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!

Slacking..

I am such a slacker!
I have not been blogging at all and I'm not sure I even have an excuse why. It might be because just about every weekend in December Cody and I had some plans and were traveling somewhere. I feel like this last month has flown by!
I'm excited for what the New Year has to bring though. I joined the Wellness Committee at work and have been helping generate interest in the office on our Biggest Loser challenge and the GRR. So the New Year will bring awesome new fitness adventures and the few pounds gone! (Plus more blogging!)

It's That Time of Year...

It’s finally that time of year…Christmas!
Last year was a bit of a blur, and I made a promise to myself this year that I would find a way to get in the spirit, not just for myself, but for my boyfriend, friends, and family. They all went through the pain last year, but Christmas has always been my favorite time of year and I won’t let that suffer, my friend JT wouldn’t want that.
So, in order to take on the season head first I decided to take advantage of an awesome opportunity my friend Ash told me about. Shutterfly is having an amazing promotion for 50 free Christmas cards, just for blogging! I myself have never used Shutterfly, so not only did I think it was a good opportunity to give Shutterfly a chance, but really get in the Christmas spirit while showing everyone else in the process. My friend Ashley and her boyfriend gave us a photo Christmas card last year and I thought it was so sweet and just a perfect gift for friends and family. I cannot wait to take advantage of this great opportunity and look at the great cards http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery
I have already started the season by going to the Night of Lights in St Augustine and going to the Christmas Tree Lighting at the Landing. I’m looking forward to getting some Christmas cards to send out and spreading my cheer this season!

Outback Distance Classic-PR

On Thanksgving morning I ran in the outback Distance Classic. I only did the 6K, but I was excited to race again since my 1/2 in October. I met up with 2 of my co-workers once I got there. I was nervous since I wasnt running with someone, it was my first race by myself so I loaded up the ipod and hoped for the best.
It was foggy out and a little bit humid. I started out with both my co-workers and within the first mile we got separated with one. I stayed with the other until about 2 1/2 miles, but then I cranked my ipod and got into my rhythm. When I finished I felt great. I looked at my watch and saw it said about 38:50 seconds. I knew compared to last year it was better, but I waited for the results to be sure. I finished my 6K in 38:48 and averaged a 10:39 minute mile! That it a PR for me in this particular race, because last year I ran it in 41 mminutes and had an 11:12 minute pace. I love seeing how much my time has changed in a matter of one year. I also like seeing how I compared in my age group as well as to all the finishers. I finished 468 out of 2040 total finishers! Woohoo, excited for a PR!
Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving! Looking forward to a good week of training/running.