I'm feeling very crummy this morning.  I drank all day and night yesterday but had a great day with my friend on her wedding day.  I saw so many people this weekend that I haven't seen for a couple years and it felt so good catching up. 

I also had to wear the dress I've been working hard to get into (and not look like a sausage in) for the last three months. 

My dress. 

Bridesmaids

Downtown with the Wedding Party

Waiting for Pizza at Flinger's

The day was a lot of fun, the bride looked beautiful and I couldn't be more happy for her and her husband.  But today, I am feeling a little slow.  I need to get up and clean, do laundry and run outside in the beautiful weather.

Last but not least, Happy Mother's Day to all the mom's out there.  The world wouldn't run properly without you!

B

Food Day Hell

I used to LIVE for food days at work.  Co workers would bring in all kinds of homemade goodies  (I don't' aknowledge the store bought stuff, that's cheating!) and we would all pig out for the day.  IT wasn't a huge deal because we all walked, lifted, unloaded and were on our feet all day.  There were a lot of calories being burned right after they went in.  Regardless, I would always go over board and bring multiple items and then continue to go over board by eating multiple servings of each and every item that was provided.  I've gotten a little better at controlling the portions but still have a difficult time resisting extras when they are brought to work.

The yummy salsa I made for Food Day.

I am at a new job now, in an office, where I SIT all day.  It's not been very forgiving to my waistline.  Making good choices especially in these social foodie situations has NOT been easy.  One day, two weeks ago, I had a really great breakfast and then walked in to donuts on the back table.  Then the following week we had a training class food day.  Today someone brought cookies.  In every single one of these situations I struggled.  So much that ALL I could focus on was the food on the back table.  I hate that when junky, terrible food is right in front of me, that is all I can think about.  I did one thing today that I didn't do the other days.  I told myself that if there were still cookies left after lunch I would have ONE small portion.  I would not think about them all morning and I would eat the healthy snacks that I brought to fuel my body.  I did JUST that.

I hate that I have to make a conscious effort to avoid food.  I wish I had the self control to look away.  I'm working on it though.  I have to remind myself that I'm not losing anything except for pounds of fat when I choose apples or carrots instead of cookies and donuts. 

 

 

Walking break at work, I love the blooming trees.

On another note, I know I've been gone for a while.  I've just been trying to get used to the new job and routine.  I've also been having a very rough time making any progress.  I've been tracking calories and exercising but have still gained weight.  The truth is, I don't think I've been trying as hard as I could have been.  I'm not going to be concerned until I know I have given 100%. I can tell you though that using My Fitness Pal and working out BEFORE work is helping.  I'll keep trying that.  Even if I don't lose more weight,  I am so much happier with the changes I've been making.  

I was not successful completing my mileage goal for April.  The day I wrote that post I immediately went out for a run.  Then I fell. HARD.  I never went to the doctor but I think I tore/sprained something in my knee.  It was swollen and bruised all the way down to my ankle for about three weeks.  I'm still having a little trouble kneeling on it (during group fitness) but other than that I think I'm on the mend. However, I have developed a fear of running on the pavement.

Last but not least I have a friend to thank.  She knows who she is.  This past weekend I went home and spent some time with my family.  On Friday night I ran into an old friend and the first thing out of her mouth was "I read your blog!"  Although I feel like I'm just rambling nonsensical thoughts a lot of the time,she told me than I inspire her.  YEP! THAT'S RIGHT.  She said that I inspired her!  That made me feel so good.  I can't really even explain it to you, but it really lit a fire under my butt to keep moving and sharing what I'm doing, even if it is disjointed and rambly at times.  

In the midst of some of the negativity that's stirred up lately, let's remember that that's why we are here.  To inspire, motivate and lift each other up. 

"Everyone has a story that makes me stronger.  I know that the work I do is important and I enjoy it, but it is nice to hear the feedback of what we do to inspire others."
~Richard Simmons

  Goodnight and Happy Running,

Mrs. B.



      

Free Fallin'

So guess what I did right after my last post?!  I ran 12 miles at once and I've already met my goal  I wish.  I motivated myself with those promises, determined to make sure they weren't empty ones, and went outside for a run.  It was my first one in a month and I didn't get very far.  I was chugging right along, One Direction was was reminding me how beautiful I was then, BAM!  I fell.  Hard.  I don't really even know what happened.  I thought it was a crack in the sidewalk but when I ran by the spot the other day, it looked normal.  I must have just tripped over my feet.  All I remember is falling to the ground and then rolling over onto my shoulder.  I know I caught myself with my knee and my hand because they were really scraped up.

I walked it off and kept going for about a half mile but then it was time to go home and get ready for work.  My knee was really sore all evening and began to swell but i didn't think much of it.  By Wednesday morning I had some major swelling and bruising.  The bruises went around the sides of my knee cap and then I started to form a large bruise from the bottom of my knee cap to the middle of my shin. I ended up resting until Friday and didn't run again until Sunday. 

 I googled lots of stuff about injuries from a high impact fall on my knee and diagnosed myself with a sprain/strain and a hematoma. I think I may have possibly bruised the bone too.  Don't laugh, you know you've all done it at some point.  I stuggled for about 2 days with whether I should go to the doctor because I couldn't bend my knee with out a lot of pain, but it got better and feels a little better every day.  The only pain I've been having is soreness if I sit for a long time it gets dull and achy. 

I am really determined to get 50 miles in this month.  Today I worked on some interval running.  I really like it because its always interesting.  I know my pace slows down a little but I like keeping my heart rate guessing.  I ran/walked for 45 minutes and went 3.5 miles on the treadmill.  It was really nice out but I REALLY prefer running on the treadmill.  Maybe if I find somewhere flat to run, I'll change my mind.  My neighborhood is WAY too hilly.  . 

The interval run went like this:

• Warm-Up 5 min at 3.5
• Run 5 min at 4.5
• Walk 2 min at 3.5
• Run 8 min at 4.5
• Walk 3 min at 3.5
• Run 5 min at 4.8
• Walk 2 min at 3.5
• Run 7 min at 4.8
• Walk 3 min at 3.5
• Run 5 min at 5.0
• Cool down 5 min at 3.0

So I kept my resting pace steady but slowly increased my running time.  I really liked how I felt after this work out so I'm going to keep trying this type of pattern for a while.  Hopefully I will increase my pace.

 I plan to run again on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.  Hopefully if I keep up the Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday pattern, I will also keep my miles up.  There is a walking/running/biking trail right by my new office and once I figure out a good place to change my clothes I may start running there after work.  It would also be great for walking on my lunch hour. 

I haven't tracked my calories and I didn't go to body pump twice last week.  Fail.

The weekend was filled with bridal shower festivities for my friend.   I ate way too much but it was a great time.

The bridesmaids and the the Bride

Punch and Cheesecake Strawberries

Pretty flowers

I also started my new job yesterday.  Its a lot more structured than my last job (meaning I'm not able to do what I want whenever I want) so I am hoping with that structure, I will be able to practice some more discipline with food and my gym schedule.  I am also working 1.5 hours less per day, so I really have NO excuse.

Goals for this week are to keep up what I am doing and STAY disciplined!  I would really like to see 198ish next week.  I have been weighing in right at 200 or 199.8.  Thats right!!! ONEderland!!!  I really don't want to get to excited about it though until I am consistently seeing a number in the 190's.

Until next time,  "Don't be the girl who fell, be the girl who got back up" ~Jenette Stanley

Happy Running!
Mrs. B

50 miles in April

It's been a while....yeah, like a whole month...

Things kinda went down hill after my 5K.  Rather than wanting to accomplish more and keep going, I gave up.  I went to the gym a couple times, but I certainly haven't held myself accountable.  

Anyway, I'm back in the game today.  I have some new motivation with a friend's wedding coming up and the mini-dress that I'm wearing.  (Seriously, my husband saw it and said "where's the rest of that dress?")    It's pretty and looks good on, but I could stand to lose about 15 more lbs.  The wedding is in 6 weeks. 

I'm also starting a NEW JOB on Monday.  I'm really ready for a fresh start professionally.  The last month at my current job hasn't really helped the fitness situation.  It's made me majorly moody, tired and depressed.  That's a totally different ball game...

With a new job comes the need for new clothes.  I've really been into LOFT lately.  The clothes are very high quality and they have sales that make them affordable.  My problem is the pants, they only carry up to 14 in the store and I DO NOT order things online that I haven't tried on.  Too much anxiety there....and I hate paying for shipping.

In order to get into size 14 LOFT pants (which are really like a 16 with their "vanity sizing"   ) and a mini-dress and look good in them, I've decided to make a few fitness goals. 

1. I'm going to run 50 miles in April.  This may not seem like a lot for some of you other runners, but since I ran 3.1 in March, I think its a pretty good goal.  That breaks down to about 12.5 miles a week.  I think I can to that.  If I run all 50 miles, I'll reward myself with $50 to buy something new.
2. I'm going to begin tracking my food again.  Starting today.  I've really lost control in that area and I think the only way to do it is to log my calories.
3. Since my new work schedule is 8 to 4:30, I'm going to be able to go to body pump TWICE a week.  I've been going once a week and I definitely feel the benefits the next day, but I think this is the push I need to get into ONEderland.

This mornings weigh in: 

I'm SO close!!!

 

I'm pretty happy with this considering the lack of self control I've had over the last month...

 With a little (No, A LOT) of self control, I think know I can do it.

Happy Running!
Mrs. B

Race Day!

I finally did it!

Warming up before the race

 Today was a fairly cold day at about 31 degrees and some light wind.  It even started to snow about 15 minutes before start time.  Once we got there, I was SO nervous about getting where I needed to go, picking up my packet and beginning the race.  Thank GAWD my sister agreed to do this with me.  She helped to ease my nerves quite a bit.  We walked around and warmed up, met our mom at the start line so that she could hold all of our crap and then it was time to start.

There were a lot of runners there but not too many that it was over whelming.  The start "gun" went off and at about the same time I could definitely feel the adrenaline pumping.  It was a little difficult picking my pace but once the crowd thinned out I was in pretty good shape.  The course was really well planned out and there were volunteers at every turn showing us where to go.  Around the end of the first mile, several people started passing me and I was getting a little discouraged.  It occurred to me that feeling sorry for myself and continuing to look back wasn't doing me any good.  I also felt a little bad about "making sure" that there were people behind me.

About 2 miles in I stopped for a quick break to catch my breath and a lady ran up behind me and encouraged me to keep going.  I nearly ran the rest of the race by her side or right behind her.  I never got to talk to her after the race but I will be forever grateful for her presence today.   The race was in a local park and the surrounding neighborhood so when I left the neighborhood and entered into the park again I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the snow and the lake. 

Miller Park

I finished the race in 39:59.  This was about 2:30 faster than my practice time.  I couldn't be happier with that accomplishment.  This probably sounds silly but Miller Park is always a part of town thats dear to my heart.  I grew up in that park, going to the zoo with my grandpa, fishing with my husband and  going to various events throughout the years.  I'm proud to live in Bloomington-Normal so chosing to run my first race here made perfect sense to me.  I loved crossing the finish line by the zoo and the pavilion.  The best part was seeing my husband, my mom and my sister as I crossed the finish line.

  In the last couple weeks, every time I imagined crossing that finish line, I thought I was going to cry.   It surprised me that I didn't.  I was extremely proud of myself but I think I was just completely overwhelmed with my surroundings that I didn't have a whole lot of time to "take it all in".  I also had a fairly negative interaction with a race volunteer at the finish line.  In the moment, it took away from being proud of what I had accomplished.  BUT, I'm choosing not to let her "steal my thunder."  Also, next time I run a race I will make a good music playlist so that I'm not distracted by Pandora and her silly music choices. 

 I DID IT!   I DID IT   I DID IT!

I'm in the red.

 The lady in pink was my encourager.  I'd like to think that she's probably a fellow fit camper.  Lady in pink, if you see this, thanks for the encouragement today!  I didn't think my husband was going to make it either, so I was really happy to see him.  He stayed with me at the Pavilion for lunch after the race. 

My husband and I after the race, eating Avanti's. 

I signed up for the couch to 5K program merely as something to keep me exercising after I stopped working out with my trainer.  It was a way to stay motivated, since that was (and remains) something especially difficult for me.  I've said this before, I never thought I would call my self a runner.  I never thought I would run a race.  In fact, I actually remember telling several people that I had NO intention of running a race at all.  Running 1 mile seemed near impossible and 3 miles...FORGET IT!  This is an accomplishment that remain one of my proudest moments.  Forever.  I really do doubt that I will run races longer than a 5k in the near future but no matter how far I take my running, my first race will be my proudest.

When I'm feeling discouraged I like to refer back to this post by one of my favorite bloggers, Mama Laughlin. Today I feel like I am finally able to say I am a Runner. 

 

 

Happy Running!
Mrs B

Duck Dynasty and Body Flow

One of my favorite new shows is Duck Dynasty.  I happened to catch the new episode last night while I was getting ready for bed.  Willie is getting ready for his high school reunion and wants to lose some weight.  So, he attends yoga with his wife.  It's really awkward for him and his dad even walks in the class and he gets a little embarrassed.  In the end, he looses some weight and is really proud of himself for trying so hard.  If any of you have taken yoga or pilates you know that from the outside it looks like a piece of cake, but that stuff is NOT easy.  Its very challenging to control your body, hold the poses and be flexible all at the same time.  I felt a lot like Willie in class tonight.  You can see his adventure Here.  Fortunately for me, my class was not taped for national television. 

This might be what I look like at Body Flow

 I've only been to a pilates class once and then tonight I tried a new class by Les Mills called BodyFlow.  Its a combination of Yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi.  From their website,  "BODYFLOW™ is the Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates workout that builds flexibility and strength and leaves you feeling centered and calm."  

The first time I took a Pilates class I simply went because I thought it would be good to stretch for a full hour.  I'd been feeling some pain in my left hip and thought that it would help.  I'd heard that Pilates was a good cross-training workout for runners.  It certainly was, but the next day I could feel EVERY SINGLE ONE of the benefits of the class centered into my abdomen.  I was so sore, but it was a great feeling!  I was introduced to Body Flow by another instructor at the gym who teaches some of the other Les Mills classes.  I've been wanting to try it and finally made it there tonight.  At the end of the class I knew that even though I wasn't as flexible or strong as some of the others in the class, I knew I would come back to challenge myself and to see how far I could push my body next time.  I think that is my goal in all of the things that I do, but this time there was a little more emotional benefit too.  

The class ended with about 5 minutes of meditation.  I found myself in tears within 30 seconds.  I'm normally an emotional person and my first reaction to anything is tears.  Whether I'm happy, sad, angry or frustrated, there are always tears.  The instructor talked about letting things go and breathing in "good".   I was able to let a lot of negativity go, I felt a new emotional strength and I know that I really needed that to help refocus myself this week.  If you have a chance to try out Yoga, Pilates or Body Flow, do it!  If you didn't like it the first time, try it again.  

Now for your viewing pleasure, a little Throwback Thursday love.  Fall 2011, not even at my heaviest.  I'm on  the right and my mini-me sister is on the left.  What's really sad to me was right after this was taken, I thought it was a really good picture of me. 

That would be my dad photo bombing in the back...

 

 

2008

 

I'm looking more and more like the 2008 Bethany everyday.  Its not always easy, but it will be worth it.

This Saturday is the 5K I've been training for!  Wish me luck!


Happy Running,

Mrs. B.

Wild hairs and Apple Beers

Today was my first run outside since October.  My plan was to run at the gym and use the 5k setting on the treadmill.  I was kinda dreading it even though I know that I need some practice before my official race on Saturday.  I happened to look out side and since it was so sunny that I got a wild hair decided to give it a shot.  I'm so glad that I did.  I dressed appropriately and for the most part the sidewalks were clear.  I chose to run in the neighborhood next to mine since the streets were clear, its fairly even terrain, and there's very little traffic. 

Overall I had a great run.  I was working hard but I also didn't feel like I was struggling.  I ran a little slower than I do on the treadmill but it seemed SO much easier since I was GOING somewhere.  I was also running pretty blindly because I couldn't see my phone and the running app really well.  I was shocked when I stopped for a short walk break and had already gone 1.61 miles.  I felt like I had only gone about a mile.  I went a little further and then decided to head back to my apt.  I stopped right at 3.15 miles.  I wasn't exhausted but still felt that I had worked hard. 

I used the Nike running app (this was the first time for that too) and although I'd really like to post a picture of my route I'm having trouble getting a screen shot.  I liked how it showed the levels of intensity throughout my route.  I could see when I was pushing myself and when I was taking a short walk break. 

My favorite part was the accomplishments that were recorded at the end.  They were: 

• Farthest Run 3.15 Mi
• Longest Run 43:27
• Fastest 1K 7:45 (WOAH!)
• Fastest Mile 12:37 (WOAH AGAIN!)
• Fastest 5K 41:37

I'm really proud of the 1K pave and the mile pace.  Even though it was the first long run, I can't wait to continue to improve.  It also gives me a really good idea of my times for Saturday's race.

Now I'm undoing all my hard work enjoying a Shock Top Honey Crisp Apple Ale  and waiting for my husband to come home for dinner.  I wish I would have done more blogging on my vacation but lets face it, I was lazy.   Hopefully I catch up on my photo-a-day before the end of the month.

Happy Running,
Mrs B.

GYM TIME!

Big stuff is happening for me lately!  First, if you haven’t noticed I’ve been participating in the Fat Mum Slim Photo a day challenge.  I’ve not been super religious about it, but I try to get in each day’s picture.  I’m excited for the potential “album” I could have at the end of the year.  It’s also given me time to appreciate some of the “small things” in my life.  

I’ve also joined another gym.  Yep, ANOTHER one.  I didn’t just switch.  Crazy, No?   For the last year,  I’ve been going to a gym that’s close to work.   I really like that gym because its new and clean.  I get unlimited tanning (I know, I know…sue me),  access to massage chairs, and the cardio cinema.  The gym has all the essentials for a good work out.  One thing I love about is that they use the member’s dues to purchase new equipment.    There’s always something fun and exciting to use.  I worked with a trainer there for a while and she was really fantastic.  I know I’ve mentioned her before,  but since I stopped working with her I’ve really missed the accountability.  I text her every once in a while to tell her how I’m doing.  I still want her to be proud of me.  I also want her to know the courage that she’s given me to do some of the things I’ve done.  The rest of the staff is really friendly too.  It’s a small gym and a small community.  This gym has become my solitude for the last 8 months.  I’ve become emotionally attached.  One thing that it doesn’t offer though is fitness class.  There are some random group sessions that I can’t even seem to attend because they are at really bad times.  I really just wanted to be able to go to a Zumba class.  

There is another gym in town that has the classes. This gym is a little older but It’s really close to home.  As much as I love Gym #1, I hate driving there on my days off.  Sometimes I don’t go after work because I just need to eat dinner first or make sure the dog is let out.  There were also times that I couldn’t go because the hours at Gym #1 aren’t so great on the weekends.   Then I found a FREE ENROLLMENT coupon from gym #2 in the mail.  I HAD to check it out.   Long story short I hemmed and hawed for about a week but once I went for a tour, I was hooked.   This gym isn’t as new, but the options I have are fairly unlimited.   For $37 extra  a month I decided that it would be worth it to have two options of places to go.  I’ve spent most of my time at gym #2 just because I’ve been checking out all the classes but I went to Gym #1 on Tuesday because it fit better into my day.  I was reminded why I love it so much.  So I figured I was willing to pay both memberships.  I see it as an investment into my health.  If I break down each workout into an amount of money, it’s a little motivating too, since I don’t want to lose or waste money. 

So far I’ve tried Body Pump, Zumba, Werq and The Firm.   Body Pump was AWESOME and I can really see this helping me tone up and build more muscle to burn more fat.   Zumba was okay but not what I remembered from my previous experience.  The last time I went to a Zumba class, the instructor took it slow and taught the basics before each song.  I’ve never been extremely coordinated but this helped me.  At the new one, I was completely lost for entire class.  I might give it another chance sometime…but I’ve found the new  love of my life.  WERQ.  It’s also a dance fitness class that’s easy to follow with popular rock, hip hop and pop music.  It was recommended to me by an acquaintance.    We crossed paths a couple times at Gym #2 and she encouraged me to give it a shot.  I went last night and after one class, I am hooked.  A Werq-a-holic if I may.    The firm was also okay, a little boring but I know it would help with my goal of toning up.  Today I’m going to try Pilates.   

I’ve been trying to switch things up a lot because I’m really having a hard time getting out of the 200’s.  I’ve been going between 200 and 210 since I started this blog in October.  I’m not THAT discouraged because I’m still seeing changes in my body.  I just want to break the barrier SO bad.  I know a majority of the problem is me.  I’m really slacking on my diet.  The holidays were fairly rough, but lately I’ll eat well for a couple days, then cheat for 3 or four days.  It’s probably a miracle that I haven’t gained anything.   Obviously though, my goal is to lose.  I’d really like to get off another 15 lbs by my yearly doctor’s appointment in April.  I can’t wait to talk to my doctor about all the progress I’ve made and maybe get some advice from a medical professional.   

With the new gym and classes I didn’t want to become side tracked from my goal of completing the couch to 5K.  Today I will run my last workout of the program.  I don’t want to stop but I haven’t mastered the 5K yet.  I know that I can keep running a half hour or so about three times a week and that would be the same as the scheduled workouts.  I know though that if I don’t have an immediate reason to do it, I probably won’t.

 SOOOOOOOOOOOOO, drum roll please…I’m doing something I NEVER thought I would do.  I found a 5K to run in.  It’s at a local park and the registration fee’s go towards supporting the zoo in town and its operations.  I’m all for supporting local venues and making my town a better place to live.  It’s on March 2.  Eekk! Less than a month away.  I just keep imagining how I’m going to feel when I cross the finish line.  That is enough motivation to keep running for the next month.  I WILL finish that 5K.  I might be that last one to cross the finish line, but I will finish!  Right now I’m running about a 14 minute mile.  I just need to work up my endurance for that last mile and run outside a couple times to get used to the differences.    The best part is that I’m going to do it with my sisters.  They enjoy running and I am finally joining the fun. 

Until next time,

Happy Running!

Mrs. B.

Photo a day 1/27

Sun 1/27-  the sun shining through my blinds

Landscape 1/28-our trip to Gatlinburg in October 2012

Grow 1/29-my growing muscles.  Man, im sore today!

Down 1/30- looking down at everyone while running on the open air deck at the gym

Yourself 1/31-A picture of myself:refreshed after a 2 gym session.

Fork 2/1-  Ready for girls night out. Im so HANGRY!

Pattern 2/2- the pattern on my pj pants.  Relaxing on my couch after work tonight.

Paleo Pancakes

I've been a little bored with my breakfast lately.  So last night, while parusing on pinterest, I found a recipe for paleo pancakes.   They looked simple and easy but I could not believe that just two eggs and a banana could turn into a pancake.  With some tips from the fit camp girls,  I set out to make this creation.  
2 eggs (i only used one yolk) 
Banana-mashed to smitherines (sp???)
Cinnamon
Almond Extract (i grabbed this by accident instead of vanilla)

I used my mixer to beat the egg mixture.  The batter was very thin and almost crepe-like.  I also forgot about the extract until about halfway through.

The recipe made 8 silver dollar size pancakes.  I liked the ones with the extract the best.  The almond really rounds out the flavor of the banana.  They are definitely eggy, almost like an omelet but really sweet.  Next time I may use just a tsp of gluten free waffle mix or rice flour to bind them up a bit.  

In other news,  I finished week 8 of c25k yesterday.  I was having a hard time finishing during week 7.  I realized that I should probably slow down a little.  I went from a 4.8 back to 4.5 (i run on the treadmill) and it made a huge difference.  Im no where close to running a 5k in 30 minutes but at this point im focusing more on endurance than speed and distance.  I know both of those things will come with time. 
 
I also joined another gym.  This one is close to home and the other one is close to work.  The new one offers group fitness classes.  I cant wait to start cycling and dancing (ZUMBA!) again.

Happy Running!

Mrs. B.

Photo a Day January 21st

January 21st-What I do.  I fold laundry.  If Im not merchandising shoes, clothes and accessories at work, im folding clothes at home. 

Jan 22nd: Decor in my favorite corner of the apartment. Jan 23rd: Eating my lunch by the electric fireplace at panera Jan 24th: Stripes: my tiger striped tabbys chillin on my lap.

Jan 25th: Together: Snuggling while watching a movie. Jan 26th: Sunlight: the beautiful beams shining through my blinds.

Photo a day

I decided to do this once a week.  One post a day may be excessive.  I also mixed up the 14th and the 15th.

Jan 15: My day in yellow.  Some shoes I have my eye on, coffee cup, last night's mess, and breakfast.

Jan 16:  Two.  I spent the evening trying to bribe the cats into taking a picture together.  Yeah...didn't work.  I settled for this one.  I stare into these eyes daily.  They dont always pass such judgement.

Jan 17th:  missed my opportunity today....

Jan 18th:  Shadow while walking the dog on a chilly, icy morning. 

Jan 19:My #delicious dinner at Hibachi Grill. Jan 20th: "some thing I saw" I felt a lot of pressure from this prompt, as if I had to see something significant. I was tempted to run to Walmart to see if I could find a mullet or someone dressed in innapropriate attire but lets be honest, im lazy. Im trying to limit myself to one picture a week of the pets and everything else seems so ordinary. I settled for my evening's view. The hubs watching football. Nothing spectacular but I see this all the time in January!

Photo A Day-An Ordinary Moment

I've decided to join the photo challenge.  Considering this is a fitness blog,  most photos will be fitness related, but not always.  I will occasionally post to instagram but in order to avoid photo bombing my friends and family.  I will post the photo to the blog daily.  I was hesitant to start because im about two weeks behind but I think late is better than never.  Maybe I'll go back and throw in a few extras as I have time.  Hopefully I can fill an album at the end of the year. 

Today's photo:  An Ordinary Moment

Holiday Recap

Edit: This post is totally disjointed and goes around in circles. Please bear with me.

I'm sure most of you are totally over the Holidays by now, but bear with me.  I've been without internet at home for a while because fur baby #3 chewed up our cable modem's power chord.  So, I've had a lot of time to reflect upon how successful I was this joyous Holiday season.  

I started out December with a bang.  I made a lot of "mistakes" throughout the two weeks following Thanksgiving that I was determined to not to repeat for Christmas.  I started with the squat and plank challenges that were posted at ML Fit Camp.  These were great because I really felt like they were helping me become a better runner.  I was also determined to start cutting sugar out of my diet.  I lost about 4 pounds in one week because of the choices I was making. However, I don't think that a no-sugar diet is for me yet.  I just don't like vegetables enough.  I end up eating whole grains and fruit to compensate.  These are necessarily bad, but do contain more sugar than fresh veggies would.  I really only like peas, carrots and corn so I can't go really far with that.  I have started sneaking zucchini into a couple meals a week though and intend to find more ways to get vegetables into my diet. 

I did well until the week of the 2nd annual cookie exchange with my BFF's.  I was making cookies all week and sampling dough and batter.  Then I went to the cookie exchange and had samples of everyone else's cookies to take home.  From there on out, I was effed.  I stopped logging my calories (my BIGGEST accountability tool) and stopping going to the gym.  It was the week of Christmas and I was WORN OUT from the holiday season at work.  I felt like I was going to kill someone for about 2 weeks straight.  

I am really proud of the decisions I made during holiday meals though.  We had three family get-together's between my family and my husband's family.  I ate what I wanted, but I still kept my portions reasonable.  I was still able to walk around after the meal, I didn't have to unbutton my pants or feel sick to my stomach.  My biggest mistakes were the amount of desert type items that I ate.  My grandma makes some killer Pecan pie, my husband made Creme Brulee and my mom makes awesome Christmas cookies. 

The few weeks following Christmas were really the hardest.  Alex and I ate out a lot and I didn't go to the gym.  I still wasn't tracking Calories either.  But I went to the store, bought lots of produce and...

pause...I can't think straight....I'm at Starbucks right now and one of my good friends just walked in the door randomly.  I haven't seen him in about two years so we just spent the last 30 minutes catching up over a cup of coffee. *Happy Girl*

Anyway, healthy groceries, new workout clothes, easing myself back into the gym and some determination have gotten me  though the last week.  I am heading to the gym to run W7D3 and try out the fitbit. 

Before I go:

Holiday Sucesses:

• I gave away the rest of my cookies from the exchange.  I shared them at work rather than leaving them in my kitchen for me and me alone to eat.
• I was always very well aware of what I was eating.  I may not have made great choices 100% of the time but I didn't eat mindlessly.
• Not having the internet gave me some time to focus on fitness rather than browsing Pinterest for four hours on my days off.
• I asked Santa to hold back on the candy for my stocking.  I received Nuts and whole grain snack bars instead.  Emerald cocoa roasted almonds are FANTASTIC!  
• Stayed in the Last Loser Challenge for two rounds.

Holiday Failures:

• Too much sampling while baking cookies sent me over the edge.
• No Excercise
• Too much wine
• No internet and a shitty data package for my phone limited the amount of time I was able to get online for support from my fit camp pals and look up healthy recipes
•  I still ate some of Alex's candy.
• Didn't finish the squat/plank challenge

Mom and Dad making Christmas Dinner

My Christmas Day outfit

I can't get my phone to sync my photos now, so I guess sneaky vegetable meal pics will have to wait.

Happy Running!
Mrs. B