Back in the Saddle

Or should I say, back in the sneakers? Tomorrow I am back at the track! I have mixed feelings, you see - while I am excited to get back at it, I'm dreading the fact that I will be regretting my poor eating habits this Holiday weekend all too soon. Turkey, pie, mashed potatoes, more pie, and those freaking delicious sugar cookies Cody and I made the other night. Devil - I have lots of work to do.

I am planning on that Vegas Tri with my friends in April. I talked to my brother-in-law Scott about it this weekend and he gave me some pointers on how to get ready for it. This is when it would be great if he and my sister lived close to me! The could be my little trainers. Now that I have committed to do this (Sara, did I officially tell you that I'm in? Well, if not - I'm in!), I must really dedicate myself to being 100% ready. Yikes! Every time I talk about it, I get a little nervous. I still can't I'm doing this - it's so not like me. But hey, neither was a 4 mile run and I did that, right? Turns out the impossible is achievable. So to prepare, not only will I be running at the track, but I will also be swimming and cycling. Hmm, anyone have a bike I can borrow?

Awwwwwww Yeah!!

What up, baby! I ran 4 miles yesterday! Word! As you all know, with Thanksgiving comes the annual Turkey Trot (this year was the 25th anniversary!). I got up early and layered up before going up to my parents house to pick up Andrea and Rich. The temperature? 23 degrees. We got registered and sat in the car with the heater on full blast waiting for the race to start. Hannah met up with us and we were all jumping around in the cold to prevent hypothermia. It was SO cold! Brr, I'm getting chilly just thinking about it. Here we are before the race...

Hannah and I showcasing our enthusiasm at the starting line...
and we're off!
The race began and we started trotting slowly. I heated up pretty quick which made the running bearable, but on one section of the course there was an extremely icy headwind - whew! I crossed the finish line in 50 minutes which isn't great, but hey - it was my first time and I'm pretty proud of that!
It was fun doing it with Andrea and Rich, and Hannah did an awesome job! I don't know that I will do that run next year, but it was fun. Now I just have to commit to doing a triatholon in April with the girls in Vegas...we'll talk about that later. What I can tell you is that I'm going to keep at it - all this fitness goodness. I started up so I could do this race and I DID IT! I wasn't sore this morning (thanks to lots of stretching) and I love that I can feel myself getting stronger. Who wants to join me at the track next week for some laps? Ready Steady Fit!

Sweating rocks

My sister is in town for the 5k (Oh, and Thanksgiving), so yesterday morning we met at the track for some running. Some serious running. It was so much fun having someone to run with! Having her there made me want to push harder to keep up with her. She was like my personal coach next to me the whole time, cheering me on. She showed me some awesome stretches before we started and they helped out a lot - I'm going to take some pictures of them and post them here, your muscles will thank me later! I ran longer than I ever have - almost 3 laps without stopping! Hey now, that's impressive. Andrea also told me that I was running a little fast, so it's nice to know that I can slow it down and keep a more even pace. We were keeping a steady stride and then really bolted the last 1/4 of the lap and OW. We walked around twice to cool down and I was really focusing on not collapsing. I was exhausted, but it felt SO good. It's crazy when you work so hard and sweat in the most random places - your collarbone, your ankles, etc. We stretched out and headed home.


Later in the day we went shopping with my Mom and I purchased some new running shoes. They are so sweet! Mmm, and so comfy. I also bought a fleece hoodie to keep myself warm tomorrow morning. Luckily, it hasn't been as cold as I thought it would be, but it's still uber chilly. Hopefully once the race starts I'll warm up quickly!

Well kids, this is it - tomorrow I run my first 5k (oh, and did I mention that it's longer that 3 miles? Yeah, make that 4...oh dear). I will be sure to take lots of pictures and post them here. Wish me luck!!

Da Home Stretch

I can't believe that the 5k is almost here!! Yikes, I'm starting to get freaked out. And lets figure this out - I mean, it's what, 3 miles? What am I worried about! I have done that many times at the track and I know I can do it. I know I can. Maybe I'm getting scared because I don't want to slow my brother and sister down. Or maybe it's because there's a good chance we'll be running through a snowstorm. Well, whatever the reason I'm feeling a little nervous. But run I must! And run I will.

You have to realize that I have never done anything like this in my life. I think the last time I even ran in some sort of event was for my Presidential Physical Fitness award in Elementary School. Cody is Mr. Iron Man and is used to stuff like this...me? Not so much.

I'm off to the track tomorrow - I wasn't able to get there on Saturday, so tomorrow I'll be working myself to death - pushing hard. Wednesday I'll take it a little easier and Thursday? Well...we all know what Thursday will bring.

Montage

I went to the track today and as I ran and walked, I began wishing. Wishing that my life was more like a montage - I wish I could listen to one song and watch myself running, working out, laughing with some friends over shakes, sweating at the track, measuring my hips and cheering with delight when I realize that I'm getting trimmer. Then at the end of the song, I'm all fit and toned. No? Not possible? Ugh. At least I can wish.

Tuesday felt great - I could tell that my body was still getting over being a little sick, but I pushed it and it felt great! Today I felt more like I was in a slump. Kinda sluggish, it felt like I had to work harder today just to finish a lap. I still ran a bunch and did stairs, but man...I was beat when I finished! Saturday I'm going back and I think Hannah is planning to join me! That will be fun to go together - we can motivate each other. I talked to my sister and she suggested that I really push it on Saturday - just run the crap out of myself. Then I can go to the track on Tuesday and take it a little easier and be ready to go for the gold on Thursday for the 5k.

Speaking of - I'm getting super nervous. I'm not worried about the run or finishing or what have you (I've already told my sister that she'll probably have to wait for me at the finish line...), but the weather? Brr. It might be 20 degrees that morning...maybe. If I could run in a hot tub, we wouldn't have a problem, but I'm not totally stoked about sucking in arctic air. I know once I get started that I'll warm up and it will be fine, but just the thought of the chilliness....

On the mend

Where have I been? Good Heavens, I swear I won't abandon this blog for that long again! This weekend was filled with social activities and late nights, which led to me feeling like crap for most of the weekend. Puffy, sore throat when I woke up and an achy feeling in my weak little body. I wasn't able to make it to the track, but I did 'stairs' at my house to keep in some kind of routine.

I know, I know - it's my own fault that I got a little sickies, but I'm feeling muchos better and I'm heading back to the track tomorrow morning! As my sister kindly reminded me, I have 10 days until I am to run (um...more like run some, walk lots) a 5 k! Oh dear...scary. But never fear! I shall attack and conquer! I am also excited to get to the track tomorrow because of the following reasons:

1 - I am going to try and run...and run...and run...no more stopping after just one lap, especially if I think I can run longer! I am going to really push it tomorrow. I mean, I'll push carefully since I just got done with a minor sickies, but a push is a push...

2 - I purchased some leggings online and I can't wait to try them out tomorrow! I'm not going to lie, they'll probably help my performance immensely.

3 - I have some songs that I have added to my fit playlist and want to listen to whilst running:
"I don't wanna be in love" by Good Charlotte. I am loving this song right now - it has an 80's edge and I SO dig it. I just might run with a lace glove on one hand tomorrow...
"Sleep" and "Teenagers" by My Chemical Romance. Grr, very grr.
"More than a feeling" by Boston. A classic! So uppity, I feel giddy every time I hear it.
"The War" by Angels & Airwaves. Truth be told, I love to listen to most of their songs when I run. They tend to be mellow, but they're great.

Before I sign off, I have a thought and I'd like you to tell me what you think about the matter - when I get to the track, I always walk/run in a counter-clockwise direction, just like everybody else. However, do you think I need to go the opposite direction sometimes? Like, is my body going to be lopsided? Huge right leg, shriveled left leg...lop lop lop.

Push it real good

So to my surprise, I wasn't that sore after my workout on Monday. I mean, I ran more than usual and I added the stairs...but I only felt soreness in my calves. Which is great - don't get me wrong, but that also means I need to step it up so that I'm really pushing myself. Today I hit the track and my day kinda went like this:

Lap 1 - Walk
Lap 2 - Walk
Lap 3 - Walk
Lap 4 - Run
Lap 5 - Walk
Lap 6 - Run
Lap 7 - Walk
Lap 8 - Run
Lap 9 - Walk
Lap 10 - Run
Lap 11 - Walk/Run stairs (1 at a time)
Lap 12 - Walk/Run stairs (1 at a time)
Lap 13 - Walk/Run stairs (1 at a time)
Lap 14 - Walk/Run stairs (2 at a time)
Lap 15 - Run/Run stairs (2 at a time)

Walk around in circle to cool down, swear like a sailor, stretch out, walk to car.

Yep...pretty sure I'll be feeling that tomorrow...

Success!

Yes! Great news! Yesterday guess what I was able to wear...a pencil skirt! With significant ease, I might add. I tried to wear this skirt a few weeks ago and I looked like I was wearing a sausage casing. I know that I just had a baby, but still - being able to zip up that baby yesterday with no problem felt SO great! I was one hot mommy. Look out world, some toned thighs and buttocks are coming your way!

Today was a fabulous day at the track. I actually ran an entire lap! I have been running half laps, but I was feeling so great today that I was actually smiling while I was running while telling myself, "C'mon, keep going, you can do this!". Once I slowed to a walk, I could tell that I was tired, but I felt so good! I kept up the running here and there to keep my heart rate up. There are stairs on the side of the track that lead up to the bleachers, so during the last 3 laps (I did 10) I would run up and down those stairs, 2 at a time. Will I be feeling that tomorrow? You betcha. But the turkey trot is vastly approaching and I certainly don't want my sister to leave me in the dust!

Halloween trick?

I went to the track this morning. I wasn't feeling my usual wave of euphoria when I walked in. Everything seemed a bit...off. I walked over to my usual spot (where I stretch and leave my keys, etc.) and started to stretch and get pumped to run. I turn on my iPod...and nothing happens. I try again and realize that my battery is totally dead. No fair! I swear it was full just the other day! Hmm, perhaps there is a bit of Halloween trickery in the air? I sat there wondering what my work-out would be like without tunes. Lame, that much is certain. However, I don't let this little thing deter me and I start walking. I also realize that there are only two other people on the track this morning. Not bad! I'm feeling good, my muscles are warming up. Just as I round the corner, I see that there are a few guys repairing the huge metal door that closes off part of the track. I warily walk underneath them, hoping that a stray shard does not plant itself in my skull. I continued my work-out without injury and I did two miles today - running a 1/2 mile! Go me! It just felt so...weird today. Nobody was there, it was SO quiet, no one was practicing Volleyball or Basketball, pretty soon I was the only one walking the track...just a bit spooky. Lesson learned! Check iPod battery before leaving the house...and maybe toss some salt over my left shoulder before working out on Halloween!

Oh Snap!!

That's right, time to snap out of it and get back to work. Last week I was totally sidetracked with hosting my Halloween Party that fitness took a backseat. How lame is that?? It's time to focus, get back on track, c'mon now - no time for slackers! Lace up those sneaks! Pump up that music and get your butt in shape!

I realize that dedicating myself to getting fit will be tough during this time of year. It's cold, there is candy everyone (including my kitchen counter), the Holidays are soon to follow with all there delicious feasts, but we can do this - we'll do it together. I'm going to take on Kate's tip this week - drinking LOTS of water. Kate commented last week that if you drink 1/2 your body weight in ounces of water, you can drop a few pounds. So if you weigh 150 pounds, you'll need to drink about 75oz. of water each day (...right? I hate math). I am taking this on, who's with me? I'm actually going to purchase a big water bottle that I can take with me everywhere. If you have a cold beverage with you, it's easier to avoid getting sodas or buying snacks!

Along with my new water bottle purchase, I'm going to look for some work-out gear. I have a few pieces that work, but there's something about dressing the part, yes? And lets face it, there are so many options now - you can get dressed to go work out and look better than you would on Sunday morning!

Today is Pilates day - bring on the burn, baby - who's with me? Lets go! Lets go! Lets go!

Where or where...

..has my ambition gone? I turned over my new fitness leaf (and this blog) one week ago. While I'm still dedicated...it's getting harder to stick to a routine! I haven't made it to the track this week - due to the fact that I haven' t been able to find someone to watch the kids for a bit since Cody has been working. I also keep getting side-tracked by house projects that seem to take up most of my day. I'm not giving up, mind you - far from it! However, I think I will have to stick to Pilates this week and try to hit the track next week. My sister-in-law brought over two Pilates videos, one that focuses on abs. Ouch. I know that's going to hurt. No pain, no gain, right? As I was getting Cache ready for bed, cleaning the kitchen and doing some decorating (multi-tasking, anyone?), 'Dancing with the Stars' was on. I have never watched this show, but the glittery sequins and flashy costumes caught my eye. After all, fish like shiny things and don't we all? Have you seen those dancers bodies? Oh. My. Gosh. If I didn't feel like a twinkie before, I do now. More motivation for me!

I have posted a new 'Song of the Week' - find it, go have a listen. It's such a fun little tune and if I ever make it back to the track, I'll be able to run to it.

Oh....the burn

In a word - OW. I just got back from the track and let me tell you something...it wasn't pretty. Last time I walked two miles, so tonight I decided that I would alternate walking and running for three miles. Sound like a good plan? Yeah, I thought so too. I walked the first mile, feeling pretty good. I could feel my thighs getting warmed up, feeling a little burn. Then a great song comes on my iPod and I tell myself that I'll run a half lap. Just a half lap. I pick up the pace and start running. Feels pretty good! Huff huff huff - still doing alright. I'm actually surprised by how fast I am running...not bad! Then I stop to catch my breath...oh dear, turns out I'm sort of wheezing. I walk the rest of the lap, then I start to run again. This time I realize that I must look ridiculous while running. I mean, I don't even know if I remember how to run. Every wobbly bit on my body is shaking uncontrollably and I shudder to think what I might look like in slow motion. I try to mimic what the other impressive joggers are doing, but I'm not sure I'm fooling anyone. But I press on - huff huff huff. Once I slow to a walk, I'm breathing harder and I'm embarrassed by how tired I am. When I start running again, I realize that yes - I do in fact look ridiculous. I look like a twinky in sneakers. Nothing like the seasoned athletes that are passing me by. To make matters worse? There is a saucy chick that is running lap after lap without breaking a sweat. Gorgeous legs, toned arms...she looks awesome. While I normally would have been plotting a way to trip her, I decided that I would keep running - who cares what I look like - so that I could look like her. Nothing like a little motivation to keep me from collapsing in a corner and shouting obscenities! Ahhh, sure can't wait to go back on Saturday.

Won't Power

I will admit that I am a sucker for fast food. It's just so easy! Running errands with the kids, it gets closer to nap time, I need to get some lunch for them...hmmm, there's a Wendy's on the way home - done. I guess it wouldn't be so bad if I just got nuggets for Cache and went on my merry way, but no! The intoxicating smell of the salty fries is too much to resist and before I know what I'm doing, I blurt out, "...can I also get a #14 super extra ginormous sized with a soda?". As my sister told me last week, my fast food habit will be the hardest to break. But break it I will! Besides, it's not like I feel awesome after eating that crap, it's like a gut bomb. Ugh.

I heard something forever ago and it has always stayed with me - your body is only as good as the fuel you put in it. Now, we've all heard something similar to this, yes? I guarantee that me having no energy lately is due in large part to the fact that I am not giving my body the best fuel. I certainly don't intend to give up life's delicious pleasures, I don't think I would be too happy knowing I can't indulge in a treat now and then. The key is to enjoy goodies in moderation - something that will take some getting used to. See, I'm all kinds of supportive when my friends are watching what they eat - I give great advice suggesting that they keep fresh fruit and bottled water on hand so it's easy to eat. Of course, my mouth is always full of donuts when I'm telling them this...What has been your vice? The biggest hurdle you have had to conquer when getting in shape? Junk food like myself? TV time?...Blogging?

I'm off to the track again tonight and I'm really looking forward to it! I can't wait to put in my ear buds, turn up my music and have some 'me' time. I'm going to run a little tonight, see how I do. If you're in the area, stop by the track and make sure I'm not passed out in a corner somewhere...

Welcome!

Fitness is in my future - I can feel it! I have created this Blog to track my progress in becoming a fit, healthy, sexy chick. That's right! I have never been big into working out or eating healthy (my Dr. Pepper addiction is no secret), but change is in the air, my friends. I hereby devote myself to becoming a stronger, healthier woman if it's the last thing I do!...and it very well may be the last think I do, since I'm such a weakling.

Today I went to the track and walked 2 miles. Sweet! I know, quite sad that I am so proud of such a small accomplishment, but for me? HUGE. I also created my own playlist of groovy tunes to listen to while I tone my muscles. Music is a must when working out, I've decided - it's the best. Tomorrow I plan on doing some Pilate's (if I can move my legs) and I'll hit the track again on Thursday. I must admit I was not super stoked about going to the track today. I sat in my car for a few minutes talking myself into it, but I felt SO GOOD afterwards! Again, it's not a big thing, but for someone like me this was quite an accomplishment.

Why this sudden decision to be fit? Well, for most of my life I've been able to skate by on good genes and metabolism. I've never really stuck to a work-out routine or had any desire to run a marathon, but I don't like being a softy. I want to be toned and strong and most of all healthy. I have the worst eating habits and I want to take care of my body. My sister also presented to me a challenge - to run a 5k with her the day after Thanksgiving. Still not so sure why I agreed to such a thing (guess that means I can't eat the entire apple pie, like last year), but it does motivate me to get into shape and I know the end result will be worth it. I'm almost 30, people! Shouldn't I spend the last two years of my 20's looking fantastic? No question. I've got two boys and I want to be able to wrestle with them...and win.

So here we go! Each week I will post a healthy recipe for you to try and a great work out song to burn unwanted calories to. Please feel free to leave a comment with exercise ideas, recipes and songs that work for you and we can share them with the world. Ready, steady, FIT!