It's FRIIIIIDAAAAY!!!

Happy Friday, also the eve of my 13th half marathon!  Tomorrow I'll be out and about at the crack of dawn to run my 3rd Brooklyn Half.   NYRR does a great job with this race, even though it's a pain to get to and I have to be up at 4am.  I also have PR'd every time I have ran it, although I'm not expecting much tomorrow.

Anyway....

Thing's I'm loving right now!

Trampolines!
I went to Skyzone for one of their Skyfit classes.  I have to say, I was expecting it to be easy, but it was pretty hard! The instructor even incorporated weights into the mix.  Definitely an awesome way to spend a birthday or a fun day date with the gals.

And if you can do this...even better!

Crossfit231
I'm back at it with a vengeance! A new box opened up at the end of my street, which means walking distance which also meant that I left Cobalt which I was loving, but was just not getting to. These guys are great, it's a bit of an older crowd which I really like.  Not that I am old, but it's nice to workout with people who are more my age (30's), also helps on the social angle.


8 pounds
Gone and NEVER coming back!  Now I just need to lose about 10 more.  I'm about 40 days off of wheat, life changing! Have I had trace amounts yes, but nothing obvious like a hunk of bread or a box of Cheeze-its.

What are you loving right now?

Breaking the Streak

I broke my streak! AHH! To be fair, I was up at 4:30, in the pouring rain, to go ski.  I think the new rule is run everyday except for ski trips, because realistically I can always get in one mile. 

I've managed daily crossfit and running and almost no bagels.  My nutritionist will be happy, hopefully. 

The goal was to consume no man made carbs (with the exception of Thanksgiving) to see a jump in weight loss and to cleanse me from what is seriously a full blown carb addition (I know! That sounds ridiculous, but it's true!!).  I failed, but I'm down I think 2 pounds (of the 3 I had gained back). 

Tomorrow I weigh in. 

And somehow this post went from my running streak to weight loss.  Sigh...

Almost 2 weeks out from race day and I'm feeling really good about my time! Rather than dwelling on not hitting my goal, I'm making a plan to DEMOLISH that goal next year in NY.  Positivity people!

I realized I had a bunch of pictures that I never shared.  Chicago is a great little city, lots to see and do between the actual city, the waterfront, all of the parks and the fountains and art all around.  Definetly an A+ for awesome sights to see!

We also ate a few great restaurants:

Yolk for breakfast, great vibe, super busy but well worth the wait!  Get the pancakes!  All of them!


Giordano's for deep dish which we ate like savages a few hours after the race.

Chicago Firehouse for our post marathon fancy schmancy dinner.  So amazing and definitely worth the price!! The waiters were awesome, the food was great and atmosphere was a little uppity, but not stuffy, perfect steakhouse vibe.  We found out that they do a pre-race brunch for all runners which I thought was really nice, they also gave out water on the course.  It's nice to see local business get out there and support the local running scene!

Here are a few pics from the weekend...

On our way to the corrals

On our way to The Magnificent Mile

Finishers gear at Niketown

Cheese!

Loved this sign at the expo

That Time I ABSOLUTELY Killed My 20 Mile Run!

I ran 20 and OWNED it, unlike the last 20 which made me cry. And I did on all of 3 hours sleep, damn boyfriends and insomnia!

Ok, so what was different?  2 major things, I went wayyy slower than I like to and it was rainy and not at all humid.  I felt great and if pushed, I could have run the whole 26.2....but I'll save that for Chicago!

The original plan was to run the NYRR long training run #2, but we didn't realize until last minute that it was on Sunday and running partner couldn't make it.  Also on the original plan was a 16 miler but I knew I couldn't run 20 this coming (birthday!!) weekend so I switched it up. As luck would have it my old running crew was coming to my hood to do a long run so I decided to tag along with them.  Running partner met us but when she realized how slow we were going she bailed and ran 15 on her own. I decided to stick with the slow pokes for 2 reasons - I knew a few of them would add on miles at the end and I know that part of my problem aside from dealing with the heat has been trying to keep up a faster pace and pushing myself a little to much on my longs.

Overall, it was the best training run I've had and the entire 2nd half was one big giant negative split! Wahoooo! While at times I felt like were going super slow, it helped me to kick ass at the end.  My average pace was 10:49 per mile and not at all what I'm hoping to run come race day, but I knew that slower would better and I was ok with that. It was also nice to see miles 19 and 20 were at a 9:50 pace.

As I move into week 10 of my training I need to really keep focused.  My birthday is Fri which means a few extra meals with friends out, so I have to watch the wheat.  I've been doing so/so with avoiding wheats/bread...but it's really hard!  I was at an event with my bf in the Hamptons where I managed to eat just about every passed hors d'oeuvre that came my way, plus 2 lobsters so needless to say the scale moved up a little, but I'm still lower than what I was so I have to just accept it and move on. Ok, enough about food!

I'm excited to finish out my training, I love that I get up excited to run and I'm loving that I have another 20 in my plan to gauge how I'm doing.  I'm not sure if that 4:20 marathon is in the cards, but ya never know!

Lessons from Chicago Marathon training Cycle #1

Happy Monday to all you Monday lovers out there (yes, I am one of them)!

Sat was the end of training cycle #1, which OMG was hot and not easy! But every 4 weeks I get a little reprieve from the big, bad long runs and get to run a "short" long which was totally welcomed as it was yet again soupy and gross out.  I ran with the my old coach and the crew in the trails which I don't always love but was ok with.  Got through my 7 miles without seeing any snakes and saw some friends so it was a good time.

These next four weeks are going to be hard and long (twss) and I'm really trying hard not to psych myself out. I'm looking at 16, 18, 20 then back down to 8.  Yikes! I know I can do it, but I have to really be focused which for me is the real hard part.

For the most part I need to continue to focus on my food - limiting sugar which I think hurt me this first cycle, continue meal planning and grilling and focusing on whole foods.  It's more about the nutrition that the miles, ironically.  Uggh, why I can't I be the one runner in the world who can eat crap and run fast?  Training wise I need to add in some yoga, remember when I did that yoga challenge (don't worry, I sorta forgot too)?  Ya, need to get back to that! My biggest lesson is clearly that my running depends on what I eat, so Chips Ahoy's and icream is on the outs (although I am allowing myself Saturday's to indulge a little).

I'm hoping cycle 2 is a little easier and less humid, but I know and I will continue to say that these are training runs, they can't, wont and don't have to be good runs, they are all good as long as I can safely start and finish.

No Sleep 'Till BK

I love the Beastie Boys.  And I love Brooklyn so lets hope all the love I have for a tiny borough will carry me through the Brooklyn Half tomorrow!

I have some pretty high expectations for this race, considering I had an epic hill run on Weds (and shaved about a minute off my time) and my last half 2 weeks ago was a PR, I'm really thinking that I have a shot at a 2nd PR.  I know, I know, I shouldn't get too ahead of myself, especially since the NYRR has issued a heat advisory and I haven't ran in temps above 70 since last summer, but I just have a feeling :)

It's a pretty cool course that starts in Prospect park and ends at Coney Island. I'm heading over with some friends so I think a boardwalk stroll and a ride on the Cyclone might be in order. I'm pretty afraid of heights which I found out a few years ago while riding the Cyclone - so we'll see if I actually make it up there, lol!!


On a food note, things have been going really well.  I did have a bagel this morning which was partly due to laziness and not having anything prepared, it was good but not great and I'm super happy about that, the last thing I want is a bagel relapse! I'm feeling so great and am making really healthy choices, don't want ruin my good work! I'm going to rationalize this one my saying the carbs are good for my race tomorrow...(#lies).

Good Eats

I have been to the best of my ability cleaning up my food and for the first time in a looong time I can say that I'm actually sticking with my plan! Woohoo!

I met with my food coach again and we talked about adding in some new to me whole grains.  I'm down with it, plus she gave me some millet to try.  Not sure what I want to do with it yet, but I have a few ideas for some fun side dishes.  Anyone have ideas?

I've completely eliminated caffeine - yes, that means no coffee.  It's been 22 days and I have never felt better.  It's crazy how good I feel, I also think that has to do with the fact that I have also given up fake sugar with the exception of a few Stewart's diet root beers. No more stomach pain! And I hardly feel tired.

I'm still struggling a bit with the sugar, but I have cut waaaaay back on my intake, same with bready like things.  No bagels, but I find myself craving cakey things so for now I'm satisfying that need with Vitatops. I love those bad boys!! I have also added in a ton more fruit, and for this non-fruit love it's a big deal!

I think the coach is working out, I like the accountability and the incite she gives.  It also helps that she's a friend and one of my running partners.  Which is a nice segway....

Running!

 I took Monday off as a planned rest day then ended up having to take Tue off as well.  Last night I was rushing and by the time I ran it was after 8, wet out and almost dark so I squeaked in a 2.5 miler.  So short, but it felt great to runnnnn!!!!  Hoping to run 4 tonight, swim tomorrow then 10 on sat and a possible 5k race on Sunday.

Ahh, running and good foods makes this gal happy! And hopefully skinny!!

Quick Monday Check in

Because I really need to work, and not play, today's post will be in bullets.

Lazy, yes?  Smart, also yes.

• The weight in: still have to do that, but I think I'm down 3.  This morning was hectic, Chris was still asleep, I was running late and the scale was under his side of the bed.  Will post tomorrow. (ed note: down 2.5 for a total of 165.5, holler!)
• Diet:  logged all my food, tried not to eat my "gym" calories (I guess I would call them activity points if I was doing WW).  Tried to make better choices over the weekend, hopefully I succeeded, minus the Thin Mints (damn you Girl Scouts of America!!!) and movie popcorn (damn you butter!).
• Pros: cooked all my breakfasts and dinners (except one), lunches were chopped salads.  Ate out only on weekend - Glenn's for breakfast, Thai and dinner with my parents.
• Cons: shitty attitude at work on Fri got me in a little bit of trouble.  Opps.  Lessons learned!
• Workouts: swam just over 400M, spin class, weights,  ran 3x - 2, 3 milers and a 5 miler.

And I just signed up for the Brooklyn Half! Wahooooo!

What A Difference A Few Days Make!

Sooooo....I'm doing great, haven't cried or killed anyone yet and am actually down a few pounds....

So let me start with this, I'm sure a lot of what I'm down is most likely water weight.  My Monday weigh in was 167, high but also somewhat accurate (I should also note I have a huge meatball parm hero Sunday night...last meal!). I weighed into today on my digital and the gym scale  - 163.5 and 162ish.  I had wanted to see if there was a major difference between scales and there really isn't but I'll likely weight myself on both once a week until I feel comfortable with my weight.  I still like the idea of hiding the scale, but right now I am determined and I need to be accountable, so weighing in is critical.

Food has been clean and all homemade (except for chopped salads for lunch), I feel really good, have had minimal "bad carbs" and am overall happier.  I guess you could say a big weight has been lifted.  One thing I need to think about is week 2, this is where I crash and burn.  But today I am in the middle of week1 so I'm going to try and keep my feet where my head is!

I'm still toying with the idea of running the half on Sunday.  Some guys from my club are running it super slow, so I may jump in and run 10 with them.  I'll see what the weekend has in store for me first, if not I will likely get in 5 or 6 on my own.   I know I'm not ready for a speedy 10, but I can likely handle their slow 11:30 pace, lol.  Last night I ran my first day of spring 3 miler in my hood, docks and back.  It was quick (as in only 3 miles), gorgeous out and predictable - my favorite.  This morning I lifted: bosu squats, overhead squats, push press and tri's.  The addition of the tri's was a little odd, but I always like to work that area when I can.

So there you have it, a recap....

Sometimes simple works. 

Crossfit, Weight and Fear of Failure

I had a big "come to jesus" talk with my Crossfit coach this week, we spoke about my sometimes frustration, my dedication and overall if this is for me. I've been Crossfitting for awhile now and I've seen some change but I constantly question the HUGE monthly fee and if it's worth it.

Two things I know for sure, in order to be successful I need to 1. clean up my food and 2. work harder. Plain and simple. For whatever reason I'm stuck on carbs (the junky ones) and they are really what is killing me. Oh, and ice cream too. But I know I will reap the rewards if I make these little changes.

Since our talk I've had two very good workouts. We talked about my form and my function - form is spot on, I was trained well prior coming to Fusion, I'm not really working on my function, really powering through. I should feel totally wiped after a workout. You know those pics of people laying on the floor when a wod is done...yea, that's not me. So the new focus is upping my intensity which I have done big time my last two workouts.

Next up is the diet, which it seems, is always next up...

I figure if I keep blogging about it I'll eventually do something about it, right? RIGHT?!?!?

I recently read a post from one of my favorite bloggers. She sums up better than I could about what has been going on for me - fear of failure. I guess I'm afraid that if I do the work, the real hard work and fail, it wouldn't have been worth it. All this time I have been afraid of my own success. Don't get me wrong, I'm also afraid of the work, the uncomfortableness that comes along with dieting. But I've been here before and SUCCESSFULLY lost weight. So today I'm going to focus on doing - forgetting about the fear and just powering on.

Reining It In

Today I really, really wanted Thai, but I had it yesterday, and because I'm not getting thinner (or richer) I made my standard veggie burger over arugula with a pinch of goat cheese and fresh squeezed lemon.

I'm reining it in people!

I did so well over the holidays, I even managed to lose a little weight.
Then the Christmas weekend happened and all hell broke loose. As the boy likes to say, we've been eating for sport.

My biggest downfall is eating out, once I get into the habit it's hard for me want a crappy salad with a veggie burger, I'd much rather order out and then starts the cycle.

I do have to say, I've had some amazing meals out and if I were a food blogger taking pics you would all be amazed! Lavish, belt tightening, EXPENSIVE meals out. Some I paid for, some were holiday family splurges...and all were kick ass.

So in an effort to rein it in, I'm going to challenge myself to eat in more. The boy likes to cook which is a plus (he actually made us the best ever sea bass the other night) now I just have to get him to eat some of my cooking! The plan is to make breakfast and lunch and let dinner just sort of happen. I'll probably still eat out on the weekends but I want to cook at home at least 4 nights per week. I also want to limit ice cream, but I doubt that will happen. I have a few work lunches scheduled, some of that can't be avoided, but I can avoid the running out and buying crap lunches.

So there it is, the plan in a nutshell. This is what has always worked for me, my cravings for crap go away, my clothes fit better and I actually enjoy my food.

For now I'm going to be thankful for that crappy arugula salad (which was actually really good) because it reminded me that I need to get back to basics.

Carb Overload

What is it about me and carbs? I just can't say no!

This morning I had some healthy Irish oats...then half of a not so healthy corn muffin followed by 2 slices of pizza. Holy carbo loading, with no big event to carb load for!

Aside from my bread bloat, I'm super sore. Wall balls killed me and I'm sure yesterday's run didn't help matters. I decided to take today off, which basically means morning workouts the rest of the week. I love the morning, but my bed usually wins. Sigh...

Food Police!!

Wow. I'm hungry, or just really into shitty-for-you foods.

If I told you guys what I ate today you may yell at me or call the food police. Seriously, but here goes...

I had a nice bowl of cereal, then some almonds, then Trader Joe's chicken marsala and spinach salad....all planned and all relatively healthy.

Then came DD, Iced coffee with a side of a pumpkin donut please.

Then the killer, a leftover Mc D's cheese burger.

I'm gross. And it's not even 3:00.

Thank god this is not a typical day and I guess I should be thankful that I'm back in my skinny pants (all of them thank-you-very-much). But woa, I cannot have another day like today.

Last night was a great night at Crossfit, I felt a little less like an idiot and more like a real Crossfitter. We did squat thrusts, box jumps and ring rows (everyone else did pull ups). Box jumps are really hard for me, and it's all mental which is super weird, but I'm proud to say that I graduated to the small box and killed it. Holler!

Mentally preparing myself for Sunday's 18 miler. I'm really excited for it, but am seriously considering picking up some compression gear for my calves. I can't wait to crush this distance.

Some Highlights

So busy, like barely can breath busy - but here are some highlights from the last week or so:

I turned 34

Long Island had an earthquake

We also had a hurricane

I ran 15 miles

Then 10 miles before said hurricane

Haven't been to Crossfit a ton, averaging 2x a week, need to kick it up to at least 3

Got new sneaks,a few hours before said hurricane (and it was packed!!!)

Saw Wicked on Broadway

Am texting like mad with new boy that I haven't met from #onlinedatingworld and I think I might like him. It also helps that we have a mutual friend, so I know he's not a serial killer.

Am pretty much over the old boy (thank god the back and forth for months is over!!!)

Of course, in poor blogger fashion I have no pics, but that's how I roll. And my 3 readers are OK with it.

Food Guilt

Like any good dieter or food plan follower, every once in a while I fall off the wagon (umm, today's lunch)..luckily I'm really embracing my plan and am just jumping right back into healthy eating. I have done this on and off for a bit, but basically I am doing my best to eliminate sugar, flour and wheat (s/f/w) from my diet. I followed the FAA food plan when I was first losing weight and managed to lose close to 30lbs (along with a brief Jenny stint to get me started where I lost about 20). I've put about 15 of that back on, which isn't great but I know could be much, much worse.

For the past year or so I have been battling with what works for me, what doesn't and it's obvious that s/f/w just doesn't agree with me. I can eat within my points, calories ect and still not loose, one week off the junk and I'm down 5. Amazing.

So while the last week and a half was a breeze, this week is proving to be a little harder. July 4th eating, some Ralph's ices and a big ass lunch today do not make for a very good food plan, but I'm planning on turning it around and not going all out on bread/brownie/pizza! I'm really focused on losing and getting to my goal which is around 145, which would be an all time low for me but still on the high side for my height.

So that's the plan in a nutshell. I know it works, as long as I work it!

Ok, back to the title of the post - guilt. I have been making most of my meals, checking labels, measuring, weighing, doing all the right stuff, then comes lunch with the co-workers. I rarely go out to chains and when I do I always end up feeling like shit from bad ordering. We ended up at Bertucci's, I had a roll (major no-no) ordered the chicken picatta and subbed grilled veggies for pasta. It all sounds innocent but I'm waaaaay over my calories (and even though my plan isn't about calories, I still track on daily plate). And, I feel major guilt about it! Even though I swam this morning and am planning on a run after work, I still know that I overate. I'm not going to go all hairy-carey on myself, but I need to be more mindful of my triggers when I am out, which may mean that I skip lunch out all together. I hate to be so rigid, but right now rigidity works and like I said, I want to work it! And rock that bikini by the end of the summer!

1st Summer Run Race

Monday was the first of the Summer Run Series, always a great time and something I missed not participating in last year. I wasn't expecting to PR, although I was about a minute off, but I had fun, saw some people I hadn't seen in a while and ran a solid 48:19, 9:39:48 pace. I was really happy with my effort, my pace was pretty steady except for mile 3 where I got tripped up at the water stop, other than that the race was perfect.

Tue was a spin day and yesterday was an off day, today I'm supposed to lift and try and fit in a yoga class, but I might run the 6 that's on tap for tomorrow. I have plans tonight and there is no yoga class, plus I'm feeling lazy, it's funny how a few slow days can make me feel like it's been forever since I had a solid workout - a definite change in attitude, I'd say!

I've been a little funky this week, which is OK, because I know it will pass, but it still sucks! Food has been so, so. After reviewing my log from last week it is painfully obvious that my body just can't handle carbs or sugar, even though I'm within my calorie range and working out a ton, I'm not losing. The plan is to eat whatever carb heavy stuff I have in the house (which is not much, and all pretty healthy) then go back to what I've been dreading - my FAA program. In order to be true to myself, I have to admit defeat, no matter how I slice it I just can't do sugar/flour/wheat...so I'm waiving the white flag and surrendering!

Day 1

Yesterday was my first day feeling better, but I figured better play it safe and take one more day off from running. The plan is to do my first BFL workout tonight and run 3, either on the treadmill or the street depending on the weather. I'm hoping I can run, if anything I will take it slow as I still have a little chest congestion.

Yesterday's food was pretty clean. I kept with my plan and I felt good, not deprived. I need to get a hang of the protein/carb ratio thing, but that will come. Today so far has been so so...I ended up grabbing a pretzel from Auntie Anne's at the mall, probably should have just said no, but I still feel good about my choices so far..

Breakfast was a TJ's protein muffin, lunch was Kale chips, grilled chicken, salsa, spinach and light sour cream on a La Tortilla wrap (50 calories!). I'll probably have chicken sausage and salad for dinner. No carbs since I had the pretzel.

Oh, the Holidays!

The holidays...love em' and hate em' but at the same time we have to celebrate 'em!

I'm an only child, with a pretty small family so holiday functions tend to be small (just me, mom and dad) and quite frankly a little boring. Thanksgiving and Christmas I usually spend the majority of the day with my parents then head over to my good friends house to hang with their family. Easter tends to be the wild card...which is kind of nice. We are not incredibly religious and with no little kids around the Easter egg hunt and all that stuff just doesn't happen. Past years I have gone out with friends, done brunch with mass followed by nothing...this year we decided to spice it up and hang in the City.

I'll start off by saying that I was in a major down mode this weekend, I only ran 2 miles on Fri and was just off and miserable on Sat. It rained like crazy and I was just not into getting my workout on. I woke up late, had an 11:00 commitment then a party at 3:00 so instead of getting my endorphins going, I cried under the covers (boys will do that to you sometimes).

Sat night was much better, but in keeping with my down mode I slept way late on Sun and missed my semi-planned run. I jumped in the shower and headed over to my parents to scoop them up to head into the city for brunch at our most favorite place, The Garage.

This place rocks, literally. They have live jazz pretty much all day and night, it's always one of my go to places. It's in a great neighborhood and just an all around good time, I highly recommend it. Plus the french toast is amazing!

And so was the band...

From there we did some shopping then checked out the Highline which is a really cool above ground park built on an old train line. I highly recommend a visit!

From there we checked out the car show...

...then back to LI for burgers at the diner.

Such a great day!

Dreaded Lead Legs

Last night I went out for what I was hoping would be a quick (re: in the 9's) 3 mile run, instead I was in the 10's (!!!) and had heavy legs the whole time! My hammies are still killing me from the yoga mala on Sat which is probably part of the problem, I also think I'm a little dehydrated. I have been drinking NO water. I know, I know, so bad for me. It was a random run totally off my usual route and although slow, I felt pretty good.

On the cooking front, I made a banging shrimp, spinach, caramelized onion and goat cheese quesadilla. No pics, but it was so good! Not sure what the menu if for tonight, something light since I'm going out on a business lunch. I'm really starting to get into this cooking thing!!

On A Roll!

I've been cooking like a mad woman these days. In an effort to save some money and be a little more health conscious I've been trying to make the majority of my own meals.

Breakfast is usually oatmeal, or a Van's waffle, the occasional (ok maybe once or twice a week) bagel, lunches vary but I try to go healthy with a salad and dinner ends up depending on what's going on. CC and I used to eat out a lot, but since the breakup I've managed to cook almost all my own dinners.

I'm a fan of healthy premade stuff - think grilled chicken from TJ's or some premade deliciousness from the Babylon Village Meat Market. The easier the better and I pair it with a veg and a starch.

Tonight I was inspired by a recipe from Gina's Skinny Recipes - but I switched it up a bit...so good! And easy!! I made mine with asparagus and mozzarella paired alongside mini-potatoes and sautéed spinach...yum!

Since the chicken came out so great and I've been dying to make my famous oatmeal muffs, I decided to whip up a quick batch. This is such a great easy recipe and easy to store and eat throughout the week.

Easy Oatmeal Muffs
1/2 cup oats (flavored, non flavored, your choice you can even mix grains, think oatmeal and bran)
1/3 cup dry milk
apple pie spice or cinnamon
2 eggs (sometimes I use egg whites)
Mix-ins - tonight I used apples and blueberry's
Bake at 325 for about 25 minutes

(note: I doubled the recipe which yielded 6 muffins, 2 per serving, 5 points plus)

Enjoy....I know I will!