New phone.

I got a new phone...a Droid Eris.  I'm attempting my first post from it.  I'm hoping this means that I will post more frequently.  However, this seems to be more time consuming than expected.

Running is coming along.  I haven't run as much as I'm supposed to this close to the race, but I have another.long run coming up this weekend that I do not intend on missing.  The issue once again is that The Coastie is gone again this week.  But, no excuses.  It's on me if I don't finish the race.

So, I'm signing off for now to post again another day.

So, that's what they mean by pain...

I learned something yesterday...exactly what people mean by "running hurts". I know the burn of lactic acid from rowing in college & weight lifting (although I suspect that is a different kind of burn). However, I had yet to fully feel the burn from running. Sure, my legs are tired when I'm done. Sure, they get sore. But, downright hurt...hadn't felt that up until yesterday.

I logged my longest training run to date at 12 miles. The first 6 were not a problem. Had a Cliff Power Shot at mile 5 followed by the world's fastest pee break (thank you Valero!). Mile 7 started the pain. Knee pain. Friendly, sharp, feels like someone stabbing me in the kneecap pain. However, this is common of my left knee and stops when I stop running. Mile 8 brought on the same pain in my right knee & prompted a "wow, pain, you're new..." thought to run through my head for the entire mile. Mile 9 was "pain...stop now...I need to finish". Mile 10 brought on the celebration, as my last attempt at this distance was a disaster. However, that was quickly followed by "I hate pain". The last 2 miles were pure agony. I actually feel into a nice reverie of "pain, pain go away, come again another day" & "I'm going to beat you pain...I will finish".

Needless to say, I did finish & in just under 1:30 (a nice pace for me, as a first time runner). Here I was, thinking I was done with the pain.

I promptly called Crazy Running Mom (CRM) & told her of my accomplishment & that I was in excrutiating pain. The nurse in me was screaming that I just destroyed all cartiledge in my knee & that's why it hurt so bad. CRM said to take Ibuprofen & a cold shower. I was already cold...that was not happening.

So, I took my warm shower & due to increased pain, ended it standing in freezing cold water that was directed at my legs. Ahh...relief.

I have felt the pain....now I say bring on the race!

Post-Thanksgiving & New Plan

Thanksgiving - the holiday full of food...and lounging...and more food.

It's one of my favorite holidays...but I hate the after effects.

I have already been carrying around about 10 extra pounds. Pounds that I have been trying to get off for years. Now, I have 14 exta pounds to take off.

I'm going to do it. Even though running doesn't help. Running is making me fatter. Yuck!

But, I'm gonna try my darndest to get it off!

8 miles - I love you!

I have a favorite distance now....8 miles! It's a long run by my standards, gives me lots of time to myself (since I run slow), but not too long that I die (which is what happens at 10 miles right now).

I'm sure in the future my favorite distance will change, but for right now, I love my 8 miles!

Also, running after a HUGE rain storm = mud all over me. I'm hard core now....NOT.

Friday

No matter how much I try to keep up with blogging, it just doesn't seem to work.

Lately, life has taken a bit of a beating.

I had a major certification exam for nursing that...I failed. I don't fail things. That's not who I am. I took it hard, but after about a 5 minute reflection time, I realized I didn't study. Well, I did...for a day. So, no wonder. The Coastie was so sweet & told me that I have never actually failed anything I put my mind to. So...there's a fire under my butt! I've already sent in my money (freaking $200!) to take it again and will NOT fail next time!

Running has been great! Well, except for last weekend. I attempted the double digit run...wow, that sucked. I ran into the wind for the first 4 miles. Wind here, mind you, is a nice 30 mph. So, the rest of the run was a combo of walking and running. It was bad. I did, however, make it home before the Coastie went out to search for me...I made it 9.66 miles. He was quick to point out that I did make it...without quitting. So, score for that!

I just need more mo-jo...again.

Am I hooked?

This post should have been for Sunday, but with work....and life...that was not going to happen. I hate that.

Anywho~

Sunday was my long run. (I'm ecstatic that I can finally say "long run". That in itself, feels good.) It was 8 lovely miles. I ran the same route as last weekend, only this time, it was less than what was needed & had to run 1/2 mile around my neighborhood (past my house) to finish. But....I finished! The only time I walked was to have some gel stuff. My choice was Cliff gel in Mocha. It was better than the tangerine PowerGel crap I tried last weekend that made me gag after 2 bites (sips? swallows?). It worked! No stomach issues, and it carried me through the second half.

Needless to say...I may be hooked finally.

You take away the pain (the last 2 miles I thought my legs would give out), the injuries (I had massive knee pain & a bleeding toe), the neuisance abrasions (think hickies from my ipod, my bra, my garmin, etc), and the fact that I think running makes me gain weight and you've got me hooked.

Also, I think I have to retire my first pair of running shoes. They're about 3 years old, but I've only been running on them for about 1 1/2, and not many miles at that. But, I think all my walking around in them & working out in them have worn them down. I'll let you know at the end of the week if that's what I decide to do.

Weekly Recap

You would think I'd need a busier/more exciting life to warrant a weekly recap. However, since life in the Coastal Bend is less than interesting, this week warrants one. As, I think it might be the best week since we've been here.

Monday started out just fine, as Mondays go. I went to Bible Study. Worked. Ok, so boring as usual.

Tuesday, I came home to the Coastie cooking a mean meal after my 3 mile treadmill run. He poured some wine, and then announced during his "toast" that he made the list for Lieutenant. I almost choked on wine...but what a way to go! However, this doesn't really happen until May. They apparently put a list out that tells everyone who is going to make it. As we were sitting down to eat, we checked the message on the answering machine. I have become immune to the annoyance that is the red flashing light on the machine, but the Coastie can't ignore it. I wish he had. My neighbor died Monday night. Yuck. We went to show support and the whole neighborhood was there. That means wine. Once we left, the rest of the neighborhood stood outside drinking wine. The Coastie included. He had 1 (maybe 2) too many. Fun times.

Wednesday, I actually don't remember Wednesday. I ran...I know that. 3 miles. Treadmill. I also think there was wine again.

Thursday...no running. Yay! I went to the viewing of my neighbor. And at the risk of sounding morbid, he looked like he was sleeping. SO good. After that, the Coastie and I went to our neighbors house for wine. Wow, we're drunks. The Coastie once again had 1 too many. Wow, have the roles reversed or what.

Friday, we had Happy Hour at our house. MORE WINE! LOTS MORE! Man, those people can drink us under the table. I refrained from too much, as I had my first long run...that I was going to attempt outside. The Coastie yet again had 1 too many. Fun times.

Saturday...HOLY CRAP! I had a 7-miler planned, for outside. Without being sure I could do it, I headed out with my i-pod, handheld H2O device, and my Garmin (I need to name it). The first 3 miles were amazing...the weather was cool, not really sweating, no difficulty breathing...nice. The next 2 were still nice. I ran through some mansions (well, outside, through the neighborhood that had mansions) and was thinking how nice it would be to run there again. Mile 5...HOT! Is it me, or did it seriously just warm up about 10 degrees? This is also the time that I conveniently lost the sidewalk & shoulder of the street. Note to self: to avoid running on the grass, check your loop before you run it. That was a not-so-fun mile. Mile 6: yay, sidewalk! Mile 6.75: Am I done yet? Mile 7: STOP. Mile 7.25: OMG, did I just do that. Me, jumping up and down, arms flailing wildly, pumping the air. I'm sure some poor soul in a car was about to call the people with the straight jackets on me.

So, that was my week. I ran more than I have ever run. I ran further than I have ever run. I proved to myself I could do it. I'm actually looking forward to next weekend's 8-miler.

Shoes make all the difference!

People say that accessories make the outfit. However, I disagree. Shoes make the outfit!



I am coming out of the closet. I am a shoe whore. It's no wonder that the Coastie and I have a deal that for every new pair of shoe I buy, I have to get rid of 2. He's trying to dwindle down the number of pairs that I have. I think he may resent the fact that my shoes tend to breed like rabbits and are rapidly taking over his side of the closet. My thought is that it serves him right for taking 50% of the closet for himself. I mean, really...do you have that many clothes? Unfortunately, he does. I think he's secretly a clothes whore, but that's my opinion. Who cares if 1/2 his clothes are government issue & navy blue. Should have thought of that before you signed your life away!



I am currently sitting at my desk with my newest pair of shoes. Shiny black flats. I bought them for comfort (joke's on me) and for the pants that I own that are a tad short. (I have come to realize that I am not considered petite when it comes to pants....5'3" and I'm too tall for them). I had to put band-aids on to get them to stop hurting this morning, but nothing was going to stop me from wearing them.



But, shoes have the ability to make you feel beautiful, flirty, fun....invincible. For example, my leopard print stilettos. I wear those, and I feel edgy. I feel trendy. No one is going to make me feel bad about myself when I have those suckers on!



However, I had a realization yesterday at the gym about how great a pair of shoes can make you feel. I was in the locker room changing...guys, get your mind out of the gutter, women's locker rooms are not that great...and I started to lace up my running shoes for my easy 3-miler (it was going to rain, hence the treadmill) and I looked down and realized I was in love....with my running shoes.



My Brooks Defyances are a beautiful shade of blue. The color reminds me of the clearest blue sky you could imagine on a slightly cool spring day. Continuing to lace them up, I realized that these shoes are my favorite. I use them solely for treadmills right now, as I have their predecessors as my outdoor shoes. These shoes are the ones that make me feel invincible. I'm not a fast runner, nor a long distance runner (yet), but with these shoes on, I feel that doesn't matter...I'm a runner. These shoes can take me beyond what I thought my limits were. They take me past the pain, past the tiredness, and to a place of euphoria....a place where I feel like I could run forever. These babies are truly amazing

Shoes....make all the difference!

Am I dead yet?

WOW!

I'm at work on a Sunday...

Going on 3 weeks straight with 1 day off...

12 hour shifts since 9/30...

Holy crap am I tired!

No running, no life, no happiness. Well, ok, there is happiness in there periodically.

I just want my life back.

So, that's the ramblings of a tired, over-worked, delerious me.

Hectic Life

This week is bitter sweet.

I am ridiculously busy at work. Ya'll can tell from my countdown that I have 7 days until life as I know it is over. It's ok. I'm proud of my project. I take pride in all I have accomplished. However, my project manager doesn't seem to understand how hard I work with the few resources given to me. He's opted not to keep me on full time after it's over. Piece of crap! So, I will be heading home to the ER. I'm actually excited. I miss my sick kiddos. Not wanting to go back to be a lowly staff nurse after busting my butt for the last year, I took it upon myself to apply for a coordinator position. I had my interview with my director and the other coordinators yesterday. I think I got the job.

I'm not too sure, though. It was not said that I did, but it ended with deciding where my desk would go. And then, when I thanked my director for meeting with me, she said all she needed to do was talk to my project manager and put in the promotion paperwork. I don't want to assume, but I'm kind of excited!

Also, I have the opportunity next time we transfer to travel as a consultant for what I'm doing now. Plus, I want to go back to school for it. So, we shall see.

On the running front...I am heading to the gym after work to do my 3 miles. It's small to those of you that run marathons, but I'm just starting training for my first half marathon. And to me, 3 is still a milestone. Heck, I ran 5 for the first time ever on Sunday!

I love the feeling of every week being a first. It's very motivating.

And it helps me keep the weight off. My tummy's coming back!

So much for feeling healthy...

I went for my 5 mile run! YAY! Had to walk 3 times in the second half for lack of training...oops. Came home, drank a very healthy protein shake. Then I puked an hour later. So, I feel like crap. Will write more tomorrow.

Saturday, Saturday!

If you're anything like me, you just had cheesy 80s music running through your head. The Coastie's not home until next Friday. This means a weekend to myself. With all intents of running and cleaning the house and completing all necessary chores that come with owning a home, I woke up at 7:30 for puppy (alarm went off at 7:00, but hah, it's Saturday). I took her out, met pretty much the whole neighborhood, was accused of child abuse (jokingly) for not having already fed said puppy. Went inside, made us both breakfast, had coffee, and promptly sat my butt in front of the TV and did not move until I had to go to my hair appointment. Yay for motivation!

So much for work.

Hair appointment went well. I am now a darker brunette with some red splashed in....with bangs (yikes!).

Decided to get a massage. TOTALLY worth it!

Bought puppy & kitty food and the like. (My one errand actually completed)

Purchased some Raw food books to see if I can tolerate eating about 80% of my diet as raw. I can do more when the Coastie's not home. But, once he comes home it will be chicken or steak for dinner with pasta or some cooked veggie. So, I will leave dinner to be the one non-raw meal. Well, that's the goal. I have to get through the books first and go grocery shopping.

All other errands are for tomorrow!

P.S. Still haven't run.

Biggest Loser as a motivator?

I'm The Biggest Loser's mos fanatical fan. I was going to say biggest, but totally not. Even in my own mind, I'm not that big. While watching, I did some thinking. Why are people so motivated by this show? Is it the screaming? Crying? Heart-wrenching stories? At the risk of alienating all....6 of my followers, I am going to tell you why I think it motivates so many people. And as you know, my opinion, really is the only one that matters. At least on my blog.

Biggest Loser motivates people because...

(wow, I feel like I'm back in 5th grade grammar coming up with a sentence)

I feel totally awful watching other people work out while I sit on my couch drinking wine. It doesn't bother me so much when I've worked out that day, but I (yet again) didn't sleep last night and thus (did I just use thus in an actual sentence?) did not wake up for the gym at 4 AM. And, due to puppy (awww) did not go to the gym after work.

I meant to go this evening when I put puppy to sleep....but, do I need to mention the wine again?

The first thing they did on the show was "run" a mile. ON THE BEACH! Good Gosh people. NBC execs...who do you think you are? That's just plain mean! I mean, a mile is tough (I know, I just crossed that milestone a year ago), but on the beach? "Do the words 'Cruel and unusual punishment' mean anything to you?" (Random movie quote...where was that from again?)

Anywho...after watching them run, I may have to drag my sorry butt out of bed in the morning to do my part to make myself feel better that people 3 times my size can do it and I am too lazy.

Life Lesson from the Gold's Girl

What I learned from Gold's Girl

1. You don't have to be skinny to be sexy. She's jacked and makes me want to be jacked too. Well, maybe not jacked, but definitely close to it.

2. I am what I eat. I knew this, just reinforced some more. Like that doughnut I want...My butt will look like that when I'm done eating it.

3. Food = Fuel. You only put the best gas/oil in your car to make it run, so why not do the same for your body? I've started eating more organic and when I want something sweet, I try to eat something else to take my mind off of it.

4. Gaining muscle and running may not be easy to do together. Running burns muscle. No bueno. Oh, well, check the ticker at the side to see how much time I have left before I can lift more often.

5. I am embarrassed to show people what I eat. So much so that I will not write it down in my food journal. Ha, I'm even embarrassed to see it myself!

6. Beefy guys (and girls) usually get there by using steroids. Really? I thought they were illegal. Or maybe that's just in the Olympics. Who knows...I didn't even know they made them anymore.

7. Supplements - maybe not so bad. Bought myself a few more. Reviews to come.

8. 5 AM sucks. You know what sucks even more? 4 AM!

Yes...I am a slacker

It's been a ridiculous last 2 weeks. Between working so much and the Coastie being gone, it's been a bit tough. Granted, he was here this past week. So, life should be good, right? Well, it is...for now. So, how about a recap!

Lifting: Did it, missed a day and tried to fit it all in to one....NOT a good idea. Jello arms anyone?

Running: Flaked...totally. I suck. Oh, and training starts tomorrow. YIKES!

Work: See new count down at the side of this blog to know just how close to losing it I am. Oh, and did I mention my mangers forgot that they under-staffed my team with....just me. So, that means 14 straight days of 12 hour shifts. Life sucks. However, 88 hours of overtime may just make up for it!

Life: SUGARLAND ROCKS! Went to their concert and I am officially a pseudo-lesbian. Not really, but I may qualify if I have one more girl crush. Jen is pretty darn sexy!


This week will be lots of work. But, I'm gonna get up at 4 AM to work out every day! I am! I am! Or shall I say, I think I can, I think I can.

You know who motivates me? This woman! I have no kids, only furry ones, and I can't find any time to do anything. How does she do it? And she has time to come up with fabulous give aways! Needless to say, I love Nuun too, and have similar stomach issues.

Too bad work stopped my ability to read blogs at work. Otherwise my motivation would be way up there right now. Tomorrow, stay tuned for a recap of my learnings from Gold's Girl.

Fantasy Football & Gold's Girl

If you have ever seen those girls at the gym that are jacked...this post is for you.

I had a slight girl crush on this trainer at the gym. She's RIDICULOUS! Strong, built, amazing. God says we are not supposed to covet what other people have. But God made her, so he's got to know other girls want that. Anyway...I have watched her every day I've been at the gym. When I went through my lifting faze, I almost worked up the courage to talk to her to ask her what she did to look as good as she did. I say almost, because I never did.

The Coastie's ship all decided to participate in Fantasy Football this season. I get to "manage" his team. LUCKY ME! Not. It was an interesting concept until I realized they had draft parties for this type of thing. Weird. Men. And some women apparently. So, we went to the party last weekend to get our team. Much to my surprise, my girl crush happens to be one of the guys from the Coastie's boat's "girlfriend". It's in quotes per some stuff I learned from her yesterday. It's appropriate...trust me.

Well, can I tell you I was floored! SO excited. So, she and I got to talking about stuff and she said she'd help me reach my goals. I met with her yesterday and brought my training plan for running to have her help me figure out how to balance lifting and running to get the body of my dreams. I'm back to hoping to look like a fitness model (she actually is, I have learned...and does shows). She asked if I actually want to be in a show. As of right now, the half marathon is priority. After that, I'll think about it. First, I have to get into halfway decent shape.

The plan is to totally change my body by the time the Coastie gets back from being away for 6 weeks. He does come back for about 2 weeks total within there. So, by the time he's back the second time (1 month) I hope to have a big change in my body. She says it's possible. But...and here's the kicker...my nutrition has to be spot on. I have been eating clean for 1 day now...haha. Wow, one day. But, it's a start. I will bring her my food journal for today to critique. I'm sure she'll be harsh. But, I need help.

So, back on track. I will have to pray on that one.

MIA, AWOL, and the Like

I have been an awful blogger, awful runner, and awful wife. Well, maybe not the last one, this is me we're talking about!

I have a plan! A woman with a plan! That happens to me a lot. I am a woman with a plan about 90% of the time. I am fantastic at planning. Not so fantastic about sticking to it, however. Note to self: work on that!

But, since I have a plan now, I do plan to stick to it. I got up this morning at the ungodly our of 4:30 AM. I made it to the gym. Was told by the Coastie to run for 10 minutes before my planned lifting session. That requires 2 pairs of shoes for 1 gym visit. That ratio is just off to me. I need my running shoes (the treadmill ones) and my lifting shoes. I do not see myself doing squats and step-ups in running shoes. It just sounds like it would kill the cusioning in them. No bueno! So, elliptical it was.

So, here's my workout:

10 min warmup on Elliptical (interval setting - cause that makes a difference when it's 10 minutes!)

15 squats @ Olympic Bar (45lb) x 2 sets

15 pushups
15 Seated Rows @ setting 4 (40 lb? - never have figured that out)
10 pushups
15 Seated Rows @ setting 4

15 Step-ups each leg @ Height of 6 stepper-riser thingys w/ 20 lbs total
12 Stability ball crunches w/ 8 lb Coreball
15 Step-ups each leg @ Height of 6 stepper-riser thingys w/ 20 lbs total
12 Stability ball crunches w/ 8 lb Coreball

So, yay for that! In other news...I lost my Polar HRM strap. Have the watch. My Garmin is the GREATEST! However, no bueno for inside. So, I have no idea how many calories I burned. Hopefully enough to burn off the bit of Movie Theater popcorn I ate yesterday.

P.S. Harry Potter Rocks!

Delayed flights are like my running

Sitting (on the dock of the bay) here at the airport waiting for my flight to take off, I have come to a major conclusion. Many things in my life, like running, eating healthy, chores, are like delayed flights. Let me explain...

First the flight gets delayed by an hour. You start to think, thank goodness, I was going to be late anyway, and now God has smiled on me and I will not only make my flight but be early enough to actually use the restroom in the airport rather than the on the plane. This makes you happy because naturally a toilet that doesn't move around due to turbulence is much better than one that does. You ignore the fact that it's a toss up on which one is actually more sanitary. In running, I delay it an hour due to having to use the restroom after getting home late from work (or not wanting to wake up quite that early in the morning). Fantastic, I think to myself as I take the time to use the restroom.

Second, the flight gets delayed another hour and a half. Is it weather you ask? No, it's stupid air traffic control combined with weather. Really? Air traffic control is the reason? Did they just decide my plane was not going to land on time anyway and delay it further? Do they really know 4 hours ahead that they aren't going to let us land? Do they sit up in their tower playing plane roulette? "We'll delay........this one!" They say with their eyes closed and their finger floating over the green radar screen as it lands on the unsuspecting blip on the screen. "Ah yes, this plane it is." Again, much like running to me. I decide to delay the run again with my eyes closed and my finger floating over my weekly calendar saying, "I'll decide to delay.....this run further."

Third, the flight is then delayed another 10 minutes. Really? 10 minutes? You had to actually post that it is delayed yet another 10 minutes. Because in the scheme of things, like a delay of 2 hours and 55 minutes, actually having to tell us that no...no...in fact it is actually now 3 hours and 5 minutes is really going to make a difference. I couldn't be more upset if they cancelled the freaking flight. (Oh, God, please don't do that). Keep in mind, I'm only 1 hour and 45 minutes into my now 3 hours and 5 minutes delay. Run....still to be continued.

However, here's hoping the plane is only delayed and not cancelled, as all my runs have been for the past 2 weeks. Can you say funk? Get me out of it!!!!!! Help!!! Motivation.....please!

TIART and Crazy Running Mom

Todays TIART is about what music I think would play in the movie of my training. Seeing as I haven't run that much yet and don't consider what I am doing "training" yet, it's hard to pick the song for my movie. But, my dad says my theme song for life is Limp Bizkit's My Way or the Highway. So, I think I'll go with that. It's suitable, for now. I do require my body to do what I want as well. And, if it doesn't, it gets to run (the highway).

That all sounds lame. So lame in fact, I don't think I should have written it at all.

On to my visit with Crazy Running Mom. It was fantastic to see her. However, it meant I had to run...a lot. We ran the 4 for the 4th race on the 4th of July (go figure, right?). I run slow...so slow I'm almost ashamed to put my time on here. But, I finished 4 miles in 51:09.

BTW, there are no hills in South Texas. In fact, it may be so flat here that some of you would feel like you are running downhill constantly. However, there are hills downtime. I learned that during the race. There were about 5 of them. To those of you that run hills, they may be considered speed bumps. To me...they are HUGE! And I ran up every single one of them! Wahoo! So, race #1 is complete. Time to start thinking about others to participate in for the future!

I am losing my mind!

I noticed on Tuesday that some post-its were missing from my desk. Now, normally post-its are not that important. However, these were given to me as a gift for graduating from nursing school and have been pretty-ing up my desk at home for the past few years. I have had no use for them since graduating. What does a nurse need with pink and purple heart shaped post-its. Now, of course, I do use them being that I am at a desk all day. And post-its come in handy!

But, they are missing in action. Someone stole them (or I lost them, whichever). I want them back. No one has returned them as of yet, despite my mass e-mail to my entire department pleading and offering a reward to get them back.

Well, yesterday I lost my cell phone too. Yikes! I need my cell phone. So, I assume since that's two ridiculously important (yes, post-its constitute ridiculously important) things lost in two days, it's probably me. I am losing my mind! I hate it when that happens. And, this is a secret, so shhhhh, it happens a lot.

I have been managing to keep to my running schedule pretty closely. Due to the Coastie being gone this week, I had to skip spinning because puppy is running my life right now. Poor thing with the tiny bladder and no control of it. Please tell me as dogs get older, if they are well trained, they no longer run your life. Because that would be fabulous.

I ran 3 miles yesterday on the treadmill...piece of crap, I mean, it was fun. Today was supposed to be another 3, but my legs were still sore from yesterday (left knee pain continues). Hopefully, I will get it in later today. Crazy running mom gets in today and my even crazier neighbors are picking her up from the airport. She'll be drinking wine before my meeting at work is over (the reason I'm not picking her up).

So, my running continues...and hopefully I will survive the race on Saturday. It is going to be HOT and HUMID. Yes, it deserves capital letters because it's that bad here right now. Why did I want to move to Texas again? Oh yeah, I like heat...supposedly. But, I didn't run before I moved here. I liked it much more when I was inside and inactive.

So, happy almost a holiday weekend to everyone! Be safe. Don't blow your hands off with fireworks. And stay cool!

Ouch, my knees.

Yesterday was rough. I did not want to wake up to go to the gym to run (since at 4 am, it's still to freaking hot). So, I told myself I would go after work. And, I did. Had to leave early from work to do it...too bad, right?! Nah, that was the nice part.



The bad part...1 mile in, my left knee started hurting...again. It did this the other day when I was running on the treadmill, but the nurse in me said to ignore it. (Because the nurse in me hates doctors...so she must ignore all minor, and sometimes major, issues). However, by the time I was done (3.75 miles later) I could hardly walk off the treadmill once I stopped it. Normal aches, right? Maybe...we shall see.



The run was boring enough, since I was at the gym, on a treadmill, staring at the gym sign on the other side of the wall to keep focus on something other than my hurting knee. I was able to complete my desired mileage without having too much trouble breathing. Thanks to my previous lightbulb moment. However, the burning leg sensation was somewhat new. It was pretty much constant the entire time. And, I have a feeling had I not been on a treadmill, that I would have stopped running.

After my run, I took a "runner's shower"...or just changed, whichever way you put it, and headed over to my friend's house for Mac's first play date with a dog about 10 times her size. Picture my small terrier mix running around with an Italian Mastiff. Kind of funny actually. Poor thing almost got stepped on numerous times. However, after the initial insecurity, she came around and started playing like she knew the dog forever. So cute.

However, back to work.

Light bulb moment

I had this light bulb moment yesterday. Or, as the Coastie called it, a blonde moment. For the record, I have dark brown hair that I recently highlighted with a light brown. I am not at all blonde. Disclaimer: I have no ill will towards blondes. I am readying Marathoning for Mortals by John Bingham and Jenny Hadfield.

It's a wonderful book for people of all running levels. It's for extreme beginners such as myself to the elite atheletes. It talks about the best approaches to each type of run you will use during training. So, i decided to test the principle on my 4.5 mi run yesterday. Granted it was a treadmill run because it's too freaking hot to run outside, but the principle for long runs worked. The slower you run them, the longer you can run. Ha! I felt like the biggest idiot because you would think this would be common sense. However, I have this unofficial goal of averaging 12:00/mile on my half marathon. I felt I should run this pace on my long runs to train myself to do it. Apparently, you run slow on long runs just to add miles and run fast on tempo runs to gain speed. Go figure. Glad I bought the book or I would probably never make it to the race.

Other neat news! Crazy Running Mom is coming to town Thursday and has talked my into running my very first race. No kidding, I've never even run a 5K before. So, my intro to races is a 4 miler. It is likely to be too hot and too humid, but she will be right there next to me helping me along the way. I hope to finish in about 50 minutes. More so, I hope they haven't closed the finish line by the time I am done so I can enjoy the true end to a race. I have no hopes of ever running fast. Or, as some would say, Half Fast. I plan to be utterly slow for most of my running career.

So, hopefully I can make it through yet another week of running, working out, working, and taking care of my kiddos.

TIART

Take it and run Thursday's theme is: Yeah, no one ever told me this about running....

So, no one ever told me how much time it takes.

As those of who actually follow me know, I'm extremely new to running. My Crazy Running Mom (yes, that's her name) got me into running. And running is not something I actually enjoy yet. I enjoy it when it's done. Yes, the time I stop is my favorite part of my run. From my understanding, running is not supposed to take much time. You are supposed to be able to go out for a "quick 3 miles" or a "short run". However, when you start, people fail to tell you that these "short runs" are actually quite time consuming. That is, when you run an average of a 12:00 minute mile.

So, my "quick 3 miles" are 35 minutes. And my "short runs" exceed 30 minutes. That, to me, is not quick. Now, I am not new to hard exercising. I have lifted, I have spun, I have done it all. Well, not all per se. I have done a lot, or at least, I have done something. But, I got a dog. Well, puppy. And puppies take time. LOTS of time. So, running taking time right now, seems like a lot more than I can afford right now.

On a positive note, this is the first week I have actually stuck to my plan. Except today. Yesterday I took my spinning class (the first time in a month...or the first time since we got the puppy, your choice) and the Coastie said I should rest today and not run this morning (the class ended at 7 pm last night). So, this morning I did not run. Tonight, I did not run. I drank instead. More about that later. So, tomorrow AM is my 4.5 mile run (that's long to me, shut up!).

Today I worked 1/2 a day at the office and then traveled to Houston to see another Hospital. I was intending to meet my CNO (Chief Nursing Officer) here to meet with my counterpart at this Houston Hospital. But, I ended up eating (and drinking) dinner with my CNO, the CNO of Houston Hospital, both their husbands, and the CFO (bean counter) of Houston Hospital. I'm an ED nurse. A staff nurse. These big wigs kind of scare me. That and I'm young enough to be their children. In fact, I think the CNOs graduated from nursing school when I was 3. Talk about out of my element. However, both run! YAY! Running connections!

So, I'm in Houston. Tired. Slightly drunk. And needing to run in the AM. It is good night and T.G.I.F. tomorrow to you all!

Wow, time flies!

In my job, we have a group/mob of people that come in from out of town to help us. This happens about every 3 weeks or so. While they are here, it seems like a tornado hits in our office. We are all running around like crazy people getting massive amounts of work done. However, this means I lose track of time.

In fact, I planned on posting this morning before they came in, but they are here already.

So, more about running later.

The wonderful rest of Sundays

So, Sundays are rest days for me. However, when you lack the willpower to stick to your schedule the other 6 days, it really means nothing, but yet another rest day in the flow of rest days.

Sundays in our house are cleaning days. And laundry days. Today was both. Neither of which got done. That makes it sound like Sundays are more about accomplishing nothing in our house. Wow. Awesome. Because since last Sunday, the plan had been to play golf.

Oh well. I did, however, decide that I am going to attempt the morning run again. Wish me luck!

Saturdays...Love them...Wish there were more of them.

So, puppy is normal again! YAY! Do have to say, she actually likes children's benedryl.

Running, the real point of all of this...

This morning...it sucked. And by suck, I mean super suck. The 4 mile loop was the plan, but didn't happed. I finished it...with 4 walking periods. Who would have thought that 8:00 AM was too late to run. Too hot. Way too hot. That mixed with no food = this nurse went no where. I would even like to say I went nowhere fast, but I went nowhere really really slow. So, another crap session.

I either need to run at 8:00 PM and eat dinner at 5:00 PM or run at 4:00 AM and risk being one of "those" people. I used to go to the gym at that time. Something about running around in the dark kind of scares me. Any pros have some thoughts on that? I'm guessing just don't wear headphones so you can hear things. Things like creepy guys running after you.

Oh! Highlight of today is I got my hair cut finally. I feel like myself now. The "new" me. The running me. The runner me...dare I say. That and the Coastie thinks it's sexy...score! Hopefully figuratively and literally! (Hey, I'm still young, no judging!)

Happy Saturday!

Lumpy Bumpy Puppy

So, this post will not be about running...sorry.

If you check out this post you will see my kiddos. Well, the canine kiddo got stung my something yesterday. Now, I am the first to admit, I am not a dog person. So, that means I know nothing of their ability to get sick or anything. My first assumption was always that it was very different than humans. Give me a human, and I'll do whatever is needed. Dogs, not so much. Well, I called home before leaving work and talked to the Coastie. He said that she was throwing up. She had drank a lot of water, projectile vomitted the water back up, and proceeded to throw up bile a few more times...4 maybe? Sorry for the weak stomached...it's the nurse in me.

First thought: silly puppy drank too much water too fast.

So, I decided to skip my planned trip to the tanning salon and go home to see if she was ok.

She was sleepy (not usual...she's a puppy after all). And she came and crawled in my lap on the floor and proceeded to look very strange. Fur got all mottled...face looked pathetic. Within seconds...puppy was bumpy. Dogs get hives. Didn't know that. So, I freaked out and called the vet and took her right in. Luckily the vet that saw her was her vet, so she knew this was different. The vet tech said it best when she called Mac a "Lumpy, Bumpy Puppy". So, one Benedryl shot and one steroid shot and $135 later, she was cured. Sting of some sort, apparently.

All I can think of now is, I wish I had a picture. I'm a horrible Dog Mommy.

But, it looked something like this, except ALL OVER HER BODY!

T.G.I.F

The Local Fleet Feet

On Tuesday, I went to my local Fleet Feet store to find one of those handy water bottle belts. You see, south Texas is....well...hot. Not just hot, but stifling hot. Humidity should not be allowed to get above 80 %. Especially if it hasn't rained in say...weeks, months...ever. But, God failed to tell South Texas about this rule. On my run last week (which I managed to run most of my 4 mile loop), I was dizzy by the end. Like trip over my feet and bite it dizzy. So, I had an epiphany...WATER! I've always heard water was necessary during a workout. But, I finally felt it was time to test this theory out.

Needless to say, Fleet Feet was out of them. The very nice and super knowledgeable girl talked me into a hand held H2O container. 3 color choices! Black, red, and pink. Well, naturally I chose pink, and now I can't pawn it off on the hubby since running while holding something is the STUPIDEST idea ever. My back hurt, my arm hurt, my hand was dripping with sweat. Yuck! That combined with my lack of running of a 3 mile loop meant disaster. But, Fleet Feet girl redeamed herself! Nuun. Lemon-Lime. Yum. Sort of. So, I am a product of the KoolAid era. Drinks are supposed to be sweet. Think chewing your liquid. So, it's not. But, it does flavor my water nicely and help me from feeling too hot.

Could this new product be the reason I was able to run 5 miles yesterday, on a treadmill, with no music or TV. Spinning was full...piece of crap gym...so I ran...until it was over!

Yesterday was a crazy day at work. I think I may have a nervous breakdown if it doesn't get better. I came home looking for a fight. Luckily, my Coastie is the greatest! He got be sushi and almost bought me flowers (I ruined that by asking for them). But, let's hope today is a new day.

My Kids

So, I am a cat person. Hubby and I have the greatest cat in the world. I think so because he is so loving. He loves to be held and cuddled and kissed. Hubby likes him 'cause he acts like a dog. He fetches, sits on command (for treats only), follows you from room to room, etc. All in all, his mommy thinks he's perfect. Just not all that personable to people other than me.

But, we decided to get a puppy. She is 15 weeks and super cute. She's laid back, loves her loving, and is curious about her new home. She wants to love on and play with her big brother, but he wants nothing to do with her. He yells at her, and the other day while she was just sitting there, he walked right up to her and smacked her on the nose and then walked away. No claws. She didn't cry. So, I guess he's establishing that he's in charge. However, their interactions are pretty humerous.

We are very excited about our kids. But, since Hubby is underway this week, I have them to myself. Very much like having actual kids...to me anyway. No offense to you "real" mothers out there, I totally believe you all are saints.

Anyway, off to the vet for puppy's first visit!

Pretty proud of myself....yesterday

Yesterday was rough. I was tired, so didn't get up for my usual workout. Slacker, I know. Plus, my parents were coming in to town. However, they left late and that granted me the perfect opportunity to go out for my 2 mile run. I headed out with my Garmin and no ipod. Nothing to keep me company but my thoughts. It was actually quite nice. Got a tad dark and windy by the end.

But, to the proud part, this is the first time I have given up lifting for running. It's progress! I will still lift this week end, but my running just took priority, well, I hope it did anyway.

Thanks to John "Penguin" Bingham and No Need for Speed for the added motivation. Great book, I highly recommend it!

While you're reading...read this blog too! Fitnessista

Disinfection Perfection

So...Swine Flu. Yucky. I happen to work at one of the hospitals that has confirmed a few cases. The hubby being in the Coast Guard, and (if you do your reasearch) in our area one of our fabulous coasties has gotten it as well. Have yet to find out who, if I know him, and better yet, if I've come into contact with him recently.

So, at work, I work in the ER (sort of), flu city. I was already avoiding it like the plague because JCAHO was visiting, but now I'm really avoiding it. I don't want to get sick. Everyone at work is going crazy disinfecting everything. No one is shaking hands, no one at church is holding hands during the Lord's Prayer, it's quarantine time here. School closings, parade cancellations, well, half way, and overall mass hysteria. I decided on my way home from work to stop and pick up some hand sanitizer for home since my family is coming in from out of town and I don't want them to get me sick or this place to get them sick. Would you believe that I stopped at 2 stores and both were completely out of it. Not one bottle left. Not even a bottle of antibacterial soap. I find that hilarious. First, antibacterial kills, well, bacteria. The flu is a virus, people! You need to check stuff to make sure it kills the flu. I was able to find some Clorox spray that says right on the bottle that it kills Flu A & B.

My house is sufficiently sanitized for my protection. Now, I need to mandate everyone that comes in use one of the million hand sanitizers I have or soap. Or, if you're me....both! I also have this kind of funny headache going on now. Clorox in closed spaces may not have been a good idea.

I did however find out how it got started...

Kinda funny, right. But so wrong on so many levels.

Wow - I'm beat.

So, yesterday officially ended our big Build Fest at work. It's software build - very boring for people who aren't me. I'm a nurse and doing software build - kind of funny. Anywho~it's over! And, I made it. That may not seem like much, but I'm proud. The team for our hospital was put together last summer. Everyone was trained and certified (not certifiable, like I believe I am) before I even came to the team. I started my training the last week of October and was completely certified by December 11. By the time I got back, that was 1 month. I'm proud to say that means I got certified faster than anyone on our team (maybe with the highest scores too). We expected to not be on track with everyone else because of how much later I got started, but we met the deadline of the entire team. Sorry, I have to toot my own horn here because I very rarely am proud of myself.

However, I am now exhausted. I haven't slept very well for about a week. My eating has been shot to heck due to massive cravings of donuts and the like. I've been praying to get back on track, but sometimes my stomach speaks to me a tad louder than God. Sorry, God, I swear I'm trying. Today, it has all caught up with me. I woke up with a headache that is finally subsiding. I needed coffee, so I stopped at Starbucks, which also means an Apple Fritter. YUCK. I love them, enjoyed it, but I'm not enjoying the after effects of the sugar right now. In fact, it may be the reason for my lack of sleep.

On the up side (roller-coaster today, I apologize), I was able to run my allotted 3.3 miles yesterday. Downer - did not get up for my morning lifting today. Upper - I will go after work and complete spinning. Upper - rest day tomorrow. Upper - will go to sleep really early tonight and take something to ensure I get the sleep.

So, yay for me. Yay for life. Boo for tiredness.

Crazy Week!

I've been gone...and I know all 2 of you who may or may not read my blog are totally missing me right now. However, I have an excuse. Albeit, probably not a great one.

So, crazy deadlines at work suck. Without going into the details of my work (cause it's boring to everyone but me) we have to build stuff using our software for the hospital. Every time I speak with my nurses about something I have built for them, we end up on a tangent about some other things they want and all of a sudden I have more work to do. people don't seem to understand the idea of deadlines. April 28th is looming and our people are coming in from Madison from Tuesday to Thursday. So, that's a few more days of not being able to build what I need. In the meantime, I've become a building machine. I sit at my desk with my headphones on (which, by the way, I need new music on my phone) and type away. So much fun!

In all seriousness, I need to come up with a plan for this blog. It was meant to be more of a chronicle of the things I do on a daily basis in relation to being a military wife. However, life in that regard has taken a small detour. Let's face it, he's just not gone that much anymore. This is good, despite how that last sentence sounded. So, I thought I'd go the workout and eating route. Not so much for me, I don't think. Unless I double post from Livestrong, there's no more typing about working out. At least not while I'm at a standstill in that department. Too much temptation. So, I'm at a loss. I may just decide to pick a random topic and go there for the day. Overall, I'd like to just post everyday. But, life spent on the computer is a life I have not gotten used to yet.

Back to it!

I went home last night after a long few days of work and am SUPER excited. Last weekend, the hubby and I spent the entire weekend planting and digging up our backyard. We wanted it to look beautiful. And it does! However, I am not a gardener, so I had no idea how much manual labor that really entails. A LOT!

So, anyway, we planted palm trees, removed them due to how big they were going to get, moved some of them and took others back. Then we planted some hibiscus, bulbs, and sage. I kill things, though. You've heard of the "brown thumb", but I have the black thumb of death. Every plant I have ever owned or come into contact with has died. My husband is extremely good at reviving them, but he shouldn't have to. I told myself that I was going to do better this time! I was going to take care of these plants and flowers to make it pretty outside. I realized though that I forgot to water them on Tuesday. So, I went home yesterday and watered them. Much to my surprise, there were already flowers!

I was SUPER excited! Here are a few of them:

These are Apricot Hibiscuses. My personal favorite! Look! 3 flowers!
This one is my husband's favorite. I forget what kind of Hibiscus it is, but it's red - his favorite color!

So, I am going to keep trying to take care of these puppies so they can be beautiful for a long time!

Interesting Week

So, this week has been busy. Busy at work, not so busy in life, but it's been tiring.

I have had ZERO, and I mean ZERO energy this week. Keeping up on workouts has been forceful. I used to pop out of bed in the morning excited to go to the gym before work because that meant that after work I had time to just sit and enjoy the great weather. However, last week was raining and really shot my motivation for getting up in the AM. So, this week was spent trying to get back to my morning routine.

I was able to wake up, but not make it to the gym. That piece was done after work. I even had to bring my stuff with me to work so that I wouldn't stop home first. If I did that, I'd never make it to the gym.

Yesterdays workout was after work, but was much more productive. I was able to do my NROL4W Stage 2 B2 workout and run my 2 miles without too much difficulty. Partly, I believe, due to the fact that I broke my eating plan and ate some junk (beef enchiladas and cookies). My energy level felt normal again after that.

See, I've been doing this "clean eating" thing for the past 2 weeks to see if it helped my stomach issues. Well, it did. I never, NEVER, knew what it felt like to eat and not feel anything afterwards. I always had a harsh full feeling, loud, noisy, disgusting stomach sounds (I know, TMI), and pain....lots of pain. Gone! All of it! I have the occasional gurgle now, but gone!

Gone was the energy this week because of it too. Maybe not the quality of the food being the blame, but the amount. I wasn't eating enough. I'd get around 1500 - 1600 calories for the day tops. I'd finish the day, with only dinner left with 1100 calories eaten total. So, I think my body was craving more calories, and the only thing I could do at work was eat crap. So, I did. I am going to strive to eat things that are healthy but higher in calories. Like nut butters, avocado, olive oil, etc. Hopefully that will solve the problem. Today, I think I'm projected to be up to 1200 calories before dinner. My total calorie goal is 1900 - 2000 on days I don't workout and 2200 on days I do. I'd like to net right around 1800 - 1900. High enough to build muscle, IMO, but not so high as to make me gain weight.

So, here's to health, wealth, and happiness (the middle one being the one I don't have yet)! And, here's to a better me!

Who knew running was a bloody sport.

So, funny story. Well, kinda funny. I've taken up running recently. I've been trying to make it to a 5K for a while, but the new goal is a 10K! This is great progress. However, I have run into a bit of a interesting problem. One of my left toes bleeds around the nail every time I run more than a mile or so. Usually it's only a little bit, nothing that really worried me, just pissed me off because I have to clean my sock. Last night, though, was a different story. I ran my 3 mile loop, came back home to stretch, looked at my shoe and it was SOAKED with blood. WTF! The weird part is that it never hurts, just bleeds. This was no different. I took my shoe off, looked at it, and learned that I now have a cut on the inside of one of my toes. So, I had to soak my sock, shoe, and the shoe insert (yes, I bled through this too).

Lifting today, due to that dilemma, was painful. Piece of crap running. Why did I decide to conquer you?

Speaking of lifting...I did my modified special workout from NROL4W Stage 1. I was tired and without motivation. So, I think it was crap. I thought I hated Mondays, apparently I hate Wednesdays more.

Finished Stage 1!

So, today was my last day of regular workouts for NROL4W Stage 1. Sitting at work today at a desk makes me realize how sore I get from not moving around so much. Life in the ER was all about run, run, run. Here it's sit, sit, sit. Then I go home, and yep, sit some more. I'm trying to get out of that rut. At least on the weekends.

However, today was interesting with eating. I brought my lunch, for one. That, of course, means I didn't want it once it came lunch time. I went to the cafeteria and really wanted a burger. Got a chicken sandwich instead. So glad I got that, so WISH I'd gotten the burger. The sandwich was GROSS! Cold, dry, tasteless. YUCK! But, it kept me on track for today.

So, totally not doing my homework for my Bible Study. I should, but I don't. Not really following my Lenten promise of reading scripture everyday either. Makes me sad. I should be able to do that. But, alas, I forget and a week goes by and then I remember I never did it. Ugh!

So, another rant on not following through with things. Such is my life. Always have high hopes, never stick with it. Like my new goal of wanting to see my abs by the summer. This means a reduction in body fat, and eating really healthy (don't even get me started on eating clean). So, yesterday my husband and I went to the movies and I brought a healthy muffin that I stashed in my purse. I ate it, and half my husband's popcorn. So much for that goal. He says I need to treat myself and that I do eat healthy most of the time. I feel that I don't eat healthy most of the time and treat myself ALL of the time. Only God knows the truth. Eating Clean was a new goal as well. HA! Do you KNOW how much processed food is out there? It's everywhere! AHHH! Save me from the processed foods!

BAH! I've got the Mondays!

The Workout Plan

I am in the midst of my 2nd week of workouts. I'm following the NROL4W (the New Rules of Lifting for Women) book. It's great. Even after 2 weeks, my butt is less gross. I know TMI, but as most women know, this is actually very important! Hubby notices. Which means good things for me. Wink.

Anyway, having some issues with the eating plan. It advises (for my size) that I eat 2000 calories a day on days I don't workout and 2200 on the days that I do. They give good reason for this. However, I was doing great. Down 5 pounds. Now, back up to the same I started with. I know, I know building muscle. Bull Crap! I don't want to gain weight. So, back to eating like I was, screw the plan on it....for now.

Also, have a running plan. Was supposed to run 2.25 miles today. Only "ran" 2.07. Walked about 3 mintues in there. I have a feeling this was due to the fact that I ran the first mile at a 11:30 pace. Which I'm used to running at a 13:00 pace. Hard to run that slow outside. So, we'll see how I continue to do. Hopefully, I'll start to learn to slow myself down so I can complete the whole thing!

For My Husband

Monday I started a Bible Study at a new church my husband and I are attending. It's called: For Women Only. It's about how to do some one sided changes in my life to help my relationship with my husband to grow and change. So, for example, my homework this week has been to show my husband respect without expecting anything in return. It's hard.

I'm really enjoying reading the Bible more and am excited for next week's session.

However, all of this has brought up some personal issues that I have started to discuss with my husband. I am Catholic. I converted before we got married because he is Catholic. The church we are attending is more non-denominational. It's one of those new age Christian young people churches. I always thought they were cult-like. But, it's fabulous. My fear is that all my work to become Catholic will become void if we spend so much time at this new church.

But, the important thing is that we're going to church and that you get something out of the service, right? We are wanting God in our lives more now. And for the first time, my husband is participating in church, which makes me extremely happy.

Just a lot to take in. A lot of decisions to make. However, I am going to pray on it and try to open my heart to God to allow him to show me which way is the right one for me and for us as a family.

Been a While

Well, I'm back. I've been doing some journaling on paper the last few days. I wonder why. I started this for that purpose. Craziness. Anway, things have changed a bit. Or not. I'm starting a new plan on Monday to lose weight. I'm down. Just want to look amazing. For the hubby. And, actually for me. I am a strong person. I need a strong body to go with it.

Also, the crazy mom struck. Has me and hubby signed up for a half marathon. YIKES! I think it's funny. I can run maybe 2 miles. And I've signed up to run 13.1. Excited for the accomplishment once it's done. Until then, it's just funny.