Motivational Monday: 2.29.16

Well, today seemed like as good of a day as any for this quote! :)

An extra day, a new week, a new month. All great reasons to refresh and refocus!

Where I want to leap this week:

• going with Chad to an appointment at Mayo Clinic later today - hope that goes well. Glad I can take the day off and support him, even if taking off work is a little stressful by itself!
• continue to count calories. I've tracked for four days now, and had good weigh ins yesterday and today. Also had two good workouts this weekend, so that probably helped, too.
• I have three assignments that I need to get done this week for my master's classes.
• paperwork. Slowly digging myself out, but its a work in progress!
• workouts. Monday's have been rest days, and Wednesdays and Fridays life gets the best of me. I do not want all three of them to be days off this week. Going to really try and push myself to get in a Wednesday run, then rest again Friday when my parents are here, but still get good workouts in next weekend!

Are you doing anything to acknowledge Leap Day?! Other than noting the date and that we only get to experience it once every four years, I am not!

*****
Just to prove that I have continued to count calories:

Saturday 2/27

• pancakes - 190 calories
• syrup and butter - 235 calories

yup, still can't figure out golden brown on my new pan! :(

• 2c Smart Start cereal and 1c milk - 490 calories
• Hyvee Chinese Express - 712 calories (I used their website to find calories counts, and when Chad got home with the food, I measured out a cup of the orange chicken and a cup of the fried rice to keep it accurate. I also had a crab rangoon)

• 2 cans of pepsi - 300 calories
• 4 thin mints - 160 calories
• TOTAL: 2087 calories

Sunday 2/28

• 2c Smart Start cereal and 1c milk for breakfast - 490 calories
• grapefruit w/sugar, fritos scoops, and a pepsi for lunch after church - 570 calories
• pork chop and pasta salad for supper - 540 calories (although I didn't eat my whole pork chop)
• Pepsi and just 2 thin mints in the evening - 230 calories
• TOTAL: 1830 calories

I was pretty proud Sunday night that I didn't eat a whole serving of thin mints (four of them) or go back for another snack even though I was feeling hungry. Like I noted on Saturday, my calorie count seems higher than I had been guessing the last few months. However, I absolutely believe it is actually lower than it had been just by forcing myself to write it down. I am not going for some chips thinking I know what I am eating. I don't feel like I eat a lot, but don't always make the best choices either! I will keep doing it his way, and will make subtle changes along the way. Right now, I am proud that I've stuck it out four days, and had a good weekend. The scale was friendly this morning! :)

Calorie Counting

As you know, I've been working since Memorial Day weekend to start losing the weight I put on last December - May. I know I haven't been perfect, but I feel like I've been working harder than the scale shows. That is super frustrating, but I also know the scale isn't everything. Still, losing the weight is part of the goal! The other part is to tone back up and feel like I have the strength and fitness I did back in 2014.

I finally gave in and decided to try counting calories. Honestly, this first week or so won't be so much for the purpose of cutting calories or changing anything (even though I know there are things I can change) but rather to really get an honest picture of how many calories I am consuming each day. I think sometimes we think we know how many we are eating, but underestimate accidentally.

Plus we all know that by purposefully counting calories, we are more inclined to eliminate a snack we don't really need or make a healthier choice because we are going to have to write it down. So whether it be on purpose or not, I am likely going to make some subtle changes.

I am going to share what the first few days have looked like. I am not sure if I am going to continue to share or not. I know it would be good to share for accountability, but how boring to read daily food logs! Maybe I will make it part of my weekly training recaps? I'll figure it out!

***
Thursday:

• Breakfast: Yoplait yogurt - 150 calories,
• mid-morning: granola bar  - 150 calories
• oops - I also forgot I snuck 2 thin mints on the way out the door - 80 calories
• Birds Eye microwavable noodles and veggies for lunch - 460 calories (2 servings)
• string cheese - 90 calories
• Pepsi and PB sandwich calories during afternoon prep - 360 calories total
• slice of pizza for dinner - 330 calories
• 2 more thin mints on the way out to Ava's dance class - 80 calories
• 2nd Pepsi of the day - 150 calories
• TOTAL - 1850 calories

Friday:

• Kwik Trip cream-filled long john (a Friday indulgence!) - 420 calories (hoping that's an accurate count)
• Birds Eye veggies in cheese sauce for lunch - 175 calories (package was 3.5 servings)
• string cheese - 90 calories
• yogurt (that I didn't eat for breakfast) - 150 calories
• Pepsi and PB sandwich crackers - 360 calories
• Granola bar - 150 calories
• Grapefruit (sprinkled with sugar) - 200 calories
• Pepsi - 150 calories
• 1/2c Frito scoops - 220 calories
• TOTAL - 1915 calories

****
So far both days have been higher than I thought they would be. I thought I was closer to 1500 than 2000 most days. Obviously the one area I should easily cut is one Pepsi instead of two per day. I just like my Pepsi! Friday especially didn't feel like it should've been that high. I was hungry most of the day!

Hopefully I can stick with counting to get a baseline, and then figure out where I can start making different choices and eventually start seeing some movement on the scale.

Here's this morning (Saturday) so far:

• pancakes - 190 calories
• syrup and butter - 235 calories

The pancake count is estimated, but I did eat about half of what I made, so I'll go with it. I am probably going to eat extra calories today (will eat again before I get out for my long run, plus lunch and supper!). However, I am also going on a long run ...

We'll see what happens from here and if it makes a difference.

What have been your tried and true methods to break through a rut?

MedCity2016: Training Week 4

I can't believe that four weeks of training are done already. While I am not at the quantity I'd like to be, I feel okay with the quality. There is always room for improvement, but I feel like I am at a good spot to keep increasing.

Here's how last week played out.

.Monday 2/15: President's Day meant no work, so I had no excuse not to fit in a workout on a day that would otherwise be a rest day. I headed to Y for cycle box. We did all our cycling and then all out kickboxing rather than intervals. I liked it that way! I also noticed I hadn't done kickboxing lately, and felt it in my arms/armpit area the next day!

Tuesday 2/16: kettle bells. Yeah, Tuesday nights! If I remember right, it was a night we used medicine balls. I keep telling myself to make note of what equipment we used when I note what the workout was, but somehow I always forget. Bummer.

Wednesday 2/17: Since  I had already gotten a Monday workout in, I had less pressure to also do Wednesday. I took the night off because I was still bothered by the cold I'd been dealing with. Where as the first week of the cold was congestion/runny nose, this second week was characterized by the cough. That.wouldn't.stop. And It wasn't from the chest necessarily, just a dry, scratchy cough. I took Nyquil just to try to take the edge off, but still with the intention of being productive during the evening. Ha. I was out on the couch before 9:00.

Thursday 2/18: kettle bells! Again, I need to start remembering to write down what we did so I can say something besides "kettle bells" - her class really is so much more than "just" kettle bells - which are amazing by themselves! Unless I am mistaken, we warmed up with jump ropes, then used them throughout the workout, too. Past that - I can't say for sure!

Friday 2/19: opted for Friday happy hour festivities!

Saturday 2/20: I was supposed to run double digits this weekend, and was both nervous and excited about it. However, we ended up with a morning play date at the Y and cookie booth in the afternoon. So I had just a small window to get my run in. I was able to fit in 8 miles, which I was still happy with. I felt pretty good throughout the run; and even changed my walk-run interval from .1-.9 to only walking the .1 every other mile. For most of the run I was disappointed that I wasn't going 10 because I really felt like it would have been possible. I didn't start feeling differently until the last two miles. 7 was tough, but 8 was even harder. Maybe that means around 6 will be a good time to take my first fuel as my runs get longer?!?

1	12:52	12:52	12:45	1.00	--	26	12:52	12:45	9:27	140
2	12:19	25:11	12:16	1.00	13	--	12:19	12:16	9:39	146
3	12:36	37:47	12:31	1.00	--	16	12:36	12:31	9:19	145
4	12:18	50:05	12:12	1.00	13	7	12:18	12:12	9:06	149
5	12:45	1:02:50	12:46	1.00	3	--	12:46	12:46	9:34	139
6	12:23	1:15:13	12:15	1.00	12	9	12:24	12:15	9:45	139
7	12:52	1:28:05	12:48	1.00	3	3	12:52	12:48	10:09	140
8	14:09	1:42:14	14:06	1.00	23	9	14:09	14:06	9:30	128
9	0:21.9	1:42:36	0:17	0.02	--	--	16:21	12:43	11:11	3
Summary	1:42:36	1:42:36	1:41:56	8.02	67	70	12:47	12:42	9:06	1,129

Sunday 2/21: Mainly because I felt guilty for not getting my full mileage in on Saturday, I opted to squeeze in a shorter run. I ended up going 3.49 miles; my hips were tight, but once I got going the run went smooth.

1	13:44	13:44	13:42	1.00	13	--	13:44	13:42	7:12	134
2	12:02	25:45	11:57	1.00	19	41	12:01	11:57	9:36	147
3	12:33	38:18	12:29	1.00	31	26	12:32	12:29	9:06	142
4	5:44.8	44:03	5:43	0.49	--	--	11:50	11:46	9:12	74
Summary	44:03	44:03	43:51	3.49	63	66	12:38	12:35	7:12	497

****
Weekly totals:
2 runs for 11.50 miles in 2:26:38
3 cross training class - 2:10

Total Time Training: 4:36:38

Not a terrible week. I started training knowing I didn't have a great base built up, so opted to focus on building a long run and keeping fitness/strength. I am at a point where I know if I am going to improve versus for maintain as I train, I need to get some shorter, faster runs built in. This next phase of training, I am working to make sure I schedule at least two runs a week, and/or another cross training class depending on the weeks schedule. This was a nice week to get that phase off the ground!

Weekend Bullet Points

• The weekend started when I decided to go to happy hour after work on Friday. It was the end of our annual "Blues Week", a dress up week just for staff! To end Blues Week, Social Committee held a special happy hour which included karaoke! I ended up calling Chad and telling him to come down for an appetizer, and to have Ava bring Girl Scout cookies to sell! She sold 11 boxes! Then I texted a friend who I was supposed to drop cookies off for, and she said she was with her coworkers at a different bar, but to come down there! I wasn't going to go to drink, and it was still somewhat early, so I took Ava and she sold another 15 boxes! Amusing! and relaxing!

• started Saturday morning with a playdate at the Y. Ava played with my friend's little boy, who is going on 2. It was fun to watch her be somewhat motherly/baby-sitter like, but I have to know where did my baby go?!?

• Chad is a great dad. Here is a picture of him taking Ava door-door to sell some Girl Scout cookies. They sold 18 boxes while I went running. Then Ava and I headed to Wal-Mart to work the troop cookie booth, too.

• Chad made steak and Caesar salad for supper. It was so nice out that I was hoping he was going to grill outside; it turned out we haven't replaced the propane since fall! Still tasted good.  

• Ava has been begging to watch the movie Parent Trap since she saw it on tv. We couldn't find it on Netflix, so we finally took her to rent at Family Video. This came home with them, too! Yum.

• She watched it twice .... well, almost twice Saturday night. This is how Chad found us between 9 and 9:30! Sadly, I woke up when Chad carried her upstairs, and then had the hardest time getting back to sleep!

• Our magic bands came! Our trip is getting closer!!

• Sunday started like most Sunday's with church/Sunday School for Ava and I.

• We got my mom a new bird feeder for Christmas. When we are at my mom and dad's, Ava loves to help Grandma fill her feeders, so Ava wanted one, too! We've had it out all winter, but haven't had to many birds. Well, with the nicer weather this weekend they finally started coming around! We had a mostly gray one, a red-headed one (not a cardinal), and a blue-headed one. I'll have to try and figure out what kinds we're getting!

• I fit in two runs. I didn't get to double digits like I was hoping; it had more to do with time than ability (I think, though the last mile of my long run was tough!), so I feel good about getting there next weekend. I'll write more about my runs on my training update.

Currently 2.19.16

.Valentines was pretty low key for us, hence no post of it's own! I sent Chad shopping to get Ava's gift from us (a new lego set, a stuffed animal, and some candy) and he came home with a new running jacket for me. He found it on clearance for $13 at Wal-Mart. It fits a little tight through the shoulders, but I am looking forward to running it!

.probably not running in it this weekend though, because there are actually highs of 40 predicted for Saturday. Bring on the spring fever!

.Ava and I also made a heart-shaped cake!

.today marks one month until we leave for Florida! Crazy excited and yet nervous! I feel like there are little, loose ends to tie up and no time to do them.

.taxes. Ugh. Have others not filed yet? I really need to get on ours. Would love to have them done and get our refund back before we leave on vacation.

.running double digits this weekend for the first time since October. Planning to take it slow and cover the distance. Hoping it goes well.

.wish I could shake this cold. It started last week as a sore throat, then came the congestion, and lastly the cough. Mostly now all I have is the cough. It comes and goes, but when it comes it is a constant tickle and it won't stop. Hope it's nearing the end!

.Girl Scout Cookies. After my in-laws bought a stock, and also took a bunch back for family and friends up that way, I may have gotten over confident with how many we are going to be able to sell. Our dining room is overflowing with them it feels like! I know for sure I will not be picking up any more cases from our troop leader to sell; I'll be happy if we can go through the vast majority of what we have on-hand. We'll ship if you're interested! :)

MedCity2016: Training Week 3

Second week in a row that I am just not impressed with. I maintained consistency with my Tuesday/Thursday, and had a 5k on Sunday that gave me a bit of a kick in speed. Far from stellar, but week three is in the books regardless.

Monday, 2/8: rest

Tuesday, 2/9: kettle bell class. After class I wrote down burpees/core, swings/core. However, for the life of me I can't remember what our routine/structure was. Although as I wrote that sentence I do remember doing dolphin push-ups. I want to say we did some tabatas, but in reality the classes run together!

Wednesday, 2/10: this is the one night a week that I keep planning a workout, but missing it. Mostly because I've been staying at work until nearly 6 more often than not and then it seems like the evening just flies by. This was also the start of the head cold I dealt with all week (now the congestions is gone, but I have a lingering cough). I have been noticing driving home lately that it is staying lighter out later. Daylight Savings is in just a few weeks. Soon I will be able to leave work at 5:30 and have plenty of time get in a short run in light!

Thursday, 2/11: kettle bell class. In addition to the usual, I know we used gliders and big stability balls. Which meant arm work and core work!

Friday, 2/12: date night!

Saturday, 2/13: I intended to do my long run (6 mi), but this was the day I just had no energy. I honestly barely got off the couch!

Sunday, 2/14: Paint The Town Pink 5k, which I recapped here.

****
Like  said, another mediocre week at best.

2 kettle bell classes, 40 minutes each.
1 run for 3.22 miles in 39:12

total time training: 1:59:12

I just want life to even out a little bit; I absolutely love the weeks I have off in the summer and can get up to 7+ hours of working out. I know that is comparing apples to oranges, but I just hate knowing I can do better but I keep getting these two hour weeks, with minimal miles.

President's Day 2016

I am going to enjoy every no school day while we have them, because I know the stretch in April and May is long and tiring without a day off! In all honesty, I took Saturday as my day off. I did absolutely nothing that day. My in-laws were down Friday-Saturday, so Ava had lots of attention all morning. I just could not get any energy, and am thinking  a lot of it was the head cold I was fighting last week. So, today wasn't all fun and games, but it was a day not at work none-the-less! :)

Here are some pictures from our day.

Time to get the day started. :) This was our get up time, not our wake up time.  

to-do list for the day

Waffles for breakfast. I don't normally give Ava so much syrup. No the last little bit sort of dumped out. On the plus side, I went ahead and got sugar free syrup this weekend. I won't be buying it again. It tastes disgusting.

After my doctor appointment, we had to stop at Walgreens. I didn't take a picture at the clinic, though I know a good blogger would have! I love all your real-life, on the go pictures. I just don't and/or won't take them in some public places. Anyway, I figured out a goof on my Rx price, got some mascara, Tylenol, tampons (TMI? Sorry.), and m&m's. Ha! Which one these is not like the other?!? Sigh.

After the clinic and Walgreens, it was home for  bit, then off to the Y. Followed by lunch, cleaning the kitchen, and getting supper in the crockpot. Yum.

a check-in. Notice I had to add a few things.

Finally, off to our President's Day cookie booth.

Would you say no to these faces?!? :)

 The group that was supposed to run the booth for the second part of the time slot was unable to be there. So, we stayed for an hour later than we were supposed to. Ava and I both had to eat supper, laundry needed to be folded, and now I am up against some 11:00 deadlines to get some assignments submitted. I definitely didn't need to lose another hour of my evening, but so be it.

It was a busier day than I thought it was going to be. I didn't get as much paperwork or assignments worked on as I thought I was going to get to. I didn't even get the living room picked up like I had planned on. However, I worked out. I organized some paperwork. I spent some time with Ava. I didn't have to work! I'd say it was a success.

But now, I am going to schedule this to go live in the morning and go get some homework done!

Motivational Monday: 2.15.16

Of course my direction for 2016 is UP.

This reminds me of the quote, "Life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how your react to it."

Things are going to happen, as I learned last year. It is not your situation or what happens to you that determines where you are going. It is how you handle it. Of course, we are allowed time to grieve, deal, adjust, or whatever may fit the situation. I took plenty of time for that. However, at some point we have to resolve to forge on.  For me, it is almost giving myself permission to let go and move on from those negative situations that drug me down to begin with.

Giving myself permission to move forward and set new goals has been helpful to finally getting over some of the hurdles I've been tripping up on. Everything is not perfect; my mind still wanders to the what-ifs, and there are still times that I feel inadequate. I am more easily overwhelmed, for example. It is getting easier, though. And I do feel like my attitude and readiness to go for "it" (whatever it might be in the moment) have been huge in getting around this curve.

This year, this month, this week - I am choosing to be positive. I am going to have an attitude to allows me to move forward, to look up and move up and improve myself.
                                                                                                                                                               

Paint the Town Pink 5k - Race Report

The Paint the Town Pink 5k is part of a month long collaboration throughout the community to raise money for cancer research. Here is the Paint the Town Pink website. I also say it is a month of various activities and fundraisers, but in reality events are occurring throughout the year. The high school teams have gotten involved, and even the sports not in season at this time of year have pink out nights and food fundraisers. It is actually pretty cool to live in a town the size of Austin, have so many people get involved in the effort, and know that leading-edge research is happening right here at the Hormel Institute. I think the website includes a history of how PTTP came to be and where it started.

We couldn't remember at the run today how many years the 5k has been going on. They thought maybe four of five. It was my first year participating.

I almost didn't go to be honest. I signed up knowing it was going to be a cold, snowy morning and was dreading it to be honest. However, I didn't get out for my 6 miles yesterday (wasn't feeling the greatest), so told myself to make it good and speedy (for me) and I wouldn't have to feel guilty for it.

Last year they had about 60 people show up. This year there were 21. I am sure the weather played a part in keeping people away. I also felt like advertising was weak; I honestly thought the run was happening on February 7 up until maybe three weeks ago. It is a fun run/walk, with no timing, no shirts, no fanfare. They do that to keep operating costs down to maximize proceeds being donated to PTTP. It is only $15 to participate, so I don't think it is cost keeping people away!

On to the run. We did three loops around the fairgrounds. There were spots that were icy/snow covered, but overall not too bad. I started fast - I looked down and realized I was going about 10:30/mile. I wish I was at a point in my running where that wasn't fast - like in 2014 when I was hitting a bunch of PRs, but I'm not. I tried to even out my pace, but keep the tempo up. I did okay for the first mile, but was feeling it for sure.

back side of the first loop. Crowding wasn't a concern!

Mile two, I slowed down to a more normal mile for me but was still going faster than my recent long runs because I wasn't following my .1 walk/.9 run pattern. The third loop was hard. I knew the first mile, and the cold air, were doing me in. I walked when I needed to, but I know when I give myself permission to do that, I  don't necessarily push as hard as I am capable of pushing.

went out to fast, cold air, lack of recent speed work, and maybe slightly long?!?

My time might be a little off because I didn't stop my watch immediately when I crossed the finish line, but it wasn't more than maybe 15-30 seconds. I knew I wasn't going to get a 5k PR, I was hoping for 36 minutes, or a 12:00 pace. I wasn't too far off that, but still ended knowing I need to do more speed work as part of my training. Especially if I am going to run 5k distances!

Ii had Chad take a (not very flattering) picture after the fact. I had three layers on top, including the pink t-shirt since it was for PTTP after all, and two layers on my legs. Once I got going, I was plenty warm!

For the cause and all things considered, it was a successful morning.

Garmin Splits:

Splits	Time	Cumulative Time	Moving Time	Distance	Avg Pace	Avg Moving Pace	Best Pace	Calories
1	11:24	11:24	11:13	1.00	11:24	11:13	6:53	153
2	12:04	23:27	12:00	1.00	12:04	12:00	8:41	147
3	12:54	36:21	12:54	1.00	12:54	12:54	9:09	139
4	2:50.9	39:12	2:29	0.22	12:50	11:11	9:02	35
Summary	39:12	39:12	38:36	3.22	12:10	11:59	6:53	474

***
I will add that I had the thought that I would love to volunteer to do what I can to help make the run a bigger deal while still raising money for PTTP, but I am not even sure where I would start. I know I have read blogs where the writer has helped organized and put on races. If that is you, I would love any feedback you may have!

Up: Personal

Last, "here are my goals" post. From here on out, I will just focus on random posts, and some monthly/bimonthly progress reports!

As I've shared before, up is my word for 2016. I chose up for the simple reason that I want to improve from last year, work on my mindset, and make positive gains in my life. In the original post, I listed several areas to focus on, and what my goal was in that area. I added the promise that I would write more detailed posts on each area with some more specific goals.

This last area, personal, was the space I jotted down random goals that didn't fit in the other areas (body, career, mind, money, or travels). I decided on three areas:

• School. Put forth my best effort in my master's classes, earn grades I am proud of, stay on top of assignments.
• Home. Stay caught up with cleaning and organizing. I mentioned in another post that with a slow down on weekends, we've done a 180 around here and it finally feels comfortable again instead of messy. I want to maintain that, and find some time to do some of the more detailed projects.
• Blog. Increase posing. Increase readers. Feel out what I am missing that others have, without losing my own identity. Be more active in commenting on blogs I read, to drive traffic back to my blog.

Pretty basic, really. But no shortage of staying focused and confident!


Compilation of UP posts:
Up: Travels
Up: Money
Up: Mind
Up: Career
Up: Body
2016: UP

Up: Travels

Back again with another UP post. Almost done with these, "here are my goals" posts, and then I will just focus on random posts, and some monthly/bimonthly progress reports!

As I've shared before, up is my word for 2016. I chose up for the simple reason that I want to improve from last year, work on my mindset, and make positive gains in my life. In the original post, I listed several areas to focus on, and what my goal was in that area. I added the promise that I would write more detailed posts on each area with some more specific goals.
This was an odd area to set a goal in, as we are not big travelers. However, what a fun area to set a goal in when you already know it will be met! We are super excited for our trip to Walt Disney World in March! It will be the first big vacation for Chad and I, and our first big vacation as a family.

I couldn't just let myself set a goal that was already met, however! I decided to generalize it ....

• UP family time

Just like families have planned "staycations" in recent years, I think the underlying purposes of travel - rest, relaxation, and time spent with family and friends - can be achieved just by being more purposeful about how we spend our time together.

Some things I'll look to do to make this a reality:

• minimum of bimonthly mommy/daughter or family dates. In January, Ava and I had our day of skiing with girl scouts and going to open skate.
• try at least one new campground this summer
• turn the TV off more

I might actually get to travel somewhere new and really exciting in June, but it is yet to be determined. I need to wait and see if I get a stipend in time to get the trip in order, to see if the timing works out, and decided on another issue first. I'll explain more when I can or if it feels right!

Just one area left to share about!

Compilation of UP posts:
Up: Money
Up: Mind
Up: Career
Up: Body
2016: UP

500th Post! (MedCity2016: Week 2)

With my on-again, off-again blogging habits over the last few (five?!?) years, it took forever to get here. Still, it's a milestone worth mentioning. My 500th post!!

I don't know if I am nearly exciting, enlightening, or helpful as many of the bloggers I read, but I thank those of you that take the time to check-in!

***
Now for a wrap-up of Med City Training: Week 2.

Monday 2/1: planned and actual - rest day.

Tuesday 2/2: planned - kettle bells. actual - nothing. This was the snow day we had last week. I think I shared that with not having to go into work, I almost went to cycling at noon, but when I went out to clear the driveway saw the conditions of the road and decided I didn't really want to go out driving. I had hoped that the snow would quit by evening, but it didn't matter. The wind had picked up and many businesses, including the Y, closed early for the day. So I hunkered down at home and was disappointed that I missed the workout.

Wednesday 2/3: planned cardio - either elliptical or running. Instead I worked until almost 6, and went to a new member class at church from 7-8.

Thursday 2/4: planned and actual - kettle bells. And it was a good one. We did a ladder, where you do exercise 1, repeat 1 and add 2, repeat 1 and 2 and add 3, repeat 1, 2, 3, and add 4, etc. You keep going back and re-doing the ladder each time adding another exercise. She has now done this two different ways. A few weeks ago, she wrote the workout down on a piece of paper and we worked through on our own. We did each move for a certain number of reps. This time, we did each move for a set time. There are positives and negatives to both. What made this one really interesting was that she didn't have the workout preplanned. She had a bunch of exercises thrown in a bag, and we took turns picking what we were adding next! The worse part about that was having no control when the first four moves targeted the same muscle group ... :)

Friday 2/5: Especially with the rough start to the week, I had hoped to get to cycle box after work. I got busy making copies and finishing a few things up and suddenly it was 4:20 with no time to change and get there on time. Blah.

Saturday 2/6: I was hoping to get my long run done so that I could run short or cross train on Sunday. Right away in the morning, however, Ava and I headed out with her Girl Scout troop to do some door-door sales to kick off cookie season! (She now asks me every day if I have $4 so we can take a new box out of her stash to sell!) Afterwards, I could not get warm. I was chilled! I covered up, and ended up falling asleep on the couch about a half hour after I intended to hit the pavement. I decided to just make it an afternoon of cleaning house and doing some paperwork.

Sunday 2/7: After church I headed out for a planned 9 mile run. It ended up being 8.78 miles. There was one stretch of path that wasn't plowed, so I am not sure if it was short because I had to loop around on the sidewalk instead or if it would have been short anyway. It was the almost the same route as last weekend, which was also short. I continued to do .1 walk/.9 run each mile. Much like last week, I had a couple of miles that were faster than the others, a couple of slower miles, but was mostly consistent. I am still not loving my paces, but I think I just need to find my groove and do a better job of picking up the pace sooner after starting each run portion. I will also build up to not walking every mile. I'd like to only walk every 2-3 miles when there would be a water stop on race day. I also have to take into consideration that the patches of snow and ice are going to slow me down. Overall, the run felt good for being my longest run since October. Sore hips and glutes afterwards, but feeling good during the run. Decent start to long runs.

This hill doesn't look huge, but it didn't feel great. Especially going right into the wind! I made it up and then took an extra walk break. At least I made it up! Win.

Splits	Time	Cumulative Time	Moving Time	Distance	Elev Gain	Elev Loss	Avg Pace	Avg Moving Pace	Best Pace	Calories
1	12:51	12:51	12:45	1.00	7	--	12:51	12:45	8:44	137
2	12:30	25:21	12:23	1.00	19	36	12:29	12:23	9:58	140
3	13:02	38:23	13:00	1.00	--	7	13:02	13:00	10:17	134
4	12:55	51:18	12:54	1.00	5	--	12:55	12:54	9:38	137
5	12:33	1:03:51	12:29	1.00	--	7	12:33	12:29	9:17	144
6	13:42	1:17:33	13:42	1.00	43	20	13:43	13:42	10:58	122
7	12:43	1:30:16	12:40	1.00	--	10	12:43	12:40	10:34	139
8	12:47	1:43:03	12:45	1.00	16	20	12:47	12:45	9:35	138
9	11:05	1:54:08	11:04	0.78	13	--	14:08	14:06	11:02	93
Summary	1:54:08	1:54:08	1:53:42	8.78	102	99	13:00	12:57	8:44	1,184

-----
So,
1 cross training class for 40 minutes
8.78 miles running in 1:54:08

Total Time Training: 2:34:08

I didn't exactly build on week one, but it was one of those weeks. There were things in my control (should've been able to leave work on time at least one of those two nights) and there were things not in my control (hello, old man winter).

Moving on to week 3.

Motivational Monday 2.8.16

I love this quote. I think this is a great reminder for me to not focus on the past or the future, but to remember I am exactly where I am supposed to be. The choices I question from the past, even if I think the grass would be greener had I chose differently, got me to where I need to be today.

We can't change the past. We can't control the future. We have to do our best today and enjoy it!

I usually try to post my motivational Monday quote right away in the morning, meaning I prep it and schedule it over the weekend. I didn't prep any posts this weekend; but still wanted to get the week off with some inspiration. Today was a little bit overwhelming; I have a lot going on at work, and it was just one of those days. I was feeling pulled in many directions today without feeling like I got a lot of any one thing done. Here's to just taking one day at a time this week and making the most of it!

Here's moving on to Tuesday!

Up: Money

Back again with another UP post. Almost done with these, "here are my goals" posts, and then I will just focus on random posts, and some monthly/bimonthly progress reports!

As I've shared before, up is my word for 2016. I chose up for the simple reason that I want to improve from last year, work on my mindset, and make positive gains in my life. In the original post, I listed several areas to focus on, and what my goal was in that area. I added the promise that I would write more detailed posts on each area with some more specific goals.

Today I am going to cover my financial goals for the year. I think what is most frustrating when it comes to money and finances is that you can't plan for the unexpected. So often it feels like one step forward, two steps back when planning and saving. It never fails that every time we get some money put away, something comes up! This fall it was needing tires for the car!

The number one goal for the year is to:

• UP savings. This is especially important because a lot of what we've put away over the last 9 months is being used to pay for our spring break vacation. Once we are home from vacation, however, I want to make sure we get right back in the habit of putting money each month into savings. So important for financial security, as well as sanity to be able to have some fun and splurge from time to time, to have some money set aside. Something that I wish we would have been in a position to work on earlier in our adult lives!

Some other goals I have in this area:

• update life insurance policies
• pay off at least one loan or credit card. We have very little debt compared to where we once were, so that is good. We have also been paying extra each month to nearly each credit card (one in each of our names) and our personal loans (camper, personal loan, car). I should look into using the "snowball" method though and see if I couldn't start paying one off faster. Has this method worked for anyone else?
• put more into Chad's 401k, and start my 403b. I think that is what I have available to me. I always forget the numbers! Right now I have my teacher retirement package, but after three years the district will also match a certain amount into a 403b account. It can't hurt to set that up as well. Again, we weren't the smartest in putting money away sooner, but I have no doubt we can still set ourselves up for success.
• increase giving at church. This is just a personal goal of mine, and I've met this goal for January.

There are absolutely always additional ways to be fiscally smarter. These are just the areas that jumped out at me to address first. If I meet these goals, then I can look at more. The one thing we did just do in December is switch our car insurance. We were paying quite high rates, especially since our home owner's insurance was switched; having car and home owners back on the same policy is one area we've already cut back. I am hoping this will lead to the escrow part of our house payment decrease again, too! That would be awesome!

I would never ask you to share personal money/financial information (obviously), but is money comfortable for you or a stressor in your life? Right now, we are comfortable, and it is more about looking for ways to give back and get ahead. We have experienced it as a stressor for sure though. Anything you are working on it this area?

Compilation of UP posts:
Up: Mind
Up: Career
Up: Body
2016: UP

Up: Mind

Back again with another UP post.

As I've shared before, up is my word for 2016. I chose up for the simple reason that I want to improve from last year, work on my mindset, and make positive gains in my life. In the original post, I listed several areas to focus on, and what my goal was in that area. I added the promise that I would write more detailed posts on each area with some more specific goals.

Today, I am focusing on the area of "mind". The goal I set at the start of the year was

• Up positive thinking.

That is really hard to gauge and measure though! What am I actually trying to change here? The things that come to mind are being more present, not focusing on the past or the future but truly be grateful for today. I want to get out, and stay out, of the slump I was in for a large part of 2015. I want to not get so down on myself when things don't go according to plan.

Hence the desire to be more positive.

I guess this is my most ambiguous goal area of the six areas I was setting goals in; even with three things to focus on - being present, control depression, and don't succumb to frustrating, negative thoughts - I am not sure how I would actually measure that.

There is this idea, where you compile notecards and date them. Then each year, on that date, you journal what you did. There are a ton of ideas on Pinterest. All I did was search "memory calendar" and this was one of a ton that came up. I had seen a similar idea years ago, but it never seemed like that right time to start. The time always seemed ambiguous. I think Ava was between a year and two old, so I was too busy focusing on the fact that I didn't have it for the first year of her life to start it. I am already a month into 2016, but something like this might not be a bad idea. I could record something we did, something I'm thankful for, or a feeling/emotion.

I like to say a picture of something from each day, but I don't know that I would actually stick to it. I've tried year long picture challenges before, and after so long I feel like I am out of new ideas.

At the very least, I should do something with gratitude, just to see how it will change my mindset. Or even patterns in my mood. Although I honestly hadn't dealt with a serious bout of depression prior to last year in quite sometime.

Anyway - as you can see, I know what I want out of this area. I just have to figure out how I am going to know if I get there.


Compilation of UP posts:
Up: Career
Up: Body
2016: UP

Snow Day!

Before school even ended Monday afternoon, we knew we were getting a snow day today! I honestly thought it was going to be one of those times they cancelled school, and then the snow came late or the forecast was wrong altogether! However, the weathermen were warning most of the evening yesterday that even if it looked good in the morning, that by the time even an early release would've been possible the roads were going to be bad.

It actually started snowing between 8:00 and 9:00 this morning, and came down quite heavy and fast! I was going to go to the Y for a noon class, but when I went outside and saw what our alley looked like, I wasn't willing to go out on the road. Shortly after, I found out the Y was even closing at 4:00, so tonight's kettle bells class was out of question, too. The smaller, rural towns are much worse than we are, and south and west got more snow, too. On top of that, they are more open and have to deal with the consequence of the wind! Many schools are closed or planning a late start tomorrow; so far we are starting late. It hasn't been unheard of to switch to a cancellation depending on what happens over night or if they get the roads cleared up, so we'll see!

For now, eight random pictures from our day!

Finally got my planner organized and flipped over to February.

pancakes for breakfast - ever since I quite using the electric griddle and started making them on the stove, they seem to burn. I promise though - they tasted better than they look.

headed out to shovel, and the door brushed the top of the snow on the back porch!

from the garage looking back at the house. We cleared the driveway twice. I haven't looked outside lately to see if we need to do it again!

What would a snow day be without playing outside a little!? This is the same igloo her and Chad built over Christmas break; they then moved this old climber into it! She found a pair of "lost" gloves in there today!

I didn't take any after this because Chad likes to shovel off the deck! It came down quick for a few hours though!

I even did the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen.

And we taught Ava how to play Guess Who? (The Disney version!) She's addicted now!

APDT Dance Show 2016

APDT stands for Austin Packer Dance Team.

And they are sort of a big deal around here! They have been to the state tournament for the last 10 seasons. Maybe more?

Dance was absolutely the right thing to get Ava involved in for this town! (Though she is under no obligation to stay in it!)

In addition to our Just for Kix dance shows throughout the year, JFK dances as guests at the annual APDT dance show. The APDT show is an opportunity for the (high school) girls to family, friends, and community member the dances they worked so hard on during the competition season. It is traditionally held the weekend before the Sectional meet; maybe having fun is what helps them perform so well at Sectionals and make it to state each year!?!? :) I sure hope the girls make it again.

At any rate, you know I can't watch Ava dance without sharing a video or two! This time she got to do her classes routine (same one they dance at the JFK Winter Show) and a mass routine with the other Kindergarten class. Both were great, and they are coming along in their skills!

 

Motivational Monday: 2.1.16

Such a pleasant reminder at not only the start of a new week, but a new month!

(also sticking up my up theme by including the hot air balloon!)
January got 2016 off to a good start.

• I finally saw some downward movement on the scale, it was slow and minimum, but it was consistent.
• I ran 29 miles; more than any month since September.
• I missed only one kettle bells class, which is every Tuesday/Thursday night.
• Some slower paced weekends gave us time to get the house in order! It is mainly picked up and feeling comfortable instead of messy! About time.

In February, I will be looking for continued consistency with training and running, increased mileage, continued movement on the scale, a date night with Chad, experiencing Ava's first time selling Girl Scout cookies (please don't let me be tempted!), a visit with Chad's parents, and some more laid back weekends at home!

What are you going to prove to yourself you are capable of this month?