Weekend Plans and Goals

It is shaping up to be a fabulous weekend!  Tonight, I am excited to head over to Atlantic City for the race expo and packet pick up!  That's right!  Its race weekend!!  Then probably dinner out with Rob (since I'm sure we'll be short on time and famished).  Then hopefully home for some quiet time.

Tomorrow is a full day of Rugby in Lancaster, one of our favorite places.  We are going up early to stop at a little tiny Amish pie shop for some ShooFly Pie.  Yum!  Then its off to the Bards after the game as usual!

Sunday is the big race day!  My plan is to walk/run it and just finish.  Don't care about the time at all.  I haven't run since my last race, the Philly Rock and Roll Half!  The first weekend, I just skipped my run due to rain (I know, bad excuse!) and then I got sick and couldn't run!  What can I do?  Well, I can complete this weekend without getting hurt!  And then start up my running seriously again immediately.  A light run on Monday, even if I'm sore!  No excuses!!!

It is looking like it will be a great day for a run too!

Perfect running weather!!!!  I am pretty excited about this race.  I wasn't really a week or two ago but now I am.  I really like running the AC events, even if it nothing but boardwalk (but its ALL flat!).  Its funny because this weather calls for a light long sleeve shirt and I'm debating on wearing the same shirt I wore for the past 2 years for it!  HA!  I guess its that time of year for a light long sleeve?  LoL.  What do you think?  Or should I change it up?

Oh, and I will not be ordering the same thing I got at the Bards last time...  (Remember my boating experience?)  I'll get a pumpkin ale maybe but not the stew or the gelato...  We don't want any issues on race day!  It is always so tricky figuring out what to eat the day before a run.  You would think I would start tracking such things, especially me with all my graphs and charts and data!  This has always been one thing that's slipped by, the correlation between a good/bad workout and what I ate that day/day before.  Maybe a goal for next month?

(Old graphs and charts from old blogs - see I love data!!!)

Oh what's that?  I'm planning on making goals for next month?  That's right!  Angela is BACK!  And I'm going to be setting up a personal challenge for myself that anyone can participate in at any fitness level.  I will let you all know about it when it gets closer to November!  I hope some of you will join me!

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She's Alive!

I know, I skip one day of blogging and I feel like its been a month.  LoL!  I just get so excited every day to write that I feel like I'm lost without it!  Anyway!!!

What is there to say really?  I feel squishy.  Yep, you read that right.  Squishy.  I haven't worked out in FOREVER!  This cold is still lingering.  I think it has a lot to do with that fact that I am dehydrated.  Of course, today at school, they are out of water for the water cooler (and remember my Water Snob post?).  I guess I'll have to hunt down a vending machine later!

But the point is, I'm working on my water.  Right now, I just have this annoying sniffle that won't go away and a little cough.  The good news is that I am in decent shape to do my half marathon weekend!  At least when it comes to the cold.

My legs might disagree.  I am really worried about how far I can make it in this race.  It will have been 4 weeks since my last long run.  That is a LONG time!  The last one, my legs killed the last 2 miles but then again, I started off hard since I was trying to keep up with someone else.  This time, I will be on my own completely so I can set my own pace at the start.  I am thinking that I will do an easy jog to each water station and then walk through the water station.  That way I have regular walking breaks.  I can totally complete the miles, even if its all walking!  And I am excited to take part for the 3rd consecutive year!

Anyway, on to other news, I picked my Marathon Training plan!  Sort of...  You all knew I would end up doing my own thing, right?  Cause I'm predictable like that!  Anyway, I did lay out Hal Higdon's Marathon 3 plan on my google calendar as a guideline.  I will follow the rules I laid out in my other blog (First Marathon, Help!).   Here is the basic outline again:

• Monday:  Strength/Cross Train
• Tuesday:  Medium Length Run
• Wednesday:  Strength/Cross Train (or rest)
• Thursday:  Speedwork
• Friday:  Rest day
• Saturday:  Long Run
• Sunday:  2-3 miles (or rest)

I got some other really great advice from my wonderful friends that I will keep in mind throughout the training too!  Next up is to figure out how I'm going to fuel my body through all of this.  I know how to eat properly but I also want to make sure I'm eating enough/not too much.  I don't want to gain that 5lbs that every marathoner seems to gain.  Just because I run doesn't mean I get to eat whatever I want!  Anyway, I really want a plan too because my eating has been way off where it should be.  I don't know yet if I'm going to worry about macronutrients (how many carbs? how much protein??  what about fat?!)  because it gets overwhelming!  But having a plan keeps me in line!

So there are my random thoughts for today.  I must go because its still midterms week!  I have one more take home midterm due tomorrow and then I'm done (and then the homework starts again anyway!)  Let's hope this weekend is light on homework because I am REALLY busy again.  Surprised?  Me neither!  LoL!  Have a good Tuesday!!!

Hit By a Ton of Bricks

I got home last night and felt like crap.  I even stopped on the way home from school to get some cold medicine.  Do you know hard it is to find cold medicine WITHOUT pain killers in it???  (allergic).  Luckily Robitussin came to the rescue.  Feeling ok today, let's hope it doesn't get worse!

While at CVS, I had a moment of weakness.  After the shock of seeing the $5 price tag on the Reece's Peanut Butter cups (who me?  buy candy?!), I got these for $1 instead

Luckily I only eat a few and then I'm good until next year.  I'm sure my nieces will take care of the rest for me!

Also on the way home, I stopped at the same farm market again.  They are open til 8!  Wow!  The honey I bought Monday was for a friend and now that I'm sickies I figured I needed honey for me too.  I decided to get some veggies while I was there.  Spent $26 and can't wait to try some things!

 A gallon of apple cider, a white pumpkin, an eggplant, 2 acorn squash, 2 butternut squash, 4 nectarines, 4 pears, 5 peppers, okra, honey, and a big bag of sweet potatoes!  So who has some recipes for okra???  Maybe I'll just make gumbo like Rob said.  I am excited to cook this weekend though!

Today has been just crazy.  This morning, I just couldn't get into my routine.  My throat was killing me all morning too but its better now!  Anyway, I finally got myself out the door and didn't forget anything.  Breakfast was delicious:  Oat bran with bananas and pumpkin butter.  Note: Pumpkin butter is like apple butter.  I think it is just pumpkin, spices, and sugar, but I can check the ingredients later!  But seriously, this was amazing.  Also had some tea with local honey.  Yum!

Lunch was easy to pack at least in my crazy morning.  I bought some of those pre-cooked chicken strips (all natural by the way) since they were on clearance at my store.  I even froze some.  Tossed it over lettuce with a cut up pepper and dressing.  I am worried I might have a carb crash later so I might grab something after class before going home for dinner!


I've noticed in the past that I like to have carbs at lunch.  We'll see how I do today.  I might stop at DD and get a latte for the right home too.  That really kept me alert yesterday (just the act of sipping on something other than water - eating keeps me awake).

So anyway, I won't be working out tonight because of this killer cold.  Maybe do some strength training but definitely no cardio.  It all depends on how I feel when I get home.  Seriously bad timing though!  I need to get some runs in!!!

Tonight is my "short day" at school so I will be home around 5 and have some hours to clean and do homework and spend time with Rob.  This weekend is pretty free and I'm trying to keep it that way.  I had midterms next week and I will be studying my little  butt off on top of the fact that it looks like a bomb went off in my house!!!  When oh when will there be more time??

Long Days Ahead

Good morning everyone!  I was entirely too busy yesterday to be writing a blog.  Did you miss me??  Haha.  I just had school and homework all day!  I actually would have had time at school since both my classes were canceled again!  But I didn't bring my laptop (lesson learned?).  And I can't say I got any work done really at school either.  I had to hang around all day to make sure the afternoon class was canceled.  Then I headed home to Rob, ate dinner, and got cracking.  Got a lot done and good thing since its due today!

Anyway!  What to say today...  How about I tell you about my scale again?  I know, lots of people say you shouldn't use it but I don't think that.  I think it is a good measure *sometimes*.  Like today.  I ate crappy all weekend and yesterday and was feeling frumpy this morning.  Let's just say I did NOT like the number it showed me.  Just goes to show that I can't eat whatever I want just because I ran this weekend (it does qualify me for 1 big splurge meal though!  But just 1 meal, not 1 week!). 

Yesterday I ran into some issues with nutrition.  I was tired.  I mean really, really tired driving home.  I made it a half hour from campus and decided I needed to get out of the car immediately.  I pulled into a Dunkin Donuts and got a pumpkin coffee AND a glazed donut.  Let me tell you though, that sugar carried me home.  Not the best choice health wise but it was brilliant when you need instant energy.  I was totally awake after like 20 minutes, singing along to the radio.  LoL.  On the bright side, I discovered this cute market with all locally grown fruits and veggies along with lots of spices, jarred items, etc.  They are only open until the last week of November.  I will have to stop again!  I got some "Pumpkin Butter" and can't wait to try it!  I wonder if I could use it in place of the "J" on my PB&J.  Hm...

So after that horrible nutritional moment, it got worse!  It's fall and one of the things I forgot on my Fall Love blog was Boo Berry Cereal.  My sister said she got some on her Facebook and I knew I was doomed from that moment.  I had actually forgotten about it when I was grocery shopping but then there was a huge end cap display at the store!  I grabbed a box and it was all down hill from there.  I'm not upset with myself though.  I have it once a year.  Usually, I don't even finish eating the whole box.  So I'm content :)  But it really needs to be controlled so next time, I'm measuring 1 serving and that is all I'm having!  All about moderation :)

Exercise?  Well, i've accepted the fact that it won't be happening on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  I get up for work at 5:30 AM and get home from school at 8:30 PM.  Yep, not happening, so I need to make adjustments in my training schedule.  It is just hard to work around my long runs on the weekends!  I think Mondays and Wednesdays will be strength training days.  The only problem there is that I use those nights to get homework done.  Ugh, I need more hours in the day!  Or one of these:

I'm coordinated enough to take pictures while I run.  Do you think I can do Quantum Mechanics while I run???

That's it for today.  Lots to do!  Still not done that homework!!  Have a great day!

Zumba, How I Missed Thee

Yesterday's workout was brought to you by XBox Kinect...

I managed to get home early from school (classes were canceled, didn't find out til I had already driven the 2 hours there!) so I had plenty of time last night for a workout!

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I decided I wanted to have some fun with my workout so I popped in UFC Trainer for Kinect. I also wanted pure cardio since I have a half marathon on Sunday (OMG excited!!!).  I didn't want sore legs for the race.  Anyway, I had a blast with this one!  Some of the moves I couldn't do because of the way our room is set up but I will fix that later.  Overall, this is an awesome game.  Lots of fun moves like mountain climbers, punching, grappling, etc.  I had a blast!  But I decided I wanted even more "just cardio" so I put in Zumba for Kinect!

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I love Zumba but I love going to the classes more than playing it on the XBox.  I think its mostly the music, its much easier to get into it when you know the songs.  The songs on the game are mostly Latin songs (probably same songs from their DVDs?).  I wish they played popular songs on their games and DVDs.  I would actually buy them then!  Until then, I'll rely on Youtube for making my own work outs (old post on Spark People:  Youtube Zumba - not all the links work anymore but you get the idea!)

The game is good enough though for when I want a cardio workout and its more fun than other options.  Besides, I forgot how good Zumba is for you!  Seriously, I woke up this morning and my entire waistline is sore.  All that twisting and shimmying makes for some serious abs!  I think this is now a permanent part of my routine like it used to be!  If only I could make it to the classes at my gym :(  Or maybe make a new Youtube workout!

Plan for today is to survive my long day (man, I hate Tuesdays and Thursdays) and eat well.  I may run 2-3 very easy miles on Saturday to loosen up for Sunday but that's it until the big race!

Making Time to Workout

This week has been just crazy.  I whined enough yesterday!  Tuesdays and Thursdays are my really long days where I work and then go to school.  I haven't gotten up early enough this week for a workout (I know, I need to just do it and get up at 5) so I was feeling a little jittery.  I got off at 11 and normally like to leave by noon.  I wasn't hungry at all when I got off work since I had eaten a bagel earlier.  I got this idea to try and run home and workout and shower before heading to school.

I headed home, change quick and pulled out a workout DVD.  I love Jackie Warner, she really knows how to kick my butt.  I thought this DVD was 20 minutes but is really 32!  Oops, so I ended up running a little late.  I felt absolutely horrible when I stopped, like I was going to be sick (I think from the bagel still in my belly).  Luckily it passed before I got in the car to head to school.  Made it there with plenty of time!

I really pushed it with this workout.  Last time I did a DVD, I just wasn't feeling it.  This time, I used my 5lbs and refused to go lower or give up.  I definitely felt strong!  Awesome workout and today I'm just a little sore!


In other news, my professor was talking about moving our class to Monday-Wednesday since he knows my other classes are MW (and knows I commute).  Most people in the class didn't mind.  He is going to think about it.  It would be hard having 3 classes on one day but honestly that would work great for me.  I would go down 3 days a week so I could have a full day to meet with classmates and professors if I need help on homework.  We'll see!

Today's plan:

• Move my body at least a little today (walk at lunch if we don't have a meeting)
• Work on homework for at least 2 hours
•  Drink all my water (and then some!)

Tomorrow's plan is a Long Run (10 miles) so while I may workout, I'm not going to go crazy!

8 Down, 5.1 To Go

It's 2 weeks until my half and I am so. not. ready.  And its my own fault.  I got in some sort of funk this summer where I didn't want to do my runs.  But I have good news!  I went for a run today and I did 8 miles!  It was slow, it was mentally challenging, but it is done!  Here are some things I learned too.

 1.    HYDRATE

I slacked off on my water the last two days and boy did I feel it.  It manifests and lead bricks attached to your legs.  They didn't want to lift more than 2 millimeters off the ground.  I felt like I was dragging them along the entire time.  Ugh!

2.    Get Up Early

I decided to sleep in again today which made for a hot muggy run.  I really should have ran yesterday when it was cool and less humid.  Oh well, hindsight right?  But really, I should stick to my morning routine.

3.    Oatmeal is a No No

I'm actually not sure about this one but I felt so sluggish.  It could have been because of #1 but I was also wondering about my breakfast this morning too.  Maybe it was too heavy for me.

4.    If you don't use it, you lose it

Boy was I painfully slow today.  I mean really really.  One of my miles had an average pace of 14 min/mile!  I mean, really?!  I've lost that much stamina?!  Originally, when I was all excited about this half, my goal was to run it in under 2 hours.  That translates to slightly over a 9 minute mile.  HA!  Lesson learned, when picking a training plan, stick to it.

5.    Sometimes the Drill Sergent Needs to Visit

Today was one of those days that I needed someone yelling at me.  I was whiny the whole time.  From mile 2 I wanted to stop.  Around mile 4, I really needed someone to tell me to just shut up and keep going.  It really helped that I told my FabFit team that I was running and I posted it on my Fitocracy account.  I couldn't let people down!  But seriously, I could have used a running buddy to follow me around shouting things like "Are you a quitter?!"  I actually started yelling at myself (in my head, lol, I don't want to be that crazy chick running down the street) using "Ang" and "SU-Girl" since that is what most of my online fit friends know me as.  It is like my online persona is the type that is determined and wouldn't give up (even though it really is just me).  Actually helped a whole lot strangely enough!  Finally, in the last 2 miles, the drill sergent could take it easy and I managed the rest of the run myself.  At that point, being so close, why stop now?!

It was terribly hot and humid today, I had no energy, I didn't hydrate and yet I managed to finish an 8 mile run.  Go me!  I am happy with it even if it was hard, but that is why I do it right?  Until the next run...

Before Run:

I actually ate two bowls of this because I was still hungry!

After Run:

HUGE omelet today.  3 eggs, 3 mushrooms, 1/2 tomato, chopped zucchini, mozzarella

Food Blog 09/01/2011

Ugh!  That's all I've got to say about today.  Just lots of ups and downs.  So on to my food and fitness!

Workout

Today, I just wasn't feeling a run (or a workout in general) so I popped in one of my Bob Harper DVDs and played the 25 minute cardio workout.  I still wasn't feeling it.  10 minutes in, nope still not feeling it.  20 minutes in, still not happy.  25 minutes in (aka done), I was very happy.  LoL.  I put in a decent workout but definitely didn't push it.  I just didn't have any energy!  And this lack of energy carried on throughout the day.  I. Am. Beat.  Just soooo tired, I must have not slept well last night or something.  Good news, I have off tomorrow!  I can sleep in!  Oh yeah!





Good Eats
I decided at lunch that I would start doing these blogs again so excuse the first few photos because the one is really old (from last year!), the other one is the same as the other day, and another I got from the internet.  Haha.  And you will see I kept forgetting I was going to be doing food blogs ;)

Breakfast was an omelet with mozzarella and 2 little bitty peppers from my garden!  I also had another oatmeal pancake with almond butter.

After workout snack was a chocolate banana protein shake.  Yum!

I decided to stop at Wawa for lunch to save time.  I got the roast beef and swiss ciabatta melt.  Soooo good and calories aren't too bad.  But it isn't "clean" by any means.  I rarely go to Wawa any more for food and I've been craving one so why not!  I also made sure to grab a baggie of carrots for my veggie challenge on FabFit.

Did I mention how tired I am today?  I decided I needed some "fuel" for my car drive of 2 hours to school.  I only got half calf.  Should have gotten full caf.  It was yummy though.  Grande nonfat extra hot half calf caramel macchiato.  Rob loves it when I send him in to order for me :)

 I ate the rest of the carrots between the car ride and class.  After class, I was starved!  Had my PB&J (can you tell I forgot again?) and a nectarine (and forgot again?!?!?!).

Plum in the car to keep me occupied.  When I get tired, I munch on things to keep me awake!  Don't worry, took this picture at a stop light.  LoL.

And after a long day, coming home to a crappy letter in the mail, I decided it was time to relax.  Delicious ginger snaps and a Magic Hat #9.  Aah.

The End.

The end of my day but here are some pictures I took the last few days.  Yummy foods!

Cinnamon chicken.  Don't knock it til you try it!  With smashed sweet potatoes.  This was very fall-tasting and delicious.  Who know cinnamon and chicken?  Huh.

And do you like my placemat?  I always like that over on Carrots N Cake, Tina always has pretty place mats in her pictures.  I picked this one up at Big Lots and I love the color it adds to the pictures!

And finally, Spooky Photo of the Week!  This week is her pissed off look cause she is a cranky mama this week.  Oy, we need to get her fixed.  Next paycheck...

Morning Runner Jealousy

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Every beautiful morning when I drive to work, I always manage to see someone being active.  Runners, cyclists, something.  I see the morning runner, jogging along, pony tail swinging through the air, feet hitting the pavement with the beat of her ipod.  And it comes on.  Morning Runner Jealousy.  I start to envy her and her beautiful weather, the cool air she gets to enjoy, the calmness of the morning.

You see, I get to work at 7AM.  I have to be in the shower by 6:15.  Hate to tell you, but there isn't any sun that early.  For a 5 mile run, I would have to leave my house at 5AM.  My neighborhood doesn't have sidewalks either so morning runs weren't even really an option for me except on weekends.

Today is my first day of school (haha I feel like a little kid!).  I don't have class until 4PM (UGH!) but that meant I got to sleep in a little, get up nice and slow, have an easy breakfast, and then set out for that morning run!

Was it all its cracked up to be?  Yep!!!

It was actually a little chilly when I started but I knew that it would then be perfect once I warmed up.  I actually woke up with my left leg feeling a little wonky but I wasn't going to let that be an excuse.  I ate an omelet before I left (I know!  The horror!  I had protein and not carbs before a long run!!!  More on this in a bit.  I also drank some black coffee.)

I started out with a good rythm.  I made sure to concentrate on my gate and stride for at least the first half mile to ensure a safe, injury free run, especially the way my leg was feeling when I got up.  I headed toward my 4 mile route knowing I would add onto it.  Everything was going great!  Then my left food started to bother me.  That went away quickly.  Then I conquered these 2 hills that used to kick my butt.  I didn't notice I was running them until I was at the top and thought "wow, I didn't even think to walk any of that!". 

Then around mile 3 my left leg really started to bother me.  Just a tightness in my hip.  Around 3.5 miles, my left calf started to pull a bit.  I was already on the out part of an out and back.  I decided I would head back to the house after I turned around.  I ended up with just over 5 miles.  My run was slow but it was nice.  The best part is that I felt fine.  Other than the pesky leg (who thought it would be a good idea to wear heeled boots to campus yesterday?!), my energy levels were great, mentally I was good, and my breathing was perfect (because I was going really, really slow, lol).  Seriously, if my leg hadn't been bothering me, I would have easily been able to crank out an 8 miler today.

I have been concerned with covering my distances but today showed me that I'm really not that bad off.  I mean, yes I need to run more, but at least I'm not back down to like 3 miles!  That would be bad!  Since my half is on the 18th!!!

Back to the omelet.  Runners are always told "carbs carbs carbs!" but this morning, I really wanted an omelet.  And I always have stomach issues when I run.  But today I was fine.  I ate my whole omelet about 15 minutes before I left.  HA!  Another usual no no of running.  Also, I hate it when my stomach starts growling when I'm running.  I think the protein helped because it takes so much longer to digest.  I mean, they say carbs for energy but shouldn't I already have some stored energy?  If I'm really that tired, maybe I shouldn't be going for a run.  Haha.  Next long run, start with an omelet, don't wear heels the night before, sip a little black coffee, and enjoy the morning sun!

Back and Forth

I had the BEST run yesterday!  Ok, not as good as last week's run but it was definitely a good one!  My runs have been very sporadic lately so I'll take it when I can get one in!  Now, normally I would have blown it off since I had promised to visit my grandma but I had made it into work early enough to get home and try and get a quick run in.  I promised my FabFit friends that I would do an interval run and when I got home, I immediately got changed so that I didn't have a choice!

This was the first time I used my Garmin for an interval run and had no idea how to set it.  I set it incorrectly and figured it out along the way so my run got a little messed up.  I did start with about a 6 minute warm up and then did some make-shift intervals.  It worked out ok!

Next time I know how to program the Garmin!  I am happy with the run though.  One of my run intervals had an average pace of 8:23!  Woah that's fast!  I'm not sure how fast I should be going.  I've heard 20 seconds faster than 5K pace (which works out to be about 9 m/m for me then).  I am definitely going to keep this workout in my routine.  I just ran laps up and down the street.  It was nice not being very far from home too although very tempting to stop whenever I passed it.  Hm...

Not much else for yesterday!  I decided not to track my food for the last 2 days.  I figure if I am eating healthy and not too much, then I should be ok.  If I start stuffing my face with junk food, then it's back to tracking again! 

To end, the cute picture of the day! I apparently make a good kitty pillow.

Remodel: It just keeps going...

I feel gross.  My stomach has been bothering me constantly (crappy foods).  I feel lethargic and tired (lack of sleep and exercise).  I feel like I'm not me!  The Get Back to Normal plan starts today.  My goals for today are to run, drink my water, and clean out the fridge.  I started on the refridgerator last night so that is already in motion.  My water has been terrible!  But I have my bottle here ready to go!  As for the run, I'm hoping to get it in... 

I thought we would already be done moving and have the cats moved.  We literally have only a handful of things to move and we are done!!!  We also have to put more nail caps on Spooky who is a big meanie.  We could only get 9 on her last night.  They are at least still stuck! 

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The kittens lost a few back paw ones but I think thats because they didn't have enough glue or weren't dry yet.  They are easy to put on them, they just lay there cuddling and purring.  Anyway, as soon as that is done, we can move them, their food, and their kitty litter.  Then we have to spend time with them so they cope with the move well.  Of course, the new place isn't very comfortable since stuff is just everywhere but the cats can deal!  So that is what it looks like I'll be doing tonight.

So you can see why I'd be concerned about getting the run in.  Still lots to do!  Rob went to the storage unit yesterday though and picked up our couch and kitchen table along with some other things.  I forgot about half the stuff he brought!  Wow!  Can't wait to decorate and unpack everything!!!  First, we have to deal with the nightmare that is my clothing.  I have a ton!  And shoes?  Let's not even go there.  I have at least 2 dozen pairs (probably upwards of 3 or 4 dozen!).  Where am I going to put them all?!

Anyway!  Enough babbling today.  I am going to end with the chickens and babies since they are so cute.  We had another one hatch but it didn't make it.  They are so fragile!

Have a great Thursday!!!