Eating wise I’ve been pretty lax lately. Not good for a recovering heavyweight. Okay, I wasn’t huge or anything but I definitely let myself get out of control for a while. Luckily, I haven’t gained any weight in the past 2 months or so - but I haven’t lost either. I was losing pretty steadily too.

So, today is a new day - this hour is a new hour. Here I go, I’m more determined and not allowing the excuses to build anymore. Everyone has their ’stuff’ and why do I time after time, punish myself by revoking my running privileges? I do it every time I get down! Geez Louise!

Well, be back later.

This was such a good article.  My friend Mandi sent it to me.  I already passed it on to my boss (who got chill bumps from it) and now I think I should pass it on to you.

I’d like to think that I’d do something like this, but I doubt I would.  I have a terrible fear of danger and I can’t even imagine running outdoors in Philly.

Happy Reading!

2 small pancakes w/ sugar free syrup
1 piece of sausage
1 egg white

…and it was GOOD!

I have not been a very good girl. I must have had about

6 cups of coffee today
2 cups of green tea!

Still, could not sleep in my bed last night. I’m running on caffeine! The stress factor should be relieved some by tomorrow evening…and then I will sleep just in time for the wedding I have on Friday.

Not sleeping really affects my running, my desire to run, my actual pace, and my comfort level while running. I know I shouldn’t be ready to fall asleep while running but there’s not much sense in me struggling through a ½ hour run either. It’s no marathon! Relief is in sight!

Chris and I headed to dinner tonight with friends. Actually ordering healthy is a pretty big struggle for me. I’ve become a big fan of getting whatever I like (within reason) and cutting it completely in half. My friends often tell me how proud they are of me for doing things like that. Some of them have even caught on and passed it to their family members and friends. They think I’m some kind of genius but I always tell them that I most likely read it somewhere!

I think that tomorrow night will be my next run. I guess I’ll do about 30 minutes or so. Hopefully, I’ll eat a good meal and hit the sheets tonight! I’m ready for Friday.

So far (and yes, I’m a creature of habit!):

>6 cups of coffee
2 cups of green tea

Kashi Heart to Heart Raisin Spice Oatmeal

Spinach & Broccoli Salad w/ Craisins & Quarter sized Garlic Bread
Dressing: Lighthouse Blueberry & Pomegranate Vinaigrette

Sugar Snap Peas

Maybe an apple a tad later and who knows what I’ll eat tonight!

2 cups Black Coffee
2 cups Bigelow Organic Green Tea
1.5 Liters Water
1 Propel Invigorating Water

Large Broccoli & Spinach Salad w/ Craisins
Dressing: Lighthouse Blueberry & Pomegranate Vinaigrette

1 Fuji Apple
Snack Baggie size serving of Sugar Snap Peas

Kashi Heart to Heart Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

I don’t eat breakfast. Sorry folks, I know, I know…it just doesn’t work for me. It really doesn’t. I never even ate breakfast when I was in school. Now, on the weekend and if I don’t have anything to do - I’m all for an omelet… I usually save those for dinner though.

I decided I’m going to keep track of what I eat, not for diet purposes - but for nutritional purposes. I do better on less calories. I’m not sure what it is about me, but I do. I like running in the morning better than I do at night. I’ve just decided…I’m taking super care of my body.

So, tonight I will be running.

I couldn’t get my butt out of bed this morning. I haven’t slept in my bed in 5 nights now. Some family stuff has my nerves up and I can’t seem to lay down in the bed without getting all anxious… So, I’ve been falling asleep reading or watching TV on the couch… and staying there. It will be better soon. We all go through stressful times in life. I know the couch is not an ideal sleeping spot. Husband has to be at work at 6 a.m. though and I can’t disturb him. When its dark and I’m nervous I have to wake people up and talk it out. Ask my dad!

Workout:

• Type: Run
• Date: 04/01/2008
• Time: 19:00:00
• Total Time: 00:30:00.00
• Distance: 3.25 miles
• Average Pace: 9:13.85/mile

So, I’m really wanting to run the NYC Marathon in the fall. I’m certain that I have every ability to do so. I’m not heading out there to beat a certain time, although I would like to run a good pace, I mainly want to accomplish a life goal, like Little Liz just did.

On Monday, I’ll start riding my bike to work again. In case you didn’t know, I hate cold weather. It hasn’t been so bad…but I just can’t wait until it gets warmer. I’m also planning on running 6 days a week. It would be best if I could get my butt out of bed in the morning early. It’s just been hard because I’ve been staying up so late. My sleeping has been way off. I can do it though. I will do it too!

Glad to be back guys! Can’t wait to catch up with you all!

Things I Should Do/Be

A good wife, daughter, sister, friend – I’ll be these things by freeing up time that I would normally spend in my own little world to be with my friends and family. I’ll focus on worrying less, understanding more, doing nice things here and there, listening, and just loving.

A runner – Time for me to embrace what I am at heart, I’ll be making daily efforts to make myself actually believe I am a runner. Running really helps me to be the person I want to be.

A hard worker – Here’s to me not getting lost in the land of “I’ll do it tomorrow” anymore. I also hope that I don’t take any hookie days from work in 2008.

A good Christian – I’ll be praying, thanking, and going to church in 2008.

Things I Want to Do/Be

A marathoner – I’ve already registered for a few ½ marathons and I’m beginning to train for a full marathon. I’m really excited for my first marathon to be the New York City Marathon.

A piano player – Hopefully I sign up for lessons. I’ve wanted to be a piano player for a long time, as long as I can remember. I’ve always been so shy when it comes to singing or playing music. Not sure why, but this year will be different.

A knitter – I’m learning to knit – on my own, and it’s hard. I hope that within the year I’ll get much better.

Things that Scare the Crap Out of Me, but Maybe I Can Do/Be them

A college graduate – I’m almost there, just need to finish. Don’t know why it scares me so bad exactly, but hopefully I’ll be over that in time to graduate. That might not be in 2008 but at least I’m resolved to make efforts towards getting there this year.

Things I Already Am/Do but Don’t Live Like I Am/Do

A confident young woman

A financially stable person

enough said!

green teddy tutu

Workout:

• Type: Run
• Date: 12/31/2007
• Time: 12:00:00
• Total Time: 00:30:00.00
• Distance: 3.25 miles
• Average Pace: 9:13.85/mile

I ran today - it’s been so busy lately I haven’t made myself run as much as I’d like.  Well, that’s changed.  It’s a new year and I’ve made it a chance to reinforce some of my goals.  I’ll be running every work day and Saturdays. 

Today’s run went well.  I listend to my ipod and ran along.  Tomorrow I’ll be running outdoors and that makes me nervous.  Chris said he’ll run with me though.  I know I live in a safe neighborhood, but bad things happen everywhere.  I don’t like wasting my energy on worry while I’m running.

Now, I hope this gatorade (potassium) I’m drinking is going to help with this massive leg cramp I developed.  It’s a mean one. 

I was sick all last week and since it wasn’t “just” a cold, I decided I should take it easy (in terms of exercising). Especially considering I had no energy at all! I mean, none!

This week will be different - I’m a little out of sorts with a belly issue, but tomorrow I should be good to go in terms of running again. I actually can’t wait!

What I did last week:

Thursday: Dinner with a friend from high school and college at the Carlyle in Shirlington Village (Arlington, VA) - really good food!

Friday: Wright Memorial Awards Dinner at the Hilton in D.C. with coworkers and my husband. Really nice, and now I can say I’ve touched someone who has walked on the moon!

Saturday: I went to the theater and saw I am Legend. It was scary but really good. Made me wonder. I recommend it, but not for the little ones. I’m a wimp too! I was really scared a few times, but it was AWESOME!

Sunday: I laid around, did some laundry and got massively nausious.

What I’m doing this week:  Running, going to the DR, relaxing while watching Christmas movies, drinking tons of water, eating healthy, and my company Christmas party on Friday.

• Type: Run
• Date: 12/11/2007
• Time: 08:30:00
• Total Time: 00:30:00.00
• Distance: 3.5 miles
• Average Pace: 8:34.29/mile

I went into work late to try to sleep a little bit extra. I have a touch of a cold but decided to run this morning anyway. I hope the natural fever my running caused helps me to get over this thing quicker.

I had a harder time running the 3+ miles I ran this morning than I did the 6 miles I ran on Sunday. I’m just not feeling well - but, hopefully this cold goes away soon. I think running will help it to move on!

Music didn’t help me run today - I ran on pure will. Hopefully tomorrow I’ll feel better and my run will go a bit smoother. Needless to say, I’m glad I at least ran today.

• Type: Walk
• Date: 12/10/2007
• Time: 18:15:00
• Total Time: 00:30:00.00
• Distance: 2 miles
• Average Pace: 15:00/mile

I decided to walk home from the metro station in the dark last night because I got mad at my husband and didn’t want him to come get me.  I figured I could do it on my own!  (I’m not mad anymore)