflower seed butter and chocolate chip toast I ate for a snack (man it was good). Since I operate in girl math, the Ezekiel bread cancelled out the chocolate chips and since it was sunflower seed butter that makes it "healthy." Progress, not perfection. I am focusing on running right now and getting my mileage back up - once I do, I will more seriously address my food. I am definitely ready to be back to training though.
The past 2 days I have been still in holiday mode, so nothing really officially started until today.
Yup, the goals are in motion. I ran 3 miles on the treadmill this morning (took me 40 minutes again??). I have been eating fairly good today with the exception of sunflower seed butter and chocolate chip toast I ate for a snack (man it was good). Since I operate in girl math, the Ezekiel bread cancelled out the chocolate chips and since it was sunflower seed butter that makes it "healthy." Progress, not perfection. I am focusing on running right now and getting my mileage back up - once I do, I will more seriously address my food. I am definitely ready to be back to training though.
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