Do You Know What Today Is?

National Chocolate Day!

My friend Cat let me in on this little secret of a day. I can not believe I did not know of such a day! Of course, there was only one way to celebrate.... And if you were wondering, yes, I only had half.

I also gave my self a little birthday present (oh, that's right, it's my birthday too today) by taking the day off. I did however finally e-mail Coach and say it's time to get started.

226 days til IM MOO!! But who's counting...

ThunderSnow!

Yesterday was ThunderSnow day! That meant a lot of people freaked out, drove into ditches, and bought all the toilet paper. It also meant heading to the pool after calling at 3 pm to confirm they were open only to discover they were closing when I arrived. FAIL!


That just meant I went home, and got in the trainer again. Luckily I had one more fabulously bad show saved on my DVR for just an occasion.

PS. I think there was about 3 inches of snow in front of my apartment this morning. Really, it took people 10 hours to get home from work for that!?!?! AND there was a high of 38 today so... right, PANIC!

Catching Up With Tuesday's Post

Tuesday = YOGA STEVE!
And it was a hard class. But a great class.

This was followed up with dinner at Diane's. See, Diane and I will no longer be friends after February 6th. She loves her Steelers. I love my Packers. You see where this is going. So, it was best we had one happy dinner before we are no longer speaking. It was great to catch up with Brooke (who thought I missed her bday, but finally saw her special post. Apparently my blog is blocked at her office. THE HORROR!)

Now I know I can't get away with yoga being my only workout of the day anymore, so when I got home, I hopped on the trainer. GO ME! I put on some horrible TV that I love dearly, and thanks to my DVR, had a great 40 minute ride.

Monday's Post

I am back to the grind! Monday's are always good days to re-focus.

And who is better to help me refocus? Of course, Mr. Shorty Shorts. The treadmill run was to just go at a constant speed, with fewer walk breaks. AND I MADE IT! 9:1's! WOOT! And I felt really good. It totally helped that Mr. Shorty Shorts was there, as was Ryan.

What didn't help was that Mr. Shorty Shorts and I were a little too matchie match. As the 3 of us were talking, Mr. Shorty Shorts mentioned he wished he had a camera. Of course, Ryan did on his phone, so the moment was captured.
As you will notice, the blue shirts are pretty close to the same shade. You can see my black (long) shorts, or capris if you will, in the mirror and Mr. Shorty Shorts in not so short black shorts. We are even running in unison - which you can see by both of our left arms are forward and our right legs down. Yup. I know you were all thinking I was exaggerating about matchie match, but here is picture proof. Thank you Ryan with your excellent picture skills, and even better photo shop skills to remove yourself from the mirror.

And the evening finished up with a 3000 meter swim. I don't know what happened between the great run and going to the pool, but I became uber cranky. And I took it out on AJ, Toby, Jen, and Jen/Toby's co-worker. Luckily, they are all awesome ladies and wouldn't let me quit until I finished The 300 (that was the name of the workout. All but the warm up and cool down were sets of 300's). Thank you ladies!!

For some reason, those two events happen most Mondays, and almost makes me like Monday's... Almost.

Sunday's Post

After Suzie left (sad), I headed out to my personal chef's to watch the Packers v. Bears game. He is a Bears fan, I am a Packers fan. I think you know where this is going...

My favorite part of the game? No, not the fact that the Packers won and are going to the Superbowl (WOOT!!! GO PACKERS!!!), but this.

Do you see what is on Caleb Hanie's right arm??? OH YEAH, that would be a POWER BALANCE BAND!!! I got super excited, shouted at the top of my lungs that he was wearing one, and it may or may not have embarrassed my personal chef. Yes, I can get a tad loud. But I found it hilarious that the third string quarterback of the Bears wears a Power Balance Band. And so do I.

PS. Still sore from yesterday's class. Thanks Rob!!

Suzie Is Here!!

(Saturday's post)

You all remember Suzie right? When I was in Milwaukee, we headed to the gym a few times, including one booty pop workout. Well, she left her husband and child to come visit me for the weekend. WOOT! And it has been full of food, wine, and a 2 and a half hour workout. He he he.

Yes, I suggested Suzie partake in the second off season "triathlon" put on by Karen, Rob, and Andrea. It was a totally awesome workout and I felt pain like a I haven't felt in a long time.

And while I don't have a picture from this year, I think this one says it all.

AND, I really hope Suzie doesn't want to kill me for making her do this on her vacation.
:-)

I'm A What?

As you have read, my neck isn't feeling really great right now, so I was very excited to go to my doctor. I decided to start with my chiropractor/ART (Active Release Technique) doctor, as I felt very comfortable with him and the help did for my back.

Doctor Keith started off but explaining the muscles in the neck and how they connect to the back and shoulders. He followed this up with some muscle movement and slowly but surely, i was able to move my head more and more to the left. Yay!

I did ask what I could do to prevent this from happening again. He first said I need to continue to work on my posture. I said I had been, especially keeping my shoulders back and down (Note - if you ever see me, please remind me of SBD, shoulders back and down. Thanks!). He then said one of the funniest things I have ever heard.
"And, you are a woman". Then he stopped talking.
I broke the silence by saying "Wow, way to put that doctoral degree to work! Nice Doctor!" Probably not the best thing to say to the man who was holding my head, but I couldn't resist. He started laughing and it took a few moments for him to compose himself.
What he was trying to say was that, as a woman, I am a bit more top heavy (yes, I have boobs), and have to work a bit hard to support my carriage properly (than a man). I knew what he was trying to say, it was just a funny way to say it.

And it only got better because he did follow up that conversation with "and you do have a decently sized head" or something like that. Basically he said I have a heavy head and need to build my neck muscles to properly support its weight.

So here is what I learned.
1. The muscles in my neck spazzed out a bit and seized up.
2. The muscles in my neck don't inflame, which is why Motrin didn't help.
3. Turning your head 70 degrees is normal.
4. Turning your head 90 degrees is actually hyper extending your neck.
5. ART really helps me.
6. I am a woman.
7. I have a heavy head.

Overall, it was a great appointment and I am feeling much better. I CAN TURN MY HEAD TO THE LEFT!

Another Day

Another Glee episode to bike to on the trainer.

I was going to run on the treadmill, but Kristin pointed out that because my neck still hurt, maybe bouncing around on a treadmill wasn't the best idea.

And she was right. So it was more time on the trainer. More Glee. And more cardio. It was a win, win, win.

But tomorrow, my doctors appointment.

Who Needs A Neck?

Well, I guess I need one, but I don't need one to work!!

So my plea to my voodoo doll holder did not work. But I showed him/her! Today, even thought I couldn't (and still can't) turn my neck, I went to Yoga Steve! (With my NEW yoga mat! Thanks Mom and Dad (I used my Target gift card)). I just took it pretty easy and rotated my torso and not my head. It was actually a pretty good class and there were only a few moves that were a bit more challenging. I kind of hoped it would have helped, but not so much. But it didn't get worse, so I figured that was a good sign.

But, due to my limited head movement, I figured swimming wasn't the best idea. Breathing to the right would be fine. But to the left, not so much. So instead I came home and hopped on my trainer. I put in one of my favorite Glee episodes, and got right to pedaling. Again, I don't have to move my head while biking on a trainer, so it was fine.

Annoying, yes. Doctor appointment scheduled, yes - Thursday afternoon.

I might try the treadmill tomorrow night...

Okay, One More Post Tonight

First of all, Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day! Shannon posted two of my favorite quotes:
"The time is always right to do what is right."
and "What are you doing for others?"

I need to work on those things a bit more.

But, first of all, I would once again like to make a plea to the person with my voodoo doll and ask them to PLEASE take the pin out of my neck. I am once again not sure what I did to you, but I am truly sorry. Please accept my apology and remove the pin from my neck. And as long as I am at it, in the morning, please stop sticking the pins in the my back. Much appreciated.

Oh, workouts you are wondering - well I did try. But the pool was closed. And yes, I could have done some weights at home, which was the plan, but I got distracted by making brownies. Yes, I made HOME MADE BROWNIES from scratch. Yesterday Karen gave me the bug for brownies and my personal chef insisted I attempted to make them from scratch. And because I know he doesn't read this I can say, he was right. They were pretty good! And I made a breakfast quinoa casserole. And I did my last 2 loads of laundry. And I did some dishes. Yes, Martha took over my body for a bit.

So, I am off to the pool tomorrow - assuming the pin is out of my voodoo doll neck.

And Another One

Happy Birthday Brooke!! You are an amazing person and friend, even thought things still tend to be your fault.Hope you kicked your feet up and had a fantastic day!!

Yesterday's Post

3 hour spin + wedding dress shopping = this.

Brownies, strawberries and whipped cream. And it was delicious. This was after the roasted chicken, potatoes and green beans. Oh, and of course that is a glass (or 2) of white. And water was in the DC Tri Club "I went the distance" pint glass. Thanks Tammy and Karen!

3 hour spin started out a bit different because Rob wasn't there. There was a great sub and my legs were definitely feeling jelly like - in that really good way.

I headed out to help a friend look at wedding dresses (NOT me 9 readers - no worries there!!).

Overall, it was a really good Sunday and I slept very VERY well.

Saturday's Post

I am trying to catch up again!!

Saturday was great mainly because I got to sleep in. But of course, I woke up around 7:15 and was wide awake. I managed to linger around and get another hour or so of rest. And because it was 20-something degrees out, running outside just wasn't happening. Then I came up with a brilliant plan to combine some chores and a workout.

I threw in my laundry, hopped on the treadmill for 30 minutes, flipped the laundry to the dryer, hopped back on the treadmill for another 25 minutes. It worked out really well! And I couldn't be distracted by other things - it was only me and the treadmill. My goal was to concentrate on keeping my heart rate down. When the hour was done, I felt really good. I could have easily kept going. It was super slow, but I accomplished my goal and was very happy.

And, my laundry is clean!! Yay multi tasking!!

Where Have I Been?

Falling over!!

Apparently this whole Power Balance Band isn't true!!!

THE HORROR!!!

First a co-worker sent me this link to a section of Power Balance website.
Then my personal chef was afraid to, but sent me this article.
My brother was next with the shocking news article form another site.
Finally, today, my DAD killed my dreams with this article from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

I CAN HARDLY STAND UP STRAIGHT!!! I have lost all focus and strength!!!

Okay, I'm just kidding. I know a plastic band and a hologram will not help with "balance, strength and flexibility" and that "Power Balance is based on the idea of optimizing the body’s natural energy flow, similar to concepts behind many Eastern philosophies. The hologram in Power Balance is designed to resonate with and respond to the natural energy field of the body" is farfetched.

But I still wear my pink one. And I will continue to wear my pink one. And will continue to laugh at myself that I wear my pink plastic bracelet with a hologram that gives me magical powers to not fall over.

It's Been Awhile

Since I have seen you, but

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARY ELIZABETH!!

Nothing says happy birthday like a blog post dedicated to you and a picture of us with 2 HOT centurions. And Monkey.

Hope you had a great day!

Snowy Tuesday Snowy

With all the hype, it's FINALLY snowing. But that didn't keep me from my workouts! Mainly because they were all indoors.

Yoga Steve was tough today - lots of core and shoulder work. Needed, but after swimming yesterday, it was a bit harder. And my back wasn't very happy - and I really need to be careful.

Luckily, there was a happy hour tonight with the Tri Chicks - the 100 push up challenge people (and they are doing very well!). You know people are in training when no one orders more than 2 drinks (I only had 1!!), start drinking water at 7, and call for the check by 7:15. But we still have fun! Especially in the snow!

And the best part, I was on my bike trainer by 8. Yup! I KNOW! I put on Ironman 2001 (don't tell me who won, I only made it half way through) and biked my 40 minute workout. I feel awesome.

And tired.

I'm So Slow!!

Ah! Talk about a high and a low of the day.

The high
After learning Mr. Shorty Shorts forgot his running clothes, and didn't feel the need to go and get them so we could run together, I headed for the treadmill for my self. He is going out of town for awhile so I knew I would have to get used to the treadmill on my own, and today was the perfect start. My goal was to just go, and go a bit longer without walking, even if it was slower. And it worked! I was consistent, my heart rate didn't get too high, and I felt okay!! Good actually. The treadmills were packed, with a waiting list, so it was 30 minutes only. 2 minute warm up, jog 9, walk 1 (times 2) and a jog 7 with a 1 minute cool down. Woot!
It felt really good and I was very happy.

The low
I met some people at the pool for an easy 3000 meters. Right, sure. I DIED! It was SO SLOW! Way slower than I have been. It was a huge wake up call that I need to swim more than once a week, and start swimming more. I only made it 2300 meters, and mentally checked out around 1800. My stroke got off and my shoulder and back started to hurt a bit, so I stopped. I hated quitting, but knew I was off my game and pushing wasn't worth it. Not yet. But soon.

So that was the rest of my day. Hopefully the ice won't ruin Yoga Steve tomorrow. Or a certain someones birthday (not mine).

OH, and you might be wondering why I did a double today. 3 words
CRUMBS IS OPEN!!! But I only had a half. And it was DELICIOUS!

Another Weekend Update

Where does the time go?? Well, let me explain...

Thursday night was our tri club happy hour/holiday party and let's just say many people congratulated me on my new VP board position by buying me many MANY beers. Thanks all, but really next time, a hand shake would be just fine. So, it's needless to say I took Friday off.

Saturday it was SNOWING! A quick walk to the store was enough for me to enjoy the white fluffy stuff. I did manage to go for a 5.3 mile (speed) walk, in old shoes, which left a nice blood blister under my bunion. Yes, gross. I was going to take a picture, but even I have my limits to what I will post.

Sunday was of course, 3 hour spin. It was a really good class and for the first time, didn't 100% hate Rob. Don't get me wrong, I was working hard. In fact, the first drip of sweat from my nose fell within 10 minutes of class. I just kept focusing on the caramel french toast and fried chicken I ate on Saturday. That was enough to keep me spinning.

Plus, it was almost like I was doing 2 classes. Janie was doing both Rob's workout, and her coach's workout. At one point, she talked me into doing part of her other workout, which included 30 seconds ALL OUT and 3 minutes and 30 seconds rest. So during Rob's 2-4 minute "recovery", a few times we would go ALL OUT. Or go from a standing hill climb, to sitting flat and fast ALL OUT, back to a standing hill climb. I re-named our corner from the chatty corner to the stupid corner. Because really, I don't know why I agree to these stupid things. But it was good.


And the weekend finished off with an awesome win!

No, I Didn't Forget

I Went To The Gym

And I think Mr. Shorty Shorts was trying to see if he could get me to fall off the treadmill. He made me go fast (well, fast for me). He made me keep going. He didn't let me quit.

Thank you Mr. Shorty Shorts!

PS. I'm still hungry.

I Am So Hungry

And I haven't really started training yet, but I am hungry ALL THE TIME! And it doesn't help that I can only chew on the left side of my mouth...

But instead of eating something not so great for me,
I ate the apple that was on my desk which has been staring at me since Monday. And it was good.

And now I am more inclined to go to the gym. I did miss yesterday, so I know I need to go today, but the gym is still packed with stupid new years resolution people. But I will go.

I will...

OUCH

No, not from a workout. From my dentist.


I am in P.A.I.N! And so is my wallet... I had 2 cavities filled this morning and it hurts. And I am drooling everywhere.

So, there was no run for me this morning and I am not sure about tonight.

OUCH!

And Of Course

Going Strong

I love the beginning of the year because you can say things like:

• "I haven't talked to you since last year!"
• "I have cooked all my meals this year!"
• "Falling over was so last year!"
• "I haven't showered this year!!" (and I stole that from Katie's cooking blog about her roommate)

And my personal favorite, which is also true:

• I have worked out EVERYDAY this year!

Yes, this year has started off pretty well (knock on wood).

Sunday was 3 hour spin.
I managed to stay on my spin bike, even when my knee buckled and I should have gone down - so that is a success! Don't get me wrong, I was very whiny - especially the last hour (poor Kimberly was next to me and had to listen to all the complaining. I think Karen and Janie just tuned me out). It was a TOUGH class. I mean I hated Rob. But when it was over, and my legs felt like sore fruit roll ups, I loved Rob. And it made me enjoy an egg veggie wrap so much more. Followed by key lime pie. And later a delicious creamy brie cheese with a nice toasted baguette.

Yesterday was a swim day.
Wilson was closed due to a water heater pump issue, so we headed to Eastern Market. It wasn't that cold so I walked the 1.2 miles from my office to meet Jenny and Toby. (Yay me!) What I didn't like was the 25 meter pool and I could tell how much faster the girls were than me. I don't seem to notice as much in a 50 meter pool. And I was cutting the workout short to celebrate a friend's engagement, so I spent the entire 1800-ish meters sprinting to try and keep up with everyone. On paper it was an 'easy' workout, but I made it much harder. And I am happy about that. It made my chicken pesto on a ciabatta roll with sweet potato fries much more justifiable.

So right now, I can say I have worked out every day in 2011. And had some very tasty dishes I have not cooked. Woot!

Happy New Year!!

Happy 1.1.11 day!

I have started my new year off right by going for a run. Rob hosted a last minute run and sweaty brunch so I knew if I said I would go, it would get me out of bed and into my running shoes. Everyone that went did a trail run, but I took off a different way and just did an out and back.

And I have to say, I already broke a new year's resolution. I was way too hard on myself in regards to the run. Halfway through I got very frustrated at myself for being slow, giggly, out of breath, a very high heart rate and it was hard to snap out of it and make it back. I started thinking of IM Moo in 252 days. How am I ever going to be ready?!?!

Then I realized that I do have time. I do have 252 days. I am starting now. And even thought I hated 90% of my run today, I still did a run today. I still made it out for an hour and 4.5 miles. Slow, yes, but I did hold my 4:1 almost the entire run. And even though my heart rate was higher than it should be, it still managed to drop in my one minute walk recovery.

So, I am trying to stay positive. I texted Mr. Shorty Shorts as a reminder that I need to run at least 3 days a week - and hopefully he will help me out. Toby and I already talked about swimming on Monday. I have 3 hour spin class tomorrow and Carlos is permanently set on the trainer.

Today was a new day. A restart day. And tomorrow is another new day and another chance to stay positive. And hopefully not fall off my spin bike!