Tuesday, August 30, 2011

aloha from maui

It's our next to last day so I'm a little sad, but happy to be here and make the most of it! I can't wait to share the stories and pictures with you guys, and I'm happy to let you know that I've done all my training runs, even a 8 miler!!

I've been keeping up with your alls blogs but it's hard for me to comment when I'm on my phone (not impossible, but hard enough to make me want to throw my phone into the ocean). I'll get back on my commenting A game as soon as I get back.

If you haven't done so today, go HERE and vote for the freaking amazing Rachelle. Just type in her name then click to vote. You can vote once daily unitl September 15th. Bookmark the page and vote for her!! Let's help send her to BOSTON!!!

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Random Triathlon Wednesday

Wednesday Brad and I were both off together all day (this hardly ever happens!), so I do what I always do and jam as much stuff as possible into one day. Please tell me I'm not the only one who does this? It's kind of annoying sometimes because I spend my whole day off running around like a banshee, but this day was pretty perfect.

First we loaded up our bikes and went to a little more challenging mountain bike trail. We've only been on the baby trails so far. We biked about 5 miles and neither of us died. So I'm calling it a win.
PS - I got those sunglasses for 4.97!!!


Isn't it beautiful? I run here a lot too. It's really relaxing (until a biker runs you over).

Then we came home to do laundry, eat and run some pre-vacation errands.

Then we went to the gym, both ran 3 miles, then swam laps in the pool! This was the first time I've used the pool in our gym. It's got three lanes and I'm not sure how long it is (TWSS). It was so much fun! It was really nice to feel like I was getting a good arm workout and also felt great to be off my feet. Must do this more often!!!


Get on the ball...

Thanks for all the support about the Zumba post... I was very hesitant to post, because I try not to be judgemental... But that bee-otch had it coming. [Let it go already, right?] Moving on.

I'm way behind in the blog world because I've been trying to get my life in order before we go on vacation!!!! So freaking excited. This is what my suitcase looks like currently:
Yeah, and we leave Monday AM. Which would be totally fine except I work 12 hours tomorrow. Might want to get on that.

Speaking of work, everyday we get these things called credentials. They change daily, but they're basically your signature for that day. I scan them when I'm checking prescriptions, printing labels, blah, blah, blah. Mine were pretty awesome today:

Nice, right?

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Just A Quick Rant...

Okay, I just have to get this off my chest. If you'd like to keep thinking I'm a sweet, nice person, please skip this post.

Let me preface this rant with a few comments. I have nothing against Zumba. My mom loves it, does it about 3 times a week, and has lost about 30 lbs. I've taken several classes and have always enjoyed myself. Will I keep taking Zumba classes here and there? YES. Do I feel like I get a great workout? No. Do I think it's better than sitting on the couch? Of course. If Zumba makes you enjoy working out, I think that's great.

But there are a few things that I think aren't great... So I'd like to share my open letter to the Zumba'ers (They probably have some cool name for themselves but I'm not cool so I don't know it)

Quit bee boppin' all over the gym in your 'zumba gear'. Go to the studio, zumba, then leave. Don't run in and out of the studio fifty 'leven times prancing in front of all of us sweating it out in misery on the treadmills.

I respect that you are here to work out, please respect that I am also trying to work out. Don't stand 2 inches away from my treadmill and have loud and lengthy discussions about the new routine or your new outfit. I don't come in the studio and make you listen to me talk about my Garmin or my new Mizuno's.

Do you really need to wear these kind of shoes? I would think the best part of Zumba would be picking out some hot, bright Nikes. Clue number 1 that you're taking this way too seriously.
And lastly, don't diss those of us who like to sweat and don't point our toes and live up to your serious Zumba standards.  Because news flash, we aren't trying out for So You Think You Can Dance. And some of us sweat when we work out. This whole rant came about because of this one snooty girl. About 20 of us had just finished a pump class and we're putting up our weights and stuff. People start coming in for the next class (ZUMBA) and this girl (who I could break in half and seriously considered doing so) says, "Ugh I just LOVE how this room always smells after that class." Get over yourself.


** FYI, if you're a new reader, please come back tomorrow. I'll make sure I eat some chocolate and put my nice face on.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Vegetable Meatloaf with Balsamic Glaze

Brad and I found this recipe in Food Network Magazine. Well, he mostly found it, I would have skipped over it. That's my problem with finding recipes and cooking... I'm plain. I like plain stuff. I would have skipped this because of the balsamic glaze. But anyways, Brad saw it, said we should try it, and now it's one of our favorite things to eat. My mom and dad were here this weekend and they requested it (really it's that good!). So I thought I'd share with you guys.

Preheat the oven to 425. Finely dice 1 small zuchinni, 1 yellow bell pepper and 1 red bell pepper. Make a paste with 5 cloves of garlic mixed with a little salt (I use sea salt since it's more coarse). Add the veggies and paste to about 2 tbsp of EVOO in a skilled on high heat. Saute the veggies until they're almost soft (about 5 minutes). You can season them with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Isn't it pretty? I feel like a real cook when I make this! While the veggies are cooking, chop up some fresh parsley (about 1/4 cup) and fresh thyme (1 tablespoon). Side note:  We rarely use the thyme. We have to go to Earth Fare to get it and you use so little. In a separate bowl mix the herbs with an egg and whisk.

After the veggies are cooked, remove them from heat so they can cool.

Next the recipe calls for 1.5 lbs turkey meat. We've learned to use 2 full pounds (because the store has it pre-packaged in lbs and we like left overs). Add the turkey, 1/2 cup shredded parmesan or romano cheese, 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar and 1 cup panko (Japanese bread crumbs, it's with the stuffing). Mix all of this in a bowl with the cooled veggies.

You're probably gonna need to use your hands. After it's well mixed I separate it into two loaf pans that have been sprayed with Pam. Forgetting to add the Pam can be bad. Trust me.

Next you mix 1/4 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes together in a bowl and paint it over the top. I don't use it all and save the rest for sauce. Then put in the oven to cook for an hour to an hour and 15 minutes.


 When you're finished it'll look like this:
It takes a little time to prepare, but trust me it's worth it!! I also may or may not have set my oven on fire when my inlaws were here and I made this. Not embarrasing at all.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Epic Friday Night and The Money Shot

So last night was probably the most epic Friday night in the history of Friday nights... Brad and I cleaned our wreck of a house (seriously, it was so bad it took like 3 hours) and went to the gym. Hey, at least now we know a time when the gym isn't swamped with meatheads (sorry Jersey Shore has started again!). Just OCD running geeks that think "my training plan calls for 2 miles, I must run 2 miles."

This morning I *planned to get up at 7 to get my LR in. (*actually got up at 9)

I ate an apple with some PB and chased it with Powerade Zero (quick tangent have you all tasted the full fat Powerade Strawberry Lemonade? sooo good.) I drove out to Fletcher Park and started my 8 miler. The first two miles flew by, and I was really happy and confident. I had a lot on my mind because 8 miles is kind of a big deal to me. A big deal in that, dang that's a long way! And a big deal in that both times I've trained for a half, I've quit after running 8 miles. So I did a lot of reflecting and it made the miles fly by.

I stopped for water at 3.5, shot block at 5.5, water and shot block at 6.2 and water at 7. It was really starting to warm up at the end and the sun was coming out (it had been cloudy so of course I had no sunscreen on), so I circled back to a part that was in the shade and ran there.

There were a lot of people out today and a bunch of runners. It was great because I kept passing one man and another lady (we were running opposite directions) and we encouraged each other each time. I love that camaraderie!

It feels so great to hit this milestone because I know I'm not going to stop, and I know I'm going to finish the half. (I promise I'm not moving in this picture, I'm stopped).

This is the most unflattering picture ever. So Riley joined me to bring the hottness to the party. He's the model in the family.

After I forced Brad to take these pics, I was walking away to go shower to go blog, and he says "I really like those pants." Which FYI this is a small miracle because for whatever reason he hates capris. I said thanks but if you think they are cool looking, check this out. Then I proceeded to pull my shot blocks out of a little pocket near the booty. I was expecting him to be like oh that's so cool... What did I get?

"Eew butt blocks. I hope those things are sealed up real good." Thanks turdface.
I take back what I said earlier, THIS is the most unflattering picture ever. The things I do for this blog.

What are you doing this weekend? I'm trying to get Brad to go mountain biking with me. And my parents are coming over later this afternoon!

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

I Heart Under Armor

Oh, and by the way... I blew up the UA outlet this weekend.
Did you do any 'back to school' shopping? [that's my story and i'm sticking to it!] It was tax-free weekend in NC, but we were in OH [dummies].

August Goals

It's that time again. Last month I came up with 5 goals, how did I do?

  1. LOG 60 miles. Run them. And log them. According to Daily Mile I ran and logged 63 miles. Score 1 for me. [don't be fooled, it goes down quickly from here]
  2. Do yoga once a week. At least. Well, I did yoga twice this whole month. Yikes.
  3. Spin once a week. I didn't take a single spin class this month, but I did ride my bike once a week. I'm calling this a win.
  4. Lose 5 lbs. Um yeah, about that.
  5. Go through my closet and donate the stuff I don't use anymore. Cleaned out the closet, haven't made it to Goodwill to drop off yet.
So you win some and you lose some I guess. I'm proud that I hit my mileage though.

So for this month I'm going to knock back to three goals.
  1. Log and run 75 miles.
  2. Figure out how to make a cool header for the blog.
  3. Complete my runs while on vacation at the end of the month.
This month will be a busy one. My training has made the shift from running three times a week to four. We've been out of town the last two weekends and we'll be on vacation during the last part of the month. I just want to concentrate on taking care of my body and putting the miles in.

What are your goals this month?

Monday, August 8, 2011

Lady Distance Classic 10K: Blue Ash, Ohio

We were in the OH this weekend for a wedding and to visit with Brad's parents. I hadn't raced in a while and had a 6 mile LR scheduled for Saturday, so I thought I'd check to see what the racing scene looked like. I found the Lady Distance Classic 5K/10K in Blue Ash which is about 15-20 minutes from where Brad's parents live.
I signed up for the 10K and went into it not expecting a lot [main goal being get the 6 miles done]. It was my first women's only event and it was awesome!

I foam rolled, stretched, and hydrated like it was my job on Friday. We arrived a little later than expected, so Brad's mom picked up my packet from Fleet Feet. We got these super cute lime green Brooks tech shirts:
I layed out my clothes and got in bed early for my 6am wake up call.
Yes I'm charging my Garmin in my gym bag. [I'm what some people might call absent minded, so I have to plan ahead]. I was also way more nervous than usual because Brad and his parents were coming the the race. I've never had "fans" before. Kinda cool, but very nerve-wracking.

We arrived around 630am for a 715am start. I stretched and hit up the porto's.

 Brad was my official race photographer. Here's me walking back from the bathrooms. Niiiice action shot.
 All women event = must have lots of bathrooms
I was amazed at how many women were in this race. There was a 5K and 10K, with running and walking divisions in both. We started promply at 715am.



Can you spot me? Cheesing like a fool. [Easy to do when you're only 2/10ths in] I spent the first two miles trying to make myself slow down. My pace has been way off in races (apparently I think I'm fast when surrounded by other runners) and I've been wearing myself out. I saw the fam around mile 3.

 I'm holding a pack of shot blocks because I'm not smart and didn't realize I had no pockets. They started in my waistband but that lasted about a half a mile before they were sliding into my sweaty capris.
 Best race picture ever. I was really wanting to go left with the 5K'ers.

Running from the POlice.

Saw them again around mile 4.



I took shot blocks and mile 3 and again at mile 5.5ish [water stations]. Part of the course was through a neighborhood around a golf course. Some of the people had set up sprinklers for us to run through (THANK YOU!). There was a good downhill part through mile 5 and then I'll be darned if there wasn't a big @ss mountain hill at 5.5. Rude.

Finally finished with a time of 1:09:21 (11:11 pace). I placed 270th out of 388 10K runners and 27th out of 40 in my age group.


 After the race we went to the festival. We got a lot of free stuff and there were a ton of booths. However the first both was a free bottle of Mr. Clean. Kinda funny. I told Brad it was for him :)

There were massages, PT's doing stretching and injury screenings, all kinds of snacks and food, powerade, flowers, smoothies, and... A DIY SNO CONE STATION. Shut the front door. Don't get me wrong, I love me some fro-yo. But I LOVE tiger's blood sno-cones and I never get them.

Happiest girl in the world. I didn't want to embarrass my inlaws, so I only got one. Apparently double fisting sno-cones is not becoming.

Then we went home to rest up for the wedding. Riley bear was especially tired.
I thought this race was a lot of fun. The atmosphere was great, very 'I am woman hear me roar'. There were a fair amount of spectators and that made it fun as well. I would recommend this race to anyone and would love to run it again.

Oh and I also got a small PR, but a PR none the less.

What did you do this weekend?

Thursday, August 4, 2011

I'm pretty sure hell involves a foam roller.

I am sofreakinghappy that I am through with work for the week!!! 14 hours yesterday and 12 today...Way overrated. I made myself pack a gym bag this morning because I knew if I came home  I wouldn't make it back out to run.

I spent a lot of time stretching and foam rolling before my run. Me and the foam roller are not BFFs. It hurts. It makes me look like an idiot sliding around on it/the floor. And oh yeah, IT HURTS. But I'm being OCD about keeping my body injury free... So foam roll I shall.

I did 4 miles on the treadmill with a 1% incline. It got pretty tough at a couple of points, so I allowed myself to slow down but not walk.

I stretched and used the torture device foam roller afterwards too. I really do think it helps though.

We're off to O-H-I-O tomorrow. I'm so excited for the 10k on Saturday [and the Under Armor outlet store]. Brad's excited for Skyline.

Which do you think is the better TM workout or more like running outside:  Running with an incline or running faster?

Are you racing this weekend? Any other cool plans?

**Sorry for the lack of pictures, my camera is being a turd.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Super quick update

I was really nervous this morning because I wanted to get out and see how my leg was. I'm very happy to say that I did 2.5 miles with no pain!

I didn't want to over-do it so I stopped at 2.5 instead of doing the full 5. I'm planning on making up the other 2.5 later this week.

Saturday I'm running a 10K in Ohio (out of town for another wedding) and I wanted to get a 5 miler in before then. But I think it's more mental reasons that I wanted to do the 5 miles. I know my body can do it (if I take care of it) and this is my second 10K, so I've gotta get over these nerves!!

Monday, August 1, 2011

Welcome to Bummersville... Population Me

My body bitch slapped me today... Let me give you a little background information.

This weekend I spent at least 12 hours in a car. I didn't drink enough water. I drank too many beers. I ate at Wendy's twice and McDonalds once. I got 6 hours of sleep Friday night, and 5 hours of sleep Saturday night. I ran 6 miles on Saturday and did not stretch before or after. (PS - my knees KILLED after that run. We went to the mall and ran errands and all I wanted to do was lay down and ice my knees, which I've never had to do before).


What am I thinking? I think I might deserve what my body handed me today.

I set out on for my five miler and was feeling suprisingly good. Then about a half mile in it happened. My left leg seized up from my outer hip all the way down to my knee. I stopped, stretched, walked about a tenth of a mile, and tried again. Same. frickin. thing. This is what my 'repeats' consisted of. All while I tried to reason with myself and not freak out.

I came home, ate a banana (helps with cramping right?), stretched, started hydrating, took a warm bath, lathered up with Flexall, and now I'm waiting. Any ideas or advice? I'm hoping it's just cramps/stiffness due to poor stretching and nutrition. I'm going to get a good night's sleep and try my five tomorrow.

Catch Up!

Friday Brad and I loaded up the car and headed to the Bluegrass State. I made us a new road mix and he did most of the driving (love it when that happens).
So I put my feet up, rocked out to the road mix, and read once we'd listened to the CD all the way through. I started the Sookie Stackhouse books a few weeks ago at the insistence of one of my friends. She pretty much always recommends great books (she introduced me to the Hunger Games) so I gave them a shot. They're pretty good and I'm reading the seventh one now.


source
I usually like series books, I like getting to know the characters more than you would in just one book. I also read the Stephanie Plum books and just downloaded the newest one to my Kindle, but I can't quit reading the others long enough to start it.

source
 These are great to read while you're running, because they're mindless but fun.

I signed up to run a 5K this weekend in Asheville, but one of our friends from pharmacy school decided to get married this weekend and we wanted to be there for it. It was a really great weekend and it was so nice to see some of our friends.

I may or may not have suggested we all get fro-yo while we caught up.
I did my long run on Saturday and I'm going to do a little recap of that later. It was full of memories!

For now I'm off to get my 5 miler in!