What a weekend!

I did not make it to the gym or the running group on Sat morning. I went with my mom and E to clean the church at 7am instead. Then I had MAJOR running around to do to get ready for the big birthday bash! Despite the weather, all the kids had a great time. Elijah kept thanking me for the wonderful surprise (bounce house)! He had so much fun! I didn't even mind (too much) paying the fee for bringing it back wet! It was VERY worth it!!! After all the kids left, Elijah and I went crazy in the bounce for another hour or so before we had to take it down. What a blast!!! I consider that better than any workout I could've gotten at the gym or otherwise!

I really want to get one last long run in either today or tomorrow. Then, as Karrie pointed out, I will be tapering off this week in prep for the half next Sun. Just one week away!!!....AHHHH!!! I know I am more prepared for it this year than last, but I'm still a little freaked out! It will be great though and I'm glad to be doing it again. (Ask me how I feel about mile 7 or so!) At least I have motivation to stay in training afterwards as I am planning on joining Karrie's team for the Havelock 10k in June. Then after that, I can slow down a bit....but not too much. I'll try to stay consistent...

Now I have a late afternoon at work and won't be done till after 7pm. Not sure I'll be up for a run when I'm done. Guess it'll wait till tomorrow morning.

Distance blogger...I mean runner...

Ok...so maybe I'm both. I've got the distant blogger part down, still working on becoming a distance runner!

I am proud of my races so far this year and have been sticking with my training for the Half this time around. As opposed to last year when I stopped running regularly after the State Farm run! This year I did the State Farm 10mile with a 9min average. I shaved off 6 1/2 mins from last year's Novartis 10k with an 8 1/2 min average. This makes me both excited and nervous for the Half next Sunday! I ran last year in 2:23 and am confident I can beat that, I'm just wondering what is an acceptable goal to set for myself....

Been sticking with the classes at Goodyear also. Mary's Tues morning Body Power is going to end next week as we don't have enough participants to keep it going. Think I'll email Goodyear and advocate for that Sat morning class they've mentioned. Tried Intensity Step followed by Butts & Guts last night. (Followed by a 5.5 mile run at 5am this morning!) I don't think I'll be able to move tomorrow. I won't have much chose though, because Elijah and I are registered for the Extra Mile Walk to support/raise funds for the Backpack program for LPS. After that E's off to spend time with Grandma as I get his "surprise" bday party ready. I have a feeling that may be a workout in itself!! Which means I can grant myself a small piece of the awesome cake I ordered!

Tomorrow I am going to break out of my comfort zone and join a group run. The Northeast Y has a group that gets together Mon-Sat at 5:35am for a group run. I love being out and about at that time doing my workout, but don't feel safe running alone outside. Here's my chance! Wonder how long they run for? I'd like to get in 7 or 9miles in prep for the half. Guess we'll see...

I feel good!!! nah nuh nah nuh nah nuh!!!

It's been awesome getting back on the workout track! We had a few days of GREAT weather to add to my motivation! Also I've been eating much better and I feel good. I don't feel the urge to continue bad habits that may be dangerous. I allow myself the occassional treat and don't beat myself up over it, and I'm able to do it in moderation. I even threw away my weight loss supplements the other day tha I had at home. (Huge step for me!!) I still have a different type hiding out in my desk drawer at work, which I haven't even opened. Someday I'll bring myself to toss those as well.
I have signed up for the YMCA. I just need to schedule an orientation at each, so I'll feel comfortable with everything. I still need to take the plunge and give Gold's the official boot! Once I get in the groove of the Y, I don't think I'll feel so scared to let go of Golds. Making it to Goodyear the last two Wednesdays in a row has been great! I am looking forward to the Saturday morning class that Karrie advocated for...thanks K! I'll definitely keep with the punch card system with Goodyear-it's nice to be back in the class scene.
Otherwise things continue to be hectic, but in good ways. I am looking at closing on my first house next Friday and can hardly wait! It'll be so great to have our own space again!! Most of my life, I mean stuff, is in boxes now. Just a few more things to pack and I'll be set! Anyone up for a moving party? (hee hee!!) It'll make for a great workout.......

Well Deserved!

I took a day off from working out yesterday. At first I had planned to go over lunch and had all my gear with me. But then I figured I've been doing really well the past week, and had some different activity over the weekend, that I had earned a day off. I quickly got over my guilt! I evn had a healthy dinner of leftover "turkey tacos" with fresh fruit. I really need to be drinking more milk at meal time if I can. I usually have yogurt at lunch time, but I want to work on having more dairy daily.
Today I got back on it and was able to do another 4 miles straight. I allowed myself a little more time this round and completed it in 40 minutes. Who am I trying to impress anyway? Tomorrow night will be class time at Goodyear, which means a break from running. I am going to try and make it 4.5 miles on Thursday. Slowly building up those long runs to see what I am truly capable of. It seems we forget to give ourselves enough credit sometimes. I feel really good today and I'm okay with that! I sit up a little straighter and find myself smiling for no other reason than that it feels good! Anyone else need this kind of pick-me-up, let me know and I'll be there for you!

What a weekend!!!

Talk about a crazy busy weekend! But amazingly enough, I feel pretty great! Friday was my day off and I was going to get SOOOO much accomplished. Then it turned out to be a snow day and I had my best buddy, Elijah, with me all day. I have to admit he was a trooper. We got to the grocery store by 8:30 and were done within the hour. Then it was off to the gym to meet Karrie for a good workout. It was a tough 3 miles, followed by some weight work. (I can't wait to get to Goodyear this week to have some true weight training again!) After that, we went home and Elijah played very nicely while I packed up his room. Slowly getting ready for our big move! When my brother got home I went out and helped shovel. For dinner I made soft tacos (with turkey meat) for the "family" as we watched our shows. (Psych and Monk.)
Saturday my brother Daniel came to town, so Elijah and I took him sledding for a couple of hours. Talk about a workout!! I made it to the gym that afternoon for another 3 mile run and 20minutes on the bikes. I knew I'd be going out with the girls that night and it ended up included quesidillas and margaritas. Yikes! There went THAT run!
Sunday I was able to run 4 miles straight in 38 minutes. My goal was 3.5 miles in 40 minutes, but I just kept going and made good time! If I can get a couple of 5 mile runs in and maybe one a little over 6 miles, I may just do the State Farm 10 mile after all! More to come on that goal ;-)

Where my people at???

Why everybody gotta ditch me? Karrie's lucky she called to say she got my message after she was already IN the gym. But I want everyone to know I showed up and was ready to go at Goodyear...just not ready to walk in by myself. I know I'm a geek, but I'm ok with that. But I AM proud of myself because instead of going to Brewsky's last I did last week when everyone was sick, I went to my OTHER gym and did some cardio. Karrie and I are now on the same page for NEXT week and she will wait to walk in with me :-)
Also on Tuesday I did go for another great walk with my co-worker. It was nice to take advantage of such great weather!! I have tomorrow off, so after I get E to school, I am heading straight to the gym! Then I am going to start packing, which should also help burn some calories and get my heart pumping!! The big move day can't get here soon enough!!!

Two Week Vacation....

Ok so not really, but I did unfortunately take two weeks off from the gym. I could go on and on with excuses, but that's all they are; lame excuses. The important thing I made it back to the gym yesterday over my lunch hour. I will also be there tonight and tomorrow. Finally going to make it to Goodyear with the girls! (They were sick last week and I've only been there once, so therefore not ready to go on my own.) Also on a positive note, with the great weather last week and this past weekend I took advantage of it! I went for a great 2 mile walk with a co-worker on Friday and played outside with my son all day Saturday. He and I even got plenty of walking in working on our Safari! So I guess I wasn't a TOTAL slacker after all. Plus I've been tracking my activity levels for N-Lighten Nebraska and I want to see those go up! Nothing but motivation on my side now!!!