Sunday, September 12, 2010

Magical Running Shorts

I did it!  I ran the whole thing (minus one minute when I was fixing my iPhone)!!  I didn't stop...I didn't feel like I was gonna die!  I even conquered the massive hill at mile 2.6!  I completed 5.3 miles total...outside...running!!!  I'm still in shock!

I don't know what made this such a good run.  It may have been the beautiful weather...it may have been my new found confidence from running the 5K yesterday...it may have been Kanye radio on Pandora...OR it may have been my new *MAGICAL* running shorts!!! (I personally think it was the shorts:))

Even though I think my shorts were my good luck charm...I still don't really understand the big deal when it comes to running shorts.  They were pretty comfortable, I guess...but I did have some riding issues (my #1 worst pet peeve...it happens when your thighs are REALLY good friends).  Fortunately, it wasn't as bad as most shorts and I just learned to ignore it after awhile.

After my run, I still had some energy, so I decided to walk to Harry's for some chocolate rice protein...


I went to Harry's because I wanted to make a green monster to celebrate my great run...but my fiance decided to go to Starbucks for oatmeal and coffee.  It was such a nice day!

After Sbux, we went to West Stride where I got some...

 running shoes!!!

I ran on the treadmill and the guy (who was super helpful) told me that I have a neutral stride.  He explained what it all meant...but I really wasn't following (I just wanted my sneakers!)  He said "neutral" was the most important thing to remember...so that's all I remembered.

The sneakers that I got are not cute...but they are super comfy.   I realize that I need to get over the whole cute sneaker thing (If I want cute...I'll get some Pumas.  My Asics are strictly for comfort).


 After wearing them for ten minutes, I never want to put these guys on again!

 Goodbye, Reeboks!

It really has been a great weekend!!!  A 5K, running shorts AND new sneakers...all in one weekend!!! It's official...I'm a runner!!! (...or at least I hope I am.  If not, I just blew about 150 bucks)

Saturday, September 11, 2010

No One Told Me There Was Gonna Be a Dress Code!?!?!


Yay!!!  I did it!!  I finished my first 5K!!!   Actually it was my third...but I wasn't a "runner" back then.  I was hardly even a walker.  Anyway, today I did the Vinings Downhill 5K!!!

Things started off a little rocky this morning...I had a few drinks with some co-workers yesterday afternoon...and after last weekends all-day hangover, I was kinda nervous about running today.  I had a little headache at first, but eventually it seemed to go away.

My friend picked me up around 7:15 am and off we went to Vinings.  The weather was absolutely perfect!!!!

When we got there, I got a little nervous about the whole thing.  There were soooooo many runners there...official runners...with there iPods/iPhones and Garmins and knee braces...and fanny packs (I know they are not really still called fanny packs, but we weren't sure what the kids are calling them these days).  And OH MY GOODNESS...there were so many running shorts!  No one told us there was gonna be a dress code!?!?!  My friend and I got a good laugh at ALL of the swishy panty-lined shorts that everyone was wearing!  I honestly have never seen so many people in one place wearing that many pairs of running shorts in my whole life!  We were obviously novices with our spandex-y capri pants on...we stuck out like a sore thumb.  But once we saw this older lady in a pair of jean shorts who was ready to run, we ended up feeling a little better.

My friend is super funny...so we ended up laughing through all of the events leading up to the race (are we in the right line?!?!...where do we find the stupid pins??!?...should we be stretching!?!?...why is she just wearing a sports bra??!  Did that guy just go into the woods to pee?!!?)  The whole thing was such a new experience... and super funny!!!

Anyway, the race started and I was feeling pretty good.  I was excited about the fact that most of the race was downhill and I had set my sights on this 8 year old that I was determined to beat.

The first mile went quickly.  We finished in 11somthing-or-other.  My friend is very new to running...so we walked for a lot of the second mile.  And kinda did a run/walk through the third. 

My stamina was really good and I never really felt tired throughout the race.  It might have been the excitement of running with a bunch of people.  When my friend slowed down to walk, I decided to slow down with her.  I wasn't trying to win the race and I didn't want to leave her...I was actually happy that she was there, so I had an excuse to walk..and talk...and laugh. 

Anyway, I finished the race in 38:38 seconds.  I'm curious on how I may have done if I tried to run the whole time.  There were a few times that we had to run/walk up hills...which wasn't that much fun.  But other than that, like I said, I felt REALLY good the whole time...and I definitely want to do the race again next year! 

Matter of fact, my friend and I are going to find a race to do next month!  We probably won't be lucky enough to find a downhill race...but hopefully, we'll find one that is pretty flat (uphill suck!!).

Anyway, afterwards, we walked to the finish "party," got our t-shirts (note to self:  next time order a small) and some Gatorade, and walked back to the car (The walk to the car was actually harder than the whole race...we had to walk up a super steep hill that felt like a mountain).  

We finished our wonderful morning with some breakfast at the Marietta Diner.  Very fun day!

Oh! And of course, I had to go to Target and get some (wait for it)...

Some running shorts, of course!!!!!

Gonna test them out tomorrow.  I think today's race has sold me on the outdoor running thing.  It could've been cause we were going downhill...or because the course was prettier than where I run...I don't know.  We'll see tomorrow...I'm definitely headed outside if it's not raining.


 

Monday, September 6, 2010

He's BAAACCCCCKKKKKK!!!


After a six week break, my scale is back!  I was really planning to weigh in last week, but TOM was here and I didn't want to set myself up to be disappointed by water weight.  So, I waited.

And the result (drum roll, please)...124.2 lbs.  I have lost a total of 14.2 lbs in 13 weeks.  There are several reasons to be happy about this news...

1.  On average, I have consistently lost about one pound per week.  AND in the past six weeks, I have done it without even thinking about scales, weight loss, or restricting myself from foods.


 Date
Weight
Body Fat (%)
Hyd (%)
BMI
05/31/10
138.4
28.6
49.9
27.0
06/13/10
137.2
28.2
50.2
26.8
06/28/10
133.8
27.4
50.8
26.1
07/05/10
133.8
27.2
50.9
26.1
07/12/10
130.6
26.2
51.6
25.6
07/19/10
131.0
26.2
51.6
25.6
07/26/10
129.2
25.6
52.0
25.2
09/06/10
124.2
24.0
53.2
24.1
 


2.  My BMI is 24.11 and is now in the normal range (FINALLY!!!).


3.  My body fat is 24.0%...which is actually in the ideal range for my age group (31-35)!


Though I am so happy that I am 9 lbs away from my goal weight, getting on the scale made me think about a couple of different things.

1.  My initial reaction was disappointment.  I thought that I had lost a little more than I did.  I lost exactly 5 lbs in 6 weeks.  Fair considering that I've started working, slowed down a bit on exercising (I'm only running and doing yoga), and I have been splurging a lot!  I really thought that I was closer to 120 lbs.  BUT, I think that I have gotten over the initial disappointment after looking at my BMI and body fat percentages.  Also, I haven't weighed this little in YEARS (I don't remember the last time...I came close in February 2009)  Anyway, I realize that I've come a long way and I should celebrate that.

2.  Maybe my goal weight is too low.  I am pretty happy with my size now.  I'm not sure that losing another 9 lbs would look good on me.  I may be changing my goal to 120 lbs...we'll see.

3.  I have been slacking off on my eating.  What I mean by this is that I have been snacking a lot more...going out to eat a lot more...drinking alcohol a lot more...drinking coffee a lot more...splurging a lot more...eating late a lot more.  I want to get a little control back in my diet.  I want those "a lot more's" to be "occasionally's."  I think that the scale was a nice reminder that I need to continue with the habits that got me where I am today.

4.  I have serious scale anxiety.  Last night, I went to bed thinking about the fact that I was gonna weigh in today...and it actually haunted my dreams!  I woke up a couple of times thinking about the dreaded scale coming out of hiding.  Part of me thinks that I should put him right back at the top of the closet and weigh in at the beginning of next month...and part of me thinks that I should keep him out to keep me focused through these last 5-9 pounds.  I had gotten away from feeling like this is a weight loss game (which made me extremely happy)...and I'm kinda torn on what to do now.

Okay...I'm off to do a little housecleaning and then to the grocery store.  We're going to a barbecue later and I have SOOO much to do before we leave.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

I Need a Garmin!!!

So, my fiance got some bad news about a friend last night and didn't really have an appetite for anything...even froyo!!  So, we stayed in, watched college football (like the rest of the freakin' world), and around 9:30 pm ordered a pizza (I know, way too late to eat.  But he got his appetite back and I felt that I should make the sacrifice, if pizza is what he needed to make him feel better.)

This is what's left of the pizza.


I had two pieces.  My fiance...well, he had the rest.  A little emotional eating never killed anyone, right?!?! (or has it!?!?)  Anyway, there were only 8 pieces total...and I'm the one that made what was left of the pizza that weird shape that it is in now (missing the crust and a little on the right hand side...I guess I should say that I had two and a half pieces).

The night actually turned out okay...even without froyo.

I woke up bright and early this morning and decided that I wanted to run...outside!!!  The weather has been soooo nice and since I'll be running the Vinings Downhill 5K next Saturday (Thanks, Lee!), I should probably get my butt off the treadmill and on to the sidewalk.

The run was okay.  I did about 4 miles (I have yet to get a Garmin, so I don't have a pace breakdown or anything fancy like that).  My pace for the whole run was 14:15 (Don't laugh!).  I did a 5-8 minute warm up walk and a 5-8 minute cool down walk....and I walked a minute or four in between.  I really need a Garmin!

Post run glow:)

I was feeling so good that I decided to keep going.  Inhale with Steve Ross!!  Love him!

Post yoga glow:)
This is the best part!!!  Savasana!!

So now, my fiance and I are headed to the mall for some Labor Day shopping.  We were supposed to go to the North Georgia Premium Outlets, but I was not excited about the drive...or the stores.  So off to Perimeter.

Oh!  Before I go...look what happened to Carson!!

He got a haircut!

It was definitely not his best haircut...but he was so matted that they had to go low (I'm a bad mom...I know!)  The lady left his fur around his mouth/cheeks so long...we've been calling him "Chops" and "Jowls."  It'll grow back...but he looks pretty terrible right now.

Okay...off to the mall!!!:)

Green Monster Time!!


I just realized that I haven't posted my favorite Green Monster "recipe."  So, here goes...

Chocolate and Banana Green Monster

INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup Plain Greek Yogurt (I use Fage)
1/2 cup Chocolate Almond Milk (unsweetened)
1 cup spinach
1 banana
35 grams Chocolate Rice Protein
1 Tbsp Flax, milled

And that's it.  I mix it up...and drink it on my way to work.  Filling and yummy!

PB, Banana and Vanilla Green Monster

INGREDIENTS
5.3 oz Vanilla Greek Yogurt (I used nonfat, Brown Cow)
1/2 cup skim milk
1 cup spinach
1 frozen banana
1 Tbsp peanut butter

I tried this one today.  Very simple.  It was a nice change from my usual morning green monsters.  Not as thick and really sweet.  It also wasn't as chalky either...because I didn't add my rice protein.

377 calories, 54 grams of carbs (whoa!!!), 8 grams of fat, 24 grams of protein

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Goodbye Lil Crispy Shrimp Taco, Hello Froyo!!

Yesterday, I overindulged.  BIG TIME! I think that I almost ate a whole pound (3500 calories...well, not that much, but close!)

The day started normally with a smoothie and some coffee.  I had a vegan burger for lunch and an apple and peanut butter dip for a snack.

Then it was time for dinner.  I wanted to take my fiance to the restaurant where we are planning to have my shower.  I went there this past Wednesday and the food was really good and the margaritas were AMAZING!

Since we were near my mom's, we stopped by her house first and picked up her new grill from Home Depot.  After grill set-up and some chit-chat, I was STARVING!!!...and more than ready to eat.  (When I'm really hungry, I get extra grumpy.  I'm not sweet...not at all.)  Anyway, I was feeling like "not-sweet" Carla and I needed some food.  So we headed to INC Autentico Street Food for some Latin yumminess!!!!

The food was great...the drinks were yummy and the crowd was...uh, middle aged.  Let's just say it wasn't our crowd...which kinda sucks because I LOVE everything else about this place.  The graffiti on the walls...the kitchen that looks like a food truck...the garage door that opens up to the back patio.  It's a really fun place...with good food and drinks!

I got crispy shrimp tacos and a Texas margarita.  The tacos were awesome-sauce!!!...even better than the ahi tuna tacos that I had there the other night.  They double up their corn tortillas...which means double the calories...but hey, whatever...it was my splurge night.  I ate one and a half of the three tacos on my plate...and my fiance finished a half.  One whole taco was boxed up to go (to be continued on the fate of that third taco).

Anyway, we ate and got the hell out of left downtown Roswell.  We decided to hit up Friday's for a lil Brownie Obsession and another drink.  The brownie was super sweet...we didn't even finish the whole thing.  I got a glass of Reisling...and followed that with some water (even though my fiance got another drink....this rarely happens.  We usually go toe to toe with our drinks.)

Anyway, everything was going well...I wasn't stuffed.  We had a great night...big fun and all.  Then we got home...and I don't know what really came over me.  I don't know if it was the alcohol that had my inhibitions down...or if it was just an old habit coming back...but I did it.  I went into that little styrofoam box and devoured that last little crispy shrimp taco.  It started with one bite...then another...then another.  Then the taco was gone (R.I.P. lil taco)...and I felt HORRIBLE!!!!  Full and ashamed.

When I got up this morning, I felt like crap.  I don't know if it was a hangover or the shame that I felt from yesterday's binge.  I ran some errands...one of which included me taking a four mile walk while I waited for my tire and oil change.

During my walk, I felt pretty good.  It was a GORGEOUS day!!!!  But when I got home, a headache came home with me:(  I had a green monster (cause that's what everyone else says cures their hangovers)...but it didn't help.  And now, I've wasted this whole beautiful day feeling like crap.

My fiance wants to get out, but I feel so blah and complacent.  I just want this headache to go away.  (I think this is the place where I'm supposed to swear off alcohol forever...but let's not hold our breath...we both know that's not happening).  Anyway, I feel guilty that I am not out enjoying this Labor Day weekend with my husband-to-be.

His friend's wife and her sister are in town...and I'm tempted to tell him to just go out with them without me.  That will leave me here to mope by myself.  Maybe a shower will make me feel better (Yes, its 5:30 pm and I have yet to take a shower...don't judge!)  Or maybe froyo will help!!!  That's something we can do together and outside!

Okay.  I'm off to suggest it...Pinkberry, TCBY, Yofuria, Jujubee's, Yogli Mogli, Yoreka, Planet Living...so many choices!  Let's see if he wants to go.  Yay!!!  Yogurt makes everything better!!!

Thursday, September 2, 2010

RECIPE FAVE: Creamy Peanut Butter Dip

  • Take one 5.3-ounce container of non-fat Greek Vanilla yogurt.
  • Mix in 1-2 tbsp. peanut butter, 1/2 tbsp. honey, and 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon and/or pumpkin spice.
  • Serve with slices of apple, banana, and pear. 
"Borrowed" from fitsugar.com

RECIPE FAVE: Portobello Mushroom Burger with Avocado Dressing

  • 2 medium portabella mushrooms, stems removed
  • 1 medium onion, cut into 1/2 inch slices
  • 2-3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 avocado
  • 3 Tbsp low-fat yogurt
  • 1/2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce 
  • 2 hamburger buns or sandwich thins, lightly toasted
  • 1 roasted red pepper, large (from a jar)
  • 2 Tbsp. feta cheese
  • salt and pepper to taste
Heat large skillet over medium heat until hot. Add olive oil.  cook onion slices until golden, about 8 minutes, turning occasionally.  Put onions to the side.

Add mushrooms to skillet.  Add salt, pepper and Worcestshire sauce.  Cook until tender, 8 to 10 minutes, turning once. Add roasted red peppers.  Transfer mushrooms and peppers to plate.  

Meanwhile, combine 1/2 of the avocado, yogurt, garlic and salt and pepper in food processor.  Process until smooth.

Spoon onions and roasted peppers Spread smooth Avocado mixture on bottom of each bun; top each with stuffed mushrooms, onions and roasted peppers.  Sprinkle feta on burger. 

Adapted from About.com: Vegetarian Foods
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