Weekly Weigh-In

Welcome to weigh-in Wednesday!

The scale did not go in the right direction this week.

Wah wah wahhhhh.

Starting: 183.1

Last Week: 176

This Week: 178.6

Total Lost: -4.5

Seeing that higher number sucks, but overall, I'm ok with it.

I've been working hard, and I know that scale number might not always reflect that.  I can't let that single number get me down.

With each run, I am improving my pace and I can feel my legs getting stronger.  My nutrition has not been perfect, but it is so much better than it was just a month ago.  Clothes are fitting better.  I've been more active in the month of October than I was in the past two months combined.

It is crucial to remember that non-scale victories are just as important, if not more important, as the number on the scale in this journey!!

Oh, and pickle ball last night, was amazing!  It is such a fun game.  I can't wait to go back next week!

Sometimes, you just need a donut.

Per the title, I just needed a donut this morning.

It was delicious.

I was craving some sort of sweet pastry, and I knew if I did not just give in, I was going to binge like crazy today.  I would rather forsake 290 calories and 16g of fat for a single treat, than binge all day and waste hundreds and hundreds of calories and go WAY over my fat allowance for the day.

As we all know, it is about moderation.  It is ok to treat yourself once in awhile.  One donut, once during the week, is not going to ruin your life.  Just do not let it become a daily habit :)

Preachy part aside... I have been LOVING my runs!

I am loosely following a half marathon training plan, and it has been going fairly well.  By loosely, I mean, I do not get all of the runs in.  For example, I only ran twice last week.  I currently do not have any races planned so I am basically just running when I feel like it.

Last week, I ran 3 miles on Tuesday, and then did a 5 mile long run on Sunday.  I was extremely nervous for the 5 miles because I have not run more than 3 miles since the beginning of August. 

 While I have been feeling strong on my 3 mile loops, I have also really pushed myself so by the end of mile 3, I am exhausted and very ready to stop.  The fact that I would need to run my regular 3 plus another 2 miles had me worried I would not be able to do it.  

But, I set my Garmin to a 10:15 pace to make sure I slowed it down, and it went just fine!

5.02 miles - 10:12 average pace

The first mile was tough, and I felt really slow and tired.  Many thoughts of doubt crept through my mind, but I just pushed them aside kept on going.  I did not really hit a comfortable rhythm until mile 3, but when I did, the last miles felt great and flew by.

Last night, I was back to 3 miles.  I set my pace to 9:45, and headed out.  I thought my legs would be tired from the 5 miler the day before, but I felt wonderful!  I felt like I was flying, and I kind of was...

3.02 miles - 9:32 average pace

I ended up being quite a bit quicker than originally planned!

I like the virtual pace feature on the Garmin Forerunner 10, but I wish it would beep more often if you are ahead or behind pace.  I do not like that it only beeps once to let you know when you are ahead or behind, I wish it would keep beeping until you got back on pace.

For the rest of the week, I have 3 more runs planned, and I am starting Pickleball tonight, haha!  Three of my co-workers and I joined a non-league Pickleball club that meets every Tuesday for two hours for the next 8 weeks.  I have not played Pickleball since high school and I am not very good at tennis...it is definitely going to be interesting.

As for my runs, I have 4 miles on Wednesday, 3 miles on Thursday, and a 6 mile long run on Saturday.

Bloglovin' Update

Just updating my new blog name, Wooden Spoon Running, on Bloglovin'.

Posts on Running My Way to a Full will no longer update on Bloglovin'.  Click the link below to follow Wooden Spoon Running.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Weigh-In

Welcome to another weigh-in Wednesday!

I lost another pound this week, yahoo!

Starting: 183.1

Last Recorded Weight (8/5): 182.5

This Week: 176

Total Lost: -7.1

180 - Running Shoes

175 - Hydration Vest

170 - Subscription to a running magazine

165 - New sports bras

160 - New workout clothes

155 - Pedicure

152 - Wardrobe shopping spree

Only one more pound, and I will be able to get my hydration vest.  I have a hydration belt that has four bottles, but each bottle is only 6oz, and I go through them way too quickly for it to be of any real use.

On another note, I am happy to report that I've been able to get sub 10:00 paces on my three 3-mile runs!

10/15/15

Average pace: 9:46

10/17/15

 Average pace: 9:43

10/20/15

Average pace: 9:39

For my last two runs, I started using the virtual pacer on my Garmin.  This has really helped keep a fairly consistent pace.  I always try to push the last mile though...  On 10/17 I had the pace set at 9:55 and last night, I set it at 9:50.  Based on my splits last night, I am going to set it at 9:45 for my run today.

101 in 1001

                 

 Because I like lists, and making goals, I've decided to create a 101 goals in 1001 days list.

I have 1001 days to complete the following list of 101 goals I made for myself.

Start date: October 19th, 2015

End date: July 16th, 2018

Financial

1-5: $0/$100

1. Put $20 into saving for each task I complete ($0/$2,020)
2. Pay off two student loans (I have 5...ugh) (0/2)
3. Have at least $5,000 in our savings account 
4. Increase my IRA contribution
5. Update my last name on my IRA account

Fitness/Health

6-20: $0/$300

1. Run a marathon 
2. Run a sub 2:00 half marathon
3. Between running and walking, accumulate 3,000 miles (0/3,000)
4. Run a race in another state
5. Reach my goal weight of 152
6. Rind out my blood type
7. No candy for 30 days (0/30)
8. Buy a treadmill
9. Subscribe to a running magazine
10. Run the Chicago Marathon
11. Become a Tough Mudder
12. Complete a sprint triathlon
13. Run in the Belleville Fun Run
14. Bike to Madison on the bike trail
15. Run in at least 6 races (0/6)

Personal Growth/Learning

21-36: $0/$320

1. "Adult" my wardrobe
2. Recreate 10 outfits that I have pinned on Pinterest (0/10)
3. Finish my 2nd bachelor's degree, in Spanish
4. Read 150 books (0/150)
5. Learn how to sew
6. Learn how to knit
7. Learn to drive a manual vehicle 
8. Read 10 memoirs or biographies (0/10)
9. Read 20 books from 1001 Books to Read Before You Die (0/20)
10. Start playing a musical instrument
11. Join the book club at my local library
12. Start learning a new language (NOT Spanish, German, or Italian)
13. Read 10 non-fiction books (0/10)
14. Learn basic American Sign Language
15. Finish Reading the Harry Potters series in Spanish (1/7)
1. Harry Potter y la piedra filosofal
16. Have a month-long streak on Duolingo

Travel

37-44: $0/$160

1. Travel abroad
2. Travel to at least 2 states I've never been to (0/2)
3. Get our passports
4. Take a weekend vacation to a dog-friendly hotel/bed & breakfast
5. Go to the Milwaukee Art Museum
6. Ride the Merrimac Ferry
7. Visit the Apostles Islands Ice Caves
8. Go to the Wisconsin State Fair

Giving

45-50: $0/$120

1. Start a pay-it-forward at a drive-thru
2. Do a boudoir photo shoot as an anniversary gift for Nick
3. Donate blood
4. Buy Christmas gifts for a family in need
5. Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity at least two times (0/2)
6. Bake some yummy treats and send them to 5 friends/family members (0/5)

Home

51-65: $0/$300

1. Build new bookshelves so I can organize my book collection
2. Decorate about the cupboards in the kitchen
3. Organize and clean basement storage shelves
4. Organize and finalize camping totes
5. Organize and clean out guest bedroom closets
6. Improve our landscaping: e.g. redo river rock borders, add more flowers
7. Set up/decorate a more welcoming foyer
8. Establish a cleaning schedule and stick to it
9. Re-purpose bedroom furniture
10. Put up a tile backs plash in the kitchen 
11. Put in new floors on our main level
12. Do lawn maintenance i.e. eliminate weeds and crab grass
13. Plant a blueberry bush
14. Complete 5 DIY projects from my DIY Pinterest board (0/5)
15. Buy new bed skirts

Cooking

66-72: $0/$140

1. Bake a pie, from scratch
2. Put together a favorite recipes binder
3. Make homemade pasta
4. Learn to make sushi
5. Buy a bratzeli maker and make bratzelis for Christmas
6. Make 3 authentic Italian recipes from Frank's cookbook (0/3)
7. Take a couple's cooking class

Relationships

73-83: $0/$220

1. Have a "picnic" dinner with Nick in front of the fireplace 
2. Host a family Christmas
3. Spend the day with my nephew
4. Babysit our twin nieces and nephew overnight 
5. Randomly send flowers to 3 friends (0/3)
6. Watch a sunrise and drink coffee with Nick
7. Watch a sunset and drink wine with Nick
8. Have a baby
9. Send Christmas cards
10. Take my mom out to lunch
11. Leave 10 love notes for Nick on the bathroom mirror (0/10)

Fun

84-101: $0/360

1. Organize a girl's weekend
2. Meet a fellow blogger in person
3. Get another tattoo
4. Go skiing
5. Attend a play
6. Attend a musical
7. Complete the Badger Football puzzle to hang in our bar
8. Go to Koz's Mini Bowl
9. Write a letter to a favorite author
10. Eat at 10 new restaurants (0/10)
11. Watch the Star Wars series
12. Watch 20 movies I haven't seen from IMDB top 250 move list (0/20)
13. Buy perfume
14. Go snow shoeing
15. Drive through the Olin Christmas lights
16. Walk through Pope Farm's sunflowers
17. Buy a new pea coat
18. Attend a Paint Night with friends 

A-Z About Me!

I really enjoy these silly little questionnaires to help connect with readers and fellow bloggers.  I am borrowing this one from Jen over at Jen Choose Joy.  Jen is the sweet ever and has a fun running blog, go check here out!  While you're at it, fill out the A - Z survey too!

A- Age: 28

B- Biggest Fear: Losing a loved one.

C- Current Time: 8:22 am CST

D- Drink You Last Had: Coffee with Natural Bliss Cinnamon creamer

E- Easiest Person To Talk To: Anna, my best friend since 7th grade. We talk about EVERYTHING.  Sex, work, babies, poop, life goals, love, what we're reading, hair, clothes, food.  EVERYTHING.  And somehow, it's never awkward.  That's what best friends are for!

F- Favorite Song: "Can't Help Falling in Love" Elvis 

G- Grossest Memory: Working at a deli/butcher shop in high school...I was the office girl, but I often had to go "behind the scenes".  The things I saw and heard, I'm surprised I'm not a vegetarian...

H- Hometown: New Glarus, Wisconsin

I- In Love With: Nick, obviously.  And, our furbabies.

J- Jealous Of: People that are naturally good at stuff.  Natural athletes.  Those that can easily do math in their heads.  Etc.  I know I'm good at certain stuff too, but I feel like I always have to work at it.

K: Kindest Person You Know: My dental hygienist.  Kind of a strange answer, but Katie is seriously the kindest/nicest person I have ever met!  I actually look forward to going to the dentist just so I can catch up with her! 

L- Longest Relationship: 4 years

M- Middle Name: Anne

N- Number of Siblings: 6: 2 biological brothers, 3 step brothers, and a step sister.

O- One Wish: For each person to open their minds and hearts and be more accepting of those that are different from themselves. 

P- Person You Spoke To on the Phone Last: Anna

Q- Question You’re Always Asked: Lately, "So, how's married life?"  My answer, "Exactly the same as unmarried life."  Am I missing something?  Was something supposed to change once we tied the knot?

R- Reason to Smile: Life is good :) :) :)

S- Song You Last Sang: “Can't Help Falling in Love"... When I listed it above, I of course had to listen to it, and sing along.

T- Time You Woke Up: 5:45 am CST

U- Unique Talent: I learned how to fold two different types (square of rectangular) of boxes out of paper in the 4th grade, and I still remember how to make them both.  When I'm bored, and have paper, or gum wrappers, I like going into a trance and making a bunch of little paper boxes.  It's kind of like a form of meditation.  If we're getting a drink at a bar, I like to make a little paper box to put the bartenders tip in :)  I can make all different sizes, depending the size of the piece of paper I have, and I don't require any other tools (i.e. scissors or tape/glue) than the piece of paper.

Because you obviously need proof.

V- Vacation Destination: In the Spring, Nick and I are going to Europe!  We haven't made any official plans yet, but we need to get started.  I studied abroad in college, and have already been to Italy (my exchange school was in Rome), Germany, France, Spain, Netherlands, and Belgium. Nick really wants to go to Italy and Germany, but I'm a bit reluctant since I've already been...but it would be fun to play tour guide it Italy for him!  I want to go to the UK and the Scandinavian (Hello, ancestors!) countries. 

Eating Belgian waffles in Brussels, Belgium

Louvre entrance in Paris, France. 

View of the River Neckar from the castle in Heidelberg, Germany.

Colosseum  Rome, Italy

Trying on Dutch wooden shoes in Amsterdam, Netherlands 

Standing in the Balearic Sea in Barcelona, Spain 

W- Worst Habit: Twirling my hair.  I don't think it's a bad habit, but for some reason, it drives other people crazy and they always say they're going to chop off all of my hair...jerks.  I've done it my whole life, and will not be stopping any time soon.  I didn't have a blankie or stuffed animal that I carried with me everywhere like most children, instead, my hair was my security blanket and twirled
and played with it a lot. 

X- X-Rays You’ve Had: Broken arm in middle school, cracked tail bone in high school (most awkward x-ray ever!), and regular dental x-rays. 

Y- Your Favorite Food: Cheesecake.  Or, just plain cheese.  

Z- Zodiac Sign: Cancer.

Weigh-In

Hey, everyone!

I'm a day late for weigh-in, but it went well!  The 180's are finally gone for good.

Starting: 183.1

Last Recorded Weight (8/5): 182.5

This Week: 177

Total Lost: -6.1

I've been slacking at blogging lately, but I just haven't had much to say.

The few things I have to say today are:

Running is still a work in progress.  I'm working on getting back down to 10:00 miles on my 3 mile runs...so close!  Here are my splits form my latest (Tuesday) run.

Hopefully on my run tonight, I'll get there.

Nick and I are awful people, and we still haven't finished out wedding thank-yous...we suck.

Ugh...about half way done though!

Our sweet little twin nieces were born on October 4th!  They are so tiny and cute.  To say I have baby fever, is an understatement :)

I got a FitBit a few months ago, and I made a goal to hit my step goal (12,000) every day in October.  Unfortunately, I've already missed two days.  One day, I was recovering from a bout of stomach flu, so awful, and I just didn't have the energy to move.  I didn't even break 1,200 steps that day.  The other day, I was just plan lazy and couldn't find the motivation.  Despite those two days, I've been averaging 13,000 steps a day for the month so far so I'm calling it a win.

Changes

I have decided to change things up around this little old blog.

When I first started blogging, back in 2012, I had some big running goals that I thought I would accomplish within the next year.  

Fast forward 3 years, and I still have not run a marathon, I still have not gotten a sub 2:00 half time, and I still have never run a 5k. 

I did sign up for a marathon, but never actually trained and therefore never ran it.  

Four half marathons have come and gone, but the time is still over 2:00.

How am I supposed to get a sub 30:00 5k time, if I never actually run a 5k?

So having the blog title of Running My Way to a Full just doesn't feel right any more.  I still have intentions of running a full marathon, I just have no idea when that will happen.

This year, I kept having feelings of guilt when I would blog.  I felt like I wasn't living up to my blog name.  I started blogging because I like writing, and I liked the connections I made from reading other people's blogs.  With the guilt, I didn't feel like I could keep those connections because I felt like a fake. 

I'm hoping a blog face lift and some goal evaluations will bring back the joy of blogging.

With that, welcome to the new Wooden Spoon Running!  It's still a work in progress, aka I really have no idea how to use Blogger effectively, so I'll be making more changes/updates over the next few weeks.

Why Wooden Spoon?  My maiden name means wooden spoon in German, and it's been a nickname since elementary school :)

What has this Wooden Spoon been up to lately?

Still running, just low mileage.  I need to build a better mileage base before I jump into anymore "training" plans. 

I've been getting up at 5am to get my runs in!  This way, I have no excuses (I need to make dinner, it's too hot this afternoon, I'm tired, I have to mow the law, etc) for skipping them later in the day.

Trying to calm my David's Tea addiction so I don't go broke.  So. Many. Flavors! I want them all!!

A little hard to see, but I currently have 23 flavors of tea on my wish list...23!

I am still working on these weight goals and rewards.

180 - Running Shoes

175 - Hydration Vest

170 - Subscription to a running magazine

165 - Pedicure

160 - New sports bras

155 - New workout clothes

152 - Wardrobe shopping spree

 I'm FINALLY out of the 80's, and wearing my new running shoes!! Booyah!

Nick and I built a pergola and fence in our back yard.  Well, Nick and my stepdad did most of it, I just cut a few boards... They did such a great job, I love it!

I work at a college, and one of our employee benefits is free classes.  I'm taking advantage this semester, and I'm taking a nutrition course.

Having conversations with Nick about starting our family and making babies :)  Not happening for about another year, but it never hurts to plan early!

Just loving life in general!

I look forward to reconnecting, and getting back into the groove of blogging regularly.

Weigh-In

Happy Weigh-In Wednesday!

Starting: 183.1

Last Week: 182.5

This Week: 180.7

Total Lost: -2.4

I had this same exact weigh-in on June 24th.  It's frustrating that I haven't made much progress on the scale in the past month, but I have been making progress in other areas.

I feel better overall.  My clothes fit more comfortably.  Running is becoming easier.  I don't get winded going up and down stairs.  I'm not as tired.

Living a healthy lifestyle is about more than just a number on the scale.  While I would really like to see a lower number, at least I know I'm still making improvement in my health.

Next week, I will be out of the 80's, and into my new running shoes!

Speaking of running, I had my first run of the week last night, and the first run of the 3:00 run/:30 walk intervals.  It started of kind of  shitty, for real, I had to stop at the bathroom in the park around mile 1.5...my stomach didn't feel good, I couldn't hit my stride, and my legs felt like cement blocks.  Eventually, I got it together though, and had some crazy negative splits.

4.20 miles - 10:33 average pace

My last full mile was 1:16 QUICKER than my first mile. Hot damn.

Towards the middle of my run, I kept thinking, if I just run faster during my running intervals, I'll be finished quicker, so I put it into overdrive and finished as fast as I could.

Today, I have 4 miles on the schedule.  No range, just 4 miles. 

Link up with Winter and Cassi to share your weigh-in, and cheer on your fellow bloggers!

Weekly Rundown 7/27-8/2

Hello, everyone!  I hope you all had a great weekend!

Nick and I went camping this weekend.  It was just us and the dogs, and it was glorious.  Usually, we go with my family, but this time decided to take a solo trip.  The entire weekend was extremely relaxing and chill.  We napped, a lot, ate a lot of delicious, and for the most part, healthy, campfire food, enjoyed a few cocktails (not so healthy), and took a few leisurely hikes.

I had been feeling very ragged and tired the past week, and a relaxing weekend is just what I needed!  It did affect my training plan a bit: i.e. I skipped runs, but I'm not concerned.  My tired legs and mind needed the rest.

Here's the rundown of last week.

Monday

Cross Train

2.14 mile walk with dogs

Strength Training

Tuesday

2.32 mile walk with dogs

3-4 miles

3.56 mile run in 38:50

Wednesday

2.04 mile walk with dogs

Strength Training

2-3 miles

2.08 mile run in 20:34

Thursday

2.05 mile walk with dogs

3-4 miles

4.12 mile run in 44:41

Friday

REST

2.08 mile hike

Strength

Saturday

5-6 miles

2.02 mile hike

Sunday

2-3 miles

Strength

My legs have been hella sore and tired this past week.  Despite lots of stretching, I've been in pain.  My hamstrings were so tight that my back of my knees felt bruised.  It hurt to even touch my legs!  Instead of walking, I basically have been hobbling around.  I feel really guilty that I skipped my last two runs of the week, but I think it was for the best.  Today, my legs feel great and I'm ready to get back at it!

This week's training plan goes like this:

Monday

Cross Train

I have a PiYo DVD from over a year ago that I never opened.  I'm going to finally give it a try tonight.  And of course, I'll walk the dogs.

Tuesday

Strength

4-5 miles

I am going to start easing out of the walking intervals I've been doing.  This week, I am going to start by bumping my running times to 3:00 minutes.  Intervals will now be 3:00 running/:30 walking.

Wednesday 

3 miles

Thursday

Strength

4 miles

Friday

REST

Saturday

Strength

6-7 miles

Sunday

2-3 miles

I found this quote today, and it really hit home for me so I decided to share :)

I hope that YOUR week is off to a great start!

Weighing In and Working Out

This week's weigh-in was pretty lame.

I've been pretty darn active since last Wednesday, so I had high hopes for this weigh-in.  I actually woke up excited to weigh myself, thinking I would be out of the 80's, and would be able to start wearing my new running shoes.

Alas, I'm up .6 from last week.  I was so shocked to see a higher number, that I got off and on the scale a few times to make sure I wasn't crazy.

Since we went camping over the weekend, I didn't eat the greatest those couple days, but otherwise, my nutrition has been spot on.  I have stayed within my calorie range the rest of the week, eating healthy foods to fill those calories, and haven't had any candy.

Though I'm bummed, I'm not going to let a bad weigh-in get me down.  I'm going to keep trucking with my workouts, and will work harder in the nutrition department.  

Nick and I are camping again this week, but it's just the two of us so I can control our menu for the weekend.  I'm going to work out a camping meal plan today, and make sure we eat WELL this time.

On Monday, I shared my workouts from the past week of 7/20-7/26, and this week's workout schedule.  So far, this is how the week has gone.

Monday

2.14 mile walk with the dogs

21-Day Strength Challenges: I found these basic strength challenges on Pinterest to help me ease into add strength training to my training plan.

Tuesday

2.32 mile walk with dogs

3-4 mile run - 3.56 miles in 38:50

This was a tough one!  At 8pm, it was still 79 degrees and HUMID!  The air just felt wet.  Before I reached the end of my block, I was already covered in sweat.

Today, I have a 2-3 mile run scheduled, which I plan to do as a tempo run.  I am also on Day 3 of the strength challenges so I will be doing 8 reps X3 of each move.  I will most likely also squeeze in a 2+ mile walk with the dogs before bed.

Weekly Rundown 7/20-7/26

Monday

2.07 mile walk

Tuesday

2.04 mile walk

3-4 mile run - 3.37 miles

This was my first run on my new training plan.  The plan has me running 5 times a week, with mileage ranges for each day.  Each run, I aim to run the higher end of the mileage range, but sometimes, it just doesn't work out.  I am using run/walk intervals (2:30 run/:30 walk) until my legs gain strength and my breathing comes easier.  

Wednesday

2.25 mile walk

2-3 mile run - 2.48 miles

I pushed myself with this run, working on speed.  Even though I am taking walking breaks, I am very happy with my pace.

Thursday

2.36 mile walk

3-4 mile run - My legs were DEAD so I chose to forgo the run, and stretched a lot instead.

My legs were so tired and sore that I just couldn't make myself run!

Friday

REST

Legs were still really tired so I took a true rest day, and didn't do any activity other than stretching.

Saturday

1.58 mile hike

1.72 mile hike

2-3 mile run - 2.08 miles

We went camping with my family this weekend at a small campground.  The trails were pretty short, so I did a double hike to get some extra activity in.  First, I went with Nick and the dogs, and then my nephew wanted to go so I took another loop with him.  It was a rather humid and steamy day, and I put off running for the longest time.  I almost didn't go at all, but finally talked myself into it.  I did the same hiking loop, with some added road running to get at least 2 miles.  Trail running is difficult, but a lot of fun!  The varying terrain helps focus my mind on the trail and my form rather than how tired I am.

Sunday

4-5 mile long run - 5.18

Everything about this run felt good!  I would have liked to see faster mile times, but I wanted to go with an easy pace so I could cover some good mileage.  Overall, very happy with how this run went!

This past week, I completed a total of 10 workouts.  Per my rewards system, I banked $20 (10 workouts X $2 each) for my shopping spree fund!  After work, I need to go grocery shopping so I'm going to take $20 out at an ATM to stash away in a safe place at home.

This weeks training plan looks like this:

Monday

Cross Train

I will walk the dogs, and I plan on doing upper and lower strength training circuits.

Tuesday

3-4 miles

Wednesday

2-3 miles

Thursday

3-4 miles

Friday

REST

Saturday

5-6 miles

Sunday

2-3 miles

Happy Monday, everyone!

Rewards Revisited, Again.

Finally, I have all my rewards for reaching certain weight goals figured out.

I originally came up with these in June, and then edited them at the beginning of this week because my needs/priorities changed a bit.

180 - Hiking boots Running shoes

I can feel that mine are wearing out.  I've had them for over a year, so it's time.  I already have my new pair bought, but I don't get to wear them until I reach 180.

175 - Sandals Subscription to a running magazine.

170 - Running shoes Pedicure

165 - Pedicure New sports bras

160 - New workout clothes 

155 - Massage *Still need to think of something*

Had the second one of my life while on our honeymoon.  Honestly, not much of a fan.

152 - Shopping Spree

I needed to add one more reward, and priorities have changed again.  The final reward system will be the following:

180 - Running Shoes

175 - Hydration Vest

170 - Subscription to a running magazine

165 - Pedicure

160 - New sports bras

155 - New workout clothes

152 - Wardrobe shopping spree

As my runs become longer, I'm going to need to start taking fuel along with me.  I don't like holding anything in my hands while running so I don't want to carry a water bottle.  I already have a hydration belt that holds four 6oz water bottles, but I go through them too quickly, and I don't want to keep stopping to refill.  To carry more water with me, I have my eye on these two.

Nathan Intensity

Camelbak Marathoner.

For extra motivation to reach my goal weight, and get that shopping spree, I have started paying myself to workout.  For each workout that I complete, I get $2.  Workouts are considered a run, 30+ minutes of walking or other cardio, doing a workout video, or completing a strength training circuit.

So far this week, I have completed 5 workouts: 3 30+ minute walks with the dogs, and 2 runs.  I've made $10.  When I reach $20 increments, I'll take the money out at an ATM, and will stash the cash away somewhere.  Once I reach my goal weight, I'll take that cash to buy myself a new, adult, professional wardrobe.

Does YOU use a hydration vest?  Do YOU recommend one of the above vests over the other?

Any recommendations on which running magazine is the best?

Throw Back

I dug up some pictures today to help motivate me to reach my goals.

This one is from my second half marathon in May 2013.  I was at my lowest weight, in the 150's, since high school, and I PRed with a time of 2 hours, 9 minutes, and some seconds.  This race made me realize that if I trained just a bit harder, I could get a sub 2 hour half.  

But didn't train harder, and I haven't reached that sub 2 goal, yet.

This one is from August 2012.  I had run my first ever half marathon in May 2012 with a time of 2 hours, 24 minutes, and some seconds.  I was in the 160's, and rocking that swimsuit.  I still remember that day, and how I felt SO comfortable, even with all that skin exposed.  

Was my body perfect?  No, and it probably never will be, but I was comfortable and happy with it, and that is what's important.  I want to feel that comfort again, and not be insecure in a bathing suit.

These pictures are proof that I can reach my goals, I just need to work for them.  They won't come easily, and it will be a daily struggle.

But, I can do it.

I've done it before, and I will do it again.