I have been pretty busy/MIA from blogging lately, but wanted to update with some recipes that I've found and enjoyed recently:
- Chocolate chocolate chip cookies - http://allrecipes.com/recipe/chocolate-chocolate-chip-cookies-i/detail.aspx
- Pumpkin cookies w/caramel icing - http://allrecipes.com/recipe/pumpkin-cookies-v/detail.aspx
- Three berry pie - http://allrecipes.com/recipe/three-berry-pie/detail.aspx
- Dark chocolate cupcakes w/pumpkin buttercream frosting - http://bakingbites.com/2011/10/dark-chocolate-cupcakes-with-pumpkin-buttercream/
I think my next goal is to make a pumpkin pie (using actual pumpkin from the pumpkins we carved for Halloween), and then perhaps a strawberry cheesecake (I hear those are tricky!)
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
Progress report after my first work-week on the weight loss project! I have been good at planning meals and following my diet, incorporating whole foods and lots of lean protein and fiber, drinking water instead of soda/coffee (mostly), and aiming for <1600 calories a day. I also did a few cardio workouts and a strength training workout and have more planned for after work today.
I have been weighing myself first thing in the morning and first thing after work each day and averaging them out to try and account for fluctuations, and so far this week I am down approximately 4 pounds since Monday morning!
An example of my eating (from today):
Breakfast - 1 slice whole grain toast, 8 oz nonfat mocha
Snack - 1/2 cup oatmeal w/1 tsp brown sugar
Lunch - Lean Cuisine, 1/2 cup broccoli cheddar soup
Snack - Apple, Luna Bar
Workout - 3 mile run, 30 minutes abs/arms
Snack - Banana/strawberry smoothie w/nonfat Greek yogurt and protein powder
Dinner - Baked chicken and potatoes w/veggies
That should add up to around 1500-1600 calories of filling deliciousness!
Now to see how well I can keep it up over the 4th of July long weekend... Wish me luck!
I have been weighing myself first thing in the morning and first thing after work each day and averaging them out to try and account for fluctuations, and so far this week I am down approximately 4 pounds since Monday morning!
An example of my eating (from today):
Breakfast - 1 slice whole grain toast, 8 oz nonfat mocha
Snack - 1/2 cup oatmeal w/1 tsp brown sugar
Lunch - Lean Cuisine, 1/2 cup broccoli cheddar soup
Snack - Apple, Luna Bar
Workout - 3 mile run, 30 minutes abs/arms
Snack - Banana/strawberry smoothie w/nonfat Greek yogurt and protein powder
Dinner - Baked chicken and potatoes w/veggies
That should add up to around 1500-1600 calories of filling deliciousness!
Now to see how well I can keep it up over the 4th of July long weekend... Wish me luck!
Monday, June 27, 2011
A New Project
This is something I've been thinking about a lot lately, but first, I want to add a disclaimer. I am going to start including a focus on losing weight in my blog posts, so if you don't want to read about that or feel it would trigger unhealthy feelings for you, please feel free to skip. Any blog title after this one with just the date in the title will be weight-loss related.
I have never been a chunky girl - growing up, I ate whatever I wanted (literally, whatever). People always said "that will catch up with you someday", but it never happened. Even throughout my four years of college, I never gained more than a few pounds at a time. In the past year or so, though, two years out of college, the pounds have been creeping on. I now weigh 15 pounds more than I did all through college and high school, and I'm at my highest weight ever. I've also been inconsistent with exercise lately, and the results are not pretty. I'm still not considered "overweight" by the BMI scale or probably, by most of the population, but I am a good 15-20 pounds heavier and a lot less fit and toned than I'd like to be.
I have have moments of attempting healthy eating in the past, but none have ever really lasted. In the past month or so, I've gotten a lot better - even counting calories, meal planning, and logging food on a regular basis, and stringing together a few good days in a row. But I haven't quite managed to get past the slips/cheat meals/cheat days and put in a consistently good week. I also haven't managed to have a consistently good week of exercise in longer than I care to admit. My excuse has been that working full-time takes up so much time, and I have so many other things to do, and life gets in the way, and... But no more excuses. So there are my first two goals: one consistent week of eating healthy (no slips or cheat meals), and one consistent week of exercise (a mix of both cardio AND strength training).
Wish me luck!
I have never been a chunky girl - growing up, I ate whatever I wanted (literally, whatever). People always said "that will catch up with you someday", but it never happened. Even throughout my four years of college, I never gained more than a few pounds at a time. In the past year or so, though, two years out of college, the pounds have been creeping on. I now weigh 15 pounds more than I did all through college and high school, and I'm at my highest weight ever. I've also been inconsistent with exercise lately, and the results are not pretty. I'm still not considered "overweight" by the BMI scale or probably, by most of the population, but I am a good 15-20 pounds heavier and a lot less fit and toned than I'd like to be.
I have have moments of attempting healthy eating in the past, but none have ever really lasted. In the past month or so, I've gotten a lot better - even counting calories, meal planning, and logging food on a regular basis, and stringing together a few good days in a row. But I haven't quite managed to get past the slips/cheat meals/cheat days and put in a consistently good week. I also haven't managed to have a consistently good week of exercise in longer than I care to admit. My excuse has been that working full-time takes up so much time, and I have so many other things to do, and life gets in the way, and... But no more excuses. So there are my first two goals: one consistent week of eating healthy (no slips or cheat meals), and one consistent week of exercise (a mix of both cardio AND strength training).
Wish me luck!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Backpack Report: Eastern WA, 6/24-6/26/2011 - new pics added!
Pics on top are from DBF's camera... enjoy!
The view from the trailhead, which we reached around 7:30 PM after leaving straight from Seattle around 4:30. We drove through a crazy rainstorm on Snoqualmie Pass and were glad when it was relatively drier on the east side of the mountains! Unfortunately, we had forgotten to print out the map/directions for where we were going, and we ended up unknowingly at the wrong trailhead.
We planned to head up the trail for a few miles, camp, and then make our way to this summit the next morning...
However, we soon had an inkling that we weren't on the right trail or even the right mountain. The trail was soaking wet and slippery with mud and multiple creek crossings, and snow began to appear about a mile after we began the hike. The trail we had meant to go on was reported to be snow-free 3-4 miles up.
Eventually, we lost the trail entirely and agreed that we were definitely not where we had planned to go. It was starting to get dark, though, so we decided to keep going and look for a dry place to camp.
The patches of snow on the trail were fairly deep and slippery and made for slow going, particularly when we kept postholing and sinking up to our knees in the snow. I even almost fell in a creek that was hidden underneath the snow.
We finally managed to locate a relatively level, snow-free and dry spot and set up camp right before it got dark. Luckily the rain held off, and we managed to stay relatively warm and dry throughout the night.
The next morning we woke up to a bluebird day - bright blue skies, sunny and warm. We had breakfast at this nice little spot and then decided to do some exploring. We were about halfway up one of the walls of the Esmerelda Basin (we later learned, upon consulting a map) and decided to do some off trail scrambling to get up to a viewpoint.
The barely visible rocky peak was our goal. The route was not incredibly steep until we got out of the trees onto a snowfield, and spent an hour or two tentatively picking our way up patches of snow and scree. It was very slow and frustrating going both up and down because, well, I'm afraid of heights!! But the view from the ledge we made it to was very striking and rewarding. The pics from the viewpoint are on DBF's camera so hopefully I will get a chance to post them soon!
Shortly after we reached our tent from this exploring mission, clouds began to roll in over the basin, and we decided to head further out into eastern Washington and do a night of car camping in somewhere with sunnier weather. We ended up camping along the Cle Elum river near Roslyn, in a gorgeous riverside campsite. We set up a fire pit on the rocky island in the middle of the river and ate dinner and drank beers under the stars. It was a warm and cozy night, and we woke up to brilliant blue skies and a warm, sunny morning before reluctantly heading back towards Seattle.
We didn't really end up going where we had planned, and the hiking was definitely challenging, but all in all it ended up being a great weekend!
The view from the trailhead, which we reached around 7:30 PM after leaving straight from Seattle around 4:30. We drove through a crazy rainstorm on Snoqualmie Pass and were glad when it was relatively drier on the east side of the mountains! Unfortunately, we had forgotten to print out the map/directions for where we were going, and we ended up unknowingly at the wrong trailhead.
We planned to head up the trail for a few miles, camp, and then make our way to this summit the next morning...
However, we soon had an inkling that we weren't on the right trail or even the right mountain. The trail was soaking wet and slippery with mud and multiple creek crossings, and snow began to appear about a mile after we began the hike. The trail we had meant to go on was reported to be snow-free 3-4 miles up. 
Eventually, we lost the trail entirely and agreed that we were definitely not where we had planned to go. It was starting to get dark, though, so we decided to keep going and look for a dry place to camp.
The patches of snow on the trail were fairly deep and slippery and made for slow going, particularly when we kept postholing and sinking up to our knees in the snow. I even almost fell in a creek that was hidden underneath the snow.
We finally managed to locate a relatively level, snow-free and dry spot and set up camp right before it got dark. Luckily the rain held off, and we managed to stay relatively warm and dry throughout the night.
The next morning we woke up to a bluebird day - bright blue skies, sunny and warm. We had breakfast at this nice little spot and then decided to do some exploring. We were about halfway up one of the walls of the Esmerelda Basin (we later learned, upon consulting a map) and decided to do some off trail scrambling to get up to a viewpoint.
The barely visible rocky peak was our goal. The route was not incredibly steep until we got out of the trees onto a snowfield, and spent an hour or two tentatively picking our way up patches of snow and scree. It was very slow and frustrating going both up and down because, well, I'm afraid of heights!! But the view from the ledge we made it to was very striking and rewarding. The pics from the viewpoint are on DBF's camera so hopefully I will get a chance to post them soon!
Shortly after we reached our tent from this exploring mission, clouds began to roll in over the basin, and we decided to head further out into eastern Washington and do a night of car camping in somewhere with sunnier weather. We ended up camping along the Cle Elum river near Roslyn, in a gorgeous riverside campsite. We set up a fire pit on the rocky island in the middle of the river and ate dinner and drank beers under the stars. It was a warm and cozy night, and we woke up to brilliant blue skies and a warm, sunny morning before reluctantly heading back towards Seattle.We didn't really end up going where we had planned, and the hiking was definitely challenging, but all in all it ended up being a great weekend!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Upcoming races (for reals!!)
This is my list of upcoming races that I have actually signed up and paid for:
July 15, 2011 - Warrior Dash (3.4 miles)
July 22, 2011 - Seafair Sprint Triathlon relay - swim leg (800M swim)
August 27, 2011 - Lake Sammamish Sprint Triathlon (800M swim, 14 mile bike, 3.1 mile run)
September 10, 2011 - Lake Stevens Olympic Triathlon (1 mile swim, 25 mile bike, 6.2 mile run)
I might also throw in the Torchlight 8K run at the end of July if a) I can afford it and b) other people want to do it too. I might potentially try a 1/2 Ironman at the end of September, but only if training goes *really* well. And hopefully a marathon or at least a half later in the fall too!
I just got new running shoes this past weekend, so time to buckle down on some good summer training!
July 15, 2011 - Warrior Dash (3.4 miles)
July 22, 2011 - Seafair Sprint Triathlon relay - swim leg (800M swim)
August 27, 2011 - Lake Sammamish Sprint Triathlon (800M swim, 14 mile bike, 3.1 mile run)
September 10, 2011 - Lake Stevens Olympic Triathlon (1 mile swim, 25 mile bike, 6.2 mile run)
I might also throw in the Torchlight 8K run at the end of July if a) I can afford it and b) other people want to do it too. I might potentially try a 1/2 Ironman at the end of September, but only if training goes *really* well. And hopefully a marathon or at least a half later in the fall too!
I just got new running shoes this past weekend, so time to buckle down on some good summer training!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Bike news!!
Today was a pretty perfect day weather-wise for bike riding, and we took advantage of it with a nice ride out to Ballard Locks and then to Golden Gardens. There were a few biking firsts for me on this ride:
1. First time riding clipped in for a reasonable distance (we ended up going almost 19 miles). My left clip was too tight for the first half but once we stopped at a bike shop and got it loosened, they were great!
2. First time biking on the road. This was a little bit scary, particularly in trafficky spots, but it was good for me to practice getting in and out of the clips quickly!
3. First hilly bike ride of the year (especially coming up Stevens Way on UW's campus).
4. First time hitting 16 mph pretty consistently and getting up to 19-20 at top speed.
There were definitely several parts that pushed my comfort zone (biking has never been my strongest/most comfortable phase, and the added getting used to the clips and the road were interesting), but it was definitely helpful and I think I'll feel a lot more confident next time I'm biking something easy like the Burke-Gilman trail!
1. First time riding clipped in for a reasonable distance (we ended up going almost 19 miles). My left clip was too tight for the first half but once we stopped at a bike shop and got it loosened, they were great!
2. First time biking on the road. This was a little bit scary, particularly in trafficky spots, but it was good for me to practice getting in and out of the clips quickly!
3. First hilly bike ride of the year (especially coming up Stevens Way on UW's campus).
4. First time hitting 16 mph pretty consistently and getting up to 19-20 at top speed.
There were definitely several parts that pushed my comfort zone (biking has never been my strongest/most comfortable phase, and the added getting used to the clips and the road were interesting), but it was definitely helpful and I think I'll feel a lot more confident next time I'm biking something easy like the Burke-Gilman trail!
Monday, June 6, 2011
Baking Report - 6/6/2011
I've decided to keep this blog going and make it a bit more well-rounded by adding some hiking/camping reports in addition to the running and triathlon stuff... and might as well add some baking/cooking to it as well!
I made a final round of study treats for Nolan tonight - homemade guacamole, chips, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies (above left), and cheesecake cookie dough bars (above right). The cookies and guac turned out yummy (hard to screw those up, pretty basic), and I have to give the cheesecake bars a rave review - they are super rich but soooo delicious, and pretty easy to make. Here is the recipe:
INGREDIENTS:
Crust: 1 1/2 cup graham cracker cookie crumbs, 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted), 2/3 cup chocolate chips
Cheesecake filling: 10 ounces cream cheese (softened), 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 egg (room temperature), 1/3 cup chocolate chips
Cookie dough filling: 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened), 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1/8 tsp salt, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 3/4 cup all-purpose unbleached flour, 1 cup chocolate chips
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees, rack positioned in middle
2. Line 9x9 pan with foil (extending over edges of pan), butter the foil
3. Stir graham cracker cookie crumbs and melted butter until crumbs are moistened, mix in chocolate chips and press crumb mixture into bottom of pan
4. Bake 6 minutes, set aside
5. Mix filling and cookie dough
6. Pour cheesecake filling over crust
7. Drop teaspoonfuls of cookie dough on top of cheesecake filling
8. Bake for 30-40 minutes at 325 degrees, until the top feels dry and firm and looks set if shaken gently
9. Drizzle 1/3 cup melted chocolate chips in lines over the top
10. Let cool in pan on wire rack for 1 hour
Hike Report: Pratt Lake, 5/29/2011
Decided to head up for a hike on Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, as that was supposed to be the nice day. Go figure Seattle weather reports, it was actually Saturday that was sunny. Sunday was cloudy but luckily not raining!
We headed up I-90 to the Granite Mountain trailhead. The trail was dry for the first mile or two, and we were considering heading up Granite, but given that we both had packs and were wary of snow/avalanche conditions, we took the less steep route towards Pratt Lake. It was a 4-5 mile hike each way, the elevation gain a lot more gradual than up to the Granite Lookout. About 1.5-2 miles in after several waterfall crossings, we hit snow... a LOT of snow. It was all packed down, so it was fine to walk on, but I think towards the lake there was at least 4-5 feet of snow. It was weird walking around so close to the treetops!
Near the lake, we got out onto the open ridge and decided to climb up the snowfield (bottom picture) for a lunch break. Being afraid of heights, this part sketched me out a little bit, but I figure it's always good to push out of your comfort zone a little bit. I fell a few times in the snow and even more slipping and sliding back down on the trail, but all in all it was a good hike and good to get some pack time in. No rain, and good company!
Peek-a-boo view of Pratt Lake from our lunch spot. The clouds/fog were rolling in by the time we finished.
This was a pretty steep lunch spot for someone who is afraid of heights!!
We headed up I-90 to the Granite Mountain trailhead. The trail was dry for the first mile or two, and we were considering heading up Granite, but given that we both had packs and were wary of snow/avalanche conditions, we took the less steep route towards Pratt Lake. It was a 4-5 mile hike each way, the elevation gain a lot more gradual than up to the Granite Lookout. About 1.5-2 miles in after several waterfall crossings, we hit snow... a LOT of snow. It was all packed down, so it was fine to walk on, but I think towards the lake there was at least 4-5 feet of snow. It was weird walking around so close to the treetops!
Near the lake, we got out onto the open ridge and decided to climb up the snowfield (bottom picture) for a lunch break. Being afraid of heights, this part sketched me out a little bit, but I figure it's always good to push out of your comfort zone a little bit. I fell a few times in the snow and even more slipping and sliding back down on the trail, but all in all it was a good hike and good to get some pack time in. No rain, and good company!
Peek-a-boo view of Pratt Lake from our lunch spot. The clouds/fog were rolling in by the time we finished.
This was a pretty steep lunch spot for someone who is afraid of heights!!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
2011 Race List
Here it is as of 5/18/2011:
June 18, 2011 - Cottage Lake Super Sprint Tri
July 24, 2011 - Seafair Sprint Tri
August 28, 2011 - Lake Meridian Olympic Tri
September 24, 2011 - Black Diamond 1/2 Ironman Tri
October 23, 2011 - Columbia Gorge Marathon
December 10, 2011 - Deception Pass 50K
June 18, 2011 - Cottage Lake Super Sprint Tri
July 24, 2011 - Seafair Sprint Tri
August 28, 2011 - Lake Meridian Olympic Tri
September 24, 2011 - Black Diamond 1/2 Ironman Tri
October 23, 2011 - Columbia Gorge Marathon
December 10, 2011 - Deception Pass 50K
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Guess who's back?
Yup, I finally have Internet access again! Along with, since the last time I posted, a new full-time job with benefits and a non-crazy boss (funny how I thought the last one would be "stable" - this one is so totally different), and a new house/new roommates.
The job is full time, Monday-Friday 8-4:30 (no evenings or weekends, yay!) with benefits (double yay) at Pacific Lamp & Supply in Georgetown (south Seattle). The company has been in business since 1912 and is continuing to grow despite the economy. My position is receptionist (phones only), plus lots of accounting (accounts receivable), data entry, and other admin type things. So far (knock on wood), I am really enjoying it. I will have been there for a month on May 18!!
The new house is in the Wedgwood neighborhood of North Seattle, a few blocks from my favorite bakery (the Greatful Bread!) AND my favorite park/running spot (Matthew's Beach). The room is really nice and big and on the second floor, and it's a nice cozy house (with a backyard) in a quiet neighborhood. The other two roommates pretty much keep to themselves, but they are nice and one of them has a sweet golden retriever!
Fitness-wise - I have been doing a lot of hiking lately (and even taken my new backpack out a few times) and hoping to get out more and more (once this rain disappears). I got a little bit out of the cardio/strength training routine with this new job, but now I am hoping to settle back in to cardio 5-6 times a week and strength training 2-3 times a week.
My next race is looking like either Beat the Bridge 8K this Sunday (maybe) or more likely, the Cottage Lake super sprint tri the first weekend in June. I can't believe tri season is coming up again already! Time to hit the bike trail and hopefully the lake (please show up soon, warm weather)!
Oh, and I've started a new diet as of this week - the ABS Diet. It seems pretty sensible and reasonably easy to follow, so we'll see how it goes!! I am hoping to lose at least 10 pounds and tune up by the time July rolls around.
The job is full time, Monday-Friday 8-4:30 (no evenings or weekends, yay!) with benefits (double yay) at Pacific Lamp & Supply in Georgetown (south Seattle). The company has been in business since 1912 and is continuing to grow despite the economy. My position is receptionist (phones only), plus lots of accounting (accounts receivable), data entry, and other admin type things. So far (knock on wood), I am really enjoying it. I will have been there for a month on May 18!!
The new house is in the Wedgwood neighborhood of North Seattle, a few blocks from my favorite bakery (the Greatful Bread!) AND my favorite park/running spot (Matthew's Beach). The room is really nice and big and on the second floor, and it's a nice cozy house (with a backyard) in a quiet neighborhood. The other two roommates pretty much keep to themselves, but they are nice and one of them has a sweet golden retriever!
Fitness-wise - I have been doing a lot of hiking lately (and even taken my new backpack out a few times) and hoping to get out more and more (once this rain disappears). I got a little bit out of the cardio/strength training routine with this new job, but now I am hoping to settle back in to cardio 5-6 times a week and strength training 2-3 times a week.
My next race is looking like either Beat the Bridge 8K this Sunday (maybe) or more likely, the Cottage Lake super sprint tri the first weekend in June. I can't believe tri season is coming up again already! Time to hit the bike trail and hopefully the lake (please show up soon, warm weather)!
Oh, and I've started a new diet as of this week - the ABS Diet. It seems pretty sensible and reasonably easy to follow, so we'll see how it goes!! I am hoping to lose at least 10 pounds and tune up by the time July rolls around.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
A new addition to the family...
No, I'm definitely not pregnant - not THAT kind of addition!! But one I am super excited about nevertheless - I have a shiny new road bike to ride for the 2011 triathlon season!! It is a 2010 Trek 1.2 21 speed road bike, and it is so comfy, fast, and light compared to the $5 mountain/hybrid bike I've done all my previous triathlons on. I can't wait to take it out for some nice long test rides on the next dry days!
Any suggestions on a name? It's a bit hard to tell from the picture, but the frame is navy blue with light blue and white accents.
Other news in a few words: I am almost done knitting my first beanie (after re-starting it 8 times!), my goal for Lent is to do some kind of workout every single day, and I am getting organized to apply to grad school at Seattle University this October!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Finally...
A new job!! A stable, full-time (or close to it, anyways - 4-5 days per week) job! It's a sign of the economy, I suppose (or of my idiotic choice in major) that a University of Washington graduate is working two restaurant jobs while in posession of a Bachelor's degree, but I will definitely take it! It's been difficult and frustrating not having a stable job (except my 10 hour a week job at the Tavern) - it's hard to save money, or pay rent, not knowing whether your hours will be cut or your job will disappear.
The job is a waitress/counter job at Sal's Deli in Burien - it's a lot smaller than the Tavern so it shouldn't be too difficult to pick up. I have enjoyed working in the Tavern and working with people, so hopefully it will be more of the same. The commute is nice and short, the people seem nice and pretty laid-back, and the pay/tips are good. It's only open 7 AM to 4 PM, which means no evenings/nights - definite bonus. I am curious/hopeful as to how flexible they will be with the schedule, but right now I am just pleased to have something steady! My first day will be tomorrow, 9 AM to 4 PM.
As far as school goes, I am filling out the FAFSA this week, figuring out what classes I need to take, and hopefully meeting with financial aid advisors soon. Also studying up on my math/algebra - I want to do really well on the math placement test so I can test out of (or at least into!) the math classes that I need.
Exercise/diet-wise, I have been ok this past week, but not terrific (yet). I have a few good runs over the weekend, some good strength training, and a great hike yesterday. Definitely the strongest I've felt on the trails so far this winter!
My plan for the rest of this week is a strength training (abs/arms) session today, a run and some yoga tomorrow, a run and strength training (abs/arms/legs) on Friday, a short tempo run on Saturday, and a long run of 8-10 miles on Sunday.
The job is a waitress/counter job at Sal's Deli in Burien - it's a lot smaller than the Tavern so it shouldn't be too difficult to pick up. I have enjoyed working in the Tavern and working with people, so hopefully it will be more of the same. The commute is nice and short, the people seem nice and pretty laid-back, and the pay/tips are good. It's only open 7 AM to 4 PM, which means no evenings/nights - definite bonus. I am curious/hopeful as to how flexible they will be with the schedule, but right now I am just pleased to have something steady! My first day will be tomorrow, 9 AM to 4 PM.
As far as school goes, I am filling out the FAFSA this week, figuring out what classes I need to take, and hopefully meeting with financial aid advisors soon. Also studying up on my math/algebra - I want to do really well on the math placement test so I can test out of (or at least into!) the math classes that I need.
Exercise/diet-wise, I have been ok this past week, but not terrific (yet). I have a few good runs over the weekend, some good strength training, and a great hike yesterday. Definitely the strongest I've felt on the trails so far this winter!
My plan for the rest of this week is a strength training (abs/arms) session today, a run and some yoga tomorrow, a run and strength training (abs/arms/legs) on Friday, a short tempo run on Saturday, and a long run of 8-10 miles on Sunday.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Now that I'm feeling better...
It's time to really kick off this new year, with a focus (exercise-wise) on consistent strength training, stretching, cardio, and a healthy diet based on whole foods.
I started off yesterday with a nice little hike up Mt. Si - 8 miles round trip, 4100 feet elevation gain, 2 feet of snow and 30 mph wind at the top. It was a beautiful view, and the more I hike the easier it gets (mentally, anyways!). Just have to keep practicing and working at it!
Today I hit the gym for a swim - I haven't been swimming really consistently since the summer, so I am pretty pleased with a 19:30 800M swim. I also did an abs and arms circuit and stretched everything out from yesterday's hike.
Tomorrow is a 4 mile run around Green Lake followed by yoga, and an ever-ubiquitous yet rarely fruitful job interview. I am hoping to get something with more steady hours so I can settle into a routine!
I am still planning on the Fishline 25K in Port Gamble mid-February as my next race - time to start bumping up the long run mileage again too!
I started off yesterday with a nice little hike up Mt. Si - 8 miles round trip, 4100 feet elevation gain, 2 feet of snow and 30 mph wind at the top. It was a beautiful view, and the more I hike the easier it gets (mentally, anyways!). Just have to keep practicing and working at it!
Today I hit the gym for a swim - I haven't been swimming really consistently since the summer, so I am pretty pleased with a 19:30 800M swim. I also did an abs and arms circuit and stretched everything out from yesterday's hike.
Tomorrow is a 4 mile run around Green Lake followed by yoga, and an ever-ubiquitous yet rarely fruitful job interview. I am hoping to get something with more steady hours so I can settle into a routine!
I am still planning on the Fishline 25K in Port Gamble mid-February as my next race - time to start bumping up the long run mileage again too!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Happy 2011!
I am kicking off 2011 with a stuffy nose, a sore throat, a dizzy head, and a voice that sounds like a 70 year old smoker's. I can't drive my car until tomorrow, my office job has been cut down to one day per week (which means that I am going to, once again, be looking for a new job). I need to learn a year's worth of algebra in the next three months and figure out financial aid, and then take classes at community college that I didn't bother to take in undergrad and now need. My grandma is in the hospital (hopefully nothing serious), and there are still 5 more months until it (might) become sunny on a regular basis.
On the bright side, a less than perfect start to 2011 means that it can (hopefully) only go up, right? Hopefully this will be a quick sickness, so that I can get back to working out, running, swimming, and hiking. Hopefully I will find a new job soon, and become amazing at algebra, and hopefully grandma will make a full recovery ASAP. I will focus on finding small fun things to do throughout the remaining winter months, and get outside as much as possible so I don't drive myself crazy. In some ways, I think it's better this way. Start 2011 with a clean slate and everything perfect, and there is pressure pressure pressure to keep it that way, to not screw up even the tiniest bit. Now, since I am starting off with a mess of things to work through, I can focus on checking everything off the to do list on the way back up. Accomplishing things, fixing things, and taking steps in the right direction actually seems better to me than trying to keep things perfect (although hopefully I'll be there sooner rather than later!).
Once I feel better, here are my New Year's Resolutions for 2011.
1. Diet and exercise - whole, natural foods, less sugar/caffeine/alcohol. Run at least 3-4x a week, swim/yoga/strength train at least 3x.
2. Backpack through the Enchantments and climb Mailbox Peak (will require more than a few training hikes!)
3. Marathon PR at North Olympic Discovery Marathon in June
4. Complete 1/2 Ironman Triathlon at Black Diamond in September
5. My most important one: Be open-minded. By this, I mean say yes to anything (within reason), go in with a good attitude and a goal to have fun, even if it's something that sounds silly or lame to me. Too often, I have gotten cranky over doing something that doesn't sound like fun to me, and I feel really silly when I actually end up having a good time. Why not go into everything with "I don't know what this is going to be like, but let's try and make it fun"?
Happy 2011 everyone!
On the bright side, a less than perfect start to 2011 means that it can (hopefully) only go up, right? Hopefully this will be a quick sickness, so that I can get back to working out, running, swimming, and hiking. Hopefully I will find a new job soon, and become amazing at algebra, and hopefully grandma will make a full recovery ASAP. I will focus on finding small fun things to do throughout the remaining winter months, and get outside as much as possible so I don't drive myself crazy. In some ways, I think it's better this way. Start 2011 with a clean slate and everything perfect, and there is pressure pressure pressure to keep it that way, to not screw up even the tiniest bit. Now, since I am starting off with a mess of things to work through, I can focus on checking everything off the to do list on the way back up. Accomplishing things, fixing things, and taking steps in the right direction actually seems better to me than trying to keep things perfect (although hopefully I'll be there sooner rather than later!).
Once I feel better, here are my New Year's Resolutions for 2011.
1. Diet and exercise - whole, natural foods, less sugar/caffeine/alcohol. Run at least 3-4x a week, swim/yoga/strength train at least 3x.
2. Backpack through the Enchantments and climb Mailbox Peak (will require more than a few training hikes!)
3. Marathon PR at North Olympic Discovery Marathon in June
4. Complete 1/2 Ironman Triathlon at Black Diamond in September
5. My most important one: Be open-minded. By this, I mean say yes to anything (within reason), go in with a good attitude and a goal to have fun, even if it's something that sounds silly or lame to me. Too often, I have gotten cranky over doing something that doesn't sound like fun to me, and I feel really silly when I actually end up having a good time. Why not go into everything with "I don't know what this is going to be like, but let's try and make it fun"?
Happy 2011 everyone!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)