Category Archives: Racing

Monday Moments

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  • First and foremost!  MY LITTLE SISTER IS ENGAGED!

Ahh I feel old.  Craziness!  Happy for both of them!  I’m mostly excited because it meant I could make a Pinterest Board – Wedding Board for Cece! - and start pinning things.  I am sure she won’t use any of my ideas, but I love weddings, and I like to plan fake ones in my spare time.  Congrats again to you both!

  • I skipped The Color Run yesterday.  My left eye was swollen shut, and I felt like death.  The Husband let me sleep in till about 9:30 and then we made our way to brunch where I properly stuffed my face.  I still feel sick from that meal, but hey, I was sick so my body wanted what it wanted.  I still managed to accomplish 3.25 miles on the treadmill yesterday (HIIT and some walking for the mileage) so all was not lost.  I am feeling much better today, and have doped myself up on all the allergy medication I could find.
  • I’m so far loving being back on Weight Watchers.  I’ve planned out my meals for the week, it helped that we went grocery shopping last night, and I’ve already made lunches too!  I’m still having the wave of doubt that this will work this time, but The Husband has faith.  He even said “I think you’ve learned a lot now.  I think this will be the time you can make it happen.”  It helps with that kind of support.  It also helps that I am routinely now making meals that are low on the Glycemic Index just from habit.  I know Carbs – Breads mostly – are a trigger, so I tend to not include them.  I also know that I can have a treat once in a while, but with all the veggies I’m piling on my meals, I’m not hungry.
  • I said it.  I am not hungry.
  • My arms are looking more and more tone.  Don’t get me wrong, there is still a nice layer of flab, and a wing that waves whenever I do jazz hands, but it’s a process, right?  I’ll get there.  Right now I am just enjoying my new love of HIIT running.  I don’t cover a lot of miles, but I noticed on my normal run on Saturday I was able to keep running at a constant pace longer, than before.
  • I start classes again in 2 weeks.  Wahhhhhhh.
  • Today’s Workout:
    • NROLFW Stage 3 B2 & 15 minute Intervals (1 Min @ 7.0 mph, 2 min @ 5.5 mph for 15 min)

Questions for You Readers!

  • What are you doing to move today?
  • Do you suffer from Allergies?  If So, what do you take?
  • Do you Like Weddings?

 

Food For Thought Monday:

Thursday Things

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  • Last night I was feeling particularly sorry for myself as I started comparing myself to some fictional person I had made up in my mind (usually a mixture of the many beautiful and fit women I come in contact with on a daily basis all jumbled into someone that looks kind of like Beyonce – BUT BETTER, if that’s possible) when I looked at my arm.  What the hell was that? It’s hard, and a lump.   I looked at my husband and said in fear “What the hell is that??” and he felt it and said I think it’s muscle.  I immediately looked at him and said “It’s most likely a tumor.”  He rolled his eyes and started laughing at me, when my mind said This is proof, Bethany.  This is proof that something is working.  At least in your arm – oh wait… BOTH ARMS… something is working.  STOP WAITING FOR THE SCALE TO GET THE MESSAGE.
  • I think so many of us, myself mostly, get tethered to this number.  The number on the scale is as arbitrary as women’s sizes.  Seriously.  Think about it.  Up until recently we had sizes like 8 and 14 and 00.  WHAT THE HELL IS 00? Double Zero’s?  Less than nothing?  Sure it’s easy for a fat person to save face and make fun of a skinny person, but I’m not.  I’m making fun of the size people.  Who made up this crap?  Men’s sizes make sense.  the first number is their waist band and the second number is their inseam.  It’s from ACTUAL MEASUREMENTS.  But women’s sizes are like random numbers because the idea of measurements scares us?  So now, women try to conform to these numbers that not only make sense, but make you feel worse if you are not in single digits.  Thanks Marketing People.
  • I was planning on resting today, but I have the urge to run.  So I think – I’ll be doing 4 miles this afternoon.  I have The Color Run this Sunday, so I lost my normal long run day, and I don’t want to lose momentum.  So I’ll run 4 miles today, do NROLFW tomorrow to finish up week 1 of stage 3, and then Saturday I’ll do a workout DVD for good measure… or I’ll do HIIT.  Or something.  I don’t mind the idea of working out daily as long as when I miss a day I don’t treat it like the end of the world (Like I usually do.)
  • Even though I am kind of only Part-time Paleo, I am still reaping the benefits of it.  I don’t feel tired all the time (THANKS PROTEIN) my hair is so nice and healthy (THANKS HEALTHY FATS!) I’m not Anemic (THANKS IRON!) and I have discovered new recipes and ways of cooking – this comes from not being able to just eat pasta when I am bored.  I am not sore for days after workouts, because the protein I am eating goes to work to repair those muscles, and I am left just feeling strong.  Sure I still crave things I shouldn’t eat, but I think that will always be there in some respect.  For now, I indulge when I want to, and then work hard in the gym and the rest of the time to keep myself in check.
  • I really want to buy a just above the knee length dress for summer.  Like a casual one.  I looked at Old Navy and while they have the style I want, I never have good luck with their clothes – aside from their Active line – which I adore – so I am hesitant to go and buy a dress.  It either fits perfectly in store, and then looks hideous at home, or it looks great and then I wash it and it looks like crap or doesn’t fit.  I have this problem with pretty much my whole closet.  I’m just afraid to purge everything because then I’ll have like no clothes, and with Grad School I have no money… so I can’t go around naked.   Sorry Husband.
  • One last thing… I know this whole journey for some of you is the hardest thing you have done at this point.  I get that.  I know that the desire to workout is not ingrained in everyone’s mind, and the desire to eat healthy and forgo decadent choices is impossible at times ( I live near like every frozen yogurt place in the state, I get it.).  But I also know, you aren’t happy where you are.  I’m not happy where I am either.  I am trying, everyday, to be better than I was yesterday.  It doesn’t always happen, but I also realize I am a heck of a lot better than I was 5 years ago.  Sometimes you need to look back and even if you haven’t lost a crap ton of weight, look at other aspects:
    • 5 years ago I had never run a race, let alone 3 half marathons.
    • 5 years ago my idea of healthy was a salad with cheese and tons of dressing
    • 5 years ago Water was something that made coffee which I then doused in sugar and cream
    • 5 years ago the idea of a workout was 30 minutes walking on the treadmill once a week (if that).
    • 5 years ago I couldn’t fit into my wedding dress, now it won’t stay up without assistance
    • 5 years ago I was almost a size 20
    • 5 years ago My office chair was too tight around my hips
    • 5 years ago my husband couldn’t lift me
    • 5 years ago I couldn’t lift my husband (Haha LOOK AT THEM GUNS)
    • 5 years ago I wouldn’t have believed this is where I would be today, and I would have also punched myself in the face for being anything less than proud.
  • So that’s what I am doing now.  I am proud of where I am, from where I’ve been, and where I will be.

Tuesday Things

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  • NROLFW Stage 3 – A1 = OUCH Central.  I was like “WHAT ARE THEY DOING?” Then I realized that the reps were only supposed to be 6 per set.  Not 15.  Because I can read, and follow directions. Anyways.  I made it through the workout, but only half of the Body Weight Matrix at the End:
    • 24 squats
    • 12 lunges – each leg
    • 12 jumping lunges – each leg
    • 24 jump squats
    • Rest and Repeat Once.
  • Oh I rested.  I fell flat on the floor.  I didn’t even try the jumping plyometric workouts because frankly, no.  My hip can’t take it.  Yeah, I said it.  CAN’T.  I don’t want to go through hip surgery again, so I’m just going to skip those.  May be once my body is stronger, I’ll attempt.
  • The 100 Most Inspiring Weight Loss Blogs!  I read most of them – aspire to be one, one day.  Which leads me to my plan of the day!  I figure taking one day at a time, instead of a whole week or month when it comes to my food intake is best:
    • Breakfast – 1/2 sweet potato, 2 chicken sausage links, 1 protein smoothie, 1 coffee w/ almond milk
    • Snack: Banana
    • Lunch: Spinach Salad w/ Cherry tomatoes, radish, bell pepper, turkey bruger, cheese, light dressing; yogurt
    • Snack: Almonds
    • Dinner : Chicken Stir Fry with Quinoa and Asian Slaw
    • Activity: 3-4 mile run (might be outside, might be inside, might be a fartlek run, might be slow and steady, not sure… don’t care?)
  • I am slowly backing away with my eyes open, from Paleo.  It’s not that it doesn’t work, because yes it does.  But I don’t want to throw certain things out of my diet.  I like wine on a Monday.  I like Pizza on a Thursday.  i’m not going to jump back on the English Muffin wagon, and frankly since I stopped putting these restrictions on myself, I suddenly have a crap ton of protein in my diet.  So I am going Paleo-ish.
    • High protein, some carbs, Very little Dairy, Sugar when I feel like it, Wine when I want it.
  • I’m losing inches with the lifting from certain areas, (waist and hips), and Frankly I need to step away from the “WEIGHT LOSS” mind set, and get my head on straight.  So I am eating whole foods, and exercising.  I’m going to be more intuitive.  For me this means when I go out for dinner, I will know that the Fried Chicken is not as good of a choice as the Grilled Tuna – This has actually never been an issue.  I have cravings but I am not an idiot.  I know which one is healthier.
  • With that, I’m also keeping a lot of things from the Paleo diet – I love my eggs and sausage or sweet potato in the morning.  Love Love Love.  I love the low to no carb dinners – ending the day with pr0tein and veggies has helped improve my sleep – I don’t get the gross full feeling, and my sugar doesn’t spike.  I also enjoy drinking my coffee black or with a little Almond Milk.
  • I LOVE ALMOND BUTTER.
  • I’m okay with taking the best parts of a diet and filling the gaps with living the way I want to, and that I can sustain.  I’m still lifting 3 days a week.  I’m still running 3 days a week.  I count my exercise as my biggest accomplishment.  I PR’d AT A RACE THIS PAST WEEKEND.  I am doing something right.
  • JONATHAN RHYS MEYERS IS COMING BACK TO TV AS DRACULA - a Collective Swoon… Sigh…. I love that man…. LOVE THAT MAN.
  • Angelina Jolie – Even though I have been pretty against you since you broke up my favorite couple, I have to say that what you did to be proactive with your health deserves applause.  You are strong, and you are a role model.  At least in this respect.
  1. What’s your eating plan?  Eat when hungry?  Eat all the things?  Eat only Green food?
  2. What’s your Workout Today?
  3. What are your opinions of Vampires?

 

Food For Thought Tuesday:

Monday Meaning

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What better way to start a Monday Post?

This weekend was great, because The Husband came home in the storm on Friday and I was able to finally get a good nights rest, without thinking someone was invading the house.  I was feeling pretty wretched all Friday so after failing my Praxis II, I came home and laid in bed for the rest of the day.

Saturday we ran errands, and strolled over to Reston to pick up my race packet for Sunday’s Mother’s Day 4 Miler.  Over the course of last week (and how bad it got) I really had lost motivation to run the race.  I honestly had no desire.

But that was a whole day away so I put it in the back of my mind and went to meet Adie and her boyfriend for dinner at Range. Oh my.  This place is amazing.  AMAZING.  I ate too much (no shocker there) and then still couldn’t believe how much more we didn’t try.  Like I want to go back and try there pizza.  MMMM.  I’m not remotely hungry (most likely still full from Saturday) but I could easily shove a pizza down my throat.

Jason’s Dessert – Dark Chocolate cake & Orange Sorbet with Earl Grey Tea Leaves

My Dessert – Tahitian vanilla Yogurt, Espresso Ice Cream, Salted caramel ice cream

Yes, I am a fatty when it comes to dessert.

We bid them farewell, and settled into our drive home from Bethesda Maryland and I did everything in my power to remain awake, but I am sure I lulled into a food come at some point.  We came home, watched last weeks episode of Game of Thrones to prepare us for this weeks, and then went to bed.

Woke up Sunday and begged the Husband to tell me it was okay for me not to go to the race.  He wouldn’t.  He said it was my decision, and I immediately felt the guilt.  I got up and raced around taking care of the dogs, and while the husband was getting ready I got back into bed.  I closed my eyes and drifted for 15 minutes and then woke up feeling a little less pathetic.

I wasn’t hungry, thanks to the previous night, so I simply took some water and then we were off.

Fake Enthusiasm.

When we got there, it was 5 minutes to gun time.  There is something nice about getting there a bit later, and not having to wait around FOREVER for the race to start.  And I was off!

I eased around the hills better than I remember from last year, but I had no idea how fast I was going because my GPS couldn’t connect to a satellite.  Stupid technology.  So I was “running blind” and pretty much winged my walk breaks.  I passed mile marker 1, and then 2 came up even quicker.  Heh.  Half way done already.  Down a hill and up a slight incline and I was past mile 3.  I texted the Husband while running to say that I had just passed mile 3 and he wrote back that I was making great time and if I kept it up I would most likely PR.

When I say the text I had 0.25 miles left, I thought I had gone too slow, since I hadn’t seen his response for 0.75 miles.  So I told myself, “You can vomit at the finish line.  Everything you have goes into this.”  I jumped into a sprint.  Well a Sprint for me.  I was most likely clocking in somewhere between 6.7 – 7.5 mph.  I saw the finish line, and everything was screaming at me.  I couldn’t hear anything.  My hear twas in my hearts, and it hurt.

Via PR Running Flickr page

Via PR Running Flickr page

I crossed the finish line at a Gun Time of 40’00″ even.  I had no idea when I crossed the start line, so I couldn’t figure out what my time was.  With in the hour (just before 10:00am) they posted the results.

Chip Time – 39’38″.

I shaved basically 4 minutes off my time from the previous year.

Blatant Happiness

From here we went home, I showered and changed and then we headed to Dunkin Donuts for Bagels and coffee.  We spent the afternoon with my family at Bull Run Winery and then the evening at the Husband’s parents house.  We finally got home around 9:15pm, watched Game of Thrones and then passed out in bed.

It was a short weekend, because of how busy we were, but it was a great weekend.

Today I start Stage 3 of NROLFW – So Look for a possible Vlog later about how that went.

Face It Friday – Paleo Week 5

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I’m really falling into the rut of “Is this working?”  I’m sure it is, deep down, and my surface has just yet to catch up.  Kind of like my acne medication.  I am sure it’s working but I have yet to reap the full benefits.

Speaking of Crazy, So I am now obsessed with Facebook games:  Farm Heroes, Candy Crush, and Pet Rescue.  Send help.  I am literally playing them whenever I can.

Candy Crush. Currently Locked Out because I lost too many times.

Candy Crush. Currently Locked Out because I lost too many times.

Luckily I have to take breaks, like when I lose too much and am locked out, or like when I have to study, workout, or do my job.

This weekend is pretty laid back with not much planned.  Tonight is dinner out with Lisa to congratulate her for finalizing her move to Sweden in July!  Tomorrow is most like a run in the morning while the Husband mows the lawn, and then who knows – Mother’s Day Shopping?  I’m done with my mom, but I am sure he needs to do some more shopping for her.

Might even stop at some used equipment places looking for a Barbell.  Who knows!

Sunday is my nephews 6 Birthday.  HOLY CRAP WHEN DID HE GROW UP?  That means the Husband and I will have been married for 6 years this June.  HOLY CRAP.  How have we not killed each other yet?

Then I am putting my husband on a plane and sending him to Floirda for work.  Lucky Duck.  I know he’ll be busy the entire time, but still, the idea of going anywhere at this point, even for work, sounds better than just being here.

Next week is my last week of the Spring Semester, and I am expecting A’s in both classes.  I BETTER GET THEM.  I’m about half way through one of the books for one of my summer classes, and even though it’s young adult, I really like it.

Sherman Alexie

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie is about a kid who grows up on a reservation with his alcoholic parents, his older sister, and his one friend who comes from an abusive home.  His family is dirt poor, but with the motivation and encouragement from a teacher, he leaves the “Rez” for his schooling at a racist and white high school about 22 miles away.  So far I am really enjoying it, and I’m already brainstorming ways to teach this book if it is offered to me.

I also found out that Fairfax uses “The Fault in Our Stars” as summer reading for their 9th grade class.  HOW AWESOME IS THAT?

I had a bit of a meltdown last night that carried into this morning.  I am trying desperately to be positive, about everything, but alas my mental issues are catching up with me.  Since being diagnosed with first Depression, and then Bipolar Disorder a while back I have been on and off medication probably since I was 13.  While this is never what anyone should do with a diagnosed mental illness, it was my choice to go off medication because I couldn’t feel on it.  It wasn’t like I wasn’t myself, I just wasn’t anyone.  Since then I have tried many different forms of medication, but I haven’t been seeing a therapist or a licensed Psychiatrist, so my medication decisions have come from my primary care physician, which would be fine, but she is simply “trying things” out instead of looking at the root problems – which is fine, because that’s not her job to be my therapist.

So I am going to do some research and look into finding a doctor who can help, and get me back on track.  I think that could be a big reason why nothing in my head seems to fit together right and I can’t seem to find joy in much these days.

Wow that was deep.  And Heavy.. Sorry for that on a Friday!

So Today’s Plan:

  • Breakfast: 2 Eggs, 1/2 sweet potato, 2 sausage links, coffee, smoothie
  • Lunch: Chipotle Power Salad – lettuce, Chicken, veggies, Milk/Med salsa, Guacamole
  • Snack: Banana, apple, or almonds
  • Dinner: Big Bowl – Chicken Stirfry with Ginger Soy sauce (no rice) 1 Beer
  • Snack: Gelato (may be)

Activity: NROLFW Stage 2 A3 & 2-3 Miles on the treadmill

 

Food For Thought Friday:

Wednesday Possibilities – National Runner Month #RunHappyIs @BrooksRunning

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#RunHappy

#RunHappy

Have you experienced this?  I didn’t think it was true, but man, after my Half Marathon (March 2012), I had one beer, and was like blitzed.  I couldn’t believe it.  I was like “But, it was just one?  and I ate stuff.”  My body was experiencing alcohol for the first time it seemed.  I felt like and after school special actress showing children why drinking is bad, and you should just enjoy running.

#RunHappy

#RunHappy

I was always an outcast or a loser in high school, and pretty much through college.  I didn’t get beat up, because I am female, but I had fair weather friends through out both phases in my life, and never quite felt like I belonged to any group, or anyone.  It wasn’t until I laced up running shoes and started running that I found my family.  I am welcomed and encouraged at each event, and even have been told that I inspired people post race.  This one woman at this years Rock n’ Roll Half Marathon told me my race shirt got her through the last mile.  She was going to walk it, until she saw me pass her.

(on the back of the shirt it says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” – it’s from Team 413)

I never felt like I could be part of a community like this, that is so large.  A smile and a wave to other runners while I am in my neighborhood.  A high five to the girls from the summer Lemonade stand that saved me that one year when I ran out of water.  The woman at the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 5K who is holding a sign that simply says “Thank You.”

I feel sorry for people who don’t have a family as large as mine, but I’d be more than happy to welcome them if they care to join.

#Runhappy

#Runhappy

PACE BE DAMNED.  I am not planning on winning any races.  I am not even planning on qualifying for races that need qualifying times.  I am only planning on finishing, and finishing with a smile on my face.  I don’t care if you can run 4’58″ minute miles.  THAT’S AWESOME FOR YOU.  Go to the Olympics and make your mom, country, coach proud.  For me, it’s about the moments where it’s me and the road.  I have my music, but that fades into the background and I can just beat peace as my feet hit the ground.  Yeah people pass me.  Old people pass me.  Pregnant women pass me.  Children pass me.  That guy in DC with one leg who does the half marathon every year, PASSED ME.  I don’t care.  I’m good where I’m at.

**Side bar… Just because I am okay with my pace doesn’t mean I enjoy being called a Penguin – a term commonly used by snooty runners in reference to slower runners – it takes a lot more guts to register and run a race with a slower pace knowing you will have to walk, than it does when you are elite and run like it’s your job.  Be kind to all paced runners.  We all have feelings.**

–

It’s National Runner Month and Brooks has this handy little hashtag called #RunHappyIs and you can fill in your own statement and personalize it for your own blog, twitter, whatever, as your run happy mantra!

Go to http://is.runhappy.com and personalize your own!

** I am not affiliated with Brooks Running in any way other than I use their products, love their Ghost 5′s in Pink and would be grateful to be an ambassador for them some day (hint hint) **

–

Today’s Plan:

  • Breakfast: 2 eggs, 1/2 sweet potato, Coffee, smoothie
  • Snack: LaraBar
  • Lunch: Quinoa, Ground Turkey & Tomato Sauce, Apple with almond butter, carrots
  • Snack: Almonds
  • Dinner: Chicken Stir Fry with Asian Slaw
  • Activity: NROLFW Stg 2 B2 (intervals included in workout)

I have an appointment this afternoon, so I get to leave work early and then I’ll be home to workout.  I woke up at 5:00am to workout but couldn’t drag myself out of bed, so I stayed there for another hour, contemplating my failure to rise early.  I figure once I am between a rock and hard place with my workouts this summer, I’ll get up easier, but for now, with the option of afternoon workouts, I am pretty set in my ways of sleeping till I have to get up to get ready for work.

I need motivation.  I am lacking in the morning motivation department.

Day 1/31 – No Weighing In and No Buying Stuff for myself

Tuesday Things

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  • I know that the investigation is far from being over, but I am ready to not hear about the Boston Bomber anymore.  He puts a bad slant to my day, even though he is in custody, and he will be brought to justice, it doesn’t bring the lives lost, back, nor does it mend the ailments of the runners who did survive.  I just wish – and I am bracing for the flack I am going to get from this – they would give him the death penalty and be done with it.  I also think it should be death by IED.  That’s just the reactionary coming out in me.
  • Yesterday’s workout was balls to the wall hard.  Oh my gosh.  I haven’t felt dizzy during a workout in a long time.  I think I might have been dehydrated, but who knows.  I ran 2 miles before lifting, because I am a cardio whore, and I like it, so that might have played a factor.  I really need to also rest in between the exercises like the book says to.  I hate wait 75 seconds.  That’s 75 seconds I could be lifting people!  This also may be why I was dizzy.  Whoops.
  • This is what I look like today:
photo (3)

Outfit of the Day

thanks to Moody for waking us up earlier than normal, I was able to actually do my hair and not half do it from it being done the night before.  Go Moody!  Now I just need to get him to get me up at 5:00 am for a workout (Trying this tomorrow!) and not wake up the husband.  Like he should wake me up and then go back to bed.  Yeah I don’t see that happening.  Oh well.

  • The Praxis II English Component is killing me.  KILLING ME.  I just want to take the damn test and be done with it.  I think waiting for things like this is the majority of the anxiety.  The waiting for the test day, and that morning, I will be useless until I’m actually in the testing center.  Ugh.  Plus The Husband will be on work travel so I’ll be jittery all alone.  Sadness.  Oh well.
  • Today is a run day, but with the weather looming badly outside, it will most likely be on the treadmill, which is fine, because then I can cook the spaghetti squash while I run.  Multi-tasking like an adult.  I’m liking the run 4 minutes/walk 30 seconds  interval.  I mean outside I kind of wing it, because I usually feel better on pavement than I do on the treadmill, so my ability to continue to run past the 4 minute mark is a bit higher than it is inside.  I am not sure why that is.  You would think that it would be easier on the treadmill.  But I guess not?  Who knows.  I know that my sub 10’00″ paces have been primarily on the treadmill, but I am seriously pushing myself.  I think I need to transfer that to the outdoor running and see what my legs can do.
  • I’m really liking the whole paleo thing still.  I need to experiment more with different dishes, as I have been clinging to the ones I know well, but i am growing bored of them.  I need to figure out quick dishes for lunches, and fast dinners.  Plus with my Summer Session, The Husband is going to have to cook dinner 3 nights a week, and I don’t want him to get flustered and just get Chipotle every night.  Because I love Chipotle, but not that much.
  • Regular Exercise Might Help Fine Tune Diet - Exercising may help raise hormones associated with being satisfied more!  I know this is true.  I am rarely hungry immediately after a workout.  I actually can go a couple of hours before I want food.  Even then it’s more I know I need to eat and less, I feel like I have to eat.  If that makes sense.  My go to meal post Half Marathon is Jimmy John’s sub or Pizza, and definitely Beer.  Then followed by a long ass nap.  Then followed by more beer, and sleeping in the next day.
  • I’m really excited about the 4 Miler race I have in two weeks.  I love the 4 mile distance, because it’s short, and it’s a good check on how fast I go out at races.  I try to run the first 4-6 miles of a half marathon without stopping, but since this is such a short distance, I am going to try and run the whole darn thing.  I’m bringing back the water belt as I have been told running with a handheld water bottle can throw off your gait, and since my gait is already off a lot, I shouldn’t hurt it more.  Or I should run with a hand held water bottle in each hand.  Double fist that run.
  • I’m getting my hair cut tomorrow.  I am not sure if I should go short and scare the crap out of my Husband, or just get a trim and not regret my decision.
    • Thoughts?

What should I do with my hair?

Are you running any races soon?

Do I wear too many Cardigans?

 

Food For Thought Tuesday

Face It Friday – Paleo Week 4

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Well I am not weighing in until Stage 2 is over – I will also update my measurements then as well, so Face It Friday will be more of “How did this week go?” type post with a recap of workouts, foods I tried, things that I think worked, and things that I know didn’t.

Workout Recap

  • Friday April 19 – 3.2 Mile Run & NROLFW (Stg 1 Workout A – AMRAP)
  • Saturday April 20 – 4 Mile Run
  • Sunday April 21 – 1.5 Mile Run & NROLFW (Stg 2 Workout B – AMRAP)
  • Monday April 22 – 3.6 Mile Run
  • Tuesday April 23 – 3.0 Mile Run & NROLFW (Stage 2 – Workout A)
  • Wednesday April 24 – 3.0 Mile Run
  • Thursday April 25 – Rest Day

Total Mileage – 17.9 Miles

Things That Worked

I can usually make healthy choices throughout the day with no problem, it’s night time that for some reason all I want is sugar, bread, grease, more sugar, alcohol, etc.  So being at home most nights after dinner, it’s a real struggle.  It helps that I don’t keep that crap in my house to begin with, and that my husband doesn’t bend to my every whim of saying “I want Pinkberry” otherwise I would still be 221 pounds, and fighting for my pants to not rip. One of the key ways of keeping my in check most nights is having a reallllly filling dinner.

My Go To Filling Dinners:

  • Chicken Stir Fry with Peppers, onions, Broccoli, and Asian Slaw over a 1/4 cup of Quinoa
  • Grass Fed Beef Meatloaf with a side of roasted brussel sprouts
  • Grass Fed Steak with Roasted bacon wrapped asparagus and 1/4 avocado
  • Spaghetti Squash with Ground Turkey and homemade tomato based pasta sauce
  • Garbage Salad – take all veggies in the house and chop them up with spinach, mix in nuts, meat, or another form of protein (4-5 oz per person) and add healthy fat in the form of EVOO or avocado – MIX AND ENJOY

If I have something that at the end of the meal I am stuffed, I know the only thing I will be getting up for is refilling my water bottle.  Which is the way it should be.  I am still learning what works with Paleo and what doesn’t.  I know I have to bulk up my veggies at every meal, and sometimes it’s hard to do that, but no one said this would be easy.

I refuse to believe that you HAVE to slash calories incredibly and workout like a maniac to lose weight.  I know that you can do this, but it’s not the only way.  After my incredibly “woe is me” post yesterday I took it to the people who have lived it.

The New Rules of Lifting: Lift Like a Man Look Like a Goddess facebook group opened themselves to me with much enthusiasm.  They worked through my issues (and by they I mean like 20 women on one thread that reached over 150 posts in one day) and we came to the conclusion that A.) If I was following Paleo I shouldn’t be counting calories, and B.) since I was counting calories it was evident I wasn’t eating enough.  Me?  Not eating enough?

After much research and other blog posts, I found that I was essentially fueling my body to maintain.  I was eating enough to get me through the day and if I exercised I was eating just enough to not feel hungry.  So I was burning everything I ate which should equate to weight loss right?  Apparently not – EM2WL explains:

If you have been a low calorie dieter for an extended period of time, you may want to consider doing a full metabolism reset.  This will allow the body to reset back to its normal metabolic set point, so a small deficit will once again start the weight loss process once the reset is complete.

So while I am not doing the full metabolism reset, I am simply upping my calories, continuing to eat cleanly, and lifting/running.  I am actually so tired of being a slave to the scale that I am not going to weigh myself.  I am putting the scale away until the end of stage 2, when I will also chart my measurements.

I am more than that number.

Things That Didn’t Work

Cashews.  My mouth swells and I get all itchy.  Luckily I am not deathly allergic, because that would have been horrible to find out, you know at work, where I would have to rely on my officemate to figure out what was happening, but still annoying nonetheless. 

Coconut water.  This stuff is vile to me.  I bought two containers (small one serving) that were mixed with other fruit juices, and I swear it tasted like vomit.

Two Workouts In One Day.  Yeah I felt bad ass, but I obviously was not prepared for the extreme exhaustion I felt about two hours after the second workout.  If I am going to do this again, it will have to be after I’ve figured out my eating style and how to go about not falling asleep at work.

So, How Did This Week Go?

This week was about learning again for me.  I need to trust the process, remain in the present, not focus on months down the road, stop nit picking whatever flaws I see, THROW MY SCALE OUT THE WINDOW, and look at the strength gains I’ve made.  40 Pound Shoulder Press?  I can lift 40 pounds over my head?  Seriously?

UntitledThis is the girl who had trouble with 5 pound weights, walking up stairs, and fitting into her wedding dress on her big day…

WAHOOO

This is the girl who just did a 40# Shoulder Press, has 3 half marathons under her belt, is keeping herself in the present, and isn’t going to stop this time.

 

Thursday Things – Paleo Love.

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Iced Coffee

Iced Coffee

I’m drinking my iced coffee black now.  It’s yummy, refreshing, and amazing.  Thank you Paleo for opening my eyes to this.  Because it’s a total life changer.  No joke.  No joke.

1/2 Sweet Potato & Chicken Sausage Breakfast

1/2 Sweet Potato & Chicken Sausage Breakfast

It was yummy.  Filling.  Amazing.  Thank you again Paleo.  Once I stopped fighting it, it just came easy.  I have no idea what the scale will say tomorrow, and I don’t really care.  I am just happy that I am functioning and working out and making healthy choices.  I am sleeping better, and I feel better, my skin is clearing up and I am just generally changing my relationship with food.

This doesn’t work for everyone, but it works for me.  I am glad I have found something that does.  I know I didn’t gain this weight overnight – even though it feels like I did – and I know it will take a while to lose.  So I am in it for the life change.  I am just hoping by August when I am at the beach, I’ll be looking damn good in the two piece.

Outfit of the Day

Outfit of the Day

But here is what I look like today.  I am thinking about taking over my lunch break with a workout a couple of days a week.  Do my NROLFW and the elliptical or bike for cardio.  I can shower and throw my hair in a pony tail or scrunch with gel and go.  I’ll try it out for a few weeks before summer starts and see how it goes.  It seems more doable than to try and wake up at 5:00am, but we will see.

I have class tonight, 4 more weeks till the end of the semester!  I am really excited about this being done, and then taking my summer courses.  I then am excited about taking 9 credits this fall.  YEAH I’M CRAZY.  But I am doing it.  Two are online, and then one is in person.  This will mean that once I am done with my Internship, I only have to take my capstone course next fall and I will be done with my masters.  BAM.  That’s how I roll.

So fall 2013 – I expect to gain about 40 pounds, and have no social life, and see the sun for the first time in like December.

And even then, it might be setting.

I haven’t taken a rest day from working out at all this week, and it’s odd, but I feel stronger, and feel fully rested.  I’m just gonna keep on keeping on, until my body says “When.”

Did you hear?  I signed up for the Wilson Bridge Half Marathon on October 6, 2013 and the Marine Corps 10K on October 27, 2013!