It Feels So Good

Normally, when I strength train my legs, I am sore for days. Last night I strength trained my legs (a little more exercises, with the same weights) and I'm not sore today. It is such an odd feeling to not feel any soreness. My arms and chest are so sore today from Tuesday's workout though. I guess I need to make sure I pay enough attention to them. I've been focusing on doing a moderate intensity cardiovascular workout followed by a more intense strength training workout to build up some muscle in hopes of toning up and losing some pounds that way. I know that muscle is the key to losing weight, being toned, and looking good. I was really hoping to have a fourth day in a row gym day today, but it would be time to do back and abs, and I'm to sore to get the most benefit out of the lifting. Friday night gym session it is. Which, I really don't mind, because Friday nights tend to be less busy.

I've also survived my portion control and only eating when I'm truly hungry lifestyle change pretty well. I've been keeping track online here: MyFitnessPal and really like that I can track food, exercise, and water. It shows me if I eat too much of one thing and not enough of another. Plus, I put all I plan on eating in there when I get to work in the AM and add throughout the day, that way I always know where I'm at, and maybe when I plan to be hungry and I'm not.

However, with all that being said, I feel as though I am becoming too obsessed. I can not stop thinking about calories in vs. calories out; did I run enough; did I lift enough; when will I workout next. I just want my head to be fully into it, and I hope that I don't become too obsessed and stressed out. So far things have been really good, and I'm only like a week in, but I'm happy with my dedication. I just hope I don't lose sight of the ultimate goal: to be healthy and happy and confident.

Anyway, Happy Thursday!

Finally

I was having a terrible day.

Work will do that to you sometimes.

So, I went to the gym.

And it got worse.

The treadmill was skipping, and I almost fell off.

So, what is a girl to do?

I get on the elliptical and do intervals for 30 mins.

Then I do 20 mins of leg weights.

Then I did the cross-trainer/elliptical for 15 mins.

I feel amazing now.

And this is what it makes me think of:

Elle Woods is my idol.

Happy Hump Day!

One Of Those Days

Some of today is not even worth a rant.

I'm going for a promotion; technically.

It might actually save my job.

Because I could be laid off.

I could get this new job.

Or I could keep my current job.

I'm not nervous, although I think I should be.

I might even be overly confident.

Which is crazy, because I've had some "flubs" in my current position, that depending on who interviews me, could automatically think, "no thanks."

Maybe I'm not nervous because I haven't turned in my application?

Yet, I feel weird about it.

I'd love the promotion; I'm sure I am fully capable of the challenge. I guess I just wonder: what if it isn't right for me and I don't realize it until I've been doing it for awhile?

I hate to be a quitter.

In some aspects of my life I live by the motto: "Too blessed to be stressed." - that would be for work.

In others, my motto is: "Get there or die trying." - that would be exercise, weight loss, healthy eating, etc.

Anyway, I'm feeling kind of indifferent towards things right now.

I don't think I like this feeling.

Vomiting

No, I do not actual have to throw up.

I'm just posting a bunch of words, in a blob, aka "word vomit" style.

I've decided that I need to switch up my workout.

Running like a crazy person isn't getting the job done.

Enter the dreaded StepMill.

I always set it for 30 mins, but today, I actually did it for 30 mins, interval style.

I of course had to run after.

Go me.

I like to say: StepMill: 0, Lindsay: 1

In other news, my sister, is possible allergic to red dye.

She had reactions as a child, and she is now having them again.

What's she going to do without Red Velvet Cake?

Strawberry jell-o?

Fruit punch?

Her world must be ending.

Adios!

Soon, and Very Soon

I will be spending a glorious week with these guys:

Mom, Dad, and Dani.

I am pretty excited because: 1) I miss them and 2) I could use a vacation.

Even though my grandma's memorial service is also going to be part of this trip, I am still so excited.

In other news, I injured my elbow somehow and have only been able to do leg work at the gym. Good, bad, I don't know, all I know is my legs are killing me.

And my last bit of info for this Saturday until I go finish my laundry and take a shower, I tried my first protein shake. It's not super oh-mi-god I want to drink this everyday, but it doesn't taste bad either.

My First Ever Protein Shake:

1 packet Spirutein Chocolate Protein Powder

1 cup skim milk

6 strawberries

15 blueberries

5 ice cubes

Blend and enjoy.

Happy Saturday

My New Best Friend

I wish I could say it was a person.

Or even a dog.

Or something, but no, welcome to my world.

My new BFF in the whole wide world is:

HIIT

That's right.

I wasn't going to go to the gym, but then I remembered, oh yeah, I wanted to.

I went to the library, picked up my books and headed to the gym.

My workout went like this:

10 mins of running (9:30 min mile which is a personal best, hey, I run slow).

Thought about using the Step Mill (did about 4 minutes).

Changed my mind and said, treadmill, we're friends (most of the time) let's see if I can do some pyramid intervals or rolling hill intervals.

So, what's a girl to do?

Both.

It went a little something like this:

2 min - 4.0 - 4 incline

1 min - 7.0 - 1 incline

2 min - 4.0 - 5 incline

1 min - 7.2 - 1 incline

2 min - 4.0 - 6 incline

1 min - 7.4 - 1 incline

2 min - 4.0 - 7 incline

1 min - 7.6 - 1 incline

2 min - 4.0 - 8 incline

1 min - 7.8 - 1 incline

2 min - 4.0 - 9 incline

1 min - 8.0 - 0 incline

2 min - 4.0 - 1o incline

1 min - 7.6 - 1 incline

2 min - 4.0 - 9 incline

1 min - 7.4 - 1 incline

2 min - 4.0 - 8 incline

1 min - 7.2 - 1 incline

2 min - 4.0 - 7 incline

1 min - 7.2 - 1 incline

5 min - COOL DOWN

That's right, I might not be as fast as some, but I think I rocked it out.

It also felt WAY different than my 5 mile runs, but I sweat my butt off maybe even more.

We'll see what crazy ideas I get for tomorrow's workout.

Happy Short Work Week!

Five Things on a Saturday

1.

I got a great workout in today. I love running more than anything else; but I should probably start branching out on my cardiovascular endeavors and cross train a little.

2.

Taking Chris shopping, even for household stuff, is not as fun as just going by myself. I love having him with me, but after about 5 mins, he's done. Love the guy, but I'll run errands by myself. (Although we did buy a few ingredients for our end of summer/Labor Day surprise!)

3.

San Diego has the best weather. It was fabulous today. Be jealous, I know you want to.

4.

Mmm... my favorite comfort foods: pasta, and lots of it. I could really go for some mac and cheese, but the lasagna I had for dinner will definitely suffice.

And drumroll please.....

5.

We made these:

Graham Cracker + marshmallow + chocolate = HEAVEN

It was the perfect way to end our night and hope that summer never ends, well, I guess here it doesn't end until January, then there's winter until March, and we're back at summer again. Hope you had a great Saturday. Go make s'mores.

Not to brag, because I know there are plenty who find this an easy run, but I ran 5 miles again today. Over 5 in 50 mins. I'm slowly quickening my pace. I waver between 9:40 and 10:00 min miles. I could have ran forever. I know its because I had lots of carbs for breakfast. Both times I've been able to run that far I had eaten only carbs. My body had plenty of fuel.

I'm trying to really focus on clean eating. I eat a lot of fruits and veggies as it is, so I just want to up it. I'm thinking that this would be what I would eat, or something similar:

Breakfast:

oatmeal

berries

water

coffee (can't give it up)

Snack:

hardboiled eggs

carrots

Lunch:

salad with lots of veggies

chicken

Snack:

turkey slices

string cheese

baby tomatoes

Dinner:

beef/chicken/fish

two veggies

Snack:

yogurt

berries/apple

That's really a lot of food, but I have to fuel myself and not be tempted by the CRAP that my coworkers always have. Chips, cookies, cake, candy, etc. The snack before dinner will change whether I'm going to the gym or not, if I am, it will be less protein, more carbs, like an apple or something. Let's hope I can manage this.

Is It Bad...

That I only drink water and coffee?

Is that totally weird?

Occasionally I have tea, and on Saturdays, I have a soda, yeah seriously, one.

I'm just feeling like I'm the only one.

Kinda like Dierks Bentley in:

Anyway, today is my day off from the gym.

I noticed yesterday, while working on my "lats" that they look pretty good in the mirror.

That's good. I think.

I did the Step Mill along with my treadmill and some walking.

It felt good, I hope it works other parts of my legs.

Sometimes, I think I have to lay off the running.

If I crosstrain a little bit, I am thinking that I will be less likely to injure myself.

I'm feeling kind of brave, so I'm thinking I'm going to post two photos.

One from the end of June and one from now of me in my bathing suit.

I hope there is some change.

On the left is June, the right is now.

I think I'm looking better.

My Favorite Healthy Things

These are some of my favorite healthy things and why I love them.

ONE:

running

via

I love running. It is my favorite workout. Its so hard on my joints, but it is my absolute favorite. I love running on the treadmill and outside, but my allergies have made outside running more and more difficult. So, indoors it is. Anyone can run. And you don't have to run fast. Just run.

TWO:

water

via

I'd be lying if I told you I only drink water BUT I mostly drink water. Especially during the week. During the week it is coffee in the morning and water. That's it. I don't need any other beverages. I've given up my diet soda habit, and I only treat myself to soda on the weekends. I like my water super cold, and I ALWAYS have some with me.

THREE:

carrots

via

I love carrots. Baby carrots are so portable and easy to snack on. The crunch replaces chips and crackers. I like them plain, personally, but they are good with hummus or ranch dressing (in moderation).

FOUR:

spinach

via

I love spinach. It is excellent in salads, I kind of even like eating it plain. I'm very strange.

FIVE:

apples

via

There's nothing better than a crunchy, crispy apple. Red Delicious and Pink Lady apples are my favorite, but I will eat any.

SIX:

blueberries

via

These are my favorite berries. I love all berries, but I could eat that whole container. I try to hold back, but I love eating them. Delicious!

SEVEN:

heirloom tomatoes

via

I love tomatoes, and if I had to pick a favorite, it would be heirloom. I know that the odd colors make them look strange, but they are DELICIOUS. And since they come in so many colors they really make salads and things look so lovely.

These are my favorite healthy things, I usually eat, drink, or do these things everyday.

Happy Happy Joy Joy

I should probably refrain from quoting Ren & Stimpy.

I doubt it is very becoming for a girl of my age.

I am happy though. I'm upping my mileage or my speed each workout. Today was speed, I shaved one whole minute off my 3 mile run. I'd say that's impressive, for me at least. My triceps feel like complete jell-o and my last set of chest presses was so beyond unbearably painful, that I am without a doubt that I will be in pain tomorrow. Which works out because tomorrow will be a leg and ab torture day. Keep up the good work body. You're doing well.

I'm still a work in progress. And I think I am okay with that, finally. Each day, even when I have mental, emotional, and physical set backs, I realize, that I can only be so much or do so many things. At the end of each day I have to be happy and content. That's what is most important. If that means coffee in the morning, and ice cream at night, then that's what I plan on doing. These days it has been lost of healthy eating (hello giant salad I had for lunch today) and exercising, which I plan on stepping up, just a little. I am making slightly more realistic weight loss goals, and if I make them, a reward, and if I don't, I will not be beating myself up over it.

I can not live my life and expect people to like me or treat me well if I can not treat myself that way. I am this huge canvas or this empty journal with so many different ways of finishing it. It might have tons of line-outs and eraser marks, or the red might eventually be covered by blue, but what matters is I am constantly growing; and I am happy.

Smile. Love. Laugh. Be Happy.

Running

I love running.

I don't look like I love running and when you see me stop in the middle of my run, I'm not stopping because I can't run, I'm stopping because my allergies/asthma/legs/feet etc. are like, "hey, crazy lady, what's wrong with you?"

I'm over the 4 mile mark, which I think makes me a legit runner.

Insert MC Hammer's "Too Legit to Quit":

I'm really working on this being healthy, better fitness, eating cleaner, I'm not sure if I can really consider it clean eating completely, but here's a run down of what I ate today.

Greek yogurt w/ a bit of cereal

Watermelon

Turkey w/ cheese, carrots, and a plum

A few tortilla chips

2 Lara Bars

Spaghetti squash w/ tomato sauce

Some fro yo

That really is not a lot of food, but it packs a lot of calories (maybe)

However, the only unreal foods I ate today was the cereal, tortilla chips, and pasta sauce.

The rest qualifies as real food, right?

I think so.

I also, only drink water during the week (oh and coffee in the AM).

I really have a terribly boring and sedentary job.

So I think I eat a lot of crap that I normally wouldn't.

And my weird eating habits/lack of always eating well give me terrible stomach pains, aches, rumbles, whatever you want to call it.

To make up for my potentially poor eating, here's the exercise my bod got today:

40 mins brisk/power walk at lunch

40 mins run/jog (4.1 miles)

30 mins weight lifting (shoulders and biceps)

15 mins stretching

That's good, right?

If I could shove a few more veggies into my tummy and a few less tortilla chips, I might be okay.

By the way, I'm too lazy to post a photo, but Gilles Marini might be the HOTTEST man on the planet. No kidding.

Fitness Goals

Okay, it is official. I haven't lost any poundage, but I've lost major inches.

I'm getting my waist back, you know Stella got her groove back and Lindsay's getting her waist back.

Anyway, its about the time where I kick it into high gear.

That's right. I'm going to be a running machine (I'm passing 3.5 miles a pop and heading to 5 miles).

I'm going to do 30 lunges (which I hate, more than I hate anything, except for maybe a migraine) each workout, or each day (forward one day, reverse the next, side the next, etc.).

Oh and I'm going to start doing push ups, because, hello, how cool do people look who can do push ups? Yeah, that's what I thought, they look awesome.

So, here's my list. Let's see if I can keep it up.

1. By September 1, run 5 miles straight.

2. 10 push ups a day (increased by 2 each week).

3. 30 lunges a day.

4. Stretch, stretch, stretch.

5. Use the stairmill like I own it. (AKA as getting past the 10 minute mark).

I'm starting somewhat small, but I'm pretty excited.

I finally have the utmost motivation.

I guess I have to

I really wanted to blog but now I feel too lazy, and I am actually pretty tired. I've been expanding my blog reading abilities. I've moved from the girly fashion ones, and the funny this is my crazy/silly/abnormal/fill in the blank life ones and now am looking at fitness blogs. I am definitely on the fence on how I feel about fitness aspects. When I lost weight before I definitely didn't have the most tone that a person could really want. I did watch my eating and did lots of running and walking and light strength training. I lost it pretty quickly and I was happy. In Maryland, I gained weight, but under Chris's expertise I should lift heavy weights. I've ready that lifting any weights is good but I did not think that heavy weights was the way to go. I've been really looking at different blogs on what is good and what isn't. I think it is a personal preference. Although, Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred has really buffed up my arms, but that's it. That's really all I have to say. I'm sleepy.