tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70244516077302536582024-03-13T00:09:29.007-07:00Tales of an Ambitious SlackerSo why is it I can think, dream and articulate all these wonderful things I want to do and not act on them? Maybe this blog will help me figure that out, or at least get me to start doing some of them.Tortuga_Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129251953175800508noreply@blogger.comBlogger319125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024451607730253658.post-88916696706858019282014-02-21T10:44:00.001-08:002014-02-21T10:44:06.741-08:00Friday Five: 2 Posts in 1 month!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">
Make the most of yourself, </span></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">for that is all there is of you. </span></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">~Ralph Waldo Emerson</span></div>
<br />
I know, I am getting wild and crazy over here posting more than 1x this month. Without further delay, my Friday 5.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>So more on <a href="http://whole30.com/">Whole30</a>. It is a truly magnificent program. People do it for many reason, weight loss, getting rid of sugar or other food addictions, simply to be healthy or to help identify food intolerance. At the point I started, like I mentioned in my last post I had already did a 6 week trial of reducing gluten & dairy and saw improvements in my joint inflammation and ease of weight management. Whole30 for me was going to be about finding food intolerance. I didn't find any, but I did have success in other ways. Whole30 requires an extreme level of conscientiousness about what you are putting in your body. When you are a working mom with a short commute, it takes meal prep. I had never been totally into that. Now, I love Sunday prep for the week, it saves me time, takes the guess work out of eating and my whole family is eating much less processed food. Total win in this regard. I validated gluten and dairy sensitivity. In addition to the inflammatory properties, gluten zaps my energy and slows my digestive system. Dairy, while not an immediate effect on the digestive system, it does slow things down a bit too. Both are things I can have infrequently, but not without known mostly tolerable consequence. The big unexpected win was not the mild weight loss (5-6 lbs) since I wasn't trying to lose weight. Rather, the shocker was losing 3 inches on my waist, 2 inches on each thigh and seeing wonderfully athletic performance results.</li>
<li>Update on Physical Therapy. My 2x a week for 12 weeks is over. I have 6 more sessions to monitor my reintegration of full function exercises. I was rear ended last September, but didn't get treatment until a flare up of my left trap muscle in November. The trap was symptomatic of a deeper issue. My ab muscles where they connect at the rib cage weren't working properly. Basically lazy. My shoulders and glutes have been doing work to compensate for my poor ab function. I have spent the last couple months retraining my abs which has resulted in visible abs, taller posture, faster running speed from moving more naturally (like dropped a full minute off my fastest running time).</li>
<li>I have the day off, my biggest decision today was do I run in the crisp morning air or wait for a warm afternoon run in the sun. I am choosing the latter.</li>
<li>Current diet: Trying to stay whole30 for most meals, but still having non-gluten grain and some dairy too.</li>
<li>Current exercise regimen: Taking a break from a mostly weightlifting schedule to train for a half marathon next month. Training is going well, still maintaining some strength training, but allowing myself to build mileage. Trying not to lose weight or muscle mass while running has been difficult. I really am trying to come to grips with the fact that my body is going to look differently in every stage of being. If I am lifting only, I'll look one way and if I am running more, my body will respond and shift accordingly. Breaking away of societal expectations, the scale number, the jean size and all that jazz is surprisingly difficult. What is even more deceptive is that if you go by <i>ability</i>, that can be deceptive too. I ate like crap and was easily able to do the things I wanted to do like half marathons and triathlons. Being a former athlete, my brain sees me as an athletic build even when I am a little extra fluffy. I have had my athletic body back for a while now and I am faster, stronger and more confident when my body looks how my brain feels I look. This will be my measure for a while. My current body dynamic has had nothing to do what I can accomplish in the gym or on the road, it is so much more connected to how I use my body correctly (thank you PT) and fuel my body, more than I even realized. As a former division 1 athlete, I ran my fastest mile at 6:31 having just inhaled a Taco Bell Burrito and Chips Ahoy cookies. Was I a rock solid athlete? Hell yes I was. Do I feel better now than I did then. Hell yes I do and without 3-a-day trainings to get there! No I am not a 6:31 miler anymore, but I feel fast and strong and that means a lot to me.</li>
</ul>
<span style="color: red;"><b>Why I Kick A$$:</b> Learning and Growing everyday.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b>The Big Picture:</b> Exercise this past year has become for me a way of life, not a means to an end. I need it, I want it and it makes me happy. Pretty cool feeling.</span><br />
<b><span style="color: purple;">Thankful Three:</span></b><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="color: purple;">For my morning gym partner</span></li>
<li><span style="color: purple;">For learning to be more domestic as part of the Whole30 experience</span></li>
<li><span style="color: purple;">For having today off from work </span></li>
</ol>
Tortuga_Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129251953175800508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024451607730253658.post-20724229999160950402014-02-01T07:14:00.005-08:002014-02-01T07:14:39.535-08:00Saturday Sampler: Where has the time gone?<b>Ok, lap top battery is dying and moving around to plug it in my wake up the kids so here goes something quick:</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Somehow, I caught the discipline bug? Minimized both gluten and diary in December, worked like a charm. Weight management improved and most importantly, inflammation improved.</li>
<li>Was afraid of the whole cold turkey thing, but went for it. Completed a Whole30 in January. More to come on the details.</li>
<li>Did another body fat test. Results 9/7= 21% body fat, results 1/4= 19% body fat. This is all with losing my Olympic lifting style late November in favor of more body weight exercises. More PT updates in another post soon.</li>
<li>Job Change! Still a manager, just moved facilities. Totally thought the commute was going to be life altering in a bad way. Instead, the commute is a non-issue. The life altering came from having a single facility to myself, I am really enjoying it.</li>
<li>Reading: Divergent was great! It Starts With Food is a must read. Currently reading Wild, by Cheryl Strayed and day dreaming about wondering into the Forrest soon.</li>
</ul>
<span style="color: red;"><b>Why I Kick A$$: </b>Did you not read that I completed Whole30?</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b>The Big Picture:</b> The are more ways to fitness that one style of activity and I'm loving the lesson.</span><br />
<b><span style="color: purple;">Thankful Three:</span></b><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="color: purple;">For my supportive family during the Whole30</span></li>
<li><span style="color: purple;">For my supportive friends during the Whole30</span></li>
<li><span style="color: purple;">For these few minutes to post, my kids are awake now so gotta go </span></li>
</ol>
Tortuga_Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129251953175800508noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024451607730253658.post-49058622203755535452013-12-10T10:46:00.000-08:002013-12-10T10:46:02.823-08:00December Update: My workout is being changed up<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage - </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">pleasantly, smilingly, nonapologetically - </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">to say 'no' to other things. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And the way to do that is </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">by having a bigger 'yes' burning inside. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The enemy of the 'best' is often the 'good.' </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">~Stephen Covey</span></span></div>
<br />
So another month has passed and much of it has been same old same old stuff, but there is plenty of new so let's get started. I am not feeling particularly wordy today, so here I go with bullets:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Recovered from my slow start to November and was rocking out the workouts</li>
<li>Up'd my weight is almost everyone one of my lifts</li>
<li>Ran the Berekley Inaugural "Half," the 10 mile option. Took a wrong turn, ran 11.7 glorious miles. Looking at race photos from March of this year and this 10 miler, I look leaner, stronger and the smile says it all. I ran truly happy during the 10 miler. Fabulous time, great cool/cold temp running.</li>
<li>Skipped the traditional Thanksgiving with my family at my home then with my husband's family at their home later that evening by going to LA to spend it with my cousin, her husband and 5 year old. It was great to visit and lounge around, but even better than that? My kids met them for the first time and built a great bond with her son.</li>
<li>Went to Disneyland- kids first time, had a blast, they didn't melt down. WIN!</li>
<li>Ate at my favorite deli in LA, Canters</li>
<li>Took Wednesday after my AM workout to Tuesday off as order by my PT so I could practice how to breathe and engage my core properly</li>
<li>I lifted that Tuesday and Wednesday 12/3-12/4 and found out I had to stop lifting the afternoon of 12/4. Like stop olympic style lifting all together.</li>
<li>I feel a little lost not lifting, I had been doing so well and making noticeable gains both physically, mentally and increasing weight.</li>
<li>Skipped the last two December 5K options, considering a run this Saturday or Sunday, but probably won't get a "race" in this month.</li>
<li>Killing it on the treadmill. My old cruising pace was 5.0, kicking it up to 6.0 to run, sometimes 6.5 or 7.0. Now 5.0 is a good warm up or break between sprints, but I can cruise at 6.0 now and sprint at 7.0-8.5. Feeling strong.</li>
</ul>
Pretty short recap I know, I am still digesting the new routine my physical therapist has me on. My core does not engage properly so I am retraining it to work correctly which means baby steps with the workouts. So do over head weighted exercises, bridges, some tricep and bicep stuff, pull ups and dips on an assisted machine thing, squats and a couple more things. All my push ups are wall push ups until my core works correctly. Very different that what I am used to. It is a good workout, but doesn't feel strenuous enough nor do I break the sweat I'd like to either. Not sure how long I will have to take this approach or if I'll ever go back to more traditional lifting like bench press and dead lifts etc. I am scared I'll gain the weight back and lose my muscle mass. Skinny means such a different thing to me now. I feel great and haven't totally dropped a pant size despite losing about 8 lbs since September. My quads are getting pretty big, my tush a little tighter. This month I am doing a squat challenge with a couple friends since squats is one of my limited approved exercises. Hoping to have a great lifted bubble butt in a month LOL<br />
<br />
Diet: Pretty much eat what I want, but have learned so much about moderation these last 3 months. Might consider low to no gluten and low to no dairy come January to test the effects on my body with regard to muscle and other inflammation as well as bloat and digestion. I am not intolerant to the best of my knowledge, not allergic and definitely don't have celiac. However, I do have some issues known to improve with these types of diet changes. Difficult for me to wrap my brain around because bread and cheese are my #1 and #2 favorite foods, but vanity is my new best friend. I like looking good, I like feeling good because it makes me think I look good too and geez-oh-pete feeling good and looking good does wonders for my psyche. We'll see. I plan to start slow in December. Gluten will be so much harder than dairy and I am not sure I am going to go full force with by product than I am going to look at the contributing foods. That's for another blog post I guess.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>Why I Kick A$$:</b> I'm really feeling the transformation in my posture and breathe with my CORE rehabilitation in such a short period of time.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Big Picture: </b>Trying something new is not the end of the world and I need to embrace "new normals."</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Thankful Three:</span></b><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>For health insurance and an amazing PT</li>
<li>For my current job, location and work-life balance</li>
<li>For my health, I am so blessed to have mobility, workout options and the desire to be fit to feel good.</li>
</ol>
Tortuga_Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129251953175800508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024451607730253658.post-51360181232185527412013-11-08T23:38:00.002-08:002013-11-08T23:38:13.064-08:00Friday: Late Night Edition-New Month, New Me... LOL just kidding<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;"><b>I think that the power is the principle. The principle of moving forward as though you have the confidence to move forward, eventually gives you confidence when you look back and see what you have done. </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Robert Downey, Jr.</div>
<br />
I love the whole new me attempts by folks. Some, very few, make genuine life changing efforts and actually stick to them long term. My niece told me the other day, November 1st was a new month, she was going to be focused, she enlisted some friends to do this health kick with her and then a couple days ago I see her post a pint of Ben and Jerry's Chunky Monkey to Facebook. She didn't go out to get it, but her little brother brought it for her and she couldn't resist. She is 24. She is tiny. She is strong and athletic and 10 years from now she look back and wish she appreciated her 24 year old self more. LOL are we all destined to the same fate. I think of how I'll feel 10 years from now and how I'll think, man... wish I was more proud of myself 10 years ago. And so we grow and mature.<br />
<br />
I'll spare you the minute details of the last couple months, but it was filled with fender benders, government shutdowns, birthday, a death and a couple more birthdays and me taking 1-2 weeks of eating crap and feeling like crap all while not working out. In my last post I told you all that I had done a hydrostatic body fat test in January. I was 196 lbs and 24% body weight. I tried lots of things to lose weight, then shifted to mostly lifting. The first week of September I started running again and took my next body fat test hoping for some lean muscle mass gain of 1-2 lbs. Boy was I kidding myself. what I was really trying to do was prepare myself for the fact that I hadn't really lost much weight, according to my scale and my size 12 pants that aren't going anywhere. Well to my surprise I had lost weight, gain only .5 lbs of lean body mass and that magic formula brought me to 21% body fat.<br />
<br />
Holy Smokes people! 3% loss in 8 months is huge. My gains not so much, but as the tech explained, it is difficult to maintain lean mass and not to be discouraged by the little gain, but rather excited that I lost weigh without losing lean body mass. He also said, weight loss will continue to be difficult the leaner I get since there is less to lose. So, I am 21% body fat. My next trip to the dunk tank will be to check and make sure I am maintaining my lean body mass. I am trying to get used to the scale because since I started running in conjuction with my weight lifting schedule I am losing weight. Diet is not on point, but is more similar to 2 years ago where all I did was TRI training, no weights and could eat pretty freely and maintain. Obviously more calories out means I need more calories in. Unfortunately, that weight loss is only barely showing in the waist. I am still in size 12, but fit into 1 pair of size 10s lately. Most weight loss has been in my booty/thighs and back. The belly is always the last to go.<br />
<br />
What has happened training/running wise? Started half marathon program 9/1/13. Dropped out a few weeks in, but kept up my Wednesday runs by doing the track at my son's flag football practice. Only did a long run of shy of 5 miles, then walked a 9K with a friend I was supposed to run with. She found out she is pregnant and it turned into a really nice power walk chatting away. Did a 1/2 marathon October 18th, was pretty impressed with my pace and endurance through mile 8. 9 and 10 were tough. The last 5K were pretty bad. Glad the scenery was nice because it was a slow calf cramp, charlie horse kind of finish.<br />
<br />
On the horizon- I got a late start to November so I am making up for a few bad eating, no working out, bad sleep days. Today was a great one. Gym. a couple of short runs, 1 mile at break and a 2 miles at lunch, some core work and foam rolling tonight. I am hoping this will be a good start to finishing the month strong. I plan to run a 5K on the 23rd (hoping to PR), a 10 miler on the 24th and in December get busy on my 10K training for the Tinkerbell 10K in January. I'll be doing a couple 5ks in December just to focus on speed, then a 10K a week before the race to text myself. I'll have 6 days to recover before I have to turn around and do it again, so I think I'll be ok. I'll also maintain my weight training and instead of dropping down to 2-3 days a week as I had originally intended. The added strength has really helped my speed and recovery.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b>Big Picture: </b>Everyday I move is good for me and is good for my family.</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>Why I Kick A$$:</b> Because even after feeling like I have lost my momentum, 1-day is all it takes to get going. Just have to decide to do it.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><b>Thankful Three:</b></span><br />
<ol>
<li>For everyday that I mature and have gain perspective about my body image and physical fitness</li>
<li>For people who invite me to run</li>
<li>For my dogs who took me on great runs today during our limited sunshine</li>
</ol>
Tortuga_Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129251953175800508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024451607730253658.post-90201532755993897482013-09-06T07:47:00.001-07:002013-09-06T07:47:12.292-07:00Same Story, Different Day: My Complaining Diary<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Sweat silently. Let's have no squawking about a little expenditure of energy. </span></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">~Martin H. Fischer</span></div>
<br />
Oh yes, I am still ambitious and I continue to work on the slacker thing, but seriously I should just start calling this blog my complaining diary. You can go back a few years and it tends to be the same theme. Events, half-ass training, feeling fit and awesome then feeling fat and lazy. I guess such is the life of a former athlete and insistent wannabe fit person. Ok, maybe that is a little harsh. I am pretty fit. I can do what I want physically fairly easily. Be it outdoorsy, simply keeping up with kids or the like-- I am healthy, active, strong and yes a fit person. BUT--- yes here comes the complaining. I find that the older I get the more I cling the the vanity of my former, youthful self. I just read a great blog post from <a href="http://www.mamalaughlin.com/">Mama Laughlin</a> about her defining "you're fat" moment. And while I can't relate to that episode in her life or resenting others for making look easy (not really an issue for me), I can relate to the point she makes about, "<b><span style="color: magenta;">Angry that I had to put so much effort
into something I didn't feel like I should.</span></b>" So TRUE! Angry might not be the right word, but certainly <i>frustrated</i>. I don't understand why my brain can't transition to that of a casual athlete. You know, the kind that does a 1/2 marathon 1-3 times a year, I have had an off year so no triathlons this year, but I try to squeeze 1-3 in normally. Certainly a casual athlete is a step above or 2, from a couch potato. So when I say that I get frustrated that keeping weight off is so hard let me explain a bit more about why:<br />
<ul>
<li>Normal. Average. Everyday. Non-athletic people cut 500 calories out of their diet a day and lose 1lb per week.</li>
<li>Normal. Average. Everyday. Non-athletic people who begin working our 3-4 times a week begin to lose weight steadily.</li>
<li>Normal. Average. Everyday. Non-athletic people who increase their effort to 4-6 times a week, begin to lose weight steadily.</li>
<li>Normal. Average. Everyday. Non-athletic people who try Chris Powell's most aggressive Carb Cycling plan <a href="http://chrispowell.com/carb-cycling-the-fit-cycle/">The Fit Cycle</a> begin to lose weight steadily.</li>
<li>Normal. Average. Everyday. Non-athletic people who changed from a casual basic weight lifting efforts to one that was recommended on a body building fitness competition site (<a href="http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/wotw33.htm">Aussie's routine</a>) begin to lean out.... ok, the muscle thing is working and more muscle burns more calories right? Hope the losing weight part starts up soon.</li>
</ul>
So yeah, I did all those things. I went to hydrostatic body fat testing, I know my basic calories to breathe is 1956. I know my desk job burns 480 calories. That on weight training days with low cardio I only burn about 250 calories and on higher cardio days it's 600+. I did the first two bullets from May to July and gained weight. Yes I understand it could be muscle, but I also knew I needed to step it up so I added the last 3 bullets these last 6 weeks. Guess what, I began to lose, but at a rate that was just shy of 1 lb a week. It feels like I am swimming against the current. Why is it so hard if I am doing so many things right?<br />
<br />
This is where maybe my body still thinks it is an athlete? Should I be eating more? I'm tall. Have an athletic build, save for my soft mid-section. The weight routine is totally working so my muscles obviously remember what they are supposed to do and are responding more quickly that I expected. My bicep definition is there. My back fat is slowly, but surely slimming. I can see my collar bone (vanity points for me) and my quads, which are always somewhat big, have the bulge definition thing going on in the front. So WTF-- pardon my foul abbreviations, but seriously? Like Mama Laughlin said, it shouldn't be this hard! That is where I go back to realizing, maybe I am an average Jane. Maybe it will be this hard F-O-R-E-V-E-R.<br />
<br />
My new half-marathon training program started this week. Since this will be my first training cycle, injury and health issue free since January, I am going slow staring with only 4-days a week running. I am hoping with more running and my genuine effort to be faster (First time in A Group which is sub-10 minute miles since 2006) will help with the burn, but only time will tell. I had planned to drop my 5 day a week weight training regiment to 3 days, but I think I'll keep up the current routine at least until the mileage starts to pick up with training, another 5 weeks. Let's see what these muscles can do? I already attribute the easy sub-10 pace at our mile test to the last few months spent on strength training.<br />
<br />
Now before you go on guessing medical issues. I do not have PCOCS. It is not Hashimotos. My thyroid is perfect. My cortisol, blood pressure, insulin and any other battery of tests you can think of I have taken and passed with flying colors. I am the picture of health. So why can't I be happy with all that? I guess I kind of need that number. I know it is dumb. I want my belly to be flatter, my jeans size to be a 10 in stead of a 12. The scale to read 180 something not 190 something. So on Sunday I'll do another hydrostatic body fat test. The last one was in January and I was 24% body fat. Ideally I'd be all the things I listed and living in the 20-22% range when I am not in peak training and more like 18-20% when I am going at it hard core. I was 18% not too long ago... Like just 2 years ago, so it is hard for me to accept, that 24% is the best I can do when I am working for it. So wish me luck, that even if I didn't lose weight or fat, that maybe, just maybe I have gained a couple new pounds of lean body mass and that some day soon I'll figure this stupid eating thing out.<br />
<br />
I almost think that the whole MyFitnessPal thing is not for me. That maybe if I just ate without thinking about it so much, it would all fall into place. I wasn't fat as a child. I had a 2 true FAT years when I stopped playing Div 1 basketball and was finishing up my degree. But the clear and vast majority of my life I have been fit. When I wasn't, it was pizza and beer so I knew why I wasn't feeling and looking awesome and easily fixed it with a re-connection to an exercise routine. It has not been so easy the last couple of years and I will admit the first year, I didn't try very hard because I didn't think I had too. I was certain it was a health related thing---I am a blamer. But after a year-ish of tests, I started trying, then trying harder and now my current effort and the fact that I am not leaning out quickly is just pissing me off now.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b>The Big Picture:</b> I have a long life ahead of me, if my metabolism has slowed down or my body decided it really likes 190+ and a size 12, I might not be able to do anything about it. If I workout consistently, mostly eat well and can do all the physical things in life I want to, I might just start to focus on the good, instead of this tiny little 10 lb perceived problem just for vanity's sake.</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>Why I Kick A$$: </b>So glad I was active as a child and built the muscular foundation I have now. I am really beginning to have an affinity for lifting weights and rocking my new more defined muscles.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><b>Thankful Three:</b></span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="color: purple;">For a patient husband who puts up with my endless MyFitnessPal iPhone App use.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: purple;">For my body, yes I spend a lot time being frustrated, but I am so lucky to be so able bodied and active.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: purple;">For a forum where I can go MIA forever and just pop right back in and unload my craziness.</span></li>
</ol>
Tortuga_Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129251953175800508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024451607730253658.post-57233187778612693212013-07-23T06:00:00.000-07:002013-07-23T06:00:00.712-07:00Tuesday Tidbit: Tough Mudder Tahoe Summer<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: magenta;">"The world is mud-luscious and puddle-wonderful."</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~E. E. Cummings</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So about 3 months ago I got this text from my 23 year old niece. Her 21-year twin bother and sister were also part of the group text.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUUfuJV5NIBM0W_ynQGzVuPwxPHaZC05QSJYLjdu0PNB_deahyphenhyphenqVprjOKa3iuJwN5HzenFujHhz4StPnUzy2zaZ82AqUoJl4s4pHTA1-I9HtT9YccyoAgQLK0ETC43CgN0OD0MFF0k9o/s1600/Text1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUUfuJV5NIBM0W_ynQGzVuPwxPHaZC05QSJYLjdu0PNB_deahyphenhyphenqVprjOKa3iuJwN5HzenFujHhz4StPnUzy2zaZ82AqUoJl4s4pHTA1-I9HtT9YccyoAgQLK0ETC43CgN0OD0MFF0k9o/s320/Text1.png" width="213" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC33iZfQ20E1qGK6PWEOS09gTfx6JLQJ-o4YVmKpqYqgEArXCjL8X_EwtbxVAODYPLKI0A-3V7_PTwFF2odI3u15pDhuA4zOSR7G06Go6zI3Ec3ms51NLrHZousZZYype2PXoUXyhOBJE/s1600/Text2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC33iZfQ20E1qGK6PWEOS09gTfx6JLQJ-o4YVmKpqYqgEArXCjL8X_EwtbxVAODYPLKI0A-3V7_PTwFF2odI3u15pDhuA4zOSR7G06Go6zI3Ec3ms51NLrHZousZZYype2PXoUXyhOBJE/s320/Text2.png" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original text was followed with this motivational statement</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Super Hubby, happened to be signed up for this run too. Let me just get a few things straight here. 1. Super Hubby does not run 2. Super Hubby does not workout and 3. Super Hubby was indulging a group of about 8 of his friends. I had wanted to do this race last year with my sister-in-law and her BFF, but things didn't workout. Super Hubby was invited to do this and signed up for this event in January. Also in January a group from the gym I was working out at was putting together a team. I opted out for a couple of reasons 1. I didn't want to seem like the copy cat wife that can't let her husband do anything that she can't do and 2. I ended up having a health issue that side-lined me. When I got this text I held off on saying yes for a couple weeks. That health issue was still plaguing me, but confident that if I put positive energy out in the world, I would get positive outcomes, I signed up on May 1st for this July 13th event. On May 2nd I was told I had to have surgery. So much for putting the positive energy out there, plus a hefty registration fee down the drain. FAIL. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
You may be wondering why I wouldn't register for the event with my gym group so I wouldn't be a copy cat, but signed up when my niece asked. The answer is easy, there isn't anything I wouldn't do for family and in this case, what great memories to create! I was <i>invited</i> to hang with my nieces and nephews and got solidify my place as the cool aunty, my sister can be jealous now LOL</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A month's worth of doctors office fiasco's pushed my surgery to June 18th. I went in for a pre-op the week before and wouldn't you know it, no surgery needed. SHIT! I haven't trained at all for Tough Mudder and now I get to do it! Woo Hoo. So I totally worked out right? Uh, nope. I am a self sabotager. Actually, out of frustration I hit the gym in mid-May figuring I'd better get strong so I can heal faster after surgery, not a sufficient amount of cardio, but lots of strength training. I continued this until the week of the race where I of course fell off the wagon. I do this so that if I couldn't finish I could blame it on not working out that week. Makes total sense right?! Uh, no, yes I am a crazy person LOL Without futher delay, I present to you my Tough Mudder Team. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDnHYmliIfKC6r1UltQaVTOcdTVTH3eqGd9dk3N3_j-4_d5QDzkYqGeGVT3Y7ZKErVy6koyKzYtlrFVPHgIsrKdgNSSyZmeaR2RU5XsGkj476c9I2HUjw4P3TYUuBeHXwh1aXA5eojpI/s1600/TeamMudderFucker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDnHYmliIfKC6r1UltQaVTOcdTVTH3eqGd9dk3N3_j-4_d5QDzkYqGeGVT3Y7ZKErVy6koyKzYtlrFVPHgIsrKdgNSSyZmeaR2RU5XsGkj476c9I2HUjw4P3TYUuBeHXwh1aXA5eojpI/s320/TeamMudderFucker.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nephew, Niece, Niece's BFF, Me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLss0TcKu98sZQA-M4pyrYSb2JsYhDy30n1qDLRoDrirUH-T5UCf9AItwyZXk8lJY7YGADAZvLYk2UGY_kxvexZyz4It5dRsyGCT9tpbtGUwkaCZHvEVAOjrSkvFybsHuKRlnEYAvQOx0/s1600/BenKeeka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLss0TcKu98sZQA-M4pyrYSb2JsYhDy30n1qDLRoDrirUH-T5UCf9AItwyZXk8lJY7YGADAZvLYk2UGY_kxvexZyz4It5dRsyGCT9tpbtGUwkaCZHvEVAOjrSkvFybsHuKRlnEYAvQOx0/s320/BenKeeka.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super Hubby and my niece-so super cute!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sure things didn't go as planned from January to now with my weigh loss goals, my health issue, work or training for Tough Mudder, but I am really happy that my mind and body is strong enough to crank out 10.5 miles, <a href="http://toughmudder.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Tahoe-2013-Course-Map-.pdf">19 obstacles</a> and 1800 ft elevation gain starting at 6800 ft above sea level. Yeah, I think that makes me pretty awesome. It was easier than I thought it was gonna be, but that doesn't mean it didn't totally kick my ass. I look like I was in a car wreck or something.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlAWwvxOPnaKYwY0_7fC4OBRiZiVBXMVGfb-W29d91FfQdDA3RA-G_xlVldVXyNouPxOvO8iv0N5fOLtFqcyNpF7tNrPPTZMhbJWUw2vvZ5oKeJ3uaVksor4t5kVmSiOG5yLZ4ohLTNU/s1600/kneesEarly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlAWwvxOPnaKYwY0_7fC4OBRiZiVBXMVGfb-W29d91FfQdDA3RA-G_xlVldVXyNouPxOvO8iv0N5fOLtFqcyNpF7tNrPPTZMhbJWUw2vvZ5oKeJ3uaVksor4t5kVmSiOG5yLZ4ohLTNU/s320/kneesEarly.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An early look at my knees</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNspr0IfflvWNOlGaaYtDV-Czf8YUWiTWhyphenhyphenTJ-LLrN-lMwew0di6QuVCjqJRbv-Un8QcDVmrznS8jS15_oitp1YbRlAaNnvWYVhVN4eXSwDCLWOGQwCIlRToN2RtWSYojmYYViyhUjKUk/s1600/kneesHoursLater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNspr0IfflvWNOlGaaYtDV-Czf8YUWiTWhyphenhyphenTJ-LLrN-lMwew0di6QuVCjqJRbv-Un8QcDVmrznS8jS15_oitp1YbRlAaNnvWYVhVN4eXSwDCLWOGQwCIlRToN2RtWSYojmYYViyhUjKUk/s320/kneesHoursLater.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a few short hours later</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSAlRlA1DyQV4XhigBdCOklVEuHgyyyEbnqmVtBdErmUMQwyQY8d6NPLChYr36lG7-e6hTmRmTiV3FvLhc1oI0tq1tVKYjjS02j7dF8b15xbWqekwerhwFwQAOjit_weoA3JUhSk4-smI/s1600/BensKnee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSAlRlA1DyQV4XhigBdCOklVEuHgyyyEbnqmVtBdErmUMQwyQY8d6NPLChYr36lG7-e6hTmRmTiV3FvLhc1oI0tq1tVKYjjS02j7dF8b15xbWqekwerhwFwQAOjit_weoA3JUhSk4-smI/s320/BensKnee.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ok so I can't complain about bruises when Super Hubby looks like this</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>Why I Kick A$$:</b> I was slow on the uphills, but overall hung pretty well with kids 10+ years younger than I am.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b>The Big Picture: </b>It was a shitty spring time, but as my husband always says, things have a way of working themselves out. Maybe that positive energy May 1st registration the day before I my doctor's appt did it or maybe the 5AM gym workouts to get strong helped my health issue go away so I could do this awesome even with my niece and nephew.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: purple;">Thankful Three</span></b></div>
<ol>
<li><span style="color: purple;">While I didn't do the run with Super Hubby, it is cool that we did the same event the same day and can talk about the obstacles etc. together</span></li>
<li><span style="color: purple;">For having the fitness level to do something with no training</span></li>
<li><span style="color: purple;">For being silly enough to wear the crazy T-shirt. If you know me, you know I am usually too embarrassed to be silly.</span></li>
</ol>
Tortuga_Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129251953175800508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024451607730253658.post-27564391996252059402013-05-10T10:47:00.003-07:002013-05-10T10:51:38.797-07:00Friday Five: Because I couldn't just pick 1<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Good for the body is the work of the body, </b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>good for the soul the work of
the soul, </b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>and good for either the work of the other. </b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">~Henry David
Thoreau</span></span></div>
<br />
I love how so much time lapses between posts. I remember when I tried to post every day or every other, maybe 1x per week or strategically post on Monday's when everyone was plugging back it. The thing is I am lazy, I am the slacker that I claim to be, not always proud of it, but learning to accept it in many regards. Blogging is one of those things I am accepting. Like many of you I think of a new post every day, I flesh it out in my brain, get excited about it, but unlike most of the blogs I follow, I lack the follow through. Whether it be time constraints or the fact that I thought about it so much that I lost the energy to actually want to put the time in to type it up. I'll be maximizing this week's Friday Five by catching you up, as I do on the many things that have been going on since my last post. I'll attempt chronological order, but shit I probably won't be able to do that.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MmBu9IjsEKrZ43Y8R6LNwqE81CUXWRRxCuHFIi191TekIkEMKtHoNG_kI93w_LIeYeByayAV9BfW1SKgQre4TeTKqfNJIAT_I9kcr3Z2YVmaKeuyxOmseDuvbPg0_opR19ZBgSIDdUM/s1600/AMR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MmBu9IjsEKrZ43Y8R6LNwqE81CUXWRRxCuHFIi191TekIkEMKtHoNG_kI93w_LIeYeByayAV9BfW1SKgQre4TeTKqfNJIAT_I9kcr3Z2YVmaKeuyxOmseDuvbPg0_opR19ZBgSIDdUM/s320/AMR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<ol>
<li>So not too long ago, April 24th I went to a House Party! No, not that kind of party, it is concept born in the Another Mother Runner circle where two of my favorite running celebs, writers, bloggers, podcast makers and Runner's World contributing writers get a bunch of Badass Mother Runner's together to have community. Sure, for me that is mostly the Facebook posts they do daily or the emails, but hey, I dig it. <a href="http://anothermotherrunner.com/">AMR</a> did a "House Party" in Sacramento, CA, but it was at the local fleet feet. It was so fun, there was a book reading, great shopping for both AMR stuff and discounted Fleet Feet stuff and lets not forget the food & drinks! I am so not a star struck person, but I couldn't resist getting a photo in. I ended up inviting a friend and my niece and we hit a trendy restaurant first, had dinner and drinks and then went to the event. I ordered a book and T-shirt and what luck, I received them the a week later even though they prepped me that it could take "several weeks." The timing couldn't have been more perfect, I had a shitty week and at the end of it I got my book, the next day my shirt and I got the smile I needed.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIT8Mls7iodgs44y_Y-qmqDQ9HbaIdtI91907weKNdaWJzBQ3xrO-K4JZJW-0LtA-ZNG0-LBbfxi7p1ruCByONNRRU57jAfR2eLKDk7s3uDXcsGCeROQ8kJXpvcIuX_rInEua9fGCjWk/s1600/TLAM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIT8Mls7iodgs44y_Y-qmqDQ9HbaIdtI91907weKNdaWJzBQ3xrO-K4JZJW-0LtA-ZNG0-LBbfxi7p1ruCByONNRRU57jAfR2eLKDk7s3uDXcsGCeROQ8kJXpvcIuX_rInEua9fGCjWk/s320/TLAM.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDj3Wq6-NDjSe5x-llxwBg3t35DEWFATUHA9got28zi5FwYzZyBje0DSr6bAvjhJAf5L7OEzNI4LPPDqs3FGurUMWCmoJU0o86I1VK7VZdmql9xidQ4W4MApv601UxqoagNASVVd6E-E/s1600/Irunthings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDj3Wq6-NDjSe5x-llxwBg3t35DEWFATUHA9got28zi5FwYzZyBje0DSr6bAvjhJAf5L7OEzNI4LPPDqs3FGurUMWCmoJU0o86I1VK7VZdmql9xidQ4W4MApv601UxqoagNASVVd6E-E/s320/Irunthings.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
</li>
<li>I went to my doctor. I am gaining weight. I won't be dramatic and say that I am fat. In reflecting on blog posts, I think I talk about it too much and unnecessarily. I mean really, why does it take gaining weight to realize how good I had it. I remember working hard and getting to my happy weight and fitting in my size 10s with ease. I posted about getting tone, stronger and blah-blah-blah. Then I put on 5 pounds over reacted and went on a stupid 1200 cal diet and did the whole vegetarian, cut out fried food approach, with GUSTO I might add and gained another 5. GAINED! So I gave up for a few months. <b><span style="color: magenta;">Really, the life I want to live is that of exercise, mostly good eating and comfort in my own skin and as a result clothes. </span></b>Is that too much to ask? Anyway, I went to my doctor. He has some hunches, sent me for labs and will see me again on Monday to see if we can't figure out this weight gain, because remember that 5, well in a year and half it has turned into 15 to even 20 at times. I do admit I don't eat great, but I do workout and I do count calories. I have done the endocrinologist thing, registered dietician, caliper testing and hydrostatic body fat testing with BMR/RMR. I put in too much effort to struggle this much. My current doctor prescribed torture (only 3 weeks) is to eat less carbs. No he didn't say do Adkins or South Beach etc. He just asked what I normally ate, opened his eyes wide and picked his jaw up off the floor and said just eat less carbs. He said I am smart girl, track my food, eat less carbs and see me in three weeks for lab results and we'll go from there. HELLO I need more direction than that! So I am blindly, ok not blindly, I have scoured the internet, but basically with no real "plan"--I am eating less carbs. In 10 days have lost 10 pounds. I am not sure it is the less carbs or the fewer calories, but something is working. On the flip side, I have no idea where the 10 lbs. went, I don't look different, my clothes don't fit differently and it feels crazy to work this hard for scale results, but not feel it. P.S. I will never do this low carb long term. I have so much new found respect for those who HAVE to do low carb for their health conditions, this shit is <i>hard</i>! I find support by knowing I am not alone. Tonia over at <a href="http://www.racingwithbabes.com/2013/05/three-things-thursday.html">Racing with Babes</a> seems to be putting herself through the ringer with no positive results. In case it isn't obvious, I'm so not in her category of fitness, she is complete rock star, super committed and tough as nails, but sounds like she is having similar difficulties weight.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSPBdASpS77ZqjhNkCI7BcQojTqgFj0WJwm1ofA5k6xrnIjLCsrCozRtO0Q7z8j4L_iHhxUlZ_WcMH8r4BGNoFCu4ddlbyw7fewh4QlRCVbUEEb7rtuvGtqJ0q7eU2KxN499_htdiMF4/s1600/lowcarb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSPBdASpS77ZqjhNkCI7BcQojTqgFj0WJwm1ofA5k6xrnIjLCsrCozRtO0Q7z8j4L_iHhxUlZ_WcMH8r4BGNoFCu4ddlbyw7fewh4QlRCVbUEEb7rtuvGtqJ0q7eU2KxN499_htdiMF4/s320/lowcarb.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super Hubby makes the best low carb dinners, lettuce wraps</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
<li>I registered for Tough Mudder Tahoe Summer. My niece and nephew roped me in and I couldn't turn down an opportunity to bond, especially with fun physical fitness with my 23 and 21 years niece and nephew. I am just hoping to survive it. <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dwO5bBQW62g" width="560"></iframe></li>
<li>The day after I signed up for <a href="http://toughmudder.com/">Tough Mudder</a> I found out I have to have surgery. Grrrr. I kinda new a surgery might be in my future, but it had been 3 months of monitoring my issue, I thought I would just be in perpetual monitoring mode. Um, not so much. It is fairly minor and if things go as planned it will be outpatient with only 2 weeks recovery. Since Tough Mudder is really a survival event, I don't need to worry about being fast, just being tough enough. Surgery sucks BTW. No it's not scheduled yet, but I am chomping at the bit to get it over with so I have enough time to recover for the summer event.</li>
<li>Finally, you have suffered through the first 4 you can hang in there for the last one. It is my Mother's Day. Mexican Mother's day is May 10th every year. Each year it is better and better. I got cards from Super Hubby including a written reminder that <i>I, </i>if you can believe it, <i>I</i> am the most beautiful woman he see's every day. He tells me every day I am beautiful and he knows I struggle with my current size 12 body image and am constantly striving for size 10. He tells me everyday, not kidding <i>every-single-day</i> that I am beautiful & sexy. I am an extremely lucky girl. He also paid attention last week when I said I needed a fake plant to round out the decor in my office and got me the perfect one. My kids both drew pictures of me in the cards they gave me, gave me flowers, even daisies covered in spray glitter from my Bug. This morning I spent the day at Duder's school for Muffins with Mom. He didn't even noticed I passed on the muffins, he was just so excited I was there and could meet his BFFs mom so we could schedule summer playdates LOL Priorities. This afternoon, I will have a treat with my daughter at her school where I'll get pampered at a spa day. May I remind you that the Bug is 3 and pampered means, I will have crazy hair, purple eye shadow and 4 different kinds of polish on my finger nails. I know, sounds completely dreamy!! Here is how my daughter, who will ONLY wear dresses plays: by climbing the back stop at my son's T-ball game. The other picture is what happens when you leave your swim gear in the back seat, my crazy little Duder. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQAHAtYEMakPmxpX2R7d1vWZS5Jw4tEwL996e5VvsD6YlRSPPRa8cA2nDO0OZpLBJf6S5f2c45PE5i1y_XItRBRzBCO1F7uWh9TqSMETmGujvMF3bJOTzrnhAt3nS0lq4RIUm8Jr2Bgw/s1600/climber.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQAHAtYEMakPmxpX2R7d1vWZS5Jw4tEwL996e5VvsD6YlRSPPRa8cA2nDO0OZpLBJf6S5f2c45PE5i1y_XItRBRzBCO1F7uWh9TqSMETmGujvMF3bJOTzrnhAt3nS0lq4RIUm8Jr2Bgw/s320/climber.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfdP4gyr0Xx8m_oNmKEPGZnfXiTuwbxzH8wlmdc20GNwrtctQjZRY4NGadjgF0LHmm-HAWGsawdfX0ccH55qVKDX9kh9-32QXUUoNB-ObuYet9XxKJub-b8Id7T77OVS3LqPrFevvtxk/s1600/goggles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfdP4gyr0Xx8m_oNmKEPGZnfXiTuwbxzH8wlmdc20GNwrtctQjZRY4NGadjgF0LHmm-HAWGsawdfX0ccH55qVKDX9kh9-32QXUUoNB-ObuYet9XxKJub-b8Id7T77OVS3LqPrFevvtxk/s320/goggles.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
</li>
</ol>
<span style="color: red;"><b>Why I Kick A$$:</b> I am a mom!</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b>The Big Picture:</b> It's a 12. It is not the end of the world. We'll see what the dr. says Monday and once this surgery stuff is out of the way, I am seriously putting the MyFitnessPal away, hiding the scale and gonna try and live a body conscience free month. We'll start there. I'll go on perceived fitness, satiety for food and fit for clothes and just see if I can't do this with a less obsessive approach. Just an idea. We'll see after all these doctor appts are out of the way.</span><br />
<b><span style="color: purple;">Thankful Three:</span></b><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="color: purple;">Super Hubby</span></li>
<li><span style="color: purple;">Duder</span></li>
<li><span style="color: purple;">Bug</span></li>
</ol>
Tortuga_Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129251953175800508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024451607730253658.post-19814423154562736062013-04-21T15:43:00.001-07:002013-04-21T15:43:16.529-07:00Sunday Summary: Catching up to me<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Make the most of yourself, </span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">for that is all there is of you. </span></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">~Ralph Waldo Emerson</span></div>
<br />
Yesterday was a great example of how bad things lead to good things and cycling back over and over. I didn't get mad about the lame things and was really greatful for the good things. It is a step in the right direction of where I want to ended up. Someday when I grow up, I want to be able to decide I am happy, in control of my actions and responses and be. Be happy, Be confident, Be a mom, Be a friend, Be wife, Be a boss etc. and feel totally like it is my decision.<br />
<br />
Yesterday:<br /><b>Perceived Bad:</b> Woke up early because Super Hubby went golfing at like 6am so Krazy Kids woke up at 6 am too, so no sleeping in on my "sleep in Saturday"<br />
<b>Good: </b>Up early enough to get everyone breakfast and ready for the gym with Kids Club hours before T-ball pictures<br />
<b>Perceived Bad:</b> I locked my keys in the car Friday night & didn't realize it until we were heading out the door<br />
<b>Good: </b>My inlaws only live a mile a way and have 2 cars, 1 of which is outfitted with 2 cars seats for my Krazy Kids, they didn't need both cars so my MIL hooked it up!<br />
<b>Perceived Bad: </b>I left my regular swim bag in my car, didn't have a locker lock, swim goggles or anything like that.<br />
<b>Good: </b>I had $20 in my wallet, bought new goggles, left my bag pool side, swam 1000 yards, the most in one session I have done this year so far and no one stole my stuff and we made it to t-ball on time<br />
<br />
The day continued this way, each of the Perceived Bad could have cause me to have a personal, poor -me-temper-tantrum-meltdown, but it didn't. I find that I am a stronger me when Super Hubby is away, even for a few hours because I know I have no one else to rely on in those moments. I could look at that as bad, or that I am a bad person for being weak and childish when Super Hubby is there to pick up the slack, but instead I see it as a positive. I love, trust and know that I picked an amazing man who allows me to <i>rest</i> when he is around, I don't have to be Ms. Tough Stuff every second of every day and that is such a <b>gift</b>. Today I was supposed to volunteer during my kids religious school. The first 45 mins are parent-kid time and they suggested that this one time, parents didn't have to stay for parent kid time so they could volunteer to help at a baking workshop. I wasn't comfortable leaving my 3-yr old for that 45 min, even though there were plenty of amazing moms who would have taken her under their wing for that 45 min. My wise, confident, decisive Super Hubby pointed out that I am the mom. I don't need to feel pressured by the recommendation, I should do what I felt comfortable doing. WOW! Really? Just like that, <u>DECIDE</u>, no I am staying for the 45 min parent-kid session and will just <i>volunteer</i> my time after? So amazing, how do people do that? LOL I am so decisive at work, at home, being myself-- well that is something I am still learning how to do.<br />
<br />
I might have some news on my next <b>BIG</b> event in my next post. I haven't officially registered so I don't want to get ahead of myself, but I can tell you it has me excited. Excited to train. Excited to get stronger. Excited to <i>want </i>to workout. I have been fleshing out my regular routine workout plans, but once I register for this event, the plans will have to become more aggressive than just walking a mile during my breaks or hitting Bikram every now and then or swimming an easy 1000 yards. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b>The Big Picture:</b> The scale isn't moving, but I did get a compliment that I am having better posture, in the form of "You are standing so tall and look really strong." I'll take it!</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>Why I Kick A$$: </b>Slowly but surely, increasing my swim endurance from 500 yards to 1000 yards. Hoping May will be my 1500 yard month. Since I am only swimming 1-2 times a week, I can't accelerate too quickly.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><b>Thankful Three:</b></span><br />
<ol>
<li>For a desire to be fit again, I rally think the sun has a whole lot to do with this increased motivation.</li>
<li>For family, specifically hang out time with my cousin. I really feel like myself when we're together.</li>
<li>For wanting to blog this weekend.</li>
</ol>
Tortuga_Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129251953175800508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024451607730253658.post-70413518461632652852013-03-26T22:42:00.000-07:002013-03-26T22:42:03.293-07:00Tuesday Tidbit: I am still here<div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;"><b>When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, </b></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;"><b>don't adjust the goals, </b></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;"><b>adjust the action steps.</b></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">
~Confucius</div>
<br />
So it's been a while, here's a little update, my health situation is still unresolved. After a month of monitoring and restricted physical activity my doctor released me to resume normal activity while we monitor for another month. Lame to still be in waiting, but the upside is the working out again, I was on such a roll in January, I wish he would have left the exercise in the whole time. Although I got cleared to work out again on on February 28th it has been kind of a slow pick up. I ran/walked an 11 mile training run a few days after being leased only to be so super sore the following few days that I skipped my 12 miler the next weekend. I completed my half marathon on 3/17. I ran mostly until mile 10 when for the first time ever I got severe foot and calf cramps. I actually wasn't sure I'd finish! I think it stemmed from having had a stomach bug earlier in the week and not properly re-hydrating. The most important thing is hobbling or not I finished.<br />
<br />
Since the half marathon my husband has totally stepped up to help encourage me forward. I have worked out more consistently this past week and a half and I am also incorporating more strength training and am hoping in a few weeks I start to feel stronger again. In the last week I have jumped on my bike and swam for the first time since last summer! I am really excited again and hope that my next doctor appt. next week is good news, I obviously do not take derailment well. I'm aiming for a minimum of 1 blog post a month, I'd love to say I'd do it daily or weekly, but seriously not in the cards these days, but I do enjoy posting when I give myself the opportunity.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">Why I Kick A$$: I am back at it.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b>The Big Picture: </b>Oh who the hell knows, I am not sure I am playing this fitness game the right way, but I guess it can't hurt to keep at it.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><b>Thankful Three:</b></span><br />
<ol>
<li>For Super Hubby's support.</li>
<li>For push-ups, they are my friend.</li>
<li>For flourless chocolate cake.</li>
</ol>
Tortuga_Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129251953175800508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024451607730253658.post-54960404272692117262013-02-11T06:00:00.000-08:002013-02-11T06:00:15.381-08:00Monday Motivation: Walking<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;"><b><span class="huge bqQuoteLink">All truly great thoughts </span></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;"><b><span class="huge bqQuoteLink">are conceived by walking.</span></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="huge bqQuoteLink">Friedrick Nietzsche </span></div>
<br />
So the last time I posted I was in the best mood and had gone on a trail run, uh hike, jog...whatever, then I registered for a local training group prepping for a half marathon in March and feeling on top of the world. I ran my first long run with them on Sunday January 27th. Mind you have I haven't <b><i>run</i></b> more than 1-2 miles since I can remember and I showed up and ran 5.35 non-stop in 1:02. This was good for me and especially my first time out after a long hiatus. That night I felt a tiny pain. The pain grew and grew and I decided to try and sleep it off. Monday morning, uh pain this there, doctor's office called and long story short I am sidelined at least until February 28th. I'll spare you the details of my health issues, it is not serious, but I am limited to walking for the remainder of the month until I go back in for a follow up. My hubby even asked the doctor for me if I could maintain my weight training and swim or something that is low impact and he said, absolutely not, I can't even do yoga!<br />
<br />
So here I am post temporary sideline diagnosis and I am going back and forth with having mini pity parties for myself while junk food binging and then feeling awesome and eating within my calorie target trying to maintain my current accomplishments. It is such an emotional thing for me. I had really been doing so well with my weight training and I was really ready to add in cardio more consistently. Most of the pain has either shifted into dull constant annoyance with a few stretches of no pain at all. I am feeling more on the up and up, but the restrictions suck.<br />
<br />
Today I did another long walk with my training group, yup, I didn't give up. I went from B group that runs 10-12 minute miles to D group that walks. I covered the same ground as my last run, 5.36 miles, but this time is took me 1:14 and I burned about half as many calories. Also, walking is tough, really super duper tough and uses all kind of funny muscles. Like I almost have a shin splint thing happening on my left shin. Ugh, I know some movement is better than no movement and really it isn't about the calories burned, it is about being fit, but still, I am vain, I want on some level to be thin, but apparently haven't quite committed enough to ditch the sweet tooth lol All in good time and in good balance. Perhaps this sideline is a blessing in disguise.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>Why I Kick A$$:</b> While I may not be feeling very successful on the health and fitness front, I have definitely been doing well at work.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b>The Big Picture:</b> February 28th is around the corner, I am already feeling better and walking is keeping my legs used to pounding the pavement. This whole thing is just blip on the radar a very small set back if it can even be called that.</span><br />
<b><span style="color: purple;">Thankful Three:</span></b><br />
<ol>
<li>For new opportunities.</li>
<li>For lessons in needing to take care of myself.</li>
<li>For a light weekend, much needed down time. </li>
</ol>
Tortuga_Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129251953175800508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024451607730253658.post-74408302979922387292013-01-22T06:00:00.000-08:002013-01-22T06:00:07.769-08:00Tuesday Tidbit: This post is more than a tidbit<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="huge bqQuoteLink">Instead of comparing our lot with that of those </span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="huge bqQuoteLink">who are more fortunate than we are, </span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="huge bqQuoteLink">we should compare it with the lot </span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="huge bqQuoteLink">of the great majority of our fellow men. </span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="huge bqQuoteLink">It then appears that we are among </span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="huge bqQuoteLink">the privileged.</span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="huge bqQuoteLink">~Hellen Keller</span></div>
<br />
I have had a pretty amazing weekend. It all started Thursday night when Super Hubby and I went to the Trampled by Turtles concert at the Fillmore in SF. We really love this bluegrass band and try to see them every time they are in California. The concert is one in a series of dates we have had over the last three months. Trying to make our couples time more date like has been fun. We have done mini golf, movies, bowling and now a concert. Oh to be young again. We still keep our usual dinners and lunches out together, but the activity based stuff is really fun!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Zkfzd2cAOuwIMB7a2Yu3nu1Gq8THg8rTUT7LFrjoUNsnFuN1PP4Rmaz5q13L3GPHwTaPqSiy2yBbqDU8SgjCSFA-NDejQhtes9hTtXiTjG9-tDsPd7rtRm7A0Ie_n-gKtWhWUHsCtG0/s1600/Concert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Zkfzd2cAOuwIMB7a2Yu3nu1Gq8THg8rTUT7LFrjoUNsnFuN1PP4Rmaz5q13L3GPHwTaPqSiy2yBbqDU8SgjCSFA-NDejQhtes9hTtXiTjG9-tDsPd7rtRm7A0Ie_n-gKtWhWUHsCtG0/s320/Concert.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Friday Super Hubs had to work while I had the day off. I had a few plans move around, but I basically landed on getting Duder a big boy full size bed, having breakfast with a very cool friend, lunch with the Hubs before he set out for his weekend fishing trip then the kids and I had dinner with his extended family including the New Jersey contingent who is visiting this week. It was a full Friday, but full of love, friendship, fun and gratitude. The Bug was less than thrilled with her new toddler sized bed and had more fun hanging with her Big Bro in his bed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_0O1SAxSQBf00Tp0HaW_DPwNC2Mq7NIv0GUsUUVJ8G1Ci7lBiU_oUQGlTd08o8XxuKoPun8IRHAnGqZ-RhDYC2pQ3oHjNYiFM2fl9ZmcZPps95xqC3XqN5FzHa00wAxXetXgo7sOXQY/s1600/BigBoyBed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_0O1SAxSQBf00Tp0HaW_DPwNC2Mq7NIv0GUsUUVJ8G1Ci7lBiU_oUQGlTd08o8XxuKoPun8IRHAnGqZ-RhDYC2pQ3oHjNYiFM2fl9ZmcZPps95xqC3XqN5FzHa00wAxXetXgo7sOXQY/s320/BigBoyBed.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
You thought Friday was full didn't you, well Saturday we knocked out soccer pictures, a couple hours with the New Jersey crowd, a soccer game where my Duder scored a goal from across the field, a birthday party at the science museum and dinner out with my BFF. Did I mention Duder scored a goal? So he is playing defense and goes to kick the ball to clear it and it is one hell of a kick and the ball rolls into the goal on the other side of the court. It is indoor soccer played on basketball courts at the local high school. He almost did it a second time, but the other team got to it.<br />
<br />
Sunday, oh this was a major recovery day. We reluctantly got out of bed and met some friends at the gym for a workout date, stopped at Trader Joe's made a quick lunch and started some epic naps. The Bug and I slept about 2.5 hours and Duder went down for 45 minutes and after a mean look for waking me up, he laid down in my bed and promptly went back to sleep. He ended up sleeping an additional 3 hour nap. He obviously needed it.<br />
<br />
I am one lucky girl, I got to go trail running. I really can't tell you how wonderfully excited I was about it. It is with a couple girls I ran with a couple years ago. One of them kept running and is now an ultra trail runner, the other finished her marathon and took time off and I am obviously getting back into it again. I was a little nervous to be using a non-family babysitter for the first time, but my gal pal swears by her and for good reason, she was great! Did I mention I got a new headband? Yup, it is pretty and was almost free. Free in that I really didn't spend money on it, but I did spend enough money at the shoe store to earn points to "buy" it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5j2qeOlatHSvMGT-bQjt7JIsHO-H-ZxQETj8QNujWS8o9OlDtnlq6S9zslksWpM5tA8i7Z0fS2ukilwc18Wvi51PyRn0qO_YY2OTI1MpSjpbiWJgB1sf3OqtO-o3s8dpa6NKizNlwJk/s1600/newheadband.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5j2qeOlatHSvMGT-bQjt7JIsHO-H-ZxQETj8QNujWS8o9OlDtnlq6S9zslksWpM5tA8i7Z0fS2ukilwc18Wvi51PyRn0qO_YY2OTI1MpSjpbiWJgB1sf3OqtO-o3s8dpa6NKizNlwJk/s320/newheadband.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="color: red;"><b>Why I Kick A$$: </b>While I may not get to spend frequent time with my friends, I have an amazing group of women I am proud to have in my life. When I judge myself or compare myself to others, these friends really add the perspective I need to ease my worry wort self.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW58540Ydo6XamD6UObMGaaUYp0EWRmTMjmxukf7wg6V6JcGo8PNZRqu1-CyTM-nUDScXOWMJv4tYyoPfgD9kn4XgMWv8A4MshiLD8DN46ZO-eo8lMajWqAG4Wzs9lipSDlslRdWqBm28/s1600/comparing.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW58540Ydo6XamD6UObMGaaUYp0EWRmTMjmxukf7wg6V6JcGo8PNZRqu1-CyTM-nUDScXOWMJv4tYyoPfgD9kn4XgMWv8A4MshiLD8DN46ZO-eo8lMajWqAG4Wzs9lipSDlslRdWqBm28/s320/comparing.png" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><b>Thankful Three:</b></span><br />
<ol>
<li>For being busy with family and friends when Super Hubby is away, makes the absence more palatable.</li>
<li>For friends and family who share experience so I can learn from them, awesome-awesome people.</li>
<li>For fitness, I am not the skinniest, fittest person ever, but damn it, I have been much happier and more balanced having fitness back in my life.</li>
</ol>
Tortuga_Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129251953175800508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024451607730253658.post-65693931917964504132013-01-14T06:00:00.000-08:002013-01-14T06:00:11.615-08:00Monday Motivation: Getting Dunked<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: magenta;">I keep trying to lose weight... </span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: magenta;">but it keeps finding me! </span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">~Author Unknown</span></span></span></div>
<br />
So last Saturday I had a great post planned where I would share with you the results of my hydrostatic body fat testing. A local crossfit had a mobile unit coming out and a good friend of my mine signed us up, I was looking forward to the 01-05-13 date for a couple weeks. We went and the parking lot was empty. My first thought was we were at the wrong place, her first thought, we were scammed LOL Actually, a pipe had burst late the night before and we didn't get notification. Our make up session was Friday 01-11-13 and I couldn't be more elated with the results.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b>The Beginning </b></span><br />
In fall/winter of 2011 I started to gain a few pounds... like 5. Not a big deal. I probably over reacted and started watching what I ate along with picking up my running again. Suddenly my 5 was 10 and I couldn't get the scale to budge! Next steps: primary care, off the 1 medication I was taking, then referral to an endocrinologist in May 2012 and nothing. Blood work, fine. My eating, was healthy including a 6 week stint of mostly plant based diet and zero fried foods. I was eating 1200 calories and exercising. When that didn't work, I gave up, ate what I wanted and initially lost a few pounds so I started watching what I ate again and gained another 5lbs. Dang it! So I stopped exercising and didn't watch what I ate.<br />
<br /><b><span style="color: blue;">The Middle </span></b><br />
I went to an RD in the late summer time and she informed me that I was way under eating and used a simple method of my body weight divided by 2.2 to find my weight in kilos and multiplied that by 20 to find my target calories for weightloss. I was also informed that it was unnecessary, unless training super hard, to replace my calories for regular workouts. I could just structure my meals so that I ate near enough my workouts or had snacks around then to stave off hunger. It worked for a few weeks, I lost 3 pounds and my goal conservatively was about 1 lb. a week. Then the weight started to come back on and I was too frustrated to play. So we are approaching the 1-year mark and I decided to workout again. I am going on almost a month of working out and eating 1700 calories. The first few days I lost 1-3 lbs. and then I was back up another 5 or more. I even got to a point where I worked out 12 out of 15 consecutive days. I have been doing lots of strength training and have been doing more and more cardio over the last two weeks. In a year I have put on 15 pounds!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b>The Present </b></span><br />
Am I losing weight? No. Does weight loss take longer than a month? Yes. I get it, but I feel hungry all the time, am watching what I eat and exercising, I should be seeing <i>something</i>. So fast forward to Friday. My body fat testing didn't yield shocking results. I had had quality caliper testing done in the late summer-fall and the results are fairly close. I am 24.3% fat. I need to lose 5.8 lbs to lower that percentage to 22% and any muscle gain changes the results dramatically. The ultimate goal is 20% or less. What was shocking news was to have my fat and lean body mass factored in to my RMR. When I run my RMR online based on height, weight, age and activity level it is usually in the high 1500's almost 1600. So I was worried a little with 1700 being higher than that, but the RD knows better than a computer generated generic number. With more information, comes a stronger answer. My new, old, whatever, my current RMR result is 1958 calories. Yes, to lay in bed all day and breathe is 1958. If I roll out of bed and walk to the bathroom, I am already creating a calorie deficit! Should I be replacing my workout calories? YES! So at 1700 calories I was already 258 under plus whatever I burned walking around doing my regular routine, let alone exercising. My body for a year has been in a perpetual state of starvation.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b>The Reason Why and What's Next</b></span><br />
So why did this all happen late fall 2011? I stopped running. I took time off gained weight and when I went back to it, over compensated by restricting my calories. I can run and pretty much eat whatever I want. All I had to do was one or the other, but both was too much on my body, apparently. So I will be slowly upping my caloric intake 2-3 days at a time so my body doesn't hold on to everything thinking I will go back into a period of starvation. I am at 1800 and am eating more of my workout calories. On Wednesday I'll go to 1850, next Sunday 1900 and by 01-23-13 I'll be at 1958 and hopefully be consuming closer to all my workout calories. I know it'll take time for my body to adjust so I am hoping by the end of February I start to see a reduction. Once I stabilize, I'll start a normal weigh loss program, <i>if necessary.</i> You know, the 500 calorie a day deficit blah, blah, blah.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>Why I Kick A$$:</b> Because after only 2 days of upping my calories the scale ballooned 5lbs and it <u>didn't bother me</u>. I'll keep weighing in because at some point the numbers will be validating again, I just have to be patient in the mean time.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: purple;">Thankful Three:</span></b><br />
<ol>
<li>For date night with my girlfriend</li>
<li>For date night with Super Hubby</li>
<li>For a wonderful dinner</li>
</ol>
Tortuga_Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129251953175800508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024451607730253658.post-32407379919795601632013-01-01T15:01:00.001-08:002013-01-01T15:02:30.087-08:00Tuesday Tidbit: Super Original<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="vk_ans vk_dgy">res·o·lu·tion</span> </span></span></h3>
<div class="vk_sh" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">/ˌrezəˈlo͞oSHən/<span class="speaker-icon-listen-off" data-s="resolution.mp3" id="speaker_icon" style="margin-bottom: 1px; margin-left: 6px; margin: 0;"></span></span></div>
<table class="vk_txt ts" style="margin-top: 20px;"><tbody>
<tr><td><div class="vk_gy vk_sh">
<span style="color: blue;">Noun</span></div>
<div>
<table class="ts"><tbody>
<tr><td style="padding: 0;"><ol style="padding-left: 19px;">
<li class="vk_txt" style="list-style-type: decimal;"><span style="color: blue;">A firm decision to do or not to do something.</span></li>
<li class="vk_txt" style="list-style-type: decimal;"><span style="color: blue;">A
formal expression of opinion or intention agreed on by a legislative
body, committee, or other formal meeting, typically after taking...</span></li>
</ol>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="height: 10px;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td style="padding-right: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><div class="vk_sh vk_gy">
<span style="color: blue;">Synonyms</span></div>
<div>
<table class="ts"><tbody>
<tr><td><span style="color: blue;">decision - determination - resolve - solution</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Ok, so not exactly super original, yes I'll be talking about resolutions like most people in blogland. LOL ok, maybe not as I have already read some posts about how some prefer not to call them resolutions. I have heard To-Do-List, Goals, Challenges whatever, January 1 starts a new year and a natural jumping off point for things to do, change, accomplish etc. This is a concept that super hubby does not engage in, there is not planning ahead, if he wants to do things, he'll start the moment he decides he wants to do something and only tackles things he plans to truly complete. I wish I had his resolve to only spend energy on things I'll actually do and his sense of freedom from the rest of the worlds schedule. So here is our families' New Year's Whatever List:<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: purple;">The Bug: </span></b>She wants to have a snowflake garden this year<br />
<b><span style="color: orange;">Duder:</span></b> He wants to go to the snow and learn how to make a snowman<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b>Super Hubby: </b></span>For a guy who doesn't set goals, he is planning to do a pretty cool activity this year, Tough Mudder! Yup, my husband who hates running and thought the Merrill Down and Dirty 5K was kinda challenging has just decided he'd do tough mudder with his buddies. He'll finish, have fun and likely do it all without doing a shred of training. I plan to beg and plead until race day for him to work out with me and run with me in preparation for his event, but really, just so we can hang out doing something I like to do.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><b>Me:</b></span> Geez where do I start? I have lofty ideas, hence the "Ambitious" part of my blog title. I am working on reigning it in. I am also a slacker so even if I have a narrowed list of things, I have a difficult time following through timely on my goals. I start strong and sputter, until I have only a vague memory of what I even started out to do. So with all this in mind, here is my list, my living list of things I'd like to focus on this year.<br />
<ol>
<li>Save more money, Super Hubby is going to find a good mutual for me.</li>
<li>Take my family to Disneyland, shooting for this summer.</li>
<li>Get leaner, I was going to say fit, I was going to say skinny, but I am already fit and I will never be "skinny." Generally leaner would mean losing about 10-15 lbs of fat, but we'll see how this goal changes after I get my Hydrostatic Body Fat testing and RMR results Saturday. I like how I look and feel in a 10 so that is the tangible goal right now because "weight" and the F*&^ing scale are not really anything I am happy about. The fluctuations are not making sense to me, but I feel good so I am just trying to focus on that.</li>
<li>Run. I ran last year, but let my frustrations with my weight struggles derail me in late spring and never picked myself back up. On the schedule, a 10K in January, a half marathon in March and I am still looking for something for other months in the year. I would like running 2-3 days a week to become more routine for me without losing my strength training.</li>
<li>Do things that help me be a happier person, things that are about me. Selfish, selfish me totally guilt free. Blog. Read. Spend time with friends, etc. I need to <i>schedule </i>me time. I find myself being jealous of the folks who have scheduled events like book clubs or bunco or take long weekend trips like my hubby takes with his fishing buddy etc. I just need to decide what would make me happy, throw it on the calendar and commit to it.</li>
</ol>
So not a ton of earth shatteringly fantastic ideas here, but I think these 5 things are manageable. How will I track? Eh, I don't want the tracking to be super serious, but I have been using MyFitnessPal for food and exercise tracking. I have tried dailymile in previous years, but I could hardly remember to log my miles. I will post my "ME" activities on the calendar and I will count races as me time. I am trying to pace myself here and not over commit only to beat myself up later for failing.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>Why I Kick A$$:</b> I started my list already....just gotta keep going.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><b>Thankful Three:</b></span><br />
<ol>
<li>For tamales, have I posted this before?</li>
<li>For cupcakes, damn it... this is not helping my cause.</li>
<li>For having things to look forward to.</li>
</ol>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Tortuga_Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129251953175800508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024451607730253658.post-81380512383962060612012-12-27T06:00:00.000-08:002012-12-27T06:00:09.259-08:00Thoughtful Thursday: Sitting Around<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: magenta;"><span class="grand">Life is to be lived. If you have to support
yourself, </span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: magenta;"><span class="grand">you had bloody well better find some way </span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: magenta;"><span class="grand">that is going to be
interesting. </span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: magenta;"><span class="grand">And you don't do that </span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: magenta;"><span class="grand">by sitting around. </span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="grand"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: black;">~Katharine Hepburn </span></span></span></span></div>
<span class="grand"><span style="color: #0000ee;"></span><br /></span>
<br />
It is no secret I have a desk job, but some how my brain has taken a while to totally process this hazardous fact of life. I have worked for the same agency for basically the same office for 8 years. The first 6 have been at desks with ergo chairs and ergo desks. I had access to foot rests, wrist rests, mouse pads with wrist support and risers for my monitors (I am pretty tall). Even with all of this I have had neck and shoulder problems from staring at a monitor for a good portion of my day. My current desk is not ergo and does not accomodate monitor risers. I still have a foot rest, wrist supports and an ergo chair. I have used a couple box type in-boxes to raise my monitors a couple extra inches. I only got wise to that after I needed months of chiropractic rehab for my neck and shoulders. Whine, whine, wah, wah, wah. So what I am really here to complain about, er, uh, talk about it how sitting is quite literally killing me.<br />
<br />
People with desk jobs have a higher risk for:<br />
<ul>
<li>shorter life expectancy</li>
<li>cardiovascular disease</li>
<li>metabolic disorders</li>
<li>pain related to poor posture</li>
<li>obesity</li>
<li>diabetes</li>
<li>repetitive stress</li>
</ul>
What completely sucks about this is that even if I did an hour of yoga, ran in the morning before work and after work, nothing makes up for being sedentary for 8 hours a day. I have read lots of <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/06/22/desk.job.bad.health/index.html">articles </a>and basically they suggested getting up every 20 minutes to walk for 10-15 minutes. LOL I am not sure what kind of job allows for 10-15 minute breaks every 20 minutes, but mine sure doesn't. I try to walk over to my staff to talk to them when I can vs. the interoffice messaging system, email or phone. Realistically though, I don't have time to walk over to say something I can do by phone. Multitask. Multitask. Multitask.<br />
<br />
So the longevity of my grandparents and family before them, all people who spent most of their day on their feet doing some sort of manual labor is not to be for me. My parents currently spend their days on their feet, laboring away. I am not raising a white flag or anything, but geez, it seems like I have pretty hazardous job, no? So while I have managed to over come my shoulder and neck issues, I can't seem to shake the hip flexor fall out. They are tight. I get hammy and IT band problems when I run and it is not overuse or too fast too soon. I truly believe it's being in a darn seated pose for nearly 8 hours a day. So I am trying to work in a plan to help reduce some of the loss in flexibility and tension in my pelvis.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yuvfHTaftLQ" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
A lunge with the knee on the ground, hip thrust forward is a great way to open them up. I have another 5-6 stretches that are supposed to be helpful, some I can even do while sitting in my chair at work if you can believe it LOL What I would like to do is incorporate sun salutations into my daily waking routine. I can even do them at break in my office on days I am not wearing a skirt. I forget, that I have my own private office and can pretty much do these stretches daily without interruption on my breaks.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">Do you have a desk job? How do you combat this sedentary disease called a desk job?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>Why I Kick A$$:</b> Because I was smart enough to earn a desk job, thanks mom and dad for the hard labor to get me here.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: purple;">Thankful Three:</span></b></div>
<ol>
<li>For feeling like doing something again</li>
<li>For friends who sign me up for hydrostatic testing</li>
<li>For Super Hubby who is supportive through my fitness, health and wellness ups and downs.</li>
</ol>
Tortuga_Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129251953175800508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024451607730253658.post-38693788126398236302012-12-25T15:50:00.002-08:002012-12-25T20:23:57.383-08:00Tuesday Tidbit: Clue: This post is not about Christmas<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;"><b>I do want to get rich, </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;"><b>but I never want to do </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;"><b>what there is to do to get rich.</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Gertrude Stein</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My scattered brain hardly knows where to start. I have so much to say and most times, the time it takes me to organize my thoughts discourages me from even typing up a post. Do you ever feel like that? Yeah, happens to me ALL.THE.TIME. That or I get bummed out by not posting more pictures. Truth is I am not a quick writer, these posts take me forever and pictures tack on just that much more time.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I spent some time listening to Gertrude Stein reading some of her own poetry, a great little poetry site called <a href="http://poetryfoundation.org/">PoetryFoundation.org</a><span id="goog_1589445627"></span><span id="goog_1589445628"></span>. It made me get all lofty thought and dreamy about how I'd like to live. Not because of what she was reading, but because of the kind of life she lead, it was very much her own. I can sometimes feel like I am on a hampster wheel called life. Wake up tired, go to work, come home tired, eat, repeat. I hate when I get into those ruts and I am obviously in one right now. So here is what my dream life looks like.... my husband calls it retirement.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A country house on a few acres. By country, I think more woods than plains. River and trails near by for me to hike, run and hubby to fish. The acreage is for the kids and dogs to have ample safe places to play. Near enough to a town big enough to have a social connection, but not invite too much traffic. I want to wake up lazily, eat, read, exercise, nap, write, eat and sleep. There must be a fire place. What do I want to write? I envision myself blogging more about what, who knows? I want to write short stories, light poetry and opinion columns about work, life and parenting. Notice how there is not <i>job</i> mentioned in this fantasy LOL I want all of these things, but it requires work and I don't really feel like it LOL The same can be said for my fitness goals, can I just have what I want without working for it.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So since this isn't going to happen any time soon, here is what is really happening in my life. I have three books I am reading ...or at least have cracked, but not finished:</div>
<ul>
<li>Let's Pretend This Never Happened, J. Lawson</li>
<li>Gone Girl, G. Flynn</li>
<li>The Right Questions, D. Ford (compliments of my friend and the existential phase she is going through)</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b>Fit, Fat, Fabulous, Faker??? All of the above:</b></span></div>
<ul>
<li>I have some weight to lose. I would like to say 15 lbs, but it could be more it could be less.</li>
<li>I want to fit into my 10's or at least be able to sit without my belly rolling into multiple rolls</li>
<li>I want to ditch the funky aches and pains that come with too much weight on my bones</li>
<li>A funny term I hadn't heard in awhile came up and sadly I totally fit this category right now, "Caterpillar" it is when you have so many rolls, like the bra roll, the muffin top and saddle bags etc. that you look like a caterpilliar.</li>
<li>I signed up for a half marathon in March, so need some miles on these legs.</li>
<li>A couple weeks ago I slowed down my fast food in take, didn't quit all together, but it's a start</li>
<li>I started drinking more water and up'ing my fiber intake</li>
<li>I started taking my fitness classes again and seeing my trainer</li>
<li>I am coaching jr. high girls basketball. This is where I feel like a fake, we should totally be undefeated, but we are 2-4 I think. Ugh!</li>
</ul>
Right now the goal is just to get comfortable with putting forth an effort. After spending the year being fairly lazy, starting from scratch is tough. Sure I could jump into a regiment, severely restrict my normal eating habits and get super fit in a matter of weeks. I know I can do that. I know that after a few weeks I would quit. I need to pace myself, I need being fit to feel like a natural part of my routine. I will introduce some jump start activities, but one at a time.<br />
<br />
So for as much as I wanted to say, this is kind of it.<br />
<br />
I am going to try to blog more, same story I know.<br />
I am going to try and eat better, same story I know.<br />
I am going to try and run more, same story I know. <br />
NEW* I am going to try and read or listen to a poem a day. A quick haiku or a multiple page poem --whatever-- my brain needs some creative stimulation and I like poetry. I got all ambitious and thought I'd post everyday what I read, but I know I am a slacker. Every now and again, I may tweet what I read, but I am not committing to more than that.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>Why I Kick A$$:</b> I am doing something, not Earth shattering efforts, but something.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b>The Big Picture:</b> I may ditch this segment as it's the same sh&$ every time, take it slow, one day at a time, a bad day is just a day, in the long run its about how it plays out, blah, blah, blah</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><b>Thankful Three:</b></span><br />
<ol>
<li>Afghani Bolani's from Costco, delicious</li>
<li>Tamales, Tamales, Tamales... I have an insatiable hunger for my mother's tamales</li>
<li>For the Jillian Michaels' Podcasts, I am slow on the uptake, just found them, I don't really like her on Biggest Loser, but I dig her podcasts as background noise when I just hanging out</li>
</ol>
Tortuga_Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129251953175800508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024451607730253658.post-40809205917822059002012-11-23T21:22:00.005-08:002012-11-23T21:23:09.794-08:00Friday Five: Happy<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>There are two mistakes one can make </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>along the road to truth... not going all the way, </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>and not starting.</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Buddha</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I come I go and I am not sure what direction things are going at the moment, but his quote resonated with me so without further delay, my Friday Five: </div>
<ol>
<li>We moved into our home 8-years ago and we still don't have window treaments on a couple of windows. We did some decorating, but didn't "go all the way." We are finally working towards fixing that. Once we do, I'll consider some before and after pictures.</li>
<li>Last year we added an accent color to one of the walls in our bedroom and I have hated it almost that entire year. Today for $35 and 45 minutes we finally changed it. What a relief. It is amazing how draining simple dislikes can have when you face them every day. Word of advice to myself, if you don't like it and you can fix it, do it. Start and go all the way. All the way for us will be to add the right light switch plates, change our bedding and get a new dresser.</li>
<li>In the last several weeks I have started working out a bit again. Feels good, no pressure. I have in that time also completed a 10K and while I had to walk, it wasn't my slowest time either. I am registered for a half marathon in March and will ease through the rest of the year and start my official training program come January.</li>
<li>I am coaching again and I am elated. I have the privilege of leading a great group of junior high girls through a season of parks and recreation basketball. We have the full spectrum of abilities, but they are working really cohesively already. Our first game is Tuesday and I am totally stoked. The pure joy I feel when I coaching is pretty amazing. I am so thankful for my cousin and his wife for asking me to help coach their daughter, I am having a great time.</li>
<li>Thanksgiving was delightful and while I won't spend time regurgitating all the details, I will say I am a lucky girl to have such a loving family. I was apprehensive as I am every year about sharing the day with my immediate family and then heading to my in-laws, this year was so stress free and I am thankful me, but more importantly for my kids that they have the opportunity to be with both of their amazing and loving families for Thanksgiving.</li>
</ol>
<span style="color: red;"><b>Why I Kick A$$:</b> I have turned into quite the bread maker.... Tortuga-Runner is going domestic!</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b>The Big Picture:</b> Sometimes there is a fine line between compromising time with my family and sharing time with my extended family. It is stressful to maintain balance, but in the grand scheme of things it is so worth it to have the opportunity to live close enough to share time and spend time with family when so many are not afforded this luxury.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><b>Thankful Three:</b></span><br />
<ol>
<li>For my husbands capable hands and my newly painted accent wall.</li>
<li>For our uncle hosting a beautiful meal tonight and sharing his table with all of us.</li>
<li>For my brilliant children, watching them learn and grow especially these last few months has been really cool. They are both becoming more and more articulate and they are just down right cool people to be around. </li>
</ol>
Tortuga_Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129251953175800508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024451607730253658.post-89419331791323687632012-10-20T12:52:00.000-07:002012-10-20T12:52:04.591-07:00Saturday Sampler: It's where I'm at<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;"><b>Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,<br />
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day</b></span></span><br />
~William Shakespeare</span></div>
<br />
My oh my, how time flies. I sat down over hot chocolate and a breakfast sandwich at Panera the other week. I composed a lovely post catching you all up on Duder turning 5, Bug being in a bug parade and me trying to survive my procrastination at work. Guess what, it didn't post. Do you know why? Because I wanted to add lots of cute pictures, then never came back to the post to add pictures. Story of my life these days. Great intentions, great half efforts and a whole lotta nothing accomplished.<br />
<br />
Since that delightful non-post I have done <i>some</i> sports related things, as I am sure not everyone wants to hear about Chuckee Cheese and pre-school parades. I went to a Tri Club meeting for the first time in forever. It was body fat testing day and I am 4% higher than last year. Yucky. I went from Athlete range to Fit range which is still good considering I never run. I need to find some motivation to run, I plan to return to my strength routine next week which helps, but I really need the cardio back.<br />
<br />
On Sunday October 14th I got my 3rd Nike Women's Marathon Tiffany's necklace. No I didn't train, yes I had people I could have run with, but my SIL was either going to walk it or not do it at all so I opted to walk it with her. It was a nice stroll through SF, but it wasn't the best weekend overall. Saturday didn't go as planned, I was a bit under the weather and 4 hours of walking, yup, it took us 4 hours, and my body was done. To make matters worse, my post race meal ended up be alone, bad service, cold food and I left my favorite Bondi Band at the restaurant. On the upside I got a pretty necklace and an impromptu Target trip with my BFF on my drive home from the city.<br />
<br />
Since Sunday I got knocked on my A$$ by a sinus & ear infection and had to take two critical days off work. Oh well, it happens, but never happens to me. I don't take sick days... at least I didn't until this week. So back strength training will be easy, I have a plan, I have a trainer and I love the classes. Incorporating running back into the schedule is going to take some work. I love fall weather, but I don't love running alone all the time, treadmills are only ok for so long and where does one find the time? Yes I know the answer to the time bind, "just do it,"anyone can carve out 20 minutes etc... I am just not motivated to run in the morning and that is where my time is. I am going to look into some 5K and 10Ks this fall & winter, it is my favorite time to train and hopefully the events themselves will be enough. I may even try to rope someone in so I have that social aspect too. We'll see.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>Why I Kick A$$: </b>Not everyone can walk a hilly 13.1.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b>The Big Picture:</b> My blog is about me, I'll try and keep it sporty, but if all you read about is pre-school parades, hey that is ok with me.</span><br />
<b><span style="color: purple;">Thankful Three:</span></b><br />
<ol>
<li>For fun movies on TV today</li>
<li>For babysitters, I get to go to a super fun 30th bday bash tonight</li>
<li>For schedule girl time, looking forward to relaxing tomorrow with a girlfriend</li>
</ol>
Tortuga_Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129251953175800508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024451607730253658.post-91627244569122920012012-09-09T18:36:00.002-07:002012-09-09T18:36:56.078-07:00Sunday Summary: Rolling with it<div style="color: magenta; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Rolling with it: going along with things; </b></span></div>
<div style="color: magenta; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>without high expectations..just being.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Urban Dictionary </div>
<br />
Long time no see Blog Land... ok not really. I still pop in every now and again and read other people's posts, but I have scarcely made time to compose a post. What is new? Still trying to lose weight and I am finishing up week two of actually following my RD's recommendations and it is it going well. I am pretty hopeful I can keep it up. Just in case I am locking in a back up plan. Way back in February Super Hubby bought me a 10 pack Group On to a new fitness studio that has all sorts of fun classes including boot camps, HIIT circuits and kettle bells. I really love the kettle bell series which offer Core, Sweat Max and Strong where the focuses change. I went to two or three classes back in May and stopped. and 1-2 in June and July and the Group On expired at the end of July and I had half the classes left. The owner was so great he extended it and I took 4 classes in August and and 1 in September.<br />
<br />
It doesn't sound like much, but I have also been hitting the gym on occasion doing strength workouts. I have lost an inch on my quad, an inch on my upper arms and half inch on my waist. My belly bulge hasn't moved, but it feels good to know I am making progress in other places. I am only down 5-6 pounds, but I feel my body shape improving and it is nice to feel strong again. The one thing I continue to lack is sufficient cardio. I am staring at my bike trainer, while I sit on the couch and half watch Bride Wars and half type this blog post. It is so easy, cardio in the living room, but alas, I am so not into it at the moment. I have a half marathon in 5 weeks and my longest walk is 5 miles and my longest run is 1 mile LOL yeah, it should be interesting, but I a just going to roll with it.<br />
<br />
I have been spending lots of time in the kitchen too. Aside from needing sweets, I am also living out my Pinterest dreams. Banana bread, pumpkin muffins using cake mix and canned pumpkin puree, egg muffins for a quick pre-made breakfast and today half win half loss when the Gnocchi I made came out tough, but the sage Gouda sauce came out perfectly. I am so excited to make the banana bread again later this week, but this time couple it with a Nutella butter cream frosting. Sounds so amazing!<br />
<div style="color: blue;">
<br /></div>
<b style="color: blue;">The Big Picture: </b>Strength training is an amazing boost to fat loss and to combat osteoporosis. Cardio is great too, at some point I'll balance both, but for now I'll take pride in whatever I am able to commit to at this point in time.<br />
<b><span style="color: red;">Why I Kick A$$: </span></b>Because I am doing "real" strength training 2x per week. Yup, cleans and deadlifts with a bar (no added weight yet).<br />
<div style="color: purple;">
<b>Thankful Three: </b></div>
<ol>
<li>For my kids religious pre-school just refurbished the school building, it looks amazing!</li>
<li>For Pinterest... I am almost becoming a little domestic.</li>
<li>For S'mores, I really <i>needed</i> them this afternoon</li>
</ol>
<br />Tortuga_Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129251953175800508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024451607730253658.post-23552797667130223012012-08-16T20:51:00.001-07:002012-08-16T20:51:17.928-07:00Thoughtful Thursday: Burn out? High School Reunion<div style="color: magenta; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">
The price of anything </span></div>
<div style="color: magenta; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">is the amount of life you exchange for it. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">~Henry David Thoreau</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I don't know what it is, but I am burnt out. Today I went home sick from work and I rarely get sick and even more rarely require taking sick time. I know some of today was brought on by the following:<br />
<ul>
<li>Dehydration</li>
<li>Poor diet</li>
<li>Very little exercise</li>
<li>Oh and a little tiny bit can be attributed to a minor ailment, which is usually controlled with proper hydration, proper diet and proper exercise.</li>
</ul>
I keep coming back to the same concept and that is, it is super hard to dig oneself out of a hole. So why do I fall off the wagon? Because prevention is challenging. It requires planning, commitment and follow through. Planning I have down, no problem. Commitment and follow through, well I am still working on those. But maybe that is what I am tired of? Work is stable, home is stable, but personal time for relaxation, socializing and exercise are not in healthy balance and what do you know? It is a challenge too, apparently it also requires planning, commitment and follow through. So where do I start?<br />
<br />
What is new? Uh, not a whole lot. I checked my training calendar pinned to my fancy vision board that I look at every day. It was a 12 week plan to my half marathon in October.....yeah.....uh, I am down to 8.5 weeks and I have started. I will probably spend some time planning that, might even take some action and revise the 12 weeks to the current 8.5. I have run the course. I know I can finish. I was never trying to PR. Now I just need to work on being able to complete it injury free. Wow, like I have said more than once LOL<br />
<br />
What else is new? Oh yeah, I have my 15 year high school reunion on Saturday. No our class wasn't super on top of it for a 10 year, but we are making up for it with a 15. Did I mention I am nervous? I should have been motivated to try to slim down, but it didn't happen. It is funny, I didn't think of myself as all that pretty in high school, but looking back at photos I looked pretty good. I was such a dumb insecure teenager. So what did looking back at high school photos do for me? Make me a dumb insecure 30 something LOL I have an unrealistic expectation that everyone will look exactly as they did in high school or better and I will be the only one that let her self go a bit...ok a little more than a bit but not a lot. I am not fat, I just don't look like the athlete I once was.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUTN5CJl2RvgO7XisuGTd4sfBcHU3yCRgTB7SKMs47HOr6pD-FhdvoR8lrs8pU7NyohFfuwN4WE5X0luvV9WQt_PZXG_SDvMu25dn6Oz6lvB0ySn77-F6qddTomWzhM7fcP42rqc-sx0/s1600/seniorpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUTN5CJl2RvgO7XisuGTd4sfBcHU3yCRgTB7SKMs47HOr6pD-FhdvoR8lrs8pU7NyohFfuwN4WE5X0luvV9WQt_PZXG_SDvMu25dn6Oz6lvB0ySn77-F6qddTomWzhM7fcP42rqc-sx0/s320/seniorpic.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes I punish myself with this pic by having it on my vision board.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="color: red;">
<b>Why I Kick A$$:</b> Because despite my insecurities I bit the bullet and bought tickets to go.</div>
<div style="color: blue;">
<b>The Big Picture: </b>No, I haven't started training yet, but 8.5 weeks is plenty of time!</div>
<div style="color: purple;">
<b>Thankful Three:</b></div>
<ol>
<li>For the ability to leave work before puking in my office.</li>
<li>For the interest in wanting to blog tonight.</li>
<li>For kids that went to bed extra early tonight... I needed some down time.</li>
</ol>
Tortuga_Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129251953175800508noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024451607730253658.post-24172149650630228422012-08-01T21:39:00.000-07:002012-08-01T21:39:47.621-07:00The Turn Around: Kindergarten and Calories<div style="color: magenta; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>One should eat to live, not live to eat.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Benjamin Franklin</div>
<br />
Wednesday Hump Day sounds funny to me, but like an out and back run it marks the turn around to the work week. Today was my son's first day of school. Kind of. It was the first day, but it was a short day and parent's stayed to learn the morning routine and classroom rules. Of course Duder was a complete rockstar and made Super Hubby and I EXTREMELY proud. First impressions: Great Teacher, Great Classroom Number, #18, Great Table Group Number, #1 nice kids that he sits with and the first kid he played with at recess used good sharing manners. Positive day indeed.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Yum_rchar88CzXlX0cO2aCcpK5wIdQGP_hPFfCls4BwVABcDHYjIGoWzmbDAEnJVvtLop8Mo1u-0KGpRWKv3oVsViab29qDqix9SN1dgCiKcCazqYOlE7XVfyOIJTSWrCBHdXJvAPHA/s1600/babyjacob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Yum_rchar88CzXlX0cO2aCcpK5wIdQGP_hPFfCls4BwVABcDHYjIGoWzmbDAEnJVvtLop8Mo1u-0KGpRWKv3oVsViab29qDqix9SN1dgCiKcCazqYOlE7XVfyOIJTSWrCBHdXJvAPHA/s320/babyjacob.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where did the time go?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PNgVHXZjLhUAuAJp2Qij-g73mfLjv8FxcqPAQVOmxOAF94eMH4QeuZWj5lQV3yF-86TLwoTYezLS6q8kZxLGeb3QB9ui2QXI58qgvkNVd83fD9GKQDLYUqUNlpg2fFZw6-q8w2hw3oU/s1600/fist+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PNgVHXZjLhUAuAJp2Qij-g73mfLjv8FxcqPAQVOmxOAF94eMH4QeuZWj5lQV3yF-86TLwoTYezLS6q8kZxLGeb3QB9ui2QXI58qgvkNVd83fD9GKQDLYUqUNlpg2fFZw6-q8w2hw3oU/s320/fist+day.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking sharp on her first day!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I met with a registered dietician on Monday. I had read over at <a href="http://www.racingwithbabes.com/2012/05/three-things-thursday_24.html">TMB (before rmr)</a> that she was having trouble losing weight after not having had that problem in a while. When something similar happened to me. I gained 10 lbs. Yes, I know, big deal right? Well when it started to come on I was under stress and had also tappered my running-tri season and wasn't working out much. 10 lbs in those circumstances didn't shock me, but then is settled on me and that I wasn't having. So I did what people are supposed to do. I worked out and ate better. No cigar. Seriously? So I tried a more conservative approach, more frequent non-competetive training style workouts, just walking, moving and eating better. Nope. Then I saw my doctor. I can't the type of food that I eat. Read: No fried food, no fast food and a plant based diet. The focus on fiber really made me feel better digestively and I had energy. Guess what I still had? A BELLY. A belly that still didn't fit into my size 10s. Yup, you read that right. I don't want to look like a super model, ok maybe I do, but I am not willing to put in the work to make my body unnaturally thin, what was I saying??? Oh, I don't want to be a super model, I don't want to lose 100 lbs. I want to fit in my size 10's by losing a menacing 10 lbs. Not a lot to ask, but 4-5 months into this (October-February) I wasn't seeing any results and I was gaining a little more. Yuck. So I went to my physician, my blood work came out normal. I was taken off meds I had been on for almost 2 years. Did blood work again 2 months later when the meds were out of my system, still normal. Went to an endocrinologist, normal. Went to the gyno, normal. YAY for normal, boo for not knowing what the deal was with this now 10+ lbs. Finally, I called on a registered dietician.<br />
<br />
I told her my tale of woes and commented on how when I was eating clean for 6 weeks I gained weight and frustrated by the outcome, gave up, binged on fast food and lost weight. I joked how fast food really is malnourishment if I lost weight eating it. So she said it sounded like maybe I wasn't getting enough calories. We did some simple math about how many calories I need to function. No shocker here since I am terrible at math, I wasn't getting nearly enough calories. Yes I should still eat clean, no I don't have to restrict things I like to eat, but I do need to consider moderation. Water, fiber and protein intake sounds good, but I now need to look at my calories as a target. Calories are something I am shooting to get enough of, not "stay under" or restrict myself to. What a relief, and what a great new perspective for me. I didn't think much about calories when I was training for things because I was exercising enough to eat whatever I want. Now that I operate like an average person, not training hard, I need to know how to eat to live. Novel concept I know, eating to live, but I didn't understand that message. I ate clean, but not enough. Similar to <a href="http://www.racingwithbabes.com/2012/06/rmr-results.html">TMB (after rmr)</a> I needed more calories, not like TMB it was "just because" whereas she workouts so hard she needs crazy amounts of calories to function. We didn't do RMR testing with fancy breathing machine, just simple RD calculations for body function and I am really optimistic after the last couple of days.<br />
<br />
It has only been 2.5 days and I have lost weight, but my goal is a month long goal, not a week long instant gratification goal, although instant gratification is my favorite. Conservatively I am shooting to lose 3-4 lbs in a month. I'll check in August 31st and if simply changing my calorie needs didn't do it, we'll look at other factors like how my body metabolizes food. My fingers are crossed it was a simple mistake in applying math to my caloric intake. I love myfitnesspal, but the settings were incorrect for my needs. What I love is that you can customize your goals so I can still use the application with my RD's recommendations.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: red;">
<b>Why I Kick A$$: </b>I survived the first day of kindergarten.</div>
<div style="color: blue;">
<b>The Big Picture:</b> I haven't held onto this 10+ lbs for more than a year so I am hoping that this works and I can say that these 10lbs are not permanent lbs.</div>
<div style="color: purple;">
<b>Thankful Three:</b></div>
<ol>
<li>For the day off</li>
<li>For great friends</li>
<li>For the nap I am about to take</li>
</ol>
<br />Tortuga_Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129251953175800508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024451607730253658.post-81991082095434573772012-07-23T15:07:00.000-07:002012-07-23T15:07:00.157-07:00Monday Motivation: One Day At A Time<h1 style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“One day at a time--this is enough. Do
not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone; and do not be
troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present,
and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering.”</span></h1>
<h1 style="font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
~unknown</h1>
<h1 style="font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
</h1>
<h1 style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I had a great post going while on vacation and then we lost internet connection. Then I had a wonderful picture post about vacation going to post when we returned and it never made it's way up. The scoop is </span></h1>
<ul style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<li>I'm busy</li>
<li>I am currently addicted to Battlestar Galactica and watching it on netflix during ALL my free time</li>
<li>I am reading a lot more lately</li>
<li>I am gaining weight and gee, that struggle gets old to post about LOL</li>
<li>I am now taking it one day at a time... </li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
So what is on deck? </div>
<ul style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<li>I'll post when I can, when I truly <b><i>want </i></b>to post and thus make time for it...like right now. Ok, by "make time," I mean, I came home from work to take care of my sick child and she was watching cartoons on netflix so I couldn't watch and now she is napping so I have time to wrap up this post and actually post it.</li>
<li>I have a high school reunion in a few weeks, I am sure I'll post about that. I never wanted to be that girl that had to try hard to get ready for a reunion, but lord knows they don't need to see me jiggling on the dance floor so hopefully I'll find some motivation to work out between now and then. Obviously not enough time for a full make over, but any level of working out is great for the self-esteem.</li>
<li>There is a trailrun the morning of my reunion, so I am hoping to knock that out...assuming I can get a sitter</li>
<li>One day at a time </li>
</ul>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<b>BIG PICTURE: </b>What is going well? Well, you how skinny people who used to be fat, always feel fat? I have the opposite syndrome. I used to be super duper athletic and had the body to match. I no longer have the body to match, but mentally and most times physically I feel amazing, think that I look amazing and when I look in the mirror and only disappointed at my belly which, let's face it, is a common problem amongst women my age. The fact is, I feel awesome, just gotta work on the exterior matching the ego...the mirror is a mean ego check.</div>
<div style="color: red; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<b>WHY I KICK A$$:</b> I am a damn good mom and know exactly how to love and care for my sick little Bug today. I hate that she is sick, I love that I get to be her mom when she is not feeling her best.</div>
<div style="color: purple; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<b>Thankful Three</b></div>
<ol style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<li>For the in-laws did a great job today helping with the Bug, running out for Popsicles and all!</li>
<li>For a few minutes to blog and give myself a break from feeling bad about NOT blogging LOL</li>
<li>For Battlestar Galactica, because obviously I needed a new excuse not to work out</li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span>Tortuga_Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129251953175800508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024451607730253658.post-40644395323280580962012-06-26T22:10:00.001-07:002012-06-26T22:10:27.796-07:00Tuesday Tidbit: It's My Birthday!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="color: magenta; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia,bookman old style,palatino linotype,book antiqua,palatino,trebuchet ms,helvetica,garamond,sans-serif,arial,verdana,avante garde,century gothic,comic sans ms,times,times new roman,serif;">
Middle age is when your age </span></b></span></div>
<div style="color: magenta; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia,bookman old style,palatino linotype,book antiqua,palatino,trebuchet ms,helvetica,garamond,sans-serif,arial,verdana,avante garde,century gothic,comic sans ms,times,times new roman,serif;">starts to show around your middle. </span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: georgia,bookman old style,palatino linotype,book antiqua,palatino,trebuchet ms,helvetica,garamond,sans-serif,arial,verdana,avante garde,century gothic,comic sans ms,times,times new roman,serif;">~Bob Hope</span></div>
<br />
Before breakfast I got the best gift. A jacket in summer! Yep, you read that right. I have been wanting a white jacket since forever. I feel like white jackets are feminine and pretty.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFqu5_IzyLQAP0RFoq9_2p3KAikY682HJaFdsOiJtzILJfU_sfz6PeJFQJNdqKXrUmimQ7ZzmLk32PeLCLQM24SCJsUKDqj0w8az0Q9vrEFBgP3ypb6Xz6CoRZ8vAWm7u-jj2yiV5gzG0/s1600/whitejacket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFqu5_IzyLQAP0RFoq9_2p3KAikY682HJaFdsOiJtzILJfU_sfz6PeJFQJNdqKXrUmimQ7ZzmLk32PeLCLQM24SCJsUKDqj0w8az0Q9vrEFBgP3ypb6Xz6CoRZ8vAWm7u-jj2yiV5gzG0/s320/whitejacket.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Breakfast was Super Hubby's specialty Shakshuka. It was served with great crusty bread, fresh avocado and his signature chopped cilantro. We also had some cooling fresh fruit, watermelon and raspberries.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahQDFPVtINkzLnFGLkNPDCErM-Ny5RFnI5fmqxbOJs-Xuulhf7_lpHO9pDwOFchCpNFWnvZq1tp2ear6tiGdG950j9edwv08y7mwF02cddmxkF1Vpnwz7cT4lKrEz-23HMMdY_7Wzs-w/s1600/breakfast-shukshuka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahQDFPVtINkzLnFGLkNPDCErM-Ny5RFnI5fmqxbOJs-Xuulhf7_lpHO9pDwOFchCpNFWnvZq1tp2ear6tiGdG950j9edwv08y7mwF02cddmxkF1Vpnwz7cT4lKrEz-23HMMdY_7Wzs-w/s320/breakfast-shukshuka.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span id="goog_580194117"></span><span id="goog_580194118"></span><br />
After breakfast I seriously considered crawling into bed and staying there, but feeling rested and well fed I thought I could make better use of my day and went to a boot camp work out at the gym. That was great and I made it home with time to shower and watch TV-fiddle on the internet for an hour and a half. Who knew there was so much time in the day?<br />
<br />
Noon-Hair cut. Just a trim really, but I love that I get it blown out straight, I feel like a fun, prettier, hipper version of myself with straight hair. Like it is a costume or disguise or something.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKlse7nWUXxNw1Cm3hA-Zmb0NLqdnoneHJVCjxWRhlTFTflJtsdML3YoAuyerKQrpsGxHSwCZkmZ-SReiKI4U-w_YMLE9AZm9a08Z6yar07fAfK6vOjMNRAvn61_igYBIkw1AY9Rzrf0/s1600/straight+hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKlse7nWUXxNw1Cm3hA-Zmb0NLqdnoneHJVCjxWRhlTFTflJtsdML3YoAuyerKQrpsGxHSwCZkmZ-SReiKI4U-w_YMLE9AZm9a08Z6yar07fAfK6vOjMNRAvn61_igYBIkw1AY9Rzrf0/s320/straight+hair.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Lunch-Lunch with my hubby at my favorite seafood restaurant in town. I was anticipated a mahi mahi or halibut encrusted with some delicious macadamia nuts or pistachios, but it wasn't to be. Instead I went with the California combo. This was fried taken to the extreme with a some cod, shrimp AND calamari. Too much food. Too much and no picture to share.<br />
<br />
I planned to nap when I got home, but I was feeling home sick so I baked a chocolate cake and rainbow confetti cup cakes. Chocolate sounded boring so I put mini chocolate chips in it and that sounded too boring so I also made banana cream pudding and plan to make a triffle with it. Rainbow confetti didn't seem colorful enough so I portioned the batter out and used 5 different colors of food coloring and piped them into the cupcake cups to make a tye died confetti style cupcake. Super fun! So how does this relate to being home sick? Well, I am taking said deserts to my family for a dessert party. My parents were out of the country for a month and I figured why not use my birthday as a way to get us all together for a night.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFuHpFKStdHxek7W9w6zgGVF9q71aS-vp5Pn1bgpKYq_4FDKDxl02UTkK0xZD5FwPMtv-1HoB953d3qUEp2qB2Uy-2_IpGrjNrMToMFNRQkquaQJmYj5MaX524IlEtsxbANsk1tWst8Y/s1600/tiedyecupcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFuHpFKStdHxek7W9w6zgGVF9q71aS-vp5Pn1bgpKYq_4FDKDxl02UTkK0xZD5FwPMtv-1HoB953d3qUEp2qB2Uy-2_IpGrjNrMToMFNRQkquaQJmYj5MaX524IlEtsxbANsk1tWst8Y/s320/tiedyecupcake.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FTSrcg3N6qWp2mw0jOr1vjVbLBgI8GHwPtYE5QTWUNnzdmDt8idAL73gbGW9wQrLNMMdAb7Eq-QVnpWezftm8AFKNzi0cSwiPLG4Jgf_JngvfqBdMCFBgiNIfbAh4y4VWhZ8DH_FHsk/s1600/frosted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FTSrcg3N6qWp2mw0jOr1vjVbLBgI8GHwPtYE5QTWUNnzdmDt8idAL73gbGW9wQrLNMMdAb7Eq-QVnpWezftm8AFKNzi0cSwiPLG4Jgf_JngvfqBdMCFBgiNIfbAh4y4VWhZ8DH_FHsk/s320/frosted.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8a3NExwfTiXzUr5gBekZGxZn9cOUZL4u94uUUWWAyj5iGcMZ9MIF7tMSlxonOWwJpHw2swrkHA04UkBfI7GxWgTJrj7TvqnCpWKFt109eDjRuXO7fPerjjRpBwHg62dx0ej-z-8DV650/s1600/trifleside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8a3NExwfTiXzUr5gBekZGxZn9cOUZL4u94uUUWWAyj5iGcMZ9MIF7tMSlxonOWwJpHw2swrkHA04UkBfI7GxWgTJrj7TvqnCpWKFt109eDjRuXO7fPerjjRpBwHg62dx0ej-z-8DV650/s320/trifleside.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWswf2VK-9cEEOesxKgBIrxCI-KL78eMLjfog3mdwqY5vGwRzMTVd-5Nn9K8SHfAukjCJ6wP4DxwSSMCInxpl_3TQ_OEUsrZkjc4YvE_VqSNkpKacKJw43HWVSkoxmp5APdnfU2CYtgsk/s1600/trifle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWswf2VK-9cEEOesxKgBIrxCI-KL78eMLjfog3mdwqY5vGwRzMTVd-5Nn9K8SHfAukjCJ6wP4DxwSSMCInxpl_3TQ_OEUsrZkjc4YvE_VqSNkpKacKJw43HWVSkoxmp5APdnfU2CYtgsk/s320/trifle.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
In the few minutes after I was done baking and just settled into bed to finish my movie from early in the day I got a call (hang up) and a knock at the door. Would you believe it? I was delivered some delicious Sherry's Berries. Thanks AMW, this was a very cool gift.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLV69aan2BfBy2g3lB0_Basw4upWJHJRztEXtirkX03nE0RRfB2Qet1BAqf0nT_Y3jZ-ehsP8u9qQbRvaNxvzwoV6kOJJ8wyBT7cQy8bDRrPifxvxZivSeeRCsHI6Ht4lFNeqG-cqG_88/s1600/shariberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLV69aan2BfBy2g3lB0_Basw4upWJHJRztEXtirkX03nE0RRfB2Qet1BAqf0nT_Y3jZ-ehsP8u9qQbRvaNxvzwoV6kOJJ8wyBT7cQy8bDRrPifxvxZivSeeRCsHI6Ht4lFNeqG-cqG_88/s320/shariberries.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="color: red;">
<b>Why I Kick A$$:</b> Because I surround myself with awesome people who love me.</div>
<div style="color: blue;">
<b>The Big Picture:</b> I wasn't sure my day was going to be "perfect." We usually do something extravagant like a long weekend away, but this year with our family vacation coming up, we decided not to. Instead, I just took the day off to relax and found that the phone calls, text messages and family dessert night was just what my heart and soul needed this birthday.</div>
<div style="color: purple;">
<b>Thankful Three:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvLjAPmPtPwpu2Ww5xJMbVwghbCQEx39EV-PvI1n4D_-ORtrmzqLcSCb9-Kh2Y76Gr66991OHmcNY_JlW-WBRAdZ4J5PruduA8ra3sHrUVYrpBQ3QfEhsDnQ8ngux9FZa8aonsjSZzks/s1600/bdayoutfit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvLjAPmPtPwpu2Ww5xJMbVwghbCQEx39EV-PvI1n4D_-ORtrmzqLcSCb9-Kh2Y76Gr66991OHmcNY_JlW-WBRAdZ4J5PruduA8ra3sHrUVYrpBQ3QfEhsDnQ8ngux9FZa8aonsjSZzks/s320/bdayoutfit.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<ol>
<li>For a peaceful day</li>
<li>For my new outfit from my nieces and nephew</li>
<li>For Netflix</li>
</ol>
Tortuga_Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129251953175800508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024451607730253658.post-50406538821822886402012-06-24T17:49:00.002-07:002012-06-24T17:49:39.221-07:00Sunday Summary: Home Run in the Kitchen<div style="color: magenta; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> <span style="font-family: georgia,bookman old style,palatino linotype,book antiqua,palatino,trebuchet ms,helvetica,garamond,sans-serif,arial,verdana,avante garde,century gothic,comic sans ms,times,times new roman,serif;">
All happiness depends </span></b></span></div>
<div style="color: magenta; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia,bookman old style,palatino linotype,book antiqua,palatino,trebuchet ms,helvetica,garamond,sans-serif,arial,verdana,avante garde,century gothic,comic sans ms,times,times new roman,serif;">on a leisurely breakfast. </span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: georgia,bookman old style,palatino linotype,book antiqua,palatino,trebuchet ms,helvetica,garamond,sans-serif,arial,verdana,avante garde,century gothic,comic sans ms,times,times new roman,serif;">~John Gunther</span></div>
<br />
So while this blog post will focus on how flipp'n awesome I was in the kitchen today, I can't go without sharing with you a summary of the last few days. No I haven't worked out, yes I know that is not shocking anyone, but we'll talk more work out stuff in another post. First I have to tell you that my oldest graduated from preschool and he looked fabulous! I used to think "graduating" from pre-school or kindergarten was lame, but man did my son feel accomplished and it is certainly setting the tone for him as he prepares for elementary school so I guess these types of things aren't so bad.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgWJqXY-tipHjchdN1UmGzOH42jCf3J-cNUc26qzmlOGwLuMZLX6vDIBIrlJ7gHMRalMnL91xyiTW90vplNRr8qYDAfBaDHACe8fwJ8Gjim3VBOvBY1xVwy0kMZEoVJ7R1noQoOtprQc/s1600/graduation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgWJqXY-tipHjchdN1UmGzOH42jCf3J-cNUc26qzmlOGwLuMZLX6vDIBIrlJ7gHMRalMnL91xyiTW90vplNRr8qYDAfBaDHACe8fwJ8Gjim3VBOvBY1xVwy0kMZEoVJ7R1noQoOtprQc/s320/graduation.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Friday night my extended family gathered at a local winery to celebrate my cousin's 30th birthday. Why it didn't occur to us to get a huge family photo is beyond me. We did snap this one and it is a glimpse of what life would be like if I lived back home. I only live 15 minutes away, but when you come from a "small" town kind of place, anything outside of city limits is "far" and there is a tendency to get left out of the Saturday coffee invites or last minute drinks. It is only 15 minutes people! Ok, well 15 minutes plus trying to nail down a sitter, but still.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTh1Xa67cD9ZRYrkc5hij1JdrCYf8IV_exVR6IjyDtFrx2PFCTHVYzHRrXROD-kHRyeloDY1WeycsgfLyqx39I4GGvIJ6hUQWXdh86fHVEVhNtRrXUWO49aAL1HmIDno0HnKQgftB-SP0/s1600/birthdayparty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTh1Xa67cD9ZRYrkc5hij1JdrCYf8IV_exVR6IjyDtFrx2PFCTHVYzHRrXROD-kHRyeloDY1WeycsgfLyqx39I4GGvIJ6hUQWXdh86fHVEVhNtRrXUWO49aAL1HmIDno0HnKQgftB-SP0/s320/birthdayparty.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We were in town on Thursday night to see our nieces last softball game, my hubby sponsored her team. We ran into 2 aunts, 2 cousins and boat load of kids at the pizza parlor. Small towns equal impromptu family reunions.<br />
<br />
Ok, on to my greatness in the kitchen with a nod to Pinterest, My Recipes and Farmer's Market:<br />
<br />
<b>Zucchini Puffs</b><br />
Zucchini Puffs-light crispy outside, fluffy inside. I found several
recipes on Pinterest all boasting tater tot like texture and I found
that they were more fluffy and strata or quiche esque on the inside, but
light and crispy on the outside. I made this for breakfast this morning hoping not to let my excess of zucchini's go to waste this week. I adapted what I read and did the
following:<br />
<br />
1/2 cup grated zucchini<br />
1/2 cup shredded zucchini<br />
(squeeze all the liquid out-used 4 medium zucchini)<br />
1/4 cup (heaping) of finely chopped yellow onion <br />
1/4 cup (heaping) of crushed saltine crackers<br />
1/4 shredded parmesean<br />
1 egg <br />
salt & pepper to taste<br />
<br />
fills 12 mini muffin cups, I sprayed with non-stick olive oil spray <br />
<br />
400 degree over for 18 minutes<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMylFS1-p163UKCYGcL3ZJtp4ZHF42g10K0KeAnYTWC6QpDfSkY3khxnfLbUcTh51ZpJ-KNLNfALwWBWgaN37YC4fE9kQh7bqXGkSW7olaVe0K2evYC4Sx5BHji-ZdMU9EYOdZN7wLN8/s1600/zucchinipuffs.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMylFS1-p163UKCYGcL3ZJtp4ZHF42g10K0KeAnYTWC6QpDfSkY3khxnfLbUcTh51ZpJ-KNLNfALwWBWgaN37YC4fE9kQh7bqXGkSW7olaVe0K2evYC4Sx5BHji-ZdMU9EYOdZN7wLN8/s320/zucchinipuffs.png" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
I would absolutely make these again and would likely serve them at a brunch or gathering, because they are so good, other people must try them.<br /><br />
<b>Oatmeal Banana chocolate chip cookies</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgLVCuqmZmeyXUC8OyTQqRcHJ081wtuuKPTHU6b-ydzZFuWJjfvfy8ixg5Alcqup7IjAoqrMYLEv0fFs6MviRnXlkkHCNv7NWlz2uAWMG9C2QFcpy5kHqkuEu3gt8_7Bxfx79ETap3QE/s1600/cookies-oatmealbanana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgLVCuqmZmeyXUC8OyTQqRcHJ081wtuuKPTHU6b-ydzZFuWJjfvfy8ixg5Alcqup7IjAoqrMYLEv0fFs6MviRnXlkkHCNv7NWlz2uAWMG9C2QFcpy5kHqkuEu3gt8_7Bxfx79ETap3QE/s320/cookies-oatmealbanana.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
This recipe is straight from <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/banana-oatmeal-chocolate-chip-cookies-10000001906392/">My Recipes</a> and the only adaptation I made was to make a few in a mini muffin tin which took the same amount of time and dipped the tops in melted semi-sweet chocolate and froze them to harden the tops. So good with a cup of decaf in the afternoon<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Farm Fresh Fried-Taquitos</b><br />
2 inches of canola oil (can use any kind for frying)<br />
Corn Tortillas for rolling (microwave for 25 seconds to soften enough for rolling)<br />
sauteed in 1 tsp of olive oil:<br />
1 tsp minced garlic <br />
2 medium zucchini, chopped<br />
<br />
Once the zucchini was semi cooked add <br />
1/4 cup canned corn, can use fresh if desired<br />
2 cups of spinach, cook spinach to desired texture<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
***I am so bummed I didn't take a picture of the sautee before I used it, it was beautiful***</div>
<br />
I spooned this mixture into corn tortillas, sprinkled lightly with jack cheese (can't be too full or it will ooze into oil) then fried until golden brown about 1 minute then roll over for another minute. We served it with homemade guacamole, light sour cream and queso fresco.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAL1Mm7FTMQG78x8d3P8np8DpgKgwtgcRnlKrX3H5erQMh1kyrhihej16ceEtAmguZgdQA1H7A3rnd8w6FCDHgK6_eg0cmG-PjwC38qQwBtOgTtUN1gZ58mhiKznbiqOnAv8OJ2my3Wk/s1600/taquitos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAL1Mm7FTMQG78x8d3P8np8DpgKgwtgcRnlKrX3H5erQMh1kyrhihej16ceEtAmguZgdQA1H7A3rnd8w6FCDHgK6_eg0cmG-PjwC38qQwBtOgTtUN1gZ58mhiKznbiqOnAv8OJ2my3Wk/s320/taquitos.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Farm Fresh Fried-Enchiladas</b><br />
Use leftover sautee from above and roll into corn tortillas filled with enough jack cheese to be ooey gooey and drizzle a little red enchilada sauce inside. I like to layer some sauce at the bottom of a 9x9 pan, put the rolled enchiladas in the cover them with more sauce and topped with cheese and a sprinkle of cilantro for an added fresh kick. (For my authentic enchilada makers, no I do not fry my sauce or tortillas in this recipe so I can same time on prep, if you know your way around enchiladas, adapt to your liking)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5MtIXqYyGhHCTZot15YgzzGkEZoVAgmnJTKFuY4tfAEY0WQXDTGF8by0JFd-jdIV1fSDEiUdLCD0oeKpISGNWJq0-7JVnuDey8QMNSczbLl23jYl-lp7XnCbbqoOHZ2JaPN0xGb0AzOQ/s1600/enchiladas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5MtIXqYyGhHCTZot15YgzzGkEZoVAgmnJTKFuY4tfAEY0WQXDTGF8by0JFd-jdIV1fSDEiUdLCD0oeKpISGNWJq0-7JVnuDey8QMNSczbLl23jYl-lp7XnCbbqoOHZ2JaPN0xGb0AzOQ/s320/enchiladas.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="color: red;">
<b>Why I Kick A$$:</b> My yummy food speaks for itself.</div>
<div style="color: blue;">
<b>The Big Picture:</b> Enchiladas are delicious, even when I don't go all the way authentic like mom and cook the sauce and tortillas.</div>
<div style="color: purple;">
<b>Thankful Three:</b></div>
<ol>
<li>For a relaxing Sunday</li>
<li>For delicious confidence boosting home cooked food</li>
<li>For waking up motivated to be Susie Homemaker today</li>
</ol>Tortuga_Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129251953175800508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024451607730253658.post-16867635347581915432012-06-15T06:30:00.000-07:002012-06-15T06:30:04.552-07:00Friday Five: Actually Working Out<div style="color: magenta; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>
I was always looking outside myself for </b></span></div>
<div style="color: magenta; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>strength and confidence </b></span></div>
<div style="color: magenta; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>but it comes from within.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anonymous </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnRk41yIDI83mXUNWU2PGqHmhN8p62Iq06MWksESP5OptYdxWVPQg1-o5V069-zJbAcklod9VV2VnNKmuAeWflU2EHcCqBNVTqr5H7m-11GoeNbxsBSZ-AOZqDYkS0ey7UPR_xUkGUn0/s1600/kettlebells.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnRk41yIDI83mXUNWU2PGqHmhN8p62Iq06MWksESP5OptYdxWVPQg1-o5V069-zJbAcklod9VV2VnNKmuAeWflU2EHcCqBNVTqr5H7m-11GoeNbxsBSZ-AOZqDYkS0ey7UPR_xUkGUn0/s1600/kettlebells.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glad they look fun and pretty, because it is not that much fun and it sure doesn't look pretty LOL</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<ol>
<li>Wow, working a full 5-day work week is tough stuff. LOL yeah, I have been very lucky to be taking so much time off lately that this week was a challenge to get through mentally. I've gotten so much done and I have all day today to do more. Phew, good thing it is almost the weekend....wait?</li>
<li>Tomorrow I am going to a wedding. I am super excited for my friends to be married, I am NOT super excited about the heat for this outdoor 4PM wedding. Fortunately, there will be <i>refreshments</i> if you know what I mean.</li>
<li>Workouts, what's working and what's not. I haven't run since I can't remember when. Has it been a week? Two? I have been lifting weights though. Weights on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday I went to a HIIT bootcamp style class, Thursday was Kettle bells and today a class appropriately title Guts and Butts. I dig the class thing and I am definitely seeing some muscle tone from the weight lifting I am doing at home, but I was too weak to hold some of the 1-1.5 minute circuits at both HIIT and Kettle Bell. It is crazy, I have no idea how I was ever an athlete?</li>
<li>Sunday is fathers day and I haven't gotten my husband anything. He is nearly impossible to shop for so I need to get it together in the next, uh 24 hours? We are going to an A's Game and are pretty excited about Coco Crisp Chia Pet day LOL Actually, what is most exciting is some of our bestest friends who just moved back to California will be there and that is a gift in and of itself.</li>
<li>Eating. I packed my lunches all week, I am rocking my protein shakes, fiber and water in take, but on class days i am extra hungry, even beyond the extra calories I get for what I am burning. I am also not so restrictive that I am going to pretend that I am not going to drink and eat a lot at the wedding, like cheese off my fingers from the Nachos at the game or burp hot dogs the rest of the day Sunday. Yeah, I know super sexy for the hubby LOL It will be a fun day, hot and probably exhausting for the kiddos, but fun</li>
</ol>
<div style="color: red;">
<b>Why I Kick A$$:</b> My biceps are a quarter inch smaller and more defined. Out with the fat in with the toned muscle. NOTE: I am not trying to bulk up, just firm up.</div>
<div style="color: blue;">
<b>The Big Picture:</b> Damn it, I wish I knew. Actually, I love the way my body feels and is functioning. My biggest complaint is the belly swell, but I can feel my abs coming in underneath, just have to get more cardio in to burn fat. All in good time.</div>
<br />
<div style="color: purple;">
<b>Thankful Three</b></div>
<ol>
<li>For wonderful bloggers sharing great information.</li>
<li>For a really neat gym offering dynamic classes that not only hold my interest, but are offered at ridiculous 5AM and 6AM start times.</li>
<li>For the nice guy that sold me my protein and not a single unwanted-needed item more.</li>
</ol>Tortuga_Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129251953175800508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024451607730253658.post-3178963291599673632012-06-11T06:30:00.000-07:002012-06-11T06:30:03.263-07:00Monday Motivation: What's Next?<div style="color: magenta; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia,bookman old style,palatino linotype,book antiqua,palatino,trebuchet ms,helvetica,garamond,sans-serif,arial,verdana,avante garde,century gothic,comic sans ms,times,times new roman,serif;">
It is never too late to be </span></b></span></div>
<div style="color: magenta; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia,bookman old style,palatino linotype,book antiqua,palatino,trebuchet ms,helvetica,garamond,sans-serif,arial,verdana,avante garde,century gothic,comic sans ms,times,times new roman,serif;">who you might have been. </span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: georgia,bookman old style,palatino linotype,book antiqua,palatino,trebuchet ms,helvetica,garamond,sans-serif,arial,verdana,avante garde,century gothic,comic sans ms,times,times new roman,serif;">~George Eliot</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Recap: </b><br />
I starting eating better back in February and my energy levels and mood have steadily improved. No weight loss though. I started a weights routine early May and hot damn do my arms and legs feel sexy. They may not look it quite yet, but the fact that I feel it has done wonders for my self esteem. I've lost 1.5 inches from the smallest part of my waist in the last month. I am only 2 inches away from where I was once very happy with my waist.<br />
<br />
My belly is a whole other story. I am 2 inches bigger than where I am comfortable and more like 4 inches from my goal. The belly is always the last to cooperate for me. Eating as a focus is a challenge, especially with so many festivities planned these last few months and going throughout the summer. The day to day I am good with. I have been packing my meals for the day and eating healthily for dinner when I am home. Out...another story.<br />
<br />
I found my water, fiber and protein balance. Goodness gracious, it took me months, but I am there. I have found the balance. I have found my weight lifting zone, I am sure I'll need to mix it up, but wow, the results with such a manageable effort (3-5x per week about 20 minutes a night). So the last thing...cardio. Dang it, my last 2 weeks have been weak, I have an easy plan, but more excuses than I know what to do with.<br />
<br />
<b>Fitness In My Face:</b><br />
A girl friend just finished her first full. My old trainer just won an award at a fitness model competition. A guy I just met at work this past week has been so committed to Cross fit, he packed an ice chest to our meeting so he could stay on point with his diet. My BFF has shaved inches off her body and has been building muscle successfully for the last 5 weeks. My other friend texted me Friday, she lost 6 lbs in her first week of weight loss efforts. I have run into several work people who are boasting about their latest half marathons or marathon plans. One was even going to one of my dream vacation places, Bend, OR to run and drink beer. How dreamy is that. So what do I think about all this? I think, H-E-double hockey sticks, yeah! I needed some motivation and now I have a laundry list of people who are holding themselves accountable and to look to when I need motivation.<br />
<br />
<b>So what is next?</b><br />
I have got to get better at "the plan." Sure I have a general work out plan. Run Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. What I don't have is a drilled down version that reads what time of day I plan to do any of my work outs. Even my weights routine, I just do it at night without any plan. So I think I should have more structure. The reason my eating during the day is so controlled is because I pretty much plan the night before what I am going to eat and when and plug it into my handy dandy myfitnesspal app. I just have such a lackadaisical approach some times... fear of commitment LOL<br />
<br />
<b>Events: </b><br />
I am still trying to decide among an 8K, 10K, 12K and half marathon. August is a 10K for sure, September might be a mud run and October is the big one, Nike Women's half marathon in SF. I am fighting the urge to do a full in December. Some friends are doing their first full and it's fairly local....I need to keep reminding myself that I have no real desire to go that distance.<b> </b> <br />
<br />
<div style="color: red;">
<b>Why I Kick A$$:</b> I am overwhelmed by happiness tonight. I love when I get that feeling, like nothing in the world matters. I wish my only job was to be home with my family, hanging out and loving life.</div>
<div style="color: blue;">
<b>The Big Picture:</b> My life is pretty great, because I have a pretty great job that enables us to have as much family time as we do have and wonderful weekends like this past one.</div>
<br /><b style="color: purple;">Thankful Three:</b><br />
<ol>
<li>For the ice cream, dipped in chocolate and nuts at Costco (shared)</li>
<li>For dinner with my in laws</li>
<li>So many people doing so well with fitness, so motivational</li>
</ol>Tortuga_Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129251953175800508noreply@blogger.com1