Day 73: Hey, I Remembered!

Hello one and all! I just finished my run, so I'm having breakfast all sweaty now. Delicious imagery, no? I discovered I was wrong about soreness today from that new thigh work yesterday. My thighs and glutes definitely feel it today! Which is good, I like knowing I worked hard. Although my run was a little rough, admittedly. Worth it! I hope I get good results from this thigh work so I can share it with you guys! I know I owe you a results post, but there's really nothing new. I don't thik I've lost any weight, nor any inches. Bummer! I hit a plateau faster than I had originally anticipated, so I've got to train harder and eat better. More on that later, haha, I've been so moody lately and my cravings are out of control.

Happy Wednesday, folks!

Day 58: Sweating like Crazy and my Last Run Until Next Week

Hello one and all! Today was running again. I read an interesting tip in a running magazine last night (I don't remember which) that said beginner runners should tell themselves they'll just run for a few minutes instead of dreading their run. So I tried that, albeit in an altered fashion: I told myself I'd run for five minutes. Then six. Then ten. Then twelve (a mile). Then I told myself I'd run for 14. Then 15. Then 18 (a mile and a half). Iende up running twenty nonstop before I quit. Only four more and I would have done two miles! Oh well. The trick stopped working at that point anyways :)

So, I'll most likely not be blogging while Dan and I are in Calgary. We leave extra early Thursday morning, and we'll be back late Sunday afternoon/evening. I won't be running, but we will be going for walks, and I'm still going to try to do my strength training! I'm also packing food for us, since I got us a room with a fridge. I mostly concerned about eating clean for breakfast, snacks and lunch, because I know that there are places Dan wants to take me for dinner, as well as a dinner night with Mick, Dan's dad. So I'm going to eat as well as I can at those dinners, but there will definitely be a cheat night or two in there. Maybe three, who knows? We're going to check out this place called Tubby's Dogs. It was on "You Gotta Eat Here," which, as you may know, is on the Food Network, so that means I love it. Very excited! I'll take pictures of what I'm eating so you can drool over it. I'll also post a list of what I'm packing (do recall that it is forDan and I, not just me).

All for now, kids! Have a great night!

Day 56 & 57: Holy Sh!t I Forgot to Post Yesterday!

Hello one and all! So sorry I forgot to post yesterday. I guess after my run and everything, it totally slipped my mind. Sorry!

So I ran yesterday. I decided to ease back in a bit, and ran a mile, walked three minutes, and ran another mile. Physically not bad. Should have focused on my breathing more. Mentally, so hard! I was ready to quit a hundred times over. But I did it. And my legs were total jelly after. Definitely learned my lesson about overdoing it with the running!

So today, I have to do weights. I'll get around to them, but I think I need a nap. I slept so little last night, I might as well have stayed up all night. I'm about ready to keel over! Something else to dislike about early shifts: they completely bugger up my eating. Because I have breakfast at five, I eat a second snack at 8:30 when I get a break. Which means at 11:30 when I get home I have lunch. Then I have another snack around one thirty. Then dinner at five. Then I'm hungry again at eight. Although I'm hungry pretty much all day, so I'd eat more if I was. Like today, I'm starving. Hollow day or what?

So I'll get around to my weights, mountain climbers and all. Just thought I'd post before I forgot again, oops! Have a great night, folks!

Day 53-Just Weights

Hello one and all! Today I only did weights. No running. My knees were sore yesterday! I'm thinking I was a little too ambitious... Learned my lesson! Oh well. I guess I'm not yet as fit as I think I am.

So just weights, no big deal. Some standard stuff! I feel a little nauseous today though. Definitely a bummer!

Day 51: Reconsiderations and Fun Stuff

Hellomone and all! I've decided to start running five days a week to increase my endurance. Long runs M/W/F, then walk run intervals T/Th. I think it'll really help my cardio! Besides, I have a new goal! I want to run a 10k. I don't know when, but it'll be as soon as I can. Exciting!

Also, today I just did standing ab exercises and body weight arm exercises for weights. Nothing special! Nothing leg wise though, running is a good enough one for me now!

Day 50: Shin Splints and a Little Confession

Hello one and all! Today I attempted the 2 1/4 mile run again. And again I didn't make it. But I have a good reason! And that reason is shin splints. I got one so bad in my left leg about half a mile in. I've never had one before, so I finished the mile before stopping to stretch. It was so painful! When I could walk on it again, I finished up my second mile. I Walsall concerned, so I asked my parents. And my dad told me that rest makes it worse, so I'm going to have to work through it. That definitely means I'm going to really have to be mentally prepared for my runs. Hopefully I can progress still, in spite of it!

Now for my confession: I wasn't as good as usual about my food last week. I think I had three consecutive cheat nights. Chinese food Friday, late-night McDonalds Saturday, and McDonalds again last night. I definitely regret it! I hopped on the scale this morning, and was SO relieved to see that I hadn't gained any weight! In fact, I lost a pound! Before I started working out, those three meals would have put on a pound for me. But they didn't do anything! Which I guess means my body is getting more metabolically active. But that's not an excuse to eat like crap! I'm just relieved I didn't completely sabotage myself. Relief!

Tomorrow, Megan and I are going to do a bunch of stairs. I really hope that my shin splint leaves me alone for that. I'm a little unsure about my weights though. I really don't want to overdo my legs. Maybe I'll just do a split workout and see how it goes. Maybe I'll add some yoga in. I could use the relaxation!

All for tonight, folks, have a good one!

Day 48: Overdoing It and Missing my Mark

Hello one and all! I got home from work today all revved up and ready to try for 2 1/4 miles again. I was amped. If it was just a mental block stopping me, I would have made it today. But...

I overdid my legs yesterday. To the point that they felt a bit like jello today! So about one and a quarter miles in, my calves were cramped so bad I had to stop and stretch. I ran another half mile, and I had to stop and stretch again! Whoops! I'm glad I stopped though. I probably could have hurt myself if I didn't!

In other news, I had Chinese food last night. Which was definitely not my cheat night. But I did my best to just have a bit of everything instead of pigging out on everything ever. And I think I did pretty well at it! Sometimes, life happens, right? Nobody is perfect all the Tim, so there's no point in beating yourself up about it.

Anyways, that's all for me. Might be going out tonight, which is weird. Dan and I go out so rarely. We're the most boring 22/21 year olds ever!

Have a safe night, everybody!

Day 46: Dusting Myself Off to Try Again

Hello one and all! I was unsuccessful in besting the 2 1/4 mile run. I did two miles again, but I had a meltdown. Not sure why, but I hit the wall. And before I could really register it, I was face down on the ground crying. Hard. Nuts.

But I got up, and I finished the two miles. I'm bummed out again, but Rome wasn't built in a day, and I need to be patient. I've already accomplished so much! Some days it's easy to forget though. Oh well!

In other news, our Calgary trip is coming up, and I need to start thinking about food. And where and how I'm going to exercise!

Happy Thursday, folks!

Day 42: Going Back with my Runs & Weights

Hello one and all! Today I did a split workout. I don't mean I'm the typical sense. I just worked my legs this morning, then my arms and abs tonight after work. I feel a bit better today. Still a big headache. But tomorrow is results day! I'm really excited to see how things have continued to change. On a bit of a "bummer" note, I sought advice about my running times (not being able to run the full amount I'm supposed to) from a runners forum, and it looks like I'll be repeating Saturday's run until I can do it before moving on. While it sucks, I'm okay with that. I would repeat the run before, but the fact that I ran twenty minutes Saturday makes me think it's unnecessary. It's lame though! I've been working so hard, this kind of feels like a step back. I feel like it'll be better in the long run though. If I'm going to continue with running, I need to get serious. And even though while I'm running sometimes, I'm totally miserable, running makes me feel awesome. I get this sense of accomplishment when I make it through a tough run! I don't get that with weights as much. So I'm going to definitely try to stick with it. Also running related, my dad thinks I should up my speed. I researched and asked again online, and the overwhelming response was to keep it slow until I have built up endurance. So I think I'm going to hit the point where I can run 3 miles (36 minutes) and work on my speed from there. If I do it at all. For me, distance and endurance are more important than speed. But maybe I'll reach a point where I want to race. Then speeds will be most important! All for tonight, folks. Stay tuned for results tomorrow!

Day 41: Exhausted Run and a New Personal Best

Hello one and all! Today was running again. I still feel sick. My stomach is still upset, my head still hurts, I'm still congested and exhausted. I worked 7-4 today, which the majority of my shift happening on the self checkouts, so lots of walking around and being busy. I was so exhausted when I got home, I caught myself trying to convince... Myself that missing one day of running was no big deal. Obviously, it didn't fly! So today's goal was to run 2 1/4 miles (or 22 minutes) without stopping. I think these run bits are incredibly unrealistic, so I set a personal goal to run longer than I did last time (15 minutes). How long was that? I ran for 21 minutes today! Was I exhausted and out of breath and sweaty while I did it? You bet your ass I was! Did I still adjust the time and run for my full 2 1/4 mile distance? You bet your ass I did! I did 21 minutes, walked for 3, ran for 4, then walked for two, then ran the last two to to make up the whole 27 minutes to get the mileage right. I'm wiped, but proud. I know it's not much for fit people, or even people who are moderately fit, but this was a huge accomplishment! Is, I mean. I feel great. And I couldn't have done it without my cheerleader, so a big thank you to Dan again! Happy Saturday, folks. Be safe tonight!

Day 37: Running Through a Sucker Punch, Courtesy of Mother Nature

Hello one and all! I've been feeling absolutely disgusting all day. My throat is sore, my nose is extra plugged up, my back hurts, I have the really bad cramps painkillers can't fix, and I'm so nauseous sitting up is difficult. In short, Mother Nature really hates me this week. But! That's no excuse to not work out,mot me anyways!

I gave up on sleeping it all off and dragged myself onto the treadmill. A minute in to my second running repetition, the cramps hit hard. I didn't know whether to pass out, throw up, or do both. Oh joyful day, how I love being a woman. Anyways. As I was trying not to be sick, I made a decision. Cramps or no cramps, I was going to finish this run no matter what. And I did just that. The cramps have now lessened in severity, and I feel content in flipping Mother Nature the bird and saying,
"You can't stop me now!"

Have a great night, folks!

Day 35: Another Small Victory and The Best Cheerleader Ever

Hello one and all! Yesterday, I was supposed to run 2 miles, or 20 minutes, without stopping. I ran for 15 minutes straight, which means I didn't make my goal of doing the 20 minutes. But I did something that surprised even me. I ran for a full six minutes longer in a single go than I ever have before. And you know what? I'll take that. At first I was bummed out, then I decided to still run the twenty minutes total. So I walked for two minutes, ran for three, walked for two and ran the last two. After I finished, I was so proud! I'm not a runner, or fit, or an athlete by any stretch of the imagination. But I pushed hard, and I made progress I feel I can really be proud of.

And I couldn't have done it without Dan. He was there for me the whole time, supporting me and encouraging me. Without him, I probably would have made myself run for ten minutes before quitting. But he gave me the strength to really find my limits. And to push them. He talked me through the wall I hit at 8 minutes in, and he encouraged me when I had to take a break, and when I started up again. Thank you for being so amazing, Dan!

I learned a valuable lesson yesterday. You're much stronger than you think you are.

Happy Sunday, everybody!

Day 34: So Much Food and Tired Days

Hello one and all! Today is a big running day, but I'm going to the farmers market with Dan today, so I'm postponing the run until later. I'm nervous, and really hoping I can do it. Fingers crossed!

I was up until about midnight last night doing food prep. But, on the plus side, I have 37 dinners for me! Plus breakfast for the next... Who knows how long, I even made a loaf of bread yesterday! Good stuff. I feel really pleased about that. I'm glad I have things to eat that I know are good for me!

So even though I wish I was still sleeping, I'm up and having breakfast! Have a great Saturday, everybody!

Day 32: Small Victories

Hello one and all! Let me start by saying I'll edit this post later to include a picture of my breakfast. Because it was delicious. But I'm blogging from my iPad right now, so no can do! Last night, I decided to find some motivational quotes, and write them on Post-Its to have next to my mirror. Sounds lame, right? Wrong! It was great to wake up this morning and see them. It made me feel quite positive about today's run. Which brings me to the small victories thing...

Today, I ran 3/4 of a mile (about 1.2 km, I think) without stopping. And I did it twice.

Unreal, right? I'll have another victory post on Saturday. Stay tuned!

On another note, I feel amazing today. My weights yesterday went great! I'm actually a bit sore in my glutes, thighs, shoulders, and abs. Great feeling! It lets me know I'm working hard.

Happy Thursday, everybody!

Day 30: Getting Back Into Running and 100% Focus

Hello one and all! Yesterday was quite the sad, angry post, wasn't it? I woke up this morning, and I was still in a foul mood. I had set an early alarm so I could run before work, but I didn't. I stayed in bed and fumed at myself. I finally got up and made steel cut oats for my breakfasts. I think on Thursday I'll make more clean pancakes. They're actually quite tasty, and protein packed. I had breakfast and showered, then got ready for work. I made myself healthy snacks and lunch for work, then headed out. I was in a foul mood still all day at work, and I came home and got right on the treadmill. With every jogging repition, I felt a little better. And then there was healthy dinner ready when I came upstairs post-stretch, and I felt instantly awesome. And instantly upset, because I was pretty awful to Dan today. I had to apologize. I felt awful! I was so moody yesterday and today. And then something just clicked. And I realized that my work isn't ruined because I had some bad slip ups. What's important is that I move on and work harder.

So I tried my best to completely focus on my run today. I focused on my breathing. I focused on how I felt. I even tuned in to my calf pain. Maybe I overdid my calves yesterday? Oh well. I was there 100% today. And it was great.

Just to mention, my whole soul searching thing is interesting. Even since resolving to work my own issues out yesterday, I noticed I'm so negative about everything about myself. It's... A sobering realization, I think. Eye opening.

Have a great night, folks.

Day Sixteen: Hitting the Wall and Busting Through it Hardcore

Hello one and all! So today was Week 3, Day 1 of my Couch to 5k training program. Today, I had to run for three minutes straight, which doesn't seem like much, but it's twice the length of time I've run before. Holy cow. I didn't think I'd hit a wall until I had to run five minutes or more at a time, and today I hit the wall immediately after my first three minute run. I was tired. I was out of breath. And I honestly didn't think I could do it. I was ready to give up. And I came real close. But then it hit me...

I haven't come this far for nothing. Two weeks ago, I could hardly run a minute at a time, and now here I am, running three minutes at a time.

Some days I feel embarrassed about how little I can do. But then I realize that when I started, I couldn't even consider doing what I'm doing now. So I just repeated my apparent running mantra:

I am strong. I can do this. Change won't come by coasting. I have to push myself every single day.

I sound like a bad motivation book, but honestly, it really helps me to focus on my progress. Anyway, I'm just having my protein shake and relaxing while I watch Iron Chef America. Definitely one of my favorite shows. And tonight... Playoff game! I can't wait. So exciting! And again, many thanks to my Moey and Papa!

Have a great night, everyone!

EDIT: Check out these awesome ab moves! I tried a couple, and they are wicked hard! I've decided I want to be able to do The Wicked Wiper. Scope the moves out here:

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/abs-workouts

Day Thirteen: Running and Distraction

Hello one and all! I'm writing this post as I'm still sweaty from my run and the subsequent planks and stretches. Even though I've done this exact run two times before today, I had to dig deep to finish it. Why is that? I think it's the fact that I was really distracted today.

I have something really excellent on my mind that I won't share until I'm sure, but it's incredibly exciting to me. Also, courtesy of my amazing Moey and Papaduo, Dan and I have playoff tickets! First game is Tuesday night, and I really cannot wait. I was also thinking about my stupid KP. After researching the crap out of it, I settled on a plan of attack, and picked up all the necessary items. I can't wait to start, because I want to show off my arms and legs (and the hard work I'm doing)! So I was all concerned about that too.

I'm one of those people who works best when I'm focused. My body is so uncooperative if I can't be bothered to tune in to myself. And honestly, I want to have that connection between my mind and body. I want to feel the lows and ride them out. I want to feel the highs and love them.

There's my thoughts today! Have a safe and happy Saturday!

Day Eleven: Running and Pampering

Hello one and all! Today was another running day. I accidentally messed up my intervals today. Instead of alternating between 5 MPH and 6 MPH like I have been, I did three consecutive running intervals at 6 MPH. Which seems like no big deal, because that is a decent jog pace for most people. For people my height, you're barely jogging at 6 MPH. You're almost running. Oh well. No wonder I thought I was dying!

Today, I decided to be nice to myself. My body has been w.orking hard, and I have been slacking off in taking care of myself. You should see my brows-yikes!!! Anyways. Today I did a detoxifying clay mask, a pore unclogging strip on my nose, and I actually massaged my lotion right in to my face and neck instead of doing it halfway and lazy like I usually do. I also gave myself a soft pink manicure, and I painted my toenails a gorgeous sparkly red.

I think it's important to take that kind of time for yourself, and I'm glad I did today!

That's it for me, folks, have a great night!

Day Four: Another Run

Hello one and all! So today was my second day running, and it was okay. I was crazy thirsty though! Very strange. I drank so much water on the treadmill. Oh well, can't be bad, right? I mean, with how much I was sweating and all, haha. Anyways.

So I noticed that my abs were less sore today, which makes me somewhat pleased. I'm hoping that means I'm making a tiny bit of progress! Although my butt is sore, courtesy of squats and lunges.

In other news, I've been steadfastly ignoring the tape measure and the scale. I always weigh/measure myself too soon, and I get really discouraged when I don't see the changes I was hoping for. Within a week. Which makes no sense. And while I'm totally aware of the fact that it's illogical, I still can't help but feel really bummed out. And it makes me think,

Why am I doing this if nothing is happening?


So I just have to remember to tell myself that I'm doing this because it's the right thing to do for my body and my health. I'm doing this because I want to feel good again. I'm doing this because I want to look good again.

I think that's about it for me tonight, folks. Have a good one!

Day Two: I Hate Having to Pee a MILLION Times a Day.

Hello everyone!

So today was day two, which meant only one thing to me: I had to run today. I'm doing the Couch to 5k program, which I've started a couple times before. Let me tell you, if you're like me and you fail at cardio of any kind, this is the way to go! Which brings me to a related point...

I absolutely loathe running. I hate how out of shape it makes me feel. I have never been a runner in the whole of my life. When we used to have to run to "warm up" in PE, that killed me. Cardio has never been my friend. And it was embarrassing, because I was skinny-fat. I looked like I could handle running, but just a lap in the gym got me breathing hard. I struggled through PE until high school, when I took Dance instead. That was okay. Some of the core strength stuff we did left me wanting to puke, and I was a hugely uncoordinated spaz, but I kind of struggled through everything regardless.

Even though I hate running because it makes me feel so fat, it's always been something that I wished I could do. I've always wanted to experience that "runner's high." It seems like it would be so relaxing. And easy to think. While your body pounds out a familiar rhythm, your mind is free to wander. But maybe it's just me. I hope I get to that point some day; for now when I run I give myself a mental pep talk:

You can do this. You are stronger than you think. Don't give up on yourself.


You know what else sucks? Having to pee a million times a day. I'm doing my best to drink all the water I'm supposed to, and my bladder is not used to it at all! Oh well. I'll adjust soon enough.


Anyways, this is a bit of an early post, but that's okay. I mean, I haven't had dinner yet, but I can assure you it will be clean! My mom is really good about helping me with that stuff. So have a good night, one and all!