Everybody falls down sometimes

Saturday 2/16/13

Today was an easy 10 miler, right?  Most of it was not very bad.  I checked the weekend forecast as usual and decided that the best time to run this weekend was before sun rise on Saturday.  No wind.  The temps were going to stay pretty consistent all day and I could check it off the weekend to do list early and get on with the million other things that I have to do on any other given weekend.  I do enjoy running at daybreak.  I don't do it much in the winter because of the temperatures but I was reminded how much I love it this morning.  The sky is dark when I go out and it slowly transition to purple, rose, orange, yellow and then into the blue of the day.  It is so beautiful to witness it.  Another really amazing thing when running is snow flurries.  They fall out of the sky gently floating to the ground.  Again another beautiful thing that I got to experience this morning at the end of my run.  It was like Mother Nature was giving me a personal push through the last leg of my run this morning.  I loved it!  My knee only tried to give me a little bit of trouble today too. 

So, the whole run wasn't a good experience though.  Let me get to the bad part now.  In the third mile, it's still extremely dark and my foot caught on an odd spot in the road and I tripped.  As I was losing my balance and falling forward I was afraid to fall on my knees so a twisted my body a little bit and fell on my right hip and my right hand.  I sat there for a few minutes and contemplated giving up.  My ego was seriously bruised as was my hip.  But, I shook it off, got up and went on.  This is only the second time that I've taken a spill while running.  Thank God it was dark and no one was around.  My embarrassment was spared today.

The other thing I wanted to do tonight was share some new recipes that I made this week that were AMAZING and low cal.

 

Buffalo Chicken and Rice

3 green onions

1 1/4 pounds of skinless, boneless chicken breasts cut into 1 inch cubes

1 cup sliced carrots

1 cup sliced celery

1/2 cup tomato sauce

1/2 cup reduced sodium chicken broth

1 Anaheim pepper cut into 1/4 inch pieces

1 1-ounce package of ranch salad dressing mix

2 tablespoons of hot sauce

4 ounces of reduced fat cream cheese

3 cups hot cooked brown rice

1/4 cup of crumbled blue cheese

 

Thinly slice green onions, separating white and green parts, set aside.  In a 3 quart slow cooker combine chicken, carrots, celery, tomato sauce, broth, Anaheim pepper , salad dressing mix, the white parts of the green onions and the hot sauce.

 

Cover and cook on low-heat for 6 hours (or high heat for 3 hours)

 

Stir in cream cheese and green parts of the green onions.  Cover and cook for 30 minutes longer.

 

Serve over hot cooked rice' sprinkle with blue cheese. Makes 4 servings.

 

per serving: 314 cal., 8g fat (4g sat. fat), 73 mg chol,. 774mg sodium, 30g carb., 3g fiber, 28g protein.

 

 

 

 

Pan-Seared Steak with Chive-Horseradish Butter

with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli

5 teaspoons of butter, softened

1 tablespoon horseradish

1 tablespoon minced chives

4 (4 ounce) beef tenderloin steaks

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

 

Combine first 3 ingredients in a small bowl.  refrigerate 20 minutes or until firm

 

Sprinkle steaks evenly with salt and pepper.  Heat a large grill pan over medium-high heat.  Coat pan with cooking spray.  Add steaks to pan; cook 4 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness.  Remove steaks from pan; let stand 5 minutes.  Divide butter mixture evenly among steaks.  Makes 4 servings

 

per serving; 220 cal., 12.4g fat (5.8g sat), 25.2 protein, 1g carb., 89mg chol., 229 sodium.

 

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Combine 1 tablespoon extra-virgin Olive oil, 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and 1 pound thinly sliced peeled sweet potatoes in a large b owl, tossing to coat sweet potatoes evenly.  Place sweet potatoes on a jelly-roll pan, and bake at 425 degrees for 16 minutes.  Combine 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, and 6 ounces trimmed broccoli in a bowl tossing to coat evenly.  Remove sweet potatoes from oven, and stir.  Arrange broccoli on baking sheet with sweet potatoes, bake at 425 degrees for 12 minutes or until broccoli is crisp-tender and sweet potatoes are fork tender. Makes 4 servings

 

per serving; 138 cal., 6.8g fat, 290mg sodium

 

 

 

Both of these recipes were amazing and easy to prepare.  I highly recommend both. 

 

 

 

Today's run:  10 miles: 1:53:54; 11:23 pace; 932 calories

 

 

 

February 15, 2013

Foods	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Cholest	Sodium	Sugars	Fiber
Breakfast
No Shotgun - Pre Workout Drink, 1 Scoop	72	0g	0g	18g	0mg	33mg	0g	0g
Strawberries - Raw, 0.25 cup, halves	12	3g	0g	0g	0mg	0mg	2g	1g
Graham Crackers Honey Maid - Graham Crackers, 0.5 crackers	33	6g	1g	1g	0mg	45mg	2g	0g
Herbalife - Protein Drink Mix - Vanilla Rs, 2 Tablespoons	110	5g	3g	15g	0mg	340mg	1g	0g
Herbalife Healthy Meal Shake Mix - Nutritional Shake Mix 2 Scoop of Protein Powder, 28 g	110	5g	3g	15g	0mg	340mg	1g	0g
Nestle Coffee-Mate Coffee Creamer - Italian Sweet Cream, 1 Tbsp	35	5g	2g	0g	0mg	15mg	5g	0g
Lunch
Herbalife - Turtle Cheesecake Shake, 16 oz	280	17g	0g	24g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g
Dinner
300 Calorie Recipes - Hamburger artichoke casserole, 1/4 of recipe	260	24g	7g	28g	55mg	330mg	0g	9g
Snacks
Pop Chips - Sour Cream & Onion, 1 bag (23 g)	100	16g	4g	1g	0mg	160mg	2g	1g
Sunshine - Cheez-It Baked Snack Cheese Crackers, 13.5 Crackers	75	9g	4g	2g	0mg	115mg	0g	1g
Girl Scout Cookies - Somoas, 1 container (14 cookies ea.)	1,050	126g	56g	7g	0mg	420mg	77g	7g
TOTAL:	2,137	216g	80g	111g	55mg	1,798mg	90g	19g

Exercises	Calories	Minutes	Sets	Reps	Weight
Cardiovascular
Extreme Results	400	60
Personal training	275	30
Stretching, hatha yoga	144	60
TOTALS:	819	150	0	0	0

February 16, 2013

Foods	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Cholest	Sodium	Sugars	Fiber
Breakfast
Herbalife - Turtle Cheesecake Shake, 16 oz	280	17g	0g	24g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g
Coffee W/Cream - French Vanilla, 1 Tbsp	37	6g	2g	0g	0mg	30mg	6g	0g
Lunch
Kroger Peanut Butter - Creamy Peanut Butter , 1 tbsp	95	4g	8g	4g	0mg	75mg	2g	1g
Welchs - Grape Jelly, 15 ml	50	13g	0g	0g	0mg	10mg	13g	0g
Natures Own - Low Cal Light Whole Wheat Bread, 2 slice	70	22g	0g	6g	0mg	240mg	2g	10g
Cuties California Mandarins - Clementines, 1 orange	40	9g	0g	0g	0mg	0mg	7g	2g
Kroger - Carb Smart--Yogurt White Chocolate Raspberry, 6 oz	60	4g	2g	8g	10mg	90mg	3g	0g
Graham Crackers Honey Maid - Graham Crackers, 1 crackers	65	12g	2g	1g	0mg	90mg	4g	1g
Milk - Nonfat (fat free or skim), 1 cup	86	12g	0g	8g	5mg	127mg	0g	0g
Dinner
Jiffy - Corn Bread Muffins W/ Skim Milk, 1 muffin	141	5g	4g	3g	27mg	57mg	6g	0g
Chicken Tortilla Soup, 2 serving(s)	415	68g	4g	27g	59mg	2,348mg	15g	12g
Eddy's Grand Chocolate Chip Ice Cream - Ice Cream, 1 cup	340	36g	18g	6g	50mg	90mg	30g	0g
Strawberries - Raw, 0.5 cup, halves	24	6g	0g	1g	0mg	1mg	4g	2g
Hershey's - Hershey's Chocolate Syrup, 1 Tbsp	50	12g	0g	0g	0mg	13mg	10g	1g
Snacks
Fruit - Apple Med, 0.5 medium (2-3/4" dia) (approx 3 per lb)	36	10g	0g	0g	0mg	1mg	7g	2g
Biggest Loser - Mango Quinoa Salad, 1/6 cup	120	17g	4g	4g	0mg	5mg	5g	4g
Laughing Cow - Light Wedge, 1 wedge	35	1g	1g	2g	5mg	210mg	1g	0g
Celery - Fresh, 1 stalk	5	2g	0g	0g	0mg	30mg	1g	1g
Sun-Maid - Raisins (Tbsp), 0.03125 cup	16	4g	0g	0g	0mg	1mg	4g	0g
TOTAL:	1,965	260g	45g	94g	156mg	3,418mg	120g	36g

Exercises	Calories	Minutes	Sets	Reps	Weight
Cardiovascular
Running (jogging), 6 mph (10 min mile)	942	115
Stretching, hatha yoga	144	60
TOTALS:	1,086	175	0	0	0

 

 

 

 







Taxes and Cookies

Friday, February 15, 2013

Yep, I opened this entry or my blog with a picture of an open container of Girl Scout Cookies.  I have justified that I deserve them today because I finished our taxes this morning.  My eyes are bugging out of my head and I am seeing visions of little dancing numbers in my head.  I am notorious for waiting until the last moment to file just because I hate oing it.  I always get a return but it's just so tedious to collect all the information and get it entered and submittedl.  So happy that I got it in early this year.  Now I can start planning what bills will get paid off with it.  Sigh...

The one thing I will be getting with a little bit of it is new shoes.  Mine are definitely a problem.  They are too old and a bit wore down.  I believe that is contributing to my knee discomfort.  I will be excited to get them soon. 

Yesterday, ,my day was a little backwards so I had to run early in the morning.  I usually only do that in the summer months.  When A.  it is warmer and B.  it is lighter outside.  However, an interesting thing was discovered yesterday.  It much less windy sometimes in the early morning and so the cold doesn't feel quite as cold.  I felt good for the whole short run.  I have only 10 miles to get in this weekend and am seriously considering getting it in tomorrow morning early.  It's gonna be cold but it still won't be as windy as it might be later in the day.  Plus, it will be out of the way for the rest of the weekend too.  It could make the rest of my weekend go a little smoother since my son has his Cub Scout banquet Sunday and I have 2 yoga classes to teach this weekend.  Getting my run in early will give me an opportunity to be manage my time this weekend. 

My knee felt a lot better on yesterday's run.  I am looking forward to my 10 miles this weekend.  10 miles is far enough to be challenging but not so far that it will interfere with my whole weekend.  Now that my interview is over though I will have nothing to obsess over while I run.  What will I do for 2 hours?  I need something!

One more antidote about my week.  Last night my husband and I went out to dinner to celebrate Valentine's Day. He gave me a card with a beautiful sentiment on it except for the fact that it was "from my wife..."  Blahahahaha!  I cracked up that when he read it he must have thought that it read "to my wife" instead of "from my wife"  I lovingly and laughingly crossed out wife and wrote husband on it with a Sharpie and we had a little laugh over it.  I love his effort.  He knows who much cards mean to me and he never fails to get one with a perfect message.  I am so grateful to be married to my best friend.

 

February 13, 2013

Foods	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Cholest	Sodium	Sugars	Fiber
Breakfast
Herbalife - Turtle Cheesecake Shake, 16 oz	280	17g	0g	24g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g
Lunch
Girl Scout Cookies - Thin Mint, 0.5 container (32 cookies ea.)	640	88g	32g	4g	0mg	500mg	40g	4g
Herbalife Healthy Meal Shake Mix - Nutritional Shake Mix 2 Scoop of Protein Powder, 28 g	110	5g	3g	15g	0mg	340mg	1g	0g
Herbalife - Protein Drink Mix - Vanilla Rs, 2 Tablespoons	110	5g	3g	15g	0mg	340mg	1g	0g
Dinner
Fast and Healthy - Pan-Seared Sirloin Steak, 1/4 pound	220	0g	11g	0g	75mg	400mg	0g	0g
Eating Well - Roasted Sweet Potatoes, 1/2 cup	96	19g	2g	1g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g
Snacks
Biggest Loser - Mango Quinoa Salad, 1/3 cup	240	34g	8g	7g	0mg	10mg	9g	7g
Laughing Cow - Light Wedge, 2 wedge	70	2g	3g	4g	10mg	420mg	2g	0g
Strawberries - Raw, 0.25 cup, halves	12	3g	0g	0g	0mg	0mg	2g	1g
Graham Crackers Honey Maid - Graham Crackers, 1 crackers	65	12g	2g	1g	0mg	90mg	4g	1g
Broccoli - Raw, 1 cup, chopped	30	6g	0g	2g	0mg	29mg	1g	2g
TOTAL:	1,873	191g	64g	73g	85mg	2,129mg	60g	15g

Exercises	Calories	Minutes	Sets	Reps	Weight
Cardiovascular
Extreme Results	394	60
Circuit training, general	231	30
TOTALS:	625	90	0	0	0

February 14, 2013

Foods	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Cholest	Sodium	Sugars	Fiber
Breakfast
Herbalife - Turtle Cheesecake Shake, 16 oz	280	17g	0g	24g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g
Lunch
Herbalife Healthy Meal Shake - Grasshopper, 1 shake	240	13g	1g	9g	0mg	140mg	0g	3g
Dinner
Round Table Pizza - Gourmet Veggie, Small Pan, 1 Slice	310	38g	12g	13g	30mg	730mg	2g	2g
Olive Garden - Linguini Alla Marinara - Dinner Portion, 0.5 plate	215	38g	3g	0g	0mg	450mg	0g	5g
Aramark Cafeteria - Marinated Mushroom Salad, 1/2 cup	56	0g	2g	0g	0mg	630mg	0g	0g
Bread - Pita, white, enriched, 0.5 pita, large (6-1/2" dia)	83	17g	0g	3g	0mg	161mg	0g	1g
Spring Lettuce - Side Salad , 1 Serving	50	4g	0g	1g	0mg	10mg	2g	1g
Golden Corral (Restaurant Buffet) - Red French Dressing (Salad Bar), 1 Tblspoons	60	4g	6g	0g	0mg	185mg	4g	0g
Hershey's - 'especially Dark' Chocolate Cake (Made 3 Layer, Only Used 2 Layers), 0.5 pc	144	29g	4g	2g	12mg	44mg	22g	2g
Domino's - Parmesan Bread Bites, 2 Pieces (55g)	75	12g	2g	3g	0mg	95mg	1g	1g
Snacks
Herbalife - Instant Herbal Beverage With Tea Extracts [Raspberry Flavour], 3.4 g	10	3g	0g	0g	0mg	0mg	1g	0g
No Shotgun - Pre Workout Drink, 1 Scoop	72	0g	0g	18g	0mg	33mg	0g	0g
Cream - Half and half, 2 tbsp	39	1g	3g	1g	11mg	12mg	0g	0g
Torani - Sugar Free Vanilla Syrup, 2 Tbsp	0	0g	0g	0g	0mg	5mg	0g	0g
Biggby - Brewed Coffee (Regular, Decaf, Flavored, etc.), 1 Tall	0	0g	0g	0g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g
TOTAL:	1,634	176g	33g	74g	53mg	2,495mg	32g	15g

Exercises	Calories	Minutes	Sets	Reps	Weight
Cardiovascular
Extreme Results	451	60
Running (jogging), 6 mph (10 min mile)	337	35
TOTALS:	788	95	0	0	0

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Downtown

Tuesday 2/12/13

I got to partake in a pretty uncomfortable 3 mile run today.  Yes, my legs were somewhat tired but that wasn't the real problem.  I failed to catch the entire weather report this morning.  I kind of got stuck on the high temperature of 36 and missed the 15mph winds.  When I packed my clothes this morning before heading out, I packed for a not too cold run.  Ok, I was just a bit under dressed for my comfort level.  My thighs and my eyes were on fire the entire time.  The wind was not like yesterday's wind but it was definitely enough to make it feel more like 18 or 20 degrees out there.  My knee was a little bothered by today's run but not too horrible.  It quickly quieted down afterwards. I'm not to concerned with that right now but I am keeping an eye on it.  Rotating ice and heat in the evening and ibuprofen for inflammation.  I got this.  I think I need new shoes.  I'm pretty sure that would help.  I've had these too long.  Time to suck it up buttercup and get to the shoe store.

Most of my short runs during the week I do on my lunch break downtown around the river.  Now, Toledo has had a sordid reputation for awhile and the downtown area isn't really the spot to be for most people.  After dark, people get out of downtown.  I really don't understand that.  I don't know why people don't want to rejuvenate our downtown area.  But, I digress.  I bring this up for a specific reason tonight.  See, I wanted to talk about this several weeks ago and then I got sidetracked and kind of forgot.  Then, something else happened today that brought it back to my mind.  First of all, I seriously love running down by the river.  It's truly a beautiful area.

See what I mean?  So, several weeks ago I was getting ready to go out for my midday 3 miles and our Clinical Director noticed me as I was leaving.  He asked some sarcastic questions about what I was doing and then (not sarcastically) asked me if I felt "safe" running downtown.  Really man?  Seriously, your gonna ask me that question.  It's broad day light, there are many people out and about on lunch runs of one kind or another.  It just really grinds me up that people who have lived here all their lives perceive downtown as someplace bad or unsafe.  The more people say those things the longer the downtown area stays a depressed part of our community.  It is a small big city and the downtown area should be alive with activity well after the 5:00 bell tolls.  Then today it was brought up again because there is a new intern who is not familiar with my routine and again we had to go through the whole downtown is bad delusion.  I want to make them all go with me sometime to see that the downtown area is perfectly safe and perfectly beautiful.  Totally irritated by ignorant people today.  Maybe I should organize a group run downtown sometime...because I don't have enough on my plate.

The good news of late is that yoga at Extreme Results seems to be a hit and I have picked up a second class.  I am seriously excited about that.  Good things are continuing to come my way!  Who says 13 is an unlucky number.  2013 is turning out to be spectacular for me. 

Today is fat Tuesday, which means that the Lenten season begins tomorrow.  In the past I have always been inclined to give up something that was related to my physical appearance in some way.  Some "diet" something or another.  Soda, meat, sugar...I'm not really in a place that requires me to entirely give up any of those things.  My Lenten sacrifice this year is going to be pessimism.  I am going to try to only verbalize the positive for the next 6 weeks.  This is going to be a real challenge.  And that is the idea of lent.  Jesus gave his life, the ultimate sacrifice.  By making a sacrifice during the Lenten season is to get a very small taste of humility for 6 weeks.  Even those people who aren't religious can benefit from the humility of change.  When we change what we think and feel, then we can change what we do.  When we change what we do, we can effectively change what we receive.  The law of attraction in action.


BTW, pay no attention to the sleeve of girl scout cookies I consumed today.  They were a gift from my husband.  I couldn't let him think I was ungrateful.

3 miles; 31:49; 289 calories.

February 11, 2013

Foods	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Cholest	Sodium	Sugars	Fiber
Breakfast
Herbalife - Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Shake, 1 Shake (2scoops PDM & 2 scoops dutch choc formula 1)	278	23g	13g	28g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g
Nestle Coffee-Mate Coffee Creamer - Italian Sweet Cream, 1 Tbsp	35	5g	2g	0g	0mg	15mg	5g	0g
Lunch
Panera Breads - Bbq Chopped Chicken Salad (Half), 1/2 Portion - Pick 2	250	25g	11g	16g	35mg	385mg	8g	3g
Panera Bread - Low Fat Garden Vegetable With Pesto Soup Pick Two, 10 oz	100	18g	4g	3g	5mg	620mg	4g	8g
Panera Bread - French Baguette, 2.5 oz	180	36g	1g	6g	0mg	440mg	0g	1g
Dinner
Homemade - Chicken Fajitas (No Wrap), 1 cup	260	11g	13g	55g	146mg	132mg	4g	2g
Jack's - Special Medium Salsa, 4 tbsp	20	4g	0g	0g	0mg	298mg	4g	1g
Kroger - Sour Cream, Reduced Fat, 2 tbsp	45	2g	4g	1g	15mg	40mg	2g	0g
Snacks
Starbucks - Chocolate Biscotti, 1 biscotti	130	18g	5g	3g	20mg	100mg	3g	1g
Starbuck's - Tall Hot Zen Green Tea, 12 ounces per cup	0	0g	0g	0g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g
Sunshine - Cheez-It Baked Snack Cheese Crackers, 27 Crackers	150	17g	8g	3g	0mg	230mg	0g	1g
Dove - Cookies and Cream Chocolate, 1 bar	210	22g	12g	0g	10mg	70mg	20g	0g
Kroger - Ginger Snaps Cookies, 12 cookies (28 g)	360	63g	11g	6g	0mg	360mg	27g	3g
Kraft - Cool Whip (Original), 6 TBSP	75	6g	5g	0g	0mg	0mg	6g	0g
TOTAL:	2,093	250g	89g	121g	231mg	2,690mg	83g	20g

Exercises	Calories	Minutes	Sets	Reps	Weight
Cardiovascular
Spinning®	337	50
Stretching, hatha yoga	144	60
TOTALS:	481	110	0	0	0

February 12, 2013

Foods	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Cholest	Sodium	Sugars	Fiber
Breakfast
Coffee W/Cream - French Vanilla, 1 Tbsp	37	6g	2g	0g	0mg	30mg	6g	0g
Herbalife - Protein Drink Mix - Vanilla Rs, 2 Tablespoons	110	5g	3g	15g	0mg	340mg	1g	0g
Herbalife Healthy Meal Shake Mix - Nutritional Shake Mix 2 Scoop of Protein Powder, 28 g	110	5g	3g	15g	0mg	340mg	1g	0g
Girl Scout Cookies - Thin Mint, 2 cookies	80	11g	4g	1g	0mg	63mg	5g	1g
Lunch
Herbalife - Turtle Cheesecake Shake, 16 oz	280	17g	0g	24g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g
Dinner
Crockpot Buffalo Chicken - Crockpot Buffalo Chicken, 1 cup	297	1g	8g	52g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g
Corn - Sweet, yellow, canned, whole kernel, drained solids, 0.33 cup	44	10g	1g	1g	0mg	117mg	2g	1g
Girl Scout Cookies - Thin Mint, 0.5 container (32 cookies ea.)	640	88g	32g	4g	0mg	500mg	40g	4g
Snacks
Generic - Banana , 100 grams	89	23g	0g	1g	0mg	1mg	12g	3g
Celery - Fresh, 1 stalk	5	2g	0g	0g	0mg	30mg	1g	1g
Cuties California Mandarins - Clementines, 1 orange	40	9g	0g	0g	0mg	0mg	7g	2g
Laughing Cow - Light Wedge, 2 wedge	70	2g	3g	4g	10mg	420mg	2g	0g
TOTAL:	1,802	179g	56g	117g	10mg	1,841mg	77g	12g

Exercises	Calories	Minutes	Sets	Reps	Weight
Cardiovascular
Extreme Results	375	60
Running (jogging), 6 mph (10 min mile)	298	31
TOTALS:	673	91	0	0	0

The path to the finish line is paved with...asphalt

Sunday 2/10/13

My first 18 miler today. WOOHOO!!  I did it and finished strong this week.  This is really a learning experience for me.  First of all, every time I go out for an LR of a new distance I get nervous.  I think that I can't do it.  Sometimes I even think that I don't want to do it (mostly to find a justification for can't, just in case).  I was scared today because of how much I struggled through the last leg of 16.  Funny thing was though that I didn't struggle nearly as much as I did with 16.  In fact, I felt pretty strong in the last mile.  Maybe because I was talking out loud to myself the way that Lindsay, James and Vince talk to us in class.  Good thing know one was around, they may have though I was completely nuts.  I was saying "push yourself,  "don't quit now."  I even said "rotate and GO!  (you really gotta be an extremer to understand that one).  You can see why people may have thought I was nuts had anybody been around.  I also set my playlist to shuffle and since I had kinda forgotten what was on it, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the song that played in the final moments of that run was You Oughta Know by Alanis Morrisette.  Now, back in my 20 something alcoholic angst that song had really meaning.  It still brings a special kind of pissed off push whenever I hear, which was right on time today, like some kind of divine intervention from the music gods.  Thank you to the god of Rock-n-roll. 

What went wrong today?  Well about half way through my right knee started to really give me some hell.  The outside edge of my knee was threatening to take me out.  I kind of hobbled a little bit for awhile too.  But after a couple of miles of that, it just ceased, so I carried on.  Tonight, though it's give me hell again.  There is some ice packs in my future, along with the heating pad for my back.  That is cone of my favorite things about an LR, kicking back on the heating pad and watching some TV.  What makes that better, the Grammy Awards are one tonight.  Can;t wait to kick back.  Just gotta finish the kids laundry before I venture upstairs.  Once I get there, I am not coming back down. 

Today on my run, I ventured into some new neighborhoods around Wildwood Park,  Come to think of it, that may have been why my knee was bugging me, new terrain.  Anyway, I did not realize that there were such ornate homes outside of Ottawa Hills.  I was awed by some of the houses that I saw today.  That made for a nice distraction for a couple of miles.  Of course, venturing out into new areas means I have to use my not so keen sense of direction so I don't get lost.  I had a couple of close calls, but I found my way back.

By the end of the run I was definitely feeling every inch of the asphalt underneath me.  I'm feeling more confident this week that I can convince my body to add just 8 more miles onto that 18 to make it to the finish line.  I feel like I totally got this!

18miles 3:30:37; 11:42 pace; 1785 calories

February 8, 2013

Foods	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Cholest	Sodium	Sugars	Fiber
Breakfast
Herbalife - Oatmeal Cookie Shake, 16 oz	285	21g	4g	25g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g
Coffee W/Cream - French Vanilla, 1 Tbsp	37	6g	2g	0g	0mg	30mg	6g	0g
Lunch
Herbalife - Rocky Road Shake, 1 Shake (2scoops chocolate PDM & 2 scoops dutch choc formula 1)	255	42g	5g	25g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g
Dinner
Don Pablo's - Chips and Salsa , 12 chips, 2 oz. salsa	338	43g	17g	5g	0mg	406mg	2g	5g
Homemade - Beef Fajitas, 1 Fajita	150	19g	11g	17g	39mg	202mg	0g	9g
Generic - Refried Beans and Rice, 0.5 cup	199	38g	2g	11g	0mg	606mg	1g	3g
Generic - Guacamole Medium, 2 Tbsp	50	4g	4g	1g	0mg	105mg	0g	2g
Snacks
Whole Foods - Honey Roasted Peanut Butter, 1 Tablespoons	90	4g	8g	4g	0mg	45mg	3g	1g
Snyder's of Hanover - Old Fashioned Pretzel Sticks, 1 oz (28g / about 7 sticks)	120	23g	2g	3g	0mg	200mg	0g	0g
Hershey's - Sugar Free Chocolate Syrup, 2 tbsp	15	5g	0g	1g	0mg	120mg	0g	1g
Cream - Half and half, 2 tbsp	39	1g	3g	1g	11mg	12mg	0g	0g
Biggby - Brewed Coffee (Regular, Decaf, Flavored, etc.), 1 Tall	0	0g	0g	0g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g
Eddy's Grand Chocolate Chip Ice Cream - Ice Cream, 1/8 cup	43	5g	2g	1g	6mg	11mg	4g	0g
TOTAL:	1,621	211g	60g	94g	56mg	1,737mg	16g	21g

Exercises	Calories	Minutes	Sets	Reps	Weight
Cardiovascular
Extreme Results	375	60
Stretching, hatha yoga	144	60
TOTALS:	519	120	0	0	0

February 9, 2013

Foods	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Cholest	Sodium	Sugars	Fiber
Breakfast
Herbalife Shake - Blueberry Cheesecake, 2 cups	230	22g	0g	24g	2mg	200mg	0g	0g
Lunch
Zoup! - Multigrain Roll, 1 roll	160	30g	3g	6g	0mg	0mg	0g	3g
Zoup - Rustic Vegetable Bean Soup, 6 oz	83	13g	2g	3g	0mg	668mg	5g	3g
Zoup! - Sonoma Salad With Raspberry Dressing, 3/8 salad	194	8g	10g	12g	0mg	0mg	0g	3g
Dinner
Bush's Best - Baked Beans, Homestyle, 1/2 cup	140	29g	1g	6g	0mg	550mg	12g	5g
Homemade - 93/7 Hamburger Grilled Plain W/ Sea Salt & Seasoning, 6 ozs	250	0g	10g	27g	70mg	120mg	0g	0g
Ballriech - Potato Chips, 20 chips	170	13g	12g	2g	0mg	95mg	1g	1g
Heluva Good - French Onion Sour Cream Dip, 2 tbsp (31g)	60	2g	5g	1g	20mg	170mg	1g	0g
Vlassic - Kosher Dill Whole Pickle, 1/4 pickle	3	1g	0g	0g	0mg	105mg	0g	0g
Eddy's Grand Chocolate Chip Ice Cream - Ice Cream, 1 1/8 cup	383	41g	20g	7g	56mg	101mg	34g	0g
Snacks
Biggby Coffee - Tall Reduced Calorie Mocha Mocha, 10.67 oz.	133	25g	0g	8g	4mg	197mg	9g	1g
Caribou - Mint Verbena Herbal Tea, 8 oz	0	0g	0g	0g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g
TOTAL:	1,806	184g	63g	96g	152mg	2,206mg	62g	16g

Exercises	Calories	Minutes	Sets	Reps	Weight
Cardiovascular
Stretching, hatha yoga	144	60
TOTALS:	144	60	0	0	0

February 10, 2013

Foods	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Cholest	Sodium	Sugars	Fiber
Breakfast
Country Crock Margarine - 2 Scrambled Eggs, Plain, 2 eggs	140	3g	10g	12g	370mg	142mg	0g	0g
Natures Own - Low Cal Light Whole Wheat Bread, 2 slice	70	22g	0g	6g	0mg	240mg	2g	10g
Welchs - Grape Jelly, 15 ml	50	13g	0g	0g	0mg	10mg	13g	0g
Generic - Banana , 50 grams	45	12g	0g	1g	0mg	1mg	6g	2g
Strawberries - Raw, 0.25 cup, halves	12	3g	0g	0g	0mg	0mg	2g	1g
Madhava - Blue Agave Nectar - Raw, 0.25 tbsp (21g)	15	4g	0g	0g	0mg	0mg	4g	0g
Dinner
Pork - Cured, bacon, cooked, pan-fried, 4 slice cooked	168	0g	13g	12g	36mg	767mg	0g	0g
Natures Own - Low Cal Light Whole Wheat Bread, 2 slice	70	22g	0g	6g	0mg	240mg	2g	10g
Tomato X4 Slices - Tomato Slice 1 Slice, Thin/Small (15g), 3 slice	9	3g	0g	0g	0mg	3mg	0g	3g
Lettuce - Iceberg (includes crisphead types), raw, 1 cup shredded	10	2g	0g	1g	0mg	7mg	1g	1g
Progresso - Light Creamy Potato With Bacon and Cheese Soup, 1 cup	100	18g	3g	2g	5mg	680mg	2g	6g
Miracle Whip - Light Dressing, 15 grams (1 Tbsp)	20	2g	2g	0g	0mg	125mg	1g	0g
Ballriech - Potato Chips, 20 chips	170	13g	12g	2g	0mg	95mg	1g	1g
Snacks
Dole Costco - Banana, 1 banana	90	23g	0g	1g	0mg	1mg	12g	3g
Biggby Coffee - Tall Reduced Calorie Mocha Mocha, 12 oz.	150	28g	0g	9g	5mg	222mg	10g	1g
Kroger - Ginger Snaps Cookies, 6 cookies (28 g)	180	32g	5g	3g	0mg	180mg	14g	2g
Milk - Reduced fat, 2% milkfat, 1 cup	122	11g	5g	8g	20mg	100mg	12g	0g
TOTAL:	1,421	211g	50g	63g	436mg	2,813mg	82g	40g

Exercises	Calories	Minutes	Sets	Reps	Weight
Cardiovascular
Running (jogging), 6 mph (10 min mile)	2,024	210
TOTALS:	2,024	210	0	0	0

Time runs away

Friday 2/8/13

It is amazing how quickly time is getting away from me.  I was shocked to discover that I have not posted on this blog since Sunday.  Holy time keeper Batman, where does the time go?!  Here I am today, finally with a break in my schedule big enough to focus on some writing.

At the end of last year (I know it was only a little over a month ago) I declared that 2013 was going to be the year of Michelle.  I have been planning to do some serious ass kicking this year personally, professionally and in any other arena that needed it's ass kicked.  Little did I realize just how quickly I was going to manifest those opportunities.  I have been extremely focused on this marathon and on my PT sessions with Lindsay.  I guess I was thinking I would do these changes in stages, concentrating strictly on the physical accomplishments I wanted to achieve.  Of course, I am still thinking I am not where I should be in that arena (that never ceasing ugly voice that tells me I'm not thin enough, strong enough, young enough, or pretty enough...someone shut that bitch up already).  I have been thinking a lot about a career change or at the very least a job change.  This year I have gotten the chance to be a part of a wonderful group of fitness instructors at Extreme Results, teaching yoga at the new Cardio Center.  I am hoping to expand that into some other disciplines too this year.  It's simply amazing to be surrounded by so many wonderfully focused and fun individuals.  Setting that aside for a moment though, I wanted to change my day job.  I have not been comfortable in my place of employment for awhile and neither have many of the people I have worked with in the last 2ish years (consequently many of them have left or are in process of leaving).  I was leery about going out and getting just any job.  I'm sure I could find a job but I didn't want to simply trade one evil for another.  My plan was more like wait for a job opportunity that you really want and then go for it, until then, suck it up and do the best with what you have.  An opportunity basically fell out of the sky a few weeks ago and I even sat on sending my resume in until the last day it would be accepted.  I didn't even really expect to get a call for an interview (honestly) and I certainly didn't expected to get a call this week since it was just Friday that I send in my resume.  Surprisingly, I got a call on Wednesday regarding an interview.  The guy even said that I appeared to be an "excellent candidate for the position" and the salary is within my range.  What?  Did I hear that right?  The short of it is I have an interview next week.  It is my first interview in almost 10 years (and that wasn't really an interview, it was more of a formality).  The last time I had to wear a suit for anything I was a size 12.  I sent an SOS out over Facebook to borrow a suit in a size 6 and had several people offer to help.  I freaking love the power of social media.  So now I have an interview, a suit and a raging panic attack!!!  This position would take me away from direct service and into the political/administrative arena of my career field.  I think I'm ready for that.  I believe that I have matured into a fairly good leader among my peers in my job and I feel that I have enough knowledge and wisdom to be effective.  However, that ugly little voice is back at it again, telling me all the reasons I'm an idiot as well as telling me I should just focus on failing at one thing at a time...the marathon is up first.  Wow, she is so mean to me!!!  I'm sure this is what will be consuming my approximate 3.5 hour run on Sunday. 

• What questions will they ask
• How will I answer them
• What should I say about why I want a new job
• What's my weakness
• What's my strength
• Why do I want this job
• blah, blah, blah

Plenty of anxiety producing projecting planned for my 18 miler on Sunday.  BTW, a big shout out to Superman Jesus for the decent temperature that is forcasted for Sunday.  A high of 40 degrees.  Hopefully with low winds.  I am a little scared about 18 miles.  I really struggled through the last leg of 16 two weeks ago.  I am resting all day tomorrow.  I'm teaching a yoga class and then nothing for the rest of the day.  I am going to eat some good lean proteins and slow absorbing carbs, drinking plenty of water and maybe watching some old funny movies (think 80's and John Hughes and the brat pack). 

One last thing, I made this amazingly good and simple Salmon last night!  I bought some sweet Bourbon marinate salmon at Kroger (only $5.99 per lb, great price).  I broiled it for 12-15 minutes.  Halfway through, I glazed it with a honey Dijon sauce (equal parts Dijon mustard and raw honey).  Holy Party in my Mouth!!!!  It was so good and so flaky.  If you like salmon, try it.  Super easy, super fast.  Dinner in less than 30 minutes. 

Think about me on Sunday, as your lounging in some fuzzy socks with a cup of coffee and a good book because I will be out on the pavement getting a brand new kind of runner's high.  Say a little prayer that I don't die and smile because I do love it.

P.S.  Don't judge me for the king size Whatchamicallit bar listed on Thursday's food diary.  It was all my husband's fault!  Why is he trying to sabotage me?  Just kidding, I had a choice and I choose to make that my treat this week.

Thanks.
That is all.

February 4, 2013

Foods	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Cholest	Sodium	Sugars	Fiber
Breakfast
Herbalife - Rocky Road Shake, 1 Shake (2scoops chocolate PDM & 2 scoops dutch choc formula 1)	255	42g	5g	25g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g
Coffee W/Cream - French Vanilla, 1 Tbsp	37	6g	2g	0g	0mg	30mg	6g	0g
Herbalife - Instant Herbal Beverage With Tea Extracts [Raspberry Flavour], 1.7 g	5	1g	0g	0g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g
Lunch
Panera Breads - Bbq Chopped Chicken Salad (Half), 1/2 Portion - Pick 2	250	25g	11g	16g	35mg	385mg	8g	3g
Panera Bread - Low Fat Garden Vegetable With Pesto Soup Pick Two, 10 oz	100	18g	4g	3g	5mg	620mg	4g	8g
Panera Bread - French Baguette, 2.5 oz	180	36g	1g	6g	0mg	440mg	0g	1g
Dinner
Herbalife - Protein Drink Mix - Vanilla Rs, 2 Tablespoons	110	5g	3g	15g	0mg	340mg	1g	0g
Herbalife Healthy Meal Shake Mix - Nutritional Shake Mix 2 Scoop of Protein Powder, 28 g	110	5g	3g	15g	0mg	340mg	1g	0g
Snacks
Blue Diamond - Almonds, Wasabi & Soy Sauce, 1 package (43g)	260	8g	23g	8g	0mg	180mg	2g	4g
Kroger - Carb Smart--Yogurt White Chocolate Raspberry, 6 oz	60	4g	2g	8g	10mg	90mg	3g	0g
Mixed Berries - Fresh Mixed Berries (Blueberries, Raspberries, Blackberries), 1 cup	70	17g	1g	2g	0mg	0mg	9g	6g
Snyder's of Hanover - Pretzels - One Rod, 2 rod	80	16g	2g	2g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g
TOTAL:	1,517	183g	57g	100g	50mg	2,425mg	34g	22g

Exercises	Calories	Minutes	Sets	Reps	Weight
Cardiovascular
Extreme Results	326	60
Stretching, hatha yoga	144	60
TOTALS:	470	120	0	0	0

February 5, 2013

Foods	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Cholest	Sodium	Sugars	Fiber
Breakfast
Herbalife - Oatmeal Cookie Shake, 16 oz	285	21g	4g	25g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g
Coffee W/Cream - French Vanilla, 1 Tbsp	37	6g	2g	0g	0mg	30mg	6g	0g
Lunch
Herbalife - Protein Drink Mix - Vanilla Rs, 2 Tablespoons	110	5g	3g	15g	0mg	340mg	1g	0g
Herbalife Healthy Meal Shake Mix - Nutritional Shake Mix 2 Scoop of Protein Powder, 28 g	110	5g	3g	15g	0mg	340mg	1g	0g
Herbalife - Instant Herbal Beverage With Tea Extracts [Raspberry Flavour], 1.7 g	5	1g	0g	0g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g
Dinner
Generic - Garden Salad With Mixed Vegetables (No Dressing), 3 cups	105	21g	2g	9g	0mg	0mg	0g	11g
Garlic Expressions - Classic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing & Marinade, 1 tbsp.	55	3g	5g	0g	0mg	225mg	3g	0g
Flat Out - Rosemary and Olive Oil Artisan Fold It Flat Bread, 1 Flatbread (43g)	110	20g	1g	6g	0mg	290mg	1g	3g
Kroger - Pizza Sauce - Pizza Parlor Style-Updated 10-11-10, 1/4 cup	30	4g	1g	1g	0mg	240mg	4g	1g
Red Onion - Raw, 0.25 cup (160 g)	16	4g	0g	1g	0mg	2mg	2g	1g
Kroger - *Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Fat Free, 1/2 cup	100	2g	0g	16g	10mg	420mg	0g	0g
Mushrooms - Raw, 1 cup, pieces or slices	15	2g	0g	2g	0mg	3mg	1g	1g
Borrelli - Extra Large Black Olives, 3 olives	20	0g	2g	0g	0mg	105mg	0g	0g
Dove - Dark Chocolate Almond Promises, 1 piece	42	4g	3g	1g	1mg	2mg	3g	0g
Snacks
Rice Cake - Lundberg Organic Brown Rice - Lightly Salted, 1 cake	60	14g	1g	1g	0mg	35mg	0g	1g
Whole Foods - Honey Roasted Peanut Butter, 1 Tablespoons	90	4g	8g	4g	0mg	45mg	3g	1g
Snyder's of Hanover - Old Fashioned Pretzel Sticks, 0.4 oz (28g / about 7 sticks)	48	9g	1g	1g	0mg	80mg	0g	0g
Celery - Fresh, 1 stalk	5	2g	0g	0g	0mg	30mg	1g	1g
Laughing Cow - Light Wedge, 1 wedge	35	1g	1g	2g	5mg	210mg	1g	0g
Kroger Peanut Butter - Creamy Peanut Butter , 0.5 tbsp	48	2g	4g	2g	0mg	38mg	1g	1g
Sun-Maid - Raisins (Tbsp), 0.03125 cup	16	4g	0g	0g	0mg	1mg	4g	0g
Graham Crackers Honey Maid - Graham Crackers, 1 crackers	65	12g	2g	1g	0mg	90mg	4g	1g
TOTAL:	1,407	146g	43g	102g	16mg	2,526mg	36g	22g

Exercises	Calories	Minutes	Sets	Reps	Weight
Cardiovascular
Spinning®	426	60
Aerobics, general	229	55
TOTALS:	655	115	0	0	0

February 6, 2013

Foods	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Cholest	Sodium	Sugars	Fiber
Breakfast
Dove - Dark Chocolate Almond Promises, 1 piece	42	4g	3g	1g	1mg	2mg	3g	0g
Herbalife - Protein Drink Mix - Vanilla Rs, 2 Tablespoons	110	5g	3g	15g	0mg	340mg	1g	0g
Herbalife Healthy Meal Shake Mix - Nutritional Shake Mix 2 Scoop of Protein Powder, 28 g	110	5g	3g	15g	0mg	340mg	1g	0g
Coffee W/Cream - French Vanilla, 1 Tbsp	37	6g	2g	0g	0mg	30mg	6g	0g
Lunch
Herbalife - Turtle Cheesecake Shake, 16 oz	280	17g	0g	24g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g
Dinner
Steak-New York Strip - 6 oz, 119.0 g	204	0g	6g	35g	0mg	74mg	0g	0g
Garden Fresh - Asparagus - Baked With Olive Oil & Seasoning, 5 medium stalks	41	4g	3g	3g	0mg	65mg	0g	2g
Homemade - Roasted Cauliflower (Chicken Stock Added), 1 cup	39	6g	1g	2g	0mg	1,161mg	2g	3g
Garlic Expressions - Classic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing & Marinade, 1 tbsp.	55	3g	5g	0g	0mg	225mg	3g	0g
Russet Potato - Medium Baked Potato W/ Skin, 1 medium potato (148 g)	110	27g	0g	3g	0mg	0mg	1g	2g
Kroger - Sour Cream, Reduced Fat, 2 tbsp	45	2g	4g	1g	15mg	40mg	2g	0g
Butter - Unsalted, 1 tbsp	102	0g	12g	0g	31mg	2mg	0g	0g
Snacks
All Natural Pop Chips - Sea Salt & Vinegar Potato, 1 bag ( 23g/18 chips)	100	15g	3g	1g	0mg	140mg	1g	1g
Generic - Celery Sticks 10cm (4inch) 111 g, 111 g	15	4g	0g	1g	0mg	88mg	2g	2g
Laughing Cow - Light Wedge, 1 wedge	35	1g	1g	2g	5mg	210mg	1g	0g
Kellogg's - Fruit Loops, 14.5 g	55	13g	1g	1g	0mg	68mg	6g	2g
Biggby Coffee - Tall Reduced Calorie Mocha Mocha, 10.67 oz.	133	25g	0g	8g	4mg	197mg	9g	1g
TOTAL:	1,513	137g	47g	112g	56mg	2,982mg	38g	13g

Exercises	Calories	Minutes	Sets	Reps	Weight
Cardiovascular
Extreme Results	310	60
Circuit training, general	231	30
TOTALS:	541	90	0	0	0

February 7, 2013

Foods	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Cholest	Sodium	Sugars	Fiber
Breakfast
Coffee W/Cream - French Vanilla, 1 Tbsp	37	6g	2g	0g	0mg	30mg	6g	0g
Herbalife - Protein Drink Mix - Vanilla Rs, 2 Tablespoons	110	5g	3g	15g	0mg	340mg	1g	0g
Herbalife Healthy Meal Shake Mix - Nutritional Shake Mix 2 Scoop of Protein Powder, 28 g	110	5g	3g	15g	0mg	340mg	1g	0g
Kroger Peanut Butter - Creamy Peanut Butter , 1 tbsp	95	4g	8g	4g	0mg	75mg	2g	1g
Vodka Gimlet - Old Fashioned Oatmeal, 1/8 cup dry	38	7g	1g	1g	0mg	0mg	0g	1g
Lunch
Herbalife Healthy Meal Shake Mix - Nutritional Shake Mix 2 Scoop of Protein Powder, 28 g	110	5g	3g	15g	0mg	340mg	1g	0g
Herbalife - Protein Drink Mix - Vanilla Rs, 2 Tablespoons	110	5g	3g	15g	0mg	340mg	1g	0g
Dinner
Beacon Light - Atlantic Salmon, 4 oz	140	0g	15g	23g	60mg	65mg	0g	0g
Robert's - Raw Honey, 1 teaspoon	20	8g	0g	0g	0mg	1mg	8g	0g
French's - Honey Dijon Mustard, 1 tsp	10	1g	0g	0g	0mg	40mg	0g	0g
Biggest Loser - Mango Quinoa Salad, 1/3 cup	240	34g	8g	7g	0mg	10mg	9g	7g
Steamed - Green Beans , 1/2 cup	22	5g	0g	1g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g
Strawberries - Raw, 1 cup, halves	49	12g	0g	1g	0mg	2mg	7g	3g
Kraft Cool Whip - Fat Free , 8 Tbsp	60	12g	0g	0g	0mg	20mg	4g	0g
Snacks
Kroger - Carbmaster Key Lime Yogurt, 6 oz.	60	4g	2g	8g	10mg	160mg	3g	0g
All Natural Pop Chips - Sea Salt & Vinegar Potato, 1 bag ( 23g/18 chips)	100	15g	3g	1g	0mg	140mg	1g	1g
Snyder's of Hanover - Old Fashioned Pretzel Sticks, 0.5 oz (28g / about 7 sticks)	60	12g	1g	2g	0mg	100mg	0g	0g
Whole Foods - Honey Roasted Peanut Butter, 1 Tablespoons	90	4g	8g	4g	0mg	45mg	3g	1g
Candy Bar - Whatchamacallit - King Size, 1 King Size Bar	370	45g	20g	4g	5mg	230mg	33g	1g
TOTAL:	1,831	189g	80g	116g	75mg	2,278mg	80g	15g

Exercises	Calories	Minutes	Sets	Reps	Weight
Cardiovascular
Spinning®	168	25
ZoneUp	518	60
TOTALS:	686	85	0	0	0

My Nemisis

Sunday 2/3/13

Today was a recovery LR, only 8 miles.  In most circumstances 8 miles is not really much problem but today with the temperatures and the wind, it was brutal.  It was like 19 degrees and there was like a 15mph wind at 11:30 this morning when I went out.  This might be the coldest run I've done to this point. Thank God that next Sunday's projected forecast is 40 degrees.  I have my first 18 miler to do next Sunday.  There are 12 weeks until the race.  I started this journey 14 weeks ago.  It seems like a long time to train for something but I really want to do this right.  I want to finish strong.  It sometimes takes me a little convincing to get out there but once I am out there I do enjoy the time that I get to spend with myself and with "the great outdoors."  It's not the fact that I spend 2 or 3 hours just running.  It doesn't even seem like that long most of the time.  It kind of makes for a wasted day though because I really don't feel like doing too much more after a long run like that.  So, my problem has become that I don't get everything done at home like I used to.  The housework is definitely suffering.  I can't really rely on my family for help either since they all seem to think that I am here to serve them.  They are definitely going to be coming up on the short end of that stick.  They will be wondering what happened to their maid.  This mom is not giving up on this goal, no matter how many nights that the family has to eat canned pasta for dinner or how many weeks they have to do their own laundry.  It would be nice to get a little more support from the kids.  You know, a world in which they picked up after themselves and acted proud of what their mom was trying to do. 

This week, it's been a little hard on my body.  Some heavy training this week with Lindsay left me feeling a little beat down.  Not in a bad way but I am thinking that I am going to have to take a a full day of rest before my next LR Sunday.  I am also thinking I will have to watch the reactive foods this week too.  I'm gonna need to get lots of whole foods and lean protein this week.  Maybe get some anti-inflammatory foods in my diet too.  I am feeling a bit leery about the 18 miles coming up.  Another first in this training program. 

Today I went on my run after I taught yoga at Extreme Results and after I stopped at Dick's Sporting Goods for a new hat and neck warmer.  So, I go out to the park and I have to go into the bathroom there to finish gearing up (i.e. putting on my tights under my running pants).  Usually not a big deal, until I get to the bathroom and it is closed for renovations.  Now I gotta walk halfway across the park to the other bathroom.  Okay, not off to a great start and it didn't seem to improve.  My tights kept slipping down, my left sock slipped down into my shoe like 3 times, my under armor shirt was riding up.  Damn, can I catch a break on this run today.  I must have looked a little "special" running down the trail trying to hike up my tights and pull down my shirt.  Totally funny.

On a good note about my run, the animals were totally awesome today.  It snowed a couple of inches yesterday so everything was beautifully snow covered and peaceful.  As I was running the last half of my run today there were 2 deer on the trail.  Fawns.  Beautiful creatures.  They noticed me.  They stopped and watched me but they didn't move away from me.  I came within 2 feet of both of them.  They were stunning.  I so wanted to reach out and touch them but I respected them, kept their gaze and ran by calmly.  It's such a gift to have interactions like that with the animals.  I love that part of this hobby. 

January 31, 2013

Foods	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Cholest	Sodium	Sugars	Fiber
Breakfast
Coffee W/Cream - French Vanilla, 1 Tbsp	37	6g	2g	0g	0mg	30mg	6g	0g
Herbalife - Oatmeal Cookie Shake, 16 oz	285	21g	4g	25g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g
Lunch
Herbalife - Rocky Road Shake, 1 Shake (2scoops chocolate PDM & 2 scoops dutch choc formula 1)	255	42g	5g	25g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g
Generic - Lubia Bi Ziet, 3/8 cup cooked	115	10g	8g	3g	0mg	200mg	2g	3g
Dinner
Food Network - Maple Glazed Pork Chops With Brussel Sprouts, 1 Pork Chop 1/2 cup Sprouts	423	46g	17g	23g	72mg	284mg	37g	2g
Dove - Dark Chocolate Almond Promises, 1 piece	42	4g	3g	1g	1mg	2mg	3g	0g
Um - Hummus, 2 ounces	75	11g	3g	4g	0mg	95mg	2g	3g
New York Style - All Natural Pita Chips Sea Salt, 11 pieces	140	19g	6g	3g	0mg	350mg	0g	1g
Snacks
Generic - Banana , 100 grams	89	23g	0g	1g	0mg	1mg	12g	3g
Cuties California Mandarins - Clementines, 1 orange	40	9g	0g	0g	0mg	0mg	7g	2g
Generic - Rice Cake- Caramel Corn, 1 rice cake	50	11g	0g	1g	0mg	30mg	3g	0g
Tazo - Organic Chia Black Tea, 1 cup	0	0g	0g	0g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g
Coffee W/Cream - French Vanilla, 1 Tbsp	37	6g	2g	0g	0mg	30mg	6g	0g
Whole Foods - Honey Roasted Peanut Butter, 1 Tablespoons	90	4g	8g	4g	0mg	45mg	3g	1g
Kiwi - Raw, 1 fruit	50	12g	1g	1g	0mg	0mg	8g	2g
TOTAL:	1,728	224g	59g	91g	73mg	1,067mg	89g	17g

Exercises	Calories	Minutes	Sets	Reps	Weight
Cardiovascular
ZoneUp	364	60
Spinning®	300	48
TOTALS:	664	108	0	0	0

February 1, 2013

Foods	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Cholest	Sodium	Sugars	Fiber
Breakfast
Herbalife Shake - Blueberry Cheesecake, 2 cups	230	22g	0g	24g	2mg	200mg	0g	0g
Coffee W/Cream - French Vanilla, 2 Tbsp	74	12g	3g	0g	0mg	60mg	12g	0g
Lunch
Herbalife Healthy Meal Shake - Grasshopper, 1 shake	240	13g	1g	9g	0mg	140mg	0g	3g
Dinner
Ground Beef Chuck - 80/20, 4 oz	280	0g	22g	19g	80mg	75mg	0g	0g
Kraft - Singles - American Cheese, 1 slice (19g)	60	1g	5g	3g	15mg	230mg	1g	0g
Vlassic - Kosher Dill Whole Pickle, 1/4 pickle	3	1g	0g	0g	0mg	105mg	0g	0g
Red Onion - Raw, 0.25 cup (160 g)	16	4g	0g	1g	0mg	2mg	2g	1g
Heinz - Tomato Ketchup (44 oz Size), 1 Tbsp (17 g)	20	5g	0g	0g	0mg	160mg	4g	0g
Market Day - Broccoli - Steamed, 6 oz	50	8g	0g	4g	0mg	40mg	2g	4g
Healthy Life - Whole Wheat Hamburger Bun 80 Calories, 1 Hamburger Bun	80	19g	1g	4g	0mg	200mg	3g	5g
Dove - Dark Chocolate Almond Promises, 1 piece	42	4g	3g	1g	1mg	2mg	3g	0g
Snacks
Um - Hummus, 2 ounces	75	11g	3g	4g	0mg	95mg	2g	3g
Cuties California Mandarins - Clementines, 1 orange	40	9g	0g	0g	0mg	0mg	7g	2g
Tostitos Scoops - Multi Grain, 1 oz (28g, about 12 chips)	140	17g	7g	2g	0mg	110mg	1g	2g
Kroger - Carb Smart--Yogurt White Chocolate Raspberry, 6 oz	60	4g	2g	8g	10mg	90mg	3g	0g
Generic - Banana , 100 grams	89	23g	0g	1g	0mg	1mg	12g	3g
Graham Crackers Honey Maid - Graham Crackers, 2 crackers	130	24g	3g	2g	0mg	180mg	8g	1g
TOTAL:	1,629	177g	50g	82g	108mg	1,690mg	60g	24g

Exercises	Calories	Minutes	Sets	Reps	Weight
Cardiovascular
Extreme Results	376	60
Circuit training, general	300	39
TOTALS:	676	99	0	0	0

February 2, 2013

Foods	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Cholest	Sodium	Sugars	Fiber
Breakfast
Herbalife - Oatmeal Cookie Shake, 8 oz	143	11g	2g	12g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g
Generic - Banana , 100 grams	89	23g	0g	1g	0mg	1mg	12g	3g
Coffee W/Cream - French Vanilla, 1 Tbsp	37	6g	2g	0g	0mg	30mg	6g	0g
Lunch
Herbalife - Turtle Cheesecake Shake, 16 oz	280	17g	0g	24g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g
Dinner
Homemade - Frozen Grapes , 1/2 cup	60	14g	0g	1g	0mg	0mg	12g	1g
All Recipes - Easy Raisin Cake, 84 g	236	40g	8g	2g	20mg	260mg	0g	1g
Nat's Homemade - Chicken Noodle Soup (Whole Wheat Pasta, Low Sodium), 2 1/4 cups	338	30g	8g	15g	0mg	450mg	0g	5g
Snacks
Nabisco - Wheat Thins, Original Whole Grain Family Size, 16 crackers	140	22g	5g	2g	0mg	230mg	4g	3g
Laughing Cow - Light Wedge, 1 wedge	35	1g	1g	2g	5mg	210mg	1g	0g
Cuties California Mandarins - Clementines, 1 orange	40	9g	0g	0g	0mg	0mg	7g	2g
Sunshine - Cheez-It Baked Snack Cheese Crackers, 27 Crackers	150	17g	8g	3g	0mg	230mg	0g	1g
Homemade - Stovetop Popcorn, 2 cup	140	13g	10g	2g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g
Kernel Season's - Popcorn Seasoning White Cheddar, 1/4 tsp / 0.8g	2	0g	0g	0g	0mg	75mg	0g	0g
TOTAL:	1,690	203g	44g	64g	25mg	1,486mg	42g	16g

Exercises	Calories	Minutes	Sets	Reps	Weight
Cardiovascular
Kickboxing (including Turbo Jam)	225	45
Piyo	216	45
TOTALS:	441	90	0	0	0

February 3, 2013

Foods	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Cholest	Sodium	Sugars	Fiber
Breakfast
Herbalife Healthy Meal Shake Mix - Nutritional Shake Mix 2 Scoop of Protein Powder, 28 g	110	5g	3g	15g	0mg	340mg	1g	0g
Herbalife - Protein Drink Mix - Vanilla Rs, 2 Tablespoons	110	5g	3g	15g	0mg	340mg	1g	0g
Coffee W/Cream - French Vanilla, 1 Tbsp	37	6g	2g	0g	0mg	30mg	6g	0g
Lunch
Nat's Homemade - Chicken Noodle Soup (Whole Wheat Pasta, Low Sodium), 1 1/8 cups	169	15g	4g	8g	0mg	225mg	0g	2g
Cuties California Mandarins - Clementines, 1 orange	40	9g	0g	0g	0mg	0mg	7g	2g
Pepperidge Farm - Goldfish Baked Snack Crackers - Cheddar, 55 pieces	140	20g	5g	4g	5mg	250mg	1g	1g
Dove - Dark Chocolate Almond Promises, 1 piece	42	4g	3g	1g	1mg	2mg	3g	0g
Dinner
Marco's Pizza - Pepperoni Pizza, 2 slice	580	64g	22g	30g	50mg	1,220mg	6g	4g
Eddy's Grand Chocolate Chip Ice Cream - Ice Cream, 1/2 cup	170	18g	9g	3g	25mg	45mg	15g	0g
Kraft Foods - Nabisco - Oreo Cookies , 6 cookies (34g)	320	48g	14g	2g	0mg	280mg	28g	2g
Snacks
All Recipes - Easy Raisin Cake, 42 g	118	20g	4g	1g	10mg	130mg	0g	1g
Herbalife 24 - Rebuild Endurance , 2 Scoops (44.5g)	160	27g	1g	10g	10mg	250mg	14g	0g
Herbalife 24 - Prolong Dietary Supplement, 0.5 Scoops	63	15g	0g	1g	0mg	125mg	4g	0g
TOTAL:	2,059	256g	70g	90g	101mg	3,237mg	86g	12g

Exercises	Calories	Minutes	Sets	Reps	Weight
Cardiovascular
Stretching, hatha yoga	144	60
Running (jogging), 6 mph (10 min mile)	819	85
TOTALS:	963	145	0	0	0