Not Wasting a Single Second

I caved, I made brownies last night. They were good, but not special enough to post. I was watching the Food Network Channel and couldn't resist. I love baking!! I haven't baked since x-mas time. That is a really long time for me.

This is what our house looked like this weekend. It was a very lazy weekend for everyone.

Scoutie taking her millionth nap of the day (not very happy about me taking a picture with the flash).
Izzie trying to shield her eyes from the flash by hiding behind her tail.

Mickey is just use to me taking a million pictures (he's good at ignoring me).

I ran mile 4 miles for the day and I was even able to make it to spin class! I haven't gone for a week. It felt good to get back into it. The instructor kept repeating "don't waste a single second". We did so many 60 second hill drills/sprints. It was crazy. So, I haven't been wasting a single second. Every second is being put to good use, even if it's resting and watching a thousand hours of tv. This is good use because my legs need rest and this is how I rest (this is what a tv-aholic says).

I am pretty nervous for tomorrows 9 mile run. I'm not sure why. I got some really good advice on facebook and I now know that I will be trying my first GU tomorrow. I'm not sure which flavor, yet. It's so hard to choose. I think I will take it about mile 4 1/2. That will be at the half way mark. I can't wait, but I'm still nervous! What always curbs my nervous system is to read RW.

I'll let you know how my longest run to date goes tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Overcome By Laziness

I was so tired last night. I think I was off and on sleeping since about 6:30 last night. I can't believe how tired I was.

For dinner, last night, we had left overs. I made this the other night and I never posted it. It was super easy to make. I bought the cook book at the Dollar Tree store.

It definitely tasted better the first night. It wasn't as creamy last night. Oh well.

I've been so lazy all day. I haven't wanted to do anything. This is fine, because I start the same old schedule tomorrow. Monday's are usually my busy/crazy days.

Only a few more minutes until my poll closes.

Beer Week!!

Last night was the start of Beer Week. We made our way to Mary's Pizza Shack. I've heard really good things about their pizza. The first thing we ordered was a couple pints of beer. During Beer Week, they have longer happy hours and better prices on the beer, overall.

By the time we were there, we were pretty hungry, so we got a medium pizza. The pizza was ok and the service was ok, but the beer was great! I got an Oktoberfest beer.

Here's the pizza. We got a combination.

The entire restaurant was like we were sitting outside. It was very yellow and had lots of outdoors-y stuff. It was a cute place.

I was so tired by the time we got home, we just went to sleep (we ran errands, too last night). When I got up, the first thing I wanted to know is if it snowed. Of course, no snow. It was really cold outside, but no snow. I had to scrape the frost from my windshield when I left for the gym this morning.

At the gym, I ran a feel good 6 miles. Right now, 6 miles is a great distance for me (I do run longer distances on Tuesdays). I feel the work, but it feels great! After the gym, I had a breakfast date with an old friend (I've know Jenny for 15 years).

We met up at Panera Bread. I've never been there before. Right when I walked in, there were a ton of pastries. I couldn't believe how many freshly baked pastries were laid our for display. I ordered a mocha (which was the best mocha I've ever had) and a plain bagel with plain cream cheese. It was so good to see Jenny. I'm glad she didn't mind my stinky-ness and sweaty-ness (from running).

The rest of the day, I've been relaxing and catching up on some shows. Left overs are for dinner tonight. I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!

A Little Somethin'

This morning was so stormy. The weather people are predicting snow here (it hasn't snowed here since the 80's). It's gong to be cold!

Tonight, we're going to beer week. Basically, some breweries participate and they have really good deals on food and their brewed beer. We're going to get some pizza and a pint for $5 (that's a really good deal here). I can't wait! I have a 6 mile run in the morning and breakfast with an old friend.

Other than this, I will be catching up on my shows and reading a lot. I love these weekends!

The poll is almost closed. Time to answer!

23.5 Miles So Far...

Last night's dinner was so good! I had a bunch of left overs thrown into a bowl and heated up. In that bowl, I had brown rice, shredded (cooked) chicken, diced red peppers, chopped green onions and some teriyaki sauce. I could eat this all the time!

Tonight, I had 6 miles on the schedule. No problem! I've had a goal, that I haven't mentioned. My goal is to run 20 miles per week (1000 miles this year). So far, I'm at 23 1/2 miles for the week. I still have 6 miles on Saturday's schedule. I'm really knocking this 20 miles out of the park (for me, this week). I love it! It's not feeling like work, it's so much fun. I look forward to my runs. It's my me time and time to think about what needs to be done for that week.

I love hearing about all of your guys' accomplishments. They are all great and I'm proud of each and every one of you! Don't forget to answer my poll on the right. Only a few more days left!

Notice Something Missing?

Is there something missing? I think I am not wearing my knee brace anymore!! Look how excited I ma in the face! My big smile shows the excitement.

I finished 4 miles on the tm (after yesterday's 8 1/2) and am feeling great! My legs were a little heavy, but started feeling better about mile 3. I know, towards the end. My quads are getting stronger, so I can further easier. It feels awesome!!!!!! Behind my knee was staring to chafe (not good), so I'm glad I'm able to run without the brace.

I finished my pt after the 4 miles and headed home. Tonight's dinner is going to be a bunch of leftovers thrown into a bowl.

My new thing that I'm doing is posting earlier and talking about the night before dinner (since I eat later than I post). You'll still get to see what fuels me for my runs, just a few hours later.

What has been your biggest accomplishment since you've started running?

Running Like an Engerizer Bunny

Last night's dinner was amazing!! First, we had salad. The salad contained fresh spinach, hard boiled egg, red peppers and green onions. I topped it off with some yummy feta salad dressing.

Second course was quesadillas. In the quesadillas, we had cheese (of course), diced red peppers, green onions, white onions, chicken and refried beans.

Fold over and fry on the stove top.

Final product.

Next, time to enjoy while watching some X-Files. Yummy in my tummy! Yes, as you may notice, I eat on the couch and use my pillow as a table. It works for me.

Tonight, I had 8 1/2 miles on the schedule. It was completed, no problem. I started to get a little tired towards the end (last mile). I had some fun shows to watch (Judge Judy, Friends and King of Queens), so I was entertained. I watched as people came on the tm and went off. I could tell that I was getting some strange looks, but I like strange looks. I felt like I was the energizer bunny that kept going and going (running and running). I love this feeling!

So far, my legs feel good, but my feet are a little tender. I'll take a shower, put my favorite socks on (compression) and ice my knees while I eat left overs.

If you're training for your first 1/2 marathon (or full), which training schedule are you following? I'm not really following one. I kind of just make it up as I go. I know that I want to run a very minimum of 20 miles per week and that I will raise the long runs 1/2 miles each week.

Bracelss and Dizzy

After work, yes I am one of the few that had to go in today, I headed to the gym. I had 6 miles on the schedule (since I got off early). I usually only run 4 miles on Monday, but I had planned to skip spin class and hang with hubs when I got home.

Once on the tm, I was booking it. A guy next to meet was blowing snot rockets into his shirt (pretty gross on the tm). At about mile 4, I started to get a huge headache. That normally doesn't happen, usually running takes my headaches away. I decided to take a .1 miles breather. As I stretched some, I became dizzy. I wasn't dizzy while running, so I decided to get back to it. The headache started to get worse, so I stopped at 5 miles. Not too bad. Once I got into my PT, my headache went away. Not sure that was about.

The biggest news about my run was that I was able to do it without my knee brace. This is he first time I've felt like my knee could handle it. And, I've been off the NSAIDs for about 3 weeks now. I'm so freaking happy. Running without pain, who would have know??!!

Here's just a corny pose in my living room hubs took. Don't know what I'm doing, but I needed a picture.

I think I'm most proud of my arms (see my line on my forearm). I know it's not the best, but it's pretty good for me!

Don't forget to answer my newest poll (on the right side)...

Relaxin'

Not much going on this weekend. I've just been relaxing and hanging around the house. It's beautiful outside, but I don't have the urge to go outside. I know, it's odd, but I'm lazy and still haven't showered or changed. I'm still in my pj's.

I've just been updating my personal blog and catching up on shows online. Yes, I do watch so much tv that I have to watch shows online, as well as on my dvr. Can you say addicted to tv?

Besides anything running or fitness related, what are you addicted to?

6 Miles in Now a Short Run!!

Last night, we finished our night with some pizza and a beer (one for each of us). I can't believe that I didn't have anything planned for dinner. That is so rare! Oh well, we got to order some yummy pizza (and got a great deal).

We shared the cheesy garlic bread.


Hubs pizza (I hate pineapple).


My pizza (I'm pretty plain).

This morning, I got a little later than my normal Saturday routine. I ran 6 miles on the treadmill. If I had more time, my legs would have allowed me to keep going. It felt so good getting on the TM and get going. I had 2 consecutive days off of the gym and my legs missed the runs. I'm so glad that the 6 mile run felt like a short run. I'm finally where I want my legs to be!

It's been a lazy day (once I got home from the gym). We're catching up on the DVR, and relaxing. One of my many snacks I had to day was plain greek yogurt, PB and my home made granola bars (crushed up). It was so yummy.

I think this should be able to hold me over until dinner (left over pizza, the best kind) tonight.

I hope everyone is enjoying their long weekend (only 2 days for me).

Resting

Sorry about the link yesterday for the granola recipe. I hope this one works. Today is another rest day. It is very cloudy, rainy, windy and cold outside. This is the type of weather it was right now:


Enjoy your weekend.

Chim Chim Cheree

A couple of days ago, we received a letter stating that a chimney cleaning guy was going to be coming by (our apartment) place sometime between 9-5pm. Since they were unable to give me a shorter time frame and we would have been given a fine if we wouldn't allow them to come in without us being home, I took a vacation day from work.

I got so much done while waiting for them. I finished all the laundry, dishes, dusted and vacuumed the house. I'm glad I waited, because we now have a clean fireplace (though, we keep it pretty clean ourselves).

After they left, I met the hubs at his new (newish) job and got introduced to his co-workers. They all seem so nice! Then, I went to the grocery store. What a mad house! I can't believe that someone stole my cart with some things in it! It was pouring rain outside, and I think all the people forgot how to survive with other people and started acting crazy.

By the time I finally got home, it was lunch time. I treated myself to a toasted open faced PB&J sandwich with some chips. YUM!!!

It was a crazy, windy, wet day today!!

After relaxing for a little bit, I made these great granola bars!! This is the best recipe! Nice and chewy!! I put chocolate chips, dried cranberries, almonds and ground flax seed in them. Everyone needs to try this recipe!!

Hubs just got home and it's almost time for our left over chicken burritos for dinner. I still haven't even showered, yet.

Lovin' Food!!

I ran my scheduled 3.1 miles today. I felt great! My legs didn't bother me at all. If my feet felt better, and my spin class started later, I could have ran longer. I love it! I'm so proud of myself. Right now, I'm working on mileage and soon, I will concentrate on time. I never thought I would ever be able to runner an entire 8 miles, at once. I'm just proud of how far I've been running and how great I feel afterwards!

When I got home, I started dinner right away. Tonight, we had chicken burritos. I used my chicken (from the whole chicken I cooked in my crock pot last week) and piled on the refried beans, tomatoes, spinach and a dab of sour cream. It hit the spot!


Last night, I found some frozen yogurt at the grocery store. I've never seen it there before. Tonight, I tried it. It was my favorite flavor, double chocolate. The taste wasn't so good, though. Oh well, I now know that I don't like this brand (Sunnyside, it was a little frost bite, too).


Thank you all for your advice on my yucky feet! I will definitely try some of these. Hopefully, they heal quickly (they aren't that bad, yet). Any additional suggestions always welcome!

What Time is It?

I just noticed that I didn't even talk about my workout yesterday. I ran a very happy, relaxing 4 miles. I really was looking forward to my spin class afterwards. Since it was V-Day, the normal instructor was off. The sub was horrible. She sang to every single song (very loud) and she wasn't good. I had to leave class early, before got got a headache.

Tonight, I had 8 miles on the schedule. 8 miles was my B**ch tonight. It was such a nice run. I felt like it was run through a rain forest or something. It was pretty wet, and rainy outside. Obviously, I didn't run in it, but from the tm, I could see and hear the weather. It was so nice. It wasn't as fast as I'd hope (88 minutes), but it was accomplished. Next time, I know to push myself harder.

One thing I'm starting to have trouble with is my feet. I'm getting horrible blisters. I put stuff on my feet, but where I didn't put it is where the new blisters appear. Do you guys have any suggestions? My shoes are super comfy and seem to fit great. It's only on longer runs when I get these blisters (6 miles or longer). If I get brave enough, I'll post a picture.

When I got home, I was starving. I needed calories so badly (even though I properly fueled with an energy/protein bar). I drank lots of water, but was craving my calories. Tonight, we had breakfast for dinner. We had the works, french toast, scrambled eggs, sausage and a potato pancake.

The sausage (so good. If you can find them, buy it and eats lots of it).


This is what goes in the scrambled eggs.


Along with a piece of cheese.

I love this bread (it's what I make my sandwiches with). It didn't make the french toast too well. But, it was what I needed.

The final product. It didn't take much time to consume! I washed all this down with a yummy glass of OJ!!

This is just what my body was needing. So good!!

Please give me advice on my feet. It's desperately needed!!

Look What I Can Do

Here is a picture of the wine hubs got me for V-Day. I shared, don't worry. It was yummy. We like to see how cheap (this bottle was $8) we can buy wine for the best tasting. I could definitely use a couple more bottles of this stuff!


What a great way to end a night. I got my wine and my RW!

So, I'm thinking about making our international dinner this weekend. This month, we're going to be making Greek food. I'm so excited!

Ok, for you followers, you may be able to tell that I'm a weirdo. That's ok, I'm a proud weirdo. I wanted to share with you my new thing that grosses out my hubs. I know this is a horrible picture of me, but I don't care.

He hates the fact that it looks like me finger is going up my throat. I love it when I get to gross him out. It doesn't happen often.



Do you guys (and gals) get to gross anyone out? If so, tell me about it (or send pictures). I wanna see if I'll get grossed out.

Our Valentine's Day

We are celebrating our Valentine's Day today, since we have work and hubs won't be home until late tomorrow.

The day has been great! I had hubs plan the day. First, we hit up a movie. We went to see 127 hours. Wow! It's a great movie. If you don't like blood, you probably won't care for it too much. On the way home, we went out for lunch.

Afterwards, we watched SNL (so funny this week). After a nice rest and we got changed to play a little one on one. It was pretty funny to watch us play, even though I was playing too. We swung on swings and went for a little walk (I showed hubs where I take my little 3 mile runs in the morning). We watched a couple of love birds (actually ducks) and it was so sweet.

We just got home, and now we're preparing for our work week before we get ready for our dinner. One of the things I hate doing is stirring the PB. I always make a mess. Here he is helping out. I got lucky, he loves helping by doing this kind of stuff.

I'm getting hungry, so it's time to start making dinner, spaghetti, hubs' favorite dinner. He also bought me some wine and we'll enjoy our night catching up on the DVR.

I hope everyone enjoys their Valentine's Day. If you celebrated this weekend, what did you do?

Pre-Valentine's Day

After I ate breakfast and drank my coffee, I got changed and did some ab workouts on Comcast. I wasn't expecting much, but I did end up getting a good sweat on. It's weird, my arms feel it more than my abs.

A couple hours later, I got changed (again) and went to a BBQ for a family friend that is turning 16. It was outside, at a park. It was so nice outside today...about 68*. The food was great, too. I have to get some recipes. There was cheeseburgers, broccoli salad (with an awesome vinaigrette), potato salad and some fruit.

Here's the cake. Hubs asked me to put this picture on, even though I passed on it. I'm not much of a cake person (only if it's triple chocolate).

I dropped hubs off at home and my mom and I ran some errands. When I got home, here's what I found on the mantle. A very sweet Valentine's Day card and some candy. Does my hubs know me or what (or is he just getting sick of hearing me), I've been craving chocolate so bad this week, he bought me mini Snickers. He says this weekend is Valentine's Day weekend. I love my hubs!

While he did his stuff, I relaxed while watching Biggest Loser. This was an episode I'm glad I had chocolate. They had a chocolate temptation. Scout was keeping warm and good company.

It's almost dinner time and movie time. I'm off to spend time with the hubs!

Do you watch the Biggest Loser?

Friday Chore Day = Fun Weekend

As usual, today is my rest day. I'm going to spend the rest of my day doing chores, so I can relax and have fun this weekend. I hate thinking about the chores that need to be done while I'm trying to have fun. Now, I can fully relax (as long as I get my list completed).

Here's only a very small portion of what's on my list:

Cleaning off my desk.

Doing dishes.

Most dreaded, laundry.

And, catch up on Netflix and my DVR (no these aren't chores, but still on my list). This starts the fun weekend we have planned.

How did you spend your Friday?

Running Does a Body Good

Today was an easy day at the gym. At first, I wasn't wanting to go. But, I forced myself to go. I always feel better aft a nice run (even a short one). I've been noticing a difference in my body since I got back on track (and healed from the injury). My butt is getting smaller, thighs are getting tighter, my abs are getting the 6-pack it deserves and my arms are getting toned. I love seeing results! It makes everything worth it.

All the pain, tiredness, aches and being so grumpy when I don't get enough sleep, everything has been worth it. And, when I cross that finish line in 79 days, I will prove to myself and everyone else, that has been all worth it! I feel like I'm in better shape than before I got injured. This has been a long and tiring week, but I'm starting to see everything the way it's turning out and making it worth my while! I'm so glad that I am able to get out there and run!

I ran on the TM for an easy 2 miles and continued my PT. I hate it when I have to park next to the hamburger place and walk past it to get to the gym. It smells so good!


I don't have any pictures from today, so here's one of Izzie.

Hope everyone has a great Friday!! We're almost there!

Short & Sweet

This is going to be a short & sweet post. I still have so much to do and I usually go to bed in 45 minutes. I knocked out a 3 1/2 mile run this evening after work. I felt so good and strong. After, I hustled straight to my spin class for 50 minutes of a sweat fest. I loved every moment of it!

Tonight's dinner:

Pioneer Woman's Enchiladas. It took over an hour to prepare/bake, but it was so worth it. Next time, I'll just make it on the weekends.

I hope everyone is enjoying their hump day!