Running Survey Via The Hungry Runner Girl

I borrowed theses questions from Janae over at http://www.hungryrunnergirl.com/  

Instead of loading up her comments, I decided to just use them to write my own post.  Go check out Janae's blog if you're not already following her!  She gives great running advice, is hilarious, and has the cutest little girl!

1.  Would you rather run along a beach path or on a mountain trail?

     Mountain trail

2.  If you could choose the flavor of gatorade at your next race’s aid stations, what would it be?

     Grape

3.  If I gave you a $100 gift card to a running store, what would be the first thing that you would purchase with it?

    Sports bras and running tanks

4.  Do you prefer to follow a training plan or wake up and decide then how far and how fast you want to run?

     Follow a training plan.  I'm lost without one!

5.  Would you rather start your run with the uphill and end on the downhill or start your run with the downhill and end with the uphill?

     Start with the uphill, and just get over it right away!

6.  When you can’t run, what type of cross-training do you choose to do?

     Bike riding, workout DVDs, walking

7.  What is your preference—>  Out and back, point to point or loop runs?

     Loop runs.  Out and back gets boring because you have to look at the same scenery twice.

8.  If you could recommend ANY running related item to a new runner, it would be a—>

     A quality pair of running shoes.  Go to a running store and get fitted for your first pair so you       know what's a good shoe for your gait.

9.  Do you ever see any wild animals while out on your runs?

     Just geese and little critters like bunnies and squirrels.

10.  Ever gotten lost while out on a run?

     I haven't actually gotten lost, but there has been a couple times when I start on a main road         and decide to go through a neighborhood and end up coming out in a completely different            place than I thought I would. 

11.  If you could have one meal waiting and ready for you each time you got home from a run for the next 30 days… what would that meal be?

     A baked sweet potato covered in black beans, cilantro, avocado, tomatoes, and Greek yogurt.

12.  Capris or shorts… what do you run in most often?

     Capris or compression-y shorts.  Until my thighs slim down a bit, running shorts are out of the       question.  The chaffing is unreal otherwise!

13.  At what mile (or how many minutes) into your run does your body start to feel like it is warming up and ready to go?

      A mile in, most days.  I usually curse myself, and running, for the entire first mile.  I think about how much I hate it and how much I suck at it lol.  Then after the first mile, I find my groove and pretty much feel like a badass :)

14.  What do you do with your key when you run?

     I usually run in my neighborhood so I don't have to worry about my key.  We live in a very small, safe community so we don't worry about locking our house doors if we're going to be gone for an hour or less.  If I'm going to run somewhere where I come straight from my car, I make sure to wear running bottoms that have a little pocket I can store my car key in.

15.  If you could relive any race that you have done in the past, which one what it be?

     The Madison Half Marathon in 2013.  After a bit of a panicky start, I ended up running my fastest half thus far.  I started the race in a panic because I thought start time was at 7:30am.  I didn't get into Madison until a little before 7, casually started making my way to the corrals at about 7:10 to see people already running through...the race had actually started at 7!!  I didn't even have my shoes on yet, still had my long sleeve on, and hadn't used the bathroom one last time!  I whipped off the long sleeve, threw it at Nick, tied my shoes in recorded time, gave Nick a quick kiss, and hit the start line.  I think that extra adrenaline of being late helped me run quicker.

16.  What type of run is your least favorite type of run?

     Tempo runs. 

17.  What has been your biggest motivation lately to get out the door to get your run on?

     Planning to run my first full marathon this October!

18.  When you go for a run, do you leave right from your front door or do you drive somewhere to start?

     Front door.

19.  When running in daylight—>  are sunglasses a must or an annoyance?

     Annoyance.  I get extremely sweaty so they slide down my nose constantly.

20.  When you get tired, what keeps you from quitting?  

      Knowing that if I just keep going and push through, I'll be finished quicker than if I slow my pace.

That was fun!  Like I said, check out Janae's blog to participate!

Our wedding photographer has started sending me sneak peeks!  It's killing me to only get one or two at a time, I want to see them allllllll, but I absolutely LOVE what she's sent so far!

Weigh-In, Schedule, and Goals

I don't have much time to write today so I'll make it quick.

Weigh-in went ok...

Aunt Flow is visiting so I'm happy to see a loss instead of a gain!

Starting: 183.1

Last Week: 181

This Week: 180.7

Total Lost: -2.4

Here is my workout schedule for the upcoming Wednesday-Tuesday week

Goals from last week (6/17-6/23)

1. Log 30 miles of running and walking.

I fell short on this one.  I don't have my exact mileage numbers with me at the moment, but I got in about 25 miles total.  I slacked on walking the dogs a few days, hence the shortage.

2. Don't go over calorie limit over the week.

I went over by about 400 on Saturday, damn you, alcohol! 

3. No candy.

I almost succeeded!  Aunt Flow got the best of me yesterday, and I had a box of Good and Plentys...I know, who eats those grandma candies, right?

Overall, I did pretty well, but I know I can do better this week.

Goals for this week (6/24-6/30)

1.  Log 30 miles of running and walking.

I'm going to keep at this one until I complete it!

2.  Walk the dogs at least once everyday.

Our first "sneak peek" picture from our wedding photographer!

This was right after our first look.  I'm rather surprised you can't tell I was bawling my eyes out just a minute before it was taken :)

Only 1 week until we leave for our honeymoon in Colorado!

Marathon Monday - Training Week 1

Week 1 of marathon training is over, and I'm really looking forward to Week 2!

Every Monday, I will be recapping the past week's workouts.  Focusing on my training runs.

Monday -  Walked 2.5 miles with the dogs in 42:16

Tuesday - 3 mile run in 33:47 (11:04 pace - 11:27, 11:11, 10:41).  I did this run as an out and back route on the bike path near my house.  It felt really tough and I wanted to walk multiple times, but I pushed through!  And somehow, I had negative splits.  I also did a .5 mile morning walk with the dogs in about 10 minutes, and another 2.33 mile walk in 42:21 in the evening.  The day was finished out with the 21-Day Fix yoga DVD.

Wednesday - .52 mile morning walk with dogs in 9:12 and evening 2.08 walk in 33:54.  21 Day-Fix Total Body Cardio DVD.

Thursday - 21 Day Fix Upper Fix DVD.

Friday - 3.02 mile run in 31:36 (10:29 pace - 10:54, 10:43, 9:51).  For this run, I ran the berm route.  There is a lovely gravel berm path that was constructed a few years ago across the little lake in our town.  Most of the run was on concrete sidewalk, but about .5 miles on the gravel trail.  This run felt really great.  Negative splits with the last mile coming in under 10:00, woohooo! 

Saturday - 2.01 mile trail run in 23:40 (11:47 pace - 11:59, 11:37).  I love hiking, and have always wanted to give trail running a try, so, I finally did.  And by trail, I mean in the woods, on an actual hiking trail.  Nick and I took the dogs hiking earlier in the day, and then decided to head to another trail to try out trail running.  Man, it was tough!  I had 3 miles on the schedule, but my legs were dead after the 3.09 mile hike in 56:49 earlier, and running on the uneven terrain.  After the first mile of the run, my legs were already crying, so I decided a mile out and back loop was good enough!  Even though it was tough, it was a lot of fun!  I am going to aim at running one trail run a week. 

Sunday - 6.02 mile run in 1:05:03 (10:49 pace - 10:58, 10:51, 11:02, 10:31, 10:48, 10:44).  Finally, fairly consistent pace :)  Since running 3 miles straight still feels a little tough, I was nervous for this run.  Honestly, I wasn't going to be able to run continuously for 6 miles and I didn't want to set myself up for failure so I did run/walk intervals.  I ran for 3 minutes and then walked for 1.  This method really helped keep my pace near where I want it to be.  I have a lot of endurance to gain back, and really want to be back to 10:00 average pace, or faster, but it's going to take some time to get there.  For now, I really want to stay around 11:00 or quicker.  I really pushed it during those 3 minute running periods, and tried to really power walk it during the walk intervals.  I will probably stick with the run/walk method for my long runs until my 3 mile runs start to feel more comfortable.

Here's the obligatory super sweaty post-run selfie :)

Also, I need to figure out something different to do with my hair during my long runs.  As you can see, my ponytail was a disgusting, sweaty, rat's nest when I got back.  It was a nightmare to get through! 

Daily Battle

Trying to live a healthy lifestyle is a daily battle.  

To those that already have it figured out, and do not need to constantly fight temptation, I envy you!

Temptation is everywhere, but we have the power to make the right choice.  Sometimes it is easy, and sometimes it down right hard.

After a week of eating like champ, I gave into temptation last night.  I had pizza, hot spinach artichoke dip with chips, and wine for dinner.  It was delicious.  A little bit of warm, gooey heaven.

The plan was to make black bean and sweet potato chili, but when I got home, I was tired and felt lazy.  I let that little voice in my head tell me it was ok to have pizza.  

And really, it was ok.  

To err is human, and this probably won't be the only diet mistake I make during this journey.  

I just need to work to do better each day.  

That means, right back to healthy eating today.  Maybe I'll do some extra cardio to counteract some of those pizza calories. 

Where am I going with all of this?

Each and every one of is is going to make mistakes along the road to the healthy lifestyles we want.  It is what we choose to do after those mistakes that matter, not the mistakes themselves.  Just don't let that one mistake snowball into multiple mistakes that completely derails you.  Just move on, and make better choices next time.

Happy weekend!

Weigh-In Wednesday & Weekly Goals

Happy weigh-in, everyone!

I said yesterday that I was actually excited for weigh-in today, and for a good reason.  I worked pretty hard this past week, and knew I would see a loss.

Last Week: 183.1

This Week: 181.0

Total Lost: -2.1

Wahoo!  A 2.1 pound loss.  Only one more pound to go and I'll be able to buy my hiking boots for our Colorado trip.  Our trip is only 2 weeks away so I need to have another great weigh-in next week!

To have had a solid loss like this, I must have completed all my goals from last week, right?

Eh, kind of...

My three goals last week were: to complete all scheduled workouts, log everything into MyFitnessPal, and be at or below my calorie range at least 5/7 days.

Overall, I did fairly well, but I was not 100%.  

Out of 7 scheduled workout videos, I skipped one.  I didn't complete Dirty 30 on Monday.  And out of 5 scheduled runs (1 mile, 1 mile, 2 miles, 2 miles, and 3 miles) I did skip my Sunday 2 mile run to enjoy a couple beers with my husband on the patio.

When it comes to tracking in MFP, it sometimes becomes too tedious and I don't finish out the days. There were at least 2 days where I started strong with tracking, but then didn't log dinner and just didn't complete the day.  On Sunday, I didn't track at all...

As for staying in calorie range 5/7 days, I think I completed that one... With not completing my tracking everyday, I can't know for sure.  Saturday was my nephew's first birthday party so I did indulge in pizza and scotcheroos.  Sunday, I had those beers on the patio which most likely put me over.  Otherwise, I think I did pretty well. 

Looking forward to the upcoming week, here is my workout schedule, and my goals.

1. Log 30 miles of running and walking.

I have 15 scheduled miles of running, so I'll also have to walk at least 15 more.

2.  Don't go over calorie limit over the weekend.

3.  No candy.

It has begun.

Marathon training has officially started!

Extremely sweaty post-run selfie.

Monday was day one, but Mondays are rest days so I had nothing exciting to report yesterday.  I did do a 21 Day Fix workout video and took the dogs on a 2.5 mile walk though.

This morning, I did my first run.  I have surprisingly morphed into a morning work out person over the last week.  Not sure how that happened, but it has, and I am extremely pleased about it.

My alarm went off at 4:53am, and I was out the door by 5:11am.  I had 3 miles on the schedule, and I started out slowly.  On Saturday, I ran 2 miles, and I felt burnt out after that run so I knew taking it slow would be key for today's run.

Even though I started slowly, I'm not very good at keeping a consistent pace.  My first mile was 11:47, mile 2 was 11:11, and mile 3 came in at 10:41.  Yay for negative splits, I guess...

  I haven't uploaded my stats from my Garmin yet, and I cannot remember me exactly at the moment, but I did just over 3 miles in 33:xx, and I think my average pace was 11:04.

Besides starting marathon training, I have been keeping up with my 21-Day Fix workouts, and walking the furbabies.  Nutrition has not been perfect, but it has been pretty damn good!  I'm actually excited for weigh-in tomorrow!

And because I'm not quite sure how to end this post, I'm going to end by sharing some of my favorite pictures over the past few days!

Last night, when I was sitting on the steps to put my shoes on for a walk, I SnapChatted a friend quickly.  I noticed there was an adorable photobomber in the background so I had to take a real picture too.

Then my friend snapped me back, and I went to send her another one, and the photobomber was even closer.

Finally, we just took this beautiful selfie together.  We're both extremely photogenic :)

On Sunday, after hours of yard work, I was going to go on a 2 mile run.  Instead, this happened.

Life is good, and my heart is full <3

Not only is Skittles a photobomber, she is also a spot stealer!  I got up to make coffee on Saturday morning, and when I came back to lay down again, she claimed my spot as her own.  She's lucky she's so cute!

Currently

I love "currently" posts!  Since I've stepped away from the blog for a couple months, this is such an easy way to share what's been going on in life lately.

Thinking...It would be really great if my office wasn't so cold that I have to wear a fleece everyday, even in summer.  I have to work at an alumni event later today so I wanted to look nice and wore a dress.  Bad idea!  My legs will be so hairy by the end of the day because I've had goosebumps the entire 2 hours I've been at work so far!

Feeling...Cold, obviously, and SORE!  After not working out for about 2 months, getting back into the active lifestyle is taking it's toll.  My abs hurt every time I turn my torso, my quads and hammies scream each time I sit down and stand up, etc, but I love it.  The soreness after a good workout is such a great "hurts so good" feeling.  It really makes me feel like I accomplished a lot!

Watching...Bones.  I have been binge watching Bones on Netflix.  I can never just watch a single episode.  If I sit down and start watching it, any other plans I may have had for the evening are thrown out the window.  It's so addicting!  I've seen later episodes, so I know Booth and Bones fall in love eventually, but the suspense is killing me right now!

Reading...The Fiery Cross.  The 5th book in the Outlander series. 

The Eyre Affair.  My student worker recommended this one.  I JUST started this morning while drinking my coffee so I'm only about 6 pages in.

Excited...To go to the Comedy Club on Friday.  My bachelorette party group celebrated at the Comedy Club in May, but unfortunately the show was awful.  We ended up walking out of the show because the guy was so racist, sexist, just plain horrible!  The staff was great though, and apologized profusely, and gave us free tickets to come back.  Nick and I, and a group of our friends decided to give it another go this weekend.

Missing...My bestie.  My best friend, and maid of honor, lives in New Jersey so we only see each other in person a couple times a year.  She was here last Thursday through Monday for the wedding celebrations, and now it's so quiet and sad without her :(

Working...on ordering instructor copies of textbooks for the upcoming fall semester, and getting student textbook orders ready.  August is going to be here before I know it!

Stressed...about out messy house.  Our rehearsal dinner was a cookout at our house, we had multiple people stay at our place for the wedding weekend, and we did gift opening there too.  Gifts are stacked everywhere, some dishes still need washing, there is an ungodly amount of laundry to do...

Proud...of my husband.  Nick has an unbelievable work ethic, and he truly loves his job.  He has been working with the same company for just over 4 years, and he has been making his way up the ladder since day 1.  Last week, he had his annual review, and his supervisors had such great things to say about his work.  For all of his extra efforts, he was promoted, again, received a raise, and a nice bonus.  Way to go, Pookie!

Wanting...it to be July so we can go on our honeymoon!  While I kind of wish we were going somewhere warm and tropical, I cannot wait to get to the mountains of Colorado to hike, relax, and take in all the beautiful sights!

Wishing...I could bring my dogs to work with me.  I feel so badly when I have to leave them each morning :(   Look at those faces!

Eating...I just finished Greek yogurt with fresh strawberries and blackberries.  Yum!

Drinking...water.

Loving...That I'm back to blogging!  It feels so good to write again, and reconnect with my blogger friends.

And, I am LOVING how gorgeous my engagement ring and wedding band look together :)

I'm baaaaaaaack

Why, hello!

It's been a hot second since I last posted.  

Life has been a little crazy because this just happened...

This past Saturday, June 6th, I married the love of my life.  The day was absolutely perfect, and I wouldn't change a single thing about it!

Now that the chaos of prepping for a wedding is over, I am ready to get back on track with my health journey.  It's really no fun starting over, but then again, everything needs to start somewhere.

I didn't want to stress about weighing a certain number for my wedding day so I've avoided the scale for about 2 months.  I was pleasantly surprised to see this number when I stepped on this morning.

I thought for sure it would be a much higher number!

To get back into the swing of things, I have come up with a plan, goals, and rewards system.

The Plan

Make my weekly schedules to follow. 

Since I weigh-in on Wednesday, my schedules are going to be formatted as Wednesday-Tuesday.

I will be doing 21-Day Fix videos for strength training, and extra cardio.  

Monday, I will officially start training for my first full marathon!  

The marathon that I would like to run is October 10 of this year.  I am going to work my way through a few weeks of a training plan before I officially sign up.  That way, I can judge if I have enough time to train properly.  If I don't think I will be ready by October, I'll look for a November marathon, or one that takes place in Spring (Wisconsin winter running = awful!).

The Goals

Run my first full marathon this fall, hopefully on October 10.

Reach goal weight of 152 (random, I know) by the end of 2015.

These two are overall macro goals.  I will also set micro weekly goals.  So this week:

1. Complete all planned workouts

2. Log everything into MFP

3.  Stay within calories goals at least 5/7 days.

The Rewards

180 - Hiking boots

175 - Sandals

170 - Running shoes

165 - Pedicure

160 - New workout clothes

155 - Massage

152 -  Shopping spree

Nick and I will be honeymooning in Colorado, and we leave on July 1st.  I would really love to see 180 by then so I can buy a pair of nice hiking boots, instead of wearing tennis shoes while we trek through the mountains.

My final reward of a shopping spree is much needed!  My closet really needs a makeover.  I am almost 28 years old, but I rarely dress like a professional 28 year old.  I feel like many people do not take me seriously at my job because of the way I dress, most days... Having this as my end goal gives me time to save up so I can make that grown-up wardrobe a reality!

There you have it!  Fingers crossed for success this time around!!