Mid Week Pep Talk

So my job is stressful. Let's face it-people get in accidents all the time. Luckily, it keeps me employed. But, the amount of accidents makes my job something that is never-ending. Just when I clear claims, there are 5 more in my task bank to look at. It's almost like a cycle where it feels like you cant keep your head above water.

Lately I decided that I wasnt going to stress so much. There are days that are so overwhelming I go home thinking that I really got nothing accomplished and feel like maybe a 12 hour work day would be better. Then there are days like today, where I catch a break and get most of my day to catch up and get a ton done! It's made me realize that my job can relate to a weight loss journey. Some days are so overwhelming that all you want to do is give up and eat that chocolate bar or drink that soda. But then there are days when you feel so on track and so motivated that nothing can stop you. Today was that day for me. I caught up on work, and that made me feel like its cyclical. Some days are worse than others and I shouldnt stress because the day will come when I get to catch my breath and get re-organized. Just with weight loss I have my frustrated days and days where I'm unstoppable.

I thinks its important to realize that its ok to have the down days, but not to dwell on them and let them overwhelm you. As quick as it comes, a better day is on the other side. Its just important to keep in my mind the "why" or motivation.

Not sure why this was on my mind, I think I might have needed a pep talk!

Hard Work Pays Off!

Ahh so excited! This weekend was proof that hard work really does pay off! First, I had a 5K Saturday morning in St. Augustine. My fastest 5K was 31:31, and that was last March after the GRR. Well, my goal this race was to beat that time, even if it was by a second. Well I kicked that time in the butt! My time was 30:18! I finished in the top half in my age group and 318 out of 1576 finishers! The craziest thing is, I didnt even feel that great while running. My chest felt tight and I couldnt keep my form right. I just felt out of sync, but somehow I pulled it out and ran a great race! I was so happy! My mom ran with me, and we were thrilled afterwards! Couldnt have been a better start to the weekend!

That brings me to this morning. Today was my weekly weigh-in. (again, only until I get to my goal) After a disappointing week last week, I was apprehensive. That and mother natures monthly gift dropping by, I wasnt so sure I had done enough this week. To my surprise I got on the scale and I lost 2.4 lbs this week! I have not been in this weight range in 3 years! I was so excited. I definitely screamed like a little school girl and woke the boyfriend up to share in my glory! I'm aware numbers shouldnt matter, but I have a goal and I'm getting there. Like my friend Ashley said on her blog, 'you dont quit a marathon at mile 25' and I most certainly am not. I'm hitting my goal, and this week has only motivated me more. I feel like all this work I've been doing in and out of the gym, not drinking, not cheating has been SO worth it! To celebrate I went out for a 4 mile run and it felt great. So ready to take on this new week!

Working Hard

I've taken a few days off from blogging, but not from working out! I have been so on track the last 2 weeks and I've even lost 2 lbs! I've been training for the GRR 5 days a week while working out with my trainer 3 times a week. Overall, I've been exhausted but I'm starting to see changes in my body and that keeps me motivated.

Lately work has been a little overwhelming, but having the workouts with my trainer in the afternoons right after work has helped so much with stress. I noticed that I seem to leave it all at the gym. That way I can go into work with a clean slate just about every day. It's amazing the difference working out can make in your daily attitude and emotions. I feel like it keeps me a little more even throughout the day, even when things get crazy.

Oh and I'm excited this Saturday I'm running in a 5K. It's the Matanzas 5K in St. Augustine. I'm excited because I just love the adrenaline rush of racing. MY goal is to beat my best time, 31:31. Here's hoping for a PR!

Monday Already...

Ohhh Mondays...you always seem to get here so soon. Either way, I dragged my self out of bed this mornig for yet another GRR training run. It was only 2 miles, but waking up at 6 is such a struggle. The only thing that I was slightly excited about was running in my new shoes. They came in last week and I ran in them yesterday-3 miles. I swear there is nothing like new running shoes. They fit perfectly and you dont realize how much you needed new shoes until you put on a new pair!

Other than a run, I didnt do much else besides work. We started the office Biggest Loser and did everyone initial weigh-in today. I'm participating, but I'm tracking my personal weight at home on my own scale. The scale at home and the one at work has a couple pounds difference. Since last Monday morning when I weighed I've lost 1.2 lbs. I only intend to get off these last 13 pounds, then no more weighing weekly, just maintaining! A pound doesnt seem like much, but when its the last few, its so much harder to get it off. I'm going to celebrate my 1.2 and work harder this week!

I'll be in bed early-3 mile training run in the morning, then personal trainer butt kicking after work! Bring it on!

Rest Days & Parfaits

Today was a rest day on the GRR training schedule. I have come to appreciate these days. Even if I physically feel up to working out, I know that these rest days are just what I need to take advantage of. I dont want to overtrain or get burnt out, so I plan to take full advantage of days like today!

After work, Cody and I had dinner plans with some great friends, and one of our favorite couples-Ashley and Brian. We planned to do a dinner and just catch up. We ended up having a pretty healthy meal. We had grilled chicken, potatoes, and salad. Cody and I brought dessert and salad and I really wanted to try something new, but healthy for dessert. I was looking up recipes at work and came across a fruit and yogurt parfait. I sent the recipe to Cody and he agreed to make it while I was working (he is in between semesters-man I miss those days!). When I got home I looked at it and saw what looked like granola on top and it didnt look as fresh and appealing as it did on the websites picture. Either way we took it over and gave it a try. It was actually delicious! It was a parfait with layers of low-fat peach yogurt, pineapple chunks and raspberries, and Cody added chocolate granola on top. The topping really set it off. (I knew he was a keeper) One parfait is about 160 calories. I'm not big on dessert everyday, or that often really, but I plan on making this again!

Well, off to bed, tomorrow will be a long day. 2 mile training run in the morning, then after work I have my first workout session with my trainer in 2 weeks! Should be a looonng day!

New Gear & a New Attitude!

In order to gear up for the River Run and really get in a good place about running I thought some retail therapy was in order. It's amazing how stocking up and buying new running gear can put you in a great mood! It's almost like looking better makes you feel better, and in turn makes you run better. First, I stocked up on my GNC Active Women Vitapaks, Chewable (yes like a 5 year old, but the flavor is good) Vitamin C, and new protein powder. Then I went to Academy Sports to look for some cute colder weather gear. They had an awesome sale on Nike Pro Combat stuff. I got capris, and a long sleeve pro combat shirt. I'm in LOVE with the shirt. The outside is dri-fit, but the inside is an amazing warm cloth material. The end of the sleeves even have a thumb hole, so your hands can stay warm. I wore both today and I will be going back for more!

Then today, after work I was looking online at running shoes. Since I know the kind I like I thought I would just see what kind of price difference I could find. I found a pair of the Mizunos I wear for HALF the price! I was ecstatic because its about time for new shoes, and these are white and pink!

It's amazing how a little bit of new stuff can make such a difference in your attitude. My first training run for the GRR this morning, went ok. I felt good and was excited to get back into it. I felt a little winded, but I think it has to do with all the junk I've been eating. By the end of the week I think I'll feel back to normal. Looking forward to productive week!

Cheers to a New Year!--2011

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Hope everyone had a great time ringing in 2011. The boyfriend and I went to his friends bar Engine 15 with his family, sis, and her boyfriend. We sampled some delicious, but different beers. Then it was off to his sisters boyfriends family's house (confusing yes I know) to ring in the new year! We had delicious drinks, and my favorite the champagne toast! (I looove champagne) Overall, it went from stressing over what to do and how things were going to play out, to a great start for 2011!

I didnt really make a resolution this year, more like re-committing to what I already started. I'm so excited to start this new year off right and get these last few pounds off and finally get to my goal. Also, racing is back in full swing. River run training starts tomorrow. Now that I've done it before, I cant wait to see what improvements I make this year! Plus, I have an odd obsession with being on a training schedule. Having a goal and a written plan really keep me motivated. That paired with the Wellness Committee at work should really give me no excuses, and every opportunity to start the year right!