Let it Snow

The "blizzard" of 2006 is upon us. Last night, while we were sleeping, about 4 inches of snow piled up around our house. It was really quite pretty and the roads appear to be perfectly clear. Marc and I played "snow day" so we haven't been outside yet, though we've completed a lot of household chores. The one funny thing about the snow is that the power went off last night, and we were a little nervous that it would get terribly cold in the house. The cats seemed to think it was cold, as they were huddled against, but once again, Marc and I were experiencing the hot flashes and night sweats that we've grown accustomed to. Kind of funny when the power is out to be whining that you are too hot, in the middle of a snowstorm.

Well, the running report. Did not have a great week this week. I did ok on our running on Tuesday, and not good at all on Thursday. I really can't run in that damned drill hall anymore. I get so bored, I'm sick of the treadmills, its like 100 degrees in the rooms so I am just sweating and miserable and its hardly worth it. Having said that, we ran 8 miles on Saturday in the drill hall, but it wasn't as bad because we got there as soon as it opened. I started out my run wonderfully. I ran 2 miles with no problems and then I had to stop to quickly use the restroom. I came back and finished up another 2 1/2 and then took some of the Clif Gel we had purchased. It definitely gave me energy and I felt great. Then I had to use the restroom again and when I came back I was only able to run about another mile before I was having some horrible abdominal cramping. I mean, I was doubled over in pain, it was so crazy. I basically had to walk the last 2.5 miles and even that hurt but I did it. I'm going to do some more research on that gel to see if anyone else had the problem or if they were unrelated. I really felt fantastic those first five miles, I felt strong, I felt confindent, and something just clicked and I felt horrible.

Tomorrow is a 5 mile run (Valentine's Day) and I'm nervous about it though I think I can do it. I'm starting to get pretty scared about our 1/2 marathon, but the worst case scenario is that I walk across that finish line because I WILL FINISH.

Tonight is romantic dinner out with Marc. We're celebrating Valentine's early since we have a long run tomorrow.

No More Beating Myself Up

First of all, I'd like to thank my blog buddy Sarah for reminding me not to beat myself up over little stuff and to be proud of my accomplishments. Her words of wisdom have helped me a lot in the past few months, and for that I thank her.

Second, here's a rundown of my mundane weekend. After I posted on Friday that I had my snack, I decided that yes, it was beautiful and that I would take advantage of that beauty and take a run around the neighborhood. I had the best time ever. Two miles isn't hard at all anymore, especially outside. I didn't take my MP3 player with me either, I just enjoyed the sites and sounds of my neighborhood as well as my (less) ragged breathing. It was really enjoyable and it definitely made my day.

On Saturday, Marc and I had an 8-mile run scheduled. We did it! Marc, of course, ran straight through (I'm so proud of him) and I had to walk quite a bit because of side stitches, but I finished at an 11 mile pace, which isn't great, but considering I walked a fair amount, I'm not actually that upset by it. It was really hot in the drill hall and I just kept getting side stitches, though at the start of my workout, I was doing well, but then about 2 miles in I derailed. All in all, I felt satisfied, had no trouble with the runner's trots (like everyone wants to hear about that) and didn't really feel all that tired after the run (maybe because I walked so much.) I did some researching on the good ol' trots and realized that I needed to cutdown on my fiber intake (Marc and I are addicted to fiber cereals) and that really helped. I had a Kashi Go-Lean roll for breakfast before the run and that combo of protein and carbs definitely helped me. I'll have to get more, as they were our emergency food stores for our 1000 mile drive this Christmas!

Marc and I also visited a store, the Patuxent Adventure Center in Solomon's this weekend. It was definitely a great store for biking, but not so great for running, though I was able to buy the Body Glide there (haven't been having chafeing problems, but figured, why not?) and we also purchased some Cliff Gel (since they didn't have any GU). Marc and I are both pretty nervous about these products, but they had been suggested by a friend for our longer runs (mainly the half marathon) so we figured we'd give them a try before we made a big purchase on Amazon (where I've definitely found the best price.)

Sunday we did cross training and we rode bikes at the drill hall as it was nasty out. Marc went 13.5 miles and I went 16.6. He's direct quote was "you haul ass on that thing". I really do, and I have no explanation for it. We rode for 50 minutes and basically, it wasn't hard, it was just really boring. I think we'll try swimming at the drill hall, though I need to find an approriate swimsuit. Honeymoon cruise bikinis are probably not the appropriate gym pool attire.

Ok, I've bored the heck out of everyone (oh, the masses) but that's a full update to our weekend. We're looking forward to this evening, our evening off, as we got TiVo over the weekend and we have many shows to catch up on. Hooray for TiVo!

Oh, and for the no more beating myself up over things, its just not worth it. I totally pigged out last night, our friends made some super yummy food for our super bowl party, as did we. I ate a little more than I should of, but kicking myself today isn't worth it. I'm so close to my goal weight that it kills me, but I'm pretty sure with this level of exercise as well as careful eating (though I'm totally having some more dip tonight) I will attain my goal for the wedding, as well as my goal for life maintenance. I get so mad at myself for cheating, but I'm not really on a diet anymore, I've really changed my lifestyle, and with that there will be ups and downs.

Ok, now I'm done. We now return to your regularly scheduled broadcast.

Once Again Frustrated

I get so mad at myself sometimes, and I think it if I were a little easier on myself sometimes I wouldn't have the stress issues that I do. Here's the deal. Attempted to run on Thursday but I had horrible heartburn. I went about a mile and couldn't take it anymore. So I did some floor exercises instead and then just threw in the towel. Today, I could be outside running since it is beautiful, but instead I'm just lazying around the house. I think I would feel better about the little binge I just had downstairs if I ran though. On a whim I just ate some wheat thins with some queso dip and then I had a little piece of cheese. It was about 4 points and I'm just ashamed. I ate over my points on Thursday at the Chinese Buffet (related to the horrible run and heartburn-uh yeah!) and I'm nervous because I intend to partake in a couple of Super Bowl treats this weekend. I wish I had better will-power like I used to, but I'm just so stressed and nutso that I don't.

I should get going. I have a ton of studying to do for school and I want to clean up the house for the Super Bowl party this weekend. Hooray for HD tv!