Catch Up

Here are all my photos from yesterday, that Blogger wouldn't let me post. I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one is having problems lately.

Every week, I make a smoothie and drink about 8 oz. after my workout. This weeks smoothie was really good. In the mix was PB, frozen banana, frozen peaches, chocolate protein powder, V8 juice and honey greek yogurt. Great combination! It really helps cool me off aft a tough am workout.

I've really been concentrating on not missing any workouts because the race is so close. I've been feeling a little buff lately and I think I really am gaining a little muscle. I'm so proud of myself!

Yesterday, I made an artichoke. Jason and I split it, but really, we each wanted our own. So good!!

We ran out of homemade granola, so I needed to make some of these bad boys. They are great in yogurt!

Black bean burgers were out of this world! They were even better the second day. I hope they're even better on the 3rd (today).

They were so good, that Jason even liked them. They can never replace meat (I do love my meat), but they are very good! I was happy to stuff my face with them. Yes, I do use a pillow as a table. Doesn't everyone?

My next half is coming up in a bout 2 weeks. The race starts at 7pm (yep, a night time race). Does anyone have any suggestions of how to fuel for a night time race? I'm expecting it to be hot, so I know to drink my water but what about food? Should I eat what I normally eat for an am race? I'm afraid that I'll either eat too much or not enough. I like being Goldy Locks and have the right amount of food in my body.

What??!!

So, Blogger isn't letting me upload pictures. I understand if you never want to come back. I prefer blogs with pictures (I guess I'm simple minded). I'll upload them tomorrow.

Anyways, I made Black bean Burgers for dinner last night and I loved them!! I didn't think I was going to like them that much, but I could have eaten then entire batch. Here's the recipe:

1 can black beans (reserve some liquid), 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1T taco seasoning, 1 egg, 1/2 C bread crumbs, 1/2 C corn, 2 T oil (for cooking).

Combine everything except corn and beans. Mix well. Add beans and corn. Mash until still chunky. If it's too dry, add some of reserved liquid. Let mixture set in fridge for few minutes. Shape into patties and let set in fridge for 15 minutes. Heat large pan over med. high heat and cook patties for about 5 minutes on each side. The burgers will be brown on the outsides.

I added cheese and a little ketchup on the buns. These were prefect!! I can't wait for leftovers tonight!

This morning, I headed to the gym for the last time during this week. I'm taking a couple days off because I have 13 miles on the schedule for Saturday am and I want some fresh legs. Because of the days off, I ran sprints for 4 miles (instead of the normal 3.5). It felt good, but I'm tired. I can't wait to "sleep in" tomorrow.

After the sprints, I headed to the weight section and lifted with my arms and legs and also completed a 20 minute cor workout. All in all, today was a prefect workout. I got nice and sweaty and am tired afterwards. I know I didn't leave any energy to be taken left behind.

Is anyone else having trouble with Blogger today?

Sweatastic Morning

I was still pretty sore from the am workout that I didn't go back to the gym for my RIPPED class that I love so much. I was also so extremely tired from going to bed waaay past my bed time on Sunday night and still getting up at 4 on Monday morning. I know my body needs sleep in order to function (plus I can get pretty mean when I don't get enough rest), so I took last night off.

When I got home, I was starving. So I made myself a nice, cool salad. I had bought a bag of pre-chopped salad fixings. So, I through that in a bowl and added some croutons and non fat ranch dressing and called it a salad.


I was still a little hungry after the salad, so I fixed a piece of toast with a little butter and some cinnamon. That hit the spot!

Look how happy I am when my belly is full, I'm not lined with a thin layer of sweat and I'm resting!

In my house, I always have to have some sort of dessert. I remember when you guys laughed when I had carrots one night for my dessert. This time, you guys will be proud! Jason & I shared the last bit of ice cream.

Since there really wasn't enough for 2, we needed to make it bigger. So, I added a cherry, chocolate chips, almonds, a little banana and PB. It was a great way to finish off the ice cream!

I was back at the gym before the crack of dawn (seriously, you can't see light in the sky until at least 5:15). I decided to push myself a little harder today, because I didn't go to last night's class. I ran a hard, but great 6 miles. It felt really good to push myself that hard.

After the tm, I headed over to my boyfriend, the stairs. They have been great to me. I can't believe how much sweat cam off of me. This morning was such a great sweatastic workout. I can't wait to go back tomorrow!!

Do you have any off things you eat for dessert, that many people wouldn't consider dessert?

Another One Down

Our special day was so nice, thanks to the greatest husband. He planned everything. It was really relaxing. He fixed one of my favorites for lunch (grilled cheese with garlic salt on the outside and Laughing Cow on the inside) and honeydew.

A few hours later, I started getting ready. It takes a while, since I'm not use to wearing so much makeup and being in very skinny heels walking around in a dress where I have a pay attention to how I sit and get in and out of vehicles. It takes a lot to be a lady.

Jason surprised me by taking me Tres Agaves. It's a local tequila bar that I've been wanting to go to. We even got to sit outside (which is one of my most favorite things to do while eating). Dinner started with margaritas, salsa and chips.

After taking a while to decide (because all the food looked so good), I decided on the chicken tacos. Those carrots look so yummy and delicious. Don't let them fool you! They must have been marinated in jalapeno seeds or something, because they were so spicy, I could barely handle eating one piece.

Jason decided to go with the carne asada. I had a bite and it was so good and juicy!

After finishing our pitcher of margaritas, we finished the night by walking next door to Big Spoon to grab our favorite frozen yogurt. We both had Pb and chocolate froyo and a huge mixture of random toppings.

We also watched the fountians dance and did a ton pf people watching (one of our favorite past times). We noticed that there were a ton of tourists. In this neighborhood, we didn't think that tourists came. I guess they for the shopping.

It was a perfect night and we had a great time spending it with each other!

It was difficult, but I managed to get my lazy butt out of bed at 4 this morning (after going to bed at 11:30 last night). I made it to the gym (not as peppy as normal) and ran my "fast" 5k in 29.38. That's an ok time.

I hit up the weights afterwards and raised all the weights (legs and arms). Then, I finished my morning workout with a core/mat workout. It was a great way to start my week.

How did you start your week?

Surprise!

Yesterday, after my run, I stayed in my running clothes and compression socks all day and relaxed & refueled. My 2nd breakfast was a banana and chocolate milk.

One of my snacks was a cut up apple and PB. I think it's odd that I've never had this combo until just last week. I've heard so much talk about how good apples & PB is, I decided to give it a try, and now I'm hooked. Yes, I'm still in my workout clothes. The compression socks feel so good, I never want to take them off.

Since Jason wasn't home for dinner, I was on my own. Usually, when I'm on my own, I'll make something that is easy and won't take a lot of work. I made grilled cheese (with a little garlic salt on the outside) with some american and swiss cheese inside. Super yum! Some freshly bought grapes are always on my plate and I even tried to make my own tortilla chips, but that didn't workout so well.

I cut up 2 whole wheat tortillas and tossed them with the oil and seasoning and baked for 15 minutes (the recipe called for 30). I checked on them at about 8 minutes and turned the sheet, by the time I checked on them when the timer went off, they were all burnt, except for 2. The 2 that I was able to eat were pretty good! I may try this again.

So, today is our official anniversary. I had Jason plan everything (usually, I do). I know we're going out to dinner about 7 (only 2 hours before I usually fall asleep, so I slept in a little more than I normally do on Sundays...7). He mentioned that we are eating outside and I need to wear a dress and get cute. He's always complaining that I'm always in workout gear and sweaty and smelly and he wants a wife tonight. And that is all I know.


How do you celebrate special occasions?

Happy Legs

Thank you guys for all your comments on yesterdays post. It really means a lot and I'm so happy to share a summer wedding with many of you! This is what Jason had delivered to my office yesterday morning. It was so cute, because I had 2 female clients I was talking to when they were delivered and they said "awwwww!!" and had huge smiles on. How sweet. Now, I just have to try to keep my cats from eating the flowers.

Shortly after I got home from work, my mom, brother and nephew came over for dinner (my brother & nephew live in WA). It was so nice to visit with them. I haven't seen them in a few months. My nephew is always on the move, so it's difficult to get a good picture.

This morning, I had a total of 11 miles on my schedule. My plan was to run 8 on the streets and a 5k on the tm (it helps me keep my pace accurate). I made a couple wrong turn on the streets and got a little turned around and some how shortened my run. I usually make the run longer whenever this happens. It wasn't cut that much shorter. I ended up running 7.85 on the street.

I am participating in Adam's Sweat your thorns off 5k today. So, the last 3.1 miles was done on the tm. I wanted to make sure I got an accurate time. My finishing 5k time was 29.14. It's not my best time, but definitely up there.

My legs felt strong and super happy to be outside (I'm only able to run outside on the weekends). They really wanted to keep going, but I have things I need to do and don't want to push myself too hard before next weekends 13 miles.

Look how good I feel. I'm smiling so big, you can barely see my eyes. So happy to be feeling good after this weeks long run and I can't wait until next weekends new route, (It was a new route this week (that's why I got turned around)) and it's near the river. Yay, for hopefully a cool breeze.

How did you start your Saturday?

Time to Celebrate

Today is a rest day and that is exactly what I am going to be doing. Resting. I look forward to this day all week. My body needs and wants it. It was nice to sleep in this morning. I'll probably be more tired because I slept in 2 hours today. But, it was so worth it!

This weekend is our 6th wedding anniversary. It's time to celebrate. Jason is going to plan everything and surprise me on Sunday (our actual anniversary). Can't wait to see what he's planned for us!

If you're married, did you have a summer, winter, spring or fall wedding?

Barely There

I am realizing that I need another hobby. Now that I workout at (before the) crack of dawn (no joke), I need something to do at night. Jason has his hobbies and I like watching tv and reading. Nothing is on tv right now and if I read when I get home, my new bed time will be 6pm. Not a good thing. I'm too tired to go back and workout at night and I do enjoy the extra time I get with Jason, but I need something on my own.

This morning, my legs weren't awake. It seems like they're asleep every Thursday. I need to wake them up. My rest days are on Fridays and Sundays, and I don't really want to change those, but my legs really to to accommodate my training schedule. They don't want to move as fast as I want them to.

I barely made my legs accommodate my 4 mile run this morning (I wanted to do 6). Then, I think when I squat down at work yesterday, I pulled my injured booty muscle, I didn't want to aggravate it, so I decided against the stairs this morning. Instead, I lifted weights with my sleepy legs. I think that may have woken them up a little, but not enough to go back and run 2 more miles.

What are your hobbies (outside of working out)? What do you do when your legs won't cooperate with your training schedule?

Up & At Em

I just have to say, I love these shorts. They were inexpensive and are super comfy. I've never had a "real" pair of running shorts before and they are prefect! I also love Target, great things at a low price!

Since the last batch of cookies didn't make very many and Jason loved them, I decided to be the best wife he could have and make him some more when I got home from work. They are so good, and I made more than last time. This is such a super easy recipe, anyone can make it!

Up and at 'em at 4 am today. I don't know why, but I look forward to my sprint days. I love them in some horrible, demented way. I know they will make me a better runner and a faster runner and maybe that's why I love them so much???

My sprints covered 3 1/2 miles. They were very torturous and painful and worked up the biggest sweat session this morning, but so worth it in the end! I feel great this morning and can't wait to do them again next week!

I ended my 1 1/2 workout with arms, legs and core. Another great day. And, having a gym partner makes everything so much more fun and makes the time just fly by!

Do you prefer working out with a partner or solo?

Bye Bye 500

I think I've mentioned it before, but one of my many goals for this year (which is already almost half way over) is to run at least 1000 miles this year. Here it is June 21st and I've ran 506.66 miles for this year. I'm over half way through my goal and I still have a little over a week.

Bye bye 500 miles, here I come 1000 miles.

This is a huge deal for me. I wasn't always a runner. I think this is my first full year of running and training. It's been a great year and I can't wait to see how many miles I run this year!!

I barely woke up this morning. I was so tired. I think it was from my ripped class last night. (I just realized I've ran 13 miles in the last 24 hours, and it's not even my long run days.) That class is so much fun. We even had a sub and she was good. She seemed injured or something. She didn't have as much energy as our normal instructor, but still good. I did work up a sweat (always necessary for my workouts).

When I got to the gym this morning and started running my 6 miles, I realized that it felt like I pulled a muscle in my booty. I was suppose to hop on the stairs after the 6, but decided to rest my booty and headed home. I don't like the pulled booty muscle feeling!

What's the worst muscle you've pulled?

Run, Legs, Abs, Arms, Repeat

I was able to get so much stuff done yesterday (my rest day). I uploaded all of my photos to Shutterfly. I've been wanting to do that for over a year and I finally got it done!

I also made some goodies. The first thing I made was Raspberry shortbread Dreams and they were pretty good. I think I added too much home made jelly. Jason calls these my volcano cookies (because they oozed everywhere).


I also balled up some watermelon. I love watermelon during the summer. It reminds me of happy childhood memories.

And lastly, I made some roasted zucchini. It was so easy. I guess you could say that the hardest thing was chopping up the zucchini. I added some garlic salt, pepper, thyme and then when it came out, I added some parm cheese. Great little snack!

This morning, I didn't want to get up. I wanted to sleep forever! I forced myself out of bed at 4 and headed to the gym. By the time I got there, I was awake. I ran my 5k in 29:41. Good, but not my best. Still proud! I also lifted weights with my legs, then did a 20 minute core workout on the mat and finished the first half of my workout with 20 minutes lifting with my arms. I go back to the gym tonight for my ripped class. Can't wait!

What's your 5k PR?

How was my Saturday?

After I blogged yesterday, I sat down to eat a good breakfast. My arm itched, so I scratched. It felt weird, so I had Jason take a look. He made the most gross face I've ever seen him make. It was hilarious! Here's what he saw (it's dried sweat).

Once I saw that, I hoped in the shower right away (it's actually not the first time and definitely not the last). I got out and began my relaxing day...in my compression socks.

Lunch rolled around and I was super hungry. I made a huge salad. It really hit the spot!

When Jason was free a few hours later, we decided to have a movie day. I even fixed up some popcorn. When we were making the popcorn, it scared one of the kittens. I guess that's a good sign that we haven't had the popcorn in the house since we've had them (almost a year).

There was lots of lounging around yesterday and it was great.

Last night, it was time to make my international dish. This month was Moroccan food. This dish was almost completely boiled. It was a good thing, because it was a one dish meal and I love those!

The Turkey Meatball Soup was pretty good. It just wasn't a summer recipe (hot). So, we enjoyed it with a cool bottle of wine outside on our deck.

I attempted to make caramelized plantains, but totally messed it up and they tasted like yams (I hate yams).

So, Jason showed me what to do with bananas and they came out prefect! This is how I learn what I like and what I don't. I know I don't like plantains. YUCK!!

All in all, it was a pretty good night! I am trying to get my body completely use to this 4am schedule. On my weekends, when it doesn't matter what time I go workout, I still try to get up early and at least get things done around the house. This morning, I got up at 6:45. I hope that isn't too late and doesn't mess with my schedule. Last weekend, I slept until 8 and it totally messed with me and I was tired all week. I don't want that to happen.

What time do you sleep until on your rest days?

Fathers Day & a Bad Run

After I got off of work, I had my parents over and we celebrated fathers day a few days early. Sunday is my parents 45th wedding anniversary. So, I fixed them dinner last night. It was a pretty laid back dinner, since I just got off of work. We had chicken salad sandwiches with home made fries (baked not fried).

For dessert, I made my dad some lemon bars. He love lemon meringue pie. I hate the meringue part. Last time I told him I made lemon bars, it seemed like he was not happy that we finished them all before we saw him. So I made him the bars and even sent him home with some. They look ugly, because I have the hardest time trying to get them out of the pan. Jason has to help me. They tasted great, though!

Right after they left, I feel asleep. I sleep in until 5 am this morning and headed out for my run. I had 9 miles on the schedule this morning. I was still pretty tired when I got up, but really wanted to run anyways.

The start of my run didn't go well. I forgot to do something before I left the house. I pretended I was camping, which made everything better. I found great coverage! The entire run, my legs just felt heavy and still sleep, back at the house. I was able to complete the 9 miles (especially since it was an out and back course and had no other choice).

This trail is one of the original place where I started feeling my knee pain last year. So, every time I come here, I always think that I will get injured. Definitely not the case. I feel great, although my legs are still asleep.

I'm forcing a smile for you guys! In the background is the pool. I had some laps on the schedule, as well today. So far, it's too cold. Maybe later, it may happen, but I wouldn't count on it. I like to get all my workout done at one time. No going back (unless it's a Monday or Wednesday,haha). I'll see how I feel when it gets warmer and if the pool in empty. It's suppose to be 87 today.

Do you do laps in the pool? If so, how far do you go? Are you training for a tri or something?

Sleeping In Never Felt So Good

Yesterday was a pretty long day. Work is getting busy and my workouts are getting tougher. I had a lot of stuff to do after work. One of the things I needed to do was grocery shop. I like to get it out of the way before the weekend comes and all the crazy people are at the store.

I love the things I bought. I bought some fruit: watermelon, bananas, plantains, and apples. Yum!!

Don't worry, I also bought some "bad" things. I will only buy cookies that I won't make. I will never make stuffed cookies (I don't think they will taste the same). So, I bought some. I haven't had these since I was a kid.

Then, I also bought Jason his favorite ice cream, mint chocolate chip. Don't you just love the bowl that I ate it out of? Can you tell which one is mine? It was just the perfect amount of ice cream.

Food consumption is all a mind game for me. If I tell myself that I am full (when I've had way too many calories), I can be full. It took a while for me to be able to do this. I am eating the prefect amount of calories (most of the time, the are the nutrient I need). Every calorie I put in my body, should be useful. But, sometimes, it doesn't work out like that. I am only human.

It's officially, Fridays are back to being my rest days. I never would have thought that sleeping until 6 am is sleeping in. It felt so good to "sleep in". I'm still a little tired, but I only woke up 15 minutes ago.

What do you call sleeping in? What's your favorite "bad" food?

Feeling the Guilt

Last night, when work was coming to an end, I was trying to make a difficult decision. I needed to decided if my body/mind could handle another 1 1/2 hours at the gym (run & spin). Right before I left, I decided I wold go home, skip the gym. I needed to remind my self that I had already worked out that morning (for 1 1/2 hours). I wasn't skipping anything, I just wasn't making it to my additional class. It took some time, but I was ok with that.

Here's what happens when you get home at a "normal" time for once. I ate some yummy, cool grapes while I relaxed and watched tv.

I walked by the window, and saw these little guys. These are what I call teenager turkeys. They're not babies, but they're not adults. So cute!

Once Jason got home, I fixed dinner. I made this awesome chicken recipe that was so good (I served it over brown rice). Full of flavor, healthy(ish) and cheap. Everything that works for me!

I started to fall asleep on the couch around 9, and went to bed about 9:30 (earlier that I have been, which is good).

It was pretty difficult get my butt out of bed and to the gym. I think I was still asleep until the stairs (20 minutes) were complete. My legs felt so heavy and dead. They didn't want to move and cooperate with me. Nothing was working. I finally caved and completed 3 1/2 miles out of my 6 (that was scheduled). I'm getting a little better, I still feel guilty for not finishing what I had planned this morning and not going last night, but I'm getting over it. Nothing I can do, but move on and finish my training.

I'm kicking butt at thins 4am wake up call. It would be so easy for me to turn off the alarm, and just workout that night, but I'm sticking to my guns with this. I love all the support I'm getting from you guys, it really does mean a lot to me! I feel like a rock star!



What's the earliest you've waken up for a workout (not race)? 4 am for me.