1) A new poll is up. Vote! Don't be shy!
2) We have been wheat-free for one week, and I like it. My skin is clearing up, my energy levels are improved, my digestion has been better, and, so far, this doesn't seem to be having a negative impact on our food budget.
3) Hubby and I have been doing an Upper Body and Core routine that I put together all by my little amateur self. Basically I chose three of my favorite weight training exercises for each of the major muscle groups of the upper body (or at least the ones I could think of): chest, shoulders, biceps, triceps, back, and abs. We do these moves in quick succession through three circuits. It's a fun way for me to start learning to design my own workouts, and I enjoy working out with my favorite buddy in the whole world.
3 1/2) But it is totally unfair that hubby is already stronger than me.
4) I've figured that, in order to get to an "athletic" body composition, I need to get down to 147. That means a loss of another 23 pounds. I don't know if that's a realistic goal, but I might as well keep it in mind.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Juice Name Fail
One of our favorite vegetable juices is based on the recipe called "Mexican-Style Jugo" at the Reboot website.
I decided to enter it in the database at My Fitness Pal, which one way or another led me to look up the word jugo. (It means "juice". Duh.) But thanks to Google, I was taken to this definition, courtesy of the Urban Dictionary:
pedota jugoso: an extravagantly powerful and juicy fart.
I decided to name my entry "Mexican Style Veg Juice". In case you want to try it the way I make it, here's what you put through your juicer (wash and prep as needed, of course):
We have been wheat-free for three days now. I can only speak for myself, but it hasn't been as difficult as I thought it would be. Meal planning and prep is a lot more important when you can't just throw a frozen pizza in the oven. (Going to the Drive Thru has been impossible since we moved here; frozen pizza was our fast food.) When they ask, "What's for [insert meal name here]?" I need to have a good answer or God help me because Betty Crocker can't. That is about the only drawback, and it really isn't a drawback. A little more discipline in the kitchen certainly wouldn't hurt any of us.
I decided to enter it in the database at My Fitness Pal, which one way or another led me to look up the word jugo. (It means "juice". Duh.) But thanks to Google, I was taken to this definition, courtesy of the Urban Dictionary:
pedota jugoso: an extravagantly powerful and juicy fart.
I decided to name my entry "Mexican Style Veg Juice". In case you want to try it the way I make it, here's what you put through your juicer (wash and prep as needed, of course):
- one bunch cilantro
- two large cucumbers
- one bunch celery
- two poblano peppers
- two jalapeno peppers or six serrano peppers
- two limes or two lemons (not both)
We have been wheat-free for three days now. I can only speak for myself, but it hasn't been as difficult as I thought it would be. Meal planning and prep is a lot more important when you can't just throw a frozen pizza in the oven. (Going to the Drive Thru has been impossible since we moved here; frozen pizza was our fast food.) When they ask, "What's for [insert meal name here]?" I need to have a good answer or God help me because Betty Crocker can't. That is about the only drawback, and it really isn't a drawback. A little more discipline in the kitchen certainly wouldn't hurt any of us.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
What's for dinner? (and breakfast and lunch and snacks)
This week's poll is up. Please share your opinion on diet and eating habits! I'd love to hear comments, especially if you vote "Other".
This week's poll was inspired by a book I got from the library called "Wheat Belly". Modern wheat is evil, and you must never, ever, ever, ever eat it if you value your health and/or digestive organs. That's the basic gist of the book. I predict I will be writing more on this topic in the near future.
This week's poll was inspired by a book I got from the library called "Wheat Belly". Modern wheat is evil, and you must never, ever, ever, ever eat it if you value your health and/or digestive organs. That's the basic gist of the book. I predict I will be writing more on this topic in the near future.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Ultimate Workout
On this day four years ago I spent a few hours pushing out an eight-and-a-half pound baby girl.
Happy Birthday, Mary. We all love you lots!
Happy Birthday, Mary. We all love you lots!
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Over the Hill and Through the Woods: Race Report
Today I participated in a race at the Jeffers High School in Painesdale. (Go Jets!) What a beautiful, kick-butt course! And I got a great shirt out of the deal.
First of all, the race is a little more than 5K, and somehow it manages to be almost all uphill. About the only steady downhill part was on a trail that was so rocky and rutted I actually had to keep slowing down to avoid twisting my ankle or landing on my fanny. Then, after that, we were running through sand. (!?) Once we were off the trail and back on the road there was another killer hill, but then it was downhill for a fast couple of blocks to the finish. The official times have not been posted yet, but I'm pretty sure I heard them yell 33:40 as I went through. If so, that's a pace of 9:54 (given the 3.4 mile distance).
I'm pretty sure that finishes out the race season for me. I'd love to do more, but there just isn't that much in the area. Maybe a change of focus will do me some good anyway. I'm really, really grateful to my husband, who supports me in everything I do and has been particularly encouraging with this passion of mine. Thank you, sweetie! I'm also thankful to the big kids who watch the little ones so Mommy can "go for a run".
I love you all.
First of all, the race is a little more than 5K, and somehow it manages to be almost all uphill. About the only steady downhill part was on a trail that was so rocky and rutted I actually had to keep slowing down to avoid twisting my ankle or landing on my fanny. Then, after that, we were running through sand. (!?) Once we were off the trail and back on the road there was another killer hill, but then it was downhill for a fast couple of blocks to the finish. The official times have not been posted yet, but I'm pretty sure I heard them yell 33:40 as I went through. If so, that's a pace of 9:54 (given the 3.4 mile distance).
I'm pretty sure that finishes out the race season for me. I'd love to do more, but there just isn't that much in the area. Maybe a change of focus will do me some good anyway. I'm really, really grateful to my husband, who supports me in everything I do and has been particularly encouraging with this passion of mine. Thank you, sweetie! I'm also thankful to the big kids who watch the little ones so Mommy can "go for a run".
I love you all.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Photo Journal: Night at the Grocery Store
6:30 p.m. Dinner Time
7:30 p.m. The store is quiet, but it is too early to start closing chores. Dessert time? Oh, well, maybe I could just have a little something. Fruit would be good.
7:35 p.m. That pear was okay, but what I'd really like is a beef stick. Okay, two. And a Tootsie Roll.
10:30 p.m. Home from work, children in bed, and I sit down to finish my food log at MFP. Only problem is, I didn't write it down at the time, and I (intentionally?) lost count after the third Tootsie Roll.
Today, 7:30 a.m. I will move more, eat less. I will not let a few bad choices bring me down. I have a clean slate.
7:30 p.m. The store is quiet, but it is too early to start closing chores. Dessert time? Oh, well, maybe I could just have a little something. Fruit would be good.
7:35 p.m. That pear was okay, but what I'd really like is a beef stick. Okay, two. And a Tootsie Roll.
10:30 p.m. Home from work, children in bed, and I sit down to finish my food log at MFP. Only problem is, I didn't write it down at the time, and I (intentionally?) lost count after the third Tootsie Roll.
Today, 7:30 a.m. I will move more, eat less. I will not let a few bad choices bring me down. I have a clean slate.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Encouragement
I gotta go to work today. Drag. But I did get my run in- two miles at a 10 minute pace. It was pretty easy. Just a few months ago, two slow miles was the most I could do. I've actually made a lot of progress this summer.
Go, me! :o)
Go, me! :o)
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Last Daze of Summer
The apples are ripe, we've had our first frost, and geese are gathering to head south. Yep, summer is almost over, but not today. Today it is hot! And what better way to spend what may be the last hot Saturday of the year than sitting by a large body of water, sipping alcoholic beverages of your choice while your spouse watches the children just outside auditory range? Of course! Going for a long, hot, sweaty run and then blogging about it!
I think of some really weird stuff when I'm out running. It's just a shame that I can't remember much of it later on. Maybe I need to take one of those little voice recorders out with me. There's lots of little gadgets that might make your run easier or more entertaining, but it could easily get out of control. Watch, heart rate monitor, GPS, CamelBak, fuel belt, iPod, cell phone, key carrier, ID holder, and that nifty little jacket that folds up in its own pocket (in case of rain). All designed to be lightweight and strap on to your body one way or another.
I don't own most of that stuff. My watch-slash-heart-rate-monitor stopped working, so I just borrow my son's watch. We have a GPS, but it wasn't designed to be worn and so in order to bring it with me I have to stuff it in my bra where it will not bounce around (as much). This always makes me feel self-conscious. I can only hope that anyone driving by will assume that I am using some type of device that is supposed to be carried in one's bra. I don't usually carry water with me; I own a CamelBak but the darn kids lost the reservoir so until I can buy a replacement it is really just a very small, worthless backpack with a hole in it. I guess a belt of some type would be convenient. Because of where I live and run I don't really need to carry ID or keys or cell phone with me, but it would be nice to have a place to keep chapstick other than the other side of my bra.
I think of some really weird stuff when I'm out running. It's just a shame that I can't remember much of it later on. Maybe I need to take one of those little voice recorders out with me. There's lots of little gadgets that might make your run easier or more entertaining, but it could easily get out of control. Watch, heart rate monitor, GPS, CamelBak, fuel belt, iPod, cell phone, key carrier, ID holder, and that nifty little jacket that folds up in its own pocket (in case of rain). All designed to be lightweight and strap on to your body one way or another.
I don't own most of that stuff. My watch-slash-heart-rate-monitor stopped working, so I just borrow my son's watch. We have a GPS, but it wasn't designed to be worn and so in order to bring it with me I have to stuff it in my bra where it will not bounce around (as much). This always makes me feel self-conscious. I can only hope that anyone driving by will assume that I am using some type of device that is supposed to be carried in one's bra. I don't usually carry water with me; I own a CamelBak but the darn kids lost the reservoir so until I can buy a replacement it is really just a very small, worthless backpack with a hole in it. I guess a belt of some type would be convenient. Because of where I live and run I don't really need to carry ID or keys or cell phone with me, but it would be nice to have a place to keep chapstick other than the other side of my bra.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Best Mile Yet
Just a quick post to record my current personal best mile: 8 min, 12 sec.
Yes, I am patting myself on the back.
That is all.
Now What?
Unfortunately, the racing season for my area is pretty much over. I know, bummer! There is a 5K on the 17th that I'm considering. Runner Me would love to do it, but Mommy Me is still debating, and Mrs. Me is waiting for hubby's input on the subject. (I love you, honey!)
Perhaps you have noticed that I "forgot" to post my weight and measurements. You are just too polite to say anything. I weighed in yesterday, measured my waist, and stopped there. The fact is, I gained last month (only a bit, but still), and rather than get all bummed and mopey and punish myself for that, I'm just going to tell myself "lesson learned" and continue on.
And so, it is time to come up with some new goals. I'd like to work on increasing my running base and just maybe be ready for a half or even a full marathon next year. I'd also like to do another full round of P90X, and I've heard good things about Turbo Fire. Bellydancing? There are so many possibilities!
Perhaps you have noticed that I "forgot" to post my weight and measurements. You are just too polite to say anything. I weighed in yesterday, measured my waist, and stopped there. The fact is, I gained last month (only a bit, but still), and rather than get all bummed and mopey and punish myself for that, I'm just going to tell myself "lesson learned" and continue on.
And so, it is time to come up with some new goals. I'd like to work on increasing my running base and just maybe be ready for a half or even a full marathon next year. I'd also like to do another full round of P90X, and I've heard good things about Turbo Fire. Bellydancing? There are so many possibilities!
Sunday, September 4, 2011
First and (Almost) Last: Ed Hansen Race Report
Today was my first 10k and my longest run to date. The day dawned cloudy, wet, and windy. Breakfast, coffee, drive to Ontonagon. Check in, dig through the goodie bag (ooh, a little watch thingie!), easy warm up, one last trip to the PlastiJohn. Soon, it is time to line up.
Bib number one- guess which excited newbie runner sent in her registration ridiculously early? Note the yellow watch thingie.
Been there, done that, got the t-shirt. Yeah, baby!
Bib number one- guess which excited newbie runner sent in her registration ridiculously early? Note the yellow watch thingie.
The Firehouse Alarm sounded, and we were off. About halfway through the first mile, the excitement of the start wore off and I fell into an easy trot. I had lined up at the back so it was easy to pick who to keep pace with. I reached the one-mile marker at about nine minutes. I walked through the first water station at Mile Two; I haven't mastered a technique for grabbing those little water cups without breaking stride. My trick has been to drink the water while counting 50 steps- or 100 steps if I really need a break.
In the Third Mile, my legs started planning a mutiny.
My Legs: "Why are we doing this again?"
My Brain: "Because it's good for us and we enjoy it!"
My Legs: "Easy for you to say, we do all the work while you just enjoy the ride! Hey, there's the 5K track. Let's just take a shortcut. We're dead last anyway."
My Brain: "No, I'm pretty sure that lady in the blue shirt is behind us somewhere. Besides, cheating would be a dumbass thing to do."
My Ass: "Leave me out of this."
And then, there was one mile to go. Oh, dear Mile Five, you were my favorite. My brain had talked my legs into cooperating; the air whooshed effortlessly in and out of my lungs, three strides in, three strides out; the woman that smelled so strongly of fabric softener was no longer directly upwind. The course went into a thickly wooded area and I swear I felt that the trees knew who I was. They watched me pass, indifferent and aloof but not unkind. The very wind seemed to boost me along, willing me to go faster and stronger. Maybe I experienced just a bit of that euphoria I've heard about, a runner's high effected by the beauty of the surroundings and given to me like a gift.
Before I knew it, I was approaching the last corner, and there was my family, cheering for me. "Go, Mom! You're number one! Run faster!" Picking up the pace seemed to require no effort at all; I think I was going all out at that point, but it didn't really feel like it. The fatigue of my effort was right behind me, though. As soon as I stopped my whole body felt shaky and weak.
In the end I finished last in my age group, gender rank 19 out of 20. I came in right behind a seventy-year-old man with a limp. I'm just kidding; he's really 61. My time was 1:02:59, my pace 10:09 per mile, so I was a little off my goal pace of 10 min/mile, but that might have been unrealistic anyway. I didn't win any awards- not even a door prize- but I feel like I came away from this with a great deal. I'm so thankful to be a runner, no matter how slow.
In the Third Mile, my legs started planning a mutiny.
My Legs: "Why are we doing this again?"
My Brain: "Because it's good for us and we enjoy it!"
My Legs: "Easy for you to say, we do all the work while you just enjoy the ride! Hey, there's the 5K track. Let's just take a shortcut. We're dead last anyway."
My Brain: "No, I'm pretty sure that lady in the blue shirt is behind us somewhere. Besides, cheating would be a dumbass thing to do."
My Ass: "Leave me out of this."
And then, there was one mile to go. Oh, dear Mile Five, you were my favorite. My brain had talked my legs into cooperating; the air whooshed effortlessly in and out of my lungs, three strides in, three strides out; the woman that smelled so strongly of fabric softener was no longer directly upwind. The course went into a thickly wooded area and I swear I felt that the trees knew who I was. They watched me pass, indifferent and aloof but not unkind. The very wind seemed to boost me along, willing me to go faster and stronger. Maybe I experienced just a bit of that euphoria I've heard about, a runner's high effected by the beauty of the surroundings and given to me like a gift.
Before I knew it, I was approaching the last corner, and there was my family, cheering for me. "Go, Mom! You're number one! Run faster!" Picking up the pace seemed to require no effort at all; I think I was going all out at that point, but it didn't really feel like it. The fatigue of my effort was right behind me, though. As soon as I stopped my whole body felt shaky and weak.
In the end I finished last in my age group, gender rank 19 out of 20. I came in right behind a seventy-year-old man with a limp. I'm just kidding; he's really 61. My time was 1:02:59, my pace 10:09 per mile, so I was a little off my goal pace of 10 min/mile, but that might have been unrealistic anyway. I didn't win any awards- not even a door prize- but I feel like I came away from this with a great deal. I'm so thankful to be a runner, no matter how slow.
Been there, done that, got the t-shirt. Yeah, baby!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Easy does it...
Today was my last short run before Sunday's race. My body said to take it slow and easy, so I did a walk/run even though it was only two miles. My body complained of being stiff and a bit sore so I will give it a sauna and some extra stretching this evening. My body also said it wants cherry schnapps in 7Up (a.k.a. the Dirty Doctor), but I decided to ignore that request. Listening to My Body is not always a good thing.
It is the beginning of the month but I am postponing taking my weight and measurements until Monday. I'm a little nervous about what the outcome will be; I've been working my butt off but feeding my sweet tooth. (I can afford this Snickers- I ran today!) I had a personal goal to avoid the scale this month in order to focus on fitness rather than weight. I'll be sure to record the outcome of my little "experiment".
It is the beginning of the month but I am postponing taking my weight and measurements until Monday. I'm a little nervous about what the outcome will be; I've been working my butt off but feeding my sweet tooth. (I can afford this Snickers- I ran today!) I had a personal goal to avoid the scale this month in order to focus on fitness rather than weight. I'll be sure to record the outcome of my little "experiment".
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