I Came. I Climbed. I Conquered.

Today, Larry took my indoor rock climbing! And I met some of his friends--Ben, Simon and Andy. And I met Simon's new rock climbing friend, Keith. It was a party. As many of you know, I hate meeting new people. But these peoples were pretty decent. And two of them are British, so they can do no wrong in my eyes. None at all. Not even when one of them called my forearms "big". I immediately asked him if he just called me fat... He denied... But I know better.

I did a 5.4, 5.5, 5.6 and 5.7 on the smaller wall side (Larry says they are about 35 feet) and a 5.6 on the taller wall side (no idea how high). I am really proud of me! Even when I really, really wanted to give up on the 5.7, I finished it! Larry is a great coach telling me where to put my feet where and when. Also, the further along I went the less he coached--which I didn't like while I was doing it, but loved it when I was done. I'd look down with a confused face and a bit of terror and he'd flashed me a thumbs up, i.e. "I already told you I wasn't talking you through this one, Erin..." We high-fived after every climb! Also, the ride down is not nearly as scary as I thought it would be--given I don't look down. :) I tried bouldering at the end, but refused to go higher than I felt comfortable falling from since there is no harness or belay involved. Larry and the boys judged me and called me a "pansy". It's true...

Larry and his friends are...what's the word?...SICK. I am new to this, but very impressed with what I saw. They made 5.11bs look like they weren't no thang. Impressive... Also, their bouldering skills rock. At the end Larry did some one-armed pull-ups to show off. (Yes, this *actually* happened.) That was also impressive. I showed him how pitiful I look *attempting* to do a two-armed pull-up. I think he was amused.

I am told I will be sore tomorrow. We'll see... :)

Tomorrow is a rest day! I think Saturday may be too due to my busy schedule, but Sunday will definitely be lifting and perhaps some cardio too...

Taking It Easy...

Today I went to the gym and stuck to my diet plan. I decided NOT to quit (shocker) or even take a week to do whatever I want (which was tempting, believe me). I just did that in Daytona. I am going to Pittsburgh next week and NH the week after. I have decided that although I *clearly* cannot eat well away from home, I can while here. So I will dominate when I can dominate and Devon and I will work on helping me do better on vacation.

So, today I asked Devon what I should do for cardio, since I was clearly not doing the 8 miles I had planned for marathon training. He suggested the elliptical which is what I had been planning on doing. I told him I wanted to do 30 minutes, easy. He asked if I wanted to do it to take some time to 'clear my head'. I said YES. He said okay. I then told him that I stuck to my diet today as I ws exiting his office. He got very animated and exclaimed (with two thumbs in the air): GREAT JOB, CORMAN!!!! I rolled my eyes and told him to bite me (BUT I SECRETLY LOVED IT!!!!!). ::grin::

So I did 30 minutes on the elliptical and went 3.59 miles.

Done and done.

Tomorrow my friend is teaching me how to indoor rock climb (no, not my friend Myke who promised he'd take me LAST DECEMBER--a different friend, a better friend--take that, MYKE.). Devon says that counts as my strength for the day!!!

I've Made a Decision.

After a lot of thinking, I have decided to stop marathon training. I don't think I am done FOREVER, just for now. A few factors made this decision:

1) I am not comfortable with the amount of time I took off with the heel pain;
2) I get overwhelmed thinking about every plan I have to make up the time;
3) I no longer enjoy running;
4) I dread the mid-week runs;
5) I fear the long weekend runs;
6) My food is not up to par, which makes the runs quite uncomfortable; and
7) I think I need a break in general.

Devon and I talked a lot about this at my session. I am not taking a break from eating right and exercising--just from pushing it as hard as I have been. Because of this, I do not think that the Richmond marathon is a good idea either, since I would have to be on like week 2 or 3 of the training plan already. So...maybe March 2011? Maybe fall 2011? I will see how I feel then.

Sorry to anyone I let down or disappointed. This decision was made by me and for me. And I think it is the right one to make.

I'm Devon's Favorite.

Today I had a session with ABD. I was so excited because I missed him so much! I hadn't seen him for awhile because I was away last week! My world was Devon-less. We were laughing and joking--in Devon's words, I was "jovial". Then I stepped on the scale. I gained four pounds. Yes, it was over two weeks, but I was so focused and on point for the first week, so I probably LOST 2 pounds, then GAINED 6 in ONE week?!!?!? Suck. So I got all sad and moody. Not quite crazyville, but moody.

Devon handled it very well. We were laughing a lot of the session. When sad and moody, I develop a slight bend toward...how shall I put it...hyperbole. I told him that I fail and I should quit. That I have no discipline. That I am fat. That I will be alone forever. Oh yes, I went there.

He told me that if you can get past my negative attitude and mood swings, I have a semi-decent personality. Awww, Devon...I ::heart:: you too. Later on he told me that although I am not 'awesome', I am 'awesome-ish'. Coming from someone as emotionally constipated as Devon, I think that's very special. :)

My workout:

Triple Stop - Squat Press: 230 lbs, 10 reps; 250 lbs, 10 reps; 270 lbs, 10 reps; 290 lbs, 10 reps
AL Lying Leg Curls: 40 lbs, 10 reps each leg, 4 sets
Stair Running: BW, up/down 10 times, 4 sets
SB BB Bench Press: 85 lbs, 10 reps, 4 sets
Standing T-Bar Row: 50 lbs, 10 reps, 4 sets
Standing DB Punches: 10 lb DBs, 10 reps, 4 sets
Decline Bench Crunches: 15 reps, 2 sets

Some notes: "Triple Stop" means that you press, lower it one third of the way and stop, another third and stop, then down and back up. It does stink, thanks for asking. Stair running...Devon *claims* he was planning on this regardless, but I think it was because I gained 4 pounds.

Next workout...TBD. I am writing a completely separate post to address this...

Back in the Saddle...

...Ran 10 today. It was not fun. I haven't been eating right. I am chalking it up to that. I have been eating right today, but the timing is all off due to my many hours of sleeping. :)

I ran 10 miles in 2 hours. I kept the pace at 5 mph to take it easy.

Next workout: Tuesday, lift with Devon then run 3. I am taking tomorrow to rest up! :)

Random Pre-Vacation Musing #5

This is my final pre-vacation musing (to be posted during vacation). Sad. I've had fun with these. If there is one thing I love, it's talking about me. :)

I've decided to list for you the contents of my "Workout" playlist. This is what I load on my shuffle and play when I workout with my iPhone. Here it is:

Womanizer, Britney Spears
Ain't No Other Man, Christina Aguilera
Toxic, Britney Spears
Don't Cha, The Pussycat Dolls
Canned Heat, Jamiroquai
Boom Boom Pow, Black Eyed Peas
Hey Ya!, OutKast
I Wanna Be Sedated, The Ramones
Don't Phunk With My Heart, Black Eyed Peas
Here It Goes Again, Ok Go
B.O.B., OutKast
Single Ladies, Beyoncé
Free Your Mind, En Vogue
Groove Is In the Heart, Deee-Lite
Untouched, The Veronicas
Are You Gonna Be My Girl, JET
4 Minutes, Justin Timberlake and Madonna
Give It to Me, Timbaland featuring Justin Timberlake & Nelly Furtado
I See You Baby, Groove Armada
Wonderful Night, Fatboy Slim
Good Girls Go Bad (feat. Leighton Meester), Cobra Starship
Leavin', Jesse McCartney
American Boy (feat. Kanye West), Estelle
Love Drunk, Boys Like Girls
Wait a Minute, The Pussycat Dolls
Girlfriend, Avril Lavigne
Dirrty (feat. Redman), Christina Aguilera
Pump It, Blackeyed Peas
Lovefool, The Cardigans
Mercy, Duffy
Meet Me Halfway, Black Eyed Peas
TiK ToK, Ke$ha
Don't Let Me Get Me, P!nk
Sexy Chick (feat. Akon), David Guetta
She Wolf, Shakira
See You Again, Miley Cyrus
Empire State of Mind (feat. Alicia Keys), Jay-Z
Stronger, Kanye West
Evacuate the Dancefloor, Cascada
Get Over It, OK Go
Bad Girlfriend, Theory of a Deadman
Disturbia, Rihanna
Bad Romance, Lady GaGa
Grip Like a Vice, 4:03 The Go! Team
Ladyflash, The Go! Team
Can't Be Stopped, 3:44 Redcar
19-2000, Gorillaz
Pull Shapes, The Pipettes
Kelly, Van She
Glory Days, Just Jack
Ready to Go, Republica
One Day, Matisyahu
Chelsea Dagger, The Fratellis
Flathead, The Fratellis
Lose Yourself, Eminem
Break My Stride, Matthew Wilder
Your Love Is My Drug, Ke$ha
Break Your Heart (feat. Ludacris), Taio Cruz
Jump Around, House Of Pain
Different Sound, Teddybears
One Girl Revolution, Superchick
Me Against The World, Superchick
One And Lonely, Superchick
Walking On Sunshine, Katrina & The Waves
Maneater, Hall & Oates
I've Done Everything For You, Rick Springfield
Love Is A Battlefield, Pat Benatar
Safety Dance, Men Without Hats
Tainted Love, Soft Cell
Centerfold, J. Geils
Jessie's Girl, Rick Springfield
Oxford Comma, Vampire Weekend
Live Your Life (feat. Rihanna), T.I.
Rock and Roll, Led Zeppelin
Superwoman, Alicia Keys
Copacabana, Barry Manilow
Say Hey (I Love You), Michael Franti & Spearhead
On Board, Friendly Fires
That's Not My Name, The Ting Tings
How You Like Me Now (Single Edit), The Heavy
Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough, Michael Jackson
Play That Funky Music, Wild Cherry 1
The New Workout Plan, Kanye West
Big Pimpin', Jay-Z & UGK
I Remember, Deadmau5 & Kaskade
9 to 5, Still Time
Carry Out (feat. Justin Timberlake), Timbaland
Freak (feat. Kardinal Offishall), Estelle
Shut Up and Let Me Go, The Ting Tings
Bulletproof, La Roux

Some of it I picked. Others were suggested for me. I put out a call before my half in April for recommendations, so a lot of it came from that. I like *most* of it but there are some songs I tend to skip over..not many though. Some of it also depends on my mood.

In case you want to rock out Erin-style... :)

Back home tomorrow!!!! Miss you all like crazy!!!! ::many, many hearts::

Random Pre-Vacation Musing #4

Some of you may know that Devon and I have had extensive conversations about the size of my booty. Even when I weighed nearly one hundred more pounds, I had no butt. Guess I just didn't get those genes. Devon informed me that I do not have a 'ba-donk-a-donk' as that word is reserved for medium- and large-sized tookuses (tooki?). He told me that *I* have a 'smedium' derriere (which he referred to as an 'Erin-a-donk-a-donk')--only thanks to him. He proudly informed me that whatever junk-in-my-trunk I *do* have, *HE* has built from the ground up using lunges, step-ups and squats. (Yes, this conversation *actually* happened. If you didn't think our professional relationship was creepy before, you do now...)

I saw this youtube clip on someone's facebook (I forget whose) and emailed it to Devon with a comment about me not needing him anymore. He thought I was serious. This pleases me greatly.



*Bonus:For those counting at home, I managed to use SEVEN different terms/slang words to refer to a rump--make that EIGHT!

Update from Daytona Beach #3

Oh encouragers and supporters, this post will not make you proud.

I ate lunch at Johnny Rockets today. I immediately went to the treadmill to run 7. I didn't even make it 2. So sick. The debacle ended with me running--not walking--to the bathroom on the other end of the hotel lobby.

Sigh. I will try my best tomorrow... :(

Random Pre-Vacation Musing #3

Spotlight on Warrior Dash!

On October 9 & 10, 2010 the Mid-Atlantic Warrior Dash is happening! I've signed up for the Saturday one, and so have some of my friends: Lois, AHH, Ajay and Julie!!!

So, what is this Warrior Dash you speak of, Erin? Let me tell you. Better yet, I'll tell you what *they* say:

Welcome to America’s most insane race. Warrior Dash lands in the Mid-Atlantic for the first time in 2010 where eleven obstacles from hell await along this 3.15 mile course. Are you a warrior?

Yes, website, yes I am. :)

What are these 11 obstacles from you-know-where? The list:

1. Hay Fever: hustle up and over giant straw bales
2. Vertical Bounds: scale giant steps
3. Breathless Bog: plunge underwater and weave between submerged logs
4. Warrior Wall: conquer the wooden barricade
5. Wolf Spider Web: thread through the tangling ropes
6. Knee High Hell: speed step through hundreds of tires
7. Cliffhanger: rappel down a steep ravine
8. Tunnels of Terror: burrow through the black tunnels
9. Black Forest: forge your way through the uncharted forest
10. Warrior Roast: leap over the warrior fires
11. Muddy Mayhem: scramble beneath barbed wire as your near the finish

Oh my. I don't even want to *think* about numbers 3, 7 and 10! I have a no-swimming-in-non-chlorinated-water policy (see #3). I don't have a fear of *heights* so much as falling to my death and/or painful injury (see #7). Burns hurt (see #10). Not sure I am capable of number 4. Other than that, bring it! Just kidding--bring it for ALL of it!!!! :)

You can skip any obstacle you want--but if you do, you cannot win. I am not going for winning, so that does not affect me. But I also have a healthy ego (::grin::) and do not want to skip any. I am going to go for it!!!

I looked at photos from previous races--to say people dress up is an understatement. There are many people dressed as vikings and other tough things. I saw some Adam and Eve/Nature pairs. Many men wear tu-tus. I saw some girls in prom-like dresses. Lots of camo. All COVERED in mud, of course.

I have some time to think about what I will wear. I am leaning toward bad 80s bridesmaid dress (and trying to force AHH to join me), but it will be HOT, so maybe something more compatible with that...

Some guidelines from the website on what NOT to bring:

No outside alcoholic beverages or food will be allowed.
No 'real' warrior weapons and/or firearms will be allowed.
No glass containers will be allowed.
No poor attitude will be allowed... and a clean-shaven chin is highly discouraged!

Mental note: leave my lance, flanged mace and zweihander at home. (Confession/Explanation: I had to google search 'medieval weaponry' to get that list. I really am not a LARPer...I promise...)

Saturday is sold out, but I believe there are spots available for the Sunday race...*IF* you think you have what it takes!!! ::sound of the gauntlet hitting the floor::

Update from Daytona Beach #2

I woke up at 5:55 am this morning to get ready for a 6:05 am departure to Dunkin Donuts with Dana and Victor. Victor graced us with his presence at 6:14 am. I informed him he owed me 9 minutes of sleep. :)

After fueling up, Victor and I hit the hotel gym to lift weights. There were a lot of teenagers there! Who knew they would wake up early-ish to lift? Didn't see that coming. Glad that Devon had given me an all dumbbell set--meant I had to fight less for the very limited weight machine selection. Victor critiqued my front raises form--me and ABD will be discussing this Tuesday...

Here's the routine:

DB Squats x 4s x 15r @ 35-40 lbs (I used 40 lb DBs.)
DB Stiff-Leg Deadlifts x 4s x 20r @ 35-40 lbs (I used 40 lb DBs.)
Bent-over DB Rows x 3s x 12r @ 25-30 lbs (I used 30 lb DBs.)
Flat DB Presses x 3s x 10r @ 20-25lbs (I used 25 lb DBs.)
Lying DB Pullover x 3s x 10r @ 25-30 lbs (I used a 25 lb DB.)
DB Front Raises x 3s x 15r @ 10-15 lbs (I used 15 lb DBs.)
Standing DB Biceps Curls x 4s x 10r @ 15-20lbs (I used 15 lb DBs.)
Lying DB Triceps Extensions x 4s x 15r @ 10-15 lbs (I used 15 lb DBs.)
Bicycles x 3s x 20r

Next workout: running 7 miles tomorrow! It's way too humid to run outside, so I'll be doing it on the treadmill!

Random Pre-Vacation Musing #2

This post is to celebrate my mom! My mom is an avid reader of my blog. She encourages me (in all aspects of my life, not just this one!) and is inspired by me! So...I thought I would give her some world-wide-web recognition!!! My mom has been getting fit along with me! Here are her latest accomplishments.

My mom has:

* Lost 20 pounds
* Hit her 10% weight loss mark
* Fit into a size of jeans she hasn't in awhile
* Has a "perfect" blood sugar level

As she wrote in her email to me: YEAH!!!!!

Great job, Mom!!!! Keep it up!!! Love you!

Update from Daytona Beach #1

After a lovely 16 hour (give or take) RV ride (where I got to sleep in a bed!!!), we made it to Daytona Beach! 12 out of our 17 rooms were available for use. You guessed it, mine was one of the ones that wasn't. :( And believe you me, I was smelling GOOOOOD after the long ride.

So, I did what any sensible person would do: slapped some deodorant and running clothes on and hit the hotel gym (which--shocker!--does contain free weights and machines). I didn't have a key yet so I asked a group of teens (church teens have overrun the Hilton...it's madness) to let me in. They did. As they were opening the door, one of the remarked on the sign that said you had to be 16 to go in alone. I told them I'd be their responsible adult (HA!). After all, I told them, I am 29. This one boy exclaimed (voice raised): NO WAY! DON'T LIE AT CHURCH CAMP! YOU'RE ONLY 20!!!!

God bless him. ::very large grin::

Per the marathon training program I went 3 miles. I did the first mile at 2.0%, the second at 1.0% and the final mile at 0.0%. I started off at 5 mph, bumped it up to 5.5 mph for mile 2 and increased incrementally up to 7 mph for the last mile. It feels good to get some speed back, even if just for a little bit! I did the 3 miles in 33:17.

Next workout, lifting tomorrow! I texted Devon my recon of the weight room. :)

Random Pre-Vacation Musing #1

It's day one of my vacation (at least it will be when this posts!)!!! I am confident that I miss you all already. I have decided to pre-write some blog posts to tide you all over whilst I am away (although, I may just bring my computer and post from there--free wifi in the hotel lobby!).

Today's musing is on...well, I don't even know the word...I want to say 'Good vs. Bad Pain', but I am not sure that covers it. I also want to say 'Feeling Your Body', but *that* sends the *WRONG* message. I supposed it could be called 'What Your Body Tells You Through Pain' but it is one small aspect of that...Anyways, who needs a well-defined topic??? There are good reasons I got a mathematics degree and not an english one. ::wink::

During my long run with Amy on Saturday we were discussing my comment from last week about how I had to hobble every time I got up from my desk the day after my 6 mile run--and that I loved it. I think to the non-runner (or I guess non-athlete/exerciser) this may not make the most sense. AHH put it well when she said it makes you feel like you've accomplished something. I thought about it for awhile and it makes me feel alive. It makes me feel strong--or at least on the path to being stronger than I was before I did whatever activity caused the hobbling.

I think it's important to point out that although it hurts, it is not pain--at least not by my definition. I define pain to be sharp and shooting, the thing you feel when your body is alerting you to the fact that something is wrong. Think how it feels when you stub your toe, or get a paper cut, or a headache, or a massive blood clot spanning a large portion of the left side of your body (::grin::)--that's pain. The hobbling is more soreness; your muscles just saying, 'Hello! I'm here!'

I'm digressing. Back to my conversation with Amy. She pointed out that we have always felt our bodies talking to us but some conversations are positive and some are negative. The post-run soreness is positive. The body is saying, "You worked me and now I am rebuilding stronger than I was before." But when I weighed almost one hundred more pounds (or even average-bodied persons who don't exercise), walking upstairs my body spoke to me. It said something like, "Really, Erin??!?! You want me to walk up two flights of stairs? You will feel your quads--and it won't feel good--and you will breathe heavily...but I guess I'll do it. I mean, you do *have* to get there and there is no escalator or elevator around..." I remember the feeling of approaching a staircase and dreading having to go up it. Please don't misinterpret this, it wasn't *super* difficult. I didn't have to rest mid-way or anything crazy like that. I was just out of shape. Without putting words in her mouth, I think Amy felt similarly at times too when she wasn't as active. I think a lot of people do.

So, one really cool effect of my being more fit is that something that has always been a reinforcement of my negative self-talk has morphed into something that creates positive self-talk. The "Ugh--I do *not* want to climb two flights of stairs" becomes "I love that I can bounce up two flights of stairs with power in my step!" The "Ugh--my back is sore from slouching on my couch all weekend" becomes "Wow! I can feel that run from yesterday... Must have done something right ::wink::!"

You may still think I am crazy. And that's ok. But I LOVE it. And I know at least Amy does too. :)

PLEASE READ: If You Love Jesus & Me!

Friends!

I have decided to humbly request that my Christian brothers and sisters cover me in prayer for my marathon and all that is associated with it. I have broken things down into:

Each mile
30-minute time slots the day of the marathon
Training

For each mile, if you sign up, I'd ask that you begin praying now for that mile. Also, I will be taking a list with me during the marathon and will be praying for you during that mile. So, if you choose mile 9, please pray for ALL of mile 9 for me and know that when I hit that mile 9 marker, I'll be praying for you!

For the 30-minute time slots, if you sign up, I'd ask that you please pray for me AT THAT TIME. You can certainly pray ahead of time too! But I would love to be covered in prayer during the entire run!

For the training, I have a few selected topics. Only one person can sign up for each thing. If it's already taken and you want to pray for it, please do! Shoot me a message to let me know, or not!

To sign up, go to this website: http://www1.mysignup.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?datafile=erinsmarathonprayervigil. You can enter whatever name you'd like, so do not feel like you have to put your full name, but maybe a last initial or a nickname so that is CLEAR I know who you are! :)

Thanks so much in advance. I will probably send out reminders and additional pleas for people to sign up as the marathon nears...

I love you all dearly!

Today's Workout and Heel/Marathon Training Update

Today was a lift and cross-train day. ABD got a bit confused--even though I am certain that I must have mentioned it several times, as well as texted and emailed this information--and thought I was already in FL. Due to this he gave me two workouts--one for dumbbells only and one for machines, if they had them. He told me to do the other one Tuesday if the hotel had machines. Soooooo, I did the machines today and will do the dumbbell workout Tuesday, since I know the hotel has those.

The lifting (please do not miss the subtle fact that I chose the heavy end of all weight ranges again):

Seated Leg Extensions x 4s x 15r @ 95 lbs
Lying Leg Curls x 4s x 20r @ 70 lbs
Machine Row x 3s x 12r @ 50-60 lbs (I did 60 lbs.)
Machine Chest Presses x 3s x 10r @ 25-30 lbs (I did 30 lbs.)
Wide Grip Pull-downs x 3s x 10r @ 50-60 lbs (I did 60 lbs.)
Machine Shoulder Presses x 3s x 15r @ 30-40 lbs (I did 40 lbs.)
Machine Biceps Curls x 4s x 10r @ 30-40lbs (I did 40 lbs.)
Machine Triceps x 4s x 15r @ 30-40lbs (I did 40 lbs.)
Floor Crunches x 3s x 20r

Sundays are also my cross-train days. I have been walking or ellipticalling these. Due to the fact that I have ellipticalled my brains out this past month, I wanted a change. I wanted to work muscles that I am not using during the marathon training. The obvious choice was the stationary bike...so I did it...for an hour...and it was...every I dreamed it would be and more (which is not saying much!). I'm joking (kind of), it really wasn't that bad. Perhaps a bit boring, but not bad. I took it very easy and did 12.60 miles in 60 minutes. Cross-training? Check. :)

Heel Update! I received a very curt diagnosis from the sports medicine doctor in the mail. It literally contained the following information: an alphanumeric string (I assume my patient ID), the date, my name, my doctor's name and the words, 'calcaneal osteophytes (heel spurs)'. So...I have a heel spur? Awesome. What do I do with this information? Do I call the doctor? There was a box on the small sheet of paper to do that, but it was not checked by my doctor. I will probably call them, but I talked to HCL and she said there is really no point. They can do surgery but only in extreme cases. The heel cups (or maybe orthotics) are my best bet, and the heel cups seem to be working.

Marathon Training Update! I need to modify the Hal Higdon plan to ease back into my long runs. This week called for 13 miles and I did 8. The next 4 weeks call for 10, 15, 16, then 12. I am thinking that I will do 10 (or 11), 13, 15 (or 16), 12. HCL said this sounds like a reasonable plan, but to listen to my body and how I feel (I totally agree). I really hope this plan works because if not, I am not sure I will be able to catch up in time for the marathon I want to do!

Ok! I am off to Florida tonight! I am bringing my computer so I will probably keep blogging, but just in case I'm to busy to blog (and even if I do find time), I wrote blog posts for each day I am gone. I had fun with some of them...enjoy...

Miss you already! ::hearts::

Good Morning, Ellicott City!!!

This morning I ran outside!!!! (YAY!) With Amy!!!! (YAY!) 8 miles!!!! (YAY!) At 5:30 am. (Boo.)

I almost stepped on a turtle. Then, almost immediately, Amy pointed out three deer up ahead on the other side of the road. I felt as though I was one with nature. (Anyone who knows me well should be laughing right now...).

It was so great spending a ridiculously long time running with Amy again! Who, I should point out, is *quite* the trooper--running 8 miles without a particular race in mind!!! AND...she is down for supporting me for my a large part of my 15 mile run (or whatever fraction I decide to do based on my progress) in two weeks! She is amazing for many, many reasons...this is just one more. ::heart::

So. We set out for 8 to 10. After 7.96, I was breathing fine and felt ok (no real heel issues), but my legs were sore. I decided not too push it so we stopped at 8 and walked back to the cars. I really want to finish this training program, so there is no room for pushing too hard and injuring myself. Next long run is 10. I will do that. After that 15. I will see how I feel. Maybe I can do it then be completely back on track!

Stats (the first 8, and then overall including walk back):

Distance: 8.00 miles (8.82 miles)
Time: 1:41:34 (1:57:39)
Average Pace: 12:42 min/mile (13:20 min/mile)
Calories Burned: 905 (983)
Average HR: 164 (161)

It's slower than I had been doing preparing for the half back in April, but for a comeback run I am quite pleased. I am so grateful for Amy for doing this with me!!! Anyone else who wants to join for part or all of my long runs (typically early, early Saturday mornings), please, please, please just ask! :)

Next workout: lifting and cross-training tomorrow!

Off Day Offerings: My Vacation Plan...I Need Help!!!

Alright, friends! It's time for you to step up! And I'm not really even sure how exactly...but I am putting out the call!!! I am going on vacation. To Daytona Beach, FL. OK. Take some time to be jealous. A little more time. OK. Now...back to business. :)

Normally I would treat vacations as cheat-my-brains-out times, but I have had a cheat-my-brains-out couple of weeks (er, maybe months) and am back on track and want to attempt to maintain this. So, since I believe in the well-known proverb: failing to plan is planning to fail, here is my plan (broken down into exercise and diet, naturally):

EXERCISE

Objective:

Maintain normal workouts while away (with the exception of possibly Monday).

Plan:

Monday: Run 3 miles (depending on what time we make it to Florida and if I have time). Also, perform recon on the hotel gym (because apparently the Daytona Hilton customer service representatives find it too difficult to tell me what machines are in *their* weight room) and email/text it to Devon.
Tuesday: Lift. Devon will be emailing me a lifting routine.
Wednesday: Run 7 miles.
Thursday: Lift and run 4 miles.
Friday: Rest day.

DIET

Objective:

This objective is two-fold. First, not gain weight (maintenance and loss is just fine). Second, demonstrate an ability to eat in moderation and make wise choices when away from my structured meal plan.

Plan:

Breakfast: Fastfuel shake, something from hotel breakfast or a shop nearby (keep it small and simple)
Mid-Morning Snack: CLIF bar
Lunch: Eat with the group--make a wise choice wherever we end up.
Afternoon Snack: Muscle Milk (protein drink)
Dinner: Eat with the group--make a wise choice wherever we end up.
Fit-in If Needed: Fruit strips (I don't know what they are called, I call them adult fruit roll-ups. Dried fruit in thin bar form, not a lot of added sugar).

My goal is no desserts, no non-sanctioned snacks and no large portions of anything. If I am legitimately hungry during a non-meal time I will eat, but it will be small and the wisest choice available. I will be bringing the Fastfuel, CLIF bars, Fruit strips and Muscle Milk.

So, how do you fit in? I don't know. If you are coming with me, which many of you are--maybe help me stick to this? But don't be a lame jerkface about it. If you are not coming, feel free to text or email encouraging things or check in on me. :)

Also, this means I won't be blog posting next week (unless I have time and access to a computer...doubtful). I will post tomorrow and Sunday. Miss you already!!!!

Double Your Pleasure, Double Your Fun!

You WIN! Yes, YOU! You get to read TWO days worth of blogging in ONE post!!!! It will cover the following topics:

1) My cardio yesterday
2) Why I didn't post last night
3) My lifting today
4) My cardio today
5) My amateur personal training debut
6) My wonderful evening tonight
7) My current status

Wow. This is going to be long by the looks of the agenda... But maybe not... Let us begin.

1) My cardio yesterday

According to the marathon training plan, I was supposed to run 6 miles. Since it's my first week back off of the DL, I wasn't sure how hard to push it. Devon said I should run 4 then elliptical the final 2. I asked Liz too. She said to see how I felt at 4, then make the call. Well, I totally did 6! And it wasn't too bad. :) I have *really* missed running. This may not make sense to non-runners, but today at work I stood up from my desk and *all* of my lower body muscles were locked up and I hobbled across the office a good 20 feet before I could actually walk--and I *loved* it. I cannot really out it into words, but I feel alive. It's great! I ran the 6 between 5 and 5.5 mph. The first 2 miles were at an incline of 2.0%, the next 2 at 1.0% and the final 2 at 0.0%. Total time was: 1:09:15 for an 11:33 pace. Nice.

2) Why I didn't post last night

I went immediately from the gym to dinner at Boston Market with Amanda F. Then the two of us met the Marazzos to watch the new Twilight movie. Yes, I just admitted that on the internets. And yes, I am still Team Jacob. I got home late. Sorry! No post...

3) My lifting today

Devon gave me a shorter lifting set because I was lifting AND running (see below for the latter). Here it is:

Hack Squats x 3s x 10r @ 180-200lbs (I did 200 lbs.)
Lying Leg Curls x 3s x 10r @ 70lbs-80lbs (I did 80 lbs.)
Bent-over BB Rows x 3s x 10r @ 75lbs-85lbs (I did 75 lbs.)
Flat DB Flyes x 3s x 10r @ 20-22.5lbs (I used 22.5 lb DBs.)
Close Grip Pulldowns x 3s x 10r @ 60-70lbs (I did 70 lbs.)
Cable Upright Rows x 3s x 10r @ 27.5-37.5lbs (I did 37.5 lbs.)
Seated Machine Triceps Press x 3s x 10r @ 75-100lbs (I did 100 lbs.)
BB Preacher Curls x 3s x 10r @ 35-45lbs (maybe even heavier) (I did 45 lbs.)

4) My cardio today

The marathon training plan called for 3 miles. Easy peasy. :) I tried to work on speed a little bit. I know...this is super lame, but I did 11:00s. That was my "speed" work. Hey--I am coming back from 3 weeks of no running. I sped up the last quarter-mile and ended up finishing in 32:28 for an average pace of 10:49. I did the first mile at 2.0%, then second at 1.0% and the final mile at 0.0%.

5) My amateur personal training debut

When I went to stretch Holly Holly was there. Holly Holly was tired. Holly Holly's day was rough. Holly Holly did not want to lift. But! She said she'd do it if I told her what to do... OK! Here is MY routine (2 legs, 1 each of chest, back and shoulders):

Hack Squats x 3s x 10r @ 90 lbs
Seated Leg Extensions x 3s x 10r @ 80-100 lbs (I can't remember exactly)
Flat DB Chest Press x 3s x 10r @ 20 lbs (She thought she could only do 15s...but the 15s and 17.5s were being used and Holly Holly stepped it up!!!)
Lat Pulldown x 3s x 10r @ 40 lbs
FM Shoulder Press x 3s x 10r @ 20-30 lbs (Again...don't remember)

I counted for her, told her (hopefully) funny stories and tried to give encouraging words when it looked challenging. I had a great time! I hope it was good for Holly Holly too.... :)

6) My wonderful evening tonight

After lifting, Holly Holly went to run 2 miles (she had already run 4 this morning...she crazy.) so I bumped into Amanda F., HCL and ABD at the training desk. I learned a new thing to do for egg whites--bake them in muffin tins with splenda and cinnamon. It apparently tastes like french toast. I asked HCL for the recipe. She look at my like I was crazy. I said, 'It *has* a recipe.' She kept insisting she just 'dumped things in a bowl'. So I said, 'Ok. So I put anywhere from 2-20 egg whites in a bowl an then what? Does the oven have a particular temperature to bake them? Perhaps a length of time." Liz then said she put 16 egg whites in 12 muffin tins, then baked them at 350° for 10-12 minutes. I said, "Ooooooh. Like a recipe..." HCL gave me a death look. I fear her. I will try to make these someday...they sound tasty!

I then ate dinner with Amanda F. (fun times!) and then got a MASSAGE! It was GREAT! I feel GREAT!!!! Win!

7) My current status

Here it is: I'm back. I have been eating on my diet since Monday. I turned down dinner with fun friends last night to eat at Boston Market so I could get chicken and veggies. Today I needed some extra protein at Lifetime, so I bought the hard-boiled eggs. As much as it pained me, I scooped out the yolks and only ate the whites. Cheater Erin would have just eaten the yolks and said close enough... Not today though. Not now that she's back! Also, I *feel* great! I am sure there are many factors, but I really think the healthy food makes my body happier and my mood/emotions happier and my ability to do/embrace exercise better. Also, did you notice that I selected the heaviest weight from every range (except one...I don't mess with hurting my back) from the lifting ranges for today??? I made a conscious decision to push myself as hard as I could. Why? Well, for several reasons:

1) I am awesome;
2) I felt great!;
3) I knew I was getting a massage an hour or two afterward;
4) I rest tomorrow; and
5) I'm back!!!! :)

Ok. That's enough rambling for today (and yesterday!). I rest tomorrow, then run on Saturday. The training plan says 13 miles. That is WAY too far for my comeback week, so me and HCL pow-wowed and I will be shooting for 8-10.

"That Was EXTRA-Awesome!!!"

I had a lifting session with ABD today! It had been THREE weeks!!! I know...I've missed it just as much as you have...

I think Devon missed it too...because he brought it today. And, man, did it hurt!!! Here's the lifting:

Seated Leg Extensions (4-2-2 tempo): 85 lbs, 15 reps; 90 lbs, 15 reps; 95 lbs, 15 reps
Standing Leg Curls: 30 lbs, 12 reps (each leg), 4 sets
Death Lunges: BW, 3 trips across the gym and back with no rest periods
Horizontal Body Rows: BW, 10 reps, 4 sets
Flat BB Press: 135 lbs, 5 reps, 5 sets
Standing Cable Lat Pulldown: 50 lbs, 10 reps; 60 lbs, 10 reps, 2 sets; 70 lbs, 10 reps
Standing Shoulder Press: 45 lbs, 20 reps, 4 sets

Allow me to explain just how awful some of these things were.

The 4-2-2 tempo on the seated leg extensions means that I hold it up for 2 seconds, then let it down slowly over 4 seconds. (Yes, that does not make sense with the '4-2-2' I don't get it either...but that's what the man told me to do and it's what I did...) Then repeat immediately for a total of 15 times. Now, ONE rep of the leg extension typically is unpleasant...and the end of the FIRST set typically hurts. That's NORMAL pace...not this slow stuff. This HURT. But I did it like a champion! :)

The 'death lunges' weren't actually too bad. Another length of the gym and back may have done me in, but the 3 was doable.

The flat barbell press was a little different--Devon lifted the bar up and I had to ease it down over 10 seconds., at which point he lifted it again.

The standing shoulder press was just a LOT of reps per set. The last set was rough! Devon didn't think I was lowering my arms far enough so he held his hands out for my elbows to touch. The last 6 reps I could barely lift it! Devon was doing most of the work and laughing. I insisted on doing the last two sets myself and Devon just laughed at how pitiful I was and exclaimed: "That was EXTRA-awesome!!!" Glad to make your evening, D-Money... :)

Ugh! Anyways. I am attempting to recuperate now. I like that this session was tough. I feel like I am getting my money's worth! And I feel big, bad and tough! Oh! And terrible news! LCS is moving!!! As I told him, in front of ABD and HCL (who thoroughly enjoyed it): "Seth, I hear you are moving. ::sigh:: It's a shame you and I will never be..." ::wink::

As for the next workout: I'm icing my heel like the doctor said and hope to run again tomorrow! Marathon training says 6 miles. I am going to shoot for 4 and if I feel up to it continue...if I don't, I will switch to the elliptical at that point.

Sing It, Flock of Seagulls!

Like Michael "Mike" Score (seriously, someone actually wrote that name out that way, check out the Wikipedia page...) sang in his international hit single: "I RAN"!!!!!!! However, I did *not* run so far away... I ran on a treadmill. I ran. I RAN. I RAN!!!!! ::grin so big it cannot fit inside your computer::

I tried out my new heel cups. They're weird. Somewhat difficult to get my foot *in* the shoe without folding the gel heel cup over onto itself--HOWEVER, once my foot was in the shoe properly and it was tied up all tight, my feet enjoyed the squishiness.

I stepped on the treadmill. Took a few deep breaths. Gave me feet (in general), my right heel, my legs and my lungs a little talking to. You see, I was given the ok to run again (by a medical professional). I was informed (by the same medical professional) that running will not put me at risk for a more serious injury. What does this all mean? I WAS RUNNING. If it didn't hurt, great! If it did, too bad so sad--I'm running.

The marathon training plan for today was 3 miles, so that was what I was going to do. I set the treadmill for 12-minute miles to ease back into the swing of things. I started at an incline of 2.0%. My heel hurt after about a minute, but it wasn't terrible. For the entire time it hurt more and less, the pain sort of ebbed and flowed. It was never *that* bad. Just annoying. After mile 1, 12:00 in, I lowered the incline to 1.0% and I did the same after mile 2, 24:00 in. Also, for mile 3 I bumped the speed up gradually from 5.0 mph to 5.5 mph.

Overall, the 3 miles took me 35:17.

I then cooled down for 5 minutes. Sometimes I skip cool down and stretching. Not anymore. I had a taste of not being able to run and train--from now on, it's prevention all the way! Speaking of prevention, I am currently in my 20-minutes-on-20-minutes-off-ice-my-heel session (like my medical professional told me to). :)

Next workout tomorrow: lifting session with Devon!

P.S. Did I mention how happy I am that I ran today!?!?!!?!?

Off Day Offerings: Holly^2 and Heel Update

Hello!

Today was an off-day, but I got lots of walking/standing time cheering Awesome Holly Holly on at her (would-be) triathlon! AHH was awesomely amazing and kicked the (last minute change) duathlon's butt!!!! A duathlon is Run-Bike-Run (vs the triathlon which is Swim-Bike-Run). The river was too high and bacteria-y due to the rain Saturday, so the race organizers made the call. The best poster we made (AHH came up with it...): "Du or Not Du. There is No Tri." LOVE. IT. We also had: "This is Du-able!" and "Tri Hard, Holly!" with the 'Tri' X-ed out and a "Du" inserted. :) Holly is my hero.

As for my heel, I did the ice plan given to me by the sports doctor--20 minutes on, 20 minutes off--and bought heel cups. Tomorrow...I will attempt to run!!! The marathon training plan says 3 miles, so that is how far I will attempt to go! The doctor said I cannot hurt it worse by running through the pain, so unless it is unbearable, I'm doing it!!!!!!

Doctor. Elliptical. ABD.

Went to the sports medicine doctor today! Recall that I went to the doctor recommended by HCL. I waited like 10 days for this appointment. And...she did not see me. A man doctor did. I told him he'd better be as good as Dr. Rooks because she came highly recommended. He laughed and said that he should be because she taught him everything he knows. Alrighty... My pain is not tendinitis! It hurts on the bone part apparently. He thinks that I may have an extra bone in my right heel. They took an xray to see. I await the results. If it's not that it may be the fit of the shoes and the amount of padding on the heel. He recommends heel cups. I will get some. Also, he said that running on it is ok even if it hurts, but he wants me to run pain-free. Ok. So I have a plan to begin moving forward. With any luck I will try a three-mile run with heel cups next week.

I then went to the gym to elliptical for 2 hours and 24 minutes. I was supposed to run 12 miles, so at a 12-minute mile pace...you do the math...well, you don't have to because I did it for you already... AHH joined me for the first 45 minutes or so. The rest of it was not so bad alone. I brought an arsenal of entertainment: Runner's World, Women's Health and the Sermon Series outlines I will be doing in late July/August at youth group. ABD came and chatted with me for the last 30 minutes or so. We talked about his time in his ethics class and on the debate team. NERD. But it was actually quite fascinating. I went 15.59 miles at level 3.

Then Devon and I finished our conversation in his office for awhile. I am frustrated that I have gained back so much weight. I told him that we talk about it and talk about it but nothing seems to be working. He thinks it is as simple as him telling me to "Eat Right." I told him that it isn't that easy. He said that he has done all he can--I need to do the work. I hear him, but...I feel like it's not working. Anyways...I appreciate ABD for listening to me all the time. I can only do my best to make the times when I am not whiny quite entertaining for him. :)

Tomorrow I go to Philadelphia to cheer AHH on in her triathlon on Sunday. So there will be no post tomorrow. Sadness, I know. My next workout will be Monday.

More Mature Lifting

Today I did my first lifting set as a 29 year old!!! So *clearly* it was more mature than the previous year's lifting...clearly. ::grin::

But first I got a real birthday treat! I went to get my lifting routine from ABD in his office and he hadn't written it yet (shocker! Despite my many reminders including the EXACT time I was leaving work today...). So, I hung out with him for the better part of an hour laughing and telling stories back and forth. There was much laughter. About 40 minutes in, HCL came in and sat down and she *also* partook in the story-telling/laughing! Yes, I am a lame Lifetime Trainer Groupie and chilling out with ABD and HCL is a very fun birthday treat for me!!!!

Devon gave me a shorter lifting set today, so I'd have time to shower before dinner with some good friends! Also, at the gym I saw Amanda F. (who had her session with HCL) and my friend, Art. Fun birthday lifting!!! The routine:

BB Box Back Squats x 4s x 10r @ 125lbs (Smith Machine) (I did regular back squats.)
Barbell Deadlifts x 4s x 10r @ 115lbs (standard style with knees bent and butt low)
Face Pulls with Rotation x 4s x 10r @ 27.5lbs
Flat Barbell Bench Press x 4s x 10r @ 80lbs (Smith Machine)
Pull-ups x 4s x 10r @ low hundreds lbs (full length) (I did 106 lbs assistance.)
Seated Shoulder Press x 4s x 10r @ 40-50lbs (I did 50 lbs...strictly to push myself because I wanted to be hard core on my birthday...)
Stability Ball Crunches x 3s x 15r

When discussing the routine with Devon I noticed the "butt low" instruction for the deadlifts. Immediately Flo Rida's 'Low' popped into my head. I said, 'So for the deadlifts, I wanna get low? Like Flo Rida says to???' Devon looked at me like I was crazy, so I repeated, 'You know, FLO...RIDA...' ABD told me never to try to speak 'rap' to him again. I informed ABD that I am from the hood in South Central New Hampshire and he needs to step off... :)

All in all, my birthday has been great!!! I had lunch with a special friend, fun times at the gym and dinner with great friends! I got birthday wishes, texts and phone calls from way more people than I thought I even knew! Heck, the admin in my new office home-baked my cupcakes! I have only been there one week!!!! I am so loved... ::heart::

Ellipticalled

Today I was supposed to run 6 miles, but due to the fact that I am still benched from running, I did the elliptical for 8 miles. I finished in 59:01! I pushed it hard to make it under 60 minutes! :) I like making little challenges for myself when doing boring things like ellipticalling.

Tomorrow is my birthday!!! I debated between taking the day off from lifting or going to the gym and kicking butt! I explained my dilemma to ABD telling him that if he made me a birthday tshirt I would totally go lift. :) What???? I pointed out that iron-ons are easy, puffy paints are fun and the masking tape-sharpie combo works just fine...

He responded that it was "about 100% certain" he would not be making a shirt. So cold, D-Money...so cold. He *also* said that he would be 'extremely proud of [me] if [I] rang in a new year of life supporting [my] health and fitness cause by going to the gym and kicking [butt].' (I edited his quote to make sense to the readers...and to censor his foul, foul mouth. ::grin::)

I'm going to go. Not because Devon told me to. But because that is what I do: I kick [butt]. ;)

Lifted Today and Became a Minor Home Repair Superstar

Today was a non-ABD lifting day. Here is the routine:

45 Degree Leg Presses x 4s x 10r @ 300lbs
DB Step-Ups x 4s x 10r @ 35lbs

Seated Leg Curls x 4s x 10r @ 115-120lbs (I did 120 lbs.)
DB Reverse Lunge x 4s x 10r @ 40lbs

Incline DB Flyes x 4s x 10r @ 25lbs
Dips for Chest x 4s x 10r @ 65lbs or less of assistance (I did 60 lbs assistance.)

T-Bar Row x 4s x 10r @ 35-45lbs (I did 35 lbs.)
Overhead DB Pullover x 4s x 10r @ 25-35lbs (on your back, knees bent and on the floor, use a weight plate) (I did 25 lbs.)

Barbell Upright Rows x 4s x 10r @ 50-60lbs (I used a 50 lb BB.)
DB Front Raises x 4s x 10r @ 15lbs

BB Curls x 4s x 10r @ 40-50lbs (I used a 40 lb BB.)
Machine Triceps Extensions x 4s x 10r @ 40-50lbs (I did 40 lbs.)

Plank x 3s x 15r @ 10 second holds (I only did one set.)

I then went to the Home Depot (where I can do it and they can help) to get a dryer hose thingy doo (yes, that is the technical term). I found me a Home Depot man and said: "You know that hose thing that comes out of the dryer?" He said yes. I replied: "I need one of those." ::grin:: He showed me where they were, helped me find the right size, showed me the clamps to use, affirmed that I am capable of switching out said hose using said clamps, and laughed with me when I explained *why* I needed the hose. Yes, poo on your major appliances is funny...

So, I came home and got an additional workout trying to affix the hose to the top corner of the laundry room (with the step-ladder I am about 2" too short...there was much tippy-toeing). But...I did it! I AM WOMAN. Can you hear me roar???? Not sure it will work properly yet, but it *looks* like I did it right. :)

Next workout: tomorrow. Ellipticalling 8 miles.

I'm Gonna Knock You Ouuuuuuut.

I can say with certainty that my cardio boxing session with ABD and Amanda F. was the highlight of my day. Now, that was not a hard status to achieve given the events of my day:

1) Drove home from Syracuse and got home at 2:30 am. Bed by 3.
2) Of course, I could not sleep past 7:30 am. Up for about an hour, then back asleep til 10 am.
3) After breakfast and dishes decide to check out why my washing machine leaked on Saturday.
4) Notice fresh leakage. Hmmm...
5) Angrily call the plumbers who snaked my drain for $289 last Tuesday.
6) Wait for them to come.
7) They arrive. I learn that it is a COMPLETELY separate issue that when all is said and done will result in: a) actual poo all over my basement floor and washer/dryer; b) a bill for $389 to snake the main exit pipe for my townhouse; and c) due to the root that grew into the pipe an estimated $3,000-$4,000 of additional work to either repair the pipe or replace it.
8) Go to boxing session.
9) Return home to clean up poo covered basement.
10) Get so grossed out take the bag of trash out to the curb in my workout clothes and bare feet.
11) Return to my house to realize I have locked myself out.
12) Use a neighbor's phone to call my one friend with a key. Leave a message.
13) Mow my lawn. Rinse off my car. Water the yard. Chit chat with my neighbor (who brought me bottled water!!!)
14) Get back in the house.
15) Finish phase one of the clean up. Cannot get under the washing machine... Want to vomit.
16) Take the longest hottest shower and still feel dirty.
17) Sit down to write this blog post.

::sigh:: To quote my sister, Marina, when her daughter was very small and pooed in Marina's closet then tracked it all over the light-colored carpet and I asked: "Is it all clean now?" To which she replied: "Is it ever *REALLY* clean????" No....no it is not...

But my bad day is not why you read these posts. So...BOXING! It was definitely fun changing things up! Here is a breakdown of how the session went:

1) Ran 10 sprints across the room and back.
2) Did a drill where Amanda and I tossed a 6lb medicine ball back and forth while shuffling across the room and back twice. If you dropped the ball, you did 10 push ups. I apparently am a bad thrower. Amanda had to do push ups. The first time she did them. The second time I felt bad (knowing it was my fault) so I did the second set. :)
3) Then we put on the gloves. Which made me feel so tough. :) We learned the three stances: neutral, conventional (right-side) and southpaw (left-side). We learned to jab, cross, hook and upper cut.
4) In between learning, we did crunches, jump roping and a drill where you change from conventional to southpaw across the room.
5) We punched pads ABD was holding in sequence (e.g. jab, cross, jab). The other person had to do jumping jacks the whole time this was happening.
6) We did drills where we moved across the room while jabbing, moving both forward and backwards.

I may have missed some things. But I think I got it all. It was a good workout. There was a lot of sweat--which is good.

Oh! And I should mention that I made t-shirts for us to wear:



Devon loved it. :) No, really. He even commented about it positively...

Next workout: lifting tomorrow!

Ellipticalled and PARTIED!!!!

Today, Awesome Holly Holly (to be referred to as AHH) met me at the gym at 8am to elliptical for 84 minutes. The marathon training plan dictated 7 miles this morning, so using 12 minute miles as my pace, I decided to elliptical for 84 minutes. I did the whole thing at Level 3 and in that time I went 9.33 miles. AHH hung in there like a champ because she has been having some pain (in her foot??? I cannot remember...). She rocks. She will be doing a triathlon a week from tomorrow which I will be out cheering for in full force!!!

Then... I went to AHH's house for the Celebration of My Skinnification Party!!! A bunch of my friends came out to support me--even ABD came for a little bit!!!!! I was welcomed with balloons,



flowers,



and an amazing banner!!!



Lynn (my #1 fan and president of the fan club) brought a healthy side dish--a vegetable tray with every color of the rainbow represented (except blue):



AHH dyed some laughing cow cheese blue and put it in celery to complete the rainbow!

There was food! There was cornhole! There was swimming! There was fun! And there was tons of love! Thanks to all my friends who came out and to all those who couldn't make it but were celebrating with me from a distance! I feel so very loved and am so happy to have come so far!!!

Off Day Offerings: Crossfit Blogs

About a year ago (give or take), my friend Amber tipped me off to some Crossfit blogs. Even further back in time, a friend of mine suggested I try the Crossfit workouts each day. "It's easy!" he said, "Just do what you can." HA. I remember it well and--thanks to their archives--was able to look it up! It was 9 August 08:

Five rounds for time of:
155 pound Hang squat clean, 9 reps
15 ft Rope climb, legless, 3 ascents

Riiiiiight. Like I can climb a 15 ft rope (found where exactly?!?!?) ONE TIME legless--let alone THREE TIMES!. Oh. And let us not forget to do it 'for time'. I laughed at my crazy, crazy friend. But I also grew quite fascinated in Crossfit. What is it? Would I ever be capable of doing it??? (At this point, I had not started my get-healthy-lifestyle-change yet.)

Once I started working out and dieting with ZTT, Crossfit kept coming back up in conversations with friends. ZTT hates Crossfit. He thinks it is not designed for the average person who tries to do it and therefore pushes people to train unhealthily and injure themselves (I think...). Also, ABD is not a fan. But doesn't seem to dislike it as much as ZTT. So, my dreams of one-day completing a Crossfit workout (at a local affiliate) and being able to hack it and look like I fit in are somewhat killed (at least on the very, very, very back burner) for the sake of attaining my healthier goals (like losing 91 pounds and *hopefully* running a marathon!!!).

Having said ALL of that, I really like some of the Crossfit blogs I have found. I am sure there are many I have not found... But one of my favorite blogs is Byers Gets Diesel, renamed to Urban Gets Diesel, and subsequently terminated and her posts have moved to Whole Nine. Some posts I like are listed below (be warned, she does not censor her blog posts like I do...):

The Byers Guide to Eating Dirty (Part I)
The Byers Guide to Eating Dirty (Part II)
Burpees vs. Cookies -- Nobody Wins
The Healthy/F-Off Scale
Got Pull-up?

And the video in this post just impresses the crap out of me.

The other blog I have bookmarked and peruse occasionally (quite occasionally...I haven't looked at it in forever actually) is The Clothes Make the Girl. It was linked to once from Byers Gets Diesel, so I checked it out. There was one AWESOME post with amazing affirmations that I loved and reposted to my blog.

I think that's enough for now! Happy blog-reading!!!! And stay fit using whatever method is right for you--which may or may not involve crazy Crossfit workouts (which I still cannot really do...)! :)

Holly & Erin: The Dancing Queens

Tonight Holly Holly and I went to No Limits Cardio! Also, my friend Art joined us. We were going to lift beforehand but my trainer, ::cough, cough::ABD::cough::, didn't send me a lifting routine. when I texted him he gave me some lame excuse about his car breaking down. I told him I would just do the class. I also told him that this is why he should not wait until the last minute to write my workouts. And begged him not to break my legs. I then blamed him for me not lifting. :) He sent the following text response:

"Yeah, I wanted to miss out on making money today at work while looking oh so cool stranded by the side of the road in my shiny brokendown sports car all in an effort to rob one Miss Erin of her workout. Broken legs are coming with drop set lunges for dessert."

::gulp:: I like the new nickname. *Miss* Erin. I could get used to that...

The class was good. It was a bit easier than previous offerings. The instructor was filling in and I felt like we got more breaks. It was still a good workout. The sweat certainly poured AND during the bosu burpees, I hit myself in the face with the bosu ball...so I guess I was fatigued... ::grin::

She had us do a lot of track and field type warm-ups across the room. We were supposed to go in rows of 5, but it didn't always turn out like that. For the 'karaokes' (when you cross the room sideways putting one leg in front of the other, then the other behind...your hips rotate a lot...), somehow only Holly and I were in a 'row'. Apparently, we were karaoking quite daintily because the instructors said (in the micrphone): "Oooo...Dancing Ladies!!!" That's me: graceful.

Afterward we all went to the hot tub. It felt great! I should definitely do that more often!

Next workout: Saturday. Supposed to run 7, but will elliptical instead. :(