New Change

These past few weeks, I've been pushing myself to run every afternoon right after work in order to ensure that I get a really good workout.  I'm starting to feel less "blah" about myself and more "yah".  It has become more of a routine to me now that it isn't much of a "chore" feeling and more of a "I'm going to go running!!!!!" feeling.

I found out a few weeks ago that I have a Vitamin D Deficiency.  No-not rickets--just a deficiency.  No biggie--but I'm really trying to get as much Vitamin D as I can so that I can prevent the onset of osteoporosis at an early age to a more understanding age--100 yrs.  Okay-maybe not, but I can dream.  Working with the geriatric population makes me think about my own health and how I need to take care of these things now before my health conditions get worse.  Osteoporosis is the worst in the geriatric population, and to have soft bones at my age--yuck.




Of course, my hypochondriac sister (it runs in the family)- who is also a doctor- believes that I may have some underlying condition causing my Vitamin D Deficiency, such as Celiac disease-since she was recently diagnosed with Crohn's.  No. Yes. Maybe.  Who knows.  I guess I'll find out if it gets worse.  If my hair doesn't stop falling out in bunches by the next 3 months, maybe then I'll worry.

So, now I'm determined to get my bones, muscles, body, and mind strong and healthy.  I don't eat meat--so I'm getting my protein with a health shake, as well as other ways.  Vitamin D with prescription meds, supplements and 15 min of sun right after work before my run.  I haven't been eating much fast food these past few weeks, and have been cooking more at home.  It's nice, even when my fast food consists of a veggie sandwich from Panera bread.  Any who, I'm determined to make myself better-mentally and physically.

Last weekend, we did yoga in the park and it was awesome! Also, I was super sore.  I'm trying to do 10 min of yoga everyday too.  I haven't been that faithful this weekend, but I'm hoping to get back into it this week.  I did this video and it got me sweating.  yoga

Until next time,

JGL Love

New Distances

This weeks exercises have taken me farther than ever before (mentally and physically). Monday's run was 2 miles, Tuesday's run was 4 miles, Wednesday's run was 3 miles, and Today's run was 4 miles. Each day was long and hard to get through. Once I made 4 miles the first time I felt guilty when I did less than 3 miles. My body is slowly adjusting and once I can walk 4 miles daily I want to try jogging them. I would really enjoy doing the color run. I know I could easily go and walk the whole thing but I've got a little bit of a competitive side. I don't for a second think that I will win but it would be nice not to be in last place.

This mornings run made me feel like I was going to be murdered. You know those beautiful scenes with inspirational quotes like:

That was nothing like the setting for my jog at 6 am this morning. It felt like someone was going to run out of the woods and rape us. So a little more like:

Needless to say I brought that scene upon myself by sending 15 texts to Chelsea so she would get up. Without those texts I could have easily laid in bed and skipped my jog for today. When I got home (safe, luckily) I did this arms workout by Cameron Diaz's trainer and my arms were trembling by the end. I have no arm muscles so this routine may be easier for people who have done more arm exercises recently.

Now we continue to new developments. I have challenged my dear friend to a workout challenge. I am going to try a workout video and send a video of me doing the workout to her. She then has to decide if she wants to do it or wimp out. lol. Maybe I will wrangle Chels into this and we can post the video on here! 

Alright, tonight I am headed out to see Argo and Looper. I hear they are both very good and I can't wait to see them. I will let you know tomorrow how they turned out and decide whether I feel comfortable being videotaped for the world to see. Have a glorious day!

New Movements

I woke up yesterday and found my roomie, Chelsea, in the living room working out. I joined her and did the tank top arms workout. In no way did I think this would be a regular occurrence. As I have stated before the roommate and I are not particularly "morning people". However, this morning I heard a tap on my door and I woke up ten minutes before my alarm. Thinking it had to be Chelsea I went to the living room for my morning coffee. As I poured my cup of java chelsea emerged from her room. She had obviously been up for a while (she didn't resemble a sith lord).

(Emperor Palpatine)

I proceeded to ask her if she had tapped on my door and she told me she hadn't. I wouldn't put it past her to prank me so she added "I'm not messing with you." (Besides it was too early for chelsea to comprehend pranking.) Apparently we have a ghost. A ghost who would very much like me to work out because when I left my room later there chelsea was again. I had no intention of working out. It was such little intention I was considering going back to sleep before I came into the living room. Wednesday is Chelsea's awful crazy wild busy day of the week. If she can work out on wednesday so can I. I did the beginner moves in THIS workout followed by back on pointe's dancer's legs and fit fab abs. I wrapped everything up with a few yoga moves to stretch everything out and stuffed myself with water. 

All I really have to add is that I hate working out. I don't have a workout that makes me feel fantastic. When other blogs tell me to find something I love it drives me crazy. My favorite workout is eating chips on the sofa. Over time eating right has became easier. I no longer desire to eat chips on the sofa and instead want zucchini fries. However working out is still like getting a tooth pulled. (I don't want to get it done and if I have to I want to be fully asleep.) I'm hoping that eventually I can feel like exercising eventually but until then I will keep chugging along. (I want to make it to Vegas baby!)

 (When I jog I look like kristen bell does here. Check her out in veronica mars. I think she's great in everything. Sure, I've got a little bit of a girl crush)

Have a good day everyone! Hope this helped cheer up anyone feeling exercise challenged today. 

I don't have pictures but...

I do have updates and good news. Here it goes...

The running has been going pretty well. Odd thing is, every week so far (ok it's only been 2 weeks but still) I have had one day terrible run. Terrible means I couldn't even finish the 2-3 miles I was running. Considering in two months I have to run 13.1 miles, that's pretty bad. The funny thing is that the next run after that demoralizing and depressing run is always amazing and perfect. I don't know what kind of sick twisted game this is but I don't like it. I want perfect amazing runs all the time. Right. I bet the running gods are laughing their butts off right now. Either ways I'm on schedule for the training, so keep praying it continues to go well.

Now about the food issue. I'm not a girl who eats healthy naturally. At all. Like ever. My (only) two healthy habits are that I love water and will drink that 95% of the time and I love fruits. Beyond that, give me a double bacon cheeseburger over veggies any day, extra fries please. But I've managed to make some decently healthy meals lately with Sam. We've made some turkey burgers with avocado and cheese, some pasta (with lots of cheese), and had a taco night. Now all of these included some really healthy foods like avocado, lean turkey meats, and beans or some veggies. All also included lots of cheese, cheese is my weakness (along with Nutella and all baked goods. I know really narrowing that down). It's also Sam's weakish spot. So we include cheese in just about every meal.

I've learned that moderation is better than starvation. I'd love to be that girl who eats clean and doesn't overindulge, but that's not me. I love food, and I can't cut out 'bad' foods. I actually dislike the person who thought foods should be labeled good or bad. I know plenty of skinny, fit people who eat a variety of all foods. They eat very moderately but they eat everything, veggies and brownies alike. Now if you're like Scott Jurek, then yes by all means focus on diet and training. I suggest for everyone else trying to lead a normal life find your happy medium. trying to be something you're not won't get you far. That's my rant of the day. Probably because I ate three Reese's PB Pumpkins this morning for breakfast. I'm just trying to clear my conscience and tell myself it's ok. Probably shouldn't do that again, but we all know I will.

Happy Friday everyone, go out and do something fun this weekend!

Half Marathon Training

So today is day 4 of half marathon training. So far so good. Although I wasn't expecting anything less. I've had two runs, a rest day, and today I went to a body pump class class followed by a 3 mile walk. I'm more worried for when the long runs (LR) start that I'll fall off the wagon.

I did beat my mile time (since college) I was faster in high school, but there are some things I'm happy to leave behind in the old high school days- I was the awkward kid, actually I'm still awkward, but now I'm okay with that. I really need to review my diet to fuel my running. These 3-4 milers are no big deal. When I up the miles to 7-12, that'll take a toll on my energy level if I don't watch it.

It's not just about eating less or more, it's about eating the right foods. Although that's true of everyday life. You're body gives you back what you put into it. Good foods= feeling good, and same thing with crap food. Too bad I love the crap foods. That's actually how they decide if foods are healthy or not, if I like it or not. Jokes. But really why does all the crap taste amazing and healthy food takes some serious work to taste good? I'm not a cook. I hate cooking (I love baking, convenient right?). so keeping a good nutritious diet is really hard.

I've got breakfast and lunch down, but dinner is my least favorite meal. And I don't really know how to prepare or decide what to eat. That's my goal in the next month. Finding and trying out recipes. Stocking up on some dinner foods, and experimenting. Here goes nothing. I'll update (hopefully with pictures but let's not overly excited) and maybe I'll have some exciting recipes to share!

Have a good Thursday everyone!

Old Motivations

About a month ago I got asked if I had any children. The guys shouting that inquiry from their cars window followed it with some commentary, "Because you look like it!" 

I'm still not entirely sure what they meant. I have a belly? Someone put mom jeans on me in the middle of the night? I was wearing my matronly hair do? Someone taped a papoose to my back? Whatever their motivation I just wanted to say it hurt and motivated me simultaneously. I wish I could have had a quick come back but instead I hung my head in shame. My roommate Chelsea wanted to start a war (she has rage issues) and the comment wasn't even directed at her. I should have been enraged but all I could think in that moment was that they were right. One group of idiots had voiced everything I was subconsciously telling myself.

For the past month every time I feel like giving up I have told myself that I can't look like I've had children anymore. Chelsea kept telling me to think positive thoughts but I just couldn't stop hating on myself. It was all my fault that I was overweight and I couldn't see that I was trying to fix it. The last week I have stopped telling myself negative comments and today was the first day I felt good about myself when I got up. I looked in the mirror and I couldn't see a difference but I could feel it. 

For the first time I feel motivated like I really can accomplish my goals. I wish I could say what has changed but I don't know. Something is different and I'm excited to find out what. I'm really excited to continue eating right (even oatmeal, YUCK!) and working out. THINK HAPPY THOUGHTS!!

This is just for a little uplift after my serious post...CLICK HERE

New To This

Since getting into this wonderful thing called a relationship, I've gained hmm... a few pounds.  Of course everyone says I look alright, but I don't feel alright.  I don't want to get any bigger and I don't want diabetes.  Ok.  A little extreme but hey, it could happen.  I'm trying to do things to lose weight...like exercise, which has always been a part of my life but eating right is the thing I have the most trouble.  I don't eat terribly...I just eat way too much of whatever I'm eating.  Then I feel sick.  Then I can't work out for hours cause of that sick feeling.  Its a vicious cycle.

Exercise.  I do it.  It's doable.  I just can't get myself to do strength training, which I need the most.  I'd rather go jogging for an hour than lift weights and tighten my ass.  That's something else I need to work on.  Maybe start a "To Do" list with things that need to be done that day, also so I can have that orgasmic liberating feeling of scratching things off my list when they are finished.

Now, I am going to try and eat less.  Small portions. PORTION CONTROL!!!! Well, maybe drink more water, then eat food, drink water while I'm eating food, and hopefully that'll fill me up.  I have a tendency to not drink my liquids while eating.  Then, when I'm done eating I drink a ton of water and then I feel sick.  Like right now.

I do have the occasional cupcake with the gals but other than that I'm eating the right foods, just too much of it.

Yes.

Routines and Dedication

I have found the easiest (and hardest) way to get fit and keeping fit is by having/sticking to a routine. Now, I know that ideally we all like to say that we have a set routine and nothing ever screws that up. Try planning to do something once (or twice) a week at the same time, every week. Now watch how quickly the universe tries to show you who's boss and who really controls your life. The first two weeks will go flawlessly, and you'll think you're amazing and be really proud. That's when friends start calling about happy hour, your mom wants to come by for a visit, or your pet needs to go to the vet (does she really need an annual wellness exam? I don't even get one). You get the point, life gets in the way.

How do you work around that? Make gym time black out time. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6-7 PM do not exist in my social calendar or any other calendar (unless it's work related, I can't get fired over a Body Pump or yoga class). People will slowly learn to respect your schedule. If you don't respect it, no one else will. It has to be a known fact that you're dedicated to your goal.

What's even better is that the more dedicated you are, the more people take you seriously. And the ones who are truly there for you will help you to your goals. If you're lucky, they might even join! Sam's been cooking healthy meals for me and he'll soon be helping with my speed work outs (he doesn't know it yet, I'm telling him tonight). He hates running but he's really good at doing sprint work outs. Jealous girlfriend over here sucks at it, so I'm appointing him as my speed work pace buddy. He'll be thrilled (or I'll guilt him into it, one of those).

But really, just choose a goal and go for it. And if you have a bad day, don't give up. Every advice from every runner (or athlete) I've ever read all say they had really crappy days and really awesome days. What matters is working through it. That's what makes you stronger and that's what make you better. And isn't that the goal anyways? To feel better, to look better.  Simply, to be better as a person.

Like Nike says: Just Do It!

New Bites

Let me recap the past week a little.

First, I totally fell off the wagon (No, I'm not an alcoholic). I'm not sure I would call it falling off. It was more like the wagon stopped to get drinks (once again non-alcoholic) and I fell asleep at the sandwich counter. It's always a challenge for me to stick with a workout regimen. I start out full of determination and strength only to be taken down by a day of the sleepies. What can I say? I'm a sucker for sleep.

Even though I stumbled last week I managed to make some healthy and delicious meals. Let me start with the tempting photos.

This was for breakfast!

    I got it from pinterest. (Theirs looks better than mine! Don't judge!)

Go HERE to get the recipe!

Take a gander at my lunch!!

I made tuna salad with greek yogurt. 

Here is a rough estimate of the recipe (sometimes I just throw things in).

2 Tbsp nonfat plain greek yogurt

1/2 Tsp olive oil

1/4 tsp mustard

pinch o' black pepper

pinch o' sea salt

halved cherry tomatoes (however many you want! or none...if you hate them or you're allergic or something.)

1 stalk diced celery (fiber!)

1/16 cup of craisins (this measurement is not exact. I sprinkle them until I feel it "looks right")

FINALLY, the pièce de résistance!!

DINNER!!

Yeah, those are enchiladas. No big deal. EXCEPT they are delicious

PUMPKIN ENCHILADAS

Trust me they are delicious. You can find the recipe HERE.

Don't wait. Go to there. You know you want to.

I replaced the meat with black beans but I'm sure you could do lean ground turkey breast too (or any meat for that matter).

Yummies! I hope you're starving now. HAHAHAHAHAHA!

(Yeah that's me as Tom Riddle from Harry Potter. NO JUDGING!)

This past sunday I climbed back into the wagon again and I hope it's for the longest ride of my life. I have managed to go for a 30 min jog/walk once a day since sunday. It's a slow start but I think I can do it this time. I'm trying to change my life and make it better. I'm gonna handcuff myself to the wagon and make sure I don't go anywhere. 

I will keep working towards my goal and while I do check out a trailer. I love Rashida Jones and Andy Samberg. This movie looks super good and I can't wait to watch it.

New Deals

This is going to be a very short post because I am exhausted. I made a few deals with Chelsea today. When I reach my halfway point I will get to buy a new outfit, and when I reach my goal we are going to have a Las Vegas girls weekend! It's exciting! That's it for now. I will update the progress again tomorrow.

New Achievements

Okay, I have to admit, I was jealous that both the previous blog posts tittles started with 'new'. I wanted to fit in. Although today's blog is about an achievement, so I'm not lying. I was planning on posting some motivational post but I've got something better. First, let me take you back to December2011 and set the stage.

It was December 26, 2011 as I stepped on the scale and saw I was .5lbs away from being the heaviest I'd ever been again. Looking back, I have no idea why I thought it would be a good idea to weight myself right after all the big holiday meals. I'm not usually that thoughtless, okay, maybe I am. That's irrelevant right now. Back to the scale,I stood there horrified, I had sworn I would never let myself get back there. Yet, there I was, back to square one. Back to the yo-yoing. Back to old, dangerous habits. Back to being unhappy and cranky.

Right there and then I decided to take charge and make a change. Not only to get back into shape, but I would stop this yo-yo effect I was putting on my body. It's not healthy, it's not sane, and (let's be honest) it's not cheap to replace clothes all the time. It wasn't meant to be a New Year's resolution, it was just a resolution, or a promise.

Since then I've lost 30 lbs and have gotten my running back up to 3 miles. Those are nice accomplishments and I'm proud of them. However, today came the real breakthrough, I was looking in the mirror during Body Pump class and I liked loved the reflection staring back at me. Now let's get one thing straight, I'm not at my goal yet and I don't look like Heidi Klum, not even in my best dream on my best day. Still, today I didn't look away from the mirror, I didn't mentally insult some part of my body, I smiled. I finally felt content and happy in my skin, for the first time in a very long time.

Then I hit myself in the head with my bar full of weights. I'm smooth like that. That's what I get for staring at myself during a work out.

I've still got a ways to go and new goals to reach. I signed up for a half marathon in December and I've got more weight to lose. But today, I win the self esteem battle. Today, I'm happy.

New dogs

OK, just the one dog. His name is Maverick. Not as in Sarah Palin or Dallas. As in: a lone dissenter; an intellectual, an artist, or a politician, who takes an independent stand apart from his or her associates. 

 Or:

Or even:

Today was the first day of settling Maverick into anything resembling a routine. Consequently, it did the same for me. Normally I sleep through three alarms before slipping out of from under the covers, layering on a few sweatshirts (to compensate for the removal of the covers) before sitting dully with my mug of coffee for however long it takes me to realize that I'm going to be late for work. Which I suppose is a kind of routine, but not exactly a healthy one. So this morning was definitely new.

A couple of things: 1. It's easier to wake up and get out of bed at 5 a.m. when you have an incredibly cuddly dog staring at you, wagging his oddly-stumpy tail patiently as you realize that your mornings are no longer just about you. 2. It's easier to wake up and get out of bed at 5 a.m. because you can't help but want to pet him, all the time.

So instead of layering on my sweatshirts, I changed into my workout clothes. I pulled my running shoes out of Maverick's mouth to save/wear them, harnessed him up, and we stepped out into the cool morning air for a jog.

Now, I wasn't sure how this was going to go. I'd only taken him for walks around the apartment complex to try and gauge his stamina while observing his behavior in general. Is he friendly to other dogs? How is he with kids? So far he's been energetic and good-natured, so I figured a short run along my usual route was a fairly safe bet. The best time for this (right now, anyway) seems to be 5 a.m. because the evenings are still pretty warm for a black-haired border collie, and sometimes it's the only time I can squeeze a workout in.

The jog went wonderfully. He didn't pull on the leash or stall too often. The only thing we'll have to work on is that he looooves crossing paths with me, like in that 101 Dalmatians scene but without the adorable meet-cute. (Where are all the cute guys at 5 a.m., you ask? Sleeping! Like the rest of the rational world.) I'll have to train him to stay on my side, just in case we're running along a road and there's traffic. But it felt really great running in that quiet, dark morning stillness. He seemed to love it, too.

I finished the morning with a brisk shower and then breakfast while Maverick alternated between watching me eat and doing what I call his "happy wiggle" on the carpet (he rolls around on his back like a fallen penguin ... I don't really know how else to explain it).

I'm excited to see how these morning jogs pan out with my new buddy! Hopefully there will be a 5k in my future this Fall.

New Beginnings

I'm on a mission to become a morning person.

Today my alarm went off at 5 a.m. and I immediately turned off the alarm and reset it (the snooze button and I are not friends). I should have introduced myself to snooze today, though, because I reset the alarm for 7 a.m. and the alarm went off at 5:10 and again at 5:20. Apparently an inanimate object has more commitment to my getting up and working out than I do. After glaring at my alarm clock for a few moments, I shuffled to the kitchen and found my roommate, Chelsea, searching for a mug in complete darkness. (She's not really a morning person either.) We got coffee (one cup) and water (however many cups we want) situated for both of us. Chelsea carried a bowl of cereal (her "puffy" Kashi GoLean), a cup of coffee, a glass of water, and the creamer (for me!) to the coffee table with no accidents. We really should have one of those “It's Been X-number of Days Since our Last Incident in the Stockton/O-Gold” household signs. We do have dry-erase board, but we use that for important things, like keeping track of bets and Hangman … But back to fitness!

I coerced her to try a new workout with me once we were nice and caffeinated: the Tank Top Arms Workout (found via Pinterest). With the right Spotify playlist to motivate us, we started working our arms. Halfway through the workout we started the lateral arm raises and Chelsea confessed that they are her least favorite. I asked her how bad she wanted strong arms, and she told me "I WANT IT!" with her intense face.

We fought through two circuits of arms and when we were finished we had done 60 pushups (they were the second hardest thing for me). That's more pushups than I have ever done in a single day in my entire life. Lastly was the tricep dip, which is what I struggled with the most. (Don't worry, we couldn't do them without crying either!)

Alright, I'm listening to “No Diggity” by Blackstreet/Dr.Dre and getting ready to make my meal plan. I always have a guide (based on a meal plan) when I go shopping or I just end up with cookies and celery. As I’m heading out, “No Diggity” reminds me that I'm really looking forward to seeing Pitch Perfect. Find the preview and watch it. ‘Nuff said.