Reading and shopping

So Friday I left work early...there were only 5 people here on my side of the building and I have no work right now so I left to run my errands. I was super tired on Friday and didn't work out like I'd planned. I went by the library to pick up some books and I got "Last Chance Saloon" by Marian Keyes which is one of my favorite chick-lit books.

I own this book but I'm not sure where it is. I started reading it and stayed up until 2 in the morning to finish...which is saying something b/c I already knew how it ended.

Then Saturday I got my haircut and the stylist did such a great job!! I was just getting a trim since I'd like to grow my hair out a little bit but she did a fantastic job and was super friendly! I went to a few other stores and then I saw "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2"--and yeah it's a little cheesy but I loved it! I was laughing and crying...it was a great movie and I'm glad I went without Stephen b/c he definitely wouldn't have enjoyed it. Then I did some things around the apartment but didn't go workout like I'd planned.

Yesterday (Sunday) I woke up and read in bed for a few hours and finished the last book in the Wideacre trilogy by Philippa Gregory. Then I got up and cleaned the apartment and started organizing myself for my trip to Puerto Rico. I went to Target and browsed around and got these shoes:

and this bag (but in purple):

Of course I'm wearing the shoes today and they are pretty comfortable...I'm impressed! I wear a lot of brown (as a neutral instead of black) and I have several shirts or dresses in jewel tones that look fantastic with the shoes! The bag is really great too because it's big enough that I can put a book in it...plus it's purple and purple is a big color this fall (as I noticed at the mall on Saturday).

After my trip to Target I went to the apartment gym and did the elliptical for 30 minutes. I wanted to do more but I was bored and there wasn't anything on TV. But it's 30 minutes more than doing nothing. Then last night I started reading a book that I got at the library:

I'm already 1/2 finished with this book! It's very interesting. I'm hoping to be finished with it before I go to Puerto Rico.

So that was my weekend. Today's plan for activity includes walking to/from the Metro, 5.5 mile run at lunch, elliptical tonight, and arm exercises. Well, I've got some jobs to apply for and I need to print off some driving directions for when I'm in Puerto Rico (just two days away!!).

Lead legs

I didn't do my 5.5 mile run yesterday at lunch--my legs felt like lead. It would have been easy to skip working out all together but I hit the apartment gym when I got home. I told myself I only had to do 30 minutes on the elliptical but I ended up doing 45. But I was so exhausted after that I didn't do yoga or abs. I planned on getting to sleep early but my sister called right as I was drifting off so I talked to her for 45 minutes or so. Sometimes I ignore the phone when I'm trying to get to sleep but she starts school next week (she's a 4th grade teacher) and I know once school starts her life gets extremely busy so I like to talk to her when she has time to talk since my schedule is more flexible than hers.

My workout plan today is a 5.5 mile run at lunch and yoga and abs this evening. I drove to the Metro today because I have a waxing appointment and errands to run after work...my appointment is at 4:30 and a couple of the places I need to go close at 6 so I wouldn't have time to walk home and get my vehicle and then run my errands.

Weekend plans look like this--
Friday after work: errands, wax appointment, laundry, yoga and abs, Wine and Cheese night while watching a movie or episodes of Lost, Season 3
Saturday: haircut, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2, pop into a few stores at the mall (bday card for mom, home fragrance oils), yoga and apartment gym elliptical/stairmaster
Sunday: clean apartment and various things around the house, long bike ride and yoga (maybe?)

Looks good to me--a few errands but also time for me.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Peanut Butter Warning!

The dark chocolate dreams peanut butter I bought a week or so ago is completely gone! It was actually gone before Tuesday which means it barely lasted a week in the apartment. Poor peanut butter, it never stood a chance. So a warning if you're thinking about buying it...it's so good it's very hard to resist. Granted I didn't eat ALL of it but I definitely ate more than my fair share.

I did a 7 mile run yesterday at lunch. I've been trying to be more consistent about taking walk breaks when I'm running so I've started doing the Galloway method where you alternate minutes of running with minutes of walking. I started yesterday with a 3:1 ratio--3 minutes of running followed by 1 minute of walking. I did about 4 miles using that ratio and then switched to a 3:2 ratio to finish. My legs were so tired at the end I literally could not get them to run anymore. I haven't had a run in a long time where I completely exhausted my legs...usually I have a little bit left in me but not yesterday. My goal next week when I run 7 miles to do the 3:1 ratio the entire time and then the week after that I'll do 4:1 until I build up to a 9:1 ratio which is the ratio I want to use for my half-marathon. I've had such a mental block over the past month when it comes to my running and yesterday I felt like I finally got over that mental block. I just took the 7 miles in chunks of 3 minutes instead of thinking about how far I'd come or how far I still had to go or how tired I was. And in that way, running is a lot like weight loss. So much of it is mental. If I think about how I can't have a cookie for the rest of my life I immediately start wanting a cookie but if I choose to think about it as one decision at a time, it's not so unbearable. Same thing with running...if all I think about is how far I still have to go, I immediately want to stop and turn around but if I think about it as one step at a time or one minute at a time, I can run for 7 miles. Wow, that was pretty deep and insightful. See, that's what running 7 miles gets you...you have A LOT of time to think about things.

I didn't end up doing my yoga or abs last night but I did go for a bike ride and ended up being gone for an hour. The plan for exercise today is walking to and from the Metro, 5.5 mile run at lunch (my plan right now is to walk half because my calves are sore from yesterday), and yoga and abs tonight.

An eggplant creation!

I walked home from the Metro yesterday (it was hot outside too) and did 10 minutes of arm exercises and 5 minutes of ab exercises. I thought about doing a bike ride but I was still so hot from walking home that I couldn't even fathom going back outside. In fact, I did my strength workout in my bra and panties with 2 fans pointed right on me. But I cooked up a delicious dinner. I took my eggplant and sliced into 6 thick slabs. I salted the eggplant on both sides and let it sit for 30 minutes to take the bitterness out while I took a shower. Once I was cleaned up I started a chunky marinara sauce (garlic, olive oil, and 1 can of drained diced tomatoes). I grilled the eggplant on my indoor grill pan and cooked up 1 serving of whole wheat penne. Once the eggplant was grilled I placed 3 slices in an 8 x 8 baking dish, then placed a layer of marinara sauce, some mozzarella cheese, the whole wheat penne, another layer of eggplant, marinara sauce, cheese, and topped it with a few panko bread crumbs for some crunch. I put the dish into the oven for 10-15 minutes until it started to brown on top. I toasted up two mini whole wheat buns and spread them with a laughing cow garlic cheese wedge. And that was my dinner! I could only eat 1/4 of the eggplant dish so I've got some great leftovers (I think I'll put a couple in the freezer). It was delicious and healthy! I thought about taking a picture but I was so hungry and it looked so yummy.

For dinner tonight I'm thinking about broccoli, a side salad, baked sweet potato fries, and summer squash coated in panko bread crumbs and baked. We'll see what I feel like having once dinner comes around.

I walked to the Metro again this morning (I actually LOVE doing this b/c it's cooler in the mornings and starting my day off with some exercise makes me feel like the day is going to be a success) and I plan on walking home today too because I have a coupon for a free gallon of milk that expires today so I want to stop by the grocery store and pick it up. Side note: I'm wearing a wrap dress today and since it's a mile to the Metro I wore my tennis shoes walking this morning and changed into my cute shoes at work--yes I know it's very 1980s-Working Girl but they're comfortable and I know the chances of me walking if I don't have on comfortable shoes are slim to none. I plan on doing a 7 mile run at lunch and a bike ride, ab exercises, and yoga once I get home.

Sorry I'm babbling so much...with Stephen gone I don't have anyone to talk to so I "talk" to you all a lot. I'll shut up now.

Keepin' Busy

So my weekend was good. I did get a little lonely on Sunday after Stephen left but I've been keeping myself busy so I have less time to think about how much I miss him. I dropped him at the airport around 6 on Sunday morning and headed directly to the grocery store for this week's shop. I was a little nervous because I could only spend $40 but I'm proud to say that I was successful!! In fact, I had a little extra money leftover and bought a small candle to enjoy. Here's what I got for $40 (it's almost all veggies that Stephen won't eat):

1 spaghetti squash
3 zucchini
3 yellow squash
2 cucumbers
3 green peppers
2 containers of grape tomatoes
3 lbs. bananas
1 eggplant
1 sweet potato
6 limes
1 bag spinach
1 bag romaine hearts
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 box whole wheat penne
1 small package of coffee (just enough to get me through this week)
1 small package of Newman's Own Peanut Butter Cups (to eat while watching TV Sunday night)
1 pizza crust mix package
1 apple cinnamon scone for Sunday breakfast
4 bottles of Diet Tonic Water (love this mixed with fresh lime juice)
Plus the already mentioned apple cinnamon candle

I was so proud of myself for only spending $40 and I bought all healthy foods (besides the peanut butter cups). One reason I was able to get away with not spending very much is that I didn't purchase any meat. This week I'm using up the shrimp and fish I have in the freezer. But I am looking forward to getting some different fish to try while Stephen's gone. It's good sometimes for me to have a set dollar amount I can spend when I go to the grocery store...I find that I end up getting a lot of veggies and then I "experiment" a bit in the kitchen to use them all up before they spoil.

On a different note, is anyone else ready for fall?? I'm making myself wear my summer clothes and shoes as much as possible right now but I love fall and I'm ready for the weather to be a bit cooler. I love fall so much!! I love the colors (oranges, deep reds, dark greens) of the leaves and the clothes. I love the smell of pumpkins, apples, cloves, and cinnamon. I'm ready for long sleeve shirts and scarves. Sigh, I'm ready for fall....which is why the candle I purchased was an apple cinnamon scent. It'll come soon enough, I should just enjoy the weather we have now.

I am proud to say that I worked out Sunday. I went after I got back from the grocery store. I did 30 minutes on the elliptical, various strength machines, and a 30 minute yoga DVD once I got back to the apartment. Yesterday I went for an hour long bike ride...I didn't want to go too far from the apartment in the event that I had some sort of mechanical problem and had to walk back but I basically did a big loop on various trails. Today I walked to the subway this morning (instead of taking the shuttle, about 1 mile) and I plan on running 5.5 miles at lunch, walking home from the subway, taking another bike ride, and doing total body strength work. See, I'm keeping myself busy...plus all the exercise makes me exhausted and I don't have trouble sleeping like I usually do when Stephen's not there.

Well, I think I've rambled enough for today. Don't forget to check out a few pictures below!! I was having trouble posting the pictures so I only got 3 up but I'll post more tonight.

Canada Pictures!

Stephen and I outside where the Twins play.

Stephen and I at Rehoboth Beach.

Tyler and I posing with a plastic monkey at the mini-golf course.

I don't have any time to do a real post today since I'm working on a super secret surprise for Stephen. I have my office door closed because anyone walking by would know that no project for work would require stickers, ribbons, scissors, or glue. I didn't get my run in yesterday...instead I took off early and hung out with Stephen. I plan on doing the same thing today but first I've got to finish The Super Secret Surprise!! (The best part is that I have Stephen thinking it's something completely different from what it really is!!)

Have a great weekend everyone!

You've got to try this peanut butter!

I have to rave about this new peanut butter we got. It's Peanut Butter & Co's Dark Chocolate Dreams. I had just a small taste last night as I was making Stephen his dessert and it tastes like liquid peanut butter cups!! It's so yummy! I can't wait to have it on my oatmeal tomorrow.

My legs are still a little sore today but not as much as yesterday and I think that running will actually help the soreness go away so I'll be doing a run at lunch today. Also today I'm planning out my workout/eating schedule when Stephen is gone. I have all these ideas about what I want to do and what I want to eat but if I don't plan them out I'll end up eating mac & cheese and doing nothing the entire time he's gone.

Today's Plan:
Activity: 5.5 mile run at lunch
Breakfast: 2 mini whole wheat buns with 1 tbsp peanut butter and 1/2 tbsp honey, Clif bar
Snack: Chobani yogurt, plum, pear
Lunch: Salad with spinach, black eyed peas, peppers, cucumbers, and 2 tbsp light sun dried tomato dressing, 1/4 cantaloupe, 1/2 cup light cinnamon applesauce
Dinner: Shrimp, rice, asparagus, salad

A Rest Day

Yesterday at lunch I couldn't do 5.5 miles...my legs were achy and it was humid outside. So I did 3.5 miles and then walked home from the subway stop (about 1.5 miles) instead of taking the bus. I needed to go to the grocery store anyways and get more spinach for my salad lunches so I stopped by the store on my walk home. So yeah for me for getting in a little extra exercise last night! My leg muscles are sore, sore, sore this morning so I'm taking today as a rest day from running. I may do a short walk at lunch but I'll see how hot it is outside.

Last night I had such a great NSV...typically about an hour after dinner my mouth wants something sweet or my tummy is still a little hungry so I'll have a small snack. Well, last night I was making Stephen his dessert (a whole wheat english muffin with peanut butter) and looked through the cabinets for something for my dessert. I stopped for a second, thought about it, and realized that I wasn't hungry and didn't want anything sweet so I decided to not eat something. I am very much a "habitual" eater...meaning I like to eat my meals and snacks at the same times every day. So it was big for me to realize that if I wasn't hungry and wasn't craving anything then I shouldn't eat just because it's a habit. So yea me!

Today's Plan:
Activity: Rest Day--nothing planned but may do a short walk at lunch
Breakfast: 1/3 cup oatmeal with 1/3 cup dried cherries, small banana, 2 Tbsp flax seed, 1 Tbsp cashew butter, 5 tsp. brown sugar and cinnamon, Starbucks Venti Skinny Vanilla Latte
Snack: 1 plum, 1 pear, Chobani yogurt--probably won't eat this snack since I'm not running at lunch and don't need the extra fuel
Lunch: 3 cups spinach, peppers and cucumbers with 2 tbsp. light sun dried tomato salad dressing, 2 laughing cow wedges, 1 serving Annie's Whole Wheat bunnies, 1/4 cantaloupe
Dinner: Whole wheat pasta with pesto and leftover Spinach and Cheese Chicken, salad and veggies (probably peas but maybe asparagus)

And This is Why I Run

Yesterday I went for my run at lunch as planned...it definitely wasn't the best run I've ever had but there's something about not running for a week and during my first run back I always think at the end, "And this is why I run." It's a feeling of utter accomplishment and amazement at what my body can do and pushing myself just a little further than I thought possible.

So I've been doing some thinking about when Stephen is gone for a whole month. This will be a great time for me kick up my workouts. I'll be able to do yoga in the mornings, weight lifting or bike riding in the evenings and hit the apartment gym when I feel like it. Plus I'll be able to eat what I want (fish, broccoli) when I want. I'm also going to work on putting all my recipes into my recipe database since I won't have to share computer time with someone else. I also want to do some cosmetic work on my blog. It'll be good me time. (I'm trying to convince myself that I'll be okay when he's gone...which I will but this will the longest time we've gone without seeing each other.)

Today's Plan:
Activity: 5.5 mile run at lunch
Breakfast: 10 oz. skim milk, 1 banana, 1 serving Kashi 7 grain flakes and 1 serving Multi-grain Cheerios
Snack: Chobani greek yogurt, 1 peach, strawberries and blueberries
Lunch: 3 cups spinach with tomatoes, cukes, green peppers, 2 Tbsp. light sun dried tomato dressing and 3 oz pork tenderloin, 1 mini whole wheat bun with mustard and 1 Babybel cheddar cheese
Dinner: Apple Cheddar Turkey Burgers, rosemary potatoes, corn on the cob, salad

A shock

I weighed in on Saturday morning and saw a shockingly high number---191.4. That's only 8 pounds away from my highest weight ever. It's time for me to get rid of this extra weight. I'm so disappointed in myself. I can't believe that I'm this close to what I weighed 3 years ago. I'm starting over today...I'm rededicating myself to losing this weight and getting healthy.

Today's Plan:
Activity: 5.5 mile run at lunch
Breakfast: 1/3 cup oatmeal with 2/3 cup skim milk, 1 banana, 2 tbsp flax, and 1 tbsp peanut butter
Snack: 1/2 mango, 1/2 kiwi, strawberries and blueberries, Chobani greek yogurt
Lunch: 3 cups spinach, 1/2 bell pepper, tomatoes and cuke with 1 tbsp lite sun dried tomato dressing, 1/4 cantaloupe, 1/2 cup applesauce with 6 honey graham sticks
Dinner: Chicken breasts stuffed with spinach and laughing cow cheese, peas, rice, side salad

*Sorry so short but I've got lots of emails to catch up on.*

Disappointing vacation

We're in Minneapolis headed back to DC and cutting our Canada vacation 11 days short. It's a very long story but the short version is that there were too many people at the cabin and Stephen and I both got fed up with his aunt and uncle's attitudes towards us. We're both planning on taking the rest of the week off and returning to work on Monday. Stephen did get some exciting news though...he's going to Puerto Rico for a month for work!!! With the vacation days I've saved by cutting this vacation short, I plan on going down for a week around Labor Day weekend (end of August). So that definitely gives me something to look forward to.

Anyways, I'll be back next week with the full story of us leaving Canada early. Have a great day everyone!!