Under Pressure

Hey party people!

So believe it or not, this is my last day of the work week!  Crazy, right?  I just recently realized that for myself.  It doesn’t seem like I’m heading to DC tomorrow for vacation- I feel that I’ve been so busy thinking about all the crazy going on that I haven’t had time to think about the span of days that I have off to relax and hang with the family.  That’s not to say I’m not looking forward to it.  I totally am.  It just snuck up on me!  Nothing like getting my act together last minute, right?

So maybe this will be a good Tuesday and not the regular crappy one???  Possibly?  A girl can dream…

Anyways, a few random things to mention one last time about the Rock n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon:

Pham put up an awesome video over on his blog.  Can you believe this was his 7th half marathon?  The kid’s just nuts.  (Dude- totally mean that in the nicest way possible… and let me catch up!!!)  Anyhoo, yours truly makes a quick appearance after 5:30ish in the video.  Excuse me and my tendency to be a Sweaty. Hot. Mess.  Either way, check it out- he shows you what goes on when you’re not running a little late for a half marathon (oops) and also reinforces how great of a course it is.  Holla’.

And the soreness kicked my butt more than I thought it would!  I typed and published my blog post yesterday before I left my place.  Which means I did all that before I went down the stairs in my apartment.  Um.  OW.  I made sure to do plenty of stretching last night because I have every desire to go to the gym today for a light workout.  I’m one of those gym rats (have you noticed?) who tends to panic when I take a lot of time off.  Working out is like a nervous tick or something.  It just has to happen.  Sure, I’ll be walking around and still getting plenty of exercise in over the week on vacation, but I have the need and desire to wear my tennis shoes and use weights and all that great stuff.  So yeah.  A light workout still counts.

Is it allowed to use the half marathon from Sunday as an excuse to continuously eat for two days straight?  If not, I have issues that should probably be addressed…

Out of curiosity, is anyone out there running the Chicago Marathon in October???  Hell no, I’m not running it.  But I do plan to volunteer.  And want to know who I should be cheering on… 

But in other running news, I do believe I’ll be running a 15k in November.  I’m taking the race mileage down a notch and instead trying to focus a little more on my speed.  If I decide to do it, training resumes in September… here we go again…

In order to make sure I have enough energy for the day, I made myself one of these:Oats in a Jar!  I’ve really been going for the sunflower seed butter a lot more as of late (compared to others).  I think I like it because it’s not as sweet- like the almond butter that I adore so much.  It’s a sad excuse in saying I’m “mixing it up”, but at this point, I’ll take what I can get.

Anyways, have a good day.  Mine will be spent working, working out and packing.  I may or may not have even started packing yet(don’t freak out, mom) for tomorrow.  Nothing like doing everything last minute- I thrive under pressure. 

And yes… that’s actually a Queen and David Bowie reference.  Did anyone catch that?  I have the urge to go “dun dun dun da da dun dun” for the rest of the day…

Anyhoo… have a good one…

I Didn’t Celebrate

Did you know yesterday was National Junk Food Day?

I found that one out half way through the day.  How did I celebrate?  Um…  I didn’t.  Unless you think celebrating with salad counts?Had someone told me it was National Junk Food Day, I may have planned appropriately.  Oh well…

Over lunch I started my new book- Eat, Drink, and Be Gorgeous by Esther Blum.  The title caught my eye.  Because seriously- who doesn’t want to do all three?  We’ll see how it goes, though.  As many “lifestyle” books as I’ve read, it’s starting to fall into the typical category.  Especially the beginning, which is a rah rah rah warmup telling me about how you can eat and drink whatever you want and never to restrict yourself and this isn’t your typical diet book (which I find to be an ironic statement since they all seem to claim this).  But whatever, it seems like it’ll be a fast read and maybe I’ll pick up a couple things from it.  I’m not counting it out just yet. 

Was supposed to run last night, but didn’t.  Instead, I ran a mile and then cross trained the rest of the time with the elliptical, some free weights and a session on the stairmill.  Nothing much else exciting to report there.  Still being careful.  Still icing the leggie-poo.  (I call it that now being as how much I baby it.)

I didn’t celebrate at dinner either.  Sorry guys.  I’m being a health nerd up in here.Huge.  Fantastic.  Salad.

Yeah, I had salad twice today.  Because I was feeling uninspired it the cooking department.  And I happen to actually like salad.  So yeah… there ya go.    I don’t feel like I slighted myself at all. 

I did, however, have a spoonful of almond butter and handful of chocolate chips.  Is that getting closer to celebrating a national junk food day?    I’m counting it.  Especially because then I went back for an encore with another spoonful.  And even more chocolate chips.  I tried to cool things down with you, nut butter.  But I can’t help but love taking this casual dating to the next level every once in a while. 

So my big excitement of the day (clearly there wasn’t much going on yesterday)?  I got a call from the library that one of the books I’ve been on hold for came in.  I’ve been really digging Russell Brand as of late.  I loved his standup on Comedy Central, loved him in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and most recently loved him in Get Him to the Greek.  So I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this:You can’t read it because I took the pic in a mirror.  Fail.  But it’s Russell Brand’s autobiography, My Booky Wook.  I like to mix it up with quirky reads like this bad boy.  Hooray! So maybe if I get bored with learning how to eat, drink, and be gorgeous, I’ll take this one for a spin. 

I also refuse to show you the sheer excitement on my face because I’m a gross mess in this picture and happen to currently be sporting a zit the size of Missouri on my face.  Seriously- where the f did you come from?!?!  Needless to say, I’m zap-zitting it up right now.  Because it is soooo not invited to my birthday party this weekend.

I’m thinking I might take a rest day today.  Firstly, because my shin is  a little sore (the reason why I decided to keep it to cross training last night).  Secondly, because I have my second round of girls coming up to visit!  Last week was some good friends from high school, this week is two of my best girls from college!  So, needless to say, I’ve got quite a few things to take care of after work.  Plus, my long run is being rescheduled to tomorrow morning (instead of the  usual Saturday), so I need to be ready for it.  I decided to take a spontaneous day off tomorrow (hey it’s my birthday- I’ll do what I want!) and I’m sneaking the run in before everyone gets here.  Weeee!

Now the question is- will I be up early enough to do the whole 10-maybe-11-mile run outside?

Have a good Thursday everyone!

Avatar!

I’m glad you all enjoyed my love letter/intervention/tribute to nut butter.  When I made myself aware of measuring it out and only getting one serving of it, I realized how much I actually did eat it.  Even after I made dinner, I wasn’t hungry, but had the serious urge to go for another spoonful (I didn’t).

Instead, I dusted.  Exciting life I lead- I know.  Because that was my one cleaning-related thing I was doing last night.  I feel like I’m treating my cleaning habits like I would of those of a child.  “Just pick up 10 things before you get to have dessert, sweetie…”  Did any of you get that?  I think my mom tried it a few times.  But then she realized we’d just sneak dessert anyways if we got to 10 or not… Damn sweet tooth.

What was my satisfying dinner you ask?  I’ve had an avocado I’ve been patiently waiting to ripen, and tonight was the night (insert happy dance here when I got home and realized this).  I had a southwestern themed (one of my favorites!) wrap.Corn, black beans, avocado, and a bit of hot salsa to give it a kick.  Soooo good.  I considered adding cheese, but I didn’t even miss it.  Would have been a waste.  And it may have not even fit anyways.The wrap stayed together for about two bites before it exploded into a southwestern mess.  Eh.  I didn’t care.  I already got the bloggie shot. 

Another good thing?  My workout… I did 28 on the elliptical (at least it’s an even number- still no idea why I didn’t just stop at 25 or go to 30), a mile-and-a-half on the treadmill, and 15 on the stairmill.  Arm weights and abs in between the cardio.  Weight slammer came in near the end of my workout, but I made it out before he got too crazy with the weight machines.  Whew.

On the note of unusual gym characters, Mon messaged me with a good one.  It might even rival the guy that kisses his biceps!  She said that the two newbies to the weights area of the gym were there when she was on Monday night.  After each heavy set, one would grunt and yell “Avatar!!!’  What?

Can someone please explain this to me?  Avatar?  Really?

All in all, yesterday was a good day.  Can you believe it was even a Tuesday Suckday?  My world just got turned upside-down…

Today it stopped raining (yesterday was just gray and rainy) and I have four miles to do tonight.  Hopefully traffic won’t suck all the life out of me.  Did I mention that because of all the construction, my commute to and from are almost twice as long?  It’s fantastic.  I feel like I’m in gridlock every.single.day.  Whatever.  I keep reminding myself that getting angry won’t do a damn thing about it.  So I’m trying not to… trying being the operative word. 

Happy Hump Day!

A Love Letter

I’m glad I’m not the only one who cleans in increments.  I don’t call it lazy- I call it pacing myself.  See?  I keep that racing mentality in all aspects of my life…  it’s all about focus.

Speaking of racing… my legs were definitely feeling a little tight from my Sunday of racing, more running and yoga.  Did I not mention I did yoga?  I did.  And I actually was able to hold crow pose for about 3 seconds.  And then almost fell flat on my face.  Success?  Fail?  A bit of both?  Sure.

So yes, my leg muscles were not so happy with me.  I promised them I’d stretch them into a state of contentment if they got me through my 3.5 miles last night.  They did.  Even though it was the definition of “crap run”, they did.  So I kept my word and took some extra time to stretch it out a little.  In the words of Jillian Michael’s, “no injuries please.  Injuries are not part of the program!”

And now, on a somewhat sad note, a letter:

Dear Nut Butter,

How are things?  Going well?  I’ve been great.  Keeping busy with work, friends, and working out.  As you may have heard, I’m in training for Chicago Rock n’ Roll Half Marathon in a couple months.  So far everything has been going well.  I feel stronger and healthier than I ever have before.

I’ve also felt hungrier than usual.  The increasing mileage and cross training that I’ve been doing really help me work up quite an appetite.  That’s where you come in.  We’ve been pretty good friends as of late. Best friends.  I like hanging out with you while eating toast, oatmeal, sandwiches, and just straight out of the jar.  You’re yummy in my tummy.  You and I both like the variety you provide with peanut butter, almond butter, sunflower seed butter, and so on.  Crunchy?  Creamy?  Doesn’t matter.  And you’re quite satisfying.  I’ve never had any complaints with our relationship. 

Until now.  I’m aware that weight is a very minor issue in the big picture of me taking on this half marathon.  I realize I may gain weight because of all the hard work coming up.  But I also know there is no reason for me to be over-indulging when it comes to time spent with you.  Sure, you’re filled with healthy fats that everyone needs.  Your helping me with my daily intake of fiber and protein is appreciated.  But, there is a recommended daily allowance.  And we’ve been spending TOO much time together.  I think I should be gaining weight because of built muscle.  Not because I’m one step away from spackling you to my ass.

I’ve been aware of this problem.  But didn’t say anything as to not hurt your feelings.  And I was being selfish.  I wanted more.  And now I see I cannot have this.  I also need to spend time with others- like more vegetables.  You and I both know this is true.

So.  Where does that leave us?  I still want to be friends.  Good friends.  But maybe we should spend our time under supervision.Yes, I know a standard serving size looks like a golf ball.  But I’ve always known that- and still didn’t listen.  So I’m measuring you out in two of these bad boys from now on.  Don’t be scared.  I promise, you still look good:See?  Still plenty to go around.  My only sadness comes from not enjoying your presence by the spoonful for dessert after dinner.  But I really think this will work out for the best until I get my cravings for you under control.  I just can’t help myself otherwise.

It’s me, not you.

I hope you understand. I still heart you. I’m doing this for our own good.

Until tomorrow morning,

-Amy B

Return of the Veggies

After my day of carb-infestation, I was thinking about food cravings.  I like to think the body craves what it needs.  Of course, the exception here being chocolate- unless you’re telling me my body needs it 24/7 to properly function.  And in that case, I have no problems at all.

So today all I could think about was green… and more green… and so on.  I took a lunch to Trader Joe’s to stock up on some more things to get me through the rest of the week of dogsitting in the city.  Then, I got back and was able to make this delicious mix:Mushrooms, broccoli, chick peas and lettuce.  Vegetables?  Check!

After a much dreaded commute (that really wasn’t that bad), I got home and took the doggies around the street to do their business before the crowds got too heavy.  After giving them their workout, I did mine- another round of The Shred on Level 3.

Hazel is no longer afraid of my yoga mat:Namaste, Hazel.  But they do respect my Shred time.  Once the music on the dvd starts, they take position on the couch and stay put until it’s over.  Good girls!

Vegetables were the star of dinner as well:A spinach mushroom mix with a bit of sauce and feta… and yellow squash on the side!  I really wanted asparagus- but there was none to be found at TJ’s!!!  What was the deal?!?!  Grrr….  Either way- this was fantastic.  But really, it’s just different amounts of the same ingredients that I’ve been using to make the pizza.  Shhhh… don’t tell anyone.

So yeah- my point is: do you lack one day and find yourself craving it the next?

This morning I had oats in a jar!Turns out the kids aren’t as hot on OAIJ as I am.  Totally fine- more for me!

On a side note, my guy friend checked out my apartment today for me (we’re just not going to tell him I stopped by there yesterday).  Apparently he got into my refrigerator (I told you he’d go after my precious Goose Island beer!!!).  He didn’t take the beer, but he did have a few observations about my obnoxious collection of nut butter… Silly boy- you just don’t get it.

That or maybe I am just out of control…

Get It Together

Mother Nature can be quite the diva.  This weather that’s all over the place is not doing a thing for my cheery spring behavior.  Yesterday hit around 40 degrees for a high.  What?!?  Figure it out, woman!  You’re acting like a hot mess and really need to get it together. 

Needless to say, I postponed the trail run.  It was 4oish degrees which was whatever- that wasn’t so much the issue.  But it was rainy.  And the cloud coverage was creating early darkness.  Not so ideal when you’re planning to run a trail where there are no street lights.  Let’s see how today goes.

Since I had decided I was just fine to run, I decided that I was just as capable to get back to some oldies that I miss.  Like The Shred.  Hello Jillian, long time no see.  I did Level 1 because it had been a few weeks.  And it was great.  Although I think I could have done Level 2 without a problem.  Level 1 didn’t leave me all hot and bothered like the first time I started up this work out (that’s what she said- you knew it was coming…), so next time I’ll take it up a notch.

As I was doing one of the cardio intervals, I thought, “oh god, what if I’m making all this racket and hottie neighbor guy lives right below me?!?!  How embaressing!”  Then I thought, “well I wish this racket would at least piss him off enough to come up to see what is going on… maybe I should try and be louder.” 

Clearly I’m still waiting to run into him again… what is he?  A hermit?  Get out of your apartment, sir!

After that, I continued my veggie-rific week:Usually I don’t play around too much with spinach.  But we’ve been friends since the pizza goodness it provided.  So I made a mushroom and spinach sandwich.  It’s pretty.  But not functional.  Should have had a wrap or pita for this one.  You win some, you lose some…

Breakfast was another bittersweet one:I finished off the last of the sunflower seed butter.  Originally I didn’t like it as much, but now I’m sad it’s gone and will most likely go to Trader Joe’s again and sell a kidney for a case of this stuff.  Actually, a kidney is probably worth two cases.  The stronger flavor it has over peanut butter makes me really like it (uh… especially when mixed with chocolate).  Has anyone else tried it?  Just a warning- I have a feeling it’s one of those things that you’ll either love or hate.

Oh and the zit is retreating.  I taught him who was boss with half of a tube of zit zap.  Yeah, my zit was a “him”.  Ass…

Listen to me- I’m sassy today!

Happy Friday everyone!  I’m hoping to have a workout of some sort before calling it a night.  Or going out for a drinky drink… not sure yet.  I’m not feeling my usual “oh my goodness all I want to do is go home and pass out” self today.  But it’s still early.  No promises.

I won’t be your friend. But I appreciate you.

I’m talking about yoga.  Yes I hated you.  But I get it.  I know now that you help me.  You help make my core stronger.  You help my flexibility.  You help me cross-train and become a better runner.  So thank you.  But I still don’t like you.

I went back and forth for a while when trying to decide if I should break out the yoga.  The leg is hanging in there.  I’m feeling pretty good about it.  Not good enough to run- I’ve become way too over-cautious to do that.  But good enough to do yoga.  So I turned on Exercise TV again and hit up the Fitness Fusion.  My only worry was the warrior series, but the leg hung in there and didn’t complain!  Progress…

Although it had been a little longer than I’d like to admit the last time I actually did it.  I’m sorry yoga, I know I started to ignore you when running came back into my life.  But you have to understand- running and I go way back.  And we’re in love.  No hard feelings… k? 

It’s not cardio- but I’ll happily take it!

So I made sure to have a good breakfast for LOTS of energy today.First of all because I’m somewhat short on sleep (I swear the full moon brings weird dreams- what is that about?!?!).  Secondly, because I have a super long road trip to Mid-MO to spend Easter weekend with the fam.  And the discussions of new construction on the news in the background of that picture will most likely screw me over in some way or another… blah. 

Before I continue, can I just say that now every time I have oats in a jar, I think about this cartoon my friend Ashlee sent me?  She seriously did crack up at my nut butter addiction…So basically, I’m stirring it in the jar going “megggggaaaaaa butttteeeeerrrrrr!!!!!!” in an unnatural sounding voice (high or low pitch, whichever works for you).  Yep.  It’s the little things, kids.  Just remember that…

Oh how I enjoy this trip.  Not.  Interstate 55 is the highway to nothingness.  At least last time I had some of my fav boys to keep me amused on the way to Mardi Gras in St. Louis.  I’m doing this one alone- and traveling about two hours longer… Ugh! 

But it’s aight.  I usually do ok on keeping myself entertained- the playlist has been updated.  There are people to call and catch up with.  I should be good!  But am always open for suggestions if you have ways of making long trips seem shorter (that are not drug induced anyways…)?  Originial plans were to leave after work and stop for the night in St. Louis.  But one of my fav girls, Laura, has to work pretty early on Friday.  So I think I’m just going to try to speed through StL, give a shout out to Busch Stadium on my way through (a little over 3 days until opening day, kids!), and be on my merry way into more highway and hills.  And not much else.  Peaceful… Almost too peaceful… ha ha

So there you have it!  Maybe if you’re lucky, I’ll have some sweet stories of random occurences that happened in the middle of Illinois.  Don’t hold your breath, but there’s always hope…  And cross your fingers that there’s no Children of the Corn incident that goes down if my car breaks down.  It’s a reoccurring concern of mine.

Have a good Thursday!    I’m excited because I found an excuse to get a Trader Joe’s trip in today over lunch- figured I’d pick up some wine and a few unique TJ items as a nice thing to bring home tonight since my fam doesn’t really get exposure to a store around them.  Not that they really care so much about that, but I still like bringing home fun things.   Can we make nut butter an Easter tradition?  Let’s try it…