full disclosure - part 1

my mental health day/days was awesome. really. except for the fact  really could have used the extra time to study for Chem. instead i used it to come to terms with the fact i'll be getting my first B and building this monstrosity (which has been in the works for 3 yrs now!)

I'm in love, if only the back portions were done..Oh, not sure what it is? It's basically a booth (banquette) for the kitchen. Our dining room/kitchen is tiny and thanks to this space saving  unit, we can fit more unit into our tiny little eating area while still letting other peeps into the kitchen without having to take the round-about way through the living room, 2 little hallways and FINALLY the kitchen.

truth: after a year of demo in the kitchen area, we still aren't done. that's just how we roll... i could list off a gazillion other projects we still need to wrap up because adding the finishing touches is just not our strong suite.

but lets get to the full disclosure part:

it took me 4 weeks to lose 8.5 lbs, i even dipped back into the 50's! i hadn't seen those since February!
it took me 11 days to gain 5 of em back.

true story, and the story of my life...le sigh...

eating out is the death of me and out of those 11 days, we ate out at least half of them.

but i got back to it Sunday night, we ate left-overs and yesterday due to lack of time, we grabbed a rotisserie chicken, my ultimate can't cook but dont want to eat out meal.

these next 11 days are going to be crazy as well as Nate leaves for Germany on the 9th, and we are trying to see family and friends before the Holiday as we leave for Florida the 22nd and Nate returns the 21st!
truth, we've got something going on every other night that involves......wait for it.....food!

but I'm gonna give it a fair shot this month, if I can at least get these 5 lbs off, I'd be pretty damn happy.

What's your plan to get through the New Year?
Anybody want to start a support group? =)

7 Great Stocking Stuffers for Runners

This is cross posted at Train with Purpose Coaching.

One of my favorite parts about Christmas as a child was my stocking.  I'd usually find it later in the day and it would be filled with cute little knick knacks that I used to be more excited about than my actual Christmas presents.

In an effort to bring back the Christmas stocking, I compiled a list of $30 and under gifts for the runner!

1. Handheld Water Bottle

Common brands include: Nathan and Camelback. Prices range from $10 - $25. You can buy them anywhere from Marshalls to a Running Store.

2. Running Belts

I own a Spi-Belt, and they retail from $20 - $25. They can be found on-line and in some retail locations. Another brand is ifitness belts.

3. Socks

I hate buying socks, it's one of those things I just hate to spend money on so when I get them, I am thrilled!

Source

4. Arm warmers

Source

These are perfect for the Spring and Fall when your just not quite sure how whether to wear a long sleeve or short sleeve! Arm warmers come in various styles and range from $20-$30.

5. Fuel

Source

Another one of those items I hate to purchase for myself, but a necessity for once you start seriously training for races.

This also allows for your runner to try a plethora of things without feelig guilty for having spent $$$ on items she/he may not like.

About $2 per item.

My favorites are GU Energy Espresso Gel and Sports Beans.

6. Subscription to a running magazine
Like Runners World, Trail Running, Women's Running and Running Times. 6 - 12 issues $10 - $20.

7. Specifically for the ladies, a certificate for a pedicure... awesome for a post-race indulgence! Our toes take a beating during training! $25-$50

Anything in particular you'd like to see in your stocking this year?

mental health day

i seriously thought it's been longer since i last posted but it's only been Friday...thats how long the last several days have seemed.

my chem class, and 2 back-to-back Girls on the Run 5K's last weekend have seriously left me exhausted. mostly physical but I feel burnt out. 

i'm taking today off from school, work and anything else that doesn't need to get done tomorrow.

Source

i tweeted last week that i feel like i can't take days off anymore. i don't work full-time, i'm not taking classes full-time and yet I'm busy. all. the. time. i need to find balance. can you find balance as an entrepeneur?

seriously looking forward to Thanksgiving but today I am tackling my cookie baking list!!


any must try cookies on the list this year?
I'm writing up my shopping list now so link me up with some new recipes to try!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

What's in your purse?!

I saw these tweet on Twitter and clearly had to chime in...

 

I thought it was fitting as I embarrassed the boyfriend to death 2 weekends previous as I busted out my syrup at Panera..

So normally I only carry the syrup and measuring cup with me, as you see, having the right balance of half-n-half is instrumental to having the right tasting syrup. It's an art I tell you! But with me being gone for most of the week, I've also schlepped my own half-n-half around as I never know when I might need a fix.

Other items I carry with me...

my traveling coffee mug, thermos, and a picture of my little bottle of syrup that accompanies me everywhere!

So you are probably wondering why I carry a thermos of hot water with me eh...

I'm sure my mother is mortified by now and ready to cal the hoarders on me...

What's in your purse?

Anyone else carry a mobile drinking station with them?

Eating Healthy on the Go

I feel like my current state is very atypical for people my age... they aren't rushing to school or to work after, but are generally in 1 location for the majority of the day.

and I think that is where I got lost last October and packed on the pounds. I didn't need to make my meals in advance anymore as I wasnt heading to work, and had the entire kitchen to my disposal.


It's been 3 weeks since I've been back healthifying my eating, and by far the BIGGEST change I have made is:  not go out to eat so much.

My family loves eating out and I literally have to pull teeth to get my dad and bro to eat in with us, but I've stuck to my guns and tried to maintain only eating out once a week and that only if I am too tired to cook.

My early days are Mon/Weds/Fri, so this week I pre-made a crustless brocoli quiche so that I can pop it into the microwave and eat!

 4 servings...plenty to get me through the week, and very tasty! I'll admit I had been resorting to eating sugary cereal on those days!

Next, I only have my salad for today but the lettuce is ready and waiting to be assembled into salads for tomorrow, the day after and the day after. No need to drive through the drive-thru or pay $8 for a similar salad at Panera!

Last but not least, I made a dinner menu (another thing I haven't done in forever!) That way, no one can convince me otherwise to go out or I won't be grabbing through the cabinets to eat something while I furiously try to decide what's for dinner.

It's very simple, nothing ground breaking but it's gotten me back to where I need to be in an effort to lose weight.

What are you doing today to live a little healthier?

8'oclock coffee...how much I love theeeee.....

so, given the crazy hectic week i have ahead of me...

• another exam, I swear I just had one...oh wait, I did..last Tuesday!

• 2 5K's this weekend (1 Saturday, 1 Sunday)

and I may as well start my coffee drip now.

I've mentioned before what a feign for coffee I am...I swear it's become worse now that I spend more time at home, and so I've been tasting my way through various coffees.

The latest I've been drinking is 8O'clock, which I have to admit I had always been hestitant to drink given the old school experience, but it appears they are in a midst of a revamp. Just don't go their website, the graphics are horrible.

Source

Anywhoo..We were almost out of coffee on Saturday and since we weren't planning a trip to Sam's or Costco, I hit up my local Kroger to purchase a packet of coffee to tide us over, and lo and behold I see...

OH EM GEE.... I LOVE HAZELNUT COFFEE!!!! Seriously, I've gone to major lengths to recreate hazelnut creamer, and the Godiva sample I received, I've squirreled away for special moments.

I figured it couldn't hurt to try, and it was on sale, so I figured if it didn't taste that great, I was only out $6.29, by far one of the cheaper brands, but don't let that fool you....

IT TASTES AMAZING!!!!

I've tried several flavored coffees and seriously...this stuff rocks my socks off, that I went back yesterday to buy 3 more bags before the sale ended. 

those noodles soups aren't mine...fyi!

I'm so not getting paid to endorse them, I just love it so much that I may have to start buying it on the regular even though I prefer grinding my own beans...I swear it's more flavorful! 

Have you tried 8 O'clock coffee yet? Love it, hate it?

Isn't the revamp modern and fresh?

Cold Weather Gear

This post has been cross-posted at Train with Purpose.

Since Winter is finally upon us, lets talk about temps, clothes and what to wear.

Some fun facts:

1. We run most optimally at 55 degrees 
2. An extra layer of clothing is worth about 15 degrees

Here are some guidelines that I like to follow when dressing for certain temps.

This doesn’t mean this will work for you, but it's a great starting point for you to figure out what your best combination is.

Temps:

50-60 degrees: Tshirt and shorts, sometimes capris

40-50 degrees: Long sleeve shirt, or T-shirt with gloves; shorts, capris or leggings (yes, even men wear running leggings!)

30-40 degrees: Long sleeve shirt, fleece vest, capris or leggings – gloves, earband

20-30 degrees: long sleeve shirt, another shirt/jacket over that, leggings, specialty warmth socks, gloves, hat/earbands, and neck gaiter per Matt's recommendation

Your base layers, those closest to your skin, should always be moisture-wicking so that it gets drawn to your clothes instead of accumulating on your skin and letting you become chilled. No cotton!

I recommend specialty socks for anything colder than 32 degrees Fahrenheit where frost bite can get your toes. Remember, shoes are meant to expel warmth and let coolness in.

Lastly, you don’t need expensive gear!! I love the C9 Champion line from Target!! Old Navy has a great running leggings and $1 gloves are my friend. I have lots missing it's pair!

Any other tips you want to share?

duo-athlete

I've been reading blogs long enough to know there comes a point where most runners start adding triathlons to their mix. Well, today is not that day for me =), but....

Last weekend Nate and I headed Up North for his annual bike race, the Ice Man, and as the Slush Cup gang was heading out, I got all teary eyed. I blame it on the fact that I get teary eyed around any sporting event..

heading out

Despite not liking the whole mountain bike thing since it's dangerous. For reals... flipping over handle bars, riding on single tracks and the whole gamut, but...

I am actually contemplating training for the Slush Cup. It's only 8 miles and I heard the course isn't too bad. Nate doesn't look too bad coming in...

Anyone mountain bike? 

Any tips?

I get totally freaked out anytime I'm on a mountain bike track.

1 year later

oh..hai!!!! it's been a while no?!

no one could have prepared me for the hecticness life has become.

it's been over a year now since I was let go, and although I struggled the first 6 months with many emotions, i felt like I finally saw clearly early this Spring and since then I've working towards making my dreams/wants come to fruition.

My Chem class right now is killing me. There is so much work and with only 2 semesters left before I can apply to the program, keeping my GPA up is critical. <-- per the programs advisor

Girls on the Run is busy as ever. I'm in the midst of two 5K's, one for my council, and me volunteering for the Council I initially began to volunteer with. Yes, this may have to change.

Trying to launch Train with Purpose is also proving more time consuming than I initially thought.

I'm not complaining. Sure, I'm a bit over-whelmed and busy but I love everything I'm doing. I just wish there was a bit of a manual of how to juggle it all.

and maybe that is my complaint...how do i juggle it all while still trying to stay in the moment?


anyone have any tips to share?

more thoughts on the Detroit Half

since I had my first successful run since the Detroit Half, I thought I'd finally share some more thoughts.

• it's a tough course. between the congestion on the bridge, lack of runner etiquette and the tunnel. the half is nothing to scoff at, which is why despite not meeting my time goal, I'm still ueber-proud of my accomplishment.  not sure if this race will become a yearly tradition.

• realistic expectations. i took months off from running after my last Half. i blame it on a myriad of things but something major which I could have planned better for was my goal time. or realistically, i should have just been happy to finish!

i think you can tell by my face how spent i was.

• ideal weather temps. ideal weather temps to run in is 55 degrees.
• they say you aren't supposed to change anything race day, and yet i struggled the entire time about whether or not I should continue on with my running intervals. i trained with them and yet here i was unsure of whether or not i would be able to make my time goal if i took my walking breaks. in the end i did, 5 mins running x 1 min walking. I skipped a few along the way for a myriad of reasons but my handy Gymboss was on my Spi-Belt. I'll do a review here shortly but I am selling them now, if you would like to purchase one, they are in the column in the sidebar!

•  for a brief second, i thought that it is quite possible that i could run a marathon. i blame it on endorphins.

Do you take walking breaks during a half/marathon?
Any aditional comments to the Detroit Freep?

the midgies got me!!

i was determined to make it through this halloween without a sampling of the goods.

i even went so far as to not buy any candy i liked. no snickers, reeses peanut butter cups, baby ruths, butterfinger, kitkat, m&m's...nada! i came home with tootsie pops and gummy crap. yes, part of me was seriously annoyed by the fact that i spent $8 on candy i didn't even like but i had no clue  world war 3 would erupt when i got back to my house on saturday.

anyways... yesterday was fine. all fricken damn day. I even had plans on indulging in a chocolate kefir milkshake. i stopped at 7-11 to grab a bag of ice, where the teller asks me whether i am having a party? i politely reply no and he asks me why i am buying ice? of course i can't tell him that the bf refuses to fix our ice maker because the dinky little part costs $13 and well dont really use that much ice to begin with (even though we can't utilize the water function and we've bought enough brita filters since then, i could probably own a new fridge!) but instead i tell him the short version which is the ice machine is broken. oh, and he shorted me .10!

and i'm not even sure what happened but all of a sudden i found myself grabbing for the tootsie rolls.

truth is i felt a tad overwhelmed with school. a tad saddned by how things weren't done this past weekend. annoyed with work and maybe even a tad surprised that i had sworn off chocolate and pizza when traditionally we have both.

and as the holiday are coming around, i struggle with observing the old traditions while trying to change the new me. and maybe that is all that that comes down to. taking time to mourn that certain traditions just need to get booted for new ones.

however today is a new day, and as we embark on the holiday season, i need to be mindful that my acting out may just be a form of resistance, fear of change, etc. but as long as I keep at it. The easier it will be.