Today is the last day of August and by the time most of you are reading this, it will be September and the beginning of FALL!! I love fall - I love pumpkins and applies and the leaves changing and the cooler temperatures and warm sweaters!
I cannot believe how fast this summer has flown by. It feels weird not to be going back to school. It also feels weird not having to train for a college sport. I really don't know what to do with myself. Its an odd feeling.
And so this month of August my stats for running were at an all time low - in fact a record low since I was a little kid. Zero miles of running.
I have been missing the track especially with the running absence from my life and so this morning I attempted to do a "track" swim workout.
I did a "ladder" workout in the pool. After a quick warm up I swam 10 laps then decreased from there:
250, 200, 150, 100, 50 yards, 100, 150, 200, 250
It was a great workout and I totaled 2000 yards.
This was one of the first mornings I swam alone as Brian is away for work and it was a little weird but I managed. He left Sunday and will come back on Saturday.
Anyway - I get into the locker room and I am running late because my workout took longer than I expected. So I am getting dressed in a hurry and then I realize that I forgot a brush!! My worst nightmare came true that I would forget something at the pool. I ran my fingers through my hair and then went to work. And surprisingly today was one of my best hair days!!
I am exhausted and its only Monday so I am going to get some sleep and I will catch up with all of you tomorrow! Sweet Dreams!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
The New TIART
Its a new TIART with a whole new twist. Check out Runners' Lounge for this weeks topic which is brought to you by Marlene! She asks:
When did you know you had become a runner? Was there a defining moment, or was it a gradual progression over time?
There is one defining moment that sticks out in my mind when I definitely DID NOT call myself a runner.
It was about 10 years ago and I was a spunky 13 year old. I was going to try out for the JV soccer team and so my parents wereforcing helping me to prepare. I did not like running at all and I would have done anything to avoid it. One day my mom made me run home and it was straight uphill. This was the biggest hill EVER. I was about 2/3 to the top when I stopped on the side of the road and just laid down and cried. Yes - I laid down and cried on the side of the road. I was 13, my hormones were crazy or something. Anyway, my mom was flabbergasted and yelled at me to get up. I eventually did and made it to the top of the hill. The end.
From that point on there were a few other signs, many of which I chose to ignore that pointed to me being a runner.
1. I started to enjoy the tortuous distance workouts my high school soccer coached dished out.
2. I signed up for a 15k race after my freshman year of college and was bitten by the running bug.
3. I became a "morning runner" and loved it.
4. I ran a half marathon with my best friend.
5. I went out for the college Track team.
There really is no set time when I started calling myself a runner. But for sure I know that I call myself a runner now.
Happy Thursday! Almost time for the weekend!
When did you know you had become a runner? Was there a defining moment, or was it a gradual progression over time?
There is one defining moment that sticks out in my mind when I definitely DID NOT call myself a runner.
It was about 10 years ago and I was a spunky 13 year old. I was going to try out for the JV soccer team and so my parents were
From that point on there were a few other signs, many of which I chose to ignore that pointed to me being a runner.
1. I started to enjoy the tortuous distance workouts my high school soccer coached dished out.
2. I signed up for a 15k race after my freshman year of college and was bitten by the running bug.
3. I became a "morning runner" and loved it.
4. I ran a half marathon with my best friend.
5. I went out for the college Track team.
There really is no set time when I started calling myself a runner. But for sure I know that I call myself a runner now.
Happy Thursday! Almost time for the weekend!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
My Twitchy Eye
Yesterday at about 11am I was sitting at my desk after conversing with one of the only girls that I work with when my eye started twitching. This was no ordinary twitch, my eye ball was moving - ok, well I am exaggerating but that's what it felt like.
The lower lid of my right eye continued to twitch throughout the rest of the day and into the night. Lovely - I could barely concentrate on the rest of work.
After sending numerous emails to Brian complaining about how swimming is horrible and I hate it because it made my eye twitch, he said that it was probably a result of the goggles I wear.
Seriously!! So of course we trekked over to Dick's Sporting Goods after work to look for new ones but I couldn't make a decision! The pink ones or the blue ones??
I went to bed hoping that I would wake up without my twitchy eye. I was hoping that some rest would help me but I had one crazy night.
I got up three times - 12:45am, 3:00am and 3:50am thinking that it was actually the time to get up and I had heard my alarm. Each time I would go into the bathroom, start getting ready and then wonder what time it was and if I had actually heard my alarm. I even put in my contacts once!
When my actual alarm finally went off at 4:30am, I got up and got ready for swimming. My eye seemed ok but felt a bit swollen almost. Well, not 10 minutes into the ride to the pool my eye decided it was finally awake and started twitching away!
Brian thought that I should try a different pair of goggles this morning so as to not increase the twitching at work and therefore make me even less productive. I tried on a weird blue pair and slowly got into the water. I dunked my head under with these new goggles to test them out and I couldn't see. They just didn't work right and I felt cross-eyed which hurt my twitching eye even more!
So I resorted back to the old goggles for today and got my workout in. The twitch is still there in my lower lid area and it is totally annoying so we will have to see how today turns out!
Since I was feeling sorry for myself and my eye, I went to the cafeteria to get some coffee. Maybe my eye just needed some caffeine? Well I got there and they were all out of Raspberry Chocolate Truffle coffee so I had to settle for Heavenly Hazelnut coffee! This week is turning out to be a real doosey and the weekend can't come soon enough for me!
The lower lid of my right eye continued to twitch throughout the rest of the day and into the night. Lovely - I could barely concentrate on the rest of work.
After sending numerous emails to Brian complaining about how swimming is horrible and I hate it because it made my eye twitch, he said that it was probably a result of the goggles I wear.
Seriously!! So of course we trekked over to Dick's Sporting Goods after work to look for new ones but I couldn't make a decision! The pink ones or the blue ones??
I went to bed hoping that I would wake up without my twitchy eye. I was hoping that some rest would help me but I had one crazy night.
I got up three times - 12:45am, 3:00am and 3:50am thinking that it was actually the time to get up and I had heard my alarm. Each time I would go into the bathroom, start getting ready and then wonder what time it was and if I had actually heard my alarm. I even put in my contacts once!
When my actual alarm finally went off at 4:30am, I got up and got ready for swimming. My eye seemed ok but felt a bit swollen almost. Well, not 10 minutes into the ride to the pool my eye decided it was finally awake and started twitching away!
Brian thought that I should try a different pair of goggles this morning so as to not increase the twitching at work and therefore make me even less productive. I tried on a weird blue pair and slowly got into the water. I dunked my head under with these new goggles to test them out and I couldn't see. They just didn't work right and I felt cross-eyed which hurt my twitching eye even more!
So I resorted back to the old goggles for today and got my workout in. The twitch is still there in my lower lid area and it is totally annoying so we will have to see how today turns out!
Since I was feeling sorry for myself and my eye, I went to the cafeteria to get some coffee. Maybe my eye just needed some caffeine? Well I got there and they were all out of Raspberry Chocolate Truffle coffee so I had to settle for Heavenly Hazelnut coffee! This week is turning out to be a real doosey and the weekend can't come soon enough for me!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Total Bust
So I went to the Doctor's yesterday and basically it was a waste of my time.
See, my old doctor retired last year so I am currently switching to a new doctor closer to my new apartment but I had to go back to my old doctors office to get things cleared up. Plus I could get an appointment at this doctors a lot sooner than I could at a new place.
Well I got there and all the usual stuff happened at first but then I never got to ask any questions. I barely got a word in edge-wise with this doctor who has taken over. It was a total bust and a huge disappointment.
My old doctor was a woman and yesterday I had a man - hate to stereotype the men out there but HE would NOT LISTEN to me!! I was so frustrated! I need a referral to go to the PT but if I can't even talk about my knee then how am I supposed to get a referral...
I really don't know what to do. I have a new patient appointment on September 4th with my new doctor so hopefully that will be well. I kind of want to run but at the same time I don't. I am scared that the pain will come back.
Now I guess I will just play the waiting game for another 2+ weeks : (
Swimming this morning = 1100 yards and my lungs feel really tired. Happy Tuesday!
See, my old doctor retired last year so I am currently switching to a new doctor closer to my new apartment but I had to go back to my old doctors office to get things cleared up. Plus I could get an appointment at this doctors a lot sooner than I could at a new place.
Well I got there and all the usual stuff happened at first but then I never got to ask any questions. I barely got a word in edge-wise with this doctor who has taken over. It was a total bust and a huge disappointment.
My old doctor was a woman and yesterday I had a man - hate to stereotype the men out there but HE would NOT LISTEN to me!! I was so frustrated! I need a referral to go to the PT but if I can't even talk about my knee then how am I supposed to get a referral...
I really don't know what to do. I have a new patient appointment on September 4th with my new doctor so hopefully that will be well. I kind of want to run but at the same time I don't. I am scared that the pain will come back.
Now I guess I will just play the waiting game for another 2+ weeks : (
Swimming this morning = 1100 yards and my lungs feel really tired. Happy Tuesday!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Sunday Afternoon
If you go to the movies and see The Time Traveler's Wife, do not forgot a box of tissues!
I have read the book and just got back from seeing the movie and I cried my eyes out!
It was such a good movie but also very sad - it made me thankful for all the wonderful people in my life and how I need to be thankful for every day that I have with them!
I went with my best friend, Kaylie who I haven't seen all summer and I really missed her! It was a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon!
Tomorrow I have a doctors appointment so maybe I'll be able to see whats up with the knee!
I have read the book and just got back from seeing the movie and I cried my eyes out!
It was such a good movie but also very sad - it made me thankful for all the wonderful people in my life and how I need to be thankful for every day that I have with them!
I went with my best friend, Kaylie who I haven't seen all summer and I really missed her! It was a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon!
Tomorrow I have a doctors appointment so maybe I'll be able to see whats up with the knee!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Photo and Food Friday!
Well it's Friday once again. The weeks just keep flying by! Yesterday it was beautiful outside and while I was driving home I saw no less than 12 runners. I wanted to do something different this week for photo friday so I am including a recipe for one of my favorite foods!
Wednesday I made Stuffed Peppers for dinner and this was the first time I had made them on my own. They came out so good that I wanted to share the recipe:
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup uncooked long grain white rice
1 cup water
5-6 green bell peppers
1 - 8 oz can of tomato sauce
1/4 of an onion, chopped
1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place rice and water in saucepan and bring to boil. In skilled over medium heat cook beef. Remove and discard tops, seeds, and membranes of peppers. In a bowl mix cooked beef, cooked rice, tomato sauce, chopped onion, worcestershire sauce and garlic powder. (My mom and I call this mixture spanish rice!) Put mixture into peppers and then place in oven to cook for 1 hour. Enjoy!! (Sorry I forgot to take a picture of this meal - but I promise it was delish!)
On to the photo part of Friday!
A week or so ago I won a giveaway on Amanda's Blog for Gluten Free Life. I received the package this week and inside it contained some gluten free foods. I was super excited to win this giveaway because my dad is gluten free because he has celiacs disease which means he cant have gluten or wheat products. He was diagnosis about 3 years ago and I know that he struggles with it sometimes. He also had surgery Wednesday to correct a broken collar bone he had from years ago. So I brought over the gluten free bread, muffins, and cookies for him to enjoy while he is recuperating!!
Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!
Wednesday I made Stuffed Peppers for dinner and this was the first time I had made them on my own. They came out so good that I wanted to share the recipe:
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup uncooked long grain white rice
1 cup water
5-6 green bell peppers
1 - 8 oz can of tomato sauce
1/4 of an onion, chopped
1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place rice and water in saucepan and bring to boil. In skilled over medium heat cook beef. Remove and discard tops, seeds, and membranes of peppers. In a bowl mix cooked beef, cooked rice, tomato sauce, chopped onion, worcestershire sauce and garlic powder. (My mom and I call this mixture spanish rice!) Put mixture into peppers and then place in oven to cook for 1 hour. Enjoy!! (Sorry I forgot to take a picture of this meal - but I promise it was delish!)
On to the photo part of Friday!
A week or so ago I won a giveaway on Amanda's Blog for Gluten Free Life. I received the package this week and inside it contained some gluten free foods. I was super excited to win this giveaway because my dad is gluten free because he has celiacs disease which means he cant have gluten or wheat products. He was diagnosis about 3 years ago and I know that he struggles with it sometimes. He also had surgery Wednesday to correct a broken collar bone he had from years ago. So I brought over the gluten free bread, muffins, and cookies for him to enjoy while he is recuperating!!
Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Morning Swimmer
I wish I could run in the dark august morning, before most of the world is awake, before most of my co-workers are awake too. I heard on the radio this morning while riding to work from the pool that there are meteor showers in the mornings. Two years ago in August the same thing was taking place and I saw so many shooting stars while running in the early mornings. I remember one distinct time I went to the track with my mom and she walked while I ran. We must have seen 20 shooting stars - it was a great way to start the day! I am really going to miss seeing that this year.
Today and Monday I went swimming and managed to swim over 1000 yards each day which is a distance PR. Monday swimming really drained me and by 3pm I was so tired I just wanted to fall asleep. I had to get up and get a snack just to make it through the rest of the day. Working 40 hours in 4 days (10 hour days from 7am to 530pm) is really getting tough with this morning swimming but at least I get to exercise. Anyway - I am slowly building up my endurance. Only one more week of this because I think the pool I go to is closed the last week of August. I am hoping that I can start running again with the start of September (Fingers crossed!)
Nothing else is really new in my life - Weekends have been filled to the brim with a family reunion, a wedding, and catching up with old friends!
Oh one last thing - so in my second year of college I had terrible back pain while training for basketball. The trainers at school thought it was because my hamstrings were too tight (mainly on my right side). Well I went to the state fair with the fam and there was had a free chiropractic evaluation and I decided that I would try it. Well they told me that my right hip was slightly higher (or maybe it was lower? cant remember now) than my left hip - moral of the story my hips are not at the same level. I bet a lot of people have this but maybe it never ever causes any problems. It just clicked in my head the other day about this because all my injuries have been on my right side (hip flexor, knee, etc). So maybe my hips are to blame? But what can I really do about it?
Happy Wednesday and Happy Running!!
Today and Monday I went swimming and managed to swim over 1000 yards each day which is a distance PR. Monday swimming really drained me and by 3pm I was so tired I just wanted to fall asleep. I had to get up and get a snack just to make it through the rest of the day. Working 40 hours in 4 days (10 hour days from 7am to 530pm) is really getting tough with this morning swimming but at least I get to exercise. Anyway - I am slowly building up my endurance. Only one more week of this because I think the pool I go to is closed the last week of August. I am hoping that I can start running again with the start of September (Fingers crossed!)
Nothing else is really new in my life - Weekends have been filled to the brim with a family reunion, a wedding, and catching up with old friends!
Oh one last thing - so in my second year of college I had terrible back pain while training for basketball. The trainers at school thought it was because my hamstrings were too tight (mainly on my right side). Well I went to the state fair with the fam and there was had a free chiropractic evaluation and I decided that I would try it. Well they told me that my right hip was slightly higher (or maybe it was lower? cant remember now) than my left hip - moral of the story my hips are not at the same level. I bet a lot of people have this but maybe it never ever causes any problems. It just clicked in my head the other day about this because all my injuries have been on my right side (hip flexor, knee, etc). So maybe my hips are to blame? But what can I really do about it?
Happy Wednesday and Happy Running!!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Cookies, Books, and more
Before jetting off for a busy weekend, I thought I would post some random thoughts:
Recently I have been on a cookie rampage! Two nights ago I downed 6 Pepperidge Farm Raspberry Milano cookies. Something about raspberry and chocolate together just works for me!! In fact I might have to head to my cookie jar and get some right now!
It seems like reading books and blogging about it has really caught on fire!! Mel at Tall Mom on the Run is having a really neat and thought provoking book giveaway! Also Julia at Chocolate Shoestrings is also having a book giveaway!! It seems like this is the summer of giveaways!!
I went to the pool this morning, swam and then proceeded to go to the locker room to shower and change. I had just gotten out of the shower and was going to get out my clothes when an older woman came in. She came right up beside me and looked at me and said "I always use this locker." Then opened the locker and pushed my stuff out of the way. I guess some people are really picky about which lockers they use!
Thanks for all the comments on my swimming experiences! My arms are starting to get more and more muscular because of it! I did have some pain this morning in my knee but nothing like before. I really wish my doctors appointment would hurry up and get here because honestly I just want to know what is wrong. Right now I am living vicariously through you all and your running and it is actually quite enjoyable! Have a fantastic weekend!
Recently I have been on a cookie rampage! Two nights ago I downed 6 Pepperidge Farm Raspberry Milano cookies. Something about raspberry and chocolate together just works for me!! In fact I might have to head to my cookie jar and get some right now!
It seems like reading books and blogging about it has really caught on fire!! Mel at Tall Mom on the Run is having a really neat and thought provoking book giveaway! Also Julia at Chocolate Shoestrings is also having a book giveaway!! It seems like this is the summer of giveaways!!
I went to the pool this morning, swam and then proceeded to go to the locker room to shower and change. I had just gotten out of the shower and was going to get out my clothes when an older woman came in. She came right up beside me and looked at me and said "I always use this locker." Then opened the locker and pushed my stuff out of the way. I guess some people are really picky about which lockers they use!
Thanks for all the comments on my swimming experiences! My arms are starting to get more and more muscular because of it! I did have some pain this morning in my knee but nothing like before. I really wish my doctors appointment would hurry up and get here because honestly I just want to know what is wrong. Right now I am living vicariously through you all and your running and it is actually quite enjoyable! Have a fantastic weekend!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
It's good for the lungs
Two weeks ago I gave up running and have taken up swimming.
Last Monday (July 27) I started going to the pool in the morning with Brian. I go Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and it has been going really well.
I wake up at 4:30am and Brian picks me up at 4:50am and we head to the pool. By 5:30 I am slowly inching my way into the water! Its cold!! This is not like running at all!
Mondays and Wednesdays the pool has "long course" which is the lanes are set to the length of the pool and its 50m for a lap. I cannot go 2 laps in a row because I have no swimming endurance AT ALL! Fridays the lanes are set to the width of the pool and measure 25 yards - this sport is confusing!!
So I went for the 5th time this morning and found out that today would be the last day of long course. That is very sad - I was hoping that I would have more time so I could build up enough endurance to go down and back without stopping. Well I had to try it today because it was the last day.
I did 600m each day last week and this week was able to go 700m. Today I did about 400m warm up and then rested a bit before I tried to go the full 100m. It was tough but I did it!! I made it down 50m, hit the wall and turned around and came back without stopping! Boy did my lungs burn!
And now Brian even says I am getting better at this swimming thing but deep in my heart I miss running. Its nice not having to train for a race or have a set schedule...I definitely needed this time off. It just seems like everyone is out running now!
One last thing - I saw the movie "The Ugly Truth" last night with a bunch of girls from work. It was hilarious and rather vulgar but still very much worth it! A total chick flick but we all need one of those once in a while, right??!!
Happy Wednesday!
Last Monday (July 27) I started going to the pool in the morning with Brian. I go Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and it has been going really well.
I wake up at 4:30am and Brian picks me up at 4:50am and we head to the pool. By 5:30 I am slowly inching my way into the water! Its cold!! This is not like running at all!
Mondays and Wednesdays the pool has "long course" which is the lanes are set to the length of the pool and its 50m for a lap. I cannot go 2 laps in a row because I have no swimming endurance AT ALL! Fridays the lanes are set to the width of the pool and measure 25 yards - this sport is confusing!!
So I went for the 5th time this morning and found out that today would be the last day of long course. That is very sad - I was hoping that I would have more time so I could build up enough endurance to go down and back without stopping. Well I had to try it today because it was the last day.
I did 600m each day last week and this week was able to go 700m. Today I did about 400m warm up and then rested a bit before I tried to go the full 100m. It was tough but I did it!! I made it down 50m, hit the wall and turned around and came back without stopping! Boy did my lungs burn!
And now Brian even says I am getting better at this swimming thing but deep in my heart I miss running. Its nice not having to train for a race or have a set schedule...I definitely needed this time off. It just seems like everyone is out running now!
One last thing - I saw the movie "The Ugly Truth" last night with a bunch of girls from work. It was hilarious and rather vulgar but still very much worth it! A total chick flick but we all need one of those once in a while, right??!!
Happy Wednesday!
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