“A Mood”

Have you ever revisited a meal you used to have all the time?  A meal that you probably had at least twice a week for who knows how long and then all the sudden it just disappeared off the menu? 

I did last night with a mini veggie casserole.  Or like the egg souffle I used to make  minus the cottage cheese.  Mostly because I didn’t have any on hand.

Anyways, this is how it all went down…

First, sautee an obnoxious amount of vegetables (assume the veggie to egg ratio will be off-balance).Then, whisk a whole egg plus an egg white with a little milk and realize yes, you were right, the veggie to egg ratio is off.Pour it all into a ramekin.  You get bonus points if your ramekins are from 1980 or older- gotta love the 70′s flower power designs.  Bake at 375 degrees until the egg has set and is maybe a little browned on top (depends on your oven, but mine was baking for a little over 20 minutes).  That’s your cue to add a mini corn muffin and some extra parmesan cheese as a topping.  Turn the oven off, and throw the ramekin back in for another 5 minutes or so.  Preciseness has never been my strong point when it comes to cooking. This shortcoming has rarely bothered me. Sometimes red wine goes with everything.  And clearly I had some before I sat down for dinner and Modern Family.  Sometimes I’m very impatient.

I used to never be a big red wine drinker.  But it has recently replaced white wine when I’m in “a mood”.

Running often helps pull me out of “a mood”.  But the workout room was busy (because of the size of my apartment’s work out room, 5 people would qualify as “busy”) and I got stuck on the obnoxiously loud treadmill.  The loud treadmill really messes with a girl.  It makes you want to go faster to get the run done and get off.  But, at the same time, you’d almost prefer to run slower because the faster you go, the noisier it gets.  Blah.  It’s hard for me to get annoyed by the good treadmill already being taken. Even if it is being used by the slowest walking person of all time.  I know I take up a lot of time on that thing.  So I try to be patient.  But you can guarantee that within 15 seconds of Mr. Slow Walker stepping off that treadmill, I had already stopped the monster I was on, jumped onto the good treadmill (or as I like to call it- MY treadmill), and was off and running. 

Most of the people who frequent my gym know I do serious time on it, so I’m pretty they were all breathing a sigh of relief that I switched ‘mills and that they weren’t risking hearing loss by continuing to be there.

I’m not kidding.  The second treadmill is THAT loud.

Rant over.  I got my 5 miles in.  So I won’t complain anymore. 

Oh and because I did the mid-run switcheroo, I’m totally guessing, but I’m pretty sure my pace was a little under 8:25 if my math skills serve me correctly.

Either way, I’m really glad I’ve been keeping at 5-mile runs during the week.  It makes me feel my rest day today is well deserved!  Now if only I’d be as focused about upping my game with the weights…

And then I ran 10 Miles…

A little over 10 miles actually.  But who’s really counting?   

This was my long run for the week.  And the last one before the Chicago Rock n’ Roll Half Marathon!!!!  I can’t believe it’s next week.  But yeah, back to the story…  I was more nervous about this one than next week if I’m being completely honest.  Because race day is exciting.  Adrenaline kicks in and gets you a loooong way.  I really am not nervous about next week at all.  Just excited. 

I was, however, nervous about this run.  I kept it inside.  The forecast was looking a bit scary with all the dark clouds and bolts of lightning in it.  Of course the sun ending up shining all morning after a light rain.  Figures.  I’m pretty sure WGN’s weather team is messing with me for kicks.  Either way, I got myself to the gym and fired up the treadmill.  I had no idea how it was going to go because I had never spent that much time on a treadmill.  I have a hard time understanding how much someone would want to.  It’s a lot of time spent in one place.

Overall, I ended up having a great run.  Which was nice because some of my 5-milers on that thing were pretty miserable.  I zoned out until about mile 5 when someone came in and started to use the loud and annoying treadmill next to me.  I feel kind of bad.  I’m sure they wanted the treadmill I was  on.  But I wasn’t stopping- yes, I was THAT girl at the gym.  Considering I was a bit sweaty (ok a lot), they probably thought I was close to done.  And wanted my treadmill.  Because I saw her craning her neck to see my stats.  So nosey!  Good thing I had set the screen to only show the incline.  I like to keep myself guessing and, in this case, her too. 

Did you know if you just do a quickstart, the treadmill shuts off at an hour?  No?  Well it does.  I guess at that point it thinks I fell off and am dead on the side somewhere of exhaustion.  I reset it as quickly as possible and got back to my comfortable stride.  And that’s where I stayed.  I honestly am so surprised that I didn’t struggle through it at any point.  I felt good literally the.entire.time.  Which totally blows my mind.  Because I’ve struggled through 4 and 5 milers.  Recently.  Yet I cranked this one out.  Endorphins?  A full night of sleep?  Whatever.  I’ll take it!

Since the treadmill decided I had enough at an hour and I had to start over, I don’t have exact stats.  I was so flustered trying to get the machine going again, I just quickly looked at the workout summary.  So I know I ended up doing over 10- but definitely not more than 10.5.  And I kept the pace the entire time around 8:40-8:48.  It was a good pace- and I think I’ll be shooting for keeping it under 8:45 for the majority of the race next week.  Fingers crossed…

Afterwards, I ran errands and picked up this bad boy from the grocery store:It was called California Lovin’.  Basically I saw the avocado and turkey and bacon and called it a day.  That’s what I wanted and all I needed.  Well, with the McDonald’s unsweetened iced tea.  Seriously- you can’t beat a large tea for $1. 

All of this while catching up on my old soap opera- Days of Our Lives.  Apparently Beau and Hope are no more and it’s quite the situation.  I’m actually completely lost.  And with how slow the plot lines go, that’s hard to do!  Anyone still follow the soaps?  I did alot in college- but have definitely fallen out of the loop now that I work all week.

As I type this, I’m sitting around waiting for my friends to get here.  They hit pretty much every traffic jam in the state of Illinois.  So we’re crossing fingers that we make the 6:30 train into the city.  This is scheduled to post on Saturday, so as you read this, we’re hopefully chillin’ in Wrigleyville, watching the Cards/Cubs series, or rocking it out somewhere in the Chicago nightlife…

Have a good weekend!

Thursday Randoms

As the title (and the name of my blog) suggests, it’s going to be just that.  Hold on tight and try not to get lost. 

I’m glad you guys liked some of the tips for not overdoing the sweets last night.  I was somewhat nervous about posting it since diet choices/lifestyles can be such a personal and sometimes touchy subject.

New google search terms that people used to get to my blog that are worth mentioning:

What are the seats like at second city?  I assume you mean the Second City Theater.  I can answer that for you.  It’s tight seating and cabaret-style.  Please don’t let this deter you from going.  It’s a great time and they’re nonstop hilarious.  You’re welcome.

Saw Russell Brand walking down the street. I’m sort of  jealous of you mystery google-search-person…

Bug Went Up Nose.  I’m sorry.  That sucks.  I’ve been there.  We actually had the debate a few months ago here on the blog.  That’s still not as bad as having a bug fly into your eye.  I promise you.

It’s Friday Bitches.  Sounds like someone’s pretty excited.  One more day… woot woot.

Ok, enough of that and moving on…

Lunch yesterday was spent at a nearby grocery store.  We were having a meeting that included pizza and adult beverages and I was more than happy to make the beer run because it gave me an excuse to get out of the office for a bit.  So I got out and tacked it on to the end of my lunch. Didn’t mind a bit!  The grocery store next to me has a seating area for all of us lunchers who need to escape, so I hit up the salad bar and settled down there for some down time.I’m still working through the book I won from Leah a few weeks ago in a giveaway.  I really do like it so far- but I’m still only a little over half way through it…

The salad bar is an issue that Low also just discussed.  The grocery store salad bar is a definite step up (and considerably cheaper) than the one in the cafeteria in my office building.  My fav salad bars are the ones that include more than just “standards”- you know what they are- wilting lettuce, cauliflower, croutons, tomatoes, suspicious-looking pasta salad… 

I was considerably happy with my salad today.  Some of that had to do with the fact that I had the sense to buy a bottle of salad dressing beforehand.  Everything offered at the bar is cream-based except for olive oil.  And I’m not a huge fan of just oil.  So that was a good idea on my part.  Also, I never get my carrots.  And check it out!  They’re so cute hanging out in the corner…   Finally, sometimes I like onions.  Red onions in particular.  Take note- please make sure to have an adequate amount of gum after eating said red onions.  Don’t be that person… (this has been my public service announcement of the week)

My only thing is that they have a crappy selection of containers.  I had to fill my, for lack of a better word, TUB with salad and make sure to not go overboard at the same time.  I have no idea how people can fill and then eat the entire thing.  Whew!

Ok- I’m feeling goofy, so do we have any really good salad bar horror stories? 

I ran last night.  Yes.  Yes I did.  As you may have read yesterday, I was a little nervous.  The shins are throwing some fits and we’re having issues coming to an understanding.  Not so much an understanding, but a realization of who’s boss up in here.  I wore my new shoes and let me just say- running in those babies is like running on the clouds.  Wonderfulness.  Hey Fleet Feet dude- I don’t remember your name, but you ROCK.  I may love you.  Just a little. No restraining order necessary.  Promise.

Anyways, I got lost for a minute there… So I ran three miles.  And then I slowed down and walked to feel out the situation at hand.  I felt ok.  Not winded at all.  But, most importantly, the leg felt ok.  So I breezed through another mile and called it a night.  This morning I feel fine.  We’re still being diligent about icing and listening to the legs.  But I’m hoping this means I’m in the clear. 

Happy Thursday everyone!  I’ve got a day of work and then am picking up my friends at the airport!  I still have to work tomorrow, but having visitors here will hopefully make it go by quickly!    See ya later!

Bikram Elliptical

Oh hey hump day- you got here quickly! 

Last night was quite the event.  I got to the gym and several peeps were already there sweating it out.  And I mean SWEATING it out.  The air conditioning wasn’t working.  I asked Mon if they already reported it.  She had, but the girl hadn’t done anything yet.

Well.  This looks like it’ll be a short cross training session.

Someone came in after a little while.  Apparently the filter in the AC had been ignored for, oh I dunno, what looked to be about 5 years.  Gross.  I watched as I poured buckets of sweat all over the elliptical.  “What if this thing shorts out while I’m on it?” I thought.  Finally, the air started flowing again.  Bu the damage was done.  I looked like I had jumped into the pool.  I guess that’s what I get for starting my workout in a sweat box… oops.

It did end up being a decent workout.  I just moved a little more slowly than usual.  At some point I just took my shirt off.  I figured I could use the few dry spots left on it as a towel if need be.  I’m not really sure if the people working in the clubhouse and giving tours to future residents appreciated this.  But then again I didn’t appreciate sweating like a pig as soon as I walked through the door.  Fair enough.

After drinking about 10 gallons of water and taking a seriously needed shower, I finally felt hydrated and sanitary enough to do my thing in the kitchen.  Because I’m a sucker for a sale (and I had a coupon on top of it all!), I stocked up on chicken to eat/freeze on my last trip to the grocery store.  So tonight I had some while it was still “fresh”.  It took forever for me to decide what to do with it.  And I still hadn’t really decided what to do with it when I was halfway through constructing my sandwich.  Damn commitment issues…

But this is what I came up with:Doesn’t it look like my sandwich has fangs???  Raaarrrrrr!!!! 

Sorry. I swear I’m 24…Money shot.

Anyways, it’s a chipotle chicken sandwich with a bit of melted mozzarella and orange peppers on top.  Squash and mushrooms on the side again.  Originally I was going to work them into the sandwich as well, but that may have just been excessive if we’re going to be completely honest about it… 

And wine.  We’ll just say it was necessary.  That is all.

Because I’m working late today, I decided to get up early again to do some shredding.  Good morning Jillian.  I appreciate you.  I appreciate you.  I appreciate you…

Sometimes at 5:45 in the morning (like today), I have to repeat it a few times in order to believe it.  All whining set aside, I really do like doing quick sessions in the morning.  It gets me going without that extra cup of coffee in the morning and gives me some more time in the evening.  I have no desire to do it everyday, but a couple times a week isn’t hurting anything. 

My 5-mile run tonight is being planned on the dreadmill.    Although the weather man has been completely wrong for the last 3 days about the rain, I can’t bank on it.  He swears today is the day it’s actually going to rain.  Well… ok… if you say so…

Have you been doing most of your workouts inside or outside these days?  I know it’s been rough for some of you kids up near the east coast with those 100-degree temps… ouch!

Um… I guess I should make it a point here to say drink some water and wear your sunscreen?  That’s my public service announcement of the day. 

Later, kiddos!

Typical

Did you know that today is a holiday?  It’s “Stupid Guy Thing Day”.  I was unaware we’d have to set aside an entire day to observe such a thing.  Typical… 

Just kidding, guys.  I still heart you.  Most of the time.

The afternoon and evening was not full of thunderstorms like originally predicted.  Typical.  But because the air was just “heavy”, muggy, and gross, I decided to go with my original plan to take the workout inside.  Climate control is sometimes my friend.

Luckily, I secured the treadmill without too much of a problem.  I guess one good thing I will say about it is that I control and can see the pace.  I kept it hovering around 8:35 the majority of the time and just zoned out.  This worked pretty well until about the last half mile, which seemed to last forever and a day because I was just tired of being on the ‘mill.  The one thing I did miss (and usually complain about) is a breeze.  Imagine that…

Avatar came in near the end of my cool down.  I made a quick exit off the treadmill because he was in close proximity and his horrific cologne was starting to burn my nose hair.  And I heard you need nose hair for hygiene reasons.

Stretching was taken seriously last night- I’m feeling some stress in my right hip.  And in order to not feel like a grandma today, I decided there should be some focus on that.

Once I got home and was ready to eat, I couldn’t figure out what I wanted.  Usually, I crave carbs.  This was not the case.  Not typical.  I was,  however, indecisive.  Typical.It’s like a veggie bar.  I also had hummus for the cauliflower- because I’m not a fan of it plain. 

After, in order to avoid library dues (it’s like I TRY to get them on purpose), I rushed to the library to drop off a book.  Then I decided to browse the aisles for a bit.  Everything I want to read is on hold, so I didn’t have anything I was really looking for.  But I looked in the new fiction aisles and then the fitness/health section.  Because I’m a healthy living nerd.  And after reading about 100 titles about how I can cheat on my diet and still lose weight, I found this book:French Women Don’t Get Fat.  I picked it up because the subject of intuitive eating has always been a rough one for me (not to understand, but to actually do).  And because I’m a nerd and I just really like reading more about different cultures and their eating habits.  Being as how I have an opinion on just about everything, expect me to come back to this book at a later time.    Has anyone read this already?  I want to know your thoughts!

Off to work I go.  Day two of the crazies.  Tomorrow is the last day and then I have two events in a row.  Should (hopefully) make the week go by quick and painless.  Kind of like how I want this Tuesday to go…

Typical.

Faking it

Ah Monday.  I’d be lying if I said it’s great to see you, but our meeting once again is inevitable so I will tolerate you the best that I can.  At least this is another super busy week in the office.  Hopefully my head doesn’t explode.  No worries, I hear that’s almost impossible and hardly ever happens.

Although after a super non-busy weekend, it wouldn’t be a surprise.

I hope you all had a great Father’s Day weekend.  I was not able to travel back to Mid-Missouri to see my pops, but we had a few telephone conversations and it sounded like he had a good one.  So that’s good to know. 

After my long run on Saturday and pure laziness that followed the long run, I had a serious craving for BBQ.  As you may know, I do not actually own a grill (I’m pretty sure it’s prohibited at my building, even if I do smell burgers on the grill coming from somewhere on occasion).  So when I feel the need for BBQ, I either get carryout or fake it.

This weekend I faked it with a BBQ chicken wrap.It was oven baked BBQ.  So even if it looked like the real stuff, it wasn’t.  But even if it was fake, it was still ridiculously good.  And messy.  Luckily, no one was around, so I didn’t really care that I got it all over myself.

Sunday was just as, if not more, lazy than Saturday.  Yoga was the only real thing I had on my schedule.  I’m sure you all are going to be quite thrilled to hear I am getting that much better at crow pose.  I held it for over 5 seconds.  If you’ve done this pose, or have the sad upper body strength that I have, you’ll know how thrilled I was about it.  Soon… soon I will OWN that pose…

If you don’t know what I’m talking about, this is what it looks like (done by a girl way better than me obviously):That’s Jenna over at Eat, Live, Run and she pretty much is awesome at yoga (this pic is from her blog, so check her out!).  Maybe one day I’ll do umm…. half of what she can… 

Until then, I’m trying to not get cocky about my 5 seconds of coolness.  Otherwise, I’m afraid it’ll be like the time I said I’d do the half marathon.  I’ll have one drink too many, attempt this, and end up at the ER with a broken face.  No good!

Monica came back from her vacation on Sunday with this little surprise:Apologies for the fuzzy crackberry pic.  But it was exactly what I thought it would be.  Sweet yet sassy.  Just like me.    We both approved.

After work I’m SUPPOSED to go out running.  Uh…. Well at least it’ll be a nice, sunny rest day on Thursday.  Geez.  Will today finally be the day I have to reside to the treadmill for more than just 2 miles?  Oh say it isn’t so!  I knew it was only a matter of time- I had lucked out for six weeks now, except for one little sudden downpour incident.  Hopefully my teeny tiny work out room won’t be too busy with weight slammers and such.

Either way, if I must do the treadmill, I must.  I’ll take down 4.5 miles and smile the whole time.  Because I’m good at faking it.   

That’s what she said.  (Thought I’d save you the trouble of having to type it out…)

Happy Monday!

Day One

I officially started my half marathon training!  Sure, it’s not a big deal now.  But I can still say, “yeah, I’m training…” and make it sound awesome.  The next two or three weeks are runs that aren’t too different from what I’ve been doing as of late.  It’s just more structured.  Which I’m not sure how I’ll like.  I’m one of those people who seem to subconsciously rebel against structure.  Because I can.  So for now, I’m following the plan- but I’m saying I will be “loosely” doing so.  Just to cover my butt. 

Last night was a race against the clock to get to the trail.  The forecast was not looking good.  And I was stuck in traffic.  Yet determined to get at least through the first part of my run.  That way, in case it started to rain, I’d be too far into it to stop.  The rain didn’t come.  Whew.  And the three miles were great.  Not too windy, not too cold.  The legs felt loose and good after the first half mile.  No complaints! 

I switched shifts with Jaime today because she has an appointment with the venue where they’re having their wedding reception at.  So I don’t think the trail will be happening tonight being as how I won’t be home until a little later. The weather, once again, is not looking promising.  So I might have to do my scheduled run on the treadmill.  It’s supposed to be either two miles or cross training.  So maybe I’ll switch to cross training instead and do some work on the elliptical or stairmill and do some weights…  That sounds a little more exciting than mileage on the treadmill now that I think about it.

Also because I switched shifts, I got to sleep in a little more than planned.  I think I got a little over 7 1/2 hours!  Oh wow it felt good.  The weekend was close to sleepless and getting up at 5:30 every day for work can take it’s toll on a girl.  So this was nice.  How much sleep do you get on a regular basis?  I like to think I get somewhere around 7 every night, but I know it’s often less. 

Needless to say, I woke up refreshed.  And hungry.  But that’s nothing new.  I applaud all of you that don’t eat breakfast until you get to the office or what not… I guess I’m just the definition of hungry girl.  Because there’s no way I could wait that long without my stomach eating itself.  Seriously, I’m too nervous to even attempt it. Oatmeal with Kashi underneath, almond butter, and a little honey.  Gooooooooddddd morning to me!  And to  you as well, of course.

Socialization

I’ve spent a lot of weekends resting and staying in as of late.  I have no problems with that.  I actually enjoy it.  But not this weekend… this weekend I remembered what the concept of socialization was all about (although I may be a little rusty… ).

After the three of us (my cousin, her friend, and I) getting our workouts in yesterday, we cleaned up as to look publicly acceptable, and headed down to the city to meet up with cousin #2 in Bucktown for a late brunch.  Really it was well past any hour that breakfast should be served in, but if there’s any cinnamon rolls involved, I still call it brunch.We ate at Blue Line Lounge and Grill- right under the Blue Line stop.  They had a little outside patio area that would have been so cute to sit in- had it not been SO COLD!  (Thank you Chicago weather and your mind games… I’m THIS CLOSE to needing therapy because of you.)  Niki got there right after we did, so as soon as she sat down, the family gossip came out again!  Don’t think we’re rude- there’s 35 cousins on that side of the family- there is a LOT of catching up to do on a regular basis.  Jeanna (my cousin Joanne’s friend) was very awesome about listening to all the tales of our childhood/family musings/where are they nows. 

The food came out and I had the California Stone Flat with sweet potato fries.  After that sandwich, I decided no sandwich is complete without avocado.  Mark my words…Such a sassy group of ladies we are…

After lunch, we all parted ways.  My coming home involved a nap in my favorite spot of my new couch (that would be the corner so I pretty much lay there in fetal position and bask in the glow of the sun shining through my sliding door- I’m a little baby like that.  Or a cat.).

I did, however, wake up and get moving again.  I had some energy stored up at that point and went down to hammer out another mile and a half on the treadmill.  Yes- I used the treadmill yesterday.  The dreaded thing.  The rain made me do it!

Later that night, I met up with my bestie Annie and we went to Rocks in Lincoln Park to celebrate her husband Steve’s birthday.  I really like that place because it’s a casual neighborhood bar.  I’m not so much a fan of the club scene and feel much more at home in a place like this.  Joanne was staying downtown this night and was cool enough to meet up with me again!  We decided this was probably the most bonding time we have had in years!I really want to make a trip to Ann Arbor to see her.  I’ve heard it’s a fun little town to run around in.  Plans must be made…

Anyhoo, because it was Steve’s birthday and Annie didn’t have time to bake anything, we brought a few of the cake bites I made to the bar to celebrate his birthday properly.  I like that Annie called them “cake bites”.  I have decided I’m not a huge fan of the word “balls” unless using it in a more negative tone.  Like, “he’s going to be late and we are gonna be so screwed!”  “Oh balls….”.  So yeah, we’re calling them cake bites now. Happy Birthday Steve!!!

People loved my cake bites.  And can we point out- this is where it sounds better.  Because you can’t say “people loved my balls”.  You just can’t use a phrase like that any more without thinking of Alec Baldwin’s schweddy balls skit.  Which is hilarious and all, but still somewhat awkward.  Nothing like a schweddy ball…

I’m running on little sleep today.  I blame myself.  Didn’t turn the heat up enough.  So I woke up freezing.  But too tired to actually get up and turn up the heat more or grab a cover.  So I laid there.  Frozen.  Looking back, that was a poor choice.

I have got to run.  Time to call my mom (Happy Mother’s Day, ya’ll).  And I have to clean before the peeps show up for a special suburb edition of Lunch Club. Have a wonderful Sunday!

I Need A Helmet

I really do.  For more than just the one reason I’m about to talk about.  Just ask some of my closest friends…

But really, the main reason I need one is for this thing:Please ignore the mess.  And contrary to what you may think, I do have an apartment that I spend time in.  I don’t live in my car… yet.  But yeah, see that bike?  That’s something I dug up while at home over the weekend. 

It all started when I was talking to my friend Mon about trails to run/walk in the area.  She started naming off a crazy amount because she had biked them all last year.  And we started talking about biking.  And my friend Cathryn keeps talking about ladies she goes to the gym with and how they do bike rides up and down the lake shore.  “I wanna do that!” I said.  And I see some of the gorgeous rides Caitlin’s been going on.  So yeah.  Let’s do this…

So I started looking at bikes online.  Not happy with how much a decent bike costs, I decided to look at cheaper ones.  And then my mom mentioned the bike that I still had at home and that I should just bring it up after Easter.  I was skeptical, but then I looked at it and decided it will be just fine!  It’s not like I’m a pro, nor will I ever aspire to be.  I just need a little somethin’ somethin’ to get me from point A to B.

Any good tips for when looking for helmets and such?  And maybe even elbow pads?  Knowing how I am, maybe I should just pass up the elbow and knee pads altogether and just go for a big roll of bubble wrap for the entire body.  I wonder if that will hinder my riding?

I can’t wait to break it out soon.  I feel like it may be yet another thing for me to cross train with when I start to pick up the running again.  After spending almost 11 weeks as a nonrunner over the last 4 months, I’m trying anything and everything to get my strength and endurance back up when I’m pain-free without overdoing the running.  Blah!

That’s another reason I’ve been so tolerant of yoga- did it again last night.  I like how I’m much stronger with the poses compared to when I first started.  It’s a good feeling.  And I can see and feel some of the strength I’ve built up in my legs (and I may even dare to say- my boo-tay!).

I’m planning a short run for either Wednesday or Thursday- weather permitting.  We’ve been having some serious stormy weather.  Great for sleeping.  Not so much for the outdoor activities.  So I’m hoping one of those days I mentioned will be decent enough to get a run in.  I’ve sworn off the treadmill.  I curse you and spit in your general direction, you stupid machine!  Not that it’s the sole reason to blame for my leg issues.  But I consider it a contributor that I actually have control over. 

Speaking of the rain, since I don’t have anything like an outdoor run planned today, I’m kind of ok with it today.  Seriously… is that weird?  Save that sunshine for the weekend… I’ll take the rain today.  It fits my feelings towards Tuesdays anyways… ha.

Anyhoo, in usual Tuesday fashion over here at SCR (Did I just make a blog acronym?  I think so… holla’), we’re looking for ways to combat the Tuesday day of suck.  After last week’s movie outting, Mon and I decided to start taking on Tuesdays with a proactive approach.  Tonight is pizza night.  I keep seeing the pizza dough at TJ’s calling my name.  So I caved and got some.  Enter bottle of wine and you’ve got a good night planned!

Tread and Shred

Ahhh… sooooo glad to have Monday behind me!  Sunday night’s attempt at sleep was not a good one. Rough to say the least.  And it seemed every time I went to fill up on a little coffee (ok fine- as much coffee as my body would allow without overcaffenaiting and jittering my way around the office in a rolly chair) the pots were empty.  So I’d just sigh a heavy sigh and make some more.  Each time!  And once I almost missed out on getting some of THAT coffee I had just made.  Oh bother… (Yes, that’s a Winnie the Pooh reference.  Although I’m sure my mood was more reflective of Eeyore at the time.) I don’t mind making the coffee.  I do it often.  I do mind when it’s the one time I want some and all four industrial-sized pots of it are empty.  Wtf? Does anyone else have days like that?  Lame… 

I promise, though, this post is not all doom and gloom.  For some reason I got out of work bursting with energy.  It was a surprising occurence of events, but I decided to go with it.  I went to the gym ready to go.  And then there was someone on the good treadmill- blah.  So I warmed up a little… and eyed it for awhile.  I was afraid of losing momentum, so I had resigned myself to the idea of using the loud treadmill and just dealing with it.  I was THAT excited to run.  But luckily, the current user slowed down and jumped off.  Victory is mine!

I jumped on and started plugging away.  My mind started wondering again.  But no thoughts of how much time was left- I was just going and going!  A little left over annoyances from the last couple of days helped keep me pumped, too.  I guess there’s good in everything- even shitty situations?  Four miles came with no problem!  Ahhhh….  I decided to not do any more at the gym- and eat a quick dinner so I could still fit in The Shred.  Level 2 is starting to grow on me.  And it’s giving me the good sore in my booty- LOVE that! 

A little tread and shred makes everyone feel better! 

This girl did work last night.  Not just with exercise- but I got crazy amounts of laundry taken care of.  One thing I noticed?  Now that I’m back in the swing of things (when it comes to running), I sure do have way more laundry to do on a regular basis.  A small price to pay.  Well, until the electricity and water bills come.  At least you know if you’re smelling something “off” at the gym, it won’t be me- I’m Downey fresh.

Challenge for the day?  Not getting into the drawer of goodies we have in a desk at work.  Instead of frosted animal crackers, Jaime stashed a few bags of mini Chips Ahoy and Oreos that appeared in the break room last week.  Needless to say, I found them yesterday.  Working the later shift provides for long afternoons.  And sometimes the Cliff Z Bar doesn’t quite cut it…. enter chips ahoy.  mmmm….  Dang.

So let’s discuss days.  Today is Tuesday and is usually my least favorite of the week.  I say usually because yesterday was a slow one- when usually it’s one of my busiest.  What’s yours?  Or do you have a favorite?  I know little Miss Eggplant Executrix loves Mondays – which I will applaud because it’s usually not my first pick for favorite of the week.  Like I said, let’s discuss…

Attempting the 4.25 miles tonight.  I’m hoping for the burst of energy again with fire in my eyes…