Half Marathon

I have officially registered for my first half marathon.

I don't know if I should be excited, nervous or scared that I'm going to die halfway through.

But I've decided to embrace the challenge that lays ahead of me and put forth 150%.

I don't think this is an impossible task for me, I work out regularly and I'm in decent shape.

This is a goal for me to accomplish while Chris is away.

This is something purely for ME.

With the help of my sister, I've put together a training schedule for the next couple months.

I am going to try my hardest to stick to it regardless of those late nights at work when all I want to do is go home and sleep.

Now, I have a reason to work out.

 My December Training Schedule

My January Training Schedule

My February Training Schedule

Woot Woot!

The results of our 5k have been posted...I ran it in 34:58. WAHHHHOOOO to me! :)

I'm pretty proud of my time for a couple reasons.

1. It was my first 5k. Ever.

2. It was hot and humid and hard to breathe outside. Since it's been so hot outside lately, I've been running inside in the nice air conditioning on the treadmill.  Since I'm a scardy cat and refuse to go run on the bike trail at 500 in the morning when it's still dark outside and the creeps are lurking in the trees waiting to snatch me up.

3. This was  not you average 5K where you run around the warning track a million times until you reach 3 miles. No ma'am. We were running up and down stairs/ramps and all through the stadium.

So, while this time may seem crappy to you; I'm pretty darn proud of myself.  My sister and I are planning to run another 5K on September 10th in honor of 9/11 and I'm also planning on running the Marine Corps 10k on October 30th.

A few professional pictures from the race, clearly they are a picture taken off the picture but it works :)Just a random tidbit of information but a couple months ago I stumbled across this article...
http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/training-day/201104/warm-cardio-then-go-weights-right-wrong
which after I read all the way through I was like hmmm, well even though that seems weird it makes sense.  I used to want to do my cardio first to get it over with, but now I try to work out like that article said because it does make sense.  Truthfully, I feel better when I warm up with a light cardio, get my weights in and then finish up with some intense cardio.  So unless I'm doing a pure cardio day (and even on those days I'll only do about 45 minutes), I'll work out like this article has suggested.


Another thing I've learned in the past few years is that doing too much cardio can have a negative effect on your body.  When I first met Chris, he always told me that doing a ton of cardio would just burn muscle and that in turn would slow down your metabolic rate. While I just continued to ignored him until he started sending me articles which proved he actually did know what he was talking about. Imagine that, a big muscle guy like him, knowing what he was talking about?! :) So these last few months, I've really knocked down my cardio because the last thing I want is to burn off my muscle tone and slow down my metabolic rate! I've also stopped  working out my abs everyday this last year.  I've only  been working them out once or twice a week at the most and I wont do anymore than 200 abs per workout because like with any other muscle group, I don't want to over strain them. I still have the same amount of tone that I used to and they feel just as strong.


I guess this goes to show you that no matter how long you have been doing something, you should always keep an open mind to the opportunity to learn something because no one ever knows everything.  The chance to learn something new, it the opportunity to better yourself and I'm always up for that :)

Sauteed Green Beans

Warning; this recipe isn't really that healthy but it was deliciousssss so I would highly recommend making it one night if you have the chance! It was super easy and quick to make, perfect for a weeknight.  Plus, you can always make it healthier, I just choose not too.

Ingrediants:
* 5- 7 pieces of bacon
* 1/2 cup slivered almonds
* 1 package fresh green beans (You could use a package of frozen if you want, I just prefer fresh vegetables)
* 3 tablespoons butter
* 3-4 teaspoons minced garlic
* 1 onion, chopped
* 1-2 tablespoons of honey, if desired.

Directions:
* Cook bacon in a large skillet, until browned.  Remove from heat and place on a plate covered with a paper towel.  Drain the bacon grease.
* Return the pan to heat and put the butter on the heat.  Once the butter melts add the garlic and let it brown. 
* Add the onion and let it cook for a few minutes.
* Add the green beans and reduce the heat to a medium low.  Let cook for about 6-8 minutes.
* Crumble the cooled off bacon into little pieces.  Add the bacon and almonds into the pan.
* Add a little bit of honey, if desired.
* Let cook for another 3-4 minutes, until green beans reach the desired tenderness.

In preparation for our 5k on Sunday, this morning at the gym I did the "Sport Training 5K" Option on the Treadmill set on level 6 with the speed at 6.3; this varies the incline between 0% and 5.5% so it's definitely a workout.  I finished the 3.1 miles around 28 minutes, which isn't too bad for 515 in the am.  Hopefully, I won't struggle on Sunday in the heat. :) I think I'll deserve a nice pedicure afterwards though because running sure is tearing up my beautiful feet and making them all kinds of uglllly :(

Running, Running, Running

For those of you who know me, you know that I love to work out.  Always have, always will. I tend to work out around 5 days a week.  I used to be a competitive gymnast and once I had to quit due to a back injury I started working out and haven't stopped, just because I was so used to be so active all the time.  I wasn't one of those people who started working out once I gained the freshman 15 or once I got engaged joined a gym, or once I got married decided now's the time I need to start working out so I can have a great "before baby boday". Not saying that there is anything wrong with people who join a gym for any of those reasons, because by no means is there, in fact more power to them for getting motivated!! I'm just simply saying, I've never been one of those people who was only working out because of one reason, I've always been someone who liked being active and staying in shape and I probably will always be someone who enjoys working out.  I'm not someone who has to force myself to go to the gym or dreads to go, I actually enjoy going.  I started working out my senior year in high school and just really liked it and have pretty consistently worked out since then.  I love the time I have to myself, either before the workday begins or after my day is over.  I love the chance to get out all my frustrations with people and life in a normal, healthy way.  I love that it's an  hour and a half alone to just focus on myself. More importantly, I love the way it makes me feel. I love being in shape and feeling good about my body (most days anyways! :) )  I love my spin classes; they are an amazing workout and I would highly recommend them to anyone who needs a change in their workout.  I also really love kickboxing and my strength training classes.  But, I do tend to eat whatever I want and I do consume an awful lot of candy, so maybe it's a good thing that I love to work out so much. 

In the past year or so, I have taken up running more than I used to.  I've always had to run before gymnastics practices but lately I've found that I've come to enjoy it more than I used to.  I'm  not really sure why, but whatever it is, I don't really mind :) I've been able to go longer distances without having soreness but I love the feeling of getting a great cardio workout it.  Plus I love being able to get in a workout outside while the weather is still nice.  I'm really hoping run the Marine Corps 10K on October 30th this year and eventually work my way up to a marathon next year, but we'll see. 

Yesterday I was able to do 45 mintues on the treadmill; hills all around the world, speed 6.2, level 5 and I did 4.65 miles. Not too shabby for 5am :)