C25K: Week 7 Day 2

WTF. Seriously What. The. FUCK! Running, running, running this morning and bam - cramped out with 2.5 minutes to go in my 25. So pissed. I know I can do it. I've been drinking more water, eating a banana at night before bed. Why am I randomly getting these cramps that force me to walk. So annoying

C25K: Week 6 Day 3

I DID IT!!!! I ran for 25 minutes straight. Not the fastest, but 2 miles in 25 mins. I'm really proud of myself. I can do this!

C25K: Week 6 Day 2

So after a lot of searching and speaking a running coach, I tried a lot of things yesterday to avoid the cramp I had been experiencing during my runs. It worked. At least yesterday. Made it through my last run with walking intervals - 10 mins running, 3 walking and 10 minutes running. Now tomorrow is going to suck and I know I'll be walking some. Won't make it through 25 minutes of running without a break. Yikes!

If anyone has experienced the cramps that I got, I drank a TON of water the day before my run so I was really well hydrated over night and then ate a banana around 8:30/9 pm for potassium. Maybe that did the trick. Or maybe my muscles are getting a tiny bit stronger. Whatever it was, I'm going to do it again today for my run tomorrow.

Cheers!

C25K: Week 6 Day 1

INCOMPLETE. Ugh. It pains me to say that. I got yet another cramp this morning in my run and had to walk the rest of the way home. WTF? What's going on? I have to figure this out because it's pissing me off.

Any run coaches out there have any tips / advice?

C25K: Week 5 Day 3

Yes, I'm well aware that I haven't been posting lately (even my Dad called me out on it this week -- thanks, Dad), but it's been a very stressful and emotional few weeks for me and this blog just wasn't that important.  But I have been running and keeping up with the Couch to 5K program.

Today was the dreaded Week 5 Day 3 -- the first "long" run:  20 minutes, no breaks.  Let's just say I was able to hit "Complete Workout" on the app, but it didn't feel like it.  Going into the run, I was certain I wasn't going to be able to complete it.  I mean, I had NEVER run anything close to 20 minutes in my entire life.  I felt pretty good starting out and even around minute 12 I was kinda impressed.  I thought maybe I could do it, until I started getting a super painful cramp near my diaphragm.  At minute 14, I had to stop.  It was just too painful.  I actually had to stop, double over for a few seconds and then had to walk.  I was not happy with myself.  At minute 17, I decided to run again, but had to stop at minute 19 -- with 1, 1 freaking minute to go.

So like I said, I can say that workout is over, but I'm pissed I couldn't run the whole thing.  How can I avoid these cramps?  Anyone have any advice?

C25K: Week 4 Day 1

In looking ahead last week, I didn't think I was going to be able to do this run. I mean 3 min run, 1 1/2 min walk, 5 min run, 1 1/2 min walk, repeat? Last week I was doing a little huffing on the 3 min run and now that was the "short" run? I went to bed last night and woke up this AM thinking this was going to royally blow. But you know what? I did it. And I actually felt good doing it. On top of that, I goofed on hearing my run/walk transition and ended up running a little more than was called for. I'm pretty happy with myself!

Now to think if my nutrition was really on track how much better my runs could be. To use food as fuel instead of an emotional crutch. More to come on this later!

C25K: Week 3 Day 3

Well, week 3 is done. Still huffing a good but on my 3 minute intervals, but saw small progress. Recovery in between intervals feels better and faster. That's a good sign right?

Week 4 begins tomorrow. Yikes!

C25K: Week 3 Day 2

Better than yesterday. I didn't feel like a total loser trying desperately trying to catch her breath and no cramping. But the bigger thing is that I got it done and running as the sunrises is great. Still cool, a little crisp and super peaceful.

One step at a time.

C25K: Week 3 Day 1

Sucking wind. Hard. Thats how I'd describe the 3 minute run intervals on today's run. Doesn't make me very confident that I'm going to be able to run for more than 5 minutes - ever. Plus on top of that I can barely move from my training session the other day. And at the end of the run, I got this massive cramp just to the right of my diaphragm. It was so painful that I was doubles over at the end of that run. What causes that? Too much water? I only had a few sips during my run. Just out of shape? Who knows. Let's just say it was not my best.

In the words of Eminem in "Lose Yourself," "You can do anything you set your mind to.". I need to remember this more - in running, in eating, in everything

Sweat Session

I got all of my Week 2 C25K runs in last week, so I was happy about that - even running with a tiny hangover.  Sweating it out helped I think. 

Yesterday, I trained with The Angry Trainer and holy shite, I'm so sore today.  Like so sore that it's kinda difficult to pick up my kids.  Isn't that special?  Let's see how many days it'll take to recover from this.  I'm hoping that by going for a run later today the blood will pump into those muscles and help heal them.  Please, heal them!

Monday Morning Weigh In + Weekend Recap

Let's just say this weekend was another one full of way too much fun and booze, but it was a blast to be back in Baltimore with our old friends.  Totally hammers home that it's the right decision to move back.  But if you thought you were following a blog tracking my weight loss, you were sadly mistaken.  I wrote down my weigh in from yesterday, but I can't find it now.  Needless to say, I gained again.  I think my weight was up to 131.something. 

Monday Morning Recap + Weekend Recap

Ok, so it's Tuesday and not Monday.  Let's just say, it was a weekend full of bad food that was delicious going down, but made me feel bloated, gross and full of guilt.  And when I reveal this week's number, it'll be no surprise and I just want to vomit all over myself.  And it's embarrassing.  Why did I want to put this out there publically?

This Week's Weigh-In

• Weight:  130.2 -- yep, you read that right...an INCREASE
• BMI:  23
• Body Fat:  27.4%

So freaking gross and like a lot of you, I'm an emotional eater.  So any emotion, I'll eat or have a cocktail, then the weight goes on, then I get super depressed and upset, so I'll do it again.  OR, if I'm bored (I work at home) or pass by the fridge, I'll just open it and grab something.  Did I eat?  Sure, I did.  Was I hungry?  Nope.  What the F was I doing then?  No clue.  It's like I'm in slow motion and it just happens.  What the hell is my problem!?!?!!
 

C25K: Week 2 Day 2

So I got the run done this morning, but I wasn't feel as good about it as I did yesterday. Somehow I messed up the starting point, so on my last run interval of the session I was running up a LONG, massive hill. I was tired. I had to stop running with 25 seconds left. Not happy about that one. And I ran after I ate, when I usually workout at the crack of DAWN.

But whatever, it's done.

C25K: Week 2 Day 1

This run felt good - including the tiny hills I seemed to hit on every run interval. I'm ready for this.

How are you doing?

Saturday's Gone Downhill, Already

At this moment in time, I am frustrated. (I Thank god Riley is sleeping and I'm happy I got my run in). But I've been trying to make R's birthday cake since 8 am and because it's a special sized round, I cannot get the timing right. Either too much batter and the middle caves in or the top is too brown because it takes forever to cook all the way through. So. Freaking. Annoying.

And whats even more annoying is that I've let my eating go to shits. Wheat returned yesterday in the form of pizza. I then had sushi for dinner. This morning, despite starting out so well with a run and oatmeal with banana and Akins butter, I've consume way too much cake batter (seriously too much) and had left over pizza for lunch. Awesome, Lindsey. Tomorrow won't be any better with an extended family Father's Day celebration.

On top of hating myself for eating like crap, my son won't nap at all and will not be allowed to be put down. That means I constantly have to hold him. Ugh!!!!!

C25K: Week 1 Day 3

Well, week 1 of the Couch to 5K is officially done. Got up early this morning to head over to the track to run, but on the way had this urge to run outside. It was in the mid 50s and the run was still rising - thought it would be perfect. And I was right. I felt great during today's program and loved running outside. I think I'm going to try to keep that up. I know I don't need to start week 2 tomorrow (I'll do that Monday or Tuesday), but I might do another week 1 tomorrow morning. Feeling energized.

TRX is here!

I kinda feel like its Xmas around here. My TRX came today and I can't wait to break this puppy in. I see it in my future tomorrow.

Sweat Session

It didn't happen today and it prob won't.  After listening to Nate cry during the wee hours (we're trying to break him of waking up -- this chunker doesn't need it), I was exhausted and slept through my 4:30 am alarm.  Oops.  

But I am still gluten-free today, I think it's day 3?  Maybe 2 (sad I'm already losing count).  And actually, I don't feel as bloated, like Sally said.  But maybe that wine she and I will be having later tonight will change that.  

Hey....it's a rough week trying to work and watch the kids while our nanny is on vacation.  The juggling act of a very head-strong almost 2-year-old and a teething 6-month-old is hard.  A cocktail here and there are needed!

I'll sweat it out tomorrow morning.  Week 1 Day 3 tomorrow.

C25K: Week 1 Day 2

Done. 

Funny this is that I did my run on the track at the local town youth academy that is more like a massive sports complex for adults and kids.  Pretty nice set up.  Anyway....as I was running there was this girl who was also running, but she was huffing and puffing along and bright red in the face. 

Wait...yep, that was me.  Jesus, who knew alternating 60 second runs with walking would having me suck wind.  But there you have it, I suck a running.  Am I really going to be able to run a 5K in 8 or 9 weeks?  I have my doubts.

Cheers!

Spaghetti Squash with Shrimp

One of my new favorite foods is spaghetti squash.  We've used it as pasta with meatballs and sauce and we've used it as a based for shrimp instead of rice or couscous.  A few times a week we make this delicious spaghetti squash and shrimp recipe with onions, garlic, chopped tomatoes and goat cheese.  Since we had this last night, I thought I'd share.

Spaghetti Squash with Shrimp

Spaghetti Squash (seeds and stringy middle mess removed)

Shrimp (about 10-14 shrimp)

Chopped Tomatoes

Garlic 

Salt & Pepper - to taste

Sauteed Onion (we saute a whole onion)

Goat Cheese (about 3 oz)

Parmesan Cheese

To cook the actual squash is so easy.  Slice it in half lengthwise, take all the crap out in the middle and place it slide side down on foil on a cookie sheet.  Cook it for about 35 minutes just like that on 350. 

Saute the onions so they're a light golden brown and tender.  Throw minced garlic in toward the end of the onion cooking time, so you don't burn the garlic.  Use the same pan to cook the shrimp as you did the onions without wiping it down -- adds to the flavor of the shrimp.  You might want to add a little salt and pepper to the shrimp.

Once everything is cooked, grab a large bowl.  Scoop out the squash into the bowl.  Be careful because it will be hot.  Those suckers retain a ton of heat.  Then add the shrimp (you can pre-cut the shrimp into bite sized pieces if you want before adding to the bowl), onions, garlic, chopped tomatoes (you can use canned chopped tomatoes if you want), and goat cheese.  You may want to add more salt and pepper, to taste.  Mix it all together and there you go.  Put into a bowl and top it with some parmesan.  YUM!

Cheers!

photo from Steamy Kitchen