The other day I had someone close to me ask if I was going to continue to talk about half marathon training excessively until it is over....the answer is yes. :)
I am Week 3 of Half Marathon training and surprisingly, I am feeling good. I am running my 3 days, doing a day of strength/stretch, and 1 to 2 days of cross training every week. It's a very busy schedule but I am really enjoying the structure and feelings of accomplishment that are coming with the training. The runs are tough and I always end up doing at least a little walking during them, but I am still completely the distances that are on my training.
The training doesn't come without it's challenges though. I am having a little foot pain on one side of my right foot. At rest it feels good, but I had a pretty rough pain in my foot today during my run. I am also having problems with my pace. Because of this, the majority of my runs have been inside on a treadmill. I know I need to change that soon, but right now I am just more focused on getting used to running at a consistent pace.
By far the biggest challenge of my training is mental. I am really having problems with getting my head in a good space during this training. I have this awful, terrible habit of comparing myself to runners. I have to keep telling myself it is ok if I run slower than them and if I walk during my runs. I am really trying to focus on my accomplishments, but it is really hard. I want to get excited that I ran 2 miles without taking a walking break, but it just seems so minor compared to what others that are training for the half marathon can do.
I desperately need to get over all that, but it is really, really hard. I mean, I am slow. In fact, I don't even know if my pace is considered running or jogging. I guess it doesn't really matter, but in the back of my mind I always have those kinds of thoughts.
Anyway, if anyone has any words of wisdom or advice for me (especially on the foot issue) I am all ears. I've gotten some awesome advice from a good friend that has totally helped, so lay it on me!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
A blog update!!!
If you have noticed I have been pretty MIA from the blogging world. While I have been reading many blog posts, I can't remember the last time I commented on anyone's blogs before today. And I seriously hadn't written a post of my own in a month? (I don't think a Blueberry Lemonade recipe counts) Wow. I blame two major factors: Twitter and my iPhone.
Yes, I joined Twitter. It has filled my random blogging fix for a little while, but now I am a little over it. I mean, I will continue to check and probably update, but I was really expecting more interaction through other uh...Twitters (?) But whatever.
And It has been so convenient for me to lay on the lay on the couch and page through Google Reader on the iPhone. Problem is it isn't easy to post a comment. So I just pretty much stopped.
I expect most of this to change though because I am now the proud owner of my very own (first) laptop! It was an early birthday gift from my ever so lovely husband, that got a killer deal on a Toshiba. It is pretty basic, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
So now I am reclining in the living room, watching the dogs nap, tuning out the crappy movie Nathan is watching, and blogging. I am very comfortable and totally happy that I am not secluded it our tiny office in an uncomfortable chair.
I am going to go out on a limb and say that you can expect another post or two in the near future. I am hoping I didn't lose too many of you dear readers in my blog hiatus. Feel free to say hi!
Yes, I joined Twitter. It has filled my random blogging fix for a little while, but now I am a little over it. I mean, I will continue to check and probably update, but I was really expecting more interaction through other uh...Twitters (?) But whatever.
And It has been so convenient for me to lay on the lay on the couch and page through Google Reader on the iPhone. Problem is it isn't easy to post a comment. So I just pretty much stopped.
I expect most of this to change though because I am now the proud owner of my very own (first) laptop! It was an early birthday gift from my ever so lovely husband, that got a killer deal on a Toshiba. It is pretty basic, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
So now I am reclining in the living room, watching the dogs nap, tuning out the crappy movie Nathan is watching, and blogging. I am very comfortable and totally happy that I am not secluded it our tiny office in an uncomfortable chair.
I am going to go out on a limb and say that you can expect another post or two in the near future. I am hoping I didn't lose too many of you dear readers in my blog hiatus. Feel free to say hi!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Raspberry Blueberry Lemonade!
I've had a few requests to share this recipe, it is completely refreshing and fabulous for a gathering in the summer.
Raspberry Blueberry Lemonade
Blueberry syrup:
2.5 c. Blueberries (or 1 bag frozen)
3/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. water
splash lemon juice
Simmer all ingredients together for 12 minutes. You can puree it when finished but it isn't really necessary. You will have extra, but it is a great topping for pancakes!
Then Mix:
4c. Lemon Juice
4 c. Sugar
Stir until dissolved
Add:
1 bottle Raspberry Rum (I use Bacardi Razz)
1 bottle Blueberry Vodka (I use Smirnoff)
about half of slightly cooled Blueberry syrup
about 10 c. of Water (add this last and just do it to taste, you can add more or less depending on how strong you want it)
That's it!
Raspberry Blueberry Lemonade
Blueberry syrup:
2.5 c. Blueberries (or 1 bag frozen)
3/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. water
splash lemon juice
Simmer all ingredients together for 12 minutes. You can puree it when finished but it isn't really necessary. You will have extra, but it is a great topping for pancakes!
Then Mix:
4c. Lemon Juice
4 c. Sugar
Stir until dissolved
Add:
1 bottle Raspberry Rum (I use Bacardi Razz)
1 bottle Blueberry Vodka (I use Smirnoff)
about half of slightly cooled Blueberry syrup
about 10 c. of Water (add this last and just do it to taste, you can add more or less depending on how strong you want it)
That's it!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Running update
It’s been awhile since I blogged about running. For those of you that don’t see my Facebook updates or talk to me IRL, I would bet you think I got off my running kick. Well, you would be wrong! I am happy to report that I am still working on running. I somewhat stopped doing Couch to 5K though, so I could transition to running outside. It’s been really tough, but not impossible. I have a really great coach/motivator/amazing friend (Ali) who has really helped with everything that involves going from running on a treadmill to running outside. Without Ali I would be totally lost and frustrated. I owe her some major thanks!
Another big motivator has been the overwhelming support I have gotten from friends and family. Of course, I knew my friends would be a great rock to lean on, but I was shocked at the overwhelming support from my extended family. Once they heard I was running a 5k they were so supportive. The encouraging words and excitement from them has been awesome. They also have been the providers of almost all of my donations for Race for the Cure.
The Race for the Cure is Saturday, and even though it isn’t a timed race, I am still looking forward to completing it. My goal is to stay at a steady pace as much as possible, and not have to walk more than 5 minutes of the whole race. I may end up doing more walking than that, and that is ok in my book.
So what happens with running after the 5k is over? I have been asking myself that very question a lot the past few weeks. While I don’t think running is the greatest thing ever, I have enjoyed my personal accomplishments and getting such a killer workout. Plus, I have enjoyed having a schedule/plan through Couch to 5k.
I have also considered how lucky I am to be able to run. So many people would love to run but can’t because of injury, time, whatever. And who knows, in a year I may not have the option. With all this to consider, I have decided to start half marathon training.
Yep, you read that right. I, Teresa, am going to start the 12 week training plan for a half marathon. Now, I may not actually run a half, even though one conveniently is scheduled about 13 weeks from now, but I want to at least try the training. Unfortunately, Couch to 5k took me so long that I am thinking that a normal 12 week half marathon training will take me more like 24 weeks. But, hey, I figure it is at least worth a shot!
Crazy idea? Maybe. But will this crazy idea have awesome health and mental benefits? Absolutely!!!!
Another big motivator has been the overwhelming support I have gotten from friends and family. Of course, I knew my friends would be a great rock to lean on, but I was shocked at the overwhelming support from my extended family. Once they heard I was running a 5k they were so supportive. The encouraging words and excitement from them has been awesome. They also have been the providers of almost all of my donations for Race for the Cure.
The Race for the Cure is Saturday, and even though it isn’t a timed race, I am still looking forward to completing it. My goal is to stay at a steady pace as much as possible, and not have to walk more than 5 minutes of the whole race. I may end up doing more walking than that, and that is ok in my book.
So what happens with running after the 5k is over? I have been asking myself that very question a lot the past few weeks. While I don’t think running is the greatest thing ever, I have enjoyed my personal accomplishments and getting such a killer workout. Plus, I have enjoyed having a schedule/plan through Couch to 5k.
I have also considered how lucky I am to be able to run. So many people would love to run but can’t because of injury, time, whatever. And who knows, in a year I may not have the option. With all this to consider, I have decided to start half marathon training.
Yep, you read that right. I, Teresa, am going to start the 12 week training plan for a half marathon. Now, I may not actually run a half, even though one conveniently is scheduled about 13 weeks from now, but I want to at least try the training. Unfortunately, Couch to 5k took me so long that I am thinking that a normal 12 week half marathon training will take me more like 24 weeks. But, hey, I figure it is at least worth a shot!
Crazy idea? Maybe. But will this crazy idea have awesome health and mental benefits? Absolutely!!!!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Ahhhhh.....
I am seriously having a good last two days. Nothing all that wonderful or amazing has happened, but for me it is always the little things in life that really put me in a good place.
My little things:
*Going to Starbucks and getting a hot tea I actually like. I am really trying to like tea, and I am slowly transitioning from Chai to other tea lattes. While my Vanilla Roobos was a little strange at first, it was super yummy. For those of you that have drank the Roobos, was it just me or did you get a little bit of an apple taste?
*Booking a Trash the Dress session with a photographer I adore. I have debated forever about doing Trash the Dress pictures. I mean, I have been married almost four years! But my poor dress is already stained and really just needs a good send off. Plus, I am working with Pamela, who is not only a good friend, but a very artistic up and coming local photographer. The work that she has done is such a short time is truly art and I am so excited that she has agreed to take the pictures.
*A few friends came over for a super informal dinner. We ate, laughed, watched dogs play, and screamed with joy. No cared that I overcooked the oven fries or that a few of us were in yoga pants, it was simply just a great evening.
*I have gotten the most rejuvenating sleep ever the last two nights. My days have been so much better because of this.
I hope everyone is having a fabulous week…..if you have any little things that have made you happy this week, share them in the comments or write your own blog post.
My little things:
*Going to Starbucks and getting a hot tea I actually like. I am really trying to like tea, and I am slowly transitioning from Chai to other tea lattes. While my Vanilla Roobos was a little strange at first, it was super yummy. For those of you that have drank the Roobos, was it just me or did you get a little bit of an apple taste?
*Booking a Trash the Dress session with a photographer I adore. I have debated forever about doing Trash the Dress pictures. I mean, I have been married almost four years! But my poor dress is already stained and really just needs a good send off. Plus, I am working with Pamela, who is not only a good friend, but a very artistic up and coming local photographer. The work that she has done is such a short time is truly art and I am so excited that she has agreed to take the pictures.
*A few friends came over for a super informal dinner. We ate, laughed, watched dogs play, and screamed with joy. No cared that I overcooked the oven fries or that a few of us were in yoga pants, it was simply just a great evening.
*I have gotten the most rejuvenating sleep ever the last two nights. My days have been so much better because of this.
I hope everyone is having a fabulous week…..if you have any little things that have made you happy this week, share them in the comments or write your own blog post.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
The weight of work
I'm quite sure you think this is going to be a post talking about how crazy stressed I am with work. Ha! It actually isn't! I have been working a crazy amount already this week, and I can't believe it is only Tuesday; however, today as I was digging through my purse I had a realization. I have a TON of stuff that I carry around for my job. I thought some of you may be amused by the randomness of it all, so I snapped a picture with my handy iPhone:
What is this stuff you ask? Don't worry I am going to tell you.
Starting with the top left, a box like device called a magazine. It attaches to the inside of the vending machine and collects any dollars that go into the vending machine.
Next up is my mini tool kit. This little baby is easily the best $4 I ever spent at the wonder that is Walgreens. Pliers, screwdrivers, etc. are all in this mini fold out bag. It has saved me from calling a service guy out to a machine just to make a simple adjustment. If you are in need of such a convenient little bag I believe Walgreens still sells them.
Next row is two scan/key cards. One is to my new expanded account and another is to my office. Wearing two scan cards at once makes me look like a totally nerd as someone pointed out to me today.
Then onto my set of everyday work keys on my pink phonecord style keychain. It is hard to tell but that is 14 keys in total, most of them I use daily.
Thermometers for refrigerated machines and my small stack of business cards is pretty self explanatory.
Then a huge file folder of paperwork and spare keys which I normally have in my office, but somehow managed to wander into my overly heavy purse this week.
Of course, my phone is also essential to everyday work functions since some weeks I only spend a few hours in my office.
So there you have it...Teresa's work stuff all ready to be put to use. Kind of cool, right? :)
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
The Roxie scare
I had a little bit of a scare with Roxie this past weekend resulting in Roxie staying at an Emergency Clinic for almost two full days. Roxie had pancreatitis which could only be treated by continuous IVs. My vet isn’t exactly sure how she got it, but it is developed after eating something very high in fat or something spicy. The result is a lot of vomiting and diarrhea anytime Roxie ate or even smelled food.
Roxie is doing great now. She is on prescription dog food and some medicine for the next week, but is back to her normal self. I am still planning on continuing to make her homemade dog food, but making a few adjustments after talking over the diet again with my vet.
The whole experience has really taught me a lot. First, I have a gained trust for my vet and his staff. I always trusted them before, but Roxie has never had anything out of the ordinary happen to her, so I had never really seen them take emergency actions before. They far exceed my expectations, even when she had to be transferred out of their facility to a 24 hour clinic. My vet still considered Roxie his responsibility, and was in constant contact with the clinic. Second, when it comes to my dogs, I am not a tightwad. For those of you that know me personally, you know that I am quite frugal. When it came to Roxie, I even surprised myself at how much money was no object. I didn’t care what a 48 hour stay at an Emergency clinic cost, or how much an x-ray was going to run me. I signed those authorizations so quick, the ink of the pen got warm. Third, Roxie is such a lover, which I knew before, but was reminded of constantly when I called to check on her at the clinic. I love the fact that even though she is an excitable dog, people can still see that she has such a good heart and really just wants to be loved.
And last, I am an emotional wreck with stuff like this. I managed to keep it together Saturday during all of my Aunt’s wedding festivities, but Friday afternoon after I check Roxie into the hospital, I was in a terrible panic. I didn’t cry in front of anyone, but you better believe I lost it in the car on the way home. It was all just so scary, and I really hope I don’t have to go through that again anytime soon.
Everyone go home and hug your animals a little tighter tonight.
Roxie is doing great now. She is on prescription dog food and some medicine for the next week, but is back to her normal self. I am still planning on continuing to make her homemade dog food, but making a few adjustments after talking over the diet again with my vet.
The whole experience has really taught me a lot. First, I have a gained trust for my vet and his staff. I always trusted them before, but Roxie has never had anything out of the ordinary happen to her, so I had never really seen them take emergency actions before. They far exceed my expectations, even when she had to be transferred out of their facility to a 24 hour clinic. My vet still considered Roxie his responsibility, and was in constant contact with the clinic. Second, when it comes to my dogs, I am not a tightwad. For those of you that know me personally, you know that I am quite frugal. When it came to Roxie, I even surprised myself at how much money was no object. I didn’t care what a 48 hour stay at an Emergency clinic cost, or how much an x-ray was going to run me. I signed those authorizations so quick, the ink of the pen got warm. Third, Roxie is such a lover, which I knew before, but was reminded of constantly when I called to check on her at the clinic. I love the fact that even though she is an excitable dog, people can still see that she has such a good heart and really just wants to be loved.
And last, I am an emotional wreck with stuff like this. I managed to keep it together Saturday during all of my Aunt’s wedding festivities, but Friday afternoon after I check Roxie into the hospital, I was in a terrible panic. I didn’t cry in front of anyone, but you better believe I lost it in the car on the way home. It was all just so scary, and I really hope I don’t have to go through that again anytime soon.
Everyone go home and hug your animals a little tighter tonight.
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