Just Yoga

I'm not doing anything strenuous today. I'm saving that for the weekdays. I still need to rest and make the soup I said I would make yesterday. In other news, I'm getting pretty good at the tree pose.

Yoga: 30min
Yoga For Every Body: Getting in Balance

Resting and Reading

I haven't been feeling so hot. I'm sure it has everything to do with the change in seasons. It's hot, then it's cold, then it's hot again, and I'm stuck in the middle. I've been sneezing and blowing and popping Benadryl to get a decent night's sleep. Actually, Benadryl is the only thing that guarantees that I'll get to bed before midnight. Well, alcohol could do the same thing, but I'm a social drinker. If I'm seriously drinking alone, it means I've got some problems.

So earlier this week I ordered Jill Scott's new album along with two running books from Amazon.com. I got the stuff today. I listened to the album (which is only for the grown and sexy if you're interested). Then I read the book (when I should have been eating a brothy soup). I rarely read a book in one sitting. I'm the type to read, put it down, forget that I was reading it, then come back to it a few months later very surprised that I remember where I left off. Anyway, I read The Non-Runner's Marathon Guide for Women. The book is hilarious. I think everyone should read it. Even if you're not a woman and never plan to run a marathon, you'll find it entertaining. Am I inspired to run a marathon? Uh, no. Because I just can't get my mind around 26.2 miles. There's absolutely no need for me to run that far for any reason. EVER. I may change my mind. Yeah, after I've endured the pain of childbirth and a measly marathon will seem like a walk in the park. But I can see a half marathon. That doesn't scare me too much. Maybe I'll do that one of these days.

Now I think I'll try making the soup I should have made earlier.

Week 2 Day 3

How about I completely lost track of time. When I thought I had about 10 or 15min left to run, my watch was going off. Thirty minutes already? Awesome!!

Yoga: 20min
Same routine from yesterday

Music: Nude Dimensions: Naked Music, Vol. 1 Mixed by Miguel 'Migs'

Warm up: 5min
Jog: 30min
Cool down: 5min

Breakfast: TJ's Toasted Oatmeal crumbs w/raisins and unsweetened soymilk
Yes, crumbs. I finished the last lil bit. I went through 2 boxes in less than 2 weeks. What in the world?
Post-run: Chocolate Mint Clif Builder's Bar
I had a sweet tooth. I really wanted a smoothie, but my bananas aren't ripe yet.
Lunch: Grilled cheese w/steamed veggies
I'm not the faux cheese type, but I was curious about Tofutti cheese slices. I found them at this health food store I wanted to check out. Well, I wasn't impressed with the cheese at all. It has an aftertaste and gave me a headache. Maybe I can give the rest to my sister. And I'm not going back to that store either. Everything is overpriced. I'll stick with Wegman's and Trader Joe's.
Snack: Cantaloupe
Dinner: PBJ and an apple
Because I still have a sweet tooth.

More Strength and Yoga

I was not in the mood today. I just wanted to get this workout over with. I went through the reps as quickly as possible. Oddly enough, I added a few reps to a couple exercises. And I did an extra set of squats. I guess I better get it in today. I haven't decided if I'm jogging tomorrow. I'll have to play it by ear. The yoga routine was very soothing. I did a lot of good stretches. I feel relaxed.

Yoga: 20min
Yoga For Every Body: Practice During Menstruation


2 x 15 Dumbbell Shrugs w/3lb weights
2 x 15 Wall Push Ups
2 x 15 Tricep Dips w/Bent Knees
3 x 15 Squats w/10lb weights
2 x 20 Crunches w/3lb weights
2 x 20 Crunches w/Twist
2 x 15 Lying Leg Raises
3 x 30 Modified Plank
2 x 20 Lying Leg Curls

Breakfast: TJ's Toasted Oatmeal Flakes w/raisins and unsweetened soy milk
Lunch: Tofu veggie stir-fry leftovers
Dinner: Black eyed peas w/diced tomatoes, spinach, brown rice, and cornbread made in a cast iron pan
Black eyed peas were seasoned w/onion, lots of garlic, lots of sage, thyme, red pepper flakes, bay leaves, and salt. And for the cornbread, I've been veganizing the recipe off the Goya corn meal bag for a couple of years now.

I invited my aunt over because I have way too much food. I used dry beans and kinda forgot how they double or triple or quadruple when cooked.

Week 2 Day 2

Today's yoga routine included sun and moon salutations. I liked it a lot. I was dreading today's run though. I've been feeling PMSy for a while now, but mostly today. I went out anyway hoping I wouldn't hate it. I did pick up the pace for a bit. Why did I do that? This is the time my energy goes way down. But it wasn't so bad. I'm actually in a good mood now. Out of no where, the song Overjoyed by Stevie Wonder popped into my head. It's been a while since I played some Stevie. I need to find my cds.

Yoga: 30min
Yoga For Every Body: Flow Series


Warm up: 5min
Jog: 30min
Cool down: 5min

Breakfast: TJ's Toasted Oatmeal Flakes w/raisins and unsweetened soy milk
This is getting addictive. It's packed w/iron so it's all good.
Post-run: Small apple
Lunch: Cashews and a huge smoothie w/strawberry, blueberry, banana, spinach, flaxseed, and unsweetened soy milk
Dinner: Tofu veggie stir-fry leftovers
Late Night Snack: More cereal

Strength and Yoga

Today's yoga routine actually included some ab work. I wouldn't have minded if I didn't already work them to death with the crunches. I added dumbbell shrugs to my training. I'm hoping it help my sore shoulders. Was that a bad idea? I guess I'll know in the morning.

Yoga: 30min
Yoga For Every Body: Self Esteem Booster


2 x 12 Dumbbell Shrugs w/3lb weights
2 x 15 Wall Push Ups
2 x 15 Tricep Dips w/Bent Knees
2 x 15 Squats w/10lb weights
2 x 15 Crunches w/3lb weights
2 x 20 Crunches w/Twist
2 x 12 Lying Leg Raises
3 x 20 Modified Plank
2 x 20 Lying Leg Curls

Breakfast: TJ's Toasted Oatmeal Flakes w/raisins and unsweetened soymilk
Lunch: Falafel, hummus, multi-grain tabbouleh, pita bread and mixed greens from Whole Foods
Early Dinner: Black bean soup, side salad, and crusty bread from Panera
Drinks: 2 vodka and pineapple
Snack: Chocolate Mint Clif Builder's Bar

Week 2 Day 1

Today was a good day. I got up, did some yoga, made an omelette, did some last minute studying, went to class, passed my test, and went to the Y for a run. I think this morning's yoga routine was very helpful. I wasn't doing much, but it got my heart rate up a bit. I guess that's why it's called Good Morning. And the best part was that I didn't feel the need for a latte. I'm kind of surprised because I took Benadryl last night. I'm usually spaced out in the morning, but I took one instead of two hoping to not be out of my mind. It still took a bit for me to wake up, but I was less tired.

I feel good, but I need to find a good shoulder stretch. I think the wall push ups got me the other day. I feel like I've been punching people.

Yoga: 25min
Yoga For Every Body: Good Morning

Music: Be by Common
I'm not a big hip-hop fan, but I needed a change today. Common is an artist that I can appreciate. And it doesn't hurt that he's easy on the eyes and veg.

Warm up: 5mim
Jog: 30min
Cool down: 5min

Breakfast: Vegan Omelette w/spinach, diced tomatoes, and toast w/soy marg
I tried this for the first time yesterday. I added a little bit of garlic powder because I love garlic. I got better at flipping it today but it still wasn't as pretty as Susan's.
Post-run: Smoothie w/strawberry, blueberry, banana, spinach, flaxseed and unsweetened soy milk
Lunch: Finished breakfast
Dinner: Dr. Stonielove's tofu veggie stir-fry w/miso-tahini sauce over brown rice
I used frozen stir-fry veggies and added ginger to the sauce. Love me some ginger.
Munchies: TJ's Joe Joe's Cookies
I completely forgot I had these. It's my duty to eat them before they get stale.

I just had to

During yesterday's run, there were a few girls who came in to use the floor mats on the outside of the track. All of them were doing core strengthening exercises that I should have been doing all along. I guess that was a sign that I needed to get my butt on the floor and get to it.

Yoga: 25min
Yoga For Every Body: Hips, Knees, Ankles and Feet
There are various workouts to choose from on this dvd. That should keep things interesting.

2 x 15 Wall Push Ups
2 x 15 Tricep Dips w/Bent Knees
2 x 15 Squats w/10lb weights
2 x 15 Crunches w/3lb weights
2 x 20 Crunches w/Twist
2 x 12 Lying Leg Raises
3 x 20 Modified Plank
1 x 30 Lying Leg Curls

I added weights to the crunches today. I saw the exercise on Sparkpeople and decided to try it out. My abs hurt to the point they were almost numb. The squats and planks were actually easier compared to the crunches. I'm definitely going to feel it in the morning.

Week 1 Day 3

I went to the Y after class. There was no way I was getting up at the crack of dawn this morning. I made that decision last night. I've been so tired this week. All the energy just skeets right outta me with the instructor reading us rules, regulations, laws, definitions, and whatnot. Then I've been up late studying every night. I'm taking a break tonight. I may actually go to bed at a decent hour.

Well, I was on the track around 5pm. There were way too many people there. Okay, not that many, but more than enough. You know how I like to have the track to myself. I found myself checking my watch way too soon. There was 10min left. Oh boy. I had to slow it way down. My pace is always jacked up with people around. I made it though. My butt and hamstrings will thank me later. I really felt them today.

Music: Osunlade Presents The Yoruba Soul Mixes

Warm up walk: 5min
Jog: 30min
Cool down walk: 5min

Breakfast: TJ's Toasted Oatmeal Flakes and raisins w/unsweetened soy milk and a chocolate soy latte
Lunch: TJ's hummus veggie wrap
Pre-run: Walnuts and raisins
Post-run: Smoothie w/strawberry, blueberry, banana, flaxseed, unsweetened soy milk, and a touch of OJ
Dinner: Should be curry leftovers if I don't pass out first

Week 1 Day 2

I'm kind of tired. I should be. I got a good 4hrs of sleep maybe? I promised myself that I'd get more sleep. I've broken that promise night after night. Well, the past couple of days, I've been studying. But before then, what was I doing? Being hard headed and not taking my ass to bed when I should have. I don't know how I function sometimes. I'm an evil, evil person when I haven't slept or eaten.

Anyway, I was on the track a little after 6am. I found myself checking the time. It's funny because when I check, I'm like, Damn, I still have 6min left. Then next thing I know my time is up. I hope it's always like that.

Music: The Best of Kool & The Gang, 1969-1976
I don't care for their 80s stuff. The 70s stuff is funky. Their horn section is tight, but not as tight as Earth Wind & Fire though.

Warm up walk: 5min
Jog: 30min
Cool down walk: 5min
The cool down was right in time for Summer Madness. It's a great song to cool down with.

Pre-run: A few sips of hot chocolate soy milk
I learned my lesson.
Breakfast: Chocolate soy latte and a banana
Snack: Most of a Chocolate Mint Clif Builder's bar
Lunch: Baby carrots w/hummus and PBJ
Snack: Another PBJ and an apple
Dinner: Same as last night

I just ate and I'm still ridiculously hungry. I guess I'm back to normal now. I'm gonna have some cereal, then go to bed. I promise.

No Strength Today

I wanted to do strength training, but it wasn't happening. I was so tired this morning. I went to bed after 1am. I was up doing homework for class. So not fun. I was already tired from being in class. The boring bedtime reading didn't help. Well, I set my alarm for 6:30am but I woke up for good around 7. I'm not a huge coffee person, but it was necessary. I made it a point to make a latte before I left the house. So I left a little late, but that meant I would be AWAKE for the rest of the day.

After class, I stopped at Trader Joe's to get some soy milk and tempeh. I picked up 6 half gallons of soy milk for my aunt too. She's hooked on the stuff. She drinks a quart a day, or something ridiculous like that. Too much sugar going on in the milk. She says she needs the calcium. I told her to eat quinoa and tofu and to drink more water.

After TJ's, I went to Lois' Health Cupboard for my iron. I took the last of it today. Actually, it was half a dosage. And I have to take it twice daily. I had to refill if I'm going to be functional on the track tomorrow. Then I came home, cooked, did homework. My aunt came over for her milk and my food. She made a plate before I even ate. She always ends up with a plate at some point. She's enjoyed everything I've made so far. No, she won't ever go veg, but she wants to incorporate these new foods into her diet for a healthier lifestyle. That's cool. You only get one body, so use it wisely, right?

So next month, she's throwing a birthday party for my other aunt (her younger sister). Apparently, she wants me to make a lot of stuff. Every time she tries something, she adds it to the list of food she wants at the party. I'm so not the entertaining type. I cook for myself, and if someone else happens to like it, cool. If not, that's cool too and leaves more for me.

Well that's enough of me chit chatting about absolutely nothing. I'm going to bed.

Breakfast: TJ's Toasted Oatmeal Flakes w/raisins and chocolate soy latte
Snack: Cinnamon almonds
My only snack today, what's up with that? My stomach is usually the bottomless pit.
Lunch: Veggie wrap
Dinner: Curried chickpeas w/kale, tomatoes, and potatoes thrown in the pot served over quinoa
I use the spice blend from this recipe. I don't measure though. I always make this by taste and I nix the cinnamon. I don't like cinnamon in my curry. I add more ginger.

OHR - Week 1 Day 1

I woke up at the crack of dawn to begin the One Hour Runner plan today. I'm taking a day class this week. Running any time I damn well please isn't an option. And I was hoping that early runs would keep me energized for the rest of the day. Well, that's what I thought. But the course is so boring. All the energy I had was wrung out of me. It's ridiculous. I wanna go to bed, but I need to study first :(

Back to today's run..it was nothing I haven't done before. I have to run for 30min for the first 3 weeks. I hope to get more comfortable with that pretty soon. Today, I went really slow. See, I overdid it on the hot chocolate this morning. I just had too much in my stomach, and if I went any faster, I would have needed a toss my cookies break. So I did what I could. Time seemed to fly though. Maybe it had something to do with having music(replaced my earbuds). And I actually paid attention to it. I wanted to sing along, but that would have made the jog harder than it needed to be. And I wasn't in the mood. I already had a pain in my side. So my goal for Wednesday is to not have too much going on in my tummy.

Music: James Brown All Time 20 Greatest Hits
I was listening to Aretha on my way to the Y. She put me in the mood for some old school. Too bad Re-Re is too slow for the track. JB is more upbeat.

Warm up walk: 5min
Jog: 30min
Cool down walk: 5min

Pre-run: Piece of toast w/grape jam & soy marg w/a big cup of hot chocolate soy milk
Breakfast: Banana, walnuts and raisins
Lunch: Veggie wrap w/chips from Gaetano's
Snack: Apple and a Chocolate Mint Clif Builder's bar
At this time, I was gonna pass out in class and figured some sugar would help. Well, it didn't.
Dinner: Spicy black beans w/tempeh, brown rice and kale
Late night studying snack: Hummus w/baby carrots

Good News

I got a call from my doctor's office this morning. Last time I got a call, the doctor was urging me to drop everything to get to the emergency room ASAP. It was a snowy day, and I was at work, which was 44mi from home. I thought he was losing his mind. I am extremely anemic. I was born that way. I remember my mom taking me to the doctor a lot when I was a kid. They were always pricking my thumb for blood. My mom told me that the doctors thought she wasn't giving me the iron they prescribed since my condition never changed. By the way, my mom is anemic too. So I guess it's hereditary.

Anyway, when I finally made my way down to the hospital back in March, the doctors were baffled. They asked me all kinds of questions like, do I have trouble getting out of bed, do I have chest pains, how do I function? Because apparently, I was a freak of nature. They expected me to be pale with dark circles under my eyes. That was certainly not the case. I wonder how they would have reacted if I told them about the time I had three jobs at once. Two of the jobs were physical in nature. That goes to show that not everything can be explained by science. For the most part, my life was normal. Ok, so I'm always cold (I kept a shawl nearby and an electric heater under my desk). I just couldn't do anything too aerobic. I could walk forever. Just don't expect me to run anywhere. I figured I was just out of shape. But it was anemia the whole time. It's something I never thought of treating because nothing ever worked, so why bother? They wanted to give me a blood transfusion. I'm not sure how I feel about that. If my life isn't on the line (and it wasn't), I'd like to steer clear of that. Instead, they gave me an IV of liquid iron. I felt like I could run a marathon and lift buildings. Yeah, what a boost. But it stayed in my system for a whole two days. I definitely felt the difference when it was gone. And there was no way I could work getting a one hour iron treatment into my schedule three times a week. Not happening.

A couple of months later, someone on the PPK forum told me to try Floradix, a liquid herbal iron supplement. Luckily, the health food store around the way keeps it in stock. I tried it and felt a difference almost immediately. No, I didn't feel like I could fly, but I felt more energetic. That's when I decided I would try exercising again, specifically running and elliptical training. Those were the two things that would kick my ass, and I could never figure out why. So I rejoined the Y in June and started running mid-July.

Okay, so I called the doctor back. My hemoglobin is slowing increasing. It's up to 10.1. Just to give you an idea, it was around 6.1 six months ago. Normal hemoglobin levels for women are between 12.1 and 15.1. So yeah, that's a big positive change for me. The doctor wants me to continue with the supplement. I certainly will. It's expensive, but it's definitely worth every penny. I can now be the active person I've always wanted to be.

P.S. I also lost 5lbs since my last doctor's visit.

Week 9 Day 3 - C25k Is Finished

I ran on the outdoor track around the way. The weather was decent so I figured, why not? Well, my body knew the difference between the indoor and outdoor tracks. It was so much harder. This time I had no music in my head. And it probably didn't help that I had to share the track with a large group from the Air Force. And you know how bad I am with pacing myself around other people. Oh well. It's done. I'm finished with Couch to 5k. I should treat myself to a drink. Maybe tomorrow. I'm going to a college football game at The Meadowlands. I'm meeting up with a friend who's flying up for the weekend. I'm not a fan of driving to North Jersey, but I like to see my friends when I can.

So what's next? I'm going to start off with the One Hour Runner program. Hal Higdon's Spring Training plan will be a bit too much for me. Maybe later.

Warm up walk: 5min
Jog: 30min
Cool down walk: 8min

Breakfast: TJ's Toasted Oatmeal Flakes w/raisins and unsweetened soy milk
This was more like crumbs. I ate the last little bit left. I rarely eat cold cereal, but I'm in that kinda mood.
Pre-run: Pretzels and cantaloupe
Lunch: Black bean leftovers w/steamed broccoli
Snack: So Delicious ice cream sandwich
Snack: A few walnuts and raisins
Dinner: Smoothie w/strawberry, blueberry, banana, kale, flaxseed and unsweetened soy milk
I put way too much kale in it this time. It tastes too healthy.
Late night snack: 2 TJ's Joe Joe's cookies
They got rave reviews so I had to try them.

It's been a while

I really hate strength training. It's so boring. But I need to do it. I've put it off for long enough. Hopefully I'll start doing it regularly.

2 x 15 Wall Push Ups
2 x 15 Tricep Dips w/Bent Knees
2 x 15 Squats w/10lb weights
2 x 15 Crunches
2 x 16 Crunches w/Twist
2 x 12 Lying Leg Raises
2 x 15 Modified Plank
2 x 15 Lying Leg Curls

Let me just say that after the squats, I gladly welcomed the ab work. Boy did I notice the difference with the weights.

Week 9 Day 2

Darn it. I forgot my gum. I haven't replaced my earbuds either, so no music. I really didn't want to run today. I just wasn't feeling it. I got out of the car thinking, Lord, I hope this doesn't suck. I get on the track around 4pm. Yeah, I was really procrastinating. Good thing was I had the track to myself. I started out extremely slow. Like snail slow. I didn't want to be there anyway. But after a while, I ended up jogging at a pretty decent pace. I guess you naturally speed up without thinking about it. I had my own music going on in my head. So I guess that helped too. It's funny because I pay more attention to the music in my head than the music in my ears. Maybe I don't need earbuds after all.

Today's run was FABULOUS. I didn't check my watch or the gym clock once. I was surprised when the timer went off. I ran for a couple more minutes. I had to finish the song that was in my head. Yes, I'm serious. Also, I did 2 laps of a full on run. Boy was I surprised to have enough energy to do it. I should continue practicing that from now on. I want to improve my pace, so a little fartlek will help.

I felt really good afterwards. So I turned the music in my head into my own personal concert. Yes, I had the windows down, sunroof open, radio off, and I just sang. Good times.

Warm up walk: 5min
Jog: about 34min
Cool down walk: 5min

Breakfast: Trader Joe's Toasted Oatmeal Flakes w/raisins
Snack: Toast w/hummus, tomato, S&P
Pre-run: More cereal and raisins
This was more like a trail mix.
Lunch: Finished the pasta leftovers
Dinner: Spicy black beans, tempeh and brown rice w/a bowl of broccoli
Very, very filling. I couldn't finish.

I really, really need to make a smoothie later. I don't have enough fruit in my life today.

Found It

I finally tracked down my pilates dvds. I did the basic workout this time. It was kind of easy. Maybe because the other workout is like drill sergeant pilates. Well, I didn't want to do anything too strenuous today anyway.

In other news, I emailed Sparkpeople asking if there will ever be a dairy-free option for the meal plans. They have vegetarian and egg-free, but what about dairy-free? When I try to substitute dairy, they offer other dairy food items. You don't have to be vegan to not eat dairy. Hell, some omnivores don't eat dairy.

Pilates: 20min
Windsor Pilates 20 Minute Workout

Breakfast: Toast w/hummus, tomato, S&P
Snack: Vanilla soy latte w/cinnamon
Just because it's been a while. I don't need a caffeine buzz. I just like the taste of coffee. Too bad decaf doesn't taste as good.
Lunch: More breakfast and an apple
Dinner: Same as yesterday
I finished the last of it.
Snack: Smoothie w/strawberry, blueberry, banana and soy milk and pretzels
Late night snack: Cantaloupe

Week 9 Day 1

Sheba chewed up the cord for my earbuds. So no music today. It's not as bad as I thought it would be. Music just serves has background noise anyway. There was a noisy basketball game going on in the gymnasium below, so that did the trick (the indoor track overlooks the gymnasium).

I started out faster than usual. Halfway through, I had to slow it WAY down. I guess that's what happens when other people are on the track. It's great when I have the place to myself. I can do my thing with no problem. Other people throw me off. I guess I won't be running a 5k race any time soon, huh.

Hopefully I'll get to bed at a decent time tonight. I'm beat. I napped on the couch for about 20min. I felt this way after the first 20min run, then again with the first 25min run. I guess it takes my body a bit to get used to. Or maybe I didn't get adequate sleep the night before these first runs. It was a good workout though. I ran for a half an hour. Wow.

Warm up walk: 5min
Jog: 30min
Cool down walk: 5min

Breakfast: Toast w/hummus, tomato, S&P
Lunch: Same as yesterday
Snack: Smoothie w/strawberry, blueberry, banana, and soy milk
Dinner: Same as yesterday
Snack: So Delicious ice cream sandwich

I was thinking too much today, so I went to the gym. This is the first time I was in the actual fitness center of the Y location with the indoor track. There are tv monitors attached to the treadmills. Okay, maybe I'm ignorant. I really didn't think such things would exist at the YMCA. Bally's yes, YMCA no.

I got on the elliptical trainer. It's been ages since I've been on one. Well, not ages, but probably over a month. I was never an elliptical fan. Pre-iron, it would kick my ass in 5min or less. I was never in pain. I guess I was just winded. It's hard to describe the feeling. But whatever feeling you get when your blood cells don't carry enough oxygen to the areas in need is how I felt. Post-iron, we're actually friends. Okay, not friends exactly, but acquaintances. I don't love it. But I don't hate it either. It can be just a bit boring. It was a good workout though. I woke up to my arms a bit sore from yesterday's weights. Nothing serious. But after the elliptical I was reminded they were sore again. More sore than before actually. It's a good thing though. The last time I was really sore, I probably had the flu. Now I can say I'm sore from actually doing something. It's a great feeling.

Music: Cherry by Lisa Shaw
Elliptical: 35min (includes 5min cool down)

Breakfast: Cream of wheat w/cinnamon, raisins, maple syrup, soy milk and flaxseed
Lunch: Yesterday's lunch
Dinner: Yesterday's dinner
Snack: Apple w/PB and pretzel twists
Late night snack: So Delicious ice cream sandwich

Yoga

Every time I search through my storage unit, I cannot find my Rodney Yee yoga dvd. So I reordered it today along with another. There's no way I'm getting up with Wai Lana at 5:30am. I couldn't get down with all the head stands anyway. Now I can do my own thing in my own time, hopefully right side up. Oh, I also ordered an Aretha Franklin greatest hits cd. I know it's not fitness related but I think it deserves an honorable mention. Music to sing to is always a good thing.

Easy Day

I woke up to my right calf being back to normal. Thank God. I was planning on swimming today, but my aunt called me this morning about going for a walk with her and my lil cousin. Cool. I need to be social anyway. I grab my weights and we set out to find the nature preserve in town. I read about it on the recreation department's website yesterday. Apparently, there's a 2mi nature path around Crystal Lake. I've lived here for I don't know how long and never knew the lake even existed. Well, we get there and the nature path consisted of wood chips on scattered on grass around the lake. Uh, no. Just a tad too natural for me. That's the perfect place to encounter some bug that looks like a wood chip that flies at your head out of no where. Or better yet, end up with tick bites. No thank you. So back to the park we went. I was just hoping for new scenery. Today wasn't the day. I wish I lived in a city where there was something to see. Running on the track is going to drive me nuts. And I don't care for jogging through the neighborhood. I really need to move.

Let me just say that jogging made walking with weights seem like a stroll in the park. I did sweat, but that was from the heat and humidity. I wanted to jog for part of it, but it was just too hot. And I'm sure the weights would have killed me. My arms and shoulders get enough of a workout without weights.

Music: The Sunlounge mixed by DJ Statik(a local Philly DJ)
Walk: 29min w/3lb weights

Pre-walk: Smoothie w/strawberry, blueberry, baby spinach, flaxseed and soy milk
Post-walk: Finished the smoothie
Lunch: Creamy pasta w/spinach and tomatoes
I used whole wheat rotini pasta and cooked the tomatoes a bit. I'm not a big raw tomato fan. I also added about 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast to the sauce. I will definitely make this again. Not sure when though. I don't eat pasta that often.
Dinner: VWAV Italian marinated tofu, sauteed kale and a baked potato w/S&P and olive oil
Snack: Apple w/PB, pretzel twists and sesame crunch candy

Week 8 Day 3

I rested yesterday although I felt so much better when I woke up. My right calf was more sore than anything else that was sore. It's still sore today, but not as bad. I used some Mineral Ice type product on it last night. It's amazing how I don't feel any of this stuff while I'm running.

Anyway, I wasn't really feeling today's run. I went to the Y later than usual. I guess I was procrastinating. There was no serious tennis match that needed my attention or anything. Well, I made it out there around 3ish. I couldn't really get into a good rhythm. There were quite a few people on the indoor track. I really should have left earlier. I'll keep that in mind on Monday. My pace was slower than I would have liked. But what matters is that I did it. And now I'm headed to my final week of this program. I still haven't decided what I'll do next. Maybe I'll start the One Hour Runner program first, then head into Hal Higdon's Spring Training. Since the first 3 weeks of OHR consist of running 30min for 3 days a week, I can work on my pace during that time. Hopefully it will come easier to me since Week 9 of C25k is the same program.

In other news, I subscribed to Runner's World magazine today. Does that officially make me a runner now?

Music: Global Underground: NuBreed, Disc 2 by Steve Lawler
This was a good choice today. There's some Latin influence and lots of percussion. I LOVE percussion.
Warm up walk: 5min
Jog: 28min
Cool down walk: 5min

Breakfast: A piece of toast w/grape jam
Pre-run: A few walnuts w/raisins
Lunch: Smoothie w/strawberry, blueberry, banana, flaxseed, and soy milk
Snack: A few honey wheat pretzel twists
Dinner: The last of the Tuscan bean polenta w/tempeh
Snack: Tofutti Marry Me Bar, more pretzel twists and a few dark chocolate covered almonds

Week 8 Day 2

I woke up so sore today..my calves, quads, inner thighs, and my hamstrings too, I think. And the more I sit, the more sore I am when I do get up. Since it felt better to move, I decided I'd go out and try to run. But first, I did a bunch of stretching. I ran on the indoor track today. Actually, the run went well. I picked up the pace on a good portion of it. I'm sure I ran further today, but I don't have any numbers. 18 times around the track equal a mile. And I'm not doing all that counting. Maybe I should get a pedometer. Do they measure mileage or just steps? I'll have to check that out.

So, am I the only one who makes it a point to chew gum while running? I guess that little bit of chewing helps to occupy my mind a bit. It's funny because music hasn't done that for me yet. I may get pumped up during a song, but never get lost in the music to take my mind off of it. The music is just kind of in the background. And it takes me a while to realize that I'm listening to a song that I usually skip through. I'm not hardcore enough to run without music though. But I'd like to get to that point. Today, I made a deal with myself not to check my watch until I heard a certain song. By that time, I had less than 9min left. Then I made the same deal with the next song. I swear, I think that song is THE LONGEST song on the cd. I kept wondering when it would be over. I had about 2min left when it was done. Finally.

Music: Lazy Dog, Disc 2 by Jay Hannan and Ben Watt
Stretch: 20min or so
Warm up walk: 5min
Jog: 28min
Cool down walk: 5min

Breakfast: Smoothie w/strawberry, blueberry, banana, baby spinach, flaxseed, and soy milk
Pre-run: A few walnuts w/raisins
Post-run: Finished the smoothie
Lunch: PB&J
Snack: Apple
Dinner: Same as last night
Snack: Sesame crunch candy and So Delicious ice cream sandwich

Firming Up

I was going to do Pilates, but for some reason, I can't find my dvds. I bet I'll find them when I'm not looking for them. Isn't that how it always works? I found The Firm dvds along with my weights with no problem at all. Maybe it's a sign? I haven't done that workout since the beginning of the year maybe? Well, I noticed that I'm not as worn out as I was before. When I originally did it months ago, I hated that darn Transfirmer. Stepping up and down on a 14in box can really wear you out. And honestly, I could never finish that part. I had to modify the workout on the 8in box instead. But today, I did it with no problem. Of course, my quads will hate me for the rest of the day and tomorrow during my jog, but still, I did it. I'm sure part of it has to do with me being more active now. But I really think it has more to do with my iron supplement. Without it, who knows if I'd even be where I am now physically.

After The Firm, I took myself to the pool. It was quite refreshing. The time sort of flew by. So I think I'll start increasing my time in the water. My muscles are definitely feeling today's workout, so I took advantage of the stretch routine on The Firm dvd. I like that they used a couple of yoga poses in there too. It felt really good. I think I'll start doing that stretch routine on my running days too.

Strength training: 30min
The Firm Supercharged Sculpting dvd
Swim: 30min
Stretch: 8min

Pre-workout: A couple pieces of cantaloupe
Pre-swim: 1/2 banana
Lunch: 2 lentil patties on a multi-grain tortilla w/lettuce, diced tomatoes, and tahini dressing
Snack: Smoothie w/strawberry, blueberry, banana, baby spinach, flaxseed, and soy milk
Dinner: Veg*Triathlete's AWESOME Tuscan bean polenta w/tempeh
I added spinach instead of carrots.
Late night snack: Apple and sesame crunch candy

Week 8 Day 1

I didn't wake up early enough to jog this morning. I had yet another headache. Yes, I am headache prone. I used to get them a lot when I was younger. I don't like taking meds. And sometimes they don't work anyway. In my experience, headaches mean I need more sleep. So as usual, I turned my off alarm and turned over. And when I did get up, it was US Open time.

So I went out for a jog this evening on the track. The weather always seems nicer before you start jogging. Once you get moving, you feel the humidity you didn't know was there before. It wasn't as enjoyable as jogging in the AC, but it didn't kill me. But I do know that if there was ever any serious heat going on, my butt would be at the Y on the indoor track or treadmill. Although I was uncomfortable with the temperature, I am happy with today's run. It feels so good knowing that I did it. Who woulda thought I could jog 28min without passing out? Ah, I can't wait to get back out there again.

Music: House Nation America Disc 2 mixed by Erick Morillo
Warm up walk: .25 mi
Jog: 28min (2.25mi)
Cool down walk: .25 mi

Breakfast: Cream of wheat w/cinnamon, maple syrup, flaxseed and a bit of soy milk
Pre-run: Apple
Post-run: Smoothie w/strawberry, blueberry, banana, flaxseed and soy milk
Dinner: Tempeh, veggies, mashed potatoes and gravy
Late night snack: Grapes

Decisions, Decisions

So last night, I posted my September fitness goals in my livejournal.

- Complete the Couch to 5k program (I'm on W8 this week)
- Begin the One Hour Runner program (in 2 weeks)
- Stay active on my off days (i.e. swimming, yoga, pilates)
- Continue to blog my progress

But then, I came across Hal Higdon's plan in someone's blog today. It's so tempting because it involves running 4 days/week instead of 3. And it's based on distance instead of time. What's a girl to do? I have no idea which program I should go with.

I headed off to the Y although Serena was playing. I figured that she'd be okay while I was away. Anyway, the swim was good. I didn't rest as long as I usually do between laps. I'm not sure you can call what I do laps. I do some sort of breast stroke to one end, then I swim on my back to get back. Hey, it's something. I was never taught to swim, so I just do what I can. Maybe I'll take swimming lessons one day. But it's not a priority right now.

Swim: 30min

Pre-swim: Tea and a piece of toast w/soy marg and jelly
Lunch: Strawberry blueberry banana smoothie w/baby spinach and flaxseeds
I actually got my aunt adding greens to her smoothies. Go Auntie.
Munchies: Iced oatmeal snacking cookies
I got a sweet tooth while walking around Wegmans. They were organic and vegan. So I don't feel too bad about it.
Dinner: Tempeh, sauteed spinach, mashed potatoes w/gravy
Munchies: More cookies
Late night snack: Cantaloupe and an apple

Week 7 Day 3

I was back on the treadmill today. My pace was faster than it was Thursday. So I'm proud of myself. I have noticed that since the non-stop jog intervals, I've had more of a total body work out. I feel like I've been punching people. My shoulders have definitely been sore. I usually notice it after the jog. But today I felt it during the jog. I can't believe that my shoulders are actually sore from jogging. JOGGING?? I've never jogged in my life..well, until now. I guess I have to remember to stretch my shoulders now too.

Music: Dewdrops in the Garden by Deee-Lite
Warm up walk: 5min
Jog: 26:30min
Cool down walk: 3:30min

Pre-run: A lil bit of OJ
Post-run: Strawberry blueberry banana smoothie w/flaxseeds
Lunch: Huge salad of baby spinach, chickpeas, shredded carrots and dijon mustard vinaigrette
Snack: PB&J
Dinner: Another smoothie, but with baby spinach added
I went to the store today just for spinach.
Snack: Pretzels