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Saturday, October 16, 2010

October 15, 2010

(20)
Did a non-traditional workout of "deer hunting" with D tonight after work. Hiked through the woods looking for Bambi, with no success.

Didn't mention previously the change in nutrition. Am focused on eating several small meals of 1 protein, 1 carb, 1 green. Having trouble getting that many greens in that I don't get sick of after a few bites, but I truly am making an effort.

1 week down in that program... 11 to go.

October 14, 2010

(19)
Did not run today, but did play 18 holes of golf. A different sort of exercise/FUN but definitely worked the body in a way it's not used to. Even managed to have a few great hits... and had a blast with my pal Nancy!

October 13, 2010

(18)
Per BFL plan, did a simple 30 min run on the treadmill at the gym this morning. Trying to wrangle my girlfriend into doing the program with me. That may be a tougher challenge than sticking to it myself.

October 12, 2010

(17)
Had a bad weekend ...as far as exercise and nutrition go ...and felt horrible Monday. Had an epiphany. I need to focus MUCH harder on my entire self. Pulled out the "Body for Life" book and began...

After getting TWO new crowns on a couple molars this morning, went to the gym and ran for 37 minutes and then did a full upper body free weight workout. Felt great!

October 6, 2010

(16)
Managed to squeeze 30 min in on the treadmill at the gym.

Need to focus... losing.... control... must have cookie... EEEEEEEEKKKKKKK!!!!!

October 1, 2010

(15)
Decided to be ambitious today and run 30 minutes even though I knew I would be playing 9 holes of golf in the afternoon. Felt GREAT for both & had a fabulous/fun day!

September 28, 2010

(14)
After much time off... amazing how company/entertaining can distract from working out... managed to job 30 min.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

September 21, 2010

(13)
First day of fall and a beautiful morning for a run.
I did something a little different and challenging today. I pushed my 3 year old in the jogger AND took the furball on his leash. Definitely a little chaotic, especially when we ran by that little kick dog that was out and wandering around. I thought we were all going to get drug down the street on our faces.
But, back on track (away from the yappy dog) we had a pleasant stroll around the neighborhood. Unfortunately I'm already tiring of this area/route. I'm going to have to mix it up a bit soon to keep from going insane.
I hurt today, for the first time in a couple weeks. I haven't taken THAT much time off (2 days), so maybe I was running faster than usual... I like to think it's the latter. :)
Have been asked by a friend to join her next October, 2011, to do the Chicago marathon. I am not making any commitments, or setting any high expectations for myself at this time. But, I've done it before & a year is PLENTY of time to get ready. For now though I need to stick to my plan, pull back the reigns & cruise for a bit. Who knows what next year would bring... but it is an intriguing thought to do another marathon when I'm 42. :)

Saturday, September 18, 2010

September 18, 2010

(12)
UGHHH!!! Another tough run this morning. Just getting our Saturday off to a start with the kiddos & hubby encouraged me to go get my sneakers on & hit the trail... he had some help from my fuzzy pal too! Once Ollie hears the word "run" he goes nuts! He LOVES to run with his mommy. :)
So, as painful as it was, I slipped on the shoes & headed out. Unfortunately I had misplaced my sports watch a few days ago & had to run w/o it. I did a route that I know I cannot do in less than about 28 minutes right now. Hopefully with the extra turns & laps I stuck in there it was close to 30.

It's truly amazing right now that only 12 workouts into this long drawn-out project of mine, I have NO residual pain after my runs. My legs are fine, my lungs have already adjusted, and my blood sugar (bonking) seems to be OK. I did have shaky blood sugar moment & had to get some juice...otherwise I felt great all day. Sure wish some "L" "B's" would start melting off!! Patience I guess.

168 of these 3 mile suckers to go. Fortunately by December or January I will be capable of doing back-to-back days. Until then... may I have another glass o vino?...& one of those tasty chocolates you've been waving around in front of me?

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

September 14, 2010

(11)
Missed yesterday. Was feeling icky. Would have let myself feel guilty in the past, but there is no point right now.
I hit the gym this morning after dropping of the kiddos. Ran 37 minutes on the treadmill and then did some upper body weight training. While I was running I thought about how much I really dislike running on a treadmill. But today's workout came with two bonuses.
#1 I met my girlfriend there to work out with. It is always a joy to have someone fun by your side to motivate you and keep you on track.
#2 Treadmills show approximately how many calories you are burning. I am always surprised to see how much benefit you get from a hard run, even if it's only a short one.
Tomorrow marks the end of the first month. I probably won't squeeze in another run since I'm not up for back to back days yet. But I have to say, it's been years since I've done 11 solid workouts in a month. I'm happy with my start and look forward to getting stronger, slimmer & more fit in general.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

September 12, 2010

(10)
As I struggled this morning to put shoes on, step outside and get the run going, I was reminded of the time of life when I went from being a solid (HEAVY - 2 buck chuck if ya knowaddamean) couch potato, to being a runner. The transition was slow, painful, mentally challenging, and truly one of the hardest things I have ever done. I feel back at that point where it is hard to get out there, and once I'm out there it is hard to keep going. But, I focus on what I know to be true that if I do keep going, and keep getting out there it will get easier for so many reasons... habit, strength, endurance, attitude... all of these things are being worked on at the same time right now.

If I conquer them all, I will make it to 180. And I will.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

September 9, 2010

(9)
It's a lovely cool morning... perfect for a run. Instead of dragging my tired butt out of bed at 5:30 when my eyes popped open, I procrastinated until everyone else was off to school, work, grandmas... and I had run a couple errands. Slacked off for a few days, but stepped out of the house, sneakers on, dog on leash, with the attitude to take it slow and easy today and just put in some comfortable time joggin. Waved to a couple neighbors, got passed by a nice retired couple on bikes, and at one point 2/3 of the way through the run when I thought was going slow I realized that I was actually pickin 'em up & puttin 'em down. Funny how the body knows how to run and when you disconnect the mind a little and let it go, you can push yourself a bit harder physically. Now that I'm done, it seemed so easy today. I love those days!
So, we missed getting hit by the rainstorm, enjoyed the cool quietness of the day and accomplished a major goal.
On to bigger (piles of laundry) and better (cup o coffee) things for the rest of the day.
Happy trails.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

September 4, 2010

(8)
Road tripping this weekend, sans kiddos. Woke early & got to go for a leisurely 35 minute jog with my hubby around Walla Walla & around Whitman College campus. I honestly can't remember the last time the two of us went for a jog together, just us. It was fun, relaxing, and we enjoyed gazing at the beautiful century old mansions. Found out the Whitman mission was built here in 1836, not that long after Lewis & Clark first trekked through the area. Amazing history here.
We visited a few of the local wineries yesterday when we got to town. One we drove by, but did not go in, was Balboa. So, for the morning run I got to be Rocky... Rocky got tire, Rocky had a sore knee (stretched it out & all is well), Rocky is sweaty & needs coffee, Rocky is off to take a shower & drive another 150 miles to join friends for a weekend birthday party. (You should have the theme song from Rocky running through your mind by now). If not, here you go... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvEnIkz82A0

Thursday, September 2, 2010

September 2, 2010

(7)
Oh my holy...
WHY did I skip 4 days? BAD Greta!!!
Anyway, did 30 minutes this morning. Ran the whole way (except for quick water, etc. breaks for my fuzzy pal), felt OK & saw lots of people out and about (guess I'm not the only one in the neighborhood that needs to "get a JOB").
No skipping. Say it with me... NO SKIPPING WORKOUTS!!! GEEEEEZZZ!!!
Ok, I'm all sweaty now & have a lunch date across town in 45 minutes. Better go clean up & head out.
My Mantra for now ...stolen though it is... "Life is Good" (TM).
:)

Monday, August 30, 2010

August 30, 2010

(6)
Skipped the run on Friday, with much guilt, and later was SO thankful!! Rode the Loon Lake loop trail in north central Idaho on Saturday with friends. I have ridden the trail, I believe, 4 times now.. the first time in 1988! It was as tough as I remember. And, if being out of shape didn't make it hard enough, I had mechanical difficulties causing my chain to suck up & get caught about 30 times on the way out. On the way back I just kept it in my middle ring, which... again due to the out-of-shape factor... didn't help. Thanks to my kind friend Tami for waiting up for me, encouraging me, nagging me to drink water :) and for also keeping it in the middle ring to feel a bit o'my pain. You rock girlfriend!
I was tired & beat when we got back but we all headed over the hot springs pool for an evening swim. Nothing quite like boiling hot springs to sooth tired muscles.

http://www.imba.com/epics/loon-lake-trail-epics

Camped that night in McCall & took our girls (3 & 5) for a bike ride on Sunday. It was our 3 year old's first time out on her new "two-wheeler". I was SO proud!! Can't wait until they're both ready to hit the trails.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

August 26, 2010

Too bad we can't count "running" errands as actual exercise! I hit the trail, dog and kiddos en tow at 7:00 a.m. and haven't slowed down all day. Off again to pick up kids & dog and start the evening routines.
Am actually a little happy I get to run tomorrow instead of today since it's supposed to be the hottest day of the year (105?) UGHH! I hate the heat. Bring on the fall weather, I'm ready. Thanks to my pals who have chimed in & sent encouraging words my way as I begin this daunting project. Right back at you girls! You are ALL great inspirations!
Cheers! (That reminds me... so this year doesn't get to be too difficult... I am NOT giving up wine... even if it does have a lot of calories... a girl's gotta LIVE!)

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

August 25, 2010

(5)
WHEW! Today was definitely one of those days where 3 miles was challenging enough! I was tired when I woke up, but thought a jog in the cool morning air would perk me up. Once I got out there I realized I was just going to have to power through. My legs hurt & felt all wobbly the entire way. But, alas, I made it 31.30 this morning and felt fantastic when I was done.
5 down... 175 to go. (UGH)

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

August 24, 2010

No running today.

I heard from a dear friend today who, like me, set some goals for herself. Like myself, and so many of my girlfriends, she leads an extremely busy life with children, work, a husband who travels a lot, a home to take care of, and all of the day to day details of life. Kudos to her for making "me time" to be healthy, and happy for herself. And thank you to her for sharing that inspiration!

Life can sometimes be overwhelming. I have struggled with having guilt for taking time for myself. Not any more. We must take the time, savor the time, and understand that our physical and mental strength can and will make us happier.

Monday, August 23, 2010

August 23, 2010

(4)
Got my sluggish bummy out of bed at 6:30 this morning & took my fuzzy pal Ollie for a run. We loopy looped all around the neighborhoods for about 29 min. I felt great, the weather was cool & I think I even ran a bit faster than I have been lately.
Now on to the torture of the day… getting the kiddos used to the “back to school” schedule, i.e. up early & at ‘em!!! Where’s my trumpet?

August 22, 2010

While running around town having fun with my friends & chatting about things yesterday, I have decided to challenge myself. I will begin journaling my runs. Not only am I going to keep track of them with comments of the day, but I am setting a fairly lofty goal for myself. 3/180/365… from here on out those numbers will be key!!! I figured that I will just forget about trying to “build up my miles” or do “speed work” or shoot for “training for a marathon”. Instead, I am going for something grounded and realistic. Just getting out there will be an amazing feat at this point. Eating healthy and getting a moderate amount of exercise 3 times a week can and will contribute greatly to living a healthy lifestyle. For me, 3 miles is challenging enough, and yet doesn’t pain my body or take too much time out of my day. No long runs for me. I’m going to keep it simple.
I am only 5’ 3” and currently weigh 157 lb. I refuse to spend this lifetime being a “fat American”!!! I am 41 now and it is time to take back control of my body.
According to a standard BMI chart I should weigh around 125 lb to hit the mid-range of “normal”. So part of my goal will be to drop 30 lbs, as well as getting in shape.

Now for the numbers: 3/180/365
3 miles a day 180 days in one year (365 days)
So starting back to last Monday when I began regular activity… I must run 3 miles, or I can count a mountain bike ride instead, for at least 180 days of the next year.

Make sense? So here I go, off on my new journey to get back to that “G” I once was, that fun G that always felt good and could go & do anything because I was strong. A year can be a very long time, and it can fly by at the blink of an eye. I hope for the latter, but will surely have times I wish it would slow down to give me time to squeeze all my runs in.

Wish me luck. I will need it!

Found out an interesting fact today that I did not know. On this date, August 22, 1882 my grandfather was born. Cheers to you on this, your 128th birthday, Grampa Gus. 

August 21, 2010

Knowing it’s going to be a very busy day with my girlfriends and Sandra’s 40th Birthday bash tonight I decided the best way to start the day was with a run. Ollie & I headed out around 7:00 a.m. (very early for a Saturday) and did about 25 min. It felt great and gave me that extra boost of energy to make it through all of the events of the day.

August 18, 2010

After a couple tries, Bev & I finally hooked up to run together. Her pal Kate also went. We did about 3 ½ miles at a slow but steady pace. When I came to the big hill by the golf course I remembered the words of my running buddies from days gone by that if I push hard up the hill, each time I will get a little bit stronger. It hurt like crazy, but I ran pretty much as fast as I could to the top… and then we did a slow cool-down jog back to Bev’s.

August 16, 2010

Haven’t ridden much this year, but feel good about going some since last years rides totaled a whopping TWO! Did the Freeway trail, mostly riding with Lindsay & Angela. The guys all when much further than we were up for tonight. I felt pretty strong the whole way though and of course had a blast on the downhill (reward)!!!