I'm Being Stalked

Yes, stalked. Its the only explanation for the numerous donuts that have recently appeared in my life. I never actually purchase donuts for myself. And yet...here they are. At faculty meeting yesterday, in my 2nd period class (a student's birthday), and again in the lunchroom. As a woman who has very little will power in the face of greasy goodness, this has got to stop! I pack good lunches, eat fruits and veggies, and then WHAM! Donut Attack.

I'm trying to defend myself. And pretty much failing every time. (Yum, yum, yum...)

Ready to Run

I began the week with good intentions.

I ran once.

At least it's more than zero.

Here's hoping next week it ends up being three. I'm just happy I got back out there. It feels good, but somehow vacation killed the motivation I have going. Oh well.

Diet is getting better though, which is really good. I'm feeling lots better about what I eat these days.

Around the World

I've found a new reason to run and workout. My Stake is hosting a competition amongst the wards to see which ward can make it metaphorically "around the world" in workout miles. That's a lot of miles, but I think my ward can win. We're awesome like that. On top of the Stake competition, our ward is having a little competition of our own--Relief Society vs. Elders. We're going to blow them out of the water. At least, we will if I have anything to do with it.

I never realized how competitive I was before, but when that alarm goes off at 5 am, and I really really want to stay in bed, the thought of turning in a good number of miles on my score card next Sunday is enough motivation to get me up.

I'm also realizing how much I need to set a real preparation schedule for the half-marathon in April. I know--its in APRIL. But if I can't get my regular, normal, everyday run up to at least 6 miles...I might be in trouble.

So that's the goal for now! I'm also on the lookout for a good book or website to help me prep for the race next Spring. Any ideas? Send them my way!

Less Healthy Than I Thought

So I was a running slacker on vacation. And I haven't run yet this week. Yes. Slacker.

Today was crazy at work and I couldn't really afford to take an hour lunch break. I forgot my lean cuisine at home and so I ventured to the vending machine. I got a turkey cheddar lunchable. 17 grams of protein, wheat crackers and...."pasteurized prepared cheddar cheese product" does that sound cancer causing or what? The other day in the airport a geneticist told me that processed foods are cancer causing, to which I replied "oh you mean like these [the pringles I was eating". She said yes. I think that if pringles are cancer causing than pasteurized prepared cheddar cheese product definitely is.

I am eating it anyway. I'm starving.

Back to Work

I'm back to work which means I'm back to hitting the gym at 5:30 in the AM. Early. It wouldn't be so bad if I didn't go to bed so late, but I do go to bed "so late" and so its bad. But all the same, I'm back at it.

I'm trying to get in at least a couple days of weight lifting each week, with hardcore cardio the other 4 days. That would be, of course, on a week of "perfect" gym attendance. Unfortunately, that won't be this week. The only way I was able to peel myself off the mattress this morning was the thought that I'll sleep in tomorrow. What can I say? You've got to make compromises in any sort of relationship.

Today I ran for 40 minutes, did 3 sets of stairs (I would have done more but I was already tired, and considering my butt is killing me from the hike we went on for FHE...it wasn't gonna happen), and then a few ab exercises. I burned 412 calories according to my heart rate monitor. Not too shabby. Now if only I could start eating better...

Overall, I like being back on a schedule. I eat better and workout more during the school year. I always think I'll do better in the summer when I have so much time...but its simply not true. So back to the grind, and hopefully back to shedding a few pounds here and there.

Relief!

I went to the gym this morning in my new running shoes, new running shorts, and sporting my always-popular Ipod. I ran laps and stairs, spent 10 minutes on the Eliptical machine, did 100 incline bench situps, and a few tricep dips. And then...I nervously ventured toward The Scale.

For the record, I've never been one to fear The Scale. I always figure whatever it shows is my fault anyway. But after two weeks on vacation, and over two weeks since I've set eye on the gym, I was plain scared.

But relief! I haven't lost any weight, but I haven't gained any either! Woohoo! Sure, I've lost some muscle tone, but I can work on that quickly. Sweet relief. I'm not giving an inch, though. Its back to healthy eating and healthy living, 24-7.

I can do it!

Doing What I Can

I've been on vacation since July 28th. I had to pack tight, so no exercise clothes or running shoes. Bluh! I figured I'd be walking a lot (and that did turn out to be true!) and that would have to make up for my lack of a real workout.

Problem: One of the best things to do in New York City is EAT. And I did. I was on vacation! In one day I had a bagel for breakfast, pizza for lunch, and hotdogs for dinner. The New York Diet. So good but so full of nasty calories! On another occasion, I had gourmet mac 'n cheese for lunch. I don't even want to consider what the calorie counter would say to that.

But now I'm in Virginia and trying to do a little better. We're eating cafeteria style and its not always easy to find lower fat options but like I say, I'm "Doing What I Can." This morning I had grapenuts and a fruit bowl for breakfast. Dinner was brown rice and beans with a salad. I'm trying to avoid the salad dressings and instead eating low-cal cottage cheese with my salad. Its working out okay.

The real story won't come about until Saturday when I weigh in at the gym. I'll keep you updated there...*gulp*