Learning to listen to my body

Last week I only ran once {last Saturday} even though I did some pretty awesome and strenuous hiking and ran a 5k race {last Sunday}.  When I ran on Tuesday this week I was feeling great.  I had a great workout the day before at the gym {elliptical and boot camp strength workout} and was happy to be running in the morning {my favorite time to run} at our local park, aka my “happy place”.  It was a gorgeous day and I felt like I could run/walk forever so I kept adding more intervals {I did 3x 7:3, 3x 3:2, and 2x 4:1}.  I felt great both during and after the workout. 

I had another great workout the next day {back at the gym for more elliptical and boot camp strength workout}.  The sore muscles were subduing after all the hiking the week before {even though I had different sore muscles from the boot camp moves}.  I got up early again and headed to the park again for another run.  Right away I could tell that I wasn’t going to have a good run like I did on Tuesday.  My legs were heavy, my body was tired.  I was a struggle for me to put one foot in front of the other and get moving.  After the first interval I was relieved to walk, even if it was only for 3 minutes.  I kept telling myself that I would get into a groove and everything would start “clicking” soon.  But that never happened.  Many times during my workout I wanted to quit or to walk earlier than what was planned.  But I didn’t give up.  I keep going, slowly but surely.  During the second interval my shins started to hurt.  Then slowly all parts of my body started to ache.  I finished up my workout {3x 7:3 and 2x 3:2} and did a slow cool down walk.  I was upset that I had such a bad run AND that my shins were hurting {more like an ache, something I do feel from time to time after a run since returning to running after being sidelined, definitely nothing like I was having a few months ago}. 

I felt defeated, even though I was able to finish my workout.  After I stretched I headed home and took an ice bath for my shins while I ate a recovery snack {raisins and a banana with soy nut butter --- my substitution for peanut butter}.  I was down on myself the rest of the day.  I was angry that I was hurting and that I didn’t have a good run.  I texted the husband telling him my run “sucked” and he texted me back asking “why” and then followed up with “at least you are running”. 

And, that’s true.  At least I am running. 

Taking time off for my injury was hard.  I was depressed and angry and upset all the time.  All I wanted to do was RUN.  And the husband has been off from running for the past couple of weeks due to an ankle injury {he is doing much better and is running a half marathon today, hopefully he had an amazing race} so I know he knows how I felt when I wasn’t able to run.  So I let myself had a little pity party the rest of Thursday and woke up on Friday feeling better and knowing that some days are going to be hard.  Some runs are not going to be great.  Every day is different and so is every run.  I know this.  And sometimes I need a little reminder. 

I also realized that I don’t want my shin splints to return so I’m going to listen to my body and take a few extra days off from running and not run this weekend.  And on Tuesday I’ll get back out there and see how I’m feeling.  And I’ll be hoping its a better day, and a better run.

Date Night: April 2011, Part I, II, & III

I didn’t mention it in my last date night post but technically we had two dates night in March, the one I posted about and a dinner date night out on our actual anniversary!  And, well, in April we planned only one date night but ended up with three. 

Part I
Saturday 04.16.11
We planned to go out to dinner and then to a movie using a gift card & cash we received as anniversary presents.  Dinner was as planned but we got caught up watching the Giants game on the big screen TV and ended up going home instead of going out to a movie.  Dinner was at Paesano’s.

Part II
Wednesday 04.20.11
On Tuesday the 19th we headed out of town to spend a few days in Yosemite for our 2nd anniversary trip.  Wednesday the 20th was our only full day at the park and in the evening we took the shuttle bus to The Ahwahnee Hotel and had drinks & appetizers for dinner.  We considered it our anniversary-trip-special-dinner-out and really enjoyed sitting in the bar drinking some wine and snacking on some food while people watching and listening to the the pianist playing.  We had a really awesome trip that I’ll be recapping soon.  I’ve got A LOT of photos to go through first :)

 

Part III
Sunday 04.24.11
We finally made it to the movies to see Arthur on Easter Sunday afternoon after having our end-of-Lent froyo & candy treat {we gave up sweets/treats for Lent} and then headed out for dinner at Outback Steakhouse. 

All-in-all we had three great date nights and a wonderfully amazing anniversary trip. 

Fun Fridays {04.29.11}

Happy Friday!
It’s going to be a great weekend :)

{Friday}
Today I’m baking a cake, from scratch, to use to make CAKE TRUFFLES and I’m really excited.  Then I’ll be spending some time cleaning up the guest room since my mom is coming down on Sunday and later this afternoon I’ll be heading to the gym for a cardio session on the elliptical and then a boot camp strength session with my sis-in-law.  Tonight we’ll probably continue watching Gone With the Wind {which we started on Wednesday}.

{Saturday}
I anticipate that we will be getting up bright & early at 4am on Saturday to get ready for a 5:15am departure from our house to head to Jon’s 4th half marathon, The Parkway Half Marathon.  I’m not running but I definitely want to be there with him to cheer him on and support him.  He has not been running the past couple of weeks as he sprained his ankle and wanted to give it time to heal before this race.  He says his ankle is feeling great and he is ready to RUN.  I’ll be spending Saturday afternoon cleaning, making the cake truffles, making homemade hummus, grocery shopping and doing laundry.  Then we will be BBQ’ing a tri tip for dinner!  I can’t wait for our first BBQ of the year :)

{Sunday}
We’ve got Lucy’s training class at 11am and then my mom will be arriving.  I’ll be finishing up some cleaning and getting ready because I’m hosting a Gold Canyon Candle Party in the afternoon!  That’s what I’m making the cake truffles for along with other yummy snacks!  I’m very excited and can’t wait to spend a girly afternoon smelling amazing candle samples and hanging out with family/friends :)

What do you have planned for the weekend?

 

Want to see more Fun Friday’s?  Head over to A Girl in Pearls & A Boy With Toys!

Three Things Thursday

Happy sun shining Thursday!  I’m loving the warmer temps we’ve been having this week, especially after the colder/rainy days last week while we were gone on spring break for our anniversary trip.  Today its suppose to be in the 70’s here in my neck of the woods so I’m looking forward to a morning run at my “happy place” --- our local park!  I’m just hoping it won’t be too much of a zoo since they are setting up for a big festival this weekend.

1.  On Tuesday I planted our 2011 summer garden {more info to come on that soon} and that prompted me to finally cook up the two huge bags of frozen whole tomatoes in my freezer from the end of last summers tomato harvest.  I decided to make a ton of spaghetti sauce since we eat spaghetti every week.  This means my semi-homemade marinara sauce will become a fully-homemade marinara sauce for a while and I’m super excited.  The process was really easy too.  Last year when I decided to freeze the tomatoes whole all I did was wash them, dry them, place them on a cookie sheet and into the freezer until they were frozen.  Then I transferred the frozen whole tomatoes from the cookie sheet into a freezer bag.  Today I pulled the bags out of the freezer, placed the tomatoes in a bowl of warmish water until the skins started to slide off, removed the skins, cut out the stem areas and chopped them up.  Now I’m going to let them sit in a big stock pot and defrost a little while I go run.  Then I’ll cook them down for a few hours and make tomato sauce.  I haven’t yet decided if I’ll add seasonings now or later when I use the sauce … but either way I’m excited and wish I would have done this sooner!

2.  One of the books I’m currently reading is Ultramarathon Man by Dean Karnazes and I’m loving it.  I’m about half way done {I read it when I’m at the gym --- on the elliptical or the bike} and seriously contemplated increasing my elliptical time yesterday so I could keep reading.  This book is so inspiring, I was fighting back tears yesterday while I was reading. 

3.  I really want to paint my dining room/kitchen but I can’t decide on a color.  I had bought two samples to paint on the wall a few weeks ago {one shade of green and one shade of blue} but I don’t really like either color so I am going to go and get two new samples today {a shade lighter in both the blue and the green} and hopefully I can make a decision soon.  I’ve got a lot of projects around the house that I want to get done and this one is towards the top of my list for some reason.  Probably because I’ve been staring at paint samples painted on the wall for weeks …

 

Have a great Thursday!  I’m off to RUN :)

So What Wednesday

Today I’m saying SO WHAT if…

I’m enjoying unemployed life, a lot.  Yes, we desperately need me to get a regular paycheck and I need a  job to get that paycheck but I sure wish I didn’t have to work at all …

I spent all day Monday on the computer {not job hunting} picking out  830 photos to order online at Snapfish since they were running a promotion for 365 photos for only $15ish {shipped}.  I was finally able to order wedding photos {2009}, honeymoon photos {2009}, Disneyland photos {2009}, first wedding anniversary photos {2010} and some photos of Lucy.  I can’t wait to get them and put them into albums!

I blamed the husband on doing a horrible job cleaning the inside of the windows of my car over the weekend {they were super streaky} and re-did them yesterday only to discover that getting the streaks off was not an easy task!

I planted enough veggies in my summer garden yesterday to feed my whole block … I love growing veggies at home and I’m excited for this years cornucopia selection :)

I only mop my kitchen floor every 4-6 weeks.  It’s a dark linoleum and you can’t really ever tell if its dirty or not.  I sweep regularly but I just can’t find the motivation to move all the furniture out to mop it more often. 

I read Water for Elephants in 4 days because the movie was coming out and I desperately want to see it ASAP and will be going next week with my sis-in-law :)

I decided at the last minute that I wanted to race a 5k this weekend while the husband is doing a half marathon only to discover the 5k is sold out and there are very specific parking/bussing restrictions and I would have to wait to ride the shuttle bus from the parking area to the race area alone after all the athletes just to go spectate his race and now I’m thinking I might just stay home …

 

I’m linking up over at Life After I “Dew” today … and wondering, what are you saying SO WHAT to today?!?

One Year with Lucy

One year ago today we brought Lucy home for the shelter.  Its been a wonderful year with her and she has brought such joy and happiness to our lives.  She is a good dog and watching her grow up has been fun.  She is very lovable, loyal, and fun loving little girl.  I wouldn’t trade any of the chewed up hoses, crate beds, cable lines, or anything else because sometimes I wonder who really rescued who …

04.26.10
The day we brought her home

05.16.10

 
06.13.10

 
07.21.10

 
08.06.10

 
09.11.10

 
10.31.10

 
11.13.10

 
12.07.10

 
01.08.11

02.06.11

 
03.08.11

 
04.10.11

 
04.26.11
One Year Later

Return to Running: Week 5 & Week 6

Week 5 was a big week for me since I am at the half way point in my “return to running” plan {5:5 intervals} and I ran a 5k race {6:4 intervals}.  I am feeling strong and confident in my running and after each run that is pain free I get more & more excited.  I can easily remember the frustration of painful runs and feeling sorry for myself that I couldn’t run so this is a nice & welcomed change :)

Week 5:  04.11.11 – 04.17.11

Monday 04.11 – walk + cross train @ gym

Walk 2.98 in 1:02:57 with Lucy 

65min elliptical, 58min bike, 55min strength training @ gym

Tuesday 04.12 – run 3x 5:5

Walk 1.83 in 40:24 with Lucy

WU 10min walk, 3x 5:5 {10:35, 10:36, 10:26}, 2x 3:2 {9:56, 9:36}, CD 10min walk {4.23 in 1:00:02}

Wednesday 04.13 – walk + cross train @ gym

65min elliptical, 8min bike, 50min strength training @ gym

no walk :(

Thursday 04.14 – run 3x 5:5

WU 10min walk, 3x 5:5 {10:42, 10:34, 10:36}, 2x 3:2 {10:38, 10:36}, CD 10min walk {4.26 in 1:01:00}

no walk again :(

Friday 04.15 – walk + cross train @ gym

40min elliptical, 30min strength training @ gym

Saturday 04.16 – walk + cross train @ gym

rest

Sunday 04.17 – run 5k race 3x 4:6 + extra to the finish {3:2 or walk}

WU 0.74 in 16:23min walk pre-race, 5k race {Garmin - 3.14 in 37:38} = 3x 6:4 {10:41, 10:44, 10:45} + 1x 2:3 {9:55} + run to finish {9:56}, CD 0.26 in 5:25min walk post-race

Total mileage = 13.21

How did I feel?

• Feeling strong & confident about running again.  I am enjoying cross training @ the gym {elliptical & bike} a lot and I think its going to improve my overall fitness and I hope it will make me a stronger runner.  I also hope to start dropping some weight again and get past this little plateau that I’ve been at for a while. 
• My sis-in-law and I have created a strength training routine that we are aiming to do 3 days a week at the gym.  It targets upper body, lower body and the core and I am really enjoying it.  It’s not easy but I’m glad we have each other for motivation.
• Tuesday’s run seemed easier than Thursdays even though my times are faster for Tuesday.  Weird how different you can feel each day.  During the last two intervals on Thursday I was having some left shin tenderness so I made sure to ice my shin and hope that its just part of the continual healing process. 
• I had a great 5k race on Sunday which I will be recapping soon :)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Week 6 was spring break!  We were traveling so I wasn’t sure how much cross training/running I would actually do.  However, I did do some pretty amazing hikes while away on vacation :) 

Week 6:  04.18.11 – 04.24.11

Monday 04.18 – cross train @ gym

Rest

Tuesday 04.19 – travel

Hiking in Yosemite = 4.47+ miles

Vernal Falls 3.97+ miles

Bridalveil Falls 0.50+ miles

Wednesday 04.20 – travel

Hiking in Yosemite = 4.64+ nukes

Yosemite Falls Trail 4.64+ miles

Thursday 04.21 – travel

Hiking in Yosemite = 3.38+ miles

Mirror Lake 3.38+ miles

Friday 04.22 – cross train @ gym + walk

Rest

Saturday 04.23 – run 3x 4:6

WU 10min walk, 3x 6:4 {11:32, 11:17, 10:59} + 3x 3:2 {10:16, 9:50, 9:25}, CD 5min walk {4.47 in 1:00:00}

Sunday 04.24 – cross train @ gym + walk

Rest

Total mileage = 16.96

How did I feel?

• Hiking in Yosemite was amazing.  We did lose satellite on The Garmin’s a lot so our mileage is only estimated but I could care less!  It is so beautiful there.  We had an amazing anniversary trip!
• Saturday’s run was my only run for the week and my first run since the 5k race the previous Sunday.  I felt great, despite some lingering soreness in my calves from hiking.  I felt like I could have keep going for another hour.  It feels great to be running again, pain free, and enjoying it instead of worrying about pain returning :)

Meal Plan Monday {April 25}

Whew!  Last week was Spring Break and we had a great vacation!  We did have a slimmed down meal plan but didn’t stick to it at all.  This week is bound to be better.

Monday ~ French Bread Pizza

I’ve been craving French Bread Pizza’s for a while now so I figured I would use up the turkey pepperoni and jarred pizza sauce in my fridge and make them this week.  I found mini whole wheat French Bread loaves at one of our grocery stores and I’m excited to make this tonight!

Tuesday ~ Quinoa & Bean Salad

A five-ingredient meal from Every Day with Rachael Ray magazine:  kidney beans, quinoa, red onion, basil & lemon juice

Wednesday ~ Chicken Taco Salad

Iceberg lettuce, corn, black beans, salsa, avocado, olives, red onion, ranch dressing, & shredded chicken

Thursday ~ Spaghetti with semi-homemade marinara sauce

Friday ~ leftover spaghetti

Saturday

• Breakfast ~ Bagels
• Lunch ~ Green Monster’s & Soup {freezer}
• Dinner ~ BBQ Tri Tip & Mac-n-Cheese {freezer}

Sunday

• Breakfast ~ Bagels
• Lunch ~ Green Monster’s & Panini Sandwiches
• Dinner ~ Party Snacks {I’m hosting a candle party in the afternoon and serving snacks/treats} & leftovers

*Don’t forget to check out the links … you never know what you might discover!  There are some GREAT food blogs & recipe websites out there :)

What’s on your menu this week?

 

I’m linking up at Organizing Junkie for Meal Plan Monday

Meal Plan Monday {April 18}

Today is Marathon Monday in Boston as the Boston Marathon takes place!  I want to take a moment to wish all the runners a good race including Aron @ Runner Rambles, Tall Mom Mel @ Tall Mom on the Run, Keri @ Blue Eyed Runner, Sarah @ Skinny Runner only to name a few … good luck to everyone out there running it and I hope you have the best race possible :)

It’s a weird week this week … its spring break and we’ll be traveling for a few days.  Here’s our super short vacation week menu!

Monday ~ Tofu Tacos {these got skipped last week}

Tuesday thru Thursday ~ traveling

Friday ~ Spaghetti with semi-homemade marinara sauce

Saturday ~ BBQ Tri Tip with Mac-n-Cheese

Sunday ~ leftovers / Easter

*Don’t forget to check out the links … you never know what you might discover!  There are some GREAT food blogs & recipe websites out there :)

What’s on your menu this week?

Getting to know you {04.17.11}

Getting to Know YOU is a fun little series that I recently discovered over at Mannland5. 

If you want to play along then answer the questions and go link up HERE.

1. what's something you've eaten and liked, but didn't think you would?

TOFU and SUSHI.  I first had tofu the first time I had sushi so this is a double whammy for me.  My husband {then boyfriend} and I went out to a special sushi pre-set dinner for our first Valentines Day together back in 2006.  So I had tofu in my miso soup and sushi that night for the first time.  I was not a big fish eater back then and I was skeptical about eating sushi/raw fish but now I love it.  And same goes for tofu.  I like to find new ways to make tofu and most recently we’ve been enjoying it as crumbled up tacos!

2. plastic surgery..yay or nay?

For me ~ nay.  I know people that have had it and I say “good for you” & “go for it” but it’s just not for me.

3. 2 things you love about spring are.....?

My wedding anniversary and warmer weather :)

4. when's the last time you went on a picnic?

Hmmm … more than 6 years at least since the husband and I have never been on a real “picnic” together.  That much change SOON.

5. what's your favorite app?

Ohhh … I recently got an iPhone so this might be hard.  The app I use the most is Facebook & Google Reader but I really enjoy having The Weather Channel app to check hourly forecasts and I love playing Bejeweled. 

6. who does the grocery shopping in your house?

We do all the grocery shopping together every Sunday :)

7. would you rather take a spin class or zumba?

I’ve never taken a Zumba class, but I’ve done Spin before.  I really enjoyed the Spin class I did and I’d like to do it again.  And I would like to try Zumba sometime soon but even though I’ve never been to Zumba I think I might say I would like Spin better … I’m just not that coordinated for the Zumba moves. 

8. how often do you go out to dinner?

More often than my pocketbook would like.  We always say we want to limit how many times we go out to eat but sometimes we end up going out at least once a week … sometimes we can make it two weeks … sometimes we go out to eat on Friday, Saturday & Sunday.  Ideally I would prefer to not go out to eat since we always spend too much money and I always eat too much food and then end up not feeling good the rest of the day/night.

Want to play along?  Answer the questions then go link up!

Fun Fridays {04.15.11}

Happy Friday!  

{Friday}
This afternoon I’ll be heading to the gym for some cross training on the elliptical and the stationary bike AND another strength training session with my sis-in-law.  Have I mentioned how much I’m enjoying my free gym membership?!?  Tonight we’ll be hanging out at home, probably watching a movie and relaxing.  Our movies choices include Singin’ In The Rain {we’re watching the AFI Top 100 Movies, in order from 1 to100, and this is next on the list} or Due Date.  Plus I’ve got a bottle of wine in the fridge calling my name :)

 

{Saturday}
Usually we met up with our running group on Saturday mornings but we are doing a race on Sunday so we’ll be skipping the Saturday workout this weekend which means we get to sleep in!  Then we’ll head to the farmers market and probably spend the afternoon working in the yard.  We need to build our 2nd raised garden bed {we built the first one last year} and continue working on pulling weeds and getting the yards spring/summer/fall ready.  Hopefully next weekend we’ll be ready to fill the garden beds with soil and plant our gardens.  Saturday night is Date Night for April.  We are using a gift card we got for our wedding anniversary and going to Paesano’s for dinner and then using some cash we got {also as an anniversary present} to go to the movies to see Arthur! 

{Sunday}
We’ll be getting up early and driving into Sacramento for the inaugural Capitol City Classic 5k/10k race.  We received free entry from our running coaches at The Running Zone.  In the afternoon we will be heading to Lucy’s 2nd week of training and I’m excited.  We have been practicing with her everyday and she is learning so fast.  I can’t wait to see what she’ll be learning this week.  Sunday evening we be Family Dinner Night with my sis-in-law and her husband.  Our friend will also be in town so he’ll be coming over to join us and bring his sweet puppy dog to hang out with Miss Lucy!!!  We’ll be having pizza before we all head out to the Yonder Mountain String Band concert at Harlow’s!   

Want to see more Fun Friday’s?  Head over to A Girl in Pearls & A Boy With Toys!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On Wednesday I had a much needed hair cut {about 4 inches cut off}. 
Here are “before” and “after” photos!

        

Date Night: March 2011

For our March Date Night we had another “date” during the “day”.  We took advantage of the “free” museum day at Crocker Art Museum {the third Sunday of each month} and went to check out the new wing of the museum.  When we lived downtown, in our first apartment, we were members of the museum, thanks to one of Jon’s aunts that gifted us a membership for Christmas for a couple of years.  We enjoyed spending lazy afternoons walking around the museum but once we moved out of downtown it was less often that we made it to the museum so we stopped being members.  Back in October of 2010 the museum had a grand opening of the new wing and we had not had the opportunity to check it out. 

The original building of the Crocker Art Museum

The new wing of the Crocker Art Museum

After walking around the museum and checking out the exhibits and the new wing we decided to stop off at another one of our old hangouts from when we lived downtown --- Ernestos Mexican Restaurant.  We use to visit Ernesto’s quite often, since it was really only a couple of blocks from our apartment, and sit at the bar with a cold beer and nachos.  And that is exactly what we did after we left the museum.  Then we capped off our Sunday Funday Date Night with a family dinner at my sister-in-law’s house where we received a bottle of bubbly and two cotton t-shirts from them as anniversary gifts since our anniversary was the next day! 

So What Wednesday

 
Today I’m saying SO WHAT if…

I use exclamation points {!!!}, dots {…}, dashes {---} and capital letters {CAPS} a lot.  So what … I --- LIKE --- them!!!

I only get my haircut like 3 times a year … and today just happens to be that day!  I’m excited.  It’s time for a nice and short summer do :)

We are going out of town for a couple of days next week and I’ve yet to pick and book a hotel.  I’m kinda picky and I want the best price. 

I bought Lucy a doggy backpack so she can wear it on our walks AND carry her own poop bags!!!

I hate clutter but have the hardest time keeping my office clean and filing papers when I’m done with them. 

I spent 3+ hours at the gym on Monday.  I got in a nice long 65 minute session on the elliptical and then hopped on the bike to wait for my sister-in-law and ended up with another hour workout before she arrived AND then we did an hour of strength training and core work.  I’m loving my free gym membership and want to take full advantage of it for the next three months.

I walked around Target aimlessly yesterday and ended up buying Bananagrams and played a few games last night with my husband after dinner.  SO fun :)

 

I’m linking up over at Life After I “Dew” today … and wondering, what are you saying SO WHAT to today?!?

Getting to know you {04.12.11}

Getting to Know YOU is a fun little series that I recently discovered over at Mannland5. 

If you want to play along then answer the questions and go link up HERE.

1. do you watch/read the news?

No.  All the news info that I get is from watching Good Day Sacramento, a lighthearted and fun morning talk show, and the occasional headline that catches my eye on the Yahoo Home Page.  Oh, and from watching E! News :) 

2. how would you describe your "look"?

I’m not sure I have a “look”.  I like a lot of different styles.  For the most part I am down to earth in my wardrobe selections.  I have some fun flirty tops and mile high heels but you can also find me in jeans with a t-shirt or sweatshirt a lot of the time too.  Sometimes I really like to wear dresses and sometimes I lounge around in running clothes :)

3. did you play sports in high school or college?

In high school I was on the track team for like a minute until I was failing my biology class.  My biology teacher was also my track coach hence I was released from the team due to my bad grades.  Sometimes I wonder if maybe I would be a better runner if I would have studied harder to get better grades so I could have stayed on the track team.  But I more concerned with hanging out with friends than I was studying …

4. would you rather give up lipstick/gloss or high heels?

Definitely lipstick/gloss.  I have a love-hate relationship with lip gloss.  I own a dozen or more tubes of it and I love it but I almost always forget to carry it with me!  However, I love me some HEELS and wouldn’t want to give them up long term … I did stop wearing them while I was training for my first marathon because my legs were dead tired all.the.time.

5. what's your favorite show to watch on tv?

Hmmm … there is no way I could narrow this down to one.  I tend to record lots of TV shows, including daytime soap operas and talk shows as well as prime time drama series and half hour comedy sitcoms and reality shows too, and then have little mini catch-up sessions and watch like 5 episodes in a row.   

6. would you rather bake or cook?

This is a very tough question for me.  I LOVE to bake AND cook.  I don’t think I could choose.  Baking is fun; I love to create yummy treats to share with my family and friends --- especially for special occasions.  And I find cooking very joyful; especially now that I am cooking more from “scratch” and using less processed foods. 

7. shorts or skirts?

Either … or.  I like both.  I have a large supply of both shorts and skirts but I do tend to reach for the shorts more often than the skirts mostly because I have pretty basic colors in shorts {jean, white, khaki} and they go with anything whereas my skirts are more prints and patterns and don’t necessarily go with a lot of my wardrobe.    I have a lot of “work” type skirts from my hostessing days in college that are also business appropriate and I have some that are short and flirty and fun :)

8. what's your favorite scary movie?

I don’t typically like scary movies and sometimes even the commercials for them can give me nightmares {come on, they usually put the scariest scenes in the commercials} especially if I am home alone.  BUT I really like any of the movies based on Stephen King novels  especially “It”, “Sleepwalkers”, and “The Tommyknockers”.  And Alfred Hitchcock's “Birds”. 

The Second Anniversary Celebrations

We had a very low key second wedding anniversary back on March 21st and we are looking forward to celebrating again next week during the husband’s spring break!  The husband took the day off work and we went for my first run since being injured.  We then spent the day hanging out at home before going out for dinner.

Before heading to dinner

For our first wedding anniversary dinner we went to a really fancy restaurant in Old Sac, someplace we had never been before.  For our second wedding anniversary we talked about going to another new-to-us restaurant but couldn’t decide where to go so instead we picked a restaurant we had been craving for a while … Chicago Fire! 

After dinner we headed to our favorite froyo shop for dessert {even though we gave up “sweets” for Lent, we built in this “cheat day” since it was our anniversary}.  And then once we got home we exchanged gifts.  The traditional second anniversary gift is cotton {the modern is china --- so a couple of weeks before our anniversary we went to Macy’s and purchased the pasta bowls that match our china set that we got for our wedding}. 

I gifted Jon with these two cotton embroidered golf towels

And Jon gifted me with this super cute cotton apron from Etsy 

 

 

We had another wonderful anniversary … and we are looking forward to many many more in the years to come!

Return to Running: Week 4

Week 4:  04.04.11 – 04.10.11

Monday 04.04 – cross train @ gym

AM:  45min elliptical, 20min bike

PM:  walked 2.08 in 45:38 with Lucy

Tuesday 04.05 – run intervals 7:3 x3

AM:  walked 2.08 in 47:06 with Lucy 

PM:  WU 5min walk, 3x 7:3 intervals, CD 8min walk {2.81 in 43:01 --- run interval avg’s @ 10:57, 11:01, 10:50}

Wednesday 04.06 – cross train @ gym

AM:  walked 2.27 in 52:57 with Lucy

PM:  rest; gym date cancelled so movie & wine night instead :)

Thursday 04.07 – run intervals 6:4 x3

WM 10m walk, 3x 6:4 intervals, CD 10m walk {3.31 in 50:01 --- run intervals avg’s @ 11:48, 11:19, 10:23}

Walked 0.46 in 10:17 with Lucy to test her new no pull leader nose collar

Friday 04.08 – cross train @ gym

AM:  walked 1.69 in 39:47 with Lucy {new no pull leader nose collar was a success so far!!!}

PM:  31min bike, 35min elliptical, 20min strength workout @ gym {3x10 swing squats with 6lbs, 3x8 regular squats with 4lbs, 3x10 jumping jacks, 2x20sec planks, 3x10 donkey kicks – each leg, 3x10 planks with twist – each leg, 1x10 pushups, 1x10 crunches, 1x20 mason twists, 1x20 pike crunches – 10 each leg, 1x10 tricep dip on bench}

Saturday 04.09 – run intervals 6:4 x3

WU 10m walk, 3x 6:4 intervals, 2x 8:2 intervals, CD 11m walk {4.7 in 1:11:02 --- run intervals avg’s @ 11:17, 11:33, 10:55, 10:54, 10:17}

Sunday 04.10 – rest

65min elliptical

Total mileage = 19.4

How did I feel?

• Monday:  I went to the gym for a cross training session and spent 45min on the elliptical and then 20min on the bike.  It felt GREAT to get in some cardio cross training.  I love elliptical machines!  My sciatica/piriformis was really bothering me by the evening time though.  MUST DO MORE STRETCHING.
• Tuesday:  Sitting is painful due to my sciatica/piriformis but standing/walking/running do not bother it.  My interval run was great.  I had no shin pain, felt good during the run’s but a little winded.  Now looking at my avg’s during the runs I can see why!  Feeling strong!!!
• Wednesday: I had plans to go to the gym in the afternoon to cross train & strength train with my sister-in-law but she ended up stuck at a hearing all day regarding the layoffs {she is a teacher just like my husband and she received a layoff notice again this year for the 4th year in a row} so we cancelled and had a movie & wine night watching Eclipse, yay for Team Edward!
• Thursday:  After seeing my average’s for my run intervals from Tuesday I knew I needed to slow things down for my interval run today.  My goal is to increase my run interval time, not get faster right now, and I don’t want to do too much or go too fast too soon because I don’t want to end up injured again!  My workout was great and I had no pain, only some soreness, during and after the run.  My sciatica/piriformis is still bothering me though …
• Friday:  I met my sister-in-law at the gym and I did the bike & elliptical then we did some strength training.  It felt great, but I know I’m going to be sore from those swing squats for a few days!
• Saturday:  The run portions of my intervals are getting easier & the walking portions are getting tedious because I want to run.  Again I felt like I could have kept going so I did a couple extra, shorter, intervals.  Another great run with NO PAIN.
• Sunday:  I decided to get up early and go to the gym to spend some quality time with the elliptical machine and my book, In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan.  I “rode” for an hour and read about 25 pages.  Getting up and getting active definitely helped my super sore muscles from the strength session on Friday.  I’m looking forward to more strength training this week!  Also, the sciatica/piriformis is doing MUCH BETTER. 

Meal Plan Monday {April 11}

Monday ~ Weeknight Lasagna Toss

A friend of mine gave me this recipe almost a year ago and I never tried it, until now.  I was going through my pantry over the weekend and found a box of regular lasagna noodles and decided it was time to use them up and this recipe popped to mind.  I’m excited to try it!  The Kraft website has some great recipes that I might need to search more often :)

Tuesday ~ Tofu Tacos {I’ll remember to take a photo this time so I can post the recipe}

These are really tasty and come together quickly --- perfect for our late night Tuesday dinner after our group training runs!

Wednesday ~ leftovers

Thursday ~ Mozzarella, Spinach & Zucchini Panini’s

We also run on Thursday evenings too and often get home late so I thought panini sandwiches could be a quick & easy dinner idea.  I think they are going to turn out pretty good :)

Friday ~ Spaghetti with leftover semi-homemade marinara sauce 

Typical Friday Night fare around these parts lately --- usually we run on Saturday mornings so pasta is always on the menu for Friday nights.  This week we’ll be running a 5k race on Sunday instead, but I didn’t want to mess with a good thing … besides I have some leftover sauce from last week that I need to use up!

Saturday

• Breakfast ~ Baked Pancakes {scroll to the bottom of the post for the recipe}
• Lunch ~ Green Monster & Sandwiches
• Dinner ~ Date Night, Dinner & A Movie
• We got a gift card to Paesano’s {one of our favorite restaurants} from the husbands family for our 2nd anniversary + a cash present from my dad that we are going to use to go to the movies after dinner

Sunday

• Pre-race ~ Bagels
• Post-race ~ Green Monster & Egg Cups {freezer}
• Dinner ~ Family Dinner Night
• Our family dinner night this week will be a little different.  We’re going to a concert in downtown Sac and we’ve got a friend coming into town for the concert also so we are having a little bit larger gathering and a little pizza party at our place before we all head to the show!

*Don’t forget to check out the links … you never know what you might discover!  There are some GREAT food blogs & recipe websites out there :)

What’s on your menu this week?

And just for fun here’s a photo of a typical Saturday morning scene around our place --- getting ready to RUN
 

 

I’m linking up at Organizing Junkie for Meal Plan Monday

Spectator’s Recap: Shamrock’n Half Marathon {03.13.11}

My husband, as well as my running group members, ran the Shamrock’n Half Marathon on March 13th.  Being the awesome wife that I am I got up at 4am along with the husband to attend his race, cheer him on, and take photos! 

Last year we ran this same race, together.  It was the first half marathon for both of us!  This year, due to my injury, I was side lined but the husband trained hard and I was there to support him before, during & after the race.

We met up with our fellow running group members at our local running store, The Running Zone, and caravanned to Raley Field for the race.  We arrived right around 6:30am and had plenty of time to kill before the first wave started at 7:45am. 

Before the race started the group got together in the stands so I could take this group photo!

The husband was a little nervous before the race started.  He trained hard and was hoping for a PR --- his previous half marathon time was 1:45:22.  He was hoping for a 1:40 finish and started with the 1:40 pace group. 

Just before lining up for the first wave start at 7:45am

The course, new this year, was an out and back loop all over downtown Sacramento, Old Town Sacramento & the American River Bike Trail.  After all three waves started I walked from Raley Field over the Tower Bridge and into Old Sac to see the husband around the 9 mile mark. 

Zooming past me around mile 9 --- he didn’t even see me!

After I saw the husband in Old Sac I quickly walked back to Raley Field, I was nervous that I wouldn’t get back in time to see him finish but I made it with some time to spare.  I found a spot up in the bleachers, got my camera ready, and counted down the minutes until he would be coming into the stadium to finish.

Official Results
1:43:36 / 7:55 pace overall
310/4654
age group {30-34} 46/258

He finished with a new PR but he said he didn’t have the best race.  He said he struggled a lot and just felt “off”.  Anyone who has done a race before knows exactly how he felt.  Despite your best laid plans, anything can happen on race day.  Regardless, I’m still very proud of him for finishing strong, despite not feeling well, and setting a new PR.  And, he’s got another chance for a better race coming up on April 30th --- The Parkway Half Marathon!

 

Congrats to all the runners that completed the Shamrock’n Half Marathon!!! 

So What Wednesday

 
Today I’m saying SO WHAT if…

I took photos for 365 days, from 03.21.09 to 03.20.10, with the intention of posting them on this blog then decided to move them to their own blog but haven’t ever finished it.  It’s on my 2011 Goals list … but I’m not sure I’ll ever do it.  So what …

I make a pot of coffee and its lasts me 3-5 days.  My husband doesn’t drink it, I don’t mind reheating it daily since I usually only drink 1 cup a day and who cares anyways since this whole week I’ve been drinking it ICED!  So what …

I gave up SWEETS {candy, cakes, cupcakes, cookies, ice cream, froyo, etc} for Lent, and I haven’t cheated once … but I also wanted to only drink one day a week … and, well, that just didn’t work for me.  So what … I like wine.  And beer.  A lot.

For some reason our DVR didn’t record two weeks of Private Practice so I watched two episodes online yesterday.  Usually I have the husband to banter with while watching and since I was alone watching it yesterday … I was talking to the computer screen.  So what …

I’m having some serious sciatica nerve pain this week, most likely due to my increase in activity after not doing anything for weeks while I was injured, and it hurts to sit --- think shooting pains into my hip and numbness down my entire leg WHILE SITTING but nothing while standing/walking/running/etc.  So what … I guess that means I’ll get more done around the house.  Or not.

I painted the first color on two canvases I’m working on right now and then turned on the ceiling fan in my little craft room so the first coat could dry and then forgot all about them until this morning.  So what … I think they are dry and ready for another coat now.

 

I’m linking up over at Life After I “Dew” today … and wondering, what are you saying so what to today?!?

Return to Running: Week 3

Week 3:  03.28.11 – 04.03.11

Monday 03.28 – walk / walked 2.10 in 41:43

Tuesday 03.29 – walk/run 30 min {8:2} / AM:  walked 1.69 in 34:50 & PM:  warm-up walk of 0.46 in 8:15 then 2x 8:2 intervals {2.21 in 36:01}

Wednesday 03.30 – walk & yoga / walked 1.13 in 24:38

Thursday 03.31 – walk/run 30 min {8:2} / 2.38 in 38:07

Friday 04.01 – rest / walked 1.64 in 34:02

Saturday 04.02 – walk/run 30 min {7:3} / WU walk of 10min, 3x 7:3 intervals & 2x 9:1 intervals, CD walk of 10min {4.38 in 1:10:01}

Sunday 04.03 – walk & yoga / rest

Total mileage – 15.99

How did I feel?

• Monday:  walked Lucy; felt good to get moving again after a few {too many} days off.
• Tuesday morning:  walked Lucy; my hips felt a little stiff so I did some stretching & Foam Rolling in the afternoon before heading to the track group workout.
• Tuesday evening:  we met up with our running group and did a short WU {warm up} walk then while the group did 40 second sprints with 2:20 recovery I did my walk/run interval of 8:2 around the track.  My average running pace was in the mid-11’s; felt good, no pain!
• Wednesday:  walked with the puppy in the beautiful warm evening weather :)
• Thursday:  enjoyed a nice walk/run interval of 8:2 again with amazing warm spring weather.  I felt like I could have done another three intervals but I’m determined to take it slow; still no pain just general normal muscle soreness.  The “run” average was in the 11’s again.  Usually I do my “walk” interval first followed by the “run” portion but I’m going to try something new on Saturday --- I’m going to do a 10 minute walking warm-up then when I start my intervals I’ll do the “run” portion first then the “walking” portion so I can end my workout with a walk instead of a run.  We’ll see how it goes. 
• Friday:  walked Lucy in the afternoon
• Saturday:  I did my “new” plan of doing a WU {warm up} walk of 10min then started my intervals with a 3min run followed by 7min walk x3 then since I still had to get back to my starting point I did a 1min run followed by a 9min walk x2 and a CD {cool down} walk of 10min.  My “run” intervals are consistently staying in the 11’s.  I felt pretty great overall but did get a little tired/winded during the “run” intervals.  I went a little farther than I had planned … but no pain!
• Sunday:  REST.  I went about 2 miles farther on Saturday than I had planned so I decided to take a rest day.  I don’t want to end up injured again!

I received a free three month membership trial for 24 Hour Fitness so on April 1st I activated the membership and I’m looking forward to doing some cardio cross training on the machines and getting back into strength training! 

Return to Running WK1
Return to Running WK2

Meal Plan Monday {April 4}

Monday ~ Italian Baked Pastina without chicken *pushed from last week since we went out to pizza on a whim one night

Tuesday ~ Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Roll Ups {I’m just going to cook a chicken breast in the crockpot with a can of enchilada sauce then serve it with tortillas}

Wednesday ~ leftovers

Thursday ~ Orzo Risotto

Friday ~ Spaghetti with semi-homemade marinara sauce 

Saturday

• Breakfast ~ Bagels
• Lunch ~ Green Monster’s & turkey wraps
• Dinner ~ Classic Mac-n-Cheese

Sunday

• Breakfast ~ Pancakes
• Lunch ~ Green Monster’s & soup {freezer}
• Dinner ~ leftovers

*Don’t forget to check out the links … you never know what you might discover!  There are some GREAT food blogs & recipe websites out there :)

 

What’s on your menu this week?

Monthly Recap: March 2011

MARCH is my absolute FAVORITE month.  It brings us SPRING … in 2005 the husband & started dating in MARCH … and in 2009 we got married on 03.21 {the husband claims that *I* picked that date so he would never forget that our anniversary is 3…2…1… and he LOVES telling everyone that}. 

I spent the majority of March side lined from running/activity due to injuries … but towards the end of the month {on our anniversary actually} I returned to running slowly with run:walk intervals.  The week of our anniversary was super stormy in Nor*Cal {figures, it even rained on our wedding day back in 2009!!!} but this past week has been beautiful weather and it looks like spring is finally arriving.  Since I’m still slowly making my way back to running I had to let go of some hopes to run a few early spring races but I’m focused & determined to not get injured again.  I had grand plans of cross training while I was injured but instead I ended up being lazy and didn’t do much of anything.  Except continue to eat like I was still running 3 days a week and exercising daily.  The waist band of my jeans is not too happy with me about this.  I’m going to spend April getting refocused and building a strong running base … I want to do some summer races … a fall half-marathon … and CIM again! 

March 2011

Number of miles ran/walked:  18.37

Number of races:  0

Currently Reading:  Dream Makers by Nora Roberts {my favorite love novelist} and In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan.  I finished The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson and I’ve got the next book in that series already so I can read it soon.

Current shame-inducing guilty pleasure:  I started watching day time soap operas … again

Current Obsessions:  anything CHOCOLATE because I gave up sweets/treats for Lent and I’ve been having a MAJOR chocolate craving EVER SINCE

Current excitement:  SPRING is here!  I’m excited to work in the yard, build my planter boxes, plant a garden … enjoy the sunshine!

Current triumph:  returning to running!!!

Current goal:  lose the few pounds I gained while being unable to run

Current need:  still need to find a JOB

Current wish list:  for the weeds all over my yard to PULL THEMSELVES

Current indulgence:  strawberries with honey drizzled on top with some greek yogurt

Mini Goal for April

• Activate my FREE three month gym membership to 24 Hour Fitness and cross train on non-running days DONE this morning!!!

To view previous monthly recaps, click on the link{s} below:
February 2011
January 2011
2010
2009