Where's the Beach?

Rest Day This morning I packed my bag for the possibility of getting in my 6-mile tempo run. But from the start of the morning, I knew it wasn't going to get done today. I entertained the idea of 3 miles around the neighborhood, but again, knew that wasn't going to happen either. Basically, I was simply out of gas today. I really had no energy and zero desire to do any type of workout at all, no running, no spinning, no lifting, not even a super short kickboxing. Nada, zero, zip. Done. I am hoping that today's rest day will help me get back on track tomorrow. It should be a little bit cooler and sunny. I'm hoping the sunshine will just call to me so much that I'll want to get out and start running. Fingers crossed this works in my favor. So, once again, I'm off schedule with the half training. I was supposed to be hitting 28 miles for the week. I doubt that will happen. Hopefully I'll at least hit 25. I honestly don't know how much the overall wee...

Race Night Ouchies  My calves were hating me yesterday after the race. My low back was getting tight, and I knew that was linked to my piriformis and sciatic nerve. Gradually, it just kept getting worse and my sciatica was hurting terribly. Standing actually felt better than sitting, but just standing in your living room gets a little ridiculous after a bit. Standing to make dinner was actually good for me, kept me moving. I made my Spicy White Chili - but this time I roasted the bell peppers, onions, poblano peppers, and garlic. It imparted such fantastic flavor and richness. I went to bed and crashed hard. I slept over 11 solid hours and it felt fantastic. I had taken the day off because I knew I'd want to relax and rest up. I will admit feeling just a hair guilty for not getting lots done on my day off. Rest Day Monday At one point I even flirted with the idea of doing at least biceps. Don't worry, I stood up from the couch and remembered why I had taken the day off....

Getting Things Done This morning I got up and immediately went into action. I felt like I had been pretty lazy yesterday, so today I was determined to get things done. I started off by cooking off white and black beans. I needed the white beans for tonight's dinner. And quite frankly, you can never have too many bags of frozen beans in the freezer. I also got to baking. I had an order for three bags of treats (3 different flavors), so I got those rolling right away as well. When Jason came downstairs, he stopped and stared and said it looked like a tornado had hit the kitchen. Cold Training Run After the last of the treats were done and beans put away, it was time to head out for our longer run. The half marathon training plan called for a 6-7 mile run. Not too bad, except that when we left the house it was 26 degrees, winds gusting up to 23 mph, and wind chill of 13 degrees. Let's just say lots and lots of layers were involved. I even broke out my old dance...

You Want Pictures? You guys crack me up. I think every single comment had a demand for pictures of the Christmas sweater I wore to the ugly sweater party. How could I possibly deny such a request??? But first, I must say, I was the only one who actually owned my sweater! Yep, it was mine already. In fact, it was given to me by my mom last year. I love her dearly, but will never ever understand what compelled her to buy me that sweater. At least I had a reason to wear it though right? Here are two pictures. One of the girls actually had a sweater with light!   I'll admit, I most definitely felt frumpy in the sweater. Was not feeling uber attractive at all. But at least I wasn't alone, even and my friend made her sweet Beagle Bella wear one too! Chest & Kickboxing This morning was sunny but super cold and windy beyond explanation. It sounded like rain the wind was blowing so hard. Definitely not run-inspiring weather so there was no urge whatsoever! I did a few chores li...

Friday Recap So my birthday weekend started off with a 5.5 mile run. I will say it was a good run despite the fact that the wind chill was 44 degrees and it was WINDY. I felt like I was running through mud. But it was still good, funny how that can happen. I got cleaned up quickly then headed to my hometown (about an hour away) to meet my mom and one of my dearest friends for lunch. I have known Kori since preschool, so about 32 years now. She is seriously flesh and blood to me. She's the one friend who I've never ever had a single argument, spat, tiff with. Even if we don't get to see each other often, it's always like we've never missed a beat. We had lunch at Ruby Tuesday's. I discovered back in February during my trip to Branson, MO that they had a freaking awesome salad bar. My first trip to the salad bar (oh yes, I went back for more) I just went nuts and pretty much piled any and all veggie items on top of lettuce and spinach. The second trip I was a...

Rest Day Well, as much as I had hoped and planned on getting in cardio this morning, I had to be honest with myself. It just wasn't going to happen. Period. My body is pooped. I really didn't want to have to take today as a rest knowing how long I would be sitting (7-2 at work then the rest of the time at airports or on a plane). But there was just no way my body was going to cooperate with my OCD mind. I did finally rationalize that I could get in a run tomorrow on the waterfront. I mean I'll take that! So last night, after tons of rearranging, we managed to pack everything into two carry-on bags. I have a huge purse to carry other items like the laptop and such and Jason had a bag that he could carry as well. Fretting, Planning, Worrying Does Not Equal Control I spent most of my morning at working trying really really hard not to think about the pending flight. The only problem was having my parent calling me and chatting it up about flying. They both love it. I do...