no workout to report today, just time to myself this afternoon to organize and plan for the rest of the week. it is going to be a bit crazy so i had better get a head's up on things.
i am taking a big role in planning my high school reunion in two years. it will be the big 20 year one. i am putting together a meeting in may for anyone interested in helping, but from what i remember from the 10 year one - no one really jumps to involve themselves these days. lucky for me i have a good group of friends who make up a really good team. we should be able to pull it together. the inital work is finding where in the h - e - double hockey stix everyone is located. lucky for us, the interent is going to be a big help. once i get my website up and running, i will have a good foundation from where to start. i am going to use keith as a resource on the webpage - lucky him huh? he is just dying to help that wonderful hubby of mine.
i will post the site once i get it up and running on my blog. this way you all can make fun of the hair and style of the good ole 90's - so retro :) plus you can see me in my prime with frizzy hair in strirrup pants! can't forget those stylish pegged jeans!
tonight is steak and potato night. fotunately for me it is my night off from cooking, thank goodness! i wish i enjoyed cooking like my friend claire. her meals always look like a picture from a cooking light magazine and mine, at best, look like food from a chow hall :0
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
upping the mileage
so today was my first day running a 2 mile workout. i upped my mileage this week from 1.5 to 2. it was not easy adding those extra laps, but i managed to run 2 miles in 18:00 minutes. which means that my split for my mile time is about 9:00 minutes. pretty average for a beginner esp. one with mostly fast twitch fibers in her body. i keep trying to slow my legs down throughout my run, but all too often i find myself running like forrest gump from the neighborhood bullies. i guess that is why i never competed in anything longer than 400 meters in track.
this training is not only physically challenging for my body, but it is also training my mind to relax and enjoy my runs. after my 2 mile run this morning i did some core training and also some circuit training. i still don't see much improvement in my physique, but that is mostly due to my neglect in my diet. soda is my weakness. even though i have changed from regular coke to diet, it would just be better to drink water. i also could cut back on sugar in other areas. i don't eat much saturated fat, but i do eat my fair share of refined sugar. that is next on my agenda for change. baby steps, i guess. regardless, the workouts leave me feeling really good about what i accomplished that day and i swear my mind is clearer.
on tap for the rest of the week...major lesson planning ahead, keith leaving town for the weekend (of all weekends - he is not real happy), a weekend trip to my parents, dog walker for koda and logan on friday, a night out with my sister and sister-in-law, and superbowl sunday.
things to look forward to this month...a new hairstylist, valentine's day, swimming lessons for ally, and a day off from the students.
this training is not only physically challenging for my body, but it is also training my mind to relax and enjoy my runs. after my 2 mile run this morning i did some core training and also some circuit training. i still don't see much improvement in my physique, but that is mostly due to my neglect in my diet. soda is my weakness. even though i have changed from regular coke to diet, it would just be better to drink water. i also could cut back on sugar in other areas. i don't eat much saturated fat, but i do eat my fair share of refined sugar. that is next on my agenda for change. baby steps, i guess. regardless, the workouts leave me feeling really good about what i accomplished that day and i swear my mind is clearer.
on tap for the rest of the week...major lesson planning ahead, keith leaving town for the weekend (of all weekends - he is not real happy), a weekend trip to my parents, dog walker for koda and logan on friday, a night out with my sister and sister-in-law, and superbowl sunday.
things to look forward to this month...a new hairstylist, valentine's day, swimming lessons for ally, and a day off from the students.
Friday, January 25, 2008
to do lists and such
today was a busy day full of things to accomplish, however we still had time to enjoy a few ruiz friday family traditions, despite the long to-do list...
a long walk through the snowy woods with koda and logan
an eyebrow appointment
picking up ally early from daycare
pizza from monte cello's
ally's bubble bath time
a phone call from mom
an episode of bones
some web shopping for valentine's day
and last but certainly not least - my favorite is when i turn off my alarm for the weekend :)
a long walk through the snowy woods with koda and logan
an eyebrow appointment
picking up ally early from daycare
pizza from monte cello's
ally's bubble bath time
a phone call from mom
an episode of bones
some web shopping for valentine's day
and last but certainly not least - my favorite is when i turn off my alarm for the weekend :)
Thursday, January 24, 2008
she's LEGAL
this post is dedicated to my sister ashley:
my baby sister is turning 21 tonight at midnight!
there are many thoughts to feel at this moment...but the one that i feel the need to share is a particular memory i have of her much younger years.
she doesn't know this one but since i was in my teenage years when she was born ( around 15) i used to carry her around the house when my mom would be cooking dinner. now i know how important that was for my mom after becoming a mom myself. i would flip on the tv - specifially mtv (back when they used to show videos!). anyways, i would dance around with ashley in my arms tight to the popular songs out esp. the one by michael jackson "man in the mirror" ( i guess b/c they played it over and over) and i would snuggle her close and hope that she would always remember me as the best big sister ever! 20 years down ash - i love you and i still hope you remember me as the best big sis ever!
we will celebrate this saturday together. but a part of me still can't belive 21 years have flown by just like that. you always still be my baby sister only now we can legally hang out in a bar together - scary but true!
here is to 21 more!
my baby sister is turning 21 tonight at midnight!
there are many thoughts to feel at this moment...but the one that i feel the need to share is a particular memory i have of her much younger years.
she doesn't know this one but since i was in my teenage years when she was born ( around 15) i used to carry her around the house when my mom would be cooking dinner. now i know how important that was for my mom after becoming a mom myself. i would flip on the tv - specifially mtv (back when they used to show videos!). anyways, i would dance around with ashley in my arms tight to the popular songs out esp. the one by michael jackson "man in the mirror" ( i guess b/c they played it over and over) and i would snuggle her close and hope that she would always remember me as the best big sister ever! 20 years down ash - i love you and i still hope you remember me as the best big sis ever!
we will celebrate this saturday together. but a part of me still can't belive 21 years have flown by just like that. you always still be my baby sister only now we can legally hang out in a bar together - scary but true!
here is to 21 more!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
super GIANT sunday
here are some GIANT happenings of today...
ally found her shadow this aftenoon- it was cute but she was a little scared that it was following her (times like this you wish you had a camcorder) she actually cried a little.
we made a major decision in purchasing our townhouse -- we decided to hold out on a house (walking the dogs outside in this 9 degree weather made us reconsider) luckily we hadn't made any fixed contract deal - phew!
and of course the GIANTS are playing in a GIANT game tonight and trying to pull off a GIANT upset.
oh and one more thing the update from the doctor on friday went well. ally's little ears were clear. the bad news...3 molars are coming at once, poor girl. poor us :(
thanks for all the encouragement friends!
ally found her shadow this aftenoon- it was cute but she was a little scared that it was following her (times like this you wish you had a camcorder) she actually cried a little.
we made a major decision in purchasing our townhouse -- we decided to hold out on a house (walking the dogs outside in this 9 degree weather made us reconsider) luckily we hadn't made any fixed contract deal - phew!
and of course the GIANTS are playing in a GIANT game tonight and trying to pull off a GIANT upset.
oh and one more thing the update from the doctor on friday went well. ally's little ears were clear. the bad news...3 molars are coming at once, poor girl. poor us :(
thanks for all the encouragement friends!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
27 things i can't wear anymore
27 dresses came out this weekend and i suddenly realized that i may not have 27 bridesmaid dresses hanging in my closet but there are at least 27 things i can't wear hanging in my closet. nor would i want to wear again!
the body definitely changes form after pregnancy - not finding much pleasure in looking at myself in the mirror lately. thought i would share, in case you can empathize. even though i moved to the north, the rest of me is still living down south!
i heard a comment from Demi Moore the other day about aging. she was quoted saying something like, "you can't fight wrinkles and sagging body parts - you can play around with it, and hope for the best however the inevitable is going to happen." unfortunately, she has spent 30,000 dollars in plastic surgery over the years only to realize what us poor folk already know - our better years are behind us :) i am doing my best to embrace what age brings about, wisdom, patience, understanding...and such. however there are times (a lot more lately) that i just feel plain old no matter how you slice it.
this just pushes me on during my workouts, in my classes and in my personal life. a lot of my friends and family comment on my motivation in life and determination to succeed. i think if i had to pin-point a reason for it all, i would have to say that i am definitely one of those types of people who refuse to live an unhappy life.
i refuse to allow myself to give in when challenges arise. i am just like most women in all other areas of my life, i get tired and down on myself. i have feelings of inadequecy and times when i think things are hopeless. what saves me is the fact that i can, in fact, do something about it.
i am evolving into a person who is constantly trying to find balance in my life between the social, emotional, mental and physical. when one is down, i have to work harder to bring it into balance.
i also find humor in most of my inadequecies - which helps me be a little less critical of myself. if you can laugh at yourself, than the rest is a piece of cake. which brings me to end of this post. about those 27 things in my closet that i can no longer wear... i will just have to do some shopping now, won't i?
i am off on another journey - a 1.75 mile one!
the body definitely changes form after pregnancy - not finding much pleasure in looking at myself in the mirror lately. thought i would share, in case you can empathize. even though i moved to the north, the rest of me is still living down south!
i heard a comment from Demi Moore the other day about aging. she was quoted saying something like, "you can't fight wrinkles and sagging body parts - you can play around with it, and hope for the best however the inevitable is going to happen." unfortunately, she has spent 30,000 dollars in plastic surgery over the years only to realize what us poor folk already know - our better years are behind us :) i am doing my best to embrace what age brings about, wisdom, patience, understanding...and such. however there are times (a lot more lately) that i just feel plain old no matter how you slice it.
this just pushes me on during my workouts, in my classes and in my personal life. a lot of my friends and family comment on my motivation in life and determination to succeed. i think if i had to pin-point a reason for it all, i would have to say that i am definitely one of those types of people who refuse to live an unhappy life.
i refuse to allow myself to give in when challenges arise. i am just like most women in all other areas of my life, i get tired and down on myself. i have feelings of inadequecy and times when i think things are hopeless. what saves me is the fact that i can, in fact, do something about it.
i am evolving into a person who is constantly trying to find balance in my life between the social, emotional, mental and physical. when one is down, i have to work harder to bring it into balance.
i also find humor in most of my inadequecies - which helps me be a little less critical of myself. if you can laugh at yourself, than the rest is a piece of cake. which brings me to end of this post. about those 27 things in my closet that i can no longer wear... i will just have to do some shopping now, won't i?
i am off on another journey - a 1.75 mile one!
Friday, January 18, 2008
TGIF
thank goodness for fridays.
i look forward to my weekend with my family more often than i care to admit. unfortunately i am at work today with 3 sections of classes under my belt at the moment. it is safe to say to say, the harder part of my day is behind me. however, i do have a ton of extra work to complete this weekend. just a bunch of organizational stuff that is desperately needing a firm hand to take control and lesson planning up to my ears.
i don't even want to think about it right now, it is too overwhelming. i want to enjoy the first ray of sunshine in about 4 days shining through my tiny cubicle of an office for just a few minutes longer.
later this afternoon ally has a checkup for her ears, i am a bit nervous about the outcome, due to her track record with ear infections. this is probably the final step - if they are not clear of infection (after 3 rounds of antibiotics) then we will be referred to an ENT at children's hospital. i know it will evenutally be for the best to put the tubes in her ears, but i just can't stand the thought of her going under...not my baby! at the same time, if this is going to prevent all the side effects that come from ear infections, i can stand by it. i personally feel that this may change ally's whole personality. ever since she was born she was a bit high maintenance and i am going to be a bit sad to know that this behavior has been due to the uncomfortable feeling that comes with illness.
i have my first day off from working out this week today. the ole' legs were pretty heavy during yesterday's run. i guess they were trying to tell me they needed a day off. tomorrow will be my first 1.75 mile run. ha! it will be interesting since i will be inclined to battle the elements while i run.
if there is a moment of free time this weekend, we are going to spend it at the children's museum in pittsburgh. i have been wanting to take ally there, maybe it will be just the break we need away from the rat race. of course, the giants play on sunday night so i need to put on a happy face and root for keith's team as they play in the nfc championship game despite the fact the steelers will be watching the the games instead of playing in them. can you tell i am bitter?
oh, and the bears will get there fun day too! we plan to run them at the dog park in sewickley. their favorite!
thoughts from yesterday's workout...
claire - can't wait to catch up! you are on my must-call list.
i must blend in at this gym, my students don't even recognize me when they walk by - kudos to me for looking 21 again - haha!
what to cook for dinner? i guess it is too late for planning, breakfast for dinner sounds good!
20 year reunion planning - yes, i am going to celebrate my 20th high school reunion in 2010.
god, i am old! didn't i just feel young, two passing thoughts ago?
suddenly, i no longer have questions about what is up with britney spears - she is just plain loco!
i look forward to my weekend with my family more often than i care to admit. unfortunately i am at work today with 3 sections of classes under my belt at the moment. it is safe to say to say, the harder part of my day is behind me. however, i do have a ton of extra work to complete this weekend. just a bunch of organizational stuff that is desperately needing a firm hand to take control and lesson planning up to my ears.
i don't even want to think about it right now, it is too overwhelming. i want to enjoy the first ray of sunshine in about 4 days shining through my tiny cubicle of an office for just a few minutes longer.
later this afternoon ally has a checkup for her ears, i am a bit nervous about the outcome, due to her track record with ear infections. this is probably the final step - if they are not clear of infection (after 3 rounds of antibiotics) then we will be referred to an ENT at children's hospital. i know it will evenutally be for the best to put the tubes in her ears, but i just can't stand the thought of her going under...not my baby! at the same time, if this is going to prevent all the side effects that come from ear infections, i can stand by it. i personally feel that this may change ally's whole personality. ever since she was born she was a bit high maintenance and i am going to be a bit sad to know that this behavior has been due to the uncomfortable feeling that comes with illness.
i have my first day off from working out this week today. the ole' legs were pretty heavy during yesterday's run. i guess they were trying to tell me they needed a day off. tomorrow will be my first 1.75 mile run. ha! it will be interesting since i will be inclined to battle the elements while i run.
if there is a moment of free time this weekend, we are going to spend it at the children's museum in pittsburgh. i have been wanting to take ally there, maybe it will be just the break we need away from the rat race. of course, the giants play on sunday night so i need to put on a happy face and root for keith's team as they play in the nfc championship game despite the fact the steelers will be watching the the games instead of playing in them. can you tell i am bitter?
oh, and the bears will get there fun day too! we plan to run them at the dog park in sewickley. their favorite!
thoughts from yesterday's workout...
claire - can't wait to catch up! you are on my must-call list.
i must blend in at this gym, my students don't even recognize me when they walk by - kudos to me for looking 21 again - haha!
what to cook for dinner? i guess it is too late for planning, breakfast for dinner sounds good!
20 year reunion planning - yes, i am going to celebrate my 20th high school reunion in 2010.
god, i am old! didn't i just feel young, two passing thoughts ago?
suddenly, i no longer have questions about what is up with britney spears - she is just plain loco!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
over the hump day
the workouts are coming along. the last three days of workouts have been pretty challenging. i have continued to keep my promise to myself and battle the soreness and fatigue, despite wanting to stop a few times or skip my workout altogether. it just made more sense to push on than to give in. nothing noticeable is happening to my body yet, but keith seems to think that i am tightening up in certain places - i think he is nuts. i guess we will have to agree to disagree at this point. i just know that my overall wellness is improving daily because i can release some stress in the gym.
ally and her friend jadyn:
the next rachael ray!
a pit of balls at gymnastics
this is rare, koda and ally chillin
this week has been especially tiring with school in full swing again, my downtime has been non-existant, ally has been falling apart around 7pm and suddenly hates her baths, keith hasn't been home much due to classes and other obligations in the evening...so that just leaves me drained, drained, and more drained. the battery pack definitely needs some recharging.
i will get some recharging this weekend, because it is a 3-day weekend for me - YAY!
here are a few pics that i have been meaning to post...hope you enjoy!
ally and her many faces:
this is rare, koda and ally chillin
Monday, January 14, 2008
drain-o
it has been an incredibly draining day and it is only 1pm. i am off to the gym, time to get this body moving and this mind to rest. i am going to let my legs do the work and my mind will be at rest as i sign off to ipod land!
overall, my classes prove to be promising so far. i enjoy teaching at the college level and actually missed seeing my former students from last semester. i am glad they are taking my courses this semester as well. you can't beat the college schedule!
i now know that when my mom used to say that there were not enough hours in the day - she wasn't kidding. this day is far from over, in fact, instead of feeling over, i feel as though it is about to begin over again - ugh! exercising, chores, dinner, bathtime, bedtime stories, lunches to pack, and bills to pay.
ironically, journey's big hit from the 80's Don't stop believing is playing in my office right now - could it be a suttle message of some sort? suddenly i feel like tony soprano in the final episode...free!
overall, my classes prove to be promising so far. i enjoy teaching at the college level and actually missed seeing my former students from last semester. i am glad they are taking my courses this semester as well. you can't beat the college schedule!
i now know that when my mom used to say that there were not enough hours in the day - she wasn't kidding. this day is far from over, in fact, instead of feeling over, i feel as though it is about to begin over again - ugh! exercising, chores, dinner, bathtime, bedtime stories, lunches to pack, and bills to pay.
ironically, journey's big hit from the 80's Don't stop believing is playing in my office right now - could it be a suttle message of some sort? suddenly i feel like tony soprano in the final episode...free!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
catchin' up
it has been quite a busy weekend. ashley visited us for the weekend, so we did some bonding, while catching each other up to speed of the who's and what's in our lives. she gave keith and i a night out together as she watched ally and the bears. then my parents came down for a late lunch on sunday as we celebrated a BIG win for the G-Men! go giants. of course, i was thinking about my Steelers being eliminated but i was extemely happy for keith's team. talk about underdogs! it reminds me of the 2005 steelers season.
on thursday i timed myself in the mile run again - i turned in an 8 minute mile time with a 12:24 1.5 mile run total time. i was feeling pretty good but i still have a long way to go. i could hear the chariot's of fire theme playing in my head as i crossed the mile marker at 8:00 minute mark -- not long after that i started to get sloppy. my stamina was slowly weakening. i tried to keep it together, but i ended up walking about 1:30 altogether. i will continue to push on.
i appreciate all my friends encouragement, i do think about it while i am running and i do not want to let anyone down which keeps me pushing on. thanks to everyone who reads my blog and keeps me pushing on.
another thing that keeps me pushing on is the new spring catalog for boden (a euro clothing store i love) in which i saw some really cute shirts and cropped pants for spring that i will keep dog-eared until i lose a little more weight and tighten up.
friday was an 1 hour walk. and sat. was supposed to be a 1.5 mile run which i skipped due to family visiting. sunday was a day of rest and i enjoyed resting but part of me felt a little guilty about saturday. i try really hard not to skip too many workouts but there are times when your family life takes over. the goal is not to allow too many of those circumstances interrupt your workout too often.
tomorrow i will do some cross training, core and strength training. i am sure tomorrow will be a little draining b/c my students are due back and my mind will be getting quite a workout as well.
Thoughts from Thursday and Friday's workouts...
looking forward to a date night with keith
gosh i hope the giants pull off an upset
i think i will start ally's swimming lessons this spring
cindy is seeing someone - yay!
i would really like to get pregnant this year sometime - but not yet
i am ready for the smell of spring and the ocean
on thursday i timed myself in the mile run again - i turned in an 8 minute mile time with a 12:24 1.5 mile run total time. i was feeling pretty good but i still have a long way to go. i could hear the chariot's of fire theme playing in my head as i crossed the mile marker at 8:00 minute mark -- not long after that i started to get sloppy. my stamina was slowly weakening. i tried to keep it together, but i ended up walking about 1:30 altogether. i will continue to push on.
i appreciate all my friends encouragement, i do think about it while i am running and i do not want to let anyone down which keeps me pushing on. thanks to everyone who reads my blog and keeps me pushing on.
another thing that keeps me pushing on is the new spring catalog for boden (a euro clothing store i love) in which i saw some really cute shirts and cropped pants for spring that i will keep dog-eared until i lose a little more weight and tighten up.
friday was an 1 hour walk. and sat. was supposed to be a 1.5 mile run which i skipped due to family visiting. sunday was a day of rest and i enjoyed resting but part of me felt a little guilty about saturday. i try really hard not to skip too many workouts but there are times when your family life takes over. the goal is not to allow too many of those circumstances interrupt your workout too often.
tomorrow i will do some cross training, core and strength training. i am sure tomorrow will be a little draining b/c my students are due back and my mind will be getting quite a workout as well.
Thoughts from Thursday and Friday's workouts...
looking forward to a date night with keith
gosh i hope the giants pull off an upset
i think i will start ally's swimming lessons this spring
cindy is seeing someone - yay!
i would really like to get pregnant this year sometime - but not yet
i am ready for the smell of spring and the ocean
Thursday, January 10, 2008
it's almost official
ok, so yesterday no workout to report but we did have some good news come our way last night...
we will be the new owners of a townhouse here in the north hills of pittsburgh as early as this july. we met with the mortgage counselor last night and we finalized all the paperwork and it looks as though our new home will break ground soon!
it is exciting but also bittersweet. we do miss our single family home that we left behind in nc and wish we could give the bears a nice big yard to run in, but the cost of living here is much more expensive so we will make our first buy a conservative one. the townhouse has 4 bedrooms (small but workable) and 4 levels. all i can see is - more floors to clean and more floors to drag the vaccuum up and down, but still i will be glad to make an investment and move forward with our new transition. it will be HOME before we know it. i think the dogs will transition well and of course ally will love having all those steps to climb! ugh!
the townhome is being built in pine township of wexford. the community will have a grocery store, shops, walking trail and fitness club all within walking distance from the townhome. yes...this is extremely dangerous for the avid shopper like me. but also so convenient! i will have to do a lot of self-talk about the shopping addiction thing...ha!
and so the workout for today will be much of the same as tuesday's. i am working on a better 1.5 mile run time. stay tuned for tomorrow's update....
ps. 4 days until the students return from break!
we will be the new owners of a townhouse here in the north hills of pittsburgh as early as this july. we met with the mortgage counselor last night and we finalized all the paperwork and it looks as though our new home will break ground soon!
it is exciting but also bittersweet. we do miss our single family home that we left behind in nc and wish we could give the bears a nice big yard to run in, but the cost of living here is much more expensive so we will make our first buy a conservative one. the townhouse has 4 bedrooms (small but workable) and 4 levels. all i can see is - more floors to clean and more floors to drag the vaccuum up and down, but still i will be glad to make an investment and move forward with our new transition. it will be HOME before we know it. i think the dogs will transition well and of course ally will love having all those steps to climb! ugh!
the townhome is being built in pine township of wexford. the community will have a grocery store, shops, walking trail and fitness club all within walking distance from the townhome. yes...this is extremely dangerous for the avid shopper like me. but also so convenient! i will have to do a lot of self-talk about the shopping addiction thing...ha!
and so the workout for today will be much of the same as tuesday's. i am working on a better 1.5 mile run time. stay tuned for tomorrow's update....
ps. 4 days until the students return from break!
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
day of rest
Today is a day of rest on my workout plan. Believe it or not, it is hard to convince myself to rest, I guess I just want to keep this rush going strong and keep improving my times. I ran a 1.5 miles yesterday in 13 minutes. My mile time was 9 minutes on the dot, but because I am not in decent physical condition, I had to walk one of the last 2 laps in order to get my breath. This really slowed me down on the watch.
Last year around this time I was running a mile under 8 minutes. Needless to say, I have my work cut out! Which is why taking a day off is more important than trying to get out there and overwork myself. I can start fresh tomorrow, with another 1.5 run and work at a better pace.
These are things I try to work on with my students, when I am training them. Esp. those who are not experienced in running. The journey is essentially the same length, but your approach to completing the journey has to be different. Setting your own personal goals are the most important part of any exercise program. Once the personal goals are set up, then the framework for meeting the goals are put into play. And so the journey begins...chip-chip-chipping away.
Thoughts from yesterday's workout:
paint colors for the townhouse
my legs feel weak and flabby - and white as hell!
what would i look like as blonde? (don't worry it ain't happening anytime soon)
what is up with britney spears???
i wanna be in flip flops with my girls from nc - i am jealous!
i love this new singer sara bareilles - she is really good.
how can i talk keith into getting a housekeeper again?
this warm weather gives me major spring fever - way too early for that.
keith and i need a date night very soon - hopefully this weekend if ashley will be able to sit for us.
what is cindy up to these days? i need to call that chic soon!
Last year around this time I was running a mile under 8 minutes. Needless to say, I have my work cut out! Which is why taking a day off is more important than trying to get out there and overwork myself. I can start fresh tomorrow, with another 1.5 run and work at a better pace.
These are things I try to work on with my students, when I am training them. Esp. those who are not experienced in running. The journey is essentially the same length, but your approach to completing the journey has to be different. Setting your own personal goals are the most important part of any exercise program. Once the personal goals are set up, then the framework for meeting the goals are put into play. And so the journey begins...chip-chip-chipping away.
Thoughts from yesterday's workout:
paint colors for the townhouse
my legs feel weak and flabby - and white as hell!
what would i look like as blonde? (don't worry it ain't happening anytime soon)
what is up with britney spears???
i wanna be in flip flops with my girls from nc - i am jealous!
i love this new singer sara bareilles - she is really good.
how can i talk keith into getting a housekeeper again?
this warm weather gives me major spring fever - way too early for that.
keith and i need a date night very soon - hopefully this weekend if ashley will be able to sit for us.
what is cindy up to these days? i need to call that chic soon!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
oh, the joy of sore muscles
I am officialy sore. I felt like the tin-man who wasn't oiled in years this morning. My joints were tight and sore...I am pretty sure when I walked towards the shower they creaked!
Even though I am bit sore in places I haven't been sore for awhile I am ready for day two of training.
I must be crazy, but I think it is more about the adrenaline rush. I truly hope the rush keeps me excited and determined along the journey.
For my training today, I will begin the running portion of my workout. A mile and half for today in addition to a light strength training workout. It will be a little painful, but nothing I haven't handled in the past.
I have some good music to accompany me on my IPOD for today's run. Music is such a motivating factor for me and so many others when exercising. Even if I am just walking the bears (my dogs), once I put on those headphones everything is kicked up a notch or two.
I know it is strange that Keith and I call them the bears when they are in fact dogs -it our nickname for the furbabies. Maybe it is because Koda was almost named BEAR.
Thoughts during yesterday's workout...
How are my friends doing in NC?
I hope Ally is liking her new daycare as much as we (her parents) like it.
the College years - when I was so fit and had a killer metabolism.
How is Richelle coping with her transition from townhouse to new home?
I need to call Annie!
I hope I don't screw up dinner tonight (new recipe).
Even though I am bit sore in places I haven't been sore for awhile I am ready for day two of training.
I must be crazy, but I think it is more about the adrenaline rush. I truly hope the rush keeps me excited and determined along the journey.
For my training today, I will begin the running portion of my workout. A mile and half for today in addition to a light strength training workout. It will be a little painful, but nothing I haven't handled in the past.
I have some good music to accompany me on my IPOD for today's run. Music is such a motivating factor for me and so many others when exercising. Even if I am just walking the bears (my dogs), once I put on those headphones everything is kicked up a notch or two.
I know it is strange that Keith and I call them the bears when they are in fact dogs -it our nickname for the furbabies. Maybe it is because Koda was almost named BEAR.
Thoughts during yesterday's workout...
How are my friends doing in NC?
I hope Ally is liking her new daycare as much as we (her parents) like it.
the College years - when I was so fit and had a killer metabolism.
How is Richelle coping with her transition from townhouse to new home?
I need to call Annie!
I hope I don't screw up dinner tonight (new recipe).
Monday, January 7, 2008
Day One of Training
Ok...so I did a little adjusting last night on the eve of my new challenge. I realized that I must attempt to get this body a good foundation before I get out there on the pavement and start pounding it all out. I have sincerely let myself get out of my normal training mode that I normally keep it in. So buidling this foundation will be extremely important.
I have myself on a 8-week program prior to even training for the 1/2 marathon.
The program will consist of muscular endurance, flexbility, core development and time in my target heart rate zones in order to build cardiovascular endurance. This will be a good start for my 36 year-old body which has definitely seen its better days. I don't want to injure myself so I think that a modified plan will work best at this point. At the end of 8 weeks, I will be entered into my first 5K run here in Pittsburgh. This will be my first checkpoint.
The training for today will consist of cross training (biking and elliptical) for about 30 minutes total for cardio. Core and strength training will help build up muscular endurance for another 30 mintues. This should be a good 60 minute total body workout. I am sure I will feel it, but it will be a "good feeling" of accomplishment.
I have inspired Keith to begin training too - so this could possibly be a joint-committment between husband and wife which has been much needed and missed. I just wish we could workout together, but our schedules do not allow it at this point. Plus one of us has to be on parent-duty at all times so the other can freely workout. At least until Ally can build up her leg muscles then we can have her out there running with us - the sooner the better -- ha!
I have myself on a 8-week program prior to even training for the 1/2 marathon.
The program will consist of muscular endurance, flexbility, core development and time in my target heart rate zones in order to build cardiovascular endurance. This will be a good start for my 36 year-old body which has definitely seen its better days. I don't want to injure myself so I think that a modified plan will work best at this point. At the end of 8 weeks, I will be entered into my first 5K run here in Pittsburgh. This will be my first checkpoint.
The training for today will consist of cross training (biking and elliptical) for about 30 minutes total for cardio. Core and strength training will help build up muscular endurance for another 30 mintues. This should be a good 60 minute total body workout. I am sure I will feel it, but it will be a "good feeling" of accomplishment.
I have inspired Keith to begin training too - so this could possibly be a joint-committment between husband and wife which has been much needed and missed. I just wish we could workout together, but our schedules do not allow it at this point. Plus one of us has to be on parent-duty at all times so the other can freely workout. At least until Ally can build up her leg muscles then we can have her out there running with us - the sooner the better -- ha!
The ideal goal at the end of this summer is to buy a road bike and begin training for duathlons & triathlons.
As for multi-tasking - this one will definitely be the toughest. Full time teacher, mother, wife and athlete...this would be a good time to hire a cook and housekeeper!
Saturday, January 5, 2008
a Special Wish
Here's to MISS ANNA ROY...happy birthday sweet girl! Sorry I missed your special day :)
Resolutions
Ah...a new year, a new outlook on life, a new plan. Most years I have a list of resolutions that I would like to complete before the ball drops again. However, this particular year I have decided to do away with the annual resolution list only to undertake my first serious competition since college, a 1/2 marathon.
In addition to the grueling running schedule, I have decided to journal my feelings in my first blog page. I hope my postings will not only inspire other women but also give you a good laugh. This should be pretty comical as the mileage starts to add up each week.
I pray for good physical health, mental discipline and time to complete my training daily.
I hope that you will enjoy this journey with me.
In addition to the grueling running schedule, I have decided to journal my feelings in my first blog page. I hope my postings will not only inspire other women but also give you a good laugh. This should be pretty comical as the mileage starts to add up each week.
I pray for good physical health, mental discipline and time to complete my training daily.
I hope that you will enjoy this journey with me.
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