Keep The Body Guessing

Happy Earth Day!  I'm not doing much to celebrate this year, but did donate to my office's fundraiser for the Earth Conservation Corps.

Happy Good Friday, too, for everyone that observes it!  I love Easter and can't wait to have a big family dinner on Sunday to celebrate.  I gave up (or really just cut back on) sweets, so I'm looking forward to indulging in a chocolate bunny.  My mom always eats the ears off of mine, which drives me nuts.

I go through this cycle every few months, but I am back to being less than enthusiastic about working out.  I've actually been avoiding it all together lately...

Yes, yes and yes.  I'm working to get back to the place where I actually enjoy exercise, but I'm not there yet.  This is in part due to an IT band injury that has resurfaced over the past couple of weeks, as a result of this:

I realize that's not a speedy pace for a lot of people, but it is way too fast for me.  I'm not a speed runner (nor do I enjoy running for speed), but I had a lot of steam to burn off during this workout.  Clearly I didn't listen to my body when it was telling me to slow down and my legs were screaming WE CAN'T DO THIS!  After hobbling around for a couple of days, I visited the doctor and he thinks I strained the muscle but should be back to normal in the next month or two.  In the meantime, I'm pretty much not running (err... jogging) right now. 

To help shake off the workout blues, I'm forcing myself back into the gym routine.  Tomorrow I'm doing a BodyPump and spin doubleheader, and I'm going to keep doing this Jillian Michaels DVD on days I don't hit up the gym.

Why is she so evil?!  This is a killer workout, and targets areas that I never focus on in my other workouts. 

I'm also getting back into swimming and trying to do laps at least once a week.  So far so good.  It's a different type of workout.  I think it's more mentally relaxing than the endorphin high I get from other forms of cardio.  I love it!

How do you reinvigorate your workout routine?  I think it's just about changing things up.  You know.... keep the body guessing!

April Race - 2011 George Washington Parkway Classic

I signed up for an April race today! 

The 2011 George Washington Parkway Classic is one of the most popular races in our area.  The course is described as having "rolling hills."  Hopefully they are little rolling hills.  And it's also a point-to-point race (different starting and ending lines) - working out those logistics will be interesting!

Le course:

Exciting!

2011 Love The Run You're With 5k Recap

Official time: 40.29 (13.02/mile average).

I really wanted to come in below the 40 minute mark, but we were close enough.  Notice that a 70 year old woman named Janet finished just 14 seconds behind us.  Go Janet, go!

Overall, I thought the race was really well organized and fun.  There was a pretty brutal hill at the beginning of the course, but after that it was flat.  And on the way back, you get to run down that same hill.  I totally need to run a 5k downhill sometime.  Weee! 

I felt really strong the first mile (we walked the hill), but at mile two I started getting a weird chest pain and/or cramp in the ribcage.  Argh.  I thought if I walked a bit, it would go away, but it kept coming back with a vengeance.  Needless to say, I walked a ton, but we still finished with a decent time and not in last place.  WIN.  Thank you to JB for cheering us on, and to everyone else for the supportive comments, texts, etc.  I RUN FOR YOU!  J/K, but I really do appreciate all the love :-)

And on a non-race related note, just wanted to say how excited I am that it's almost 60 degrees out today (heat wave!).  I'm so excited for spring.  In celebration, I made a spring-inspired spinach and fruit salad at lunch today:

That hot mess in background is turkey chili.  It paled in comparison to my salad.

Happy Monday!!!

Get Fit, Or Die Trying.

I'm starting to get excited for my February race on Sunday! 

I really want to finish in under 40 minutes.  The race course is right along my old running route (where I used to live), so at least I'll know the area.  And it's super flat.  Thank you, baby Jesus.

.... or at least trying.  Finger's crossed this won't be an epic fail.  Happy Valentine's Day!

March Race - 2011 STPD8K

It's official.  Hopefully I'll stay healthy and won't get my ass handed to me as badly as last year...

Better Late Than Never...

Jumping on the bandwagon (a few days late):

1. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before?

Started a blog. Ran an 8k. Took up photography.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I wanted to be healthier both mentally and physically in 2010. I think I've improved a lot mentally, but physically, I'm still a work in progress. I also wanted to work on trying new things, which I've done better at, but I know I need to continue challenging myself in 2011.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes! Ibby, Karly and Jill all gave birth to beautiful baby girls. Maybe there are some boys in store for 2011?

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Fortunately, no.

5. What countries did you visit?

Mexico in January and Grand Cayman in December.

6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?

A Master's Degree!

7. What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

* June 27, when Mrs. Foot and I met for brunch to celebrate her birthday, and she surprised me with the cutest Cooper-inspired stationary. It wasn't as much about the gift (which I loved), but just a moment that stands out and always reminds me that I'm surrounding by the most thoughtful and loving friends I could ever ask for. Thank you!

* July 4, when Emily invited me to spend the day at the pool and going to a Nationals game. It was the hottest.day.ever but we had fun, and it was a very Washingtonian way to spend Independence Day!

* September 25, when Sarah and Travis tied the knot in Richmond, Virginia. So much love :)

* October 31, a day I spent with JB, cheering her sister on at the USMC Marathon. I had so much fun that day, and was really moved by the love and support JB showed for her sister, and all the hard work the runners put into their fundraising and training efforts. I think that's the day I told myself that I have to get back into the running saddle. So inspiring!

* December 23, when Ashley and I went to the Capitals v. Penguins game at Verizon Center. It was hands down the best sporting event I've ever been to, and even though the Caps ended up losing in a shootout, it was a fabulous night spent with one of my favorites. A new tradition, for sure!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Running my first 8k, and making the responsible (albeit tough) decision to move home and work on finishing grad school.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Probably financially. I've definitely improved, but there are just so many pretty things out there I want to buy! I wish I had taken more advantage of living at home and paid off more student loans, build up savings, etc.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nothing major. And actually, I think 2010 was one of my healthiest years in terms of not coming down with any really bad colds, etc. Vitamins are working! I did get a tibia stress fracture after running the 8k, but with a few weeks of rest, that healed itself pretty well.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
A dSLR camera and a Kindle.

12. Where did most of your money go?
Paying off some of my student loans, and lots of consumer debt. Again, I like pretty things...

13. What did you get really excited about?
As cheesy at it sounds, life. I think I began to understand the whole "work to live" mentality versus always being concerned with climbing the corporate ladder and that being my biggest drive in life. I feel much more balanced now, and I'm happier.

14. What song will always remind you of 2010?
"Intro" by The Xx. It's the song from Apolo Ohno's AT&T commercial that played during the 2010 Vancover Olympics. Ya'll know how I get about the Olympics ;-)

15. Compared to this time last year, are you:
– happier or sadder? Happier, by far.
– thinner or fatter? About the same.
– richer or poorer? A little less poor?

16. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Photography. I need all the practice I can get! And putting myself out there more. I really need help in that area...

17. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Worrying about the small stuff, and being insecure about things I can't control.

18. How did you spend Christmas?
A low-key day with the family.

19. What was your favorite TV program?
Modern Family. Makes me laugh out loud like an idiot, and it reminds me not to take life too seriously.

20. What were your favorite books of the year?
The Help and The Hunger Games trilogy.

21. What was your favorite music from this year?
Eminem and anything Lil Wayne.  Both get me moving.

 22. What were your favorite films of the year?
Harry Potter, 7 Pt. 1.

23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I spent my 27th birthday in Grand Cayman with the family.

24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Maybe to have been in a serious relationship, but I guess that can cut both ways.

25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
As much as it pains me to say it... simple and comfy. I didn't have the best year in terms of loving the way I look, so I stuck to the basics.

26. What kept you sane?
My friends, Cooper, and working out. Oh, and Venti Soy Lattes.
 
27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.
Leave negativity behind at the end of the day, and treat each morning as a fresh start.

2011 Resolution Run 5K Recap

Happy 2011!  I survived the Resolution Run 5K in Baltimore on Saturday.  The race wasn't chip-timed, but I'm estimating that we finished somewhere around 40-41 minutes.  What's even more exciting is that we actually finished!  Little did I know, but the course is about 60% hills.  It was a bitch.

I can't find any good pictures to prove my point, but Patterson Park, where the race took place, is incredibly hilly.  Below is a picture of a cool building (?) that we passed between miles 1-2.  This was at the top of the biggest climb, which I swear was at least half a mile of straight hiking.  There were plenty of curse words exchanged by this point.  The top of the hill was very pretty though... I enjoyed the view between grunts, hacks and breathlessness. :)

(Source)

The race wasn't the most organized (we didn't even know where the starting line was until about 5 minutes before the race), but the organizers and runners were all really nice and supportive, and it made for a great time.  Also, since the race is only run within the park, there weren't any streets closed, police activity, etc.  We arrived about an hour and half early and found a parking spot right near the park with no problem, and it was a breeze getting out of the park after the race.  I love cities that aren't a logistical nightmare.

In February, I'm registered for the "Love The Run You're With" 5k in Pentagon Row, and in March I'll hopefully repeat (more successfully this time!) the St. Patrick's Day 8k in DC.  Fingers crossed for good health and continued improvement. 

Thanks to everyone for all the support leading up to this race.  And to Emmy, for running the damn thing with me! :)

Quantum Leap

I'm not a huge fan of New Year's resolutions, only because I have a tendency to be over zealous and set lofty goals that never really seem to pan out.  But, along with so many others, I'm hoping to continue to work on being healthy and getting into shape in 2011.  As to not get caught up in the numbers game, I'm planning to use a Quantum Scale to help me stay motivated.

I usually hate scales, and avoid them at all costs.  But after reading about this one in Women's Health, I'm giving it a shot.  What's nice is that this scale doesn't actually show your weight, rather you weigh in once at the beginning, and then after that, you get an update your total weight lost/gained, as a way to keeping your mind focused on the smaller goals, versus getting caught up in that scary three-digit number that pops up whenever you hop on.  I did a ton of research before deciding on this option, and it's definitely not for everyone (for instance, it only tracks one person's progress, so it wouldn't be helpful for a couple or family). 

I'm hoping it will work for me.  I'm going to set small goals every month, and see how it goes.  Between running and (trying) to eat healthier, I'm hoping I'll strike a good balance.

Here's to 2011 :-)

Resolution-ing

A couple months back, I wrote about starting the Couch to 5K program.  I've completed about six of the nine weeks of the program (skipped a few weeks for various reasons), and so far so good.  I'm now running close to 5 minute intervals without any major pain in the shins or hip.  Success!

Speaking of running, I'm officially registered for the 2011 Resolution Run 5K in Charm City (Baltimore) on New Year's Day!

I'm really excited for this race, and I figure it's a good way to kick off the New Year.  I've even roped in a friend (who's never raced before) to run it with me -- should be fun!  So far, the weather gods are smiling down on us, with temperatures expected in the low 50's on Saturday.  Let's hope it stays that way.  I'm not a happy runner when I'm cold. 

Hope it goes well!  I still can't believe 2011 is right around the corner...

Couch to 5k

There are heaps of things in life I want to do, and goals I want to meet, but I never really seem to get around to most of them.  One of those things is running.  Like really running, getting into a routine and actually enjoying it.  Ya'll have heard this before.  Well, I hate running right now.  I think it's because I usually do too much too soon, and get completely frustrated that my body just can't take it... 

But with so many great races around the year, and a bunch of friends that also run, I think it's an achievable goal.  Last spring, I ran (and I use the term "ran" loosely....) the St. Patrick's Day 8k, and it was miserable.  I was injured leading up to the race, ran it anyway, and then had a nasty stress fracture the following month.  I want to do things differently this time around. 

I've read a ton of reviews of the Couch to 5K running program, which seems to be the most popular beginner running plan, so I think I'm going to give it a shot.  I'm doing the nine week version, which is very moderate and should be doable.  Here's the workout plan for the first week (which I'll hopefully start on Monday):

Workout 1 -  5 minute warm-up walk; alternate 60 seconds jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes.

Workout 2 - 5 minute warm-up walk; alternate 60 seconds jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes.

Workout 3 - 5 minute warm-up walk; alternate 60 seconds jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes.

Not too bad at all!  I'm going to try running on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays, since I usually spin on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. 

Has anyone else tried this program or heard anything about it?  Fingers crossed that I make it past the few couple of weeks... :)

Down To Earth

Happy Earth Day! I'm not a tree-hugger by any means, but it's great that there's a day devoted to improving the way we treat Mother Earth. After all... if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy! 

Confession: I'm pretty much useless when it comes to being green. I really don't recycle, except at work where we have a different recepticle for every item (which confuses me on a daily basis). I also buy a ton of bottled water, and drive to work almost every day eventhough I could take the metro and help save the planet. I get a big fat green F.

Buuut, I looked over the "take action" items that the Earth Day Campaign lists to see how annoying they'd be to try, and they aren't that bad. For example, I already have reusable grocery bags, so I just have to remember to take them with me, and I can also be better about turning off lights and buying environmentally friendly cleaning products. Shopping? Yes, please! I think I'll start with one of those dishwasher safe sponges. Stinky sponges make me gag.

Ohhh and here's a hilarious video that was sent to me today.  This dude is taking up recycling in hopes of earning enough money to buy a Ferrari. Maybe I'll scale back and just go for a pair of Louboutin shoes :)



LOL!  I think I'll stick to my day job.

xoxo,
Olivia

Dirt Off My Shoulders

Remember a few weeks back when I posted about my 30-day challenge? Well, it's officially April and here's a recap of how it went:

Goal 1 - Workout 4+ times a week (mix between cardio and weight training/BodyPump)

Hhhm, I'll give myself a flat B on this one -- better than in previous months, but still plenty of room to improve.

As you all have heard (probably more than you want!).... at the beginning of the month I was attempting to train for my first 8K race, which had me at the gym 5-6 days a week. I got into a bit of rut, but with some assurance from friends and family, I pushed through it. The Friday before the 8k, I pulled a muscle in my leg. Efff. I was still determined to run the race, so I did. Looking back on it, probably not the best idea, but I needed to run it for my own sanity.

I took a week off from exercising after the race (my body was creaky, and I'm still having some shin/ankle issues), and now I'm back on my routine of going to the gym around 4-5 days a week. No running until I go to the doctor to have my left leg looked at, but I've been mixing things up between lower-impact activities like swimming, spinning and the elliptical. Unfortunately, I get an F on weight training. I only did two BodyPump classes during March and barely touched any free weights. Oops.

I've (maybe) toned down a little bit, but I'm mostly happy about feeling stronger and more energetic. The focus for the rest of the spring will be to heal and start running again, and to build more strength training into my workouts.

Goal 2 - Eat a healthy breakfast everyday
Goal 3 - Pack breakfast and/or lunch 3+ days a week

B+!! This is probably where I've improved the most, which is awesome since I pretty much hate breakfast and I usually like going out for lunch to avoid being stuck inside the office all day. But, packing food for the day really helps with sticking to a routine. I now bring my breakfast and lunch into work around 3-4 days a week -- usually a Greek yogurt mess or some Kashi Honey Sunshine cereal for breakfast, and a sandwich and fruit for lunch. If you haven't tried Kashi Honey Sunshine, do! It's like a healthy but delicious version of Waffle Crisp. YUM.

Goal 4 - Get 7+ hours of sleep a night

Probably a B-. I'm doing a little better, but some nights I'm still up way too late and miserable the next day because of it (thank you, grad school). I've also had this weird pattern of waking up around 4:00 a.m. and not being able to fall back to sleep. That's just once and awhile, but it still throws me off. On days when I do get a full night's rest -- I'm so much happier! I'm going to keep working on this goal and hope that I eventually get into a good pattern.

******************

Well that's the jist of it.  Not too bad for a first time challenge!

OOH, I have something fun to report. Since I've promised to try and be less vanilla and more adventurous, I took the plunge and cut my hair a few days ago. 6+ inches, gone! I now have a A-line bob, which people tell me is cute, but I'm still getting used to it.  It looks kinda like Ashley Green's style below, but a tad bit shorter:
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
What do you think?  My hair has been my security blanket over the past couple of years, and I just wanted something more fun and less high maintenance. I think once I get used to it, I'll love it.  The first time working out with it was not cute. Too short to pull up, but too long to not bother me.  I think I need to buy some of those elastic headbands?
 
BTW, I'm planning to post some healthy but really good recipes I've experimented with over the past few weeks.  I'll get to that ASAP since I know a couple of people have already asked me to post them and I've been slacking.
 
Happy April! 
 
xoxo,
Olivia

March Madness

It's March.  When did that happen? 

I looked at my calendar this morning and realized that the St. Patrick's Day 8K is next Sunday.  Holy crap! I'm so not ready, but I know I'll get through it one way or another.  I did four miles in 50 minutes on the treadmill yesterday, which didn't hurt as badly as I expected (yay).  I'm hoping to do the full five mile distance one evening this week, when I'm feeling extra energetic.  Wish me luck!

A friend was telling me about how she amps up her health/fitness routine a few times a year with what she calls "30 Day Challenges."  It's basically just a month where you set goals at the beginning and do your best to maintain throughout the month.  I'm making March 2010 my first "30 Day Challenge" month, focusing on maintaining my workout routine and finding a better balance when it comes to eating healthy.  My goals for the month are pretty flexible since I'm a believer in baby steps:

• Workout 4+ times a week (mix between cardio and weight training/BodyPump)
• Eat a healthy breakfast everyday.
• Pack my breakfast and/or lunch 3+ days a week.
• Get 7+ hours of sleep a night.

Not so bad, right?  I pretty much follow these points already (minus the sleeping part - I'm awful about getting enough rest), but I want to stick with a formal plan and see how it goes.  Today I packed my breakfast and lunch, and tried to keep it fairly low in fat/calories since I have class until late tonight and won't have a chance to workout.

Here's what I had for breakfast -- a "yogurt mess" of 2% Plain Fage Greek Yogurt; 1/2 cup of Raspberries; 1 cup of Kashi Puffs.  It may sound scary (took me awhile to come around to the idea of so much yogurt for breakfast), but it is actually delish and very filling:

I stayed pretty full until around 1:00 p.m.  For lunch I packed 1/2 of a roast beef sandwich (I will eat the other half around 5:30 p.m. when I'm on my way to class), a bag of sliced red apples, and some green grapes.  Oh, and I had a Diet Coke.  I think I went a bit overboard on the fruit, but I think this should hold me over until the end of the day.  I'm working on wheaning myself off Diet Coke, but for now I'm alright with just having one or two a day.  See, baby steps :)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I made a big batch of Turkey Chili last night, so that will probably be my dinner.  Not to bad, for a Monday. If anyone has good ideas for healthy and easy to make breakfast/lunch items, please do tell.  I need all the help I can get!
 
xoxo,
Olivia