Food Induced Coma

Today was a rest day from the gym. After a very long appointment, I headed home in the freezing weather. It was so cold outside today. I know 41 is really warm for some of you, but I'm a true Cali girl. I could have frozen outside today. I know, I'm a big baby when it comes to the cold.

I didn't feel like cooking when I got home, so the hubs and I went out. I had a coupon for buy one get one free sub at Mr. Pickles. It's a local sub shop down the street. They have the best subs. They are always high school kids working there. They are very school oriented. Here's what we came home with:
My sandwich had chicken salad, avocado and swiss cheese.

Hubs sandwich was chicken and teriyaki sauce (heated).

They always give free cookies with every purchase!

I am so stuffed. I knew I shouldn't have eaten all this food, but it was so good. Subs aren't nearly as tasty the next day, so I had to...(I guess that's a good enough excess).

In other news, I'm hoping that I'm able to run at least 5k on the treadmill tomorrow morning at the gym. Let's see if I can!

What's In The Foil?

Once again, after work, I went to the gym. I'm so happy!! My knee allowed me to run an entire 2 1/2 miles!!! My knee hadn't hurt at all today (sometimes it does throughout the day). When I got on the treadmill and started going, my knee was starting to hurt. I knew that I could run more than 1/4 mile. I dealt with the pain and continued running. The pain slowly went away and I was able to run pain free the rest of the treadmill journey. If I keep progressing this way, I think I should be able to run my first 10k next month!!

I was starving once I got home, so I started dinner. Guess what's in the foil...


This is what I used to make my dinner (plus the foil mystery).

Yep, that's right, they were potatoes. I drained everything in the cans , added some salt and heated over low heat until heated through (just about 10 minutes). Usually, I would top this with a little sour cream. It's so yummy, and pretty healthy!

I'm doing laundry right now, and it seems weird to be hanging up most of my clothes, once again. I had to remember to go through it all before I through them in the dryer. I love my running clothes, I need to take good care of them.

Don't forget about my giveaway. The more you comment on that post, the more chances you have to win. You have until the 12th!

If you like potatoes, what's your favorite thing to make with them? Have you ever tried making mashed potatoes with 1/2 cauliflower? I know it sound odd, but it's healthier and you can't even taste the cauliflower (which I hate).

The Best Thing to Happen to My Ears & a Giveaway

All day, I was really looking forward to sweating for a few hours at the gym. The time finally came. I changed as quickly as humanly possible and got right on that treadmill. A little while later, I finished 2.25 miles!! I'm slowly getting back there. I can't wait. I really want to run my first 10k next month. It's on Super Bowl Sunday at the local college. There are giving out some pretty cool jersey style shirts, too. I know I can, I know I can.

After the treadmill, I did my PT and then hustled over to the spin room. These are the bikes that we ride (in case you've never done a spin class). These are awesome bikes, but I heard that there are some that measure how many calories you burn and how far you go (and are suppose to be pretty accurate).



During the spin class (a the beginning), my instructor announced that I was back, to the entire class. It was pretty cool that he remembered my name (since I'm pretty quiet in the class) and even noticed that I was gone for about 6 weeks (because of my knee). I felt special.

When it comes to running gear there are a few things that I love and there are a few things that need to be upgraded. I was always having trouble with my earbuds. I've gone through so many sets, it was driving me crazy. I couldn't find a pair that would stay in my ears while I ran. I bought the cheap ones, and I bought the expensive ones. I never wanted anything that had to go around my ears, on my head or even around my neck (as you can tell, I'm a very picky person). Then, Yurbuds contacted me and offered a free pair. I was excited to try them, but not expecting much. I've heard that hey don't fall out ever. I've heard that before.

Now, they're one of my must haves whenever I run. There are no other earbuds for me! They have never fallen out. I have tried what they show in their video ( a person rockin out to music) and never!! Here I am with them around my neck before one of my races.

The sound is still nice and crisp, I never hear any outside noise. At the gym, some guy was trying to ask me something, and I couldn't hear him (he had to tap me on the shoulder). I love these things!! Best thing I've ever put in my ears.

Now, one lucky follower, will win one pair for free (it's actually a coupon code that is valued at $29.99, it includes shipping and tax). This is such a great product!! This is a must have for every runner!! I will choose a winner on Jan. 11th. Good luck!

To Enter:

-Become a follower (if you are already, let me know)

-Like Runners Fuel on facebook

-Leave me a message on my wall on facebook (and let me know here)

-Visit the Yurbuds website and let me know what color you prefer (I got the blue ones)

-Post this giveaway on your blog

This is my own view of this product. I did not receive any payment for my review

Another 2 (Miles) Bite the Dust!

The best thing came for me in yesterdays mail (I didn't check it until this morning). I love it when Runners World magazine comes in the mail. It just brightens my day!


After wok, I went to the gym. I wasn't really looking forward to it because my knee had been hurting ever since I did my PT this morning. I had my brace on for a while and iced and the "usual" routine.

Once I got to the gym, changed and on that treadmill, I automatically started feeling better. I guess my knee wanted to do more since this morning. I was able to run an awesome 2 miles. That's the furthest I've ran in a while. I felt so good. My knee started feeling a little uncomfortable and I didn't want to push, so I started working the machines.

Here are some of my favorites that feel the best on my knee (I have no idea what they are called, so pictures are the best):

***I did not take these pictures, and I do not know these people. I am not making any money off of these pictures. ***

What's your favorite machine (when you go to the gym)?

Two Hours of Sweating Never Felt So Good!

I've had something in my head for about 1 month now. Today was the day that I was going to cut back on the sweets. I ate my whole grain cereal for breakfast (with coffee, of course) and had my banana when I got to work. Then, the owners came in and one of them brought some home made cinnamon rolls. I've asked them to make these for a while, and he finally did! There was no way I could possibly turn them down. They (I had 2) were so good! By the time I remembered to take a picture, the roll was almost gone.

After work, I went to the gym. My intention was to run as long as I could, then do the exercises the doc recommended and head to spin class. Well, everything was accomplished!! My knee let me run 1.31 miles (I know it's not much, but I'm running everyday now), I worked every machine in the gym (for the legs) as prescribed and I ended up in my spin class 15 minutes early. That only meant that I got a 60 minute class instead of 45 minutes. Except, she started the class late and went over the time. So, I ended of doing a 75 minute class. I'm so happy!!

Today has been a perfect day. I'm slowing getting back to normal and back on track. Also, I just checked and looks like registration is open for my 1/2 marathon. Save the date: April 30th, I will be running my very first 1/2!!! I'm not going to register yet. Money is a little tight (from x-mas), and I want to see if I'm able to run my first 10k next month (as planned).

It doesn't make sense, the 10k is just $5 short of my 1/2 registration. They are near each other, too. Oh well. I want to do both, so I'm going to properly take care of my body and give it what it needs. I have until the 31st to register for the 10k.

What is the race you're looking most forward to this year?

A Look Back

This morning was another laid back monring. Tomorrow starts my old routine of work, then the gym for a couple of hours. I went through my awesome running gear that I got for x-mas. So much cool stuff: reflective vest, gloves, hat, sleeves, lots of reflective stickers, arm band that hold stuff (keys, etc.), and new shoe inserts. The inserts feel pretty comfy. I'll know for sure tomorrow.

Hubs was cleaning out the cabinets (including the one that holds our alcohol) and decided to make himself a drink. Santa had brought me some Absinthe. I saw some people having a shot of it when we were in Amsterdam, but it was too expensive. I'm happy Santa brought it. Click here to see how to mix it. Being mixed together, it tastes like black licorice. Yum!!

I'm still scanning old photos. I started doing this about 1 1/2 years ago. It's taking me forever. When I get tired of doing it, I stop for months and months at a time. I have 2 1/2 more boxes and all the photo albums. I still have a very long time. Here's a glimpse into my past:

Back when I worked for local zoo (I was cleaning out the badgers cage, you can see him to the left).

Here I am playing with a tropical bird.

Me and my brothers (yes, they are much older than I am).

Me and my uncle (if you look close, you can see that I'm missing my front 2 teeth). They use to call me the Little Mermaid, because I would swim all day and my parents would have to force me out of the pool.

Tomorrow, I go back to the gym. I'm stretching and popping pills accordingly (and my PT, too). I can't wait. My goal is to run as far as I can, work out my quads, and head straight for my spin class. I hope my knee lets me do everything I want. I'll let you guys know tomorrow!

New Years Day

This is us before midnight last night. Shortly after, we crashed out. We're old now, we can't stay up too late.

Today, one of my goals is to scan a bunch of old photos that I don't have digitally. So, this is what I've been doing today.

Here are me and some friends at the local state fair back in 2000 or something.

Hubs and I snowboarding back in 2001.

Our first 4 of July together (2002).

There are a lot of memories looking back and scanning these pictures. It's nice to go back to memory lane. It's funny, in some pictures, we've changed so much, but in others, I can't see a difference. I guess that can be good.

What are plans to finish off this long weekend?