Happy Holiday Weekend

I had a nice run last night around my neighborhood. I ran from my house to 111th and Longwood and back (about 4 miles I think). I struggled through the first mile or so, but the run back was smooth sailing.I feel pretty confident that I could post a respectable time in the Ridge Run if were going to do it. Unfortunately, I already agreed to walk with my friend M.

Today I plan to go to a yoga class at lunch time. I haven't been to yoga in about 3 months, so this should be interesting.

On the nutrition front, I think I did okay this week. I indulged my sweet tooth a couple of times, but no major catastrophes. Yesterday for lunch I had a really yummy salad from Nordstom's Cafe (mixed greens, grilled shrimp and a cilantro lime vinaigrette). But then I had a seven layer bar for dessert. Dinner--a small portion of linguini with puttanesca (sp?) sauce and a small piece of sauteed halibut. (yum yum!)Oh, I forgot...I had pizza on Tuesday. ugh.

A holiday weekend is always a challenge on the food front. I'll probably fire up the grill tomorrow and maybe again on Monday. We are going to my mom's on Sunday, where there is sure to be a feast--ribs, chicken, potato salad, baked beans, corn on the cob, the works. Hopefully, I can stay focused and not overindulge.

I need some motivation!!!

I did an hour of cardio (treadmill and the cross trainer) and a few strength machines on Monday. I skipped yesterday because I had to go to the eye doctor and grocery shopping. Today I should go to yoga at lunch and run after work. But I really just want to take a nap under my desk. Logically I know that I will feel better if I exercise. At the very least I will run this afternoon.

On the nutrition front, this past weekend was a big setback. Pizza, banquet food, movie popcorn, candy, champagne....bad, bad, BAD! It really could not be avoided. We were out all day Saturday--shopping, movie, birthday party--and Sunday was my uncle's retirement party. It would not have been so bad if I could have squeezed a workout in. Oh well. I'll do better this week since I have groceries. I even brought my lunch today.

Rest

Yesterday I rested. I wanted to run but my workout was derailed by my father-in-law. (he needed to borrow our beater car and I had to go home to give him the key.) Oh well.

Weekly Weigh In

Yesterday I did 45 minutes on the precor cross trainer. I was going to run on the treadmill but there was a line and I didn’t feel like waiting. So I did some abs and a few leg exercises and called it a day.

Today I am going to run outside. I haven’t decided if I want to run downtown or by the house. I enjoy running in my neighborhood because the other runners are friendly. They smile, nod or find some way to acknowledge each other. There is a sense of community, like we are all in this together. When I run downtown, I get the feeling that if I passed out, the other runners would simply roll me off to the side of the path and keep right on going. But the lake looks so beautiful. Oh well, it will be a game time decision.

I lost about 3 lbs this week, so I am down to 169. I haven’t been able to get below the 170 mark for about 3 years, so this is significant. I won’t weigh in this week though, because I just got my period. Usually I gain about 5lbs of water during my cycle.

The Beauty of Caffeine
Today I treated myself to a skim peppermint mocha from Peet’s Coffee & Tea. I’m no coffee expert, but they have the best mocha latte I’ve ever had. And it packs a powerful punch, if you like that caffeine buzz. Caffeine (the black coffee variety) is great for giving you a little extra boost before a long run.

Later...
I ended up running 5k by my house. I really could have gone longer, but I didn't want to overdo it like I did last week. Today's run felt good...I didn't feel like my heart would pop right out of my chest. Hurray!

Monday

Yesterday (Monday) I ran the Ridge Run 5K course. It took me about 40 minutes and I took several walk breaks. Hopefully I will be able to run the entire course, non-stop by Memorial Day, just in time for the race.

Mondays tend to be my most challenging day when it comes to running. I’m always a little tired and I’d really rather take a nap after work. But the good thing about having a good workout on Monday is that it sets the tone for the entire week.

For dinner we had spaghetti with meat sauce…a good mix for protein and carbs and the ideal meal for a runner. I also had a yummy salad. I did not eat so great during the day. I went to Jimmy Johns and I intended to have a turkey lettuce wrap. But instead, I ended up having an Italian sub with mayo. So overall, the day was a wash from the nutrition side. I need to incorporate some veggies in my lunch options.

My kicks

My Tummy Hurts!

Yesterday I ran from my office to North Ave. (6 miles total) via the lakefront bike path. It was a glorious day weather wise, sunny with a warm breeze. I realize that I should take it slow since I haven't run regularly since last summer. But it was so nice out, running to North Ave. seemed like a good idea. Today I realize, not so much. My whole body hurts. And I feel exhausted. And my belly hurts. yuk! I think I have a stomach bug. I'll spare you the details.

How did I get here?

In so many ways my life is very good. I have a good job. My husband is great. We have a nice house in a good neighborhood and we are financially secure. Our immediately family is healthy and happy and we don't have any major dysfunctions. And yet there is one thing that I have yet to get control of in my life. That one thing is my weight.

Don't get me wrong. I am not morbidly obese. I am not a candidate for gastric bypass. I am pretty good at camouflaging my wobbly bits. However, I have fluctuated between size 6 and size 12 for the past 20 years. My goal is to reach my ideal weight/dress size and stay there. Unless I get pregnant. Then the goal is to be healthy and fit throughout my pregnancy.

Stats:
Weight: 173
Dress Size: 12
Height: 5'6"

In 1998 I ran the Chicago Marathon. I don't think I was ever in better shape (except maybe in high school, which I really don't count). This summer I want to start running again...