Sometimes it seems impossible

Last night I was in the dumps.  Bad.   I sometimes feel like I work SO hard with health & fitness and I don't see any results.  My pants size has pretty much stayed the same in 2 years, my weight hasn't changed in over a year, and I sometimes just feel disgusted with the way I look.  I think it's normal to feel that way.  But, what do I know?  On the other hand...I have days I just feel so good and empowered by my hard workouts and good eating habits.  I know everyone says the last 10 pounds are the hardest...but I never thought it would seem impossible.  I'm just frustrated.  And I just want to do this the right way.  I feel like this is one thing in my life I can control, and I can't seem to control it. 

When I was in high school I had an eating disorder and I got very thin very fast.  Obviously it wasn't healthy, but I was small.  I was 5'7" weighing 110 pounds, and wearing a size 2/4.  Ironically I wasn't happy then, either.  But, now that I'm trying to do this the right way it seems so much harder.  I had so many bad thoughts about myself last night that at one point I thought having an eating disorder seemed "easier" than what I'm doing now.  Or at least I'd get faster results.  But, such is life.  Nothing is fair.  I want to be healthy and I made a pact with myself long ago that I wouldn't ever re-treat to those unhealthy habits. 

My running shoes are packed in my suitcase, and I AM going to be running on this trip.  I didn't even bring my ipod because I just need some time to reflect...some quiet time.  Time to remember that there are more important things in my life.  Time to just listen to my feet hit the pavement and forget my troubles.  Time to de-stress myself and to remember that I need to be more patient with myself and with the Lord's timing in my life.  Time to remind myself that the judgements that others make about me don't really matter.  Time to remember Christ. 

The Dreadmill & Rowing Challenge

Last night I was stoked to get outside and go for a nice run.  It was supposed to be a Turbo Kick/Strength Training night...but I was in the mood for a run.  Plus, it seemed like a nice night for a run, it was 28 degrees- but NO wind!  Unfortunately when I told Justy the plans of going for an outdoor run he started whining.  He was too cold and wanted to go to the gym.  Ok, ok.  So, to the gym we went.  I hate the treadmill...it's pretty much a last resort.  And I've nicknamed it "the dreadmill" because I seriously dread my workouts when they have to be done on that stupid thing.    I'd rather run on the indoor track, but running in circles the same direction hurts my hips & IT band.  

I brought my ipod and decided I would watch an episode of Drop Dead Diva on Netflix.  The show is kind of a girly cheese bomb, but I like it.  The show is about 40 minutes so I knew I could plunk out at least 4.5-5 miles in that time frame.   The only positive side about the treadmill is I can set my pace to meet my goals.  Luckily I had Netflix to keep me company because it was the most boring run I've had in a long time.

After completing about 4.75 miles, I decided to show my husband the rowing machines at the gym and have a friendly competition.  In my last CrossFit class we learned how to properly...(key word...properly) use the rowing machines.  So, I did my best at explaining proper form to my husband.  And then I came up with a challenge----first one to complete 2000 meters WINS.  Ready, set, go!    I was sweating bullets, it was a hard workout.  Both of us were making funny noises and looking at each other's screens as we pushed through.  Our heart rates were racing.  My poor husband...I have this weird drive that I have to beat him at everything--- Phase10, running, rowing, golf.  (I never do beat him, except maybe running...but I like to pretend that I'm going to.)  He likes it--- I think.  We were pooped by the time we were done, but it was a great workout.  The employees may have looked at us weird when we gave eachother high fives.  It's Justin's way of saying "Great job honey!  But, I'm still a guy." I love it.   Yep... I lost my challenge...Justin beat me by 15 seconds-- about 5 hard rows. He's so strong...it's hot.

 I dare ya to try it out, and its even better if you have someone else to challenge!

Exercise Like Crazy Week

Tonight is the first night of Exercise Like Crazy Week.  Here's the thing....I struggle around Christmastime because I LOVE the holiday treats.   Usually I try to limit myself, and it works for the most part, but I still feel "icky".  So, I try to make sure that am very active to counteract the sugar effects on my body.  I can't give up my fun holiday treats, so I make up for it with workouts. 

My workouts so far last week were:
Wednesday- 4 mile run
Thursday- no workout
Friday- Turbo Kick
Saturday- new Turbo Kick routine, Strength Training, 4 mile run
Sunday- rest day

If I plan it out for this week I'll be more likely to stick to it:
Monday- 4 mile treadmill run + 20 minutes spin bike
Tuesday- Turbo Kick + Strength Training
Wednesday- 4 mile outside run with hills
Thursday- Insanity Max Plyo
Friday- Strength Training
Saturday- 5-6 mile run  (I love running on vacation....so many new things to look at!)


I hope I'm not jinxing myself (please, please, please pray for safe driving roads on Friday!) but I want some snow!!  Sledding is something I do whether I'm with my family (behind the 4-wheeler) or Justin's family (hills & mountains).  It's something I love to do in the snow.  I am not typically a cold-weather fan, but sledding is so much fun.   Plus, Christmas needs to be white! 

Me in a tiny saucer sled, behind the 4-wheeler.  Minnesota country-style! 

In the mountains at a cool place that had a tube-lift!  Idaho Mountain style!

Toothpaste on my pants?

Quick re-cap from last night.  Our Turbo Kick class was insane!!   I told my class it was going to be hard, and short.  And it was...HARD.   It kicked my butt.  I woke up with sore muscles this morning.  I love that feeling.  I'm thinking we're going to do that kind of a workout more often next semester.

I came home from my class in a frantic rush because I totally forgot to get dinner started.  Luckily, I have the best husband ever...and he got it ready for me!! We had some delicious fiesta chicken (chicken breast + pico + little bit of melted cheese on top = heaven) and sweet potato puffs.  It was the bomb diggity.  I was SO hungry.

 

SO good.

Oh so good.  And only 100 calories...so I don't have to feel too guilty for a little snack-a-roo.

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Today has been one clumsy-filled day:

1) Dripped toothpaste on my shirt
2) Slipped on the freshly fallen snow in my work parking lot
3) Forgot my wallet, and realized it on my way to a lunch outing with friends
4) Made a frantic call to a client and forgot why I was calling
5) Realized I had not only dripped toothpaste on my shirt but realized I had a big glob of toothpaste on my pants around 2pm.  what?
6) Spilled my water bottle down the front of my pants

One word......wow.



Fartlek

Last night's workout included 4.5 mile fartlek run.   I love that word.  Fartlek.  Fun to say and fun to do.  What is a fartlek?  Short answer:  unstructured intervals.  Basically I can speed up or slow down whenever I want to.  Don't believe me?  Click here: Fartlek.

Last night I was completely not in the mood to go for a run.  But, how could I resist?  It was the perfect winter temps!  38 degrees!  So, I decided to make it fun.  Fartlek.   I took my cell phone and decided to do a scavenger hunt for Christmas houses, while doing fartleks in between each "photo op".  Fartlek.  Ok, so call me immature.  Well, despite how much I was dreading my run....it was FUN!  I was speeding along during my quick intervals between a 6:30-7 minute miles.  And going between 8-9 minute miles during my slower intervals.  It was a hard workout, but I enjoyed it!  

Here are my treasures, in high quality...of course. 

Picture #1- I loved the simplicity of the decorations on this house.  The icicles on the windows look like they are "dripping".  It's pretty cool.

Picture #2- My favorite view of the temple when I turn the corner right after a long 1 mile up-hill battle.  The view is worth it.  Such a beautiful building. 

Picture #3- I took the picture right as the lights turned off.  Go me!

Picture #4- I love those swirly trees. 

Picture #5- I was worried someone was trying to steal Frosty...he was making weird noises (top left corner) as he was deflating.

Like I said...Fartlek...fun to say and fun to do!  Try it out!

'Tis the season

Christmas season is here, and I love it!  Even if it involves ugly sweaters....

Take a look at our baby tree in the background. We've had that thing since our first Christmas in '08

Justy's work had an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, and it was a lot of fun.  Justin didn't have an "ugly" sweater so I (we) made him that sweater with lots of glue & safety pins.  You can't see it..but the bells on the snowman's scarf have bells that jingle.  Love it!

I knew there was going to be a lot of not-so-healthy food at this party.  So, I do what I always do....and brought a healthy side dish.  Veggie tray (carrots, broccoli, celery, cauliflower, cucumbers) with dip.  I do this A LOT, because I figure if there is nothing else that healthy, at least I can load up on the side dish I brought.  Good tip for the holidays! 

Not mine, but it looked similar.  YES for veggies!

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This is unrelated, but I've been thinking a lot about the signs that I'm getting old.  One sign is how much social networking can drive me crazy!  Is it just me....or do young adults/teenagers think that it's ok to post whatever thought comes to mind for their entire friend base to see, even if it is completely rude, obnoxious, or downright inappropriate.  Why, oh why?  Obviously we are all entitled to an opinion or thought....but it doesn't mean it should be shared.  I think these particular young adults/teenagers need to practice some self control....or the consequences are going to bite them in the bum!!  

There we go....proof that I am becoming an old woman.

R&R (Running Resources) #1---Mapping that Run

I love technology, especially when it comes to running.  I remember a few years ago when I started running outside I was determined to find a way to calculate the distance I was running.  So, using the obvious choice-- I hopped in my car and drove the route.  After countless times of driving around town...I finally came across a wonderful website to map out my run before I went out.  (It's absolutely free- you just need an email to set it up.  And as a tip, I have a separate email for all of my online applications.)

http://www.runningahead.com/

I love that you just click on the map to indicate your route.  Be sure to change the mile/kilometer (mi/km) option in the top left corner.

Not only is this convenient, but it's safe.  I leave the map on my computer, so that my husband knows exactly where I would be if I were to call him in an emergency (whether it be bathroom, or not). 


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In unrelated news....I found this picture of myself on my friend's blog from our relay this summer.  Definitely not attractive, but definitely real.  Sun in my eyes + sweaty face + hair everywhere = real running.