Challenge Yourself

When training for a race the key is: Run








Today that is exactly what I did. I ran 4.5 miles with some good running buddies Aaron and Bryan. They are both really good runners and pushed me hard the first 4.5 miles today.


Then I headed out with my group training for half marathons. They had a cut back this week so we hit 4 miles of Crown Point which allows for some hills.

Another key to training is challenge yourself. Much like all aspects of my training I always try to challenge myself.

Again I know not everyone who follows this blog is a runner but here is the key.
CHALLENGE YOURSELF

It doesn't matter what your goal is just continue to push yourself toward a new goal.

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What's for dinner Wednesday

I am a firm believer is still enjoying good things in a healthy way.
Tonight we had lasagna
96% Ground Beef
Lasagna Noodles
Fat free cottage cheese
Reduced fat Italian blend cheese
Marinara Sauce- the LaRosas sauce is a Cincinnati favorite that I always use

I always make a small amount so there isn't too much left over to over eat on. It is always good to pair it with a good salad.

Today I also hit the indoors for a run. I just can only handle so cold so I hit the treadmill. I am just really glad I decided to join the gym and stick with my runs.

15 Minutes of Fame

Today the registration for the 2013 Chicago Marathon opened. It seems crazy to think how amazing my experiences were in 2012. In fact my 15 minutes of fame appeared again today...

However... its try something new Tuesday and I did not sign up. I didn't use Try Something New Tuesday as my excuse but I just have a new goal this year. This year I am fully committed to the Air Force Marathon that takes place a new weeks prior. 

One thing I decide today that I fully committed to since this is try something new Tuesday... Volunteering. I can't wait to join the Calumet Striders at mile 5 and cheer on all of my amazing running friends as well as see all those amazing runners. I think that volunteering this year will give me just that much more of an appreciation of the event. This will also allow me to give me back so many who have give so much to me.

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Meatless Monday

Ok I am aware I am getting really blog last however Valentines day is always a killer in the floral industry and I'm just happy I survived another year.

Training
I missed missed one run and cut one short during Valentines which is not all that bad. Although my cross training has almost completely dissipated.
Last weeks runs did go much better:
Tuesday group run was a nice 5 miles
Wednesday I got in a quick 3 with a fellow runner Dan pushing me
Thursday I hit some more hilly streets for 5
Friday I enjoyed some nice time with my sister who came to visit
Saturday I ran 2.30 with running friends Dan and Aaron. Aaron headed home to finish his run and Dan and I ran just over 6 with the training group.
Sunday I pushed myself a little harder on the treadmill even did .20 at 7:30 pace





Today is a successful Meatless Monday
Breakfast
Oatmeal and egg whites-protein and carb are always the best combo
Lunch
Mixed salad topped with black beans and salsa
Greek yogurt with raspberries
Dinner
Brussels Sprouts, quinoa and refried beans

For lent I have decided I will do a couple things: (even though I am not Catholic)
-No sweet treats. I am not having bars, 100 calories packs or any other treats. I am going to allow myself yogurt, fruit and tea if I want something sweet.
-Focus on doing my being my best... There are often times as someone who is maintaining weight loss we get lax on our focus.
-Help others. In January I started training a group of runners for a half marathon and I began thinking over this last weekend about how I felt the first time I was part of a similar group. I am committing to helping every single one achieve their goal.

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My Next 30 Years

Well I made it...from here

To here

So my first 30 years included
Being Born, Growing up, getting my driver's license, graduating high school, meeting my Jason, graduating college, moving to Indiana, losing 50 pounds, starting running, running my first 5K, 10K, half marathon followed by running many half marathons and three marathons. I can't say looking back there aren't things I wish I could change but you know what in the words of Tim McGraw
 I think I'll take a moment, celebrate my age
The ending of an era and the turning of a page
Now it's time to focus in on where I go from here
Lord have mercy on my next thirty years

... The next 30 years will be the best years of my life. Just like Tim I would like to

Spend more time with Family

Raise a little family

Enjoy it... Defintly want to laugh a little more and cry a little less

Continue to accomplish and challenge myself more

Honestly I am so proud of the way my life has been the last few years that I cannot wait to see what else the future holds. I'm so happy with the way life has shaped me and taught me so many things about myself the last few years. I am excited for the future even if it means I'm in a few century and I move up an age group in the running community.

Hope  you enjoyed my 300th post in honor of my 30th birthday!

2013 Move it Challenge

Wed Feb 6th-3 miles in honor of my 30th birthday

Thurs Feb 7th- 4.4 miles with some great friends in the rain. 

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Birthday Cake

When you want it to be healthy... make your own.

First I hate birthday cake or most cakes for that matter. So in order to avoid the store bought crap my boss always buys for everyone... I made my own.

Put the Angel Food Cake Mix into bowl and add the crushed pineapple. Mix well.

I put them into cupcake containers and it made 18 good sized cupcakes for me to take to work tomorrow.

Oh so yummy.

I also closed out my 20's with a 3.90 mile run... Tomorrow a new decade begins. I can't believe my first 29 years are behind me. Tomorrow I am going to talk about all I have accomplished and what my future plans are.

What is your favorite cake?

Frozen Greek Yogurt

So this weekend I bought these...

My official review:
Yum.
Convenient
Awesome if you love ice cream
Good for you

I really don't think you can beat these nutritional facts and have something that is so tasty that replaces something like ice cream.


Tell me what is your go to treat?

Blog lazy

I really don't know why but I have been very blog lazy...

Today is the 77th birthday of a man I love and appreciate more everyday... My grandfather. Thankful for face time and being able to share just a few moments with him today.

Training... Although my training is going well. Winter is killing me. I joined a gym in order to not get hypothermia. Yesterday I braved it and ran 6 miles along the bike trail with my friend Tim. It was seriously hard. I was certainly thankful for the early birthday present I received from my mom. It def kept me warm on this run. So far training is going fairly well. I am just not happy that I have been forced indoors.

The way I see it... if you have a dream go after it. Try not to let anything stop you. So I am refusing to let anything defeat me.

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