Week 7 Day 1

I ran in the park today. It was about 46*, definitely not my cup of tea. But I was fine once I warmed up. It took a while for my hands to catch up though. I need some thin gloves.

In other news, I took my speed test today. I made 15 correct drinks in 8 min. I am now a certified mixologist. It's bar hopping time, I mean uh, time to research potential employers.

Yoga: 25min
Yoga For Every Body: Hips, Knees, Ankles and Feet

Music: Global Underground: NuBreed Disc 2 by Steve Lawler

Jog Stats
30min/2.63mi
Avg Pace: 11:23/mi
Heart Rate: 175 Avg/188 Max
Calories: 311

Breakfast: TJ's Toasted Oatmeal Flakes w/raisins and unsweetened soy milk (Finished the box)
Lunch: Chocolate Mint Clif Builder's bar
Dinner: Veg*Triathlete's Greenie Tahini bowl (This could feed two grown men)
Snack: More cereal (On my 2nd box)

I have a serious sweet tooth. I want a smoothie, but my bananas aren't ripe yet. It's just not the same without bananas :(

Week 6 Day 3

Just because I'm feeling better doesn't mean that I feel like running. But I did it anyway. When I started, I felt like I couldn't go slow enough. I just wasn't comfortable. I couldn't get into a groove. I had to switch up music a couple of times too. The fact of the matter is I really didn't want to be on the track today.

And I just don't get the whole heart rate thing. On days I feel like I can speed up and keep running, my heart rate is off the hook. On days I just want to get it over with and think that speeding up will be uncomfortable and unnecessary, my heart rate is lower than it should be. Today for the first 20min or so, my heart rate is in the 160s. My target heart rate is 151 or something like that. After that time, it dropped drastically like all the sudden I went for a walk. It ranged from 156 to 77 bpm. I'm convinced that my heart beats when it wants to, how it wants to, and is determined not to follow the guidelines of some generic chart. I just have to go by how I feel.

In other news, I ran for 41min and I didn't want to die. So here's next week's plan...Week 7: Run 30 minutes, 34 minutes, 45 minutes Weekly total: 109 minutes

Music: Surrender to Love by Kindred the Family Soul
A lovely husband and wife team from the city of brotherly love and sisterly affection, and home of the Eagles who always choke :)

Jog Stats
41min/3.41mi
Avg Pace: 12:02/mi
Heart Rate: 127 Avg/168 Max
Calories: 390

Breakfast: TJ's Toasted Oatmeal Flakes w/raisins and unsweetened soy milk (I finally went shopping:)
Snack: Same
Lunch: Black beans w/tomatoes, corn, and quinoa (I actually broke down and cooked the other day.)
Dinner: More cereal because I miss it so

**Updated**
I baked sugar cookies and I'm waiting for them to cool off. I have one heck of a sweet tooth today.

Week 6 Day 2

Yep, it's that kinda day when I don't want to get out of bed. Honestly, I'm surprised I did. Because I sho nuff didn't go to class today. I could have taken my speed test and been done with it, but I didn't feel like going a whole 20min out of my way. And that requires me to put a comb through my hair to look halfway decent. Not happening. Yep, just that kinda day. And the weather isn't helping. It's rainy and 20* colder than last time I ran 2 DAYS AGO?!?!? If I get sick, you know why. Anyway, my yoga routine explains it all. It made me feel a bit better though.

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

Music: Musique, Vol. 1: 1993-2005 by Daft Punk
Instead of listening to Kanye West's blatant jack of a Daft Punk song, I'd rather listen to the original. Come on, people!! Make your own music, please.

Jog Stats
33min/2.85mi
Avg Pace: 11:35/mi
Heart Rate: 176 Avg/189 Max
Calories: 337

You see the time stamp, right? Well, so far I've had PB&J with hot tea and a few cashews before the run. I really don't eat that much around this time. I'm debating about cooking a little something. Or just having PB&J again and calling it a night.

I'm Tired

So this will be short and sweet.

Yoga: 30min
Yoga For Every Body: Hip Mobility

2x10 Modified Push Ups
3x20 Crunches w/Twist
2x15 Tricep Dips w/Bent Knees
2x12 Lying Leg Raises
2x15 Forward Lunges

Breakfast: Leftover tofu scramble w/toast and soy marg
Snack: Chocolate Clif's Builder bar
Lunch: Falafel sandwich w/fries from Norma's
Dinner: Smoothie w/banana, strawberry, blueberry, flaxseed and unsweetened soy milk

I really need to do some grocery shopping.

Week 6 Day 1

Today's run started out good but ended up annoying me. I jogged on a bike path that's supposely 4mi long. I figured I'd go 1.5mi out then back. Well, the bike path ended at about a mile or less. So I had to jog pass my car and around the neighborhood. I like to have things all planned out so I know what to expect. It was also pretty warm, about 76*. I was burning up and the bandanna didn't help. I never wear one when I'm jogging, but I looked like who did it and ran and didn't feel like doing my hair since I was going to wet it in the shower anyway. Bad move. My pace was cool, it could have been better if I didn't have to stop to cross the street about 3 times. There were some little hills and inclines too. You can't get that on the track. Maybe I'll do the park next. Well, another park in a neighboring town that my aunt told me about. It would be good to see some new scenery.

In other news, I passed my midterm and final today. I wasn't even expecting to take them, but my instructor insisted that I knew the stuff. And he was right. I got a 95% on the midterm and 99.3% on the final. Now I just have to pass the speed test. Drinks anyone? I'm not buying, but dammit I'll make 'em.

Music: The Real Thing: Words and Sounds, Vol. 3 by Jill Scott
Mature listening only for the grown and sexy:)

Jog Stats
30min/2.61mi
Avg Pace: 11:30/mi
Heart Rate: 180 Avg/193 Max
Calories: 303

Pre-run: Half apple
Post-run: The other half
Breakfast: PB&J
Snack: Another apple and part of a chocolate Clif Builder's bar
Dinner: Veggie combo from Norma's
Falafel, tahini, hummus, tabbouleh, stuff grape leaves and pita bread
Drinks: Pineapple rum w/Pepsi, pineapple rum on the rocks, and a shot of pineapple rum (Good stuff, can't you tell?!)
Late night snack: Finished the Clif bar

Oh, I have to share this song, Hate On Me by my girl Jilly from Philly. It's my new theme song for when you're surrounded by folks with negative energy and have nothing good to say.

Plans

The One Hour Runner program should be wrapped up by Thanksgivingish. What will I do next? I'm seriously thinking about half marathon training. Runner's World has personalized training programs for whatever distance you want to run and how long you want to train. It sets your pace and includes tempo runs and speed work. You can also choose your long run day. It should be interesting, especially since I have a good feeling that I'm going to hate speed work.

No, I don't plan on running a half marathon although it's not totally out of the question. I like knowing that I can do something. Maybe I will one day. But for now I want to get better at running. It's only been 3mos and some change, but I have no doubt that I can run 13 miles. The hardest part would be planning the route and music, and finding a comfortable contraption to carry all my crap. Oh, and let's not forget I have to talk myself out of throwing in the towel. Okay so the whole mental thing is the hardest of hard parts. But after that, if my body doesn't go on strike, it should be an attainable goal.

Oh, and here's this week's plan...Week 6: Run 30 minutes, 33 minutes, 41 minutes Weekly total: 104 minutes

Week 5 Day 3

I was pretty busy yesterday. I was decorating, up and down subway stairs, all over the place in the downtown Brooklyn Macy's (which has 6 floors) to help my Auntie J (bday girl) find an outfit, serving food (just a tad grossed out by the meat and having ham juice flung on me, eww), and being bar wench. I should have strapped on the Garmin to make an official workout out of it. The good thing is that lots of family came together. I saw a cousin I haven't seen since we were babies (we were born 3 days apart). I got to see the bday girl and her boyfriend do the Hustle (I've always wanted to learn that dance). There was an awesome Soul Train line that kept me laughing. I saw my dad dance for the first time in ages. My grandmom was happy to see all her children together for once. Auntie J and Uncle C (her twin) were both very teary eyed to see that family and friends came out to celebrate their 50th. It was a good night.

On to today...my schedule is all jacked up. I got in from NY this morning before 9am. I've been in and out of sleep since I got home. I still don't feel rested. I was still tired when I went to the track around 6ish. I took it really slow. I got my mosey on to some neo-soul. It's amazing how much I listened to the lyrics. It kind of had me zoned out. Then when I checked the time, I had a minute and some change left. Yep, a slow, easy peasy run. Honestly, I just wanted to get it over with so I could get home and get back to bed. No good food today. I'll work on that once I'm fully rested.

Music: Floetic by Floetry

Jog Stats
38min/3.12mi
Avg Pace: 12:11/mi
Heart Rate: 171 Avg/181 Max
Calories: 343

Breakfast: Starbuck's tall vanilla soy latte at a rest stop
Snack: Some of a chocolate Clif Builder's bar
Lunch: PB&J
Snack: Apple and finished the bar
Dinner: Tofu scramble leftovers w/salsa, hemp toast, soy marg and OJ

Week 5 Day 2.5

Change of plans. I'm heading to NY in the morning. So I figured I'd update my blog with something other than a rant. I went to the track, did my thing. But did my thing to the wrong program. Yes, I mistakenly programmed the Garmin with Day 2's workout. I didn't realize it until I finished. I already cooled down, so I wasn't going back to finish it. I'll get it in on Sunday and just rearrange my schedule next week. Anyway, my heart rate was high yet again. Would that have anything to do with the stalker? The run wasn't hard at all. I spent most of the time thinking about that fool. Hmm, maybe it had something to do with the weather? It was disgustingly humid. I woke up hot and uncomfortable.

I ended up doing yoga afterwards. Boy was I tight. Maybe I should do yoga after running instead of before? I don't know. Well, here are my stats...

Music: Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds, Vol. 1 by my girl Jilly from Philly

Jog Stats
32min/2.79mi
Avg Pace: 11:28/mi
Heart Rate: 181 Avg/191 Max
Calories: 334

Yoga: 30min
Yoga For Every Body: General Practice: Floor

Breakfast: Tofu scramble w/red bell peppers, salsa and hemp toast w/soy marg

Snack: Smoothie w/strawberry, banana, blueberry, flaxseed and unsweetened soy milk

Lunch: Tofu veggie leftovers

Dinner: Tempeh burger

Pepper Spray

Where can I get some? The creepy, stalker guy was at the track today. We crossed paths. I was coming as he was leaving. I didn't realize it was him until he spoke to me. I had my headphones on and I was looking down at my mp3 player trying to decide what to listen to. Then this fool asks me if I want a personal trainer. This fool who appears to be well entrenched in his 40s with a stomach is bigger than my behind couldn't come up with a better line than that? No wonder why you're single. In any case, whatever he decides to come up with next, my answer will still be NO.

The last time I saw him at the track a couple months ago, I simply said Good Morning. And apparently, Good Morning is an invitation to enter my life in fool language. He wanted to chit chat and decided to wait for me in his car. That day I stayed on the track in the rain longer than I wanted to. While I was running, I was half listening to my music. I spent most of the time thinking about that situation. Every time I jogged by the parking lot I'd look to see if he was lurking anywhere. I was trying to remember the car he drove and wondering if he'd follow me. I decided that if someone was tailing me, I'd drive straight to the police station. It's in walking distance from my house.

So now it's time to switch up from the track. I guess I'll do the park next time or run around this boring residential neighborhood. Really, there's nothing to see. I need scenery. But I should still get pepper spray. I don't wanna be ghetto and make some bootleg pepper spray with a spray bottle and tabasco sauce. So where can I get some?

Guess What?

I may have a running partner. The bartender at Bertucci's offered to run with me. He used to run marathons and whatnot. I'm sure he can run 3x faster than me, which I think would annoy him. But he did say that we all gotta start somewhere. That is true. We've all had to do something at least once. And the more you do it, the better you get. It should be interesting because I've never run with anyone. Also, I want to check out the running community at Moorestown Running Company. They run Thursday nights. But of course, I wouldn't dare show my face until I have a decent pace. Otherwise, I'd end up being left behind and jogging alone anyway.

In other news, today is another rest day. Yes, I'm a wuss and haven't strength trained all week. Just been too tired to be bothered. And, I'm not going to fit it in either. Tomorrow I will be running, cooking for my aunt's b-day party (which is Saturday), getting finger prints for my title license, then driving with my other aunt to NYC in the afternoon to help decorate. Decorate? I can cook, but crafts are not my thing. Oh, and I'm bringing my textbook to study and possibly make drinks. Someone mentioned apple martinis. I got my shaker tins, mixing glass, and jigger. I'm ret to go.

Oh and for the record, I did not drink today. Just good food, good conversation and lots of water at the bar in Bertucci's. I was in the mood for pizza.

Week 5 Day 2

I just wasn't in the mood. Went to bed late again. Got up too early again. Annoyed again. I didn't feel like doing anything. So I picked a short yoga routine then headed to the track. No Y today. Not in the mood to figure out Garmin's foot pod. And I wanted to get the run over with as soon as possible. The track is about a 5min drive from the here. The Y is 15min.

Today's theme was breathing. I figured since my heart rate has been off the hook recently that I should pay more attention to breathing. Well, it's amazing how much deep breathing I don't do. I realized that as I damn near got high during yoga. So that's how you're supposed to do it? Same approach on the track. Take deep breaths, keep it moving, you're almost done. Anyway, my heart rate was kinda low. I just can't win.

Yoga: 25min
Yoga For Every Body: Open & Strong Heart

Music: Some unknown mix by DJ Statik that I forgot I had. Starts off with underground hip hop, then moves into Latin rhythms. Good stuff.

Jog Stats
32min/2.77mi
Avg Pace: 11:34/mi
Heart Rate: 128 Avg/170 Max
Calories: 332

Breakfast: Hemp toast w/hummus, tomato, S&P and salad w/tahini dressing

Lunch: Falafel sandwich

Dinner: Tofu veggie leftovers

Snack: Smoothie w/strawberry, banana, blueberry, flaxseed and unsweetened soy milk

Late night snack: Apple

Resting, Studying and Drinking

No workout today. I was beat. Sleep and I are not getting along. Sleep is not speaking to me at all. I went to bed tired with a headache. Those are the perfect conditions for a good sleep, right? Not!! I can count the hours of sleep I got on one hand. Oh, and I'm coming down with something with the weather changes. It's hot, it's cold, it's hot again. Dammit, make up your mind!!! Anyway, when I did finally get to sleep, I woke up before my alarm. That sucks. So I studied a bit. I haven't studied since I've been in the class (last Monday). I've been too tired. Class last week was from 1-5pm then 6-10pm. I'm supposed to take my midterm and final this week, along with a speed test. The speed test consists of 12 correct drinks made in 8 min. One of my instructors did 28 drinks in that time. Yeah, so not happening.

Anywho, I had a good food day, well, except for the liquor. Many peeps brought alcohol, so I had to partake. Okay, well not had to, but since I think I don't drink enough, I had some. I'm a social drinker and I was socializing, so that meets my requirements. I stayed for the shooters night class even though I took it last week. I'm terrible at shooters. So many recipes, so little time to remember them. So I practiced them behind the bar. Still not totally confident with them, but we'll see. Okay, best thing about tonight is that I got to play some house music and everyone screwed up my age big time. I've come to the conclusion that everyone doesn't look old. I just look young.

So here's my grub...

Breakfast: Hemp toast w/hummus, tomato, S&P and hot tea w/soy cream and sugar

Snack: Smoothie w/strawberry, blueberry, banana, flaxseed, and unsweetened soy milk

Lunch: Falafel sandwich w/veggie soup from Norma's

Drinks: Captain & Sprite, American flag shooter, Barcardi & Coke w/grenadine (and if I had something else, I sho nuff don't remember now)

Snack: Apple

Dinner: Tofu veggie leftovers

WATER, WATER, WATER!!!

Week 5 Day 1

Well, I did a bit more yoga than usual, but the time flew. I'm getting better at Warrior III Pose.

You know, I'm really surprised that I'm not at all sore from dancing. Wouldn't it be nice if I could turn the track into a dance floor with a disco ball in the center? I'd have a 5:00 pace:) Okay, I'm exaggerating, but you get the picture.

I'm tired of all the weather changes, so I ran at the Y. I haven't quite figured out the foot pod accessory for the Garmin yet. So I have no pace or distance today. But I do know that my pace was faster, because I started out fast on purpose. My heart rate was way high. I wonder if it has anything to do with being tired. I just can't get enough sleep these days.

Yoga: 45min
Yoga For Every Body: General Practice Routine

Music: The Sunlounge 2 mixed by DJ Statik (same DJ who spun Saturday night)

Jog Stats
30min
Heart Rate: 179 Avg/186 Max

Pre-run: OJ

Breakfast: Hemp toast w/hummus, tomato, S&P (something in this bread reminds me of tuna. I like it though..very nutty)

Snack: Honey BBQ Fritos (salt craving)

Lunch: Tuscan bean polenta w/spinach

Dinner: Tofu w/steamed broccoli and red peppers with ginger miso-tahini sauce over brown rice (I'm not a big picture person, but I liked the colors)

Resting and Dancing

I was tempted to workout yesterday, but I let it go. I ended up at an after hours party in Philly. Let me just say that dancing is so much more intense than running on any day. I'm sure I burned about half the calories I ate yesterday. Well, that's what happens when DJs spin really good music. And you won't hear any of it on the radio. I heard Redman, Biggie Smalls, A Tribe Called Quest, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Roy Ayers, Bob Marley, Parliament, just to name a few. My friend said I was like VH1. I named a lot of songs as they came on. Hey, I love music. That's what my profile says.

It was good to be out and around a bunch of different people. People you think you'd never see in one place. People you'd think couldn't dance. Then next thing you know, they're battling each other on the dance floor. It was also good to be out in a place where no one bothers you. A typical club has people standing, holding up the wall trying to look cute to collect phone numbers. Here, people dance and have a good time. Oh, and running shoes make the best dancing shoes. I could easily slide across the dance floor. No, I was not out trying to be cute with shoes that have your toes overlapping. I was comfortably dressed in jeans and a breathable top. I came to get it in, which I did.

Cool stuff about last night...

**I knew the bartender. I went to ask her where the rest room was, then next thing you know we're catching up. I taught her how to make Sex on the Beach. Yes, I actually remembered something from class.

**One of the DJs came to talk to me. He meets so many people, I figured he may have forgotten me. I love him to death. I sometimes play his mixes for running. He's going to give me another CD. A couple of years ago, he told me that I have impeccable taste in music. That is the best compliment I can get from a professional DJ.

**I was twirled around on the dance floor. It was so much fun. My friend said it looked like we coordinated the dance.

**I made new friends, Ram, who did the twirling, and Lauren, who was celebrating her birthday and stressing about turning 23. 23? That's not old.

**I got to party til 4am. Well, actually 4:14am. Yes, I said it was an after hours spot.

**I had a tasty black bean burger in a South Philly diner. I'm going to assume it was vegan since it didn't make me sick.

**I found out that my friend is half Jamaican. So am I!!

**I laughed and smiled all night :)

Week 4 Day 3

Today's yoga routine included some twists, ab exercises, thigh/hip stretches and sun salutations. But what about the butt area? My butt is really sore today. Must be those darn lunges. I guess that means I'm doing it right.

I told myself to take it slow on the run. For one, my butt is sore. Two, I didn't eat enough yesterday. And three, 35min is technically my long run, so I need to slow down to make sure I get through it. I'm not sure why my average heart rate is higher. That's something I have to read up on. I'm wondering if the weather has anything to do with it. It was pretty cool, 63 and windy. Maybe your heart beats faster to warm you up? It felt chilly to me. But I ended up taking off my jacket around lap 2. Anyway, the run felt really easy. Nothing was sore, well except for my butt which was already sore. Other than that, it felt like I didn't work hard enough. Well, there's always next time.

Okay, so on to Week 5. Here's the plan: Run 30 minutes, 32 minutes, 38 minutes Weekly total: 100 minutes

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

Music: The Michael Baisden Show on 105.3 WDAS FM

Jog Stats
35min/2.95mi
Avg Pace: 11:51/mi
Heart Rate: 165 Avg/184 Max
Calories: 343

Breakfast: Two multi-grain pancakes (blended oats, walnuts, wheat flour, corn meal, flaxseed) w/soy marg and maple syrup
Snack: A few black bean tortilla chips
Lunch: Grilled tofu w/veggies and a baked potato
Dinner: PB&J and grapes

Ah yes, no class today. I actually cooked something.

Yes, I know I was wrong

I was a bad girl. Today was frozen drink day. It wasn't the rum that got me, but I think the high fructose corn syrup. Ugh, it was way too sweet. But unfortunately, that didn't stop me. I may not run tomorrow. Definitely not enough nutrients in my diet today. I'll just have to see how I feel in the morning. I'm off to drink lots of water.

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

2x15 Dumbbell Shrugs
2x12 Back Extension
2x15 Crunches w/Twist
2x30 Plank (I graduated from the modified plank:)
2x15 Tricep Dips w/Bent Knees
2x15 Seated Dumbbell Tricep Extension w/3lb weights
2x15 Dumbbell Chest Press w/3lb weights
2x15 Forward Lunges
2x12 Squats w/10lb weights

Breakfast: Smoothie w/banana, strawberry, blueberry, flaxseed and unsweetened soy milk

Snack: Orange

Drinks: Shot of rum, strawberry daiquiri, pina colada and strawberry colada
The shot wasn't necessary, but my instructor was having a bad day, so I did a shot with him.

Dinner: Same as last night
Yeah, I'm hooked on Norma's. That's what happens when you spend a good portion of the day in the same shopping center as an awesome Middle Eastern restaurant.

Week 4 Day 2

My hips and thighs are still tight. I'm not sure why. So I focused on those areas in yoga. I ended up stretching again on a barstool in class. Actually, I left class early today. I've been taking day and night classes. I have a headache and I'm just tired. I haven't had a chance to cook or make a smoothie. And smoothies are quick. I have just enough time to workout, shower and go. I'm going to bed early tonight. Hopefully that means I'll get up earlier and have more "Me" time.

I ran outside. It was sunny, but the air was cool. This older guy I sometimes see on the track asked me if I was just getting warmed up. No, sir. The warm up would be me walking. I always jog this slow. Ha ha! But I told him that I've been jogging for only 3mos and this is the fastest I'll be going for a while. Oddly enough there was someone there who was slower than me. It made me feel like a pro. And I'm so far from it.

I'm not sure what happened, but I completely lost track of time. I left the track at 12:25pm and I had to be in class by 1pm. I'm not a chatty person at all, but I ended up talking to the same guy after the cool down. He had some good advice. He said to just get out there and make it fun. I'm out there, don't know about the fun part though. I can't say that I enjoy running yet. So why do I run? Because I can.

Yoga: 30min
Yoga For Every Body: Hip Mobility

Music: James Brown 20 All Time Greatest Hits

Jog Stats
29min/2.56mi
Avg Pace: 11:20/mi (used to be around 13:00/mi)
Heart Rate: 151 Avg/181 Max
Calories: 308

Pre-run: OJ
Snack: Banana
Lunch: Chocolate Mint Clif Builder's Bar
Dinner: Vegetarian platter from Norma's
Falafel, tahini, tabbouleh, hummus, stuffed grape leaves and pita bread

Yoga, Strength and Drinking

I had so much trouble waking up today. Not sure what that's about. I wish I got up sooner. I like to have "Me" time. I only had time to workout, eat, shower and run out the door. I hate rushing.

I was glad to do yoga today. I was so tight. Oddly enough, the standing routine included ab exercises. It was cool though. I haven't worked my obliques in a while. Strength was different today. Change is good. I need to work on lunges. My balance is off.

Yoga: 35min
Yoga For Every Body: General Practice: Standing

2x12 Back Extension
2x15 Crunches w/Twist
2x15 Seated Dumbbell Tricep Extension w/3lb weights
2x15 Dumbbell Chest Press w/3lbs weights
2x15 Forward Lunges
2x12 Squats w/10lb weights

Breakfast: TJ's oatmeal flakes w/raisins and unsweetened soy milk
Snack: Apple and grapes
Lunch: Veggie couscous leftovers
Drinks: Various shooters and shots for class
Dinner: Falafel sandwich from Norma's
Snack: Another apple and more grapes

In case you're wondering, you read it right. Drinks were for class. I started bartending school yesterday. It's funny because just last week I passed the state exam for my title insurance producer license. Yes, two very different things. I really didn't get into it here but my office closed 2mos ago. The mortgage industry is a nightmare with companies closing/laying off everyday. And they don't expect it to get any better until about 2009. Time to change fields and learn something new. So I'll be working for a friend at a title company by day, and making buttery nipples and red headed sluts by night. Oh, and a good thing about today..I got carded for buying Bacardi for class (extra credit) and my instructor asked if I was old enough to drink. Then when he tried to guess my age he was WAY off. How cool is that?!?!

Week 4 Day 1

No yoga today. I really need to get that in tomorrow. I feel like I'm missing something when I skip a day. Anyway, I was annoyed when I left the house. My mom's in town, and I'll just leave it at that. Not sure if that has to with how I felt on the track though. No matter how slow I went I just wanted to stop. But I stuck with it. There was nothing really wrong with me, I just wasn't with it. The apple I ate was in my throat after the run. It was a small apple (about the size of a plum). So I'm not sure what that was about.

In other news, I bought a Garmin. I was going to get it next month for my birthday. But there was a sale and rebate going on so I figured I'd get it now. I was really excited before it got here. I haven't taken it out of the box yet, so I guess the excitement just came and went.

Music: Electric Soul mixed by DJ Lil Dave

Warm up: A bit more than 5min (forgot to set my watch)
Jog: 30min
Cool down: 5min

Pre-run: Small apple
Lunch: Falafel w/tahini, hummus over mixed greens and pita bread from Whole Foods on my way to class
Snack: Vegan chocolate chip cookie from Whole Foods
Dinner: Tabbouleh salad w/pita bread and veggies w/couscous from Norma's
Snack: Another cookie
The cookie was a bad idea. I ate it about 2hrs ago and it's still in my throat.
Late night snack: Grapes

I really didn't feel like it

But I did some strength training. Then I went to the gym.

2 x 15 Dumbbell Shrugs w/3lb weights
3 x 15 Squats w/10lb weights
3 x 15 Wall Push Ups
2 x 15 Tricep Dips w/Bent Knees
3 x 15 Crunches w/3lb weights
2 x 12 Lying Leg Raises
1 x 30 Modified Plank (I really wasn't feeling this today)

Music: Earthtones mixed by DJ Lil Dave
Elliptical: 35min (includes 5min cool down)

Week 3 Day 3

Today was so much better. First of all, I didn't wake up with a headache. That's kind of weird considering I got about 4hrs of sleep last night. I was up at 5am for yoga, then headed off to the Y. I'm heading to NYC this morning to visit family so I had to get it in early.

Well, the run was good. I took it slow and sped up for the last minute. This time I didn't let the other jogger on the track influence my pace. I really felt it in my quads and hips. The stretches I did afterwards felt so good.

On to Week 4 where I'll begin increasing time. It should start getting interesting from now on. Here's next week's plan: Run 30 minutes, 29 minutes, 35 minutes. Weekly total: 94 minutes

Yoga: 30min
Yoga For Every Body: Flow Series

Music: A Rush of Blood to the Head by Coldplay

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

Pre-run: A bit of a chocolate Clif Builder's bar
Post-run: Smoothie w/strawberry, blueberry, banana, kale, flaxseed and unsweetened soy milk
Breakfast: Quinoa porridge
Snack: Apple and mint chocolate Clif Builder's bar
Lunch: Broccoli and tofu in garlic sauce w/brown rice from Tak Hing in Brooklyn and watered down V8 Splash (because it was WAY too sweet)
Dinner: Same
Midnight Snack: Some of a chocolate Clif Builder's bar for the ride home

Strength and Yoga

I woke up with another headache today. And it doesn't help that my sleep was interrupted by a crazy dream. What is going on?

In other news, I'm eating better. Hopefully that means I won't have a headache tomorrow.

Yoga: 30min
Yoga For Every Body: General Practice: Floor

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

Breakfast: Quinoa porridge
Snack: Smoothie w/strawberry, blueberry, banana, flaxseed and unsweetened soy milk
Lunch: Black eyed peas w/cornbread leftovers and kale
Snack: Apple
Dinner: VWAV Italian marinated tofu w/kale and baked potato
Late night snack: More cereal because I love it so

Week 3 Day 2

Today was a good day. I woke up with a headache, sore shoulders, and had a sucky run. Well, yoga made me feel better. I was pumped up and ready to tear the track up. I wanted to go to the outdoor track, not out of laziness this time, but because I wanted to master the thing. It's harder on me than the indoor track. Well, it was a tad too warm and sunny for that, so off to the Y I went. I was really thrown off with the loud basketball games going on in the gymnasium below. And there were some people on the track. You know how that messes me up. I spent the whole time talking myself out of quitting. I made it, but I was a bit lightheaded again when I finished. It made more sense this time since I only had water and OJ. And I didn't eat a lot yesterday. Hopefully next time will be better.

I had an appointment this afternoon. The place was actually in the same shopping center as this Middle Eastern restaurant I wanted to check out. So, I treated myself to lunch, and I'm still full. Oh, and now I'll be taking another course starting Monday. It should be fun. Yeah, so good food and getting to learn something new made it a good day.

Yoga: 30min
Yoga For Every Body: Hip Mobility

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

Music: Midnight Snack, Vol. 1

Pre-run: Bit of OJ
Post-run: Smoothie w/strawberry, blueberry, banana, flaxseed and unsweetened soy milk
Lunch: Veggie combo from Norma's
Falafel, hummus, tabbouleh, pita bread, stuffed grape leaves and tahini sauce
Late night snack: TJ's Toasted Oatmeal Flakes w/raisins and unsweetened soy milk

Out and About

I'm surprised today wasn't a disaster. I didn't get any sleep last night. Well, it was the first night I wasn't sneezing and blowing, so I didn't take any Benadryl. That stuff puts me to sleep. Without it is like drinking a latte before bed I guess. I fell asleep not too long before my alarm rang this morning. So I kept hitting snooze until I felt I could function.

I got up and cooked quinoa while I did yoga. Today's routine consisted of some arm strengthening exercises. Boy are my arms weak. I really need to practice those exercises. I thought my triceps would collapse and leave me kissing the yoga mat. And am I the only one out there whose palms are too sweaty to maintain the downward facing dog pose? Whenever I have to hold that pose for an extended amount of time, my hands start sliding up the mat. I guess I need to use a towel.

I ate breakfast while doing some last minute studying for the state exam for the course I passed last week. Then I cleaned the bathroom, showered, and headed out. Well, I passed the exam. Thank God because my stomach was in knots. The test was easy though. From there I went to Trader Joe's since I was halfway there. I can go but so long without their cereal. Cheerios is not cutting it. Then stopped at L's house for him to sign off on my temporary certificate (L is a dear friend and my future boss). From there we head to B's house because she needed her computer fixed (B is an acquaintance and future co-worker). I just tagged along for the ride. But before we got there, we checked out the scarecrows in Medford's scarecrow competition (Medford is a nice, little town that reminds me of Star's Hollow on Gilmore Girls). We finally get to B's, and her pc is really jacked up. It took L a while to fix it, so I jumped on B's treadmill to pass the time. It was set to some ridiculous incline and worked the heck out of my hips.

I got in around 8:30pm, made dinner, and called my niece for her birthday. I asked her if firemen came to put out the fire caused by her birthday candles. She's only 11 but it's fun to mess with her. I talked to my sister for a bit too. She and the girls (my two nieces) started jogging/walking. She said they go a little further every time they go out. I'm so happy for them. And on that note, I'm off to bed.

Yoga: 25min
Yoga For Every Body: Open & Strong Heart

Walk: 25min

Breakfast: Quinoa porridge (or whatever it is)
Made w/diced apple, raisins, pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, vanilla, maple syrup and a splash of soy milk
Lunch: Chocolate Mint Clif Builder's Bar
Dinner: Tempeh burger w/sauteed onions, pickles, ketchup, mustard on toasted oatmeal bread and oven baked fries

Well that sucked

Today I replaced yoga with a crappy run. I had a hard time getting up. I had a harder time getting out of the house. I'm just feeling LAZY. I was too lazy to go to the Y. So I went to the outdoor track around the way. And with all that, why did I decide to try something new? I read somewhere about shortening your stride and taking more steps. Something like that. I almost got one lap in when I said, "Oh hell no." I canned that idea and set my timer again.

Okay. This time, let me go with the stride I know. But let me try running with my mouth slightly open because I read that somewhere too. I usually just breathe through my nose, mouth closed. Well, it was weird because I could feel my lips jumping as I jogged. And having my mouth slightly open made me breathe through it too. I wasn't too comfortable with that. My mantra was, "I can do this. I am able." But I had a louder voice saying, "I REALLY WANNA STOP." I wasn't in pain. I wasn't out of breath. I just wasn't with it. And when I stopped, I got a little lightheaded. I haven't felt that way for months. I forced myself to stretch a bit, then got in the car. That's when I realized how thirsty I was. My mouth was DRY. I shoulda kept my mouth closed. Yeah, next time, damn all the experts. I'm gonna run how the hell I run, and that's that.

So I wonder if this crappy run has anything to do with my lack of smoothies lately. It took forever for the bananas to ripen. And I can't have a good smoothie without bananas. In the meantime, I've been craving greasy food. I've had a few unsalted chips yesterday, which apparently wasn't good enough because the craving is still here. I'm putting tempeh burgers fries on the menu. Hopefully that will work.

Music: Aquarian Moon by Osunlade

Warm up: .25mi
Jog: 15:07min (1.25mi, not including the bullcrap lap)
Cool down: .25mi

Breakfast: Pumpkin spice granola w/unsweetened soy milk
Pre-run: Grapes
Post-run: Apple, cashews and a smoothie w/an extra ripe banana, strawberry, blueberry, flaxseed and unsweetened soy milk
Honestly, the only thing I tasted was banana. Maybe they're too ripe. I should make muffins.
Dinner: Tempeh burgers w/sauteed onions and baked fries
Snack: Multi-Grain Cheerios w/unsweetened soy milk