June 23 - 29 recap

Monday - 3 easy miles at lunch, followed up by 3 miles of sprint intervals at the gym!  And a little bit of abs. 6 total miles!

Tuesday - Gym night - 1 mile warm up, then Body Pump & Spin class

Wednesday - Lunch 3 miles and since volleyball was canceled with the rain we went up and played some darts.

Thursday - Lunch was 3 miles, then came home to do 2 miles of some hills!

Friday - Easy 2 miles at lunch.  That evening was Bunco!  Last time I was the winner, this time I was the Biggest Loser - so at least I got my money back.

Saturday - 3 miles in the morning then off to the lake.  Highlight of the day was watching some guys Noodling aka Catching Catfish by hand.  Those suckers are huge!!!  I even got to pet one, slimy things.

 

They pull those Catfish out of their holes by hand.  HUGE & UGLY!!

 

Sunday - Funday - Catching more fish than I know what to do with. It was a peaceful morning of reading and fishing catching.  I ended up losing 4 hooks because of catching fish too big for my little fishing pole/line.  I had 2 large fish that were probably the size of my pole get away...bummer!

 

Morning view!

 

 

Multitasking - reading and fishing

 

 

This is the fish that broke my first hook.  Bastard!!!!

20 total miles for the week and lifting and spin!  Very happy with everything I got in.  Also worked up a sweat doing yard work 2 nights this week.  The backyard is still not good, but getting better!

Short work week this week, then back to the lake for the 4th of July.  Time to catch more fish!!!

Mason Jar Salads

I feel like I have been very trendy lately.  And by that, I mean with my food, definitely not with clothes or fashion.  I’ve had my Ninja for a week and have been making Green Monster smoothies non-stop.  Completely digging the kale, apple, and banana smoothies.  And the most recent trend I tried is the salad in Mason Jars. 

They work awesomely for keeping the lettuce fresh.  On Sunday I made 3 salads to go with my lunch.  Threw the dressing in the bottom, then chick peas, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers followed up by the lettuce.  I’ve had them for lunch Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday and the lettuce has been super fresh and crisp.  Once I’m ready to eat, I just shake it up and dump it on the plate and presto – a fresh salad is served.  Easy to transport and the glass jar keeps the salad nice and cold.  Definitely get the jars with the large openings, makes it easier to stuff everything in and dump everything out!

Weekly Recap

Monday - I caught up on my BG&A Challenge while watching the World Cup.  After the USA took the W, it was time for yard work.  Worked up a pretty good sweat doing that.

Tuesday - At lunch I did an easy 2 mile run/walk.  Gym consisted of BG&A, Body Pump and Spin.

Wednesday - Rest Day (I did finish Chap 1 of my CPCU).

Thursday - 3 miles at lunch.  Gym: BG&A Challenge catch up and Spin class.  As the number of reps goes up, it gets harder and harder to catch up when you miss a day.  Uggg!  Then it was off to put my toes in the sand while having a beer in my hand aka Volleyball.

Friday - Absolute perfect day!  90s, no humidity, and a slight breeze.  At lunch I did a 3 mile run.  I had packed my bike in the car, so after work I went over to Champion trail to test out the full loop.  It ended up being just over 12 miles.  Did the loop and went back out for a few more to end with 17 miles on the day.  Afterwards I stopped at Bed, Bath & Beyond to buy a Ninja!!!!!  And then made a smoothie.

Saturday - Met up with Mooky and went and test another new trail.  24 mile ride, started north of the lake, rode 6-7 miles to the lake, went around White Rock and back.  One my faster rides at this distance.  Somehow I accidently fixed my shifter for the front gears (big wheel).  It was broke, messed with it at one of the stops, thought I REALLY broke it, but once I started riding, it worked perfectly.  Go me!  Go me!  I'm a bike mechanic!  We dropped the bikes off at a store to get some adjustments made and went and got lunch/drinks at Fuzzy's while we waited!

Sunday - It was supposed to be Grass Volleyball day, but Mother Nature said No!  So instead it was another rest day!

Burgers made of filter water..

At one time I read about someone having Mediterranean Chick Pea Burgers, so I went on a mission to find some.  And failed.

After 1/2 price Martini's and free appetizers at TGI Fridays Jen and I went on search of the Chick Pea Burgers. I didn't find the burgers I was looking for, but I did find a variety of other burgers at Whole Foods.  As we were looking at the various options I was telling her about the time, someone was making fun of my Turkey Burgers because according to them, anything not made from beef are not burgers.  After selecting the Sprouted Quinoa Chia burger with Sweet Potatoes, we both started cracking up laughing that the first ingredient listed is filtered water.  Wonder what the critic would say about that?!?!

I was on my own for food this weekend, so I pulled out the ole George Forman and cooked up two of the burgers.  Yeah, I can officially say I am not a fan of Sprouted Quinoa Chia Burgers.  It's the consistency and texture.  Kind of mushy.

 

 

So then I pulled out the Ninja and made a smoothie - much better!

 

Quest Bars –

Sometimes it takes me awhile to actually get around to trying things.  I just got internet 8 months ago – don’t judge.

A couple weeks ago I was at the gym and started feeling dizzy/light headed/eyeballs and brain were not connecting.  So I took a break and was trying to figure out why I was feeling that way.  Thinking it was because I had not eaten enough during the day and was low on sugar, I went downstairs to grab a snack and was deciding between Quest Bars and Luna bars.  They are both snacks I hear a lot of people mention, but never actually got around to trying – until now.  Well I picked up two Quest Bars to try (and felt much better after eating one).

So why does everyone like Quest Bars?

·        High protein

·        High fiber

·        Low carb

·        Gluten Free

·        Short list of ingredients (that you can actually read)

·        Taste good

Went online and decided to order the variety pack to test them out.  Comes with 12 different flavors (and they were nice enough to throw in a free Cookies –n- Cream to try).  So far, the only one I wasn’t too fond of was the coconut one, but I figured as much since I’m not a huge coconut person.  I know I will like all the chocolate and peanut butter ones.  And I was extremely surprised how much I like the banana muffin one.

So far, I am digging them.  They taste good and are easy enough just to throw one in my workout back for between classes or for the drive from the gym to volleyball.  The trick is not eating them at home just as a snack.  Been doing pretty good with that.

Apparently the world does not revolve around me...

Boo!  Went to the gym today and did my Body Pump class and Spin class (woo hoo! feeling good).  At spin class we got some unfortunate news, they are canceling our Thursday Spin class .  I repeat Boo! 

Honestly it is good and bad.  They are adding a couple new class formats which includes ?Piloxing - huh? and Insanity.  I am super excited to try Insanity (which is in Thursday's old spin time slot).  Insanity is one of the P90X and T25 type workouts that I have been interested in.  I just wish they would have replaced a class I don't take.  But alas, they didn't consult me and apparently the world does not revolve around me.  Reality check.

This also means I have to change my Fall training schedule for White Rock Marathon.  Yes, I already had it pretty much set up, and it included cross training on Thursday's with spin.

Boo! Oh well, back to my popcorn and wine for dinner, maybe I should go grocery shopping.

Moderation

After not working out much in May, I went a bit gung-ho in early June.  The first week and a half in June went well, but I think I did too much.  As of Thursday I needed a break.  My body was exhausted.  I slept almost 10 hours each of the last 4 nights.  Time to get back at it, in moderation, and acknowledge that I don't have to do 2-3 workouts a day.  Just 1 workout a day is fine.  I think now that I started studying for my CPCU again, that is going to take most of my lunches and eliminate that workout.

Right now I am currently getting back on track with the 30 Day Buns, Guns & Abs Challenge while watching the World Cup!!!

 

Soccer players toughness - Clint Dempsey gets kicked in the face, busted up nose, blood down the face and continues to play.

A new section that will pop up from time to time.  You Know You Are Old When.

You Know You Are Old When - the most exciting part of your week is when the new lawnmower battery arrives!  Time to do yard work after the World Cup!

This week’s plan

I always like a good plan.  Side note: I changed the legs lifts in the Buns, Guns & Abs Challenge to planks. 

This week’s goals:

~Run 20 miles

~Body Pump – Tuesday (Friday is optional)

~Spin – Tuesday & Thursday

~Complete BG&As everyday

Monday – Gym: 3 miles and BG&A Challenge

Tuesday – Lunch 3 miles.  Gym: 2 miles, Body Pump, maybe Spin, & BG&A

Wednesday – Lunch 3 miles.  BG&A. Out to dinner with Jen

Thursday – Lunch 3 miles.  Gym: Arms, BG&Abs, & Spin.  Volleyball

Friday – Lunch 3 miles.  Gym: 3-5 miles, BG&A, and Body Pump

Saturday – BG&A.  Lake Day

Sunday – BG&A.  I am hoping to get up early enough to get to Juniper Point and test out the trails while everyone else is sleeping.  It depends on how much ‘fun’ is had on the lake on Saturday.

Weekly Recap

First week back at it:

Monday - Was a good day all around.  Lunch I got in 3 good miles (no watch).  After work, I went to the gym.  Did 3 miles.  0.25 miles (at a 9:50 pace), and 0.25 miles (between 7:45 & 8:00 pace) - repeat.  Ended in 26:34 and feeling great.  Then lifted legs (squats, pile squats, lunges, leg curl and leg extension).  At home I completed the 30 Day Buns, Guns & Abs - the guns and abs portion.  6 miles on the day, not bad considering I ran a total of 9 the previous week.

Then we went to the movies - Maleficent, and I accidentally ate an entire pizza - opps.  Good thing I worked out hard, too bad it probably still didn't offset the pizza.

Tuesday - Did ALOT at the gym.  Started with an easy 2 mile treadmill run.  Initial pace was 10:00 flat (6.0 mph) and every 0.25 mile I increased speed 0.1 mph.  Ended up with 2 miles in 18:50.  Managed to get in my 20 leg lifts (5 sets) before Body Pump.  Did Body Pump from 5:30-6:30  and accomplished all my squats during that and plenty more.  Next up was Spin from 6:30-7:30.  Got home to cut the rest of the grass.  Finally on to the pushup - managed all 5 sets of 7 on my toes.  Wasn't sure that was going to happen with everything I did.

Wednesday - NATIONAL RUNNING DAY!  Did a 3 mile run at lunch stopping intermittently to do my pushups for the 30 Day Challenge (BG&A).  And my new running shoes arrived.  I love the Brooks Pure Flow 2s and even though I already have this pair, black goes with everything.  I might save them for fall running/marathon.  Can't be $40 w/free shipping!

Thursday - Another busy day, and I am realizing how much happier I am when I work out.  I did my 3 miles at lunch stopping to do the squats/pushups.  At the gym I completed the BG&A leg lifts, lifted arms, and did the Spin class.  Next it was off to continue my roll as ultimate sub!  Played at Bahama with Kerry's team, then went across the street to Yucatan to sub again.  I played really good and actually got to play back row at Yucatan and had some really good digs!

Friday - Pretty much a rest day, just doing BG&A stuff


Saturday - Finally got back on the bike, we were going to go to Texas Motor Speedway, but the wind out there was crazy.  So instead we went around Tracey's house.  Out in the country.  And this is some of the view.  Managed to get in just about 9.5 for an easy workout.  And did BG&A work.  Rest day for pushups - needed that.

Once the ride was almost over, I took my first fall off the bike.  Almost everyone who wears clips into the pedals falls off when they first start.  I have been wearing clips for over a year and never fallen - until today!  Stopping pulling back into the driveway, only one shoe unclipped.  Opps.

 





Sunday - Wounded Warrior Half Marathon.  I did everything a runner is NOT supposed to do for this race.  I didn't train, I didn't rest (hardest week of workouts in over 2 months), I wore new clothes, I tried new pre-race food and drink, I tried new during race gels.  Needless to say I wasn't expecting too much from this one. Delayed half an hour due to weather, ran in the rain.  I was hoping for a sub 2 still, but that didn't happen...even on a short course.  12.95 miles in 2:01:20.  My favorite part was during the National Anthem when everyone joined softly in.  You could still hear the person singing on the mic, but everyone else was singing too.  It is by far one of my favorite races!

 

 

Overall it was a great week.  Just have to finish my BG&A work.  Thankfully today is a squat rest day!



Five for Friday

1.      Hiding the Scale – Lately I have been too focused on the number on the scale.  The scale lives in my closet, so every morning I see when I get ready for the day.  Do I weigh myself every day? No.  Do I weigh myself way too much? Yes.  In the past 3 weeks my weight has been fluctuating somewhere in a 6 pound range, and has been all over the board.  Poor food habits at the lake, salt, bloating, alcohol, that time of the month, not sleeping enough, etc.  Or maybe your metabolism really does go at 30 (I kid).  I need to stop being fixated on that number, hey, my clothes still fit.

Easy solution = move the scale to somewhere you do see it every day.  Somewhere you actually have to go and seek it out.  I haven’t weighed myself in a few days and won’t until the end of next week.

2.      Wounded Warrior Half Marathon – this Sunday!  It will be my 4^th time running this race and maybe the only race I have ran that many times.  I am not nearly prepared for it, but I am going to just run, enjoy the day, and admire all the men running in full gear and packs.

3.      Push-up goal – During the 30 Day Buns, Guns, & Abs Challenge I am trying to do as many pushups as I can on my toes. So far, I have managed to do ALL of them on my toes.  At one point last year, I got to 20 in a row on the toes.  My Ultimate Goal is on the 30^th day we are supposed to do sets of 40 pushups.  I hope to do the entire first set on my toes.  However, I will be happy if I make 30.

4.      Ready to go home – Plane ticket is bought and bags are packed, well not really, but mentally I am ready to go home!  I talk to Kyla pretty much every day and even Brent will get on the phone to say hi, but I want to see them.  Plans for at home: Beach.

5.      Biking – Hoping to take the bike out this weekend!  It’s been a bit since we have been able to, so hopefully it works.  Maybe I should have made a goal to bike 4 times, or once a week.  Fitting in biking is harder with being at the lake most weekends.  With running, I can still run at the lake and I get in runs at lunch, can’t do that with my bike.  I need to name my bike….

Thinking Out Loud Thursday

A time to be random….

·        I have been on a shopping spree lately.  Anyone who knows me, knows this is rare.  No idea what has gotten into me, but I have a few more things picked out, so hopefully this mood will stick around long enough for me to get them. 

·        Best part of my shopping spree – it was all online (I hate dealing with people in stores) so now it is like Christmas this week and next as things are arriving

·        Time for a fire on the patio – because I really want s’mores.

·        Did you read the article about the 91 year old who just completed the San Diego Marathon?  My favorite part is when she stated she couldn’t believe how big of deal people were making over her.  Rock on! 

o   Side notes – she did this while recovering from radiation treatments for squamous cell carcinoma.  And the next day celebrated her 67^th wedding anniversary with her 90 year old husband.  She didn’t do her first marathon until age 76.  And she is going to try to be in better shape for next year. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G

·        It’s almost World Cup time.  I don’t follow soccer much until this time of year, and there has been a lot of talk since the roster came out excluding the best player in US history.  I personally think the US coach is an absolute dumba$$ for not making Landon Donovan part of this year’s team.  Yes, USA is in an extremely tough pool, and the chances of advancing even with Donovan would be slim, but come on, give the team a chance.  Moron! 

·        Volleyball night – I have been going back and forth on if I actually want to join a team or just keep subbing.  Subbing is a lot cheaper and gives me more flexibility on whether or not I want to be out there.  But I do kind of miss having a team – decisions decisions.

What I Love to Eat Wednesday

Instead of What I Ate Wednesday - I'm doing What I love to Eat Wednesday. 

Lately I have been on a BUFFALO SAUCE kick.  Not really sure why I'm on this kick, maybe I didn't get enough BWW during football season.

So my solutions...

http://www.littlebshealthyhabits.com/2014/02/buffalo-turkey-meatballs.html
I could live on these!!!!

http://fitnessista.com/?s=buffalo+hummus

And my newest find:
http://www.gooddinnermom.com/cauliflower-buffalo-bites/

Most of these are paired with Greek yogurt of celery because Frank's Buffalo sauce has a little bit of a bit!

Yummy in my tummy!!

Starting over

After Big Sur - all motivation gone (what little I had).  I realized that writing this blog did help keep me accountable, so we are starting this back up.

That being said:

June Goals:
~Run 85 miles
~Complete the 30 day Buns, Guns & Abs Challenge
~Make every Tuesday Body Pump class
~Make every Thursday Spin class

I am really trying to adjust my schedule to fit the boating life.  Doing as much as I can during the week so I can relax on the weekend and not be worried about getting in a run.  And the 30 Day Challenge is something I can do on the dock, so that helps!

Weekly plan: Run at least 3 days at lunch
Monday - Gym: 3 miles, legs, and abs
Tuesday - Gym: 2 miles and Body Pump
Wednesday - National Running Day Group run
Thursday - Gym: Arms, abs, & Spin class
Friday - Run 2 miles
Saturday - REST
Sunday - Wounded Warrior Half Marathon