Fun Friday

I wish it was Fun Friday!  Instead I'm at work (and of course I'm posting during a break) all day long and my fiance is leaving for the weekend!  So the "fun" for me today will be posting this in bullet form.  How exciting!

• Actually, to be honest, I'm kind of glad to have the weekend to myself!  I'm going to watch whatever I want and do whatever I want!  Can we say Gilmore Girls and catching up on reading?  I'm such an exciting person!

• I'm heading to Bend this weekend, which is where I'll be running my half in August.  I'm just going for a day trip with my parents, but I'm glad to get to spend the day there with them doing some shopping.  Maybe I'll check out the place where I'll be running!

• I headed out for a run yesterday after I got off work (two workouts in a day for me, wowzers).  It felt so great to run outside, as most of my training up to this point has been on the treadmill.  I'll definitely be giving up the treadmill as much as possible, though, because running outside feels so much better.  I only put in 2.5 miles yesterday, but I'm going to slowly try and build my miles up.

• Dustin and I had tri tip last night for dinner!! Can we say yum?  I ususally don't get to eat it much except for during the summer, but they were on sale this week, so I got a smaller one for us to BBQ!

• My dog usually sleeps in between my legs and Dustin's legs.  Now she has decided that sleeping between my legs only.  I don't mind because I usually sleep by taking up as much room as possible with my legs spread eagle (please disregard that statement, but it's true), but when I try to roll over she's always in my way.  I guess that's what we get for letting her sleep on the bed.

• If everyone on the guest list for my wedding actually showed up, there would be over 550 people there!  Yikes, I hope to God that maybe half that many people come!  I'm related to way to many people and Dustin seems to know everyone in the world!

Well, that's it for Fun Friday!  Have a good day and a great weekend!

Aftermath

So I'm over the fact that I signed up for a half-marathon.  Not over it, but over the aftermath of it.  I was seriously struggling with the fact that I'd actually done it.  Negative thoughts were creeping into my head, and for a moment I thought I'd lost my marbles.

You see, all my life I've been one to say I'm going to do something and then I never get around to doing it.  I've told myself for a long time that I'm going to run a half-marathon.  I don't know why.  I've never been a "runner" so there was never really a reason for completing that mission.

However, instead of just telling myself that I'm going to do it, it has become a passion.  Running is not my passion, but I have a strong desire to make it a passion.  I don't know if that makes sense to anyone.  I've never met a runner I didn't like.  Runners are humble and put in the work to get the job done.  That is what I want.  I want to set a goal and actually accomplish it.  So here it is:  my goal of completing a half.  I'm going to get it done.  I might be crazy for signing up for one that is two weeks after my wedding, but I'll get it done, even if it kills me!

On the home front, I completed day 5 of The Shred this morning.  I did day 4 last night because I couldn't didn't get my lazy ass out of bed yesterday morning.  I'm trying to get in the morning habit of doing it so that I can get runs in at night, but I have to overcome my love of sleep and laying in a nice warm bed in order to do so.  One step at a time.

Yesterday I completely forgot to post my weigh-in:  164.  I stayed the same, which is slightly disappointing after my gain last week, but I'll take it.  It's all about the effort you put in, and I just haven't put in enough effort to see a drop on the scale.  So I'll try again this week...

Happy Thursday everyone!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think I might be sick....

I just signed up for my first half-marathon!  Yikes!  I'm so freakin' nervous!

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Bought and paid for!  Time to crack down!

Shredded

Last night I did day 2 of The Shred.  It went really well, although I have troubles with one of the exercises.  Otherwise I don't really have to do any of the modified versions for it, so I'm feeling good about it!  I had a nice healthy dinner and even allowed dessert (low fat ice cream, yummy!) and was still low in my calorie range!

This morning I woke up early and put in The Shred again for day 3.  Man, it kind of kicked my ass!  I got through it fine, but I'm certainly sore now!  I wanted to do it this morning to get into the habit of doing it early rather than at night, so hopefully this will be a good transition.

It's funny how working out in the morning can have such a great effect on me.  I'm doing well in my eating, and have not felt the need to eat from the candy dish at work or eat any unneccessary treats.  I'll have to continue on this pattern!

Have a great Tuesday!  Weigh-in day tomorrow....I'm hoping for some better results this week!

Awesome purchase

It's a whole new week!  Notice how time is flying by this year?  It's already the end of February!  How crazy is that?  I'd like to say that I'm right on target with my goals, but in fact, I'm a little behind.  Even though I'm behind, I'm still doing well and am continuously making the effort to be healthy and get fit!

This weekend I headed to a distant city with a few friends for a day of girl talk and shopping.  It was pretty fun, but by the end of it I was drained.  My best purchase of the day?  The 30 Day Shred with Jillian and some 5-pound hand weights!  I'd been talking to a friend about the Shred, and she had Netflixed it, so while we were in the big city for the day we both bought it.  Now we can hold each other accountable for it!

Yesterday I felt like crap.  I've been on the verge of getting sick for the past few days, and even though it still didn't hit full force yesterday, I was drained and couldn't focus my eyes all day.  I'm doing my best to fight it, though, and tried to eat healthy and drink LOTS of water to counter it.  I still had cabin fever and felt like I needed a workout, so Dustin took me out for a walk/hike around a butte by our house.  It felt great!

Also, because I can't seem to sit still while I'm sick (when I'm perfectly healthy I sit on my ass), I started the Shred last night.  Dustin sat and watched me sweat and look like a dork for the entire 20 minutes, but it felt good.  Out of any workout video I've ever done, I liked this the best.  The moves are simple, but still hard.  And I'm pretty sore today.  Day one completed, tonight I'm on to Day 2!

I'm also going to try to get in a quick run when I get off work.  I'm feeling much better today, so I think I'll try and push myself a little bit.

Giveaway!

Erica H. over at I Run Because...I Can is hosting a giveaway for One More Mile running apparel!  Head on over to her site HERE and enter to win....but please don't because I'd like to win it myself!

Don't Steal My Sunshine!

Today I am thankful for the absolutely gorgeous weather we've had lately.  It seems to revive my spirit and resolve toward healthy living.

Yesterday I got in two workouts:  A lunchtime walk with a friend and then a run after work.  It felt so great to be outside!  I got home and almost told myself it was getting too cold outside to workout, but then thought better of it.  The weather was PERFECT!  I took the dogs, and they had a great time running and sniffing every squirrel hole they could find (I live in the country).  Today might include a lunchtime walk (not sure yet) and will most definitely include an after-work run. 

My eating was decent yesterday, but still left something to be desired.  Today is off to a good start, and I'm happy!  What a difference a little sunshine can make!

RunZoeRun Giveaway

RunZoeRun! is hosting a Champion giveaway here!  Head on over if you want to enter!

Lent

I'm not Catholic.  However, I like the idea of giving something up, or changing a bad habit for 40 days.  Not just to say I can do it, but for true self-improvement.  So here are four things I've come up with that I'm going to change/give up:

1. No diet soda.  I just finished one, and as I was drinking it I thought about how much better off I'd be to drink water instead.  Oh, and that includes regular soda also, but I really don't drink it much.
2. Take my vitamins everyday, twice a day.  As directed.  I know I should be doing this and I've just been slacking...not planning, so I'm planning to fail.
3. Track something that I'm grateful/thankful for everyday.  I'll do it on this blog for the tracking part.
4. No sweets during the day.  I'd like to say, this is not ALL day.  It's during the day, and if I want a treat, I can have it at night after dinner.  And that is only if I'm good during the day.

So that isn't so bad.  These are things I'd just really like to work on, so what's better than a good 40 days to do that right now while everyone else is giving things up.  We're all in the same boat now!  (And by the way, I can't have dessert tonight because I've already had some sweets today--in the form of Girl Scout cookies...but don't worry, after today's weigh-in, every ounce is being accounted for!)

Wish me luck!  (No, I don't need luck, I just need determination and an iron will!)

Weigh-In Wednesday

"Failing to plan is planning to fail."

Is that not so true?  I've fallen off the wagon this week.  It hasn't been pretty.  Notice I haven't posted since last THURSDAY?  I bet you know why...so do I.

164

+2 from last week

Yuck.  I knew it was coming.  I indulged on Friday night, even after working out on Thursday and Friday.  Saturday I didn't really indulge too much.  Sunday was a different story.  One thing is for sure, though, is that I don't feel guilty about overeating/drinking because of the day, but I sure as hell don't enjoy the scale on weeks when things like that happen.

Sunday started with a champagne and all you can eat buffet brunch.  Can we say calories?  I told myself it was fine, because I didn't completely binge, and I knew it was for breakfast and lunch.  Fine.  However, we got news that morning that our good friend was moving away, as in leaving the next day.  So Sunday night was quite the PARTY.  We laughed, we drank, we cried, and we drank some more.  This resulted in me being so hungover on Monday that I could hardly move.  I don't get drunk very often, and I'd almost forgot what my hangovers do to me: MAKE ME EAT.  EVERYTHING. IN. SIGHT.

So that is pretty much what I did on Monday.  Tuesday I did a little better, but felt bloated all day long because of the hangover/binge from the day before. 

It's really no surprise, and I'm just ready to kick it in gear this week.  I started the day off good by going for a nice long walk during lunch.  It is such a nice day today (sorry all you east coasters that are freezing your asses off).  When I get off work I'm going to race home and go for a quick run/walk before it gets dark.  I love the sunshine, it helps me to get active because treadmill running gets freakin' boring!

Tall Mom Giveaway

Tall Mom on the Run is hosting a great giveaway!! Go here to check it out!

Put Me In, Coach

I'm heading to go workout...and nothing's gonna stop me!  Woo hoo, I'm back in the game coach!

Puppy Love

I just picked my pup up from the vet.  She was pretty darn excited to get to go home, and I have to say I was pretty darn excited to see her.  Dustin and I were so funny last night...she's like another person living there, so while she was gone we missed her terribly!  I kept thinking she'd be in the kitchen or bedroom or something and he just flat out told me he missed her!  Tallie come home!

Well she's home, and licking her wounds...literally.  Good thing Dustin is around to stop her, because she would sit and lick for hours on end if we didn't stop her.

Ok, enough about that.  I'm pretty excited because I also just purchased two necklaces from Tiffany at True to You Design.  She's got some great pieces, and she probably thinks I have a minor girl crush on her because I keep talking her up!  I don't, I promise, so no need to thinking I'm stalking or anything.

I haven't been to the gym since Sunday.  It makes me feel like crap, and I'm going to get there tonight.  I'm back working at my normal office, so I really have no excuse not to get there.  I have a shorter run planned for tonight and then a long run for tomorrow.  I'm kinda already off of the plan I posted the other day, so I need to get back on it!  So I'll say 3 easy miles today and then 6 tomorrow.  Saturday I'm going to do a long walk or easy run and then take the day off Sunday.  Let's see how well I do.  I'm not much of a planner, but I need to get on a plan/routine in order to be successful in my races.

Just so everyone knows, I've got a giveaway in the works...it will happen in the next week or two!  Just keep watching and waiting...

Weigh-In Wednesday

162

-1 pound

Woop Woop!!!! Down one?  How did that happen?  I was so nervous to get on the scale this morning!  Like so nervous that I thought up some good excuses not to get on it so that I'd have something to tell you guys today.  Or that I was giving myself a free pass for the week.  Well, I decided that was a bunch of crap and that this journey is about being responsible and accounting for the good and the BAD, so I stepped up to the plate...

And I lost a pound.

That goes to show that you should never give up on this journey.  Just keep pushing and never give up!

In other breaking news, I didn't get my workout in last night.  You see, I've been working in a different office for the last three days (here come the excuses).  Well, that office is an hour away from where I normally work, so on top of driving the 25 miles from my house to town where I normall work, I've been driving an extra hour EACH WAY to get to and from work.  So, in the time it normally takes me to get off work and workout and get home, I'm only just getting back to town.  And then I have another 25 miles to go to get home.  Excuses.

We also had friends over last night for an impromtu dinner.  Really, that meant me slaving over the stove, trying to come up with something decent for dinner because I wasn't planning on cooking.  I WAS planning on Dustin eating bratwurst, which would have worked for dinner with our friends except for the fact that Dustin happened to eat most of it for lunch that afternoon.  FAIL.

Instead we had elk steak (YUMMO!) and it was great....so tender and not gamey at all.  Everything turned out just fine and we had a good evening!

My dog had to go to the vet today to get spayed :(

I hated leaving her there, and she has to stay the night.  Dustin made his dad take her because he didn't want her to hate him when she gets home!  His dad said that Tallie was fine when he first got there, but another dog showed up and started barking and she just started shaking uncontrollably!  It makes me want to cry, she is my baby!  (And yes, I'll probably someday end up being the crazy dog lady, if I'm not already.  Better than being a crazy cat lady though.)  I'm considering taking tomorrow off work just so I can spend the day with her.  Ok, I won't but I want to. 

Giveaway!

And obviously it's not mine!  But someday soon!

The Busy Woman's Guide to Surviving Motherhood is having a giveaway for one of Tiffany's (from True To You Design) Valentine's Day jewlery sets.  They are darling and I love her work!

The giveaway can be found here.

5k Training

Thanks for everyone's comments about yesterday's post.  I'm feeling much better today!  I'm not sure what happened to me, but I'm back in the game and I'm trying not to eat everything in sight!  I'm in one of those moods where EVERYTHING sounds good, especially chips, crackers, candy, chocolate, etc.  You know, those foods that are just so damn good for you!

I've been thinking a lot about my training, and I think I've come up with a good plan.  At least for the next five weeks.  That is when my first 5k race is, and as much as I'd like to say I'll be prepared for it, I'm still scared that I'm going to majorly suck at the actual racing portion of this.  I have a tendency to start walking when the going gets tough.  So with that, I'd like to really make sure I get the right training in.

I found a program for intermediate runners.  I'm not really sure if I'm really an intermediate runner, but after looking at the different options (beginners, advanced, etc.) I chose intermediate because that seems to be based around what mileage I'm already doing.  Also, because it is technically an 8-week plan and I'm only doing 5 weeks, I think this plan fits in perfectly with what I'm already doing.

Here it is.  Not that most people care, but I feel the need to put it out there.  Hold me accountable peeps!

There we go.  Obviously I missed Monday already, so tonight I have a 3 mile run lined up.  Let's see how this works out for me!  After I get this 5k out of the way, I'll plan my next round of training for my half in August.  Or maybe I'll start sooner, but I'm glad I have a clear direction for the next month.

If anyone has any suggestions for me, please feel free to speak your mind, either in a comment or email me at caitlinsimms1 (at) gmail (dot) com.

Thanks for reading!  I've got big ideas for a giveaway once I get a certain number of followers....so in the next 5 years you may be able to enter!

Biggest Loser tonight!  And bratwurst (for my man...I'll probably have salad or something :)

Yuck-O

I feel like I'm going to die.  Ok, not die, but I think I might puke.  And I'm at work and I want to go home, but I can't.  And there's nothing that I can do about it so I'm just sitting here with the trash can by my side, doing nothing but I have to be here because there is no one to cover for me.  Blah!

So I'm trying to distract myself.  I ate some of my lunch to see if it would settle my stomach (leave it to me to EAT when sick).  It didn't work.  I've been trying to drink some water, but that isn't going down very well.  I popped in some minty gum, and I think it is slightly helping.

I did pretty good this weekend.  I FINALLY went to the gym on Friday after work.  I got in 5.5 miles, and it felt great.  I love getting in a good run, and I'm proud of myself for going that far.  I also love going home and telling my honey how far I went.  He is in the habit of asking me as soon as I get there, and it makes me feel so good that he is on board and supportive of me.

Saturday I didn't get an "official" workout in, but I did run a chainsaw for about 5 hours, so I'd say that counts.  We're trying to cut out a whole bunch of juniper trees from around a spring we've got above our house, so Dustin and I and our friend went out and tipped trees all day.  It was pretty fun, I have to say that I love falling trees!  I feel kind of like a dork when I say that, but I really enjoy it.

Yesterday, I had to run to town to get groceries and ammunition (see below), so I stopped by the gym for a quick 2.5 mile run before heading home.  It felt good to get in and get that done, especially when I knew I probably wasn't going to eat that great for the rest of the day.  I got cleaned up and made a 7 layer dip for the superbowl party we were going to, and then fell asleep on the couch!  Dustin finally came home and we headed to our friends to shoot skeet (hence the ammunition) and watch the game.  It was pretty fun, and I didn't overindulge as much as I thought I might.

Today I have a workout planned for when I get off work, but if this crappy throw-up feeling doesn't go away, I'm going to just go straight home and to bed.  Yuck-O!

Finally!

Heading to go workout in about 10 minutes.  Finally!!!

Then it's.....THE WEEKEND!!! Yay!

Thirsty Thursday

In college I used this phrase as an excuse to drink.  Not that me and my circle of friends really needed an excuse - we drank no matter what, whenever we wanted to.  *Note, I was not a heavy drinker in college, but I did my share of binging throughout those 4 years.

Today I'm using it as an excuse to get my water intake up.  I've been really good about drinking water and spend most days at work peeing every half hour.  I still, however, go to sleep feeling thirsty and wake up in the middle of the night thirsty.  It makes me feel like I've just had one of those college "Thirsty Thursdays" and am in desperate need for water in order to survive.

So drink up, everybody.  Dump a little Crystal Light or lemon juice in for some taste if you need to.  Just get your daily dose of water, and even when you think you've had that "8 cup" recommendation (which I think is crap if you are even moderately active), drink some more.

I didn't end up working out last night, so tonight I'm going to hit the gym hard.  I've got a Passion Party to go to after, though, and it really sucks not living in town (I live a good 25 miles away from the town I work in) beacuse I sweat.  I sweat more than the average individual.  So I might go to the party just a little stinky, but it will be worth it!

Have a happy Thursday (even though it's getting closer to being over, but better late than never)!

Weigh-In Wednesday

Holy crap, it's Wednesday again!  I started my day off with a weigh-in and quick shower, and the scale said...

163

Same as last week.  I'm perfectly ok with this because 1) I didn't eat that great this last week, and 2) I am in this for the long run.  I don't have much to lose (as in less than 15 pounds), so if I can work on losing and maintaining all at once (instead of losing it all and then trying to maintain), I'll be happy and probably better off.

It's also time to review last week's goals and make new goals for the upcoming week.

1. Get in 14 miles by (yesterday).  NO.  I only got in 9.5.  However, I have tweaked my February goals to make up for my mileage blunder.
2. Eat within my calorie range.  NO.  I did this most days, but my weekend killed me for that.  Back to SparkPeople this week though.
3. Strength train at least twice.  YES.  I got this done, although I need to add more exercises and get serious about this.

New goals for the week of Feb. 3 - Feb. 9:

1. Get in 15 miles.  I'm bound and determined to stay on track this month and not get behind early.
2. Eat within my calorie range.  I'm going to do this.  I'm giving myself a little extra on Super Bowl, though.
3. Strength train twice.  Going to do this right this week.  Not just a couple little sets.
4. Do at least 5 ab workouts.  This is something I need to incorporate.  It can be done anytime, so there's no excuse.
5. Stay away from sugar in the afternoon.  I'll explain this below.

So there they are, let's see how well I do this week.

Last night I did another 3.5 miles on the treadmill.  It is starting to become the dreamill, though.  I will say that I'm ready to get outside, but I also have been forgetting my iPod, which makes it even more boring.  I brought it today, so hopefully it will get better.  One thing that has happened in my last two runs is some major stomach cramping.  I was getting a little worried about it, but I think I know the cause: SUGAR.  I've been kind of binging on sugar in the afternoon before my workouts, and I think it is affecting my runs.  It's got to stop.  No ifs, ands, or buts about it!

I also lifted and did some plyos last night and today my legs are super sore from doing the leg press.  I love it!

Oh, did anyone watch the Biggest Loser?  I had to finish it this morning because I passed out last night (new time is not cool with me).  I was pretty sad to see John go.  I hope he does better at home.

Giveaway...

So still not one of my own (someday SOON).  But Tricia over at Endurance Isn't Only Physical is having a great giveaway for a product from Oiselle Running.  Head on over to her blog to enter!

Finding Motivation

As you can tell from my last few posts (which haven't been since last week...slacker), I have had a hard time getting motivated to workout.  And eat healthy.  And care that I'm not eating healthy and not working out.

Even though I'm having a little trouble though, it makes me realize how much this weight loss/get fit journey is a life-long journey.  I'm going to have bumps in the road.  Everyone does.  The only thing that matters is that I recognize the bumps, accept them, and learn from them.  I think the fact that I'm on here blogging about it shows that I am at least conscious of the fact that I'm struggling.  And you know what the cool thing is?  I know that I have some neat bloggy friends that have been/are in the same boat as me.  So thanks for being part of my journey!

I did exercise last night, the first time since last week.  To sum it up, I did not finish my January Miles Challenge.  In fact, I was 6 miles short.  So, to make up for that, I'm doing 66 miles in February.  So far I'm on the right track and I've got three down.  I'm going to the gym tonight and I'm going to get another 3 (at least) out of the way.  I think one of my downfalls last month was trying to go too hard too fast.  If I keep my mileage shorter except for maybe one day a week when I up it, I will *hopefully* be more inclined to stick to my plan.

I also will strength train this evening because I made a goal last Wednesday to do it twice a week.  I just need to get it in tonight to complete that goal.

I guess you can say I'm still motivated enough to get through the negative thoughts, at least on the exercise front.  Food is a slightly different story.  I've been doing a lot of afternoon boredom snacking, which needs to stop.  Now.  Needless to say, I will not be needing any sort of dessert tonight when I get home!

Have a good day!  Just keep pushing if you are struggling, take a break when you need to, but get back on the wagon!

Oh and Biggest Loser is on tonight!  Yay for motivation!  Especially since tomorrow is Weigh-In Wednesday...not sure what that is going to bring!

Just thought I'd leave a picture of my favorite place since I was boring you with that post!

This is my home!