Run.Chew.Sparkle

Ever have one of those days when you know when things are just going to go down hill??!! I swear I felt this way this morning. I set my alarm to get up at 7, so as per my schedule I could get either a walk or XT in. I thought since I was opening for work, this would be the best way, well my head said something else, and like an outer body experience happening, I reset my alarm and went back to sleep and overslept. Ughh. I should have just got up and go it over with. I really have a hard time with that on work days, days off no problem, go figure! So I showered super quick, grabbed my lunch and goodies and got to work, thinking the whole time, I have to work out after work. Work went by smoothly, until the end when I found out one of my staff members would be leaving. Which means my schedule for tomorrow is now an open to close, rather than just a close. Fantastic! Now when I was going to maybe sleep in a little bit, I have to get up and then run and then work all day. Oh well...

Day off as I stated in the post, which meant I was super lazy today. I had my breakfast which was a pretty fantastic smoothie and then a nice sit down lunch I made, but then I ended up taking a nap for 2 hours. I woke up feeling kind of tired and after my run, it all sorted of came at me at once. I mean I haven't been doing a whole lot lately, but I listened to my body today and just slept and did a little bit of nothing. I went to WW and weighed in and not sure why but I gained .2. Seriously body! .2! I could probably pee that .2 out and then it would be gone. Jesus, weight loss can be so frustrating!!! I stayed for the meeting and we talked bout Plateaus. I am in one right now, have been for quite sometime, but I am not giving up. I was frustrated for sure with the small and tiny weight gain and in the past I probably would have taken to a jar of salsa and some chips, but I went to Publix and got some groceries. I came home and made a snack. I am always hungry. I had ...

I realized that I didn't put a title to Day 2 yesterday and I mean sometimes the titles are the best part of the whole post, plus who just wants to see a countdown. I am realizing also that while I am out running and training, I really will find some things to blog about. I feel that now I am looking for things, keeping my mind clear and free. Most of the day I have a 1,000 things running through my mind, like work, sales goals, laundry, grocery shopping, how am I going to fit this in, vacuuming. And when can I get a nap in. But in the morning or night, when I am exercising and running, seriously it really is my me time and I find myself thinking much clearer. I come up with the best results and thoughts when I am running. I am off of work today, woohoo! While I am not a huge fan of having Tuesday's off because it is weigh in day and I have conference calls on Tuesdays, I am okay with it this week. James was going golfing this morning so we were both up at 7. I enjoy havi...

It's kind of funny, I seem to wake up now with a purpose and a direction more than I did before. While, I know I wont be doing my training every morning, like today, I had to after work, I am still waking up with a pep in my step. I worked today from 815-520, a pretty long and busy day. And most days I would just want to come home, grab a snack and watch my DVR for a couple of hours before James got home. BUT, I came home and KNEW I had to keep going. Per training, today I had to walk or XT for 40 minutes. It was a beautiful night so I grabbed my music and went for a 40 minute walk which equaled 2.22 miles. I walked through some neighborhoods I have not traveled yet. These walks are really branching me out and keeping me journeying to new roads in my area. I LOVE IT. Its funny too, I wasn't going to post this because well as you can see, nothing exciting going on kept for a walk, but knowing I had to write this post for everyone or no one or just for me, held me accountab...

Okay today I had James take some of my measurements and take a picture of me in my bra and panties to show the front, side and back view. While I am a pretty open person, very open, I am not ready to show those pictures out on the Internet JUST yet. While I promise to post them side by side with the end pictures, I am not ready for just the beginning yet. I do have to say I was surprised at how I looked. While I think I looked terrible, the more I looked at the pictures, all I could see is how far I had come and really took a look at my body and where I once was and I am very excited to take it to the next level with this training. So here are some of my measurements Bust: 35 in Arms (Biceps) : 13 1/2 in Thighs: 25 in Waist: 35, Size around 8 or 6 depending on pants of shorts and brand Calves: 17 in Shirt size: Small or medium depending on brand I don't keep a scale at my house so I will use the weight I had when I weighed in this past Tuesday, which is 159. I will sti...

This morning I swear I am not sure if it was the anticipation or what, but I could not sleep. I am off from work today and I could probably sleep in if I wanted to, but with the idea and concept of starting this training, my brain could not turn off. I seriously was ready to take on the day at 5:30 this morning. I tried to lay there for a bit, but it was not happening. So I got up and cleaned out our fridge, freezer and cabinets (we are going food shopping later). Grabbed a Special K bar to stop my stomach from growling, dressed and got ready to start this program. On deck this morning was 3 easy miles. The program said "easy" miles meaning, I should not be pushing it, stretching it out and just running and going with it. I should be able to keep a conversation or sing if wanted. I decided on some of these smaller mileage runs, I am going to go leave my GymBoss Interval walker at home. I just went out with my phone for music and my Garmin. I ran for a good 1.5 miles befor...

Tomorrow starts my marathon journey. Tomorrow is Day One. Tomorrow with one single step, I am truly changing my life. I know it seems crazy to get emotional or all worked up with the idea, I mean it is only training, I am not running the marathon for another 5 months, but the training is a HUGE deal. This training determines if I can really do this. I must stay commited and dedicated and working this through. The last month and the last few weeks, I have been really slacking with my running and exercising in general. But I am rested and mind is on constant thoughts of the marathon. I am living and breathing the idea and concept of running for 26.2 miles. I am scared, nervous and have a ton emotions. I am nervous of getting in all the workouts and routines in. I am nervous for my fueling and refueling. I am nervous for how I am going to feel and how my life will truly change for these next couple of months.  I am sure my boyfriend and family and everyone ...

When I was searching for marathon books, this was one of the books that came up in the search. It had just came out the end of last year. The book face alone had me hooked. I mean if that doesn't scream Angie Buy Me, I'm not sure what else would! This lady, Brook Kreder, ran her first marathon last year and blogged every day of it. The easy days, the bad days, the really great days and her thoughts and emotions through the whole training process. Everyone tells me that training for a marathon is what is going to change my life. This book was so real that I felt anxious when she had tough days, happy when she had the first long mileage days and emotional when she was feeling emotional. I read the book in 24 hours alone. Besides it being just her whole recount, she had some great tips and tricks and information to go along with it. She trained in Denver, during the winter, in really bad weather and how she adjusted to it. I will  be training in Florida, during our re...

I am a very visual person, I need to see results to produce results. I love seeing charts, a to-do list, I need a constant reminder at all times to keep myself accountable. It is just how I groove and vibe. I decided to take my training program from my Marathon book and put it to paper. Actually a white board and then hung it in our little office area. That way I can see it every day. I will know what to do every day. I can add notes to the board and cross off and see how far I am going and how far I have to go. This board is week 1-week 16 and then I have to do a second board for week 17-marathon. I love this visual. I added some motivation to keep me going and keep me inspired. I LOVE THIS!!! Every day I look at this I am beaming. I can not believe I am about to do this! Do you see the day with 15 and 17 miles!!! Ahhhh!!  I know I will be stronger by then for sure! Here we go!!!

I am a big fan of breakfast. And usually every morning, I wake up with my stomach growling and I am in need of a quick fix to settle the noise. While, I am trying to stay away from cereal because I find it doesn't fill me up as well as other breakfast items, I sometimes stand in my kitchen with no idea what to make, prolonging my stomach from getting the fix it needs. Okay, wow, I was a little over dramatic with that sentence and holy run on with that also. So short and sweet, I get in a breakfast slump. This is why I love Instagram and blogs, Pinterest, basically anything social media, etc because I can search and find some inspiration. When looking for breakfast, I love quick and easy, hence why I went on an overnight oats splurge for about a month awhile back. Hmmm..I should really get back to that. God, I am all over the place today. SOooooo..back to my breakfast. I follow on Instagram and Bloglovin, Brooke:Not On A Diet, check her out at www.brookenotonadiet.com Sh...

Today was my Weight Watchers day and I almost didn't make it because of an issue at my store, but all was right in the world and I got out in time. Since my car is STILL at the shop, I walked from work to WW, which seems a lot further away then it really was, it was only .50 miles. The weather was perfect and I was happy to walk. I got to WW just before the meeting was ending. Bummer about that, but I weighed in and I had gained 1 pound. I knew I was going to have a gain, I always seem to after Aunt Flo visits, so I wasn't too shocked. I was actually shocked it was only a pound. I had a low moment with a box of Reduced Fat Cheez-Its and some snacks this week. So one pound is really nothing. I will have that off next week and then some. I am back in the game, my mind is right and I am ready. I am treating my upcoming Marathon training as if I am starting Weight Watchers all over again. I need incorporate in my training with some weight loss too. I do not want to be someone w...

Today marked the 118th Annual Boston Marathon. A day like today, really makes me wish I still lived in Boston. While I don't know if I will ever qualify to run the Boston Marathon or want too, I would love to go and watch it and experience it all. I had to work today so I DVR'd the marathon and tonight I watched it. I already knew who won, but I wanted to primarily watch the beginning and the end. The beginning was amazing, as was the finish. I got chills and tears welled up in my eyes. I cant explain it. Watching the marathon though made me even more pumped for my own and it gave me a bunch of nerves, but I know I am ready to tackle this challenge, just like 36, 000 runners did today. Being this Boston Marathon was even more special, it just shows how strong the runners community really is and how tough we truly are. How tough Boston is and America. I was inspired all day from reading Facebook posts and seeing Instagram pictures. I originally was just going to get a wa...

Happy Easter Everyone!!!! Hope you are having a nice, relaxing day with friends, family or whomever. I am taking advantage of this day by just being kind of lazy. The mall is closed which is wonderful, I don't have to worry about phone calls, or how our sales our doing or what I will walk into tomorrow, it is a free day. I slept in late today. I made sure of this considering I haven't had a sleeping in Sunday in FOREVER. Usually Sunday's are my Rundays, so to sleep in on one is really nice. I made a nice egg white sandwich on a flat bread then went for a 3 mile walk. My legs are getting stronger and its nice to just take it all in. Because I feel good, I think I am going to go for another walk in a couple of hours or get on the bike. My life will be dedicated to running very soon, so its a nice break. James and I had lunch with his family and now we are home just being cozy. It is an overcast kind of day, not our typical beach day. I really wanted the beach but t...

This week has been a nice week off from running. It honestly has killed me a bit to not go out there and run at least once or twice, but I know my body and mind needed the days off to rest and regroup. I did run the half this Sunday, I walked 3 miles on Wednesday and yesterday I biked 5.80 miles at the gym. I should have done some more exercise this week, but I have been tired and a bit lazy, with my period of course making its visit. The weather has been quite crazy this week with rain and kind of chilly too, so I use that as an excuse. I am not one to make excuses, so I really just wanted to time off this week lol. Starting tomorrow I am still not running this week, but walking much more this week, biking and more with my toning ball. I am also setting up my training plan and training board for my marathon. I am a very visual person, so I need to make a training board so I can see my results and progress each day. I will post soon what my training will be and believe me I will be...

So I haven't done one of these posts in quite some time. I see a lot of these posts from other bloggers I follow and I love when they post something like this, so here I go with some food items, etc, I am loving lately. These are a great find!! They come in a 6 pack and only 110 calories and 3pp. These have been perfect for a quick pick me and chocolate fix.  I have a big obsession with anything and everything that is trail mix related. I found this one at Target and it is DELICIOUS. Almonds, cinnamon raisins & apples, walnuts and yogurt flavored pieces. I can not stop eating this trail mix. Target has the best trail mixes and usually have a new one each month, I think I go there each time just to find a new one. I love Cherries and Frozen ones go along ways. I thaw these, add them to smoothies, shakes, on top of pudding or yogurt, or just eat them frozen. When they are frozen, it takes longer to enjoy ;0) THESE ARE AMAZING!!! You can find these o...

I have been so lucky this week to share two of my days off with James the whole day. We work opposite schedules at times and days off, but this week it worked out perfect for us. On Monday, we did a lot of stuff with my car and then went over to Gulfport for some lunch. It was an awesome day off. We never go over to Gulfport, even though it is literally 15 minutes away, but on Monday's all the shops are closed lol. It is a cute little town, that has some really nice restaurants and bars and shops. They have a small beach, but it is a perfect size. Plus, the town is quite and safe, which is now going to be a great new place for me to run. We ate at O'Maddys for lunch and it was perfect. I did take pictures, but they didn't upload to my computer. We enjoyed a little happy hour, James got a Corina Light and I had a margarita on the rocks. We order a starter which was smoked fish spread and then I got a wrap and James got there famous Roast Beef Sandwich. Monday wa...

So I am a day late and a dollar short. Yesterday normally is my weigh in and WW meeting day, but because I am without a car for God knows how long, I had to miss it yesterday. I had full intentions of going too. I was going to walk to the meeting and then walk home afterwords. I brought my clothes, packed really light for work, I normally bring like 3 bags and I condensed down to a back pack, big deal for me. But Mother Nature had another idea for me and it was pouring raining when I got out of work, so walking was not in my cards. I took the bus home and then just vegged out. I had the whole house to myself, my DVR, magazines and just some peace and quite. I munched on some carrots and hummus, almonds and apples. I looked at some of workout gear and then looked away. My body just wanted to chill out, relax and take in the rainy night. So I did just that. I didn't worry about weighing in, or running or anything and just kind of chilled out. Plus after running 13 miles on Sunday...

Yesterday was the Iron Girl Half Marathon and boy was it out of my element kind of morning, here is a recap of the crazy but accomplished and satisfying day. I had set my alarm to wake up at 4:15 a.m. but of course my boyfriend gets up right before hand and turns on the T.V. He has the worst habit of having to sleep with the t.v. on all the time and it drives me crazy, plus I can tell it hurts a lot with my sleeping habits. We try to set a timer and yes it goes off at a certain time, but he wakes up in the middle of the night and turns it back on, it drives me bananas!! Anyway, I got up and checked my phone and saw I had a message from my friend Jacke. Jacke was not feeling well at all, in terrible pain and wasn't going to be able to run this morning and be apart of the race. I felt so bad for her because I knew this was going to be a big event for her and now she was missing out and wasted the money to participate. It would have killed me if I couldn't go, so I cant imagin...

I love the day/night before a race. Doesn't matter what kind of mileage I am doing, I get all giddy and excited, anxious and nervous for what is going to happen the next day. I mean I have done this mileage numerous times before, but its the atmosphere, the people, surroundings, everything else that gets me all jazzed up. Today, I had the day off from work and normally in the past before one of the half marathons that I have done, I have not had the privilege of being off for the whole, usually I am working. So when this one came around, I was thrilled to have it off. But my car was still not working today, so I was limited to what I really could do. I knew I wanted to go for a walk today to warm up my legs and kind of debloat myself a bit. Get the heart pumping, blood flowing and sweat pouring. Since I am without my car, I figured I would walk and do my errands I had planned. I took the bus to the mall and then walked from the mall to Sports Authority, which turned out to be a...

Sometimes when I look in the mirror I still see that overweight, sad, trying to suck it into too tight of pants and shirts girl. I still see the flaws and imperfections. I still question if I am going to gain all that weight back and if I am still that heavy as before. This week has been one of those weeks. I feel like I look like a giant balloon. Nothing is different in me at all, everything looks the same and fits the same, but when I look at myself I feel like I gained a 1000 pounds. I am obsessing over it a bit. Looking in the mirror, comparing pictures from this year and last year. And the thing is, I am the same weight this time last year, and I look different from last year too. Why is it that our minds play these tricks on us? This week has been a pretty off week too, personally. I had a long travel day on Tuesday, Monday I was out all day because I had to get James from the airport, Wednesday I was just beat to all hell after my car issue, but I did run that day. Thursday ...

I love this feeling. I love the anticipation and the drive with knowing I am going to do another half marathon. I love the prep and the organization I get into. The Iron Girl series really holds a dear place in my heart. 3 years ago, when all I was really doing was Weight Watchers and some walking, nothing drastic, but I was just losing weight and I know I wanted to do something else too. I wanted to branch out but I was scared for sure. My boss and I were working an event and she mentioned she was going to be running the Iron Girl 5k with that April with her daughter. I was intrigued and another co-worker of mine said she was going to sign up also. So we got a couple more co-workers and we all signed up together. I had no idea what I was doing. I really didn't even have any work out clothes or know where to begin. I looked up the Couch to 5k plan and just went with it. The first time I ran outside I was terrified. We live right off a busy street and I didn't want peopl...