Hi, Honey, I'm Home!

What a great trip it was, but still nice to come home.  The weather was gorgeous.  I ate lots of fruits and drank lots of water and basically did pretty well, didn't "over indulge" in anything, although I did have my afternoon cocktail almost every day.  :)  Hey, it was vacation.  So I'll be interested to see how the scale reacts next weekend.

Got a few beautiful runs in.  The last run, my "long run" for the week I was not sure how far it was in distance before I started, but I knew where I wanted to go.    Here are a few pics along the way.

First, the bridge. Those of you who have read about my last trip know that I LOVE to run the bridge. It's a concrete span bridge over the Intercoastal Waterway, a mile in each direction. Just beautiful breathtaking views.



This is a shot coming up the road from the bridge to the drive along the ocean.

Coming up to the boardwalk along the ocean....

At the boardwalk.....

On the boardwalk....

Back into the park where I started at the base of the bridge....

So now you can see why I absolutely LOVE running there!  It's breathtaking.  When I got back to the house, I went onto mapyourrun.com and checked out my distance.  I was hoping to get somewhere around 6 miles since my training schedule for the month of March has my long run at 6.  Well, it was..... drum roll..... 6.98 miles!  WHAT!????  Guess I can skip the 6 mile long run and go right to 7 for the month of March.  :)

Tomorrow it's back to normal life, work, working out, planning for upcoming fundraising events, eating right, goodbye cocktails, hello gym and training.  I am feeling great, well rested, aside from the two-day car trip back, and ready for the week.

Got Out of Town

I haven't posted in a while.  That's because I took a last minute road trip down to Florida.  I'M HERE!  It's so beautiful.  Weather is perfect.  It's so relaxing.  But I do want to run while I'm here to maintain the HUGE loss I had on the scale.  After just short of three weeks since my last weigh-in, I lost 4 pounds.  Even considering it's 4 pounds in 3 weeks, that's still a huge loss for me.  But I did enjoy myself a bit much yesterday so I know I need to keep moving today and burn those calories.  My plan is to wear my heartrate monitor all day and get an idea of what I'm burning.

I've learned a lot about myself in the last three weeks.  I'll post more about that upon my return.  For now, greetings from Sunny Florida!

Weigh-In Day

Today is my weigh-in day this week.  I normally go on Saturdays, but I am taking a road trip and will miss the next two Saturdays.  So today is the day.  I'm excited to get on the scale.  I missed the last two meetings as well, but have been so very dedicated for three weeks to tracking and very conscious of what I'm eating, when I'm hungry, when I'm not hungry. 

Three weeks ago I made a big change and decided to stop tracking on paper and use the tracker on Weight Watchers eTools.  Immediately, I started seeing items that I had been tracking wrong.  See, I have been following Weight Watchers for several years and was so set in my ways with the old program.  When they introduced the PointsPlus program, I guess my brain just couldn't adjust.  But by using the online tracker, it did all the work for me as far as points values of everything I entered!   No wonder I hadn't been losing weight.

I have seen changes in the past few weeks, not only the way my clothes fit, but, I don't know, I've been so much more aware of when I'm hungry, when I'm full AND what foods work for me and what foods don't.  So I'm anxious to get to the meeting and get an official number.  Although I met my Weight Watchers goal long ago, I have never been able to get down to where I want to be.  I think I am on my way now though. 

So the weather was SO GORGEOUS yesterday here on the east coast that I made sure to fit in some time in the afternoon for a run, a real run on pavement in the open air!  It was wonderful.  First time in about two weeks that I've run because of that awful chest cold, which is actually still hanging on a little, but wow, did it feel good to get out and get some fresh air in my lungs.  Kind of weird though to be running outside in such beautiful weather and still see the mounds of snow on the road, which are melting and make a mess of everything. 

Tomorrow I'll be hitting the road in another way.  ROAD TRIP!  I'm taking a road trip down to Sunny Florida with one of my brothers.  Should be fun.   I've decided that I'm going to try to treat the time I'm on the road like any other day.  Just because I'm in a car doesn't mean I shouldn't be on program and eat when I'm hungry and not because I'm bored or tired.  I can still eat a fairly sensible breakfast, lunch, and dinner, although obviously, it won't be what I would normally cook at home.  It's the snacking in the car that I'm concerned with.  So I'm going to head to the store today and pick up some fruit and bottled water, and I'll probably pack some baby carrots and celery sticks for some snacking.   I'm also taking a couple books, my crocheting and embroidery, plus I'll have my iPod and phone to play with.   If I don't take the junk, I can't eat it.   Right?   Right? 

So how do you handle road trips and staying on plan?   Any good tips? 

A Few Hours would be great!

I could REALLY use a few more hours in each day right now.  I'm so behind again in my blog reading.  I was down with a bad cold and now trying to get all my work done and prepare for an unexpected road trip...yep, back to Florida.  Hubby staying home.  I'm hitting the road with my brother.  Should be a blast.

So I'll be catching up on my reading next week.  Would be nice if I had that new iPhone so I could just blog away in the car on the way day.  Although I do have access on my phone, it's a little bit of a pain.

Tomorrow I'm going over for my one and only weigh-in this month.  I can't believe I 'm missing every meeting this month!  I miss my friends and I miss my leader, but (fingers crossed) I think I've done well, and have really settled into the PointsPlus program.  The fact that I'm tracking with eTools now instead of on paper is what changed it all.  I did not realize how many things I was tracking incorrectly.  I was so used to the old program.  I'm not good with change, so yeah, it took me quite a while.

But I feel good.  My clothes fit better.  I'm drinking a TON of fluids (partly because of the cold), and I even got out last night and went skating.  First time for any kind of exercise really in a few weeks.  If all goes well today, I'm going to sneak out for a little run.  Yeah!  But if not, no worries.  There will be plenty of running time next week in Sunny Florida.

Brother-in-law dropped off a package of venison sausage last night.  Said it's very lean, no fat.  Love venison so I'm anxious to cook it tonight.  Anyone have any suggestions?

Those 2011 Goals I Set

I set the goals.  Still working on step 2, how I'm going to accomplish the goals.  I addressed goal 1 (health goal) last week.  Funny how I got sick with a terrible cold last week too.  Ha ha!

Well, since I'm a little behind schedule, I'm going to hit two today.  Goal 2 is "an exercise goal" and goal 3 is "an activity goal".  More specifically, as an exercise goal, I wanted to focus more not only on running and training for my first half-marathon, but I wanted to start getting more into other activities.  Swimming (did that before I got sick), strength training (I've been talking about this for a while but just haven't taken the steps), but also taking some sort of class at the gym.   I'll be running three days a week, so there are three other days (with one rest day) where I could do other types of activities.

Group exercise has never been my thing, but until the last few years, neither has being thin and healthy.  I'm not the same person anymore.  I believe that you should never say never.  At least try something somewhat out of your comfort zone at least once.  If it doesn't work out, well, then at least you tried and you can move on to find others.

So again, I'm looking at signing up for a class at the gym.  Don't know what it will be.  I think I'll stay away from zumba for now but I am interested in kickboxing or pump-it class (with weights) or yoga or pilates. 

My activity goal, as you probably already know, is my first half-marathon in Atlantic City in October.  How am I going to get there?  Well, I think that's pretty simple since I have like 8 months to get there.  All I have to do is take care of myself and train carefully.  I plan on three runs a week, one long run.  My long run currently is a little over 5 miles.  I figure if I add a mile to that every month, I'll be at the distance right before the marathon.   I'm also still doing run/walk intervals.    I'm also going to try to focus more on stretching after each run and working on power foods to keep me going on those long runs.

Oh, and I'm starting to feel like myself again after that awful cold I've been fighting.  Still a little hanging on, but SO much better.  Actually planning on getting outside later today for a little walk.  It's going to get up to a balmy 48 degrees here today.  A lot of the snow is melting now, and the fresh air will be great!  Maybe a little trail walking at the park.  

Now, what do I cook for dinner?  Grill?

Not Much Blogging Going On

Ah, yes, it's here.  Winter of 2011 has officially become a winter like every other year, the annual head cold.  Ughh.

No matter what I do, I still got it.  I've been taking care of myself, eating LOTS of fruits and veggies, been eating oranges like crazy since December when we came back from Florida (thanks, Mom, for sending more).  Really, two oranges a day most days.  Taking my vitamins (well, most days), and still, still, I get this awful head cold.  Started out with a sore throat, then moved to my chest for a day, and now it's head congestion.   Blahhhhh.  Took some good cold medicine last night and had a really good sleep last night.  So maybe in a few hours, I'll start feeling better.

Anyway, not much blogging going on around here lately.  Been doing some reading of my favorite blogs throughout the week, but honestly, I know I've missed a lot and am way behind on my reading! 
Will try to catch up over the weekend, but going to be busy, busy (if I'm not flat on my back in bed, that is). 

STOP - No Sickness Beyond This Point

Yeah, I try.  I've really tried this year.  Got my flu shot, taking vitamins, lots of vitamin C in all those Florida oranges we've been eating, but yet again, I think I've failed to keep the monster out of the house.  Started getting a little bit of a sore throat Sunday night and yesterday, which has now blossomed into that dry scratchy sore throat.  I know what's coming.  Anything I can do to chase it away?  Suggestions welcome.

I was in a real downer of a mood yesterday because I wanted to run but since I was starting to feel a little under the weather, figured I'd let it go, and hopefully feel better today.  I NEED TO RUN!  I need to exercise.  I need...I need...I want...I want.....  Okay, I'll stop being a baby and just take care of myself now and then be extra strong like WonderWoman when I do feel better.

Maybe I can spend some extra time now on that 2011 goals list.  I set down my goals list a few days ago on a post.  Now it's time to get a little more detailed on how I'm going to accomplish each one.  Think I'll break them down and handle one a day.  First on the list -- this is what I wrote --

"I would like to continue to progress physically and be healthy. [How appropriate, right?]  Although I struggled to put this as number 1 and originally had it further down on the list, after thinking about it, this is REALLY the most important one if I am to accomplish my other goals."

Hello...... funny how sometimes things you say come back around so quickly.   So yeah.  This is actually REALLY REALLY IMPORTANT to everyone.  If I don't take care of myself, not only will I not be strong enough to reach some of my other goals physically, but mentally, I think there is a better chance I'll give in.  Not to mention the fact that if I don't take care of myself, how do I take care of anybody else. 

So what's on the menu for taking care of myself, to be healthy and continue to progress physically?  I'm going to continue to stay away from a lot of the processed foods.  It's amazing how much better and stronger I have felt since starting the new PointsPlus program with Weight Watchers where they focus more on eating fruits and veggies. 

Water, water, water.  I'm always reminding myself that I should drink more water.  Sure, I drink a lot of water, but I really would like to have a bottle of water with me at ALL times, no matter where I am. 

No more Splenda!  This is a biggie with me, and I actually started it a couple days ago.  I am a Splenda addict, admittedly, been that way for years.  Never had any problems with it, but the last month, I've have some stomach issues and have not been able to pinpoint what the problem was.  So I decided no more Splenda.  I'm still using sweetener, but I've swtiched to Truvia.  Well, I have to say that although the problem isn't completely resolved yet, it has been reduced by about 80% already after three days. 

So there you have it.  That's what I'm planning on doing for 2011 Goal #1. 

Tomorrow, I'll be posting about Goal #2. 

Now it's time to go have some steel cut oats, some berries, and see if I can convince hubby to make a pot of chicken soup for me today!  (Yikes, hubby in the kitchen?)

T-Shirt Ideas Please!

So I've decided I need t-shirts to wear while training for my half-marathon and don't want to pay the crazy prices online and I'm going to make my own.

Would love some feedback on what you think I should put on the shirt.

Otherwise, it's going to be boring and just say something like "13.1" on the front and
"Training for 1st Half Marathon" on the back

Help me, one and all!

Plans and Goals

So this morning as I sit here, warm and cozy, listening to the rush of the heater in the kitchen blowing warm air in to keep the house warm and as I look out my office window, I am not reflecting on the present, the cold temperatures, the icy roads, the mounds of snow, but looking towards the future with hope, desire, and excitement for the year 2011.  What are my goals?  What do I want to accomplish in 2011 and how do I plan to get there?  These thoughts have actually been in my head for the past few days, largely due to reading MizFit's recent posts.

So what DO I want for 2011?  Here goes.  This is a work in progress now, first time I'm actually putting it down in writing, so don't be surprised if you see another post where I "tweek" things a little.

1.  A health goal - I would like to continue to progress physically and be healthy.   Although I struggled to put this as number 1, and originally had it further down on the list, after thinking about it, this is REALLY the most important one if I am to accomplish my other goals.  So it got bumped up to first place on the list.

2.  An exercise goal - More specifically, I want to start focusing not only my running and training (see more below), but I also want to focus on other activities, strength training, swimming, and I want to step out of my comfort zone and start taking some classes at the gym.  Group exercise has never been my thing. 

3.  An activity goal - My first half-marathon!  For those of you who have been reading my blog for the last year, you know that this was a goal of mine in 2010, but due to injury setbacks, it was not to be.  The half-marathon I choose to be my first is in Atlantic City in October, 2011.  Although I know that I could train and complete a different half-marathon sooner, the A.C. Marathon has a special place in my heart and I REALLY want it to be "my first".

4.  A weigh goal - I would like to get down to 140 (okay, just under would be awesome).   The top of my goal range for Weight Watchers is 150.  I was at 146 last year before getting sidelined with injuries and struggling physically as well as mentally.  I am now ready to bring it down to where I want to be, 140 (or 139).

5.  A financial goal - To catch up and pay off credit cards, be more structured in how money is budgeted, establish an emergency fund for when work is slow, and establish an FF (fun fund) that I can use when we just want to splurge a little and have some fun.

5.  A second honeymoon - Hubby and I have been married for 20 years.  In those 20 years, we have never taken a trip by ourselves where we weren't going to visit family or friends.  So this year, we've decided that as long as the $$$ are available, we will go on a trip by ourselves to somewhere just for us, not to visit family or friends, and somewhere I have never been.  A few ideas are Nashville, Niagara Falls, Cape Cod, Rhode Island or maybe even somewhere on the west coast, as long as it's somewhere in the U.S. since one of our long-time goals is to visit every state in the country, and hopefully, some day, we'll be doing that in our own RV.


So there you have it, my 2011 goals.  Now I'll have to get a litte more detailed and plan out what I'm going to do to reach these goals.

Have you set your 2011 goals? 

It All Counts

As I said earlier in the week, I decided to break down and start using the tracker in my Weight Watchers eTools.  I have always been a paper tracker, but decided to give it a shot, and I am still surprised at how incorrect my tracking has been up to this point.  Wow!  I thought I was pretty comfortable in my knowledge with Weight Watchers points, but the PointsPlus program has really flipped me upside down!  I am SO GLAD that I've decided to do this for a while instead of paper tracking, because now I know I have been making so many mistakes on the value of certain foods.

So I've tracked with my eTools Points Tracker for three days so far.  Funny thing is in those three days, I have not used any of my weekly allowance points (extras).   However, I did on Saturday and have no clue how many I used since I was having a little pity party for myself -- maybe more like a tantrum -- and at (and drank Bailey's) and did not track any of it! 

I've also been working out at the gym this week.  Got two good days of running in.  Yesterday, I started with 6/1 intervals and then decided to flip it to 10/2 intervals.  The last set, again, I kept bumping the speed up every minute or two, and the last minute, I ran at 6.3 miles an hour, a new best for me.  I really enjoy running my last set like this, one or two-minute sprints.  It's a challenge and really gets the heart pumping.  I always feel so good afterwards.

We went to the library yesterday, which was a great treat for me, except it's been so long since I've been in our county library that I felt kind of lost.  But I did get both books I was looking for.  The first is by Jeff Galloway, "Marathon - You Can Do It", recommended by Marisa at http://www.loserforlife.com/.  This book looks like it's got great information in it for me as I start to train, finally, for my first half-marathon.  It's in Atlantic City in October. 

I know I could do it sooner, and there are quite a few half-marathons before October.  I originally had decided to run a half-marathon last year and A.C. was my choice, but due to  pain in my foot and back, the doctors sidelined me for a while, and I'm really just getting back to serious running now.  I did still go to Atlantic City to see the marathon and cheer on friends though.  ttp://journey2succeed.blogspot.com/2010_10_18_archive.html

It was such an awesome experience and so exciting for me to see my friends participating!  So yes, I could run a half sooner, but I reallly want Atlantic City to be "my first".  That gives me plenty of time to train and not rush into it and end up with injuries.  Then there is also the Philadelphia Marathon  five weeks later in November which I might also try.   I'm addicted to running.  That's for sure.

Oh, and I also picked up a copy of Rocco Despirito's cookbook, "Now Eat This" while at the library.  What an AWESOME cookbook, everything under 350 calories, and it all looks delicious!  I curled up last night on the sofa "with Rocco" and went through every single page, including the part in the front where he talks about his first Triathalon.  Triathalon?   Hmmmm, now, that's a thought.  I wonder if I could do that......  Anyway, this cookbook is GREAT and I have already decided I'll be buying my own copy.  Maybe treat myself after this week's upcoming loss on the scale.  Now, there's a little positive thinking, right? 

So today I'm changing things up again if I can get time to get to the gym.  I need to keep working out but need to give the running a break today.  It's been a while since I've been back in the pool doing laps and thought it might be a great way to start building upper body strength again.  I want to use the weight machines again too, but the pool is really calling me.  So hopefully, I get back there today and "get my feet wet".  I used to do a lot of lap swimming when we first joined the Y.  That was before I got addicted to running.  But I realize that I've got to change it up and I do need to cross train and do other things besides running.

Last night we made burgers for dinner with sauteed onions and peppers, used 93% lean beef and then sprinkled some Cabot 50% shredded cheddar over the top.  Had it without a bun, veggies and a salad.  It was delicious.

On Monday night, I sauteed boneless chicken breasts in a pan, then topped with salsa and Cabot 50% shreded cheddar.  Awesome!  They were great, and thanks to Amanda at http://gettogoal-amanda.blogspot.com/ for giving me the idea! 

I have been doing this healthy eating for a while now (years) and have found that I'm in a rut again, cooking and eating the same things.  Need change.  So I'm trying to venture out, try new recipes posted by my buddy bloggers and now, also with the new cookbook, Rocco DeSpirito's "Now Eat this". 

Today will be a challenge.  Got A LOT to accomplish, work, work, work, gym/pool, work, work, work, dinner....AND HOPEFULLY SKATING!  It's been a while.  The rink was closed last Wednesday due to weather.  I'm hoping we'll be okay today.  We've got a good coating of ice this morning from the storm, but I think that will all be melted by tonight.  Fingers crossed!

For all of you stuck in the midst of the big storm, hope you're all safe and warm.  Let us know how you made out and how much snow or ice you got!