Running ... in Boston

Tomorrow, I am traveling to Boston for work. Yes, in January. I was not the brains behind this planning. Regardless, I will be in Boston, in January, when it snowed all weekend. AWESOME. (Have I mentioned before how I am ALWAYS cold... and hate it??) So I was talking to my colleagues in Boston on Friday and I asked them about running. Heather is training for the Boston marathon and I guess her blood is used to freezing on her 15 mile runs but mine, is not. She said, and I quote, "I try not to run if it's below 25." HA. I try not to run if it's below 50. That might be a slight exaggeration but seriously, 25? No way, Jose. My teeth would break from chattering so much.

So my office is right by the Boston Common and my hotel is in Back Bay which means I have some pretty awesome places to run - and generally, I would take advantage of this. One of my favorite traveling runs was in Savannah when we ran through Forsyth park and ran straight to this adorable cafe for breakfast. While I'm not sure I can handle running outside on this upcoming venture, I do still plan on running. My hotel has a nice gym, and I'm actually switching hotels on Friday to stay the weekend and explore the city with my sweet boyfriend who is coming up to visit. Oh, did I mention they are sending me to Boston, in January, during my birthday week? So sweet.

I found this running club that meets on Saturdays and Sundays and runs through the city. It's a 5k route but over an hour and a half, so let's just say it's a very slow pace. They give lots of opportunities to stop and take pictures on the route, which is cool. We're a little hesitant to commit to this since it starts at 8 am and is in Boston in January. Maybe on Saturday afternoon it will be warm (not freezing) enough to go for a run outside. We just signed up for the Cooper River Bridge Run in Charleston so the bf has to start ramping up his mileage. It's his first 10k, and will also be the first time he has ever run more than 3.2 miles. I'm excited to help him train and train with him for the race. I remember how proud he was after his first 5k, and then his 2nd and 3rd when he ran the whole thing and his 4th when he got a new PR. It will certainly be an exciting time. My goal for this one is sub 50 minutes, but that will require some training. Got in 3 miles yesterday in 25:40... a little slower than normal for 5k pace but I was on a treadmill thanks to a million inches of rain.

Anyway, new stories to come from running in Boston... in January. Wish me luck and warmth!

Running...thru OperationLGN

Has anyone else heard of this operation? Clearly not a surgical procedure, but for some, they may have better luck with surgery. Okay, that was mean. I actually saw this posted by a frenemy... and the LGN, anyone want to take a guess what it stands for? LOOK. GOOD. NAKED. Now, you have to stop and ask yourself... why would one participate in this? I mean, I get it. Everyone wants to look good. But what about the rest of the year? What about your health? Why not #operationeathealthier or #operationdedicationtomyworkouts instead of #operationLGN? I guess if you're a virgin and you're stoked for your wedding night then maybe it's an acceptable hashtag. 


I have been diligent with my gym-going and working out. Tonight I did a killer kickboxing class (with my awesome friend Katie) - guaranteed to be sore tomorrow.... probably an 11 on a scale of 1-10 if you were wondering just how sore. I haven't done kickboxing in 4 years. I worked at a gym in college, which made it really easy to work out ... and be motivated to work out. I did every class imaginable then, and even taught a spin class. I wish I still had all the time in the world to work out, I think I would be just as dedicated now. 


Half Most of my friends are pregnant right now, which really gets me thinking.... (no, I do not have baby fever)... I don't know how I will handle pregnancy. My stomach getting any bigger is a huge red flag that sends me and my garmin305 into overdrive. I can't imagine being that big... I can't even fathom carrying around that belly for 9 months. And new clothes? Don't get me wrong, I love new clothes but I don't know if I can part with my cute 0's and 2's for stretchy pants (I got to see lots of these this weekend as my sister-in-law tried on clothes). Luckily, I have some time before I have to consider the woes of pregnancy and baby weight.


I sound very cynical and mean in this post - and I'm not. I just appreciate people who care more about themselves than just to focus on working out for 1 month before a cruise, or before they have to wear a hideous bridesmaid dress... and people who eat clean, all the time, not just sometimes. We bought our groceries at EarthFare this week and we are so thrilled with everything! Last night we had salmon, kale and black beans. It was so heavenly - and fresh! 

Anyway, obviously I would like to look good naked but that is not my ultimate goal from working out. My goals are to not be overweight, not to get diabetes like my father, or ever, ever be one of those people that lets myself go after the age of 40. I want to be healthy and in shape so that I can chase my kids around (the ones I will eventually have) ... and teach them how to stay healthy as well. So let's participate in #operationbehealthier and #operationfeelstronger and let the narcissistic folks deal with #operationLGN.

Running.... and derailments.

I'm doing really well with my resolution of "doing more." Last week, I worked out everyday, even if it was just a long walk with the dogs, I did something everyday. Then on Saturday evening, we went out for a night on the town. We started with dinner at Capital Grille, with calamari & hot cherry peppers and cocktails. I ended up having 3 vodka and tonics by the time dinner was done. Then we went to the symphony for the Disney Music show - totally made me feel like a kid again. And while waiting in line for drinks, a charming young man bought me a glass of champagne. I'm not sure if it was the calamari with hot peppers or all of the alcohol but Sunday was not a fun day. I was a miserable wreck and not up to working out - the first derailment of the year. 

On Monday, my boyfriend and I jointly made dinner: Zuppa Toscana. We probably should have used mild italian sausage instead of the hot, but lesson learned there. Anyway, I'm pretty sure I have an allergy to potatoes, because as soon as I was done eating, I had a throbbing headache right above my eyes. The same thing happened on Thanksgiving as soon as we were done eating; and the week before after I made this delicious Sweet Potato Casserole with orange juice. Potatoes are a food that I'm okay not eating, and I guess if my body is going to reject anything, a carb loaded food is a great pick. It sucks though, because my headaches are debilitating and practically send me straight to bed... which again means I missed a work out. I've been prescribed migraine medicine but it's ridiculously expensive and I didn't have a migraine it was just a sharp headache, totally different feeling, but both suck. 

Tuesday, we did a spin class at the gym and a good arm workout (they're actually still sore, so that's how I know it was GOOD). My butt happens to still be sore as well from that bike seat. Biking is one of my least favorite sports. I am also not a fan of the instructor who breathes very heavily in the mic and half-asses the workout. I've taught spin/cycling classes before and it's very easy to tell when someone is faking. She is a world-class faker, kind of like Elaine Benes. 

So yesterday, I was in need of a good run. But, of course it would never be that easy... it was raining... all day... and parts of the state even had thunder boomer and tornado warnings (yes, in January). So I had to hit the gym... and the treadmill. I set the time for 45 minutes, which would actually account for my longest run since my half marathon on Oct. 23rd. I ran the first 5 minutes at 6.3, then ramped up the speed to 7.2 for 2 minutes, walked at 3.5 for 30 seconds, repeated 7.2 for 2 minutes, walked for 30 more seconds at 3.5, then went back to 6.3 for another five. I repeated this for a little over 46 minutes (I couldn't stand cutting it off before 5 miles) but I was actually pretty proud of my 8k time since I hadn't run that far in a long time. 

Also proud to say that I haven't had chocolate this week... other than some chocolate milk after my workouts. So it's day 12 of the new year and my resolutions are on track. I've started back up with the United Way Young Leaders program, and reached out (again) to Girls on the Run - haven't had luck getting a response and this weekend, I plan to search for a permanent church in this city. 

Although running on a  treadmill is not ideal, or my favorite thing, I actually had a really good workout. I burned a fair amount of calories and got in a distance run. Got stuck in the rain today while running with the dogs... so we made it a short one... I think I will actually consider today my "rest" day and head back at it tomorrow. Officially signed up for my first race on 3/17/2012! 

Running.... on a treadmill.

I might be the most cold natured person on earth. I was complaining of being cold the other day in the house when it was 71 degrees - so understandably so, on days like today, low 40's, I was shivering and thinking "no-way-in-hell" am I running outside today. However, as much as I dislike the cold, I dislike running on a treadmill even more.

For my first 10k, I trained almost completely on a treadmill and had no problem. And in college, I would run 6-7 miles on a treadmill without thinking for a second that I was tired, or my legs were pounding too hard or "ouch, is that a shin splint?" But then I fell in love with road running. When given the option, I will always choose the pavement over the treadmill. I mean, you don't have to drive anywhere to run outside, you don't have to stare at the same spot on the wall for 45 minutes and when you're done, you don't have to get in your car all sweaty and drive home. But anyway, there are some days (when cold or rain or snow are involved) that require me to run on a treadmill.

I did a great interval work out the other day alternating between 9.0 mph for 1 minute and walking at 4.0 for 1 minute. Definitely could feel it in my legs afterwards but it was a quick 30 minute run and intervals help your body keep burning even after you're done running, so it felt very productive. (You should try it!)

Today, I alternated between running for 100 calories at 6.7 mph and then walking on an incline of 15. at 4.0 mph for 100 calories until I got to 500 calories. I have to give myself some sort of challenge and switch it up... 10 minutes at a time wasn't creative enough, so that's where the 100 calories idea came into play. Now, to stick with my new years "do more" list, I also did a shoulders/bis/tris work out - so I'm feeling pretty good right now. The treadmill still gave be a good work out, but I am most definitely looking forward to mid 50's tomorrow and a run with my favorite two boys...

Running... thru Winter diets!

Winter makes it really hard to keep eating as healthy as I do through the rest of the year. Most of the time, I choose organic produce, try not to eat anything processed and NEVER eat fast food; but, there's something about Winter that makes me want to eat every ounce of hearty food that I can find, including creamy soups like she-crab, lobster bisque and clam chowder (seafood lover!). Today, the high in Charlotte was 38 degrees which is FREEZING to me, but my hometown in Virginia had a high of 19 degrees today, so I guess I should be thrilled by the 38 degree temps in Charlotte. 


Yesterday, I had shrimp & grits at Hickory Tavern... which by itself is not so bad, but it was loaded with cheese and mushrooms (which had been sautéed). Lately, I've been completely and utterly obsessed with McAlister's Chicken Tortilla soup (they serve it on Tuesdays and Fridays each week!). I'm a salad lover at heart, but recently, I've been choosing sides like green bean casserole or roasted potatoes instead of my normal "house salad with lemon slices for dressing."So, if I have love handles in the winter, you now know why!


So tonight, I decided I will not order a tray of Mac's wings to enjoy while we watch the Virginia Tech/Michigan game, but instead, I am whipping up the easiest chili in the world - and making it with ground turkey! The whole thing takes about 45 minutes to make and makes enough for leftovers which equals lunch tomorrow. My boyfriend is on the usual "don't eat bad this year" kick that most people go through at the beginning of the year and he is opting for no cornbread, so our meal this evening is even healthier. 


The chili is simmering right now - if you'd like to make your own - here's the recipe:

• 1 large can of Hunt's tomato sauce (or any brand, that's just what I used)
• 1 medium red onion
• 1 can of light red kidney beans
• 1 can of dark red kidney beans
• 1 can of black beans (extra fiber!)
• 1 can of Rotel (original or hot depending on your preference)
• 1 lb. of ground turkey (I use the Jennie-O brand)

1. start browning the turkey in a skillet 
2. drain all 3 cans of beans into a colander and rinse well 
3. also drain the can of Rotel, but DO NOT RINSE
4. Chop up onion/dice in size of prefence
5. Mix tomato sauce, beans and Rotel and add turkey when ready
6. Add 1/8 tbsp chili powder, 1/8 tbsp ground cayenne red pepper, dash of garlic powder (optional)
7. Once the pot is bubbling, turn it down and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes
8. Optional: top with cheddar cheese, jalepenos and low fat sour cream

Enjoy some hearty (and healthy!) chili and cheer for the HOKIES! Time to win the Sugar Bowl baby!!!! 

Running... into the new year!

It's 2012. Almost hard to believe how fast 2011 flew by, but sure enough, here we are in a new year. Definitely ready for all of the new and exciting things 2012 is sure to bring. 

Instead of doing resolutions, we do a "word" for each year that we live by for that year. Last year, mine was motivation. I had done some races in 2010 but none of which I was overjoyed with my results. I was in a job that was considered a good job, but I couldn't seem to move out of my position there and was falling into a rut. I also missed school. So for 2011, my word was MOTIVATION... but it might should have been Accomplished. I did 9 races, including my first half marathon in which I ran the whole time. I got into grad school and successfully completed my first semester. And, I got a new job, in Marketing & Communications, which is not only what I was longing to do, but it's something I can call a career. 

I've had a hard time coming up with a word for 2012. It feels like I accomplished everything I desired to in 2011. I have a list of things that I would like to do in 2012, but haven't been able to come up with a word. I searched for meaning in everything, hoping a word would jump out at me, while we were in Wilmington ringing in the new year. I came across smurfs in the sand... and these were no normal smurfs, they were like little, blue, sand warriors, so maybe my word should be FIGHT. Then there was the washed up jelly fish, which of course just laid there, so I thought maybe my word should be STILL (Free from disturbance, agitation, or commotion). There were rose petals scattered along the sand, which made me think of Love. But I was there with my boyfriend of more than two & a half years, so I'm not really in the market for new love, and I have an amazing family that I love dearly, so rejuvenating relationships didn't really make sense either. I was literally at a loss for words. 

So, I think I will follow my list for 2012:

1. Be more active in the community - Young Leaders, Young Affiliates, Habitat for Humanity, GOTR
2. Run a race every month, or at least 12 in the year, and do a 1/2 marathon at least 10 minutes faster than my last one
3. Cook more, and eat healthier (I have a pretty clean diet, minus the chocolate obsession)
4. Work out more with my boyfriend, including taking classes for strength training (not just running!)
5. Travel and explore more states and countries (hoping for another tropical vacay this year... if it's a honeymoon, I'd be okay with that!)
6. Reconnect with old friends.... definitely plan a trip to Florida to spend some time with my college roommate
7. Spend more time with family. Life gets crazy with work and school and my constant need to run, so sometimes I put trips to Virginia on the back burner, but no more.... 
8. Get straight A's in school. I am a bit of a procrastinator and know I don't do my best work when it's coming down to the wire, so this year, I will have more focus on school. 
9. Be a better friend. Again with the life gets crazy talk... it's hard when my "best" friends are spread out in Swansboro, Cape Carteret, West Palm Beach, Greenville and Wilmington. So I will make more time to talk, and hopefully see them as well
10. Enjoy life. Sometimes I get so busy planning and doing that I don't take time to enjoy, so this year, I will enjoy. 

And maybe, just maybe, my word for 2012 should be Patience. And I will just be patient and let things happen as they will. I was motivated last year to make things happen, so in 2012, I will let them, and leave them in God's hands. 

                                                       

*all pictures taken on Wrightsville Beach, NC