Brrr.

It's cold outside! Last weekend it was 80 and now its..

Brr. So I did not run this morning. I am still hoping to convince myself that it is a good idea and I should go run... we'll see how that goes. I doesn't say above, but its raining off and on, it is very gross out.

I would like to welcome some new readers. Bryan tipped off a few of my closest friends about the blog a while ago... I thought they would read it once and move on.. I found out that is not the case. I have been bookmarked, so Hello Ladies! In your honor, a photo.

Chelsea, Coatney, Kallie, Me, Taylor

Last weekend, we got together and celebrated Kallie's last night of freedom... her bachelorette party. I was a wonderful time. Lots of great food, drinks, chats, and more. It was awesome.

Then I was swamped with school and therefore, no blog posting. But I am back! I still have a paper due but I can take a little break... which reminds me, I am searching for a new template. I will have this super boring one until I get a new one.

Workouts
Friday: run 2.8 miles
Sunday: 45 spin + 45 yoga
Monday: weights + swim class
Tuesday: run 2.2 miles outside + 3.8 miles treadmill
Wednesday: swim class

Biggest Loser nonsense: I am so sad Mandi went home. She was my favorite! Also, I think that Ron can't loose the same amount of weight as everyone else and will continue to bring down the blue team... its sad but true. I just hope blue team can win next time... so sad. As you can tell, I am still really addicted to that show. My run on Tuesday was split into 2 so that I could watch some of the show while I ran. I had a lot of work to do and didn't want to waste 2 hours on the Biggest Loser, so I ran during it. Also, I Jillian's 30 day Shred from Netflix.. maybe I will do that today!

TGIF

Last night, I made this Smashed Chickpea Salad by Smitten Kitchen. I love the Smitten Kitchen blog because there are wonderful recipes and fabulous pictures (like the one below). I used pita bread to eat the salad and added a roasted red pepper to my "sandwich". I also neglected the tahini suggestion.

This recipe was

a) yummy
b) easy
c) cheap
d) mayo free

aka a winner in my book! Enjoy!

photo by: Smitten Kitchen.

Workout Summary:
Monday: weights + swim class
Tuesday: run/walk (treadmill) 3.4 miles + abs + push ups
Wednesday: swim class
Thursday: spinning 1 hr

Workout Details:

• I saw DARA TORRES, you may remember her from the Olympics, in the locker room after my swim class on Wednesday.... there is a swimming competition at my college (University of Texas at Austin) this weekend.
  
• Tuesday, I ran while watching part of the The Biggest Loser and I included sprints and added incline. It was good. I am starting to really like the treadmill for runs <>
• I can not believe The Biggest Loser is 2 hrs and NBC has the nerve to put "to be continued" at the end. I was furious... and I can't wait for Tuesday to roll around..
• I slept through weights on Wednesday morning.. oops.

Also, I am so excited for the weekend. TGIF.

BPA... say what?

I don't know about you.. but I do not support buying disposable water bottles. It is a waste of money and resources. If you don't agree, watch Flow. So I use a reusable water bottle... but there is a BPA Controversy... check out

The Health Nut

She is giving away a Nalgene BPA free water bottle and did research on the harm of BPA!

weekend, dont leave me!

I would like the weekend to stay. I do not want next week to start. I have a lot of working out, school work, and job hunting to do by Friday. Next weekend, my friend is having her bachelorette party so nothing productive will be happening.. 

Anyways, I want to finish posting my workouts for this week..

Thursday: rest

Friday: run/walk intervals (treadmill) 40 min + 10 min stair master

Saturday: 40 min yoga + pushups

Sunday: run 6 miles + core + pushups

I am terrible at pushups. I am trying to incorporate them.. and then when I get a little better, I might attempt the 100 push up challenge. Trust me, I am not there yet.

I am pleased with my efforts this week and hoping for greatness next week too. Also, I spent a lot of time outside today at a kite festival (pictures and post some day).. and my face is on fire. How did I forget sunscreen... sigh. fyi, my 6 miles today were to get to the festival. It was great to run to a destination. Bryan met me there and drove me home... I also ate part of a funnel cake. delicious. too bad it cancelled out the 6 miles... maybe I should have ran home too?

Chocolate to die for...

I realize this post is super late... better now then never?

This Valentine's Day, Bryan surprised me with the best present I have ever received on 2/14. He did so good, that I am not sure how he will top himself next year. He presented me with this..

This might seem like an ordinary box of chocolates... but it is not. This chocolate is to die for... as the saying goes.. 

The box included dark and milk chocolate truffles, a chocolate covered cherry, orange and lemon rind, white chocolate goodness... these are ridiculously amazing chocolates. I have been savoring each one..  

Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland and Coffee (of Austin)

Fitting Back In

On Monday, I came across a fitness blog that I had not seen before. There are tons of blogs out there and you never know if you will relate to the blog. I started reading blogs because they are inspiring. I love reading about someone else's journey. It is also really encouraging to see their success. Anyways, so this new (to me) blog was really inspirational... She weighed 136 in September and now weighs 114! Check it out, if you are interested.. there are great before / after photos.

http://fittingbackin.blogspot.com/

So then I started thinking about my weight loss and got really annoyed. Basically, I have been maintaining my weight for the past 3 months. Granted, this is great and all, but I would prefer to lose weight (who wouldn't?). I think I just need to kick up my workouts a notch and try to eat really healthy when I drink. At this time in my life, I am unwilling to sacrife all adult beverages.. so I just try to eat really good and workout on those days. Like most women, I want to lose some weight before swimsuit season!

My workouts so far this week:

Monday: weights / swim class (1550 yds)
Tuesday: 10 min stair master / 50 min spin class
Wednesday: weights / swimming (1200 yds) / 15 min core

So far so good...

Also, I updated my upcoming races (seen to your right). I love having goals so that I am working out for something. I have a reason. Then, I am less likely to bail and take a nap instead. I am excited to run in a 2nd half marathon and also 2 10Ks. I want to set a new PR in at least one of those 3 races.

Austin Botanical Gardens

Awhile ago, Bryan (the boyfriend) and I took his parents to the Austin Botanical Gardens. These pictures were taken mainly by him, but I suggested photos. There was an orchid festival going on which was crazy! I had no idea orchids were so expensive. Orchid growers were selling plants for $50 that hadn't even bloomed yet! Here are few of my favorite ones..

Then we walked around the gardens, but there was little in bloom. It was February... But this flower was wild! 

There was also this adorable owl... I love owls, fake ones only (screen printed on tshirts, little owl bank, paintings of owls... etc)

Also, a picture of Bryan and me.. I really like this one. :)

I FINISHED!

I finished the half marathon!!! whoo hooo! I was really pleased with the whole experience and I beat my goal time!!! Here is a picture before the race with my brother and mom. They decided to come down from Dallas to watch me run and the boyfriend was also there to watch me. I was awesome to have fans!
and after the race....

I just loved it. Should I sign up for one in April???

So a little recap of the 13.1 miles:

• mile 1: very crowded and I was getting slightly emotional. I kept thinking about how I would feel when I finished, and that I would probably cry. I saw a group of 3 runners with the following shirts, "Cancer Survivor," "Running with My Dad who Survived Cancer," and "Running with a Cancer Survivor." Very moving. I also saw a woman with a tag saying "I run for everyone who hated gym class!"
• I decided I would stalk the 4:30 marathon pacer (10:18) and then try to run faster at the end... but after 3 miles of stalking, I decided that I could run faster...
• running faster lasted until about mile 9 and then BOOM marathon pacer guy is about to pass me... this is why you PACE yourself.
• So miles 1-7 were all good, nothing too exciting. 3 girl friends from school running were in the full and just a little behind me. I got to see their boyfriends (on bikes) a few times so that was nice. I also saw the girls before the race which was great.
  
• miles 8-9 were kinda slow for no real reason.. well I was tired. This is when the pace guy caught up to me.
  
• the course split at mile 10 and then I picked back up my pace.
  
• there were 2 HUGE hills, one at mile 11 and mile 12. I ran up the hills and then at the peak, I literally felt like I was in a dead stop I was so tired.. but then the downhill was there and I just kept running..
• the finish was AWESOME! my really good friend and my roommate (also sisters) volunteered to hand out medals. So when I finished, they gave me my medal!
  
• Also, I am really happy with my time!

Finish Time: 2:13:57 (10:13 pace)

photo tuesday?

I just came across this! I loved it. Enjoy!

exhausted.

All day long, I have been exhausted. I drank coffee, a chai tea, and a coke zero but I was not revived. I decided to take a rest day and bail on my 3 mile run. Hmm... I also ran 11 miles on Saturday!!! Go me! It was my longest run to date and honestly, it went pretty good. 

total time: 1:53:49 (avg pace - 10:20!!!)

woo hoo! I was very pleased with the time. I will not bore you with my split times. They didn't have a trend, if that matters. I wasn't too sore either. I feel more prepared for my half marathon (2/15). It is so soon! I am starting to get really excited. :)

I also finished a book! I read Loving Frank by Nancy Horan and really enjoyed it. I checked it out from the Austin Public Library. Yay free books! This photo was borrowed from Amazon..

The book tells the story of an affair involving Frank Lloyd Wright and Mamah Borthwick. It is a true story and occurs in the early 1900's. Divorce wasn't exactly common back then.. There is a lot of women's rights, women's roles, the purpose of love, and architecture stories / info intertwined with the affair. It is also the authors debut novel. I liked it. 

Sunday, I rested. Monday, I lifted weights, went to swimming class, and went to a 1:15 not hot yoga class.. maybe that's why I am exhausted?

check out this giveaway!

Chic Runner is giving away this awesome book. Check it out!

Friday!

Let me recap my workouts... I haven't posted since Monday... oops.

Tuesday: 3 miles on the treadmill while watching the Biggest Loser.. 3 TVs away from the TV in front of me.. Luckily, I did not have a creak in my neck.

Wednesday: weight training (25 min) + swim class + 20 min yoga for runners from yogadownload I loved it. They have a lot of 20 minute classes for FREE. I like FREE.

Thursday: 2.5 miles on trail.. (9:48 / 10:00 / 5:10 = 24:58) terrible run. my foot hurt, my ipod died, i was cold and therefore my 5 mile run became 2.5 miles.

Friday: REST!

Tomorrow I am scheduled for 11 miles and I am pretty excited.

In other news, go listen to This American Life. I just realized you can stream episodes. Yesterday, I listened to Switched at Birth while I was working at school. It was really interesting.

le tired

I had my first swim class at UT today. I wanted to take Swimming: Triathlon and it was cancelled so I am stuck in Swimming: Conditioning. For some odd and wacko reason, my workout buddy / office mate (who is also in the swim class) decided to lift weights before swimming. We never lift weights and we don't wake up early. So miraculously, we got to school at 815 and lifted weights / went to swim class. The first class went okay, but I am the 2nd worse swimmer. You have to be able to swim a 50 (meter/yard?) in 50 seconds. 

My time: 52 seconds. 

The coach said I had good breathing technique and I just needed to work on strength so I could stay in the class. Yippee. I know I am the 2nd because he told the worst student, "I can tell you aren't comfortable in the pool. Have you ever been taken a swimming class before?" All day long, I was tired. Sleepy tired. Lots of coffee, a chocolate santa and a coke zero helped.. but did not cure the sleepiness.

But when I got home tonight,  I wanted to make some blueberry muffins. I have made them before. Delicious! 

Third Annual Chili Cold Blood Chili Cook Off

Yesterday, the boyfriend and I went to the Third Annual Chili Cold Blood Chili Cook Off at Jo's Coffee on South Congress. There was a chili contest and live music in a parking lot. It was very Austin-y and let me just say again, I love this city! The headlining band was Chili Cold Blood. We got there kinda late and missed the Chili Cook Off. However, we were still able to order frito chili pies. YUM. I also sampled a vegetarian chili. As you can see from the photos, we were quite happy. 

The band, Chili Cold Blood, was pretty good. Their outfits were also awesome.

just do it.

Nike.. how I love you. Today, I ran 8.5 miles with the help of my lovely ipod. A new playlist can really do wonders. I would list it but I basically added my last 8 lists to make a jumbo playlist. So I had 8 miles on my "schedule" and at about 7.5 miles I decided to run 8.5. I thought about next week and decided I should run 11 instead of 10 (my original plan) and jumping from 8.5 to 11 is just 2.5 miles. This week I jumped from 6 to 8.5, also 2.5 miles. I've got a plan, kinda. The run went better than expected. My splits are

1) 9:38
2) 9:47
3) 9:39
4) 10:13
5) 10:17
6) 10:24
7) 10:24
8) 11:00
.5) 5:36

total: 1:27:01

I was really pleased with the first 3 miles and also happy with the next 4. The last mile, I was just getting tired and my ankle was starting to hurt. At first, the weather was not the best. It was about 45, which is cold, and a surprise since yesterday it was 75. My hands were frozen for the first mile but after that, I felt okay. I warmed up and didn't mind the weather. I also ate some chewy things (much like the clif shot blocks). I threw away the wrapper and can't find the name online. They were delicious. They were cherry flavored with honey and all natural. I will go back to REI to buy some more and I will let you know!

I am starting to get really excited for the half marthon... :)

MIA

Whew. Apparently, I have been missing in action! The last time I posted was Sunday... I guess I have been busy. I think a bullet list is in order.

• School started, reminding my adviser that work should be getting done
• Presidential Inauguration, amazing! I am very excited to see what happens.
  
• I found Podcasts, check out This American Life
  
• LOST. soooo much happened in the premiere. It was pure madness.
  
• Biggest Loser. OMG, I was shocked. I could not believe they kept Joelle. Also, I feel sorry for Bob. Detroit did not look like a walk in the park...

Also, I worked out a few times.

Monday, I went to hot yoga for 90 minutes. It was as sweatastic as usual.

Tuesday, I ran around my neighborhood for 37 minutes to ensure that I would run 3.5miles. I figure I usually run about 10:00-10:30 but when I don't know where the next mile marker is located, I tend to be on the slower side. I found some great hills so I was pleased with the workout. I need to learn the streets better (I just moved there...) so I can gmap-pedometer the route.

Wednesday, REST! Yippeee!

Thursday, I ran 4 miles at Town Lake. Since that trail has mile markers, I have splits and I am quite pleased with these times.

1) 10:00
2) 10:01
3) 10:03
4) 10:34
total: 40:38

Tonight, I am going to a hot yoga class. I am dreading it.. but I know once I go I will be happy I went...

Have a great Friday!!!

victory!

I ran 6 miles today! Woo hoo! I went running at town lake on the 6.9 mile loop. I ran 6 miles and walked the 0.9 as a cool down. During the run, I wanted to quit and find someone to drive me back to my car... after the run, I was sooo happy that every minute was worth it. I wanted to stop and walk many times but I kept on trucking. I think in the end, it was good for my running confidence level. Just because I want to walk, doesn't mean that I needed to stop. I forgot my watch so I don't have split times. I checked my ipod at 1 mile (10:12) and 4 miles (41:32). I am good at remembering pointless information... like seconds. I finished the 6 miles (I had to guess where the end was because the mile markers get messed up on the loop.. if anything, I went over .15) in 64:34.

When I got home, I showered and ate... Then I ended up napping.. for 1.5 hrs . Oh well. Technically, school doesn't start until Tuesday... I can waste a Sunday, right?

Also, this weekend, there was a sale at BettySport (adorable/expensive workout clothes store). So I went there on Friday and bought a pair of yoga pants for 30% off. After taxes, they were only 35.  However I went to their 2nd location yesterday and I found another pair that I loved. However these pants were $70 and only 20% off... So I could not justify buying them... But they were sooo soft and fit great. Did I mention that I love these pants.. So I want these pants. I think I want to set a goal and when I achieve the goal, I get the pants! Or maybe I will get a coupon for the store in my next race packet.... I can only hope. 

Friday, I went to another hot yoga class. I am not sure how it was possible, but I sweated more than I did the first time I went to a class. I left feeling awesome and disgusting all at once. I met up with a friend that also goes there. I like having friends that workout. It's encouraging. Then, I went out to eat with some friends. After dinner, we went out to celebrate my friend's birthday and played a lot of shuffleboard. I love it! I also won... so that helps.

Today, I wanted to run 6 miles. But my foot felt a little tender... so I decided to let it rest. I am not sure if it is sore because of the 4.5 miles or from the hot yoga. My foot cramped in yoga. I think I am just worried! I hope I can run tomorrow...

I took a picture of my breakfast this morning. I had coffee and vanilla yogurt with granola and berries. Tasty as usual...

Then I went to the Austin Public Library and checked out two books.. I'll let you know as a I read them. I've decided I am not paying for books anymore. Then I just unpacked and cleaned my room. Tonight, my roommate made me dinner and I watched a movie with the boyfriend. Very relaxing :)

doc knows best

I went for a 4.5 mile run today with the following split times...

:: 9:53

:: 10:22

:: 10:17

:: 10:14

:: 4:54 (0.5 miles)

= 45:42

I was happy with the run. I ran at Town Lake and I wore a new running shirt.. that I LOVE. It's a Nike dry-fit warm sweatshirt thing. The first half, I kept thinking, "when is this going to end?" and then the second half I was thinking, "whew, this is easy. I got this.." So in other words, it is a typical run for me. If I can get half way done, I somehow feel okay about the 2nd half. Oh, I completely forgot to mention the latest Doc update!

The Doc thinks I can do the half!!!!

 

The Doc told me this on Monday. Last week, I ran twice (3 miles each) with no pain. He said that since I ran okay and my muscles are loose that I can run 3 times a week. He said I should aggressively increase my milage and run the half. I was super excited. I can't believe I forgot to mention it! So as of last Sunday, I had 5 weeks until my half. So he suggested I run 3 times a week (1 recovery, 1 medium, 1 long) with the following long runs..

6 miles / 8 miles/ 10 miles/ 8 miles / half 

I am looking forward to my 6 miles this weekend :) 

Sweat Fest

.... aka Bikram (HOT) Yoga. Last night, I went to a 90 minute hot yoga class. Whew. I have never sweated so much in my life. And I live in Texas where it is hot. I've worked out in the heat before.. but nothing like hot yoga. I should back track some...

On Sunday, I went with my new roommate (note: I moved. I have a new roommate. I didn't blog about it because moving = complaining.) to her gym and did the following workout:

:: walk 5 min
:: run 15 min
:: walk 5 min
:: hot yoga 60 min

The hot yoga classes were new and they were having some heating issues. The room was only 87 degrees. I loved the class! I felt so relaxed and the heat in the room really helped with my flexibility. There was calming music and we did some poses I hadn't done before. It was great.

So I went home to find a deal online because yoga is expensive. I found a place in Austin, somewhat close to my new home, that offers an introductory offer of 28$ for 30 days of unlimited yoga. The studio only does Bikram yoga. Both the boyfriend and I signed up. Last night we went and on the down side, it was completely different than the other class. In this class, the instructor talked the WHOLE time and there was no calming music. We did 26 different postures and 2 breathing exercises. I was not a fan of the breathing ones. On the up side, it was a great workout and such a sweat fest! It's the only time I have ever seriously considered taking off my shirt and working out in a sports bra. A lot of people in the class where only wearing tiny shorts and sports bras. It must have been somewhere between 90-95.

The whole experience was still good, but not exactly what I was looking for in a yoga class. I will go back (maybe friday?) but I think I'll try another studio after 30 days. Oh and I ran into a friend there which was nice. I found out via facebook that another one of my friends also goes to that studio.

OH. I forgot to mention. I went running around my new neighborhood before the hot yoga. I did the following:

:: run 30 min
:: walk 3 min

There was about and 1 1/2 hours between when I finished running to when I started the yoga class. So needless to say, it was a great workout day :)

Now onto... THE BIGGEST LOSER (warning: spoiler if you didn't watch...)
Joell is sooo annoying. I really hope this past week has shown her that she needs to be more dedicated. Or else, she will be sent home. It was ridiculously sad to watch the contestants have to choose between Jerry and Dan. I was happy to see Jerry and Estelle at the end. They looked great! It proves that anyone can do it and it can be done at home. I love that show.

I am it!

Mica tagged me! This was fun to fill out. I hope you enjoy. 

4 Favorite Memories of 2008:

:: Finishing my 1st Triathlon 

:: Camping at Big Bend National Park

:: Buying a car

:: Dinner at Uchi 

4 Favorite Movies of 2008:

:: High Fidelity (I saw it in 2008....)

:: Spirit of the Marathon

:: The Dark Knight

:: Wall E

4 Favorite Foods of 2008:

:: Slow Churned Ice Cream

:: Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers

:: Laughing Cow Cheese

:: Soup

4 Places I loved in 2008:

:: Austin, Tx

:: Fredericksburg, Tx

:: Hamilton Pool 

:: Lambert's (Fancy BBQ)

4 Things I Liked in 2008:

:: Running

:: Biking 

:: Reading 

:: Blogging

4 Things I am Looking Forward to in 2009:

:: Finishing a Half Marathon

:: Danskin Triathlon

:: Graduating from Graduate School

:: Getting a "Real" Job

4 People I Tagged:

:: Jen 

:: Angela 

:: Alisa

:: Jess

The Splits

I forgot to mention that I recorded split times for my 3 miler on Wednesday:

Wednesday 3 miles

1st mile: 10:04

2nd mile: 10:12

3rd mile: 10:26

Total: 30:42

This morning I went to Town Lake and ran the same 3 miles.

Friday 3 miles

1st mile: 10:22

2nd mile: 10:11

3rd mile: 10:35

Total: 31:08

The times are consistent enough for me so I am pleased. I love my new watch. Also, I still felt pain free! Things are looking good. Around 5 I did the Zen in your Den and Pilates Abs courtesy of Hulu. In conclusion, it has been a great workout day. Now, I need to find something to eat for dinner. ASAP. 

Woo hoo!

You might notice that I have included some photos in this post... the lovely/amazing boyfriend bought me a camera for Christmas. :)

Lately, I have been having a few technical difficulties. In a single day, I washed my phone in the washing machine and my computer cord "burst" into pieces. I wasn't home but my mother swears it just "burst", quite random and it makes for a funny photo. Don't worry, I bought another one on my parents dolla. I am still working out the phone situation. I can make calls if I plug in the phone, sometimes.

Also, in running news, something good happened. Yesterday, I went running at Town Lake for 3 miles and guess what... I didn't feel any pain during or after the run! I was quite happy. Recently, I have been doing running and walking intervals. When I did 5.5 miles, I was a in some pain. So I was really pleased to run 3 miles (without walking) and be hurt free. I am still somewhat panicked about the half marathon. Its less than 6 weeks away and I still don't know if I will be able participate. If I can't, I have already been eyeing a half marathon in May.. 

I don't normally photograph my food, but I do read several blogs where people do.. and this morning my yogurt just looked adorable. Vanilla yogurt topped with fresh strawberries and granola. YUM.  

This afternoon, I went to the outlet mall to return 2 things. One was at Nike.. I was going to go in and return the item (a gift I bought for someone and then found something better) and hurry out so that I didn't get sucked into the wonderfulness of the Nike outlet store and buy something. But those mofos at Nike scammed me. They gave me a 20% off coupon for anything in the store that day because I made a return. How is a girl to pass that up? I couldn't. I ended up purchasing this sweatshirt. I loved the color. It was already marked down 40% and then I got another 20% so with tax it was only $20 and some change! I am so happy. 

The last time I saw the doc, he recommended that I not workout hard (aka run/elliptical) two days in row.  I had done 3 days in a row last week and then my foot/leg was really achy. So today, I wanted to do some yoga. I did a 20 minute video from Hulu: Zen in your Den. Then I decided to throw in some abs too, Pilates Abs. The abs video was only 10 minutes. Both videos were from Exercise TV and I like them both! Surprisingly, neither one of the hosts were annoying. I think I will try them again. Both were beginner friendly, which is nice since I haven't done very much yoga and I rarely do abs. I am trying to do more though and these videos help!

Goodbye 2008, Hello 2009

I am aware this post is 4 days overdue. But I have been busy drinking/sleeping/eating. I will recap those adventures later...

In 2008,

• ran/walked approximately 350 miles
• bought a bike
  
• competed in 2 sprint distance triathlons
• started this blog
• ran 3 official 10ks
• purchased/financed a brand new car
• read 14 books
  

For workout info and major purchases, I think that is it. As for 2009, I hope to

• PR in the Danskin Sprint tri (my 1st tri course)
• run a 1/2 marathon
• run/walk 400 miles
• participate in a relay Olympic distance tri
• read at least 12 books (an average of 1 book per month)

It is weird making year long goals. I can't remember the last time I did this. I hope I can keep them. Just the other day I told some one that I thought New Year Resolutions were stupid... some how, I just came up with 5. I like to think of them as goals and not resolutions. As the year goes on, they will filter into a month goal. (speaking of which, I achieved my December goal and maintained my weight. woo hoo!)

Hello 2009...

bootie bustin...

HBBC week 4:
Thursday: stretching 30 min = 1 pt
Friday: stretching 30 min+ walk/run 5.5 miles = 6.5 pts
Saturday: stretching 30 min + elliptical 30 min = 3 pts
Sunday: walk/run 3 miles = 3 pts
total: 13.5

Recap:
week 1 = 11.5
week 2 = 22.5
week 3 = 6.5
week 4 = 13.5

HBBC TOTAL: 54 points

I am so happy that Amanda from Run to Finish hosted this Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge. I know that I am no where close to winning, but I still enjoyed the challenge. It is amazing to see how much people work out! I hope to participate in more blog activities because it is a good time.

Holiday Fun!

Well as you can see from my last post, I have been enjoying the holidays! I had a few whiskey/cokes and 2 micheladas at Lee Harvey's in Dallas before that last post. The bar has fire pits outside and you can buy s'more materials. We didn't buy any that night but we have before. It is an awesome dive bar. We had a great time, hence the post. I was a little hungover the next day but I quickly got over it. 

I have been quite busy with elf duties and enjoying the holidays so I haven't been blogging. I had a great Christmas. I got some clothes, some dishes, bike lights and a new running watch.

I have been slacking on my HBBC points. So far this week,

Thursday: stretching 30min = 1 pt

Friday: stretching 30 min + 4.5 miles = 5.5 pts

pathetic, I know. Also, I need to catch up on my blog reading. I am super behind! I hope you had a great holiday too!

this is an sos

melinda is drunk. happy holidays. 

HBBC week #2

HBBC Week # 2

Monday: Spinning 1 hr + 30 min stretching = 5 pts

Tuesday: 30 min elliptical + 30 min stretching = 3 pts

Wednesday: 30 min stretching = 1 pt

Thursday: 3 miles = 3 pts

Friday: walk/run 3 miles (3 pts) + resistance bands 15 min (1 pt) + 30 min stretching (1 pt) = 5 pts

Saturday: 1.5 miles (1.5 pts) + 15 min abs (.5 pts) + 30 min stretching (1 pt) = 3 pts

Sunday: walk/run 2.5 miles (2.5 pts)

:: total = 22.5

On Sunday, I went walking with my Mom at a one mile loop trail. I was just going to walk with her but after one mile she said, "You are not even tired. Run." So I ran one mile and then walked a half mile with her again. I was really glad she encouraged me to run. I had encouraged her to come to the trail with me and get a workout in during the holidays. She likes to go walking but sometimes losses motivation. Too bad she doesn't read blogs. :) I  ran the mile in 8:40 which I thought was great. I normally run slower but since I was just running one, I picked up the pace. I really hope I run that half I am signed up for. 

It is really late but I can't sleep. I had a head ache but it seems to be going away. Also, I ate chick-fil-a tonight at the mall. I love it but I haven't had it in a really long time. I guess I haven't been eating any fast food lately. My tummy keeps making all of these weird noises. I think it's mad at me. As my boyfriend says, "There is a monster inside." 

In other news, I still have several elf duties. I made the 2nd batch of chex mix tonight but I had to sub in garlic salt for garlic powder. And maybe used too much. The chex mix is too salty and terrible. I guess I could only make it perfect for so many years... I need to re-do the batch. I also have tons of presents to wrap for my family. I need to make fudge. Oh and a lemon pie. I still have 2 gifts to buy. Maybe instead of blogging I should get to work!

elf errands

I am heading out the door to run a bunch of elf errands. But I wanted to post about my workout yesterday so I can keep track of my HBBC points...

Friday 5 pts - 

:: walk/run 3 miles (3 pts)

:: resistance bands 15 min (1 pt)

:: 30 min stretching (1 pt) 

Also, I saw Doubt last night. It was very thought provoking. The movie was good but I am not sure if it is "one of the best movies of the year" as some people are claiming... 

Have great Saturday! 

home!

I made it home to my parent's house and it's nice to be home. On Tuesday, I watched the season finale of The Biggest Loser. I love that show. I have only watched the last few episodes but I am addicted. Everyone looked so awesome! Michelle lost 110 pounds! That's insane. I wish I could see the past 5 seasons.. So I missed my workout on Tuesday afternoon but then I watched the finale and I was so inspired I hurried to the gym! I was only able to crank out 30 minutes on the elliptical before the gym closed. Since finals are over, the gym has different hours. I was really glad I did. 

I went to the physical therapist on Monday and Wednesday. I am feeling better about the whole thing and they said I could do running and walking intervals. Oh and I went to a spinning class on Friday. Tonight I tried running and walking intervals. It was nice. I used my parents treadmill which was nice. Also, I just found out they have On Demand! I am super excited. I think I'll try a yoga video (On Demand).

My mom turned 60 tonight so my brother and I made a delicious dinner consisting of:

:: pork tenderloin with balsamic gravy

:: roasted potatoes with rosemary

:: glazed carrots

:: brussels sprouts with bacon

:: butternut squash soup (not homemade..)

Yummy! I also baked a cake with 60 candles. Awesome, but almost a fire hazard.

HBBC Update:

Monday: Spinning 1 hr + 30 min stretching = 5 pts

Tuesday: 30 min elliptical + 30 min stretching = 3 pts

Wednesday: 30 min stretching = 1 pt

Thursday: 3 miles = 3 pts

Holiday Explosion

OH my. I apologize for the lack of posting. But have no fear, this past weekend was a Holiday Explosion. First, let's recap the week... I went to physical therapy and had some tissue immobilization done on the ankle/foot. I really like the new Doc. He'd like to see me running asap. So he wins in my book. So my running spirits are back up! Thanks for all of the great comments on my last post! Now onto the weekend of fun!!!

The Nutcracker
The boyfriend and I went to see the Nutcracker. It was awesome! I love watching ballets. The dancers are soo impressive. We bought really cheap college tickets but it was still wonderful. I was so happy we went. Then directly after that...

Holiday Beer Potluck Party
We hosted a Holiday Beer Potluck Party. I only had a morning after photo...

it was a lot of beer! Everyone brought great beer and it was a wonderful party. My brother and three of our friends came down from Dallas as a surprise! It was awesome! We had so much fun. I was super happy they came and was really surprised.

Tacky Christmas Sweater Party
Saturday night was a Tacky Christmas Sweater Party and I believe the next picture explains it all. Please note, the boys sweaters were homemade... I love the photo of the boyfriend wearing a snowman and eating a snowman... love it!

Trail of Lights
Sunday, we ventured out to the opening of Trail of Lights held at Zilker Park. It's a 1.25 mile long display of lights. It was way too crowded. We should not have gone opening night.

Whew. Okay onto..

Bootie Buster Challenge Week #1
Monday: run 4 miles = 4 points
Thursday: stretching 15 min + resistance bands (arms) 15 min = 1.5 points
Friday: walk 1 mile = 1 point
Sunday: walk 3.5 miles + resistance bands (arms) 15 min + abs 15 min = 5 points

Total: 11.5 points

Not as many points as I would like, but I am still happy.

new header!

I made a new header tonight! yay! It was my first attempt and I like it... but I don't love it.. I might make another one soon. I hope you enjoy!

Don't worry, a long post is on its way... I am sorry for the lack of posting!

what's up, doc?

Today, I went to the foot/ankle specialist. But before I get into all of that, I ran last night at town lake trail. 4 miles (41:47) and everything felt okay. The boyfriend and I made Vegetable Lover's Chicken Soup
and was delicious, healthy and inexpensive. Only 291 calories per serving! I highly recommend it.

Onto the Doc, he thinks I have a different issue than the pernonal tendinitis and that he wouldn't sugar coat it, I have a lot of issues in my left foot/ankle. When I was 15, I broke my left ankle and I have hardware in my leg and ankle. So, I have issues. The Doc gave me a steroid shot in my foot and I can't work out for 7 days. Boo. So I am thinking about dropping out of the Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge. Sigh. Also, the Doc prescribed physical therapy. I go on Thursday. He said that I have chronic inflammation and that I need to take care of the issue now or it won't go away. My case is very unique. So don't worry, this probaly won't happen to you. He said that maybe I shouldn't be running that often or for that far because I need to think about the long term effects and how I want to be active when I am 40. In conclusion, I am kind of depressed about the whole thing. I was talking to Mom about it and telling her how I'm concerned since I am already signed up for the half marathon on Feb. 15th and I would rather not quit. She said, "Oh Melinda.. you shouldn't be so competitive.." I thought this was midly amusing because I am quite competitive and she knows that. I kind of regret that I didn't see this Doc earlier but I thought the pain would go away. Oh well. I guess I will just have to see how things go. The Doc had a lot of advice and hopefully, this issue will get resolved and maybe I can still run the half marathon.

Also, lately I have been watching The Biggest Loser. I just love it. It is so inspirational and I am so proud of all of the contestants. I also wish that Bob or Jillian would train me! Anyways, if you don't watch it, you should check it out. Especially if you are trying to lose weight.

weekly total

Yesterday, I went to town lake and ran 3.5 miles (35:04) and walked 0.17 ish so that I could get a whole number for my miles last week...

Weekly Total: 14 miles

I felt okay with the run yesterday. My foot didn't bother me too much. I don't think I've mentioned this yet, but I've made an appointment with an ankle and foot podiatrist who specializes in sports medicine. I am going tomorrow and hopefully he can shed some light on this issue.

outrageous...

Before I tell you what is SO outrageous.. let me tell you about my recent workouts.

Wednesday - 1 mile (on treadmill) + 45 min of "the toughest spin class of the semester" (where I almost puked.)

Thursday - 3 mile run/walk at town lake... left foot issues... not a good "run"

Friday - walk 3 min / run 30 min / walk 3 min = 3.33 miles on treadmill... decent run.

I went running on the treadmill today so that I could get a workout in since I was going to happy hour. I do love a happy hour. It was the last day of classes so me and a bunch of people from my department went to drink. Fun times.

On to the outrageous-ness...

Dean Karnazes

The man is out of control. and quite impressive. and somehow annoying too. Here are some of his accomplishments (provided by Wikipedia):

• 350 miles in 80 hours and 44 minutes without stopping (2005)
• North Face Endurance 50: fifty marathons in fifty U.S. states in fifty consecutive days
• inaugural South Pole Marathon in running shoes
• 148 miles in 24 hours on a treadmill (2004)
• single-handedly completed the 199 mile Providian Saturn Relay six times

I started reading about him and its just outrageous. Did you see.. fifty marathons in fifty U.S. states in fifty consecutive days or 24 hours on a treadmill... I guess the next time I complain about running 3 miles on a treadmill.. I will just think of him. Speaking of.. here is his incredibly fit body from his Runner's World cover..

I do like a challenge..

MicaPie tipped me off about the Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge hosted by Run to Finish and I do like a challenge... so I joined in on the fun. One time I had a competition with a friend to see who could workout more.. and let me tell you.. it didn't go so well. I was running and she was using the elliptical machine. We were competing to see who worked out the most via minutes. I am glad to see the HBBC has a point scale. :)

3 miles...

Last night, I went to the track at my school and ran 3 miles (30:17). It was somewhat boring because the loop is only 0.25 miles. I had too much work to do so I couldn't get to town lake before sunset. I didn't want to run around my place because I've got a new plan. I needed a plan to deal with my tendon issues, ankle issues and really just my left leg because its 11 weeks -2 days until my half marathon. This is not how I wanted to train whatsoever. But I have to make the best of the situation and be grateful I have a left leg. So the new plan..

• run only on trails/treadmills aka no concrete
  
• wear an ankle brace
• icy/hot the ankle and foot after running

I didn't run with the ankle brace yesterday but thats because I need to buy one. Also, I LOVE icy/hot. It smells and feels great. :) I think this will help with the left leg issues until the tendon regains some strength and my running can get back to normal. Tracks and trails provide a little cushion. The 3 miles felt good to run and I felt little pain. So things are looking up! I know the half is still far away, but I'm getting excited and I feel unprepared. I just wish I could have been running the past few weeks. But like I said, I've got to make the best of my situation. A pulled tendon is a lot better than a broken leg.

December Goals

On a blog I found awhile ago, the writer would post monthly goals. I would site them but I can't find their blog again!Anyways, I thought it was a good idea. (EDITED!!! it was Girl on Top, silly me.) So since its December 1st, I've got a goal. I am starting off with only one goal.

December Goal: Maintain my weight.

You might say, "Man thats easy." But since its the holiday season and I will be eating/drinking everything in site... I think it will take some work. Basically, I just cant skip out on workouts. Also, I am going to try to eat healthy foods when I am not celebrating the holidays.

In blog news... you might notice I am capitalizing words.. jump back and watch out! This blog is improving.

I will post later about my Thanksgiving break.. and the horrible traffic.

Congrats to everyone who ran in a Turkey Trot!

Boo traffic

happy thanksgiving!!!

happy thanksgiving! i hope everyone is having a great holiday! 

i knew i would gorge on turkey today, so i woke up and went running. i only made it 2 miles because my ankle started to hurt. the tendon in my foot felt okay but the joint part of ankle was aching. i am not sure why but i am starting to get really annoyed with my left leg. when i got home, i iced it and that helped but still... its annoying. hopefully, my left ankle/tendon gets it together soon so i can start running again! i miss it. 

thanksgiving day has been great. i love food. we just got done eating. it was delicious.

recap of the week:

on monday, i started this week off right.. with a 7am spin class. it was a tough one too. the spin instructor was a little intense, as usual.

tuesday, i rested because my quads were hurting. i couldnt take another spin class.

however, on wednesday, i skipped my workout in the morning. sigh. all of the spin classes were canceled due to the break. so i was going to go to the gym and use the elliptical machine. but ended up working on my hw instead. oh well. then the boyfriend and i drove to irving (suburb of dallas) to spend thanksgiving with my parents. also last night, we (my brother, the boyfriend, and a few friends) went out to an awesome bar in dallas called the old monk. they had a very good selection of delicious beer! we also had cheese fries with bacon and jalapeno. its a holiday right? let's indulge.  :) i had a black velvet (ace pear cider + guinness), a pearamasous (ace pear cider + maredsous 8), and a la fin du monde! they were very good. 

okay, time for dessert! 

workouts....

so even though i was out of town this past week, i should have worked out while i was in boston. there was a gym in the hotel. i should have brought workout clothes. i feel somewhat guilty about it... i only worked out twice this week. oh well. it's okay to have a bad week here and there. it was just one week. ill be sure to work out this upcoming week because of turkey day, where i will eat everything.

tuesday - 2 miles (foot hurt)
sunday - 60 min spin class

i am still alive!

first of all, i want to apologize for the lack of posts. i went to boston and did not have internet! in boston, i almost died... from the cold. it was colder than 32! i am not used to such cold weather. i am super impressed that people run in such cold weather. i think i might be able to survive if i was properly dressed....

so on monday, i offered an on-site interview for a company outside of boston. the boyfriend is also applying to this company and was already planning on going to his on-site interview on thursday. so i casually asked the HR person if they could book my flight around the same time as his... and she did! so i left early wednesday. therefore, we both got to go visit boston for free (hotel/rental cars/food.. etc) it was AWESOME. the boyfriend and i were really excited to see boston.

my friend's sister lives there so she hooked us up with a to-do list. i had most of a day free while the boyfriend interviewed so i did some shopping and checked out:

• the little italy of boston (north end)
  
• the back bay area, lots of shops
• the freedom trail
• boston commons
  

i will try to post pictures when i get them developed... i know "developed".. no i am not living in 1990, my digital camera decided to finally crap out on the trip. so i had to buy a disposable one. i will get digital copies, dont worry.

now i have a ton of school work to do before thanksgiving break starts. but it was worth it. oh also, i finished another book on the plane. i have actually been reading this book for quite some time. its taken me awhile to finish because it is a book composed of short stories.

it was really funny at times, but i didnt find it too engaging. i guess i just dont like short stories. i want a book that captures my attention so that i cant put the book down. i have already started another book and i have been captured. its too bad i have to work on school stuff... the boyfriend made curry chicken pot pie and it just finished. i must go now and enjoy a delicious dinner!

monday

a few of my friends and the boyfriend wanted to have an "alternative" thanksgiving before everyone goes to their respective homes for thanksgiving. so we picked yesterday. however, it turned out to be just a regular thanksgiving. it was delicious. there was a turkey stuffed with 40 cloves of garlic (yum!), mashed potatoes, asparagus, rolls, stuffing, and the only thing non-thanksgiving.. dessert: s'more bread pudding, if you click the link, it calls for making chocolate bread. we just bought cherry chocolate bread from central market and it worked beautifully. but as usual, the turkey made everyone super tired.

on saturday i got this movie from nexflix: run for your life i went home and tried to watch it after thanksgiving but i fell asleep during part of it. also, i didnt think it was amazing. i liked the spirit of the marathon much better.

in other news, i finished another book.
and it wasnt that great. emily giffin has 3 other books.. and they were all much better. however, i still finished it. so i guess it wasnt too terrible. it was about a married woman who runs into an ex-boyfriend and then doubts her marrige. i would call it: depressing. and i am not one of those people who just hate the character, i just thought it was kinda boring too. i would recommend her other books. i loved all three.

3 miles...

yesterday, i went for a 3 mile run. i had been looking forward to the run all day. i ended up leaving school late and got stuck in traffic on the way to the running trail (town lake hike and bike). so the sun was already "set" according to weather.com. luckily, the trail was full with other runners so i felt somewhat safe. the last have of my run was really dark. but i made it through without falling on my face. the foot felt fine during the whole run. it was actually a great run besides the fact i was running in the dark. then afterwards...

my foot started to ache. so lame. so i think ill keep doing my stretches and just take it day-to-day. today ill be going to spinning. i do love spinning. also, sometimes i just love the texas weather. i was reading some blogs where people are running in temps less than 32! yesterday, i wore shorts and a tshirt. :) hopefully, i get to run again this week... i guess i'll just have to wait and see...

weekend recap

this weekend was filled with grad school social activities. on friday, my adviser took all of his students to happy hour. then we all went to a department bbq. saturday, i made cupcakes with my grad school friend. then on sunday, my adviser had us over to his house for another bbq! the cupcakes were for bbq#2. whew. it was good times but not the healthiest weekend food-wise.

in other news... saturday i went running! the game this weekend was at 11am and i woke up late so i was only able to run about 2.25 miles. my foot felt okay. at one point, it kinda hurt so i stopped and walked and the pain went away. i think i will do some light running this week. im just annoyed with my foot because.. i am ready to start training for my half marathon! i did still get in some good workouts because of spinning. my favorite spinning instructor always says,

"motivation gets you started. habit keeps you going."

and its so true. i went this morning :). also this weekend i watched a great movie. you should watch the trailer...



alright, im off to do work!

obama

amazing...

tendinitis

so last week, after my 10k, my foot started hurting. i went to the doctor because i didnt want to end up causing more damage by just working through the pain. i had read online it could be a lot of things, some serious. anyways, it turns out i have...

peroneal tendinitis

so i have to do some stretches and strengthening exercises and then i can run again. maybe in two weeks. until then, it will just be spin spin spin. and maybe a yoga thrown in. what can i say, i live in austin.. im practically required to do yoga.. oh and eat organic food. im a little annoyed about the tendinitis. turns out its common in weak ankles / feet. so of course it happend the left ankle (aka the bad one). its worthless. i would probably be better off with a pirate peg leg.

yesterday, i went to a new running store. i got a coupon at the 10k i ran for 20$ off, which in my opinion, is a great coupon. so i wanted to get new shoes. and get this..

they had me run on a treadmill and video taped it! then they played it back in slow motion! it was awesome. and the guy at the store claims that i have a good strike. aka i hit the ground correctly.

yay!

lately ive been thinking that i must be running like an idiot to be having so many aches and pains. so i ended up buying mizunos again but in a different style. i like them and they arent too expensive.

then i went to school and made little progress. i am easily distracted. especially since i dont have internet at home... saves me money but wastes a lot of time in my office.. oh well.

then i tried a new workout class: spinning (45 min) and yoga (45 min) and it was awesome. i think i need some more stretching in my life. i was hesitant to go because the instructor is annoying.. but there was a sub! so i got lucky. i think ill try and go next sunday too. then i went to the store and got stuff to make black bean quesadillas and corn salsa (recipe from women's health magazine)



i liked this meal for 3 reasons:
1) it was cheap
2) it was easy
3) it was delicious

New PR!

today i ran in a 10k and i set a new PR. for those of you who dont know, PR (personal record).

10k - 1:01:06 (9:50/mile)

i am very excited. my friend and i set a goal of beating our 10k times and we both succeeded. actually, we smashed them.

so here is the breakdown... the first mile was super crowded and i tried not to run too fast so that i wouldnt be out of energy later. i decided i needed to pace off of someone so that i didnt have to worry about pacing myself. well the girl i picked was a little bit faster and i only kept up with her for the first 3 miles. oh and right when i was loosing her, she took off her shirt and ran in a sports bra. i was kinda frustrated by that because this clearly marked that she was better. so then i just ran and tried to stay at a good speed and was finishing each mile under the 10min mark. i was pretty happy. then i sprinted the last 0.2 mile and beat my previous PR.

all in all, it was good race.

great advice

i just read this on a blog i read, and i totally agree that it is great advice.

"Everything you experience today is the result of choices you have made in the past…If you don't like what you are producing and experiencing, you have to change your responses….Change your habits." - Jack Canfield

it seems simple, but sometimes i forget.

i am incredibly unhappy with my "job" lately and i need to change my habits because i dont like being unhappy and i am making everyone around me unhappy too.

nineteen minutes

i finished a book last night.

:: nineteen minutes - jodi picoult

i was engaging but not the best book ever. its kinda depressing. i should have guessed that from a) the summary of the book and b) the last book i read by the same author. this book was about a high school shooting. i think i need some new books/authors. any ideas?

Spirit of the Marathon

awhile ago, i read about a documentary about running a marathon and it finally came out on netflix. so earlier this afternoon i watched the "spirit of the marathon."

warning: this is a long trailer.



the movie was amazing. it was so inspirational. i think anyone who runs or thinks about running should watch it asap. the movie covers several peoples journeys who are running in the chicago marathon and also interviews famous runners. it was good. i think ill watch it again before my half marathon for that extra bit of inspiration.

half-marathon, say it isnt so....

its official. i am signed up. i cant back out now. i will be running 13.1 miles on feb. 15, 2009.

i have a lot of work to do.

tea time?

So last week, i didnt do so hot on my workouts.

monday/thursday - spinning 45
sunday - 3miles (29:40)

oh well. maybe this week will shape up better...

in other news, i love tea. yesterday i had a mint tea in the afternoon and it was delightful. today, i have a christmas blend (sure, its random). i just wish my tea time came with tea sandwiches, scones, and cupcakes rather than programming and typing up a report in my office :(

Workouts!

last week i had a pretty good week for working out. i meant to post this earlier but ive been busy at school.

monday - hill repeats w/ warm up and cool down 5miles
tuesday - spinning 45 / stairmaster 15
wednesday - rest
thursday - speedy 4miles
friday - spinning 45 / stairmaster 15
saturday - rest
sunday - walk 0.9 mile / run 6 miles (aka 7 mile townlake run)

however this week... is not as good. ill post at the end.

camping and drinking

i went camping on friday and it was awesome. we went to pedernales falls state park and its only about 45 minutes away from austin. the weather was perfect and i got to eat smores by the campfire. :)

then on saturday we went on a pretty boring 3.5 mile hike at the park.

then that night, it was drinking time. we went to a concert and had quite a few beers which led to quite a few problems.

1. bryan made a quesadilla with an insane amount of chipotle tabasco sauce on it then i told him it was terrible. this does not make a chef happy.

2. then i ran my pinky toe into a door and got blood all over the bathroom.

3. then somehow one of us, we are not sure who, placed my credit card and id on the couch and it slide into the handle of a cooler sitting by the couch. this event made us think the cards were lost and cancel my credit card this morning. only to find it by the cooler a few hours later.

so in conclusion, drinking can lead to problems.

and now my toe hurts like a mofo and i was supposed to run/walk for 7 miles today. i doubt that is going happen now.

blogging

lately, i have been reading a few random blogs about running and triathlons. it has been great inspiration. i saw one on a fitness website and "click click click" im reading a ton. and these people are strangers. at first i was like.. whoa this is weird. i am stalking strangers. but i was thinking, they dont mind. im sure they are blogging for the world to read it. i bet they like it. but ive decided that people spend a lot of time, probably too much time, on their blog entries! i guess its true for most "hardcore" bloggers. i however am not the best blogger. i think its because i know no ones reading this. i have a few occasional lookers (ie. family) but thats it. maybe one day i will know more bloggers. anyways, i enjoy blogging. even if my entries are short and sweet.

maybe i have a stranger reading my blog.... well i doubt it.

oh monday.

this weekend, i finished

:: my sister's keeper - jodi picoult

it was very good and engaging but man its depressing... still a good read though.

also, i just burned popcorn in my office and it smells terrible. i ran on both saturday and sunday.

sat - walk 7 min / run 30 min (3.25 ish miles)
sun - walk .25 miles / ran 5 mies (58 minutes)

and today i get to rest :) and i might even rest tomorrow too.

recent runs

wednesday: 3 miles (29:47)
sunday: 10k (71:00)
wednesday: 4 miles (41:45)

wednesdays - good runs.
sunday - terrible. it was too hot.

swim. bike. run. (race report)

so this is a little overdue... the triathlon was august 24. anyways, here are a few wonderful photos.

before the race...
on the bike...

after we fininshed!!!

overall the race went great. this race only had about 500 participants so it was a lot smaller than the danskin (with 3000 participants). the swim didnt go that great, i finished near the back of the pack with only 3 people behind me in my age group, 1 of which had to be pulled from the water and DNF. but then i picked up the pace on the bike. i focused on passing everyone i could and was trailing this girl in my age group for quite sometime. then i passed her :) i guess you could say that i am competitive. then there was the run... the trail was really uneven so i was just waiting for an ankle to break. luckily, i survived. i ran the whole thing except for water breaks and that was my goal so yay! i ended up finishing 9/19 in my age group! so overall it was a success!!!

i really enjoyed doing the whole triathlon thing and i think i will keep the habit up. :)

blueberry muffins

i saw some delicious looking blueberry muffins on foodgawker and decided to make them. they are super good, especially with a glass of milk.

you can find the recipe on foodnetwork.

christmas list

its august 22nd and i am thinking of what i want for christmas. its ridiculous but dont act like you arent doing the same.



completed book:
:: certain girls - jennifer weiner

review: good chick lit.

unbelievable

saturday i went out to a bar with some friends and ended up seeing someone from high school. my friend, also from high school, told him i did a triathlon. she said, he was surprised. so i go and meet up with this guy and i knew that he had done a marathon. so i told him that was really impressive and congrats. then he was asking about triathlons and i told him mine was a sprint distance, and he says,

"a sprint distance is nothing to be proud of"

can you believe that! that is such a rude thing to say to someone. i thought about kicking him in the shins. i told him he was rude and i had been drinking a lot so im not sure how mean i was... but i didnt really talk to him much more that night. so in conclusion, some people are just mean and rude for no reason.

mini-tri on a thursday?

my 2nd triathlon of the summer is coming up next weekend. so paige and i decided to do a mini tri today at 630 am. we are not usually such early birds.. so im extremely tired. i stayed up late watching the olympics! anyways, here is the breakdown..

bike 5 miles - 24 min
swim 600 meters - 17 min
run 3.25 miles - 35 min
bike 5 miles - 26 min

i am really glad i did it but im tired. i swam at barton springs and it was lovely and free before 9am. i was surprised at how many swimmers were there, it was only 7am! people were also running on the trail and then jumping in afterwards to cool off. although the events were out of order, it went well. i feel pretty prepared for the tri on august 24th. im excited. i think ill swim there again tomorrow (but only swim) and ill try to get a good picture. we were there right after sunrise and it was gorgeous!

The Olympics!!!

how could you not be inspired!

finished / hamilton pool

i finished

:: the secret lives of bees - sue monk kidd


also, this weekend, bryan and i adventured to hamilton pool. it was amazing. the place was like a little oasis hiding in west austin...

town lake running trail

the town lake running trail is amazing. there are so many runners of all types, it is really encouraging. especially, if you are even slightly competitive. i begin to think "if that person is still running, so can i." i wanted to run in the morning today to get it out of the way and maybe it wouldnt be so hot since i was planning a long run. but i am not a morning person. i made it to trail by 815 am so i was pretty impressed with myself. i warmed up with a 0.5 mile walk, ran 5 miles, and cooled down with a 0.5 mile walk. this was however, according to my nike+, so i probaly ran less. but i do love running with my ipod and my nike+. everyone should get one. so now i am very exhausted at school and will be leaving early.

finished book...

i finished 

:: the history of love - nicole krauss 

i liked the book and i would even recommend it to other readers. i found out via jen that the author is married to jonathan safran foer. now i am reading, 

:: the secret life of bees - sue monk kidd 

pillow pics

recently, i made a pillow to match a pillow i bought at urban. finally, here are the photos! i was very pleased with the results.

first, the pillow from urban...

then, the coordinating pillow i made... 

monday = lame day

so today i went to spinning class at the terrible hour of 8am and it was canceled due to lack of participants. lame. it was extra lame because i was running late in the morning and had to literally run to the gym. so then, i had a run on the treadmill (boring) and then i climbed many stairs on the stair master. lame way to start a week. in other news, i am starting a new book:

:: the history of love - nicole krauss

also tonight for dinner, i am making shrimp stir-fry. yum!

friday

yay! i love a friday. today, i am going to happy hour at a wine and tapas bar that i love. also, i dont have to work out today because it is my rest day! i am very excited for the weekend because i dont have to go to school and "research."

book / cake

so in the past few days i finished a book and make a cake!

completed books:
sheer abandon

completed cake:
pineapple upside down cake
(it was delicious, courtesy of the little dish, courtesy of smitten kitchen)

knitting

i would like to knit this as my next project. i think it is too advanced :(
http://brooklyntweed.blogspot.com/2008/06/shifting-sands.html

running in texas is no fun

this morning i ran and it was extremely hot. it was terrible. i ended up having to walk a lot because it was so hot. i decided yesterday to increase my running workouts to 1 hour which means i need to include some walking. anyways, i ran/walked 5 miles which is good i guess. it was just so hot. oh and the path i picked had very little shade.

also, i made a pillow last night for my couch. ill post a photo when i get my camera back. i was able to successfully install an invisible zipper. :)