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!