Weights, Run, & Road Trip Details

Two on Tuesday
This morning my eyes opened wide at 4:55 am. I tried to go back to sleep, but quickly realized I was only fooling myself. So I got up and got my workouts done. Today was leg day with quad focus.

Wide-stance squats - 3x8
Rear leg elevated lunges - 3x10
Firewalkers - 8 total
Narrow-stance squats - 3x10
Static lunges - 3x10
Squats with low-end pulse - 3x8
Wall squats with ball - 6 reps of squat with 10 sec hold
Outer thigh raises with ankle weights on ball - 2x24

We had storms roll through last night, so the temperatures dropped finally. It was 74 this morning, so I decided to take advantage of that and get in a short 20-minute run. When I first started out, I seriously didn't think I was going to get very far. My legs were already yelling at me. But, about half a mile into the run, they loosened up and it felt good.

What's the Deal With the Road Trip?
I am really glad I got the workouts done early. I feel like I still have so much to do to get ready for my upcoming trip. I, perhaps, been slightly glossing over it. It's not intentional, I am just not sure how many of my readers really understand what this trip means (and I don't mean that in a negative way at all mind you). So, here's the deal:

I have been working out to Cathe Friedrich DVDs for about 5 years (?) now. I have sort of lost track. It all started with just the step aerobic workouts, then it escalated to weights and circuit workouts. Last year I did a 3.5 month round of her kick-ass weight rotation called STS. I have tried many many other instructors, and always go right back to Cathe. Why? For me she is a perfect fit. She is beyond personable, she looks incredibly fit, she is one instructor that always has good form (sorry, but there are some that are horrible). I feel comfortable that she knows her stuff basically.

She also has a forum and does indeed take the time to answer questions and interact. As well, it allows other fans to "meet" and talk about workouts, even do daily check ins. It's an incredibly supportive environment. Even better, 2 blogger buddies (Jessica and Jolene) just happen to be fellow "Catheletes" and join in on the forum. Cathe's studio is in New Jersey, and she does an annual event called the Cathe Road Trip. It is only open to 105 registrants. While I always wanted to attend, I never dreamed I would.

But, Jessica and Jolene gently (well, more than gently) urged, begged, pleaded, threatened me...so on the day that the registration opened up, I sat there with the page open, waiting for the registration to begin. I entered my info and sat there with my finger on the enter button. I hadn't even told Jason that I was seriously considering this. He knew I wanted to, that I had talked about it, but to really do it???? I hit submit and half hoped that the registration was already full. But, I got in. I was absolutely panicked to be honest. I had that, "What the hell did I just do?" moment. Then I had to tell Jason what the hell I had just done.

I will definitely be posting the full schedule of events, but basically there are 6 classes between Friday at 5:15 pm and Sunday morning at 7 am. Will I be able to even breathe??? When Jason saw the schedule, his response was, "HOLY CRAP! Will you even have time to pee?"

Jason is flying up with me and then going to spend Friday-Sunday morning with some good friends in Maryland. Then, Jason and I will hang out in Philadelphia and be tourists. I mean, we had to fly into Philly, why not take a couple of days to enjoy it???

Here's the big kicker, I hate to fly. I get so anxious and stressed out that I typically am in tears long before we even see the airport. So, as much as I don't like to rely on medication, today I went to the doctor to get a prescription for some anxiety medication (used it the last time I flew and Jason won't fly with me unless I take it). So, in addition to freaking out about flying, I am a bit nervous about the Road Trip and all that it entails, and I am trying to get everything packed and in order - and all in a single carry on.

I know that I am going to have a blast. I also know that if there is something I forget, I can likely buy it there. I have also found several veg friendly restaurants in Philadelphia (another concern b/c I don't typically eat out so often) and look forward to visiting the city with Jason. I know that it is not healthy to stress, and basically does not good, so I am really trying to remind myself over and over again about how fun this is going to be, what a unique experience it will be, and the fact that I finally get to meet Jessica and Jolene. There are no words to describe how excited I am about this!

Sorry for that long ramble - if you didn't stick with me, I totally understand. So, now onto dinner and something a whole lot lighter (pics included of course).

Leftover Re-Make
Tonight I wanted something simple, and it also needed to use up things in the fridge. We had leftover Roasted Garlic Tomato Sauce. We also had another portobello, a few new potatoes, and some asparagus. I decided to grill the new potatoes (seasoned with sea salt, rosemary, and garlic), the portobello (with balsamic vinaigrette), and asparagus. I heated up some Quorn Naked Chik'n Cutlets and topped them with Soy Kaas Montery Jack "cheese," tomato sauce, and the portobellos. For the asparagus, I squirted the with fresh lemon juice and seasoned with a lemon salt. I also grilled up some of the wheat French bread that I had made the other day.

It was really nice to be able to grill out again. It wasn't 100+ degrees out for a change, so standing around a grill wasn't more trouble than it was worth. I liked the extra flavor the portobellos added to the sauce and may use them in the future for a portobello tomato sauce.