Thursday 7/8

It's been a good week workout wise. I worked two less shifts than usual, so I had a little extra time and energy. On Tuesday I biked to my work to pick up my paycheck. I haven't biked (outside of the gym) in a really, really long time. But I'm happy to report that other than a sore seat and a little windedness going up the long hill, I made the eight mile round trip will little difficulty.
Yesterday and today were both gym days. I am hoping I will have the energy tomorrow to go on a small run after the gym. I've been getting some personal assistance from the trainer at the gym, and hopefully it will help me push things to the next level.

Thursday 7/1

I made it to the gym today and one other time last week. I haven't been on a proper run, but I do at least run a few blocks with the dog every day. He and I both need it! I'm glad to say I have lost about three pounds since my vacation. I have been pretty strict about not eating anything made with white flour. Not that I think flour is evil, but not eating it means I can't snack on coffee cake and pizza while at work. In fact it eliminates pretty much all of the convenient foods that I eat when I should take a moment to make a healthy meal.

Tuesday 6/22

I not only swam here, but I got to play on a rope swing up stream of this spot! There were waterfalls too, but my camera decided to crap out and not let me capture all the beauty of the day.


After a few crazy weeks of work, a week of vacation, and nearly a week of being sick, it was great to get back in the gym today! I managed to go on three runs while on vacation, which I was pretty proud of. The altitude made it a little difficult (I'm going to pretend it was just the altitude, and not the fact that I haven't been training much lately...) but I still got in about 10 miles all told. Not too shabby! And boy were they beautiful miles! It's so nice to run somewhere new. The best was at about 5:30 am in Bishop. Nothing like running along meadows full of cows in the morning light while snow capped mountains surround you.

Monday 6/7

I made it to the gym on Friday, and today I went on a very short run (only a little over a mile) I have walked a fair amount, and I've made it a point to do calf raises at work and to run about with the dog. In just a few days I will be on vacation, and I can't wait! These crazy work hours are killing my workouts. I just have to remind myself it is temporary so that I don't get discouraged.

Friday 5/28

I have still been working crazy doubles, so workout times are scarce. I made it to the gym twice, took a short run, and did some dance and aerobics in the kitchen. I've done a fair amount of walking as well, but I'm really worried I'll suffer for this break when I get back to running. Oh well, I can't do much about it right now! At least I've done very well with my eating. It's easier when I'm not exhausted from running!

Friday 5/21

It's going to take awhile to adjust to my new work schedule, and for the next few weeks I am working two jobs. I managed a two mile jog/walk this afternoon. But I feel horribly jet lagged.

Monday 5/17

I went on a two mile run Saturday. My mornings have been waylaid by interviewing for and starting a new job. But I did make it into the gym today

Wednesdsay 5/11

Went to the gym Monday, walking to work today.
I ended up squandering my morning so I didn't walk to work, but I went on an intense mile and a half run after work to make up for it.

Saturday 5/8

Thursday I went to the gym, and yesterday I went on a three hour hike and went dancing. I'm not sore today (woot!), but I am tired. But it was worth it. I can't believe it's taken me so long to see Muir Woods!

Wednesdsay 5/5

Well, I think I will have to pass on the See Jane Run marathon in June. I have a graduation to attend and my ten year high school reunion, and one can only pack so many things into one month. Especially when they typically work weekends and it's difficult to get those days off.
However, I don't plan on easing up on my workouts. There will be another half someday, and I'll be ready! Today I went six+ miles. I only ran about a third of it, as it was warmer out than I realized and the route I took was a bit hilly compared to my regular running grounds. But it was a lovely run, and along the way I visited the very beautiful Chapel of the Chimes.

Tuesday

Good heavens, where did the time go? Well lets see, what have I been up to... I made it to the gym two more times, but I also got called into work on one of my days off, so I didn't get my run in. I went on a two mile run today, and really I should have run farther. I was feeling really good, but I had my dog with me, and after the encountering the fifth unleashed dog out by alone, I was a little stressed out. Still, it was a lovely early morning run. Tomorrow I plan on taking a nice long run up to Piedmont to see the Chapel of the Chimes. I hear it is lovely and peaceful, and I need some lovely peace in my life.

36

Yesterday was day ten in a row of work, so I took it off from exercise. I went to the gym this morning, and plan on going on a run in a little while. At least two miles, hopefully more.

38

My sister has many of the same struggles as I, namely in that we have a tendency to be short dumpy white girls who love to eat. This works quite powerfully against our desires to be the kind of sexy young(ish) women that men desire and all the women look on full of envy. The quest to become such a woman is full of many pitfalls and near constant distractions. Our very selves are distractions. Our desires are divided, with one part of our person lusting for size four jeans and vibrant energy, telling us that we should never eat pizza again, once we finish this slice. Meanwhile the person we carry about with us through work frustrations, romantic squabbles, and the drudgery of lower middle class life craves solace from our cares. We have few places to look to for a quick sense of pleasure in our lives, and the refrigerator is often the closest. Not only does sitting down with a container of ice cream bring delight to our physical selves, but the knowledge that we are doing something selfish and naughty satisfies our desire to defy the mediocre lives that we have been given. By rebelling against moderation we momentarily feel that we are the ones in power, and that it is within out grasp to bring joy to ourselves. I often even revel in the knowledge that such sins will contribute to my inability to fulfill society's ideal of beauty.
Of course all such sense of triumph vanishes in the morning as we struggle to zip up our pants, which becomes one more frustration tacked on to all the others, increasing instead our need to feel that the world is doing something for us in return. Biting into a warm cookie and sipping cold milk is as close as many of us come to being fed grapes while a servant boy fans us on our divan.
In an effort to squelsh the quick fix cookie eating parts of ourselves, my sister and I have entered into a casual competition. We have both wanted to loose weight before our nephew's upcoming high school graduation, but neither of us have made any headway. As we are only two years apart we have always experienced a healthy amount of rivalry, so I suggested we make a contest out of loosing weight. Even when we are tempted to give up on fitting into society's mold, we will still have the motivation of not wanting to be out done by our sibling.
Today I did not get the brownie that I was craving. Instead I took a beautiful two and a half mile run shortly before sunset, and I soaked in the beauty of fluffy clouds and urban decay. I still want the brownie, but I feel happy with myself. And that is a wonderful reward.
P.S. I went to the gym on Monday.

41

Image swiped from deviant art

The plan today was to do some cross training by riding my bike. But I've been having problems with it and can't get the $*&#$ to work. So I sped walked to work. And at work I did a lot of manual labor, so I'm going to call that good.
I am about to start my period, so right now I feel like a whale. Especially since I ate two slices of pizza today. I hate this feeling, and I want to put on sweats and smash all of my mirrors.
Instead I am going to set out a plan for my diet. And when I follow through I will add a star to my calendar.
Sundays are free day, as are public outings (those are very infrequent in my life, got to live them up)
My diet will be roughly low carb. No bread except whole wheat. No rice or pasta. No baked goods, period. I have zero restraint, so I won't lie and tell myself I will just cut back. I know it never lasts. Also, no ranch. I've been in the bad habit of putting that on my salad lately, and then what is the point? Also, no more sweetened cereal.
This will start Monday, and last for as long as I can handle it. But at least two weeks. Hopefully I will make it till the next race.
And hopefully I will feel less whale like then.

42

Yesterday was a prescribed day of rest. Today was a long run, which I am still sweaty and endorphin high from. Six miles! It felt awesome. Especially since I wore my brand new running shorts. Yeah for Khols and their extremely discounted sports wear! Man, that stuff can be pricey. I can't imagine how much some of the people I see have spent on their snazzy outfits. Mostly I wear old work shirts and a skort I bought from American Apparel. But having loose shorts with the built in underwear bit was nice. It kept me cool without making me feel overly naked.

44

Woot, my goals were accomplished. I went to the gym this morning, then took a nice two mile run around the neighborhood. I had hoped it would be a longer run, but since I didn't map it out ahead of time I just made an estimate. Since it was a little short I also walked/speed walked/jogged to and from work, which is a round trip of 2.4 miles. So while I didn't take a "four mile run", I did travel more than four miles today. So, I'll call this a win.

45

Scene from my fire trail hike on Sunday. My phone photo doesn't do justice

This morning I had the pleasure of waking up early so that I could help with a field trip at work. Normally I enjoy these, as the kids are adorable and have such a good time. However this time there were a few to many meddlers helpers, and it was a bit stressful. I took a leisurely walk through the park after work, photographing the incredible clouds that were out. I think that may be all I do today. Maybe. Perhaps after resting up a bit I'll run some with the pup when I take him on his last walk of the day, but I really don't expect much out of myself right now.
Tomorrow however I have a mission. Four miles! Come hell or high water I will go out and finish a run!

46

I made it to the gym today, and I was highly surprised I wasn't sore from my unusually steep walk. Still not happy about my weight (especially since I had to go pants shopping this morning, bleh). Not sure what I will be doing to work on it, but I might go back to low carb at least until my upcoming high school reunion.

47

It's not been an easy week for my self esteem. I'm not very consistent with my dieting, but I have made many changes to my eating routine over the last year. I no longer graze all day, and I consume much less sugar. I've been working lately on not eating as much empty carbs as well. It use to be a regular event to eat fried chicken sandwiches on giant buns with a side of fries dipped in mayonnaise (really) with a coke. I still eat more sweets than I should, and every now and then I put ranch on my salad. However I have drastically reduced my fat and calorie intake. Not to mention I've been working out consistently, something I haven't done since I stopped doing ballet in my early twenties.
But somehow my pants still don't want to button, and I've gained back two pounds.
I know I can loose weight, I've done it so many times. But it was always with quick fixes and drastic diets. I thought that by making smarter choices every day I would see results eventually, but the months have gone by while the scale barely wavers. I am glad I am stronger, and I enjoy feeling fit. But what is the point of turning down food I enjoy if I am still going to be fat? I am tired of seeing the same belly in the mirror. I don't know how to loose weight without going on severe diets (low carb worked the fastest for me. Well, not eating at all worked even better, but led to blackouts).
Today after a hike up the firetrail and a walk home I fell prey to ice cream. After eating that I was still hungry, and instead of a suitable meal like salad with a hard boiled egg I ate a brownie. All this after having a lemon bar prior to the hike. The sugar and fat have been oozing through my blood, weighing down my limbs and making my spirit drag on my dusty floor.
I don't know how to discipline myself with a sustainable diet. I have tried counting calories a number of times, but I always grow lazy. When I try eliminating one negative food habit, I overload on the others. I'm not sure what I will do, but I feel like I need to find a plan that I can manage. My goals are often too loftly, and what may sound reasonable Sunday night proves to be too difficult Monday morning.
I can look back and see that I have made progress with running, and this gives me faith that I can control this part of myself as well. I can train my legs to carry this dumpy body for 13.1 miles, which makes me hope I can train my nagging belly to be content with only that which it needs.
I hope

48

I'm not very good at following my own plans. Sigh. Yesterday I went on a three mile run. I wanted to go farther, but it was warmer than expected and both the dog and I are not use to that. I went dancing for a bit last night, so that counts for something. Right?
It's almost one, and today all I've done is sneeze and curse spring. I'm cooking at work tonight, so I don't want to tire myself out before hand (it's pretty darn exhausting work), but I will at least do some core work. Lets say... 20 minutes of crunches and such with a touch of squats? Yeah, I can manage that. Once I start breathing again. Work harder claratin!

50

Fail.
I don't know why but I have been super tired. Partially I am to blame from staying up too late a few times, but still I feel more tired than I think I should. I made it to the gym Tuesday and threw in an extra ten minute super speed run on the elliptical. Yesterday I ended up switching shifts so I couldn't go to the gym in the morning. I planned on running before work, but couldn't muster the energy to wake up early enough. I ran down the block and back with the dog, but that doesn't really count. After work I had other obligations that kept me busy until bedtime.
So now I am behind 2 miles and a gym visit. I'm off to the gym now, and I'll take a run after. Hopefully a long enough run to count as more than a quicky.

53

I am pleased to discover my line dancing stamina is greatly increased since I've taken up running. However my feet are not use to boots any more, or to various line dance moves. My arches are still sore, but it was worth is.
I only slept four hours Saturday night, then worked from 7:30 am to 10:30 pm yesterday, so today I slept in. Since then I have done the taxes and walked to dog. I would like to workout, but I don't think it will happen. I'll probably spend a few minutes stretching, as the weekend has left me stiff and sore. But that will be all for the day.

Monday weigh in 157, damn. I've gained weight. I haven't been eating very well, as I've been stressed. Also I've been poor, which makes it hard to pass up the unhealthy free food that work has to offer. This week I am cutting out sugar, I ate too much this past week.

Plan for the week:

Monday: rest like a slug

Tuesday: gym circuit plus 2m run

Wednesday: gym circuit plus 20 minutes elliptical or bike

Thursday: 5m run

Friday: easy gym circuit plus some yoga

Saturday: 4m run

Sunday: rest

56

Just the gym today. I might do some stretching later, I feel a little tense. Right now however it is nap time. I am hoping to go line dancing tomorrow night, so I need to make sure I'm well rested. You know you are getting a little older when you have to save energy a few days in advance just to party one night!

57

A round of gym time, followed by a great deal of kitchen fun (god I love days off in the kitchen!), followed by a two mile run by the water, followed by eating the fruits of my labor. It was a damn good day.

58

Another gym trip this morning with an extra cardio session on the bike and the elliptical. I spent an extra 20 minutes on them combined. Now that the rain has eased up I need to get back outside for some real running.

59

I didn't get much sleep last night for a few reasons, and because of that I woke up tired and very cranky. But I made myself head to the gym anyways. My workout was lackluster and I'm still cranky, but I made it through the circuit. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day.

60

I am now counting down to the See Jane Run half Marathon in Alameda.

Today I got waylaid by work before I could get to the gym. I did get about two miles of brisk walking and running in later.

Rest and Recover

I run like a goober.

I've been to the gym twice this week and I've jogged about a bit while walking the dog, but mostly I'm resting. Not only was I tired from the race, but the flu and severe allergies have left me weak. So I'm enjoying an easy week and spending time with my guest. She leaves in a few days, so I plan on getting back into the swing of things Monday. Which will also start my diet. My ten year reunion is coming up and while I don't really care what people think of my tummy there, it is a good goal to work towards as a little motivation. I would like to be down to 145 by then. My plan is to cut white flour and grains from my diet on week days. Since I have easy access to many tasty carb filled treats, limiting myself to only those made from whole wheat and brown rice will make it much more difficult to indulge. Saturdays and Sundays will be free days for now, but if I find I'm indulging too much then I will have to alter my plan.

The Race

Yesterday was the big day, and not only did I not kill myself as I had feared I might, I made a moderately good time for a noob. In just 3 hours and 12 minutes I propelled my pudgy self 13.1 miles. Today I am hobbling like an old lady, but that's just some tightness in my thighs that will hopefully lessen after some time on the rollers tomorrow.
Next half marathon, June!?

Day Fifty Three

I managed to get a mile walk in yesterday with some sprints. Today I made up for not eating much this week and loaded up on carbs. I tried to stick to good ones like brown rice and whole wheat bread, but a little pizza snuck in there too :) I think I'm as ready as I'll get! Now to sleep a bunch!

Day Fifty Two

And then came the flu. I never get sick. Seriously. I am 28 years old and I have been working full time since I was nineteen, and I've never taken a sick day. I've had to call out from work twice for family emergencies, but never from illness. I do have physical issues related to allergies that wear me down, and that is all I thought I was suffering from at first. While at work Tuesday night I was feeling strangely lightheaded and nauseous. A coworker wasn't feeling well either, so we thought perhaps it had been what we both ate for dinner.
When my alarm went off in the morning I could barely respond. Thinking I was simply tired from frequently getting less than six hours of sleep a night, I reset my alarm for another hour of sleep. The gym wasn't going anywhere, so what would be the harm of working out later. Other than there being less space of course. When my alarm went off again I still felt awful, but I pulled myself out of bed and made some coffee, convinced that it was just sluggishness that would wear off. My husband needed the car early, and I couldn't shake off my weariness in time to get to the gym and back before he had work. I decided it would be a nice day for an easy run and set about doing a little online bill paying. I had a happy movie going to help me wake up, and at one point I realized I had stopped even idly browsing the internet as it required too much energy. I left the computer and curled up on the couch, and stayed there for much of the next day and a half.
I managed to eat a little yesterday, and even got up and stretched some so that my body wouldn't atrophy too much. And now I feel weak, but whole again. Thank goodness! I have some eating to catch up on, and I will take the dog for a long but leisurely stroll to test out my legs. Hopefully this set back won't impact Sunday too much.

Days Forty Seven- Forty Eight

Saturday I went on a quick run. It was pretty warm outside and neither the dog nor I were ready for it I think. We made it maybe a mile, but we ran pretty hard. Today I went to the gym and put in two miles on the elliptical (in 20 minutes, whew that warmed me up!) I plan on mostly working out at the gym this week to give my knees and shins a rest before the big day. Since I will still be on my feel all day and walking the dog, I'm not worried about loosing any strength.
I'm getting pretty psyched about Sunday. Only six days to go!

Dasy Forty Five and Six

Huhk, I could have sworn I posted yesterday, but I guess not! Well due to spring allergies I had a very lackluster gym visit yesterday. But thanks to coffee and Claratin today was far better. I did a level six resistance mile in 9 minutes and three seconds on the elliptical. A personal record!

Day Forty Four

As I was out late celebrating my birthday last night, and had to be at work at nine, I didn't get an official workout in. I did walk the mile and a half to work, with a few jogs and sprints mixed in. Now I feel completely drained and am heading to bed.

Day Forty Three

I had a very unexpired workout at the gym today. I've been getting less than six hours of sleep the last few nights, and it's taking it's toll. So today I am going to take a nice long nap. Hopefully I'll get a little afternoon jog in too

Days Forty One and Two

Yesterday was my day off from working out. Today I did some stretching at the gym then ran 3.6 miles with a friend. After which we went to the diner and had some oh so bad for us breakfast.... Now I feel comatose.

Days Thirty Nine and Forty

Omg I've been doing this for forty days! I want to get back in the habit of writing things down everyday so that it is easier to keep track. Yesterdays planned trail run was rained out, but I did get into the gym for a good workout. I've been doing a lot of balancing work and wall squats to strengthen around my knees and ankles.
Today I took the runt out of an afternoon run. 4.5 miles isn't as long as I'd have liked, but it's not too shabby either. Especially since we didn't slow to a walk very often.

Day Thirty Eight

My knee hurt a little this morning, so I just did some yoga and ran a little with the dog. Saving up for a long trail run tomorrow

Days Thirty Six and Seven

Local running views

Well yesterday I set out to walk the dog before heading to the gym. He was full of energy so I decided we'd just jog down the block. I felt pretty good though, so we kept going. I thought it'd just be a quick warm up before the gym, but it was so pretty outside and once I started exploring streets around my house that I hadn't been to, before I knew it I'd gone about three miles! It was an unexpected but highly enjoyable run.
Today I just went to the gym, but I put in 25 minutes on the elliptical. While I was on there the trainer handed me a running magazine. I have a hard time reading while running, but there was a lot of good info. I hadn't meant to be on the machine for so long, the time just flew by reading however. I even kept a respectable pace, I went 2.5 miles. Not too shabby at all.

Days Thirty Three to Thirty Five

Last week was a physically demanding one at work, so to give my tired knees a break I took Saturday off. I never work out Sunday since it's my long work day, but my legs were jumpy so I did do a little running when I took the dog out. Nothing more than a few blocks, but it eased the pain.
Today I went to the gym. I'm looking forward to having three days off this week. I plan to take a nice long outing. If the weather holds perhaps a good hike.

Day Thirty Two

Made it in to the gym (late is better than never). I had a great workout and took the mutt on a quickie mile or so jog when I got home. Now I would like to nap... darn work.

Day Thirty one

Due to various circumstances I didn't get to go to the gym today. I managed to get in a 2.6 mile run this afternoon however. It's a beautiful day and they had just mowed the parkway, so it was a highly enjoyable run (in which I only slowed down to walk on occasion). Not as much working out as I had hoped for, but a nice run at least.

Day Thirty

The rain is raining all around,
It falls of field and tree,
It's raining on the umbrellas here,
And on the ships at sea.

R.L. Stevenson

I went to the gym this morning, then squeezed in a quick mile run before the rain came back. I was hoping to put in more cardio at the gym, but it was a little more crowded than usual.

Day Twenty Nine

This is the car ride home from our long run last week. He never once slowed down on the run and wanted to keep going, but boy did he crash as soon as he got in the sunny passenger seat!

I went to the gym and did ye ol circuit. Hopefully it will stop raining again for a few hours so that I can take an afternoon jog with the dog. Seeing how much more he eats now due to our increased runs makes me realize my constant desire to snack isn't just a result of what time of the month it it. I'm trying to eat healthy still, but I am letting myself eat more as well. I need it!

Days Twenty Seven and Twenty Eight

Yesterday was my typical double day at work, so I didn't get any exercise other than walking the dog. Today I woke up incredibly tired and achy, so other than a light 1.25 mile trot I thought it would be best to rest. I worry I may be getting a cold, and being benched for any length of time these next few weeks would be awful.

5 m run

3 m run or cross

5 m run + strength

Rest or easy run

Rest

10-K Race

Days Twenty Five and Twenty Six

Yesterday I finally bought myself some proper shoes! I was planning on taking them out for a run yesterday, but I was called into work :( I made it to the gym in the morning at least, so I did get a good workout.
Today I took out my cute little blue shoes and the dog and I took a good long run. I think it was around five miles, but it's hard to say. We took a number of detours and checked out some new places. I meant to take the pedometer I found awhile back, but I completely forgot this morning. But that's fine, I know we ran a good long time and that's all that I care about. Now the poor little bugger is curled up on the couch blankets sleeping like a rock. He had a great time, but I bet his legs are tired!

Day Twenty Four

This was the reception I received this morning when I jinggled the leash. I was tempted to join him in ignoring the day, but I laced on my shoes and headed to the gym. I had a horrible headache with some neck pain, so I stretched a bunch and kept the cardio light. I'm hopping I'll feel a little better later so I can take the sleepy runt on a sunset run by the water. Maybe I'll even convince the skinny husband to come along :)

Day Twenty Three

Today was a semi rest day. I went of a half mile run in my moccasins, trying to build up to some barefoot running. Then I came home and did about twenty minutes of pilates. I had a lot of house work to do and wanted to get in some baking (ugh, I ate three bacon cupcakes! but they were awesome...), so I didn't take the time to go to the gym. But I'll count it as my rest day, so I'm not too worried.

Day Twenty Two

I woke up sore, groggy, and in no mood to work out. But I pulled on my shoes and drove to the gym anyways. It's amazing how rewarding pushing through the morning resistance can be! I warmed up on the elliptical, rolled out the stiff bits on my thighs, and did all of the weight machines and ab workouts. After a few minutes stretch I then left the gym and went on a 4.25 mile interval jog by the water. It was gray and sprinkling ever so slightly, which to me is the perfect running weather. I went through a park I have driven past but never really explored, and today I discovered I've been missing out! I'll have to take my husband there to play catch when it warms up a little (yes, we have mitts and play catch sometimes. It's a great way to do something active together!). I watched some wildlife while I took a little break before the return leg of the run, and then returned to the gym just as the rain really started. I stretched some more when I got back, and of course drank lots of water. Its amazing how a good workout can make the world seem like a better place!
I recently discovered the nike+, and while I can't imagine spending that much for a running "toy", it is really cool and I am a little full of lust. They have a fun commercial related to that product and one of their challenges, and watching it made me want to go out and run again!
Nike Commercial

Day Twentyone

Since its cold and rainy I am heading to the gym for 3 miles in the elliptical plus the circuit. But I feel more like going back to bed.

Day Twenty

I ended up doing pilates instead yesterday. It was a challenge as always. Once again I didn't meet my goals, but I did walk a hell of a lot. I'm not at all worried about my endurance!
The week ahead:

4.5 m run

3 m run or cross

4.5 m run + strength

Rest

50 min cross

8 m run

Days Seventeen through Nineteen

I had company this week so my workouts got a little derailed. I made it to the gym on Thursday, and managed to squeeze in two miles of running yesterday. I did get in a lot of walking though. So while I would have liked to have fit in a little more structured exercise, I'm not terribly worried. I need to do housework today, and I'm not sure if I'll have time to go to the gym as well. But hopefully I'll get in 30 minutes at least of cross training.

Day Sixteen

I'm a little blond some days. I looked at my maps a little closer, and it turns out I ran more like 5.5-6 miles total yesterday. I felt amazing afterwards, but boy was work last night a challenge! I have to work early today so I won't be able to go to the gym, instead I'll be running to work. It's a total of 2.3 miles, so I'll pair that with a bunch of stretching, a couple genle miles walking the dog, and some yoga tonight and call it good.

Day Fifteen

I just got back from an excellent run. Unfortunantly I just looked up on google maps how far I went and it wasn't nearly as far as I had hoped. The goal for today was 4.5 miles, and it looks like it was more in the 2.5-3 mile range. Drats. I really wish the bay trail had mile markers! In happier news I ran way more than I walked, which is a big improvement. I have to take the dog out this afternoon, so I'll try to squeeze in another mile.

Day Fourteen

I just got back from the gym, where I did the circuit and also got in 20 minutes on the elliptical and 10 on a bike.
I'm a little discouraged that the scale isn't moving, and while I have trimmed up I am not slimming down as much as I would like. I'm only ten pounds lighter than I was when I was inhaling fried chicken sandwiches and french macaroons on a daily basis and working out about 1/8th as much as I am now. I wish loosing weight was as fast as gaining it...

Day Thirteen

Well I put in about ten miles this week, which is three miles under my goal. I think it will be better next week to take a full day of rest during the week so that I am not so spent by the end of the week.

Weekly goal:

3m Cross

4.5 m run

4.5 m run + strength

Rest

50 min cross

7 m run

Day Twelve

I went on a 2.6 mile jog/walk this morning with my four legged run buddy. We would have gone longer, but he has limits. When your legs are only an inch long, 2.6 miles is a really long way. We racked up maybe another .75-1 mile walking about this afternoon, which isn't as much as I'm scheduled to go today but I'm ok with that. I ended up not really taking a day of rest yesterday since I figured if I was at the gym I might as well do a full workout.

Day Eleven

I went to a marathon training meeting last night at See Jane Run in Oakland. It looks like a great program, but it's a bit out of my price range. I did pick up some good advice however, and I was highly inspired being in a room of other "regular Janes" all sharing this goal.
Today is mostly a day of rest. I'll be heading to the gym in a few minutes but I will be taking it easy. Time to roll out the knots, do some yoga, and work on my belly a bit (I don't really take a rest from that. I'm determined to get a nice belly!)

Day Ten

Off to the gym again. Another round of circuit training, but I also will be putting in a few extra rounds of cardio. The goal is to do at least three miles.

Day Nine

pic not related

Due to encroaching darkness I only made it three miles yesterday (my neighborhood isn't all that safe even in the day). I did however walk a whole lot while at work, and on many of the trips to and from my car I sprinted through the mall and the parking garage. I'm sure I will build a reputation for being crazy, but I'm ok with that.
Today I did the circuit at the gym and went a mile on the elliptical at a nice high resistance. I love how it feel like walking through jello.

Day Eight

I will be getting off of work a little early today, so I am going to take advantage of the extra daylight by taking a four mile walk. Assuming of course that the rain doesn't entirely blot out the sun.

Day Seven

Today I went to the gym and got some pointers on using the foam rollers. I had a hard day of work yesterday so I took it easy and stretched out my very tense thighs.
My flour avoidance thing didn't go perfectly today... but that doesn't mean I'm throwing in the towel. Tomorrow is another day!

Week in review

I added a number of sprints to my daily dog walks as well, but I'm not counting those into my weekly tally. I've been adding sprints whenever I can actually. Walking from my car to work? Run. Walking back from an errand? Run. Any time I'm walking alone and not carrying something large, I try to run it. I am sure I look silly, but who ever said exercise looked slick all the time?
My mission for the coming week is to all but eliminate flour for a week. It's such a weakness of mine, I'm a lover of starchy foods alas.

Miles traveled: 9+
Weight: 158 (ug, its up five pounds from December)

Day Six

Today is all about the elliptical and intermittent bout of speed. The goal is 30 minutes, and then using the weight machines of the circuit only. I'm really looking forward to my day of rest tomorrow! Even though I've been going to the gym 4-5 days a week for a few months now, adding in jogging and intensifying my workout has definitely used up more energy.
I had been planning on entering the Alameda half marathon in June, but a friend of mine is doing the Oakland half marathon at the end of March and she convinced me to do it with her. Eep! No time to waste now! But it'll be a good 28th birthday present to myself.

Day Five

Circuit with added core work. Learned a new move on the workout ball yesterday I want to repeat. Along with some balance exercises on the little inflated blue disk thingimigig.

Day Four

Circuit training at the gym plus 2.25 miles on the elliptical at high intensity using the advice of Cranky Girl Fitness

scenes from a run

I should remember to take my camera with me more often. I've been driving past this area for years, but until I took up jogging I never once stepped foot on the waterfront that is practically in my yard. I've been missing out.

Day Three

Back to the gym for circuit training. Taking it light on the cardio today.

Day Two

Second verse, same as the first. A little bit slower and a little bit worse.
Not really worse, but I will be walking farther and stopping to do sets of crunches and stretches more frequently. Total 2 miles.

Day One

(photo swiped from Flickr)

Run one mile. Pretty scenery helps. Music helps too. Total 1.8 miles with warm up and cool down.