Finally!

Well, I'm sad to report that once again I slacked on getting up. I've been giving myself a hard time about this all day. And yesterday!

I did run hills this afternoon, though. I felt weird because I took some sinus medication. Oh well! I did it!

Back to the regular drill tomorrow. I'm committed!

Good Morning

Hi again. bought myself a new cd yesterday. 3 cd set of 1960's hits. "remade by the original artists" Ha! Only cost $10 so I should have known better. Listened to the first one on the treadmill this morning. Terrible! but I jogged for 18.63 minutes to it. This is getting scary. Pretty soon I'll be Julie! I jog at 5 mph though, not 6 like you do. Raining here this morning but north of us they're getting a foot of snow! Glad we're only getting rain. Just what Fargo/Moorhead need. Duluth is getting it, too. Off to work. Have a good day!

Good Morning

Another week! Hurray! At least I don't have to work on Monday but I am going to Sam's and Cub today and that feels like work. We haven't been for 7 weeks so we really need stuff. The shelves are bare. But I walked with Billy Joel again this morning. Felt great. 17 minutes and 21 seconds was jogging! I know because of the time of the 4 songs I listened to while doing it! I am really ready to be out on the road though. Gotta go. Have a good day.

Yay weekend!

Oh, I'm worn! I'm ready for a day off.

I really didn't want to get up this morning. But I did. I now seem to have an attitude of "it is only thirty minutes. It is already practically over!" when I feel sluggish in the morning. Which is good, because I get my exercise in!

I had a good run this morning - 32:05. Pretty good - but I want to get back into the 31s. Something to work for.

I also did pushups - four sets of five each. Hard - really hard at the end. Then I went to the batting cages at lunch. It was very fun!

Had hot pot for dinner tonight. I ate a lot! But it was good and included a lot of vegetables.

Busy Times

Well, it had to happen. I snoozed today. I was just tired - and I get kind of over it by the end of the week. Wasn't worth is though. Lost five minutes and was STILL tired!

I had a good exercise day. Ran this morning - time was 32:03. Then did the morning calisthenics routine. I did a few hills at lunch and then batting cages tonight after work. I'm tired!

Good Morning

I've been negligent here! But now that we're home I'll get back to it. You have been doing great this week! Wow! I was glad to be back on the treadmill this morning and that's a sentence I never thought I would see myself type! But it did feel good to get back to my normal routine. Took Air Supply with me today. Didn't use the iPod at all in the motel. Still too cold to be outside here. Only +21 when I got up this morning and we had some snow flurries over night! Not a lot but still....it's supposed to be spring! Have a good day.

Boo/Yay

Well, my run was 15 seconds longer then yesterday. That is the Boo. But my time was 32:13 and that is awesome!

I also did pushpus. I did 4 sets of 5, so 20 in all. And it was hard. But I'm feeling muscle!

Woo Hoo!

My run clocked in at 31:58! I was stunned and excited to see that "1" on my watch!

I did squats, lunges, dips, and The Plank after my run.

THEN...yes, there is more! I ran my hill five times at lunch. Work was really angstful today, so I needed to get out.

After work, my mind would not settle down so I walked to my garden. Not an exercise walk, just a getting out in the evening walk. And it was beautiful. Perfect night and so many flowers are blooming that it just smells delicious.

I'm tired!

Whoops!

I had a good weigh in Friday - down two pounds! Which was apparently all the permission I needed to eat like a maniac this weekend! Grrr! Back on the healthy food wagon.

I had a great run today. My time was 32:44 which was great because I really thought I would be over 33.

Good Morning

I slept until 7:30 this morning and didn't actually get out of bed until 8:00!! What a lazy bones. Of course, I sat up until midnight finishing a book. It felt good though. I have the feeling that when I retire I will sleep in many mornings. At least in the first few months! After that I'll probably be on the phone begging the Bishop to give me something to do. Anyway, getting a later start here today but that's ok on Saturday. Took Rhonda with me again on my walk this morning. Did well this morning and felt good and felt good about it. Hope you have a good day.

Amazing

Our weather was so neat and weird today! It has been very foggy and I ran in fog - that is how low it was. No ghosts in the fog, though. Or skunks for that matter.

Great time again today. 32:53. I was especially pleased because I felt so gummy when I was out this morning. I thought I would be over 33, if only by a little.

I did squats, lunges, and dips.

Many amazing things, huh? Including the fact that I'm not posting this at 10! But the truly amazing thing is that I am unbelievably sore today! Seriously, my bum hurts like I cannot believe. It must be the hills from yesterday - although I also did The Plank for the first time yesterday. But, wow, I can feel it.

Tomorrow is weigh in day for me! Even if I have not lost anything, that's OK, because I feel so much better and energetic an can see and feel the fact that my running is having an impact in the fit of my clothing. So there scale!

But......I'd also be lying if I didn't say I have that attitude because I've been weighing myself all freaking week so I know I'm dipping downward. It is ever so easy to be generous when one knows the outcome!

Worn!

Well, how long has it been since I reported running hills at lunch? Get ready!

I got up this morning and had a great run. I am finally breaking that 11 minute per mile pace. My time was 32:48.

Then I did pushups and THE PLANK (read that in a big booming voice followed by dududum!!!!!). We shall see how sore my abs feel tomorrow. I will let you know.

Then I ran hills at lunch! I was really glad I brought my workout gear because, man, work was stressful today! So I ran my hill 5 times.

Healthy eating today. And I bet healthy sleeping tonight. I'm tired!

Beautiful Day!

We had a beautiful day here today. And it was really nice when I went for a run this morning, also. Very pretty orange sky behind palm trees. A pretty run makes a shorter run!

My time today was 33:18. A little longer then yesterday, but that is OK.

I really didn't want to get up this morning - yet again! But I did. I had a healthy eating day, even though I went out for lunch. Just a sandwich, but it was really delicious. And only 2.75!! It was a Vietnamese sandwich. I had the shredded pork. I keep telling myself those clear things were noodles....but......

I've had a headache all night. So I'm calling it a night.

Running

I had a good run this morning. 33:01. Getting closer to breaking that 11 minute mark again! Just goes to show how important it is to keep on practicing. I took a brake while you were here and then I got sick and was off. Can't let this happen when we go to Virginia! But that is OK because I think I'll have a new running partner!

I had a healthy eating day again today. Lots of fruits and vegetables. Chicken for meat. Solid.

It was cold this morning - I had to wear long underwear! Seriously! But we are getting ready a Santa Ana weekend.

Fun Run

I had a really great run this morning. I went over to Coronado and ran on the beach! No iPod so it was really peaceful. It was really one of the most enjoyable runs I've had in a while.

And exhausting! I ran near the water, so I was on the hard pack. But it is still VERY different from road running. And there was a small portion I hit four times that was all loose. That was really difficult!

I ran for 54 minutes. My goal was 40, but I was having fun so I changed my goal!

I had a healthy eating day today. And I roasted a chicken and made tomato soup for the upcoming week. I find that if I make something on Sunday I'm better prepared to eat healthy throughout the week. Otherwise it is hard because I often do not want to cook when I come home after work.

A little effort

Well, it is amazing what just a little effort will do.

I had a great run this morning - 32:22! My best time in quite a while. I was really pleased. I also had time for pushups, squats, and lunges.

Today was my weekly weigh in and I'm down another two pounds. Just eating healthy and consistently exercising has shown results!

I had an interesting run this morning. First, I was up at 5:30 this morning. I'm ok with that because for the past two nights I've finally been sleeping again. Anyway, I ran a bit early then. The interesting part was that my iPod battery died at the 1/2 way point and it made me enjoy the run a bit more. I noticed much more how pretty it was and how neat the sky looked when it was a purple backdrop for the palm trees. Anyway, I love my iPod but I did without (out of necessity!) and it was good!

Whoops!

I had just tucked myself into bed last night when I realized that I didn't post! But don't worry - I did exercise!

Yesterday I ran and it was good. Felt strong. My time was 33:28. Little longer then Tuesday, but still good. Then I did pushups - I added another set so I did four sets of four. I'll keep that up every other day and then do four sets of five and so on. Maybe add one more every week. Pushups are hard!

Now, let me tell you what is awesome motivation for me. Impending rain. We had a very heavy, grey sky this morning. It wasn't very cold though. I suppose the cloud cover helped keep some warmth in. Anyway, I RAN! I had my best time today since pre-flu! It was 32:59. And it felt good.

I did some triceps (dips) here and crunches after my run.

Good Morning

-15 here this morning!! Ugh. Bright and sunny though and no wind today so that's all good.

Jogging now 15-18 minutes every morning. Feels good and hope I can do longer and longer. Yes, I know....who am I? And what am I becoming? It's scary.

Have a good day.

Tired!

I sure did not feel like rolling out of bed this morning! But I did it, darn it! I hit snooze and then had a little C2J talk (Come to Julie) with myself. I was making my bed when my snooze rang and told me to get out of bed! Yes! I make my bed!

I had a good run this morning. Listened to Rage Against the Machine. No Peter, Paul, and Mary - that is for sure!

I also did 12 push ups when I got back.

Did you know that you weigh a lot more at night when you are wearing multiple layers of sweatshirts and pants? Yeah. True story.

Crank-o-Rama

Hoo boy! I was cranky today. No specific reason. Just a noggin full of negative thoughts. So I did my best to power through reasoning that everybody is crabby once in a while.

When I got home I thought "I'll apologize to Jessica tomorrow. She listened to me vent earlier." And then I realized....wait. She is my friend. That is her JOB!! Actually, the only person I have to apologize to is myself for being so hard on myself and self judgmental about having a crabby day!

Anyway, crank or no, I got up this morning and had a great run. Time was 33:36, so I am shaving off those seconds. Slowly but surely. I also did 12 push ups! 4 at a time with a break in between.

I also spent an hour or so working on my garden tonight. Finally! Something good about the government stealing an hour of my life! I have a new weed plan. I got black trash bags and laid them over my soil. The theory is that in 4 weeks the weeds will be dead due to the lack of light. I'll let you know how this brilliant plan pans out!

Really healthy eating day today. I got some yellow tomatoes at the farmer's market yesterday and made tomato soup. DELICIOUS!! And pretty. Except for the milk I curdled......that was sad. I'm not sure if it was the different temperatures when I added the milk to the soup that made that happen or the acidity of the tomatoes. Just means more for me since I won't share now!

Good Morning

Hi from the Comfort Inn in West Duluth where there is a very nice pool and hot tub but no fitness center. so no walking this morning. and I'm not going swimming either. Might do some walking in the Mall after lunch because Mom wants to get her haircut there.

Congratulations on the lost 3 lbs! Progress seems to make it all worthwhile. Were the flowers out in the desert? Have a good day.

Tired!

I am so worn out! I got up so darn early this morning that I had more then enough time to run. So I did.

And then we went to Borrego and hiked. The wild flowers were very beautiful. We did the palm canyon hike, but we hiked in from the visitor's center. This made it a five mile round trip.

I'm tired.

Well, snap!

Guess who lost three pounds? Oh yeah. ME! Good think I'm doing this "weigh myself once a week" thing, because as we both know I would probably find those three pounds tomorrow! But I'm happy to see downward movement because I really have been watching what I eat in conjunction with exercising. I don't know if I'll be at my goal next time you see me, but I'll sure be working toward it!

I had a good (and skunk free!) run this morning. My time was 33:43, so I am continuing to improve.

I came back and did some push ups, but I quit after my second set. I was just too darn tired! I didn't have the strength to keep my form, and I guess that is important. I don't feel bad - it was an add on exercise.

Healthy and delicious eating today! I've really been stepping up the delicious factor. I figure if I'm not eating as much, I better enjoy what I am!

I'm not, of course, doing that 1300 calorie a day diet that the intertubes suggested. But I'm also not eating have a bag of dove candies!

An Open Letter to my Neighbors

"Dear" Neighbors,

Please quit feeding the feral cats. Because you are not just feeding the sweet little neighborhood kitty. You are also feeding SKUNKS. And someday I am going to get sprayed. And I'm gonna be mad. And I am going to strip off all my skunk clothes and leave them in your yard. Then I will walk home. Naked. Hopefully most of the skunk smell will remain in your yard.

Do you see that no one wins?

Your neighbor who mentally persecutes you,

Julie

Better

I was up disgustingly early today. 5 AM!! Actually, I laid in bed until 5:15 or so. But still! Oh, well. Aren't I always saying I wish I could get up without my alarm? Well, dang if wishes don't come true!!

So....I got my run in early. Had a better time, so I know that will continue to improve. I also did push ups (12 boy style!!), triceps, lunges, squats, and crunches. Cause I had all that time to kill and all!

A good workout morning.

I also had a healthy eating day. I for sure got 5 servings of fruits and vegetables. I was looking at a weight loss calculator last night and it told me I should be eating 1300 calories a day. Wow. Talk about a recipe for bitter.

Good Morning

You're doing great! But turning down chocolate chip cookies? That's beyond duty and into the realm of sacrifice. I'm walking with the Beatles the last couple days. Sure wish I could get outside to do it though. Come on spring!

Running

I had another good - but slow - run today. I thought about it today. Even though my watch is telling me I'm slowish, I feel like I'm running well and challenging myself. So I'm not going to lament too much. I know I will improve and as long as I feel like I'm getting a solid workout, I'm not going to push it.

I had a healthy eating day, too. One coworker made chocolate chip cookies in the toaster over but I did not partake. Not on my schedule! If they were like ambrosia, I totally would have been in. But I've had them before and they are just mass produced, refrigerate your dough for 10 weeks kind of cookies. I am learning to save my calories for something special.

Well, shoot!

I sure had a slow run today! The watch confirmed it, but I could feel it. I just felt like I was running in water! Although I am darn sore from all of the stuff I did this weekend, so that could be why it was so tough.

I did 12 push ups again today. Tough at the end! Also some dips. Healthy eating, too! Yay me!

Good Morning

You have too many messages here!

Glad you are getting into the garden. I can hardly wait to get into mine. I really wish we had gone over there one day. I would have been happy to pull some weeds. Do you have anything planted there now?

Walking in sand is hard work! I agree. And two hours of it has to count for something. I walked with Billy Joel again this morning. He and Elton John are coming to the X in St. Paul in May as a team and the tickets start at $80! It's on a Tuesday night when I'll be at school anyway so I couldn't go even if the tickets were free.

100 pushups? I can't imagine it. But good luck with that.

We're out of here for a day of shopping the winter clothing sales. I stopped at Kohl's on Friday and found 3 Docker's sweaters on their 90% off clearance rack. Two of them were $4.20 and one was $5.20. Told Mom we should both go today and see what we can find.

Hello March!

I just cannot believe it is already March. Yikes.

I had another day of non-traditional exercise. My friend Brian and I went to the beach on Coronado and spend a couple of hours waking around there. Not hard core speed walking, just moseying around. But walking on the sand is difficult!

I'm feeling really tired tonight so I hope I sleep well. The last couple of weeks I have been a bad sleeper. I am not sure why - and I have really cut down my caffeine intake. In fact, I have quit having anything with caffeine after 11 AM Monday through Friday.

I did a good job this weekend of not letting my boredom get the best of me and eating my way through it. Maybe it is not boredom, because I am not actually bored on the weekend. But lack of structure I think. Anyway, it was a healthy weekend with healthy eating and fun activity stuff.

Oh, and I'm sunburned!