I think I fixed the video I posted yesterday.  If someone could please check it I'd appreciate it.  THANKS!

December 15th ... already?

Howdy Everyone!  Remember me??  Boy the time has been flying by lately.

My time has been a bit limited lately and instead of posting I've been trying to keep up on others blogs as much as I can.  You guys are more interesting anyway. ;)

This past Saturday was my 37th birthday and it turned out to be a pretty darn good day.  Normally my husband and I don't exchange presents, but this year he went out and got me a really nice looking running outfit.  (sorry, I forgot to take pics and can't find any like it online) 

However, once I put it on it didn't work for me.  It was a nice bright green Under Armour jacket and black Under Armour running pants.  The jacket was a medium, but was too big (YAY!).  The pants just fit goofy.  Considering together they were $170 I couldn't swallow that, so we returned them. 

We ended up going out shopping and I bought these running capris from a running store.  They are still sickenly expensive, but they are SUPER comfy and I had that $25 gift certificate I won last month.  Throughout most of the year I prefer a capri length to a full length.  Also, since my legs are on the short side most lengths are too long for me (and petite is too short).

We had some consistenly cold weather last week and our big pond froze over enough to go out on it.  The kids had some fun out there goofing off.



That night I was eager to try out my news pants and did a session in the gym.  I've been feeling lost in the work out dept. lately and when I have worked out it's mostly been running.  I've totally been neglecting my muscles.  So ... I've turned to Jillian.

I have her Making the Cut book and while I find the diet too much for me to follow, her workouts look really good.  A nice variety and you're always working something different.  You do 5 circuits.  Each circuit you do without stopping between moves and then you take about 30 seconds or so between circuits.  The workout takes about 45 minutes.

Day 1 looked like this:

CIRCUIT 1
20 reps Dumbbell Chest Press
15 reps Dumbbell Fly with crunch
50 Squats
1 min 7mph sprint

CIRCUIT 2
10 sec Plank
5 Push-ups
10 reps Side Planks with Inner Thigh Raise
5 sec Plank
5 Push-ups
10 reps Side Planks with Inner Thigh Raise
5 sec Plank
10 Burpies
50 Sumo Squats
1 min 7mph sprint

CIRCUIT 3
20 Frog Push-ups
20 Squat Thrusts (plank to squat)
30 sec Static Squat
10 reps W Shoulder Presses with Leg Extension
1 min Jump Rope

CIRCUIT 4
20 reps Bench dips
to fail Rope Tricep Presses
10 each Static Lunges with Lateral Shoulder Raise
1 min Mountain Climbers
30 sec Boat Pose (V-Sit)

CIRCUIT 5
1 min Jump Rope
50 Bicycle Crunches
30 sec Extended Plank

The next day we got our first little snowfall that amounted to anything and we went out for a run.  I hadn't run since the previous Saturday and REALLY wanted to get out, no matter what.  It was about -3°C (26° F) and had just started to snow when we left.  We ran 10Km and it was actually really pleasant and peaceful.  But by the time we turned back the snow got heavier and about 1" deep.  That was fine for running in, but it kept sticking in the crease under my shoe and building up a 1" ball under my shoes.  We had to stop every 2 minutes to pick them out.  Very annoying.  It was a tough run and my pace sucked!  But, I was happy to get out there.

After Jillian's workout and a cold run, I was DONE yesterday and didn't workout. 

My diet has been so-so.  I really need to get back to tracking.  Now, just to do it..... GRRR!

Personal Best!

Yesterday was such an awesome day!

In the morning we went out and got our tree.  Then my son played a wicked soccer game (best of the season).  Then, before it got dark I went out and did that 5K run.  After that we put up our tree, decorated it and had a nice relaxing evening.  Perfect day!

Certainly my run didn't involve any winter storms, crazy snow, insanely cold temperatures, nor santa hats or bells.  But I promised Syl I would be out there running with her.  And that I did.

Here's my cheerleading prior to the run (sorry for the blurriness, but I thought they were still funny):

I was going to go by myself, but my husband asked to come along. 

Here I am on my way out the driveway:

Follow the pink Syl ......

The weather was pretty darn good.  Clear skies, a bit of wind and just above the freezing mark.  The route we took was good for doing a fast 5K.  Straight forward and pretty much no hills.  The only thing we had against us was temperature and a strong head wind going out.  I was certain that I could finish under 27 minutes.  But I did even better than that:

Under 25 minutes!!!!!!

Wooooohooooooooooooooo!   I was thrilled!!!!!

After that we got our tree up.  Sure is hard to get a decent picture of a Christmas tree.  I'm not that skilled with my camera.  Believe it or not this is one of the smallest trees we've had in many years.  Normally the angel is shoved up into the ceiling.  But decorating it is still a challenge:

When it was part way decorated we sat back and relaxed a little with some mulled wine.

Ahhh a perfect evening!

Did it! And 5K here I come

YAHOO, I got out there today.  No more "tomorrow I'll exercise".  Today! 

Went to a drop in fitness class.  It's the same one I used to go to every week but the class never changes and after a while it just got too monotonous, and easy.  The music today was driving me absolutely batty.  It was this really repetitive background type music and it completely ground on my nerves.

But the class served it's purpose and that was to get me going again.  I feel GREAT today!

Of course it helps that it is absolutely GORGEOUS outside!!!!  We are currently making up for the crappy, rainy month of November.  Here's the forecast for next week. 

Not that it will be even close to accurate.  Around here they can't predict the next 48 minutes of weather, nevermind 48 hours or more.  Apparently this area is one of the hardest locations to predict weather due to the ocean and mountains and such.  Watching the weather forecast around here is pretty much a joke. 

So my poor friend Syl is running in the Santa Shuffle this weekend and expecting horrible wintery weather.  She left me this comment yesterday to motivate me:

Heidi, your buddy will be running in a HUGE STORM tomorrow..don't you feel sorry for me? I think the least you can do is get out and run a 5k tomorrow...I mean common it's Saturday....
there is that the push you needed :-)
xoxo
Syl

You know what? She's right! The least I can do is run a 5K too. I was planning to do the Santa Shuffle out here this weekend too but given a few unexpected financial hits we've just had I can't justify paying for Garry & I to enter in this race when we can just run on our own. And since our weather is going to be fantastic then I have no excuse!



So ... tomorrow morning I'm going to go out and time myself on a 5K road run.  See how fast I can do it.  If it's not under 27 minutes you'll find me cowering in the corner crying - haha.

Syl, tomorrow I will be running with you.  I'll be wearing my bright pink jacket so keep your eyes peeled for me.

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Kicking Excuses to the Curb

Haven't blogged in a while and all you fellow bloggers know what that means .....  things haven't been ideal.  Though I can't say they've been completely bad.

Workouts have been sparse.  I have a million excuses, none of them really valid.  I ran last Tuesday, then not again until this Monday and last night I walked with a friend (instead of running as I'd planned).  Other than that I've had very little activity unless you include one day of reasonably heavy yardwork and a day of shopping. ;)

Eating has been ... OK.  I haven't journalled my eating completely for about 3 weeks now.  But I've tried to be mindful and I don't think it's been bad really.

The good news is my weight is holding.  The scale is fluctuating around the same numbers and is basically the same.

The bad news is my body is not. :(  I feel gushy - yuck!  My muscles need a workout.

Unfortunately tonight I have hours of bookkeeping that I'm working on. (just taking a short break to post what I typed up earlier)  But, tomorrow morning I plan to go to a fitness class or do a similar workout at home.  No matter what I've got going on I can't let this slide.

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I have a new love ♥.  A while ago Susan posted about her new love ... her Magic Cookie.  I gave it a try and while it wasn't quite the thing for me, it did spark an interest in me for a great new breakfast I've been having.  Especially at this time of year I like something warm in my belly in the mornings.

1 cup water
1/2 cup oats
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
1 tablespoon peanut butter

I put the oats & water in a pot on med-low for about 5 minutes and then just before eating I stir in the protein powder and the peanut butter.

You may remember that I have a variety of peanut butter on hand, so it's easy to make this a little different when I want.  Of course you can always do add-ins, but I'm really like this just the way it is.  Sometimes I top it with a few sliced almonds and/or add some ground flax.

This breakfast holds me for a LONG time.


I need to make an effort to post more often.  I've still been following everyone else's blogs, I just didn't get to posting my own. 

AND ... I really NEED to make more of an effort in exercising and journalling.

I can NOT let those things slide!

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Budget Weight Loss

Often I see people that use particular products to help them in their weight loss - 100 cal packs, frozen meals, reduced calorie products ....  While these are very helpful products, it's something that at the moment I can't make part of my life.  Pretty much everything in my house is bought with cost in mind.  It's either on sale or bought in bulk, etc. 
One of my biggest savings lately has been on bread.  I have a rather large husband and two teens (one of which could easily eat me out of house & home on cereal, milk and peanut butter sandwiches).  We go through a TON of bread.  Recently my Dad was visiting and as I was making lunches in the morning he said "What is this?  Subway??".

Not long ago I was introduced to a discount bread store in town.  They have a rack there for stuff that is nearing it's best before date (usually about 2 days before).  And if you've seen what's in the grocery stores, you know this isn't actually that bad.  I usually buy 10 packs at a time and put them straight in the freezer.  Not only is there bread, but there is usually pitas, wraps, flat breads, hot dog/hamburger buns, hoagie rolls...

If you buy in groups of 5, they are 99 cents each.  And it's good bread.  You'd pay at least $3 - $5 a loaf for this in the stores.  With the volume we go through I estimate we will save about $450 or more in a year, possibly quite a lot more.  That's a lot of runners & clothes!!!  Just in bread savings alone.

This is my haul from yesterday:

So what does this mean for me in regards to weight loss? 

It means that I can't rely on a particular product.  If Squirrley Bread is my go to product and they don't have it one week, I have to make adjustments and use another product.  Luckily there is lots to choose from.  Quite often they have a variety of rye breads which run at about 120 calories for two slices and have a great taste.

Isn't that what weight loss/management is all about?  You have to constantly make adjustments.  And you can't let the unexpected affect the goals you've set for yourself.  If you go to a party and the food options are not what you have available then you need to make the best choices you can.  Portion control, healthier options.....  it's a lifestyle!

RUNNING SCHEDULE


Running schedule this week:

Monday - Rest after the race
Tuesday - 60 min @ about 6.0mph
Wednesday - 8 x 400M fast lap sets
Thursday - 10.5 Km @ about 6.0 mph
Friday - 5 Km - fast (practice road run for the Santa Shuffle)
Saturday - Rest
Sunday - 14-16 Km @ about 6.5mph

I was amazed after Sunday's race that I was actually a bit stiff yesterday. On weekends we usually run similar terrain with the hills and such, though a much longer distance. But I think the faster pace and the weather conditions must have been what made the difference. So, I made yesterday my rest day instead of today.

I think I needed it to because I was asleep in bed at 8:30 and didn't get up until 6:15 (and I was still tired).

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Superior Scribbler Award

Thanks to Marcelle and Syl for giving me the Superior Scribbler Award.  This is actually my first award (I think - heehee).  Marcelle - sorry I missed this the other day.  I read your blog all the time, but sometimes on weekends I just do scim-overs.

Your comments are so sweet.  I'm so glad that I can motivate Marcelle with her running.  I once hated to run, but the passion has certainly grown into something I now love.  To read that Syl aspires to be just like me makes me feel all warm & fuzzy inside. 

First ... these are the rules:

• Each Superior Scribbler must in turn pass the award on to five most deserving bloggers.
• Each Superior Scribbler must line to the author and the name of the blog from whom s/he has received the award.
• Each Superior Scribbler must display on his/her blog, and link to the Scholastic Scribe, which explains the award.
• Each blogger who wins the Superior Scribbler award must visit this post and add his/her name to the Mr. linky list. That way, they'll be able to keep up to date on everyone who receives this prestigious honour.
• Each Superior Scribbler must post these rules on his/her blog.

Second ... there are so many I could pass this on to, and I think a bunch of you have already gotten this.  But for the sake of limiting to 5 people ... I pass this along to:

Missy - You always make me smile.  You just seem perpetually happy and it's contagious.  I see you struggle with trying to balance the lifestyle of a young, fun woman hanging out with her friends, but mostly I see how strong you are and I know in the long run you will be so grateful that you are fighting this battle now.  You are learning so much and it will stick with you for life.

Kerry - Here's another blogger who almost always has her positive hat on.  Your blog is always fun to read and full of straight out honestly.  Plus, you've got the most amazing smile!  And, aside from weight loss, I gotta say that you have really give me a different perspective on a teacher's life that I never had before.  It's been an eye-opening experience.

Susan - You should have your picture posted in the dictionary next to the word "dedicated", oh and also "moderation".  Hmmm, maybe "organized" too.  I think I'd be afraid to follow your workouts because I'm sure you'd kick my butt.

Tamara - You are the straight goods!  You are open and honest and a huge dose of reality.  Weight loss is tough and dirty.  I get sick of reading certain blogs that are all full of sunshine and perfection.  You've faced alot of struggles but I know there is determination in you and you are in this for the long haul.  I know you'll never give up.  You are one STRONG woman!

Syl - I know you've already got this tons so don't feel inclined to do it again, but I couldn't make this list without including you.  Someone once said before that you are like every bloggers online BFF and I feel the same way.  You don't know how often I think of you when I just feel like shoving this whole business in the corner for a while.  I see how hard you work and it keeps me going.  You are the first blog I go to every morning.  And I too can't wait until we meet!

Geee ... I can never be short-winded can I - hahahhaa.

So many great bloggers out there.  You guys all make my day!!!!!