Babies and Strollers.

Well, I did it. I ran the whole length without stopping. It may or may not have been at a slower pace. It's hard to tell. But I did it. I had a harder time running sections on the return trip today then I did yesterday. I desperately need new shoes. The "tennies" my mom bought me at Payless when I started college almost four years ago are just not cutting it. They're huge, for one. Second, they're huge. And third, they are so not comfortable. When I land (which I'm beginning to think that it's a little inward), my feet wish there was less in the way. But I did it. I think one run is all we can handle today, being that my not-so-good friend Nick showed up yesterday. He's kind of a jerk.

It's sunny and delightful here in the greens; I even got some color again today. Which leads me to the reason for my title. I have a love/hate relationship with the stroller. On the one hand, it's so easy to maneuver; it let's me take the wee one out and get exercise; it adds depth to my run; and I don't look quite as foolish as I feel I would without it. On the flip side, it's a pain in my ass; it's hard to run with only one free hand; and finally, it prevents the front of my legs from seeing the sun. So now I go outside to get a little even coloring.

I've missed you, Cali spring. Summer, the jury is still out.

personal best.

Today's workout was amazing! I set a new standard for myself that I'm a little nervous to keep. I got to sleep in today and not be at work until 11, which meant at typical run time (11:30-12) I was ready to go. I did my normal thing: brisk walk to the trail and for halfish, then jogged the second half, turn around and walk for a bit, then jog the second half again. It was about seventy degrees by then, and I was lovin the sunshine. I felt great and couldn't even finish my huge salad! After lunch and nap, I decided that this weather is just too good to pass up! So out we went again. I thought I'd change it up and run the first part this time around; but as I was coming to the part I mark as half, I thought, "screw that! I'm going all the way!" And then I did. The whole half a mile it takes from where we get on to Cook Riolo. It was awesome! I turned around and tried to jog a few different times, but couldn't make myself go a huge stretch (something about feeling nauseous).

There are two bonuses to my double run today.

1. I got tan!! Not even kidding. There is definite color on my arms that hasn't been there since I came to Cali in May last year.

2. Every time we got back to the house, baby's snot fountain seemed to dry up for a while.

I'm worried I won't be able to give myself motivation to do it again and get better.

But tonight I made cold lentil salad lentil wraps. Delish! And oh so healthy.

Forgetful.

Today's lack of workout is brought to you by an honest mistake. Or perhaps a state of flurry. Or just plain forgetfulness. More than likely, a combination of all three. It all started last night when I decided I'd rather shower in the morning. Then, my terrible night's sleep led me to hit the snooze twice this morning, putting my shower off by twenty minutes. None of this was a big deal, until I realized that all fabric in my house smelled like chili (crockpot chili was made, and burned, yesterday). It was then that I had to search high and low for a towel that wouldn't make me smell like a delicious and hearty stew all day while continuing to drip water all over the apartment. Towel found, laundry started, hair combed. Then the process of getting dressed and making sure I was wearing a shirt I could run in; don't forget your tennies! (I didn't.) Breakfast? Oh yes, oatmeal because Bob Harper recommends it; a dollop of yogurt. Pack the lunch; put in the bag with no less than three servings of fruit. Schoolbooks! Gotta attempt to study at some point. Whew. Take a few minutes to check email and reader. What? 7:45?! I was supposed to have left three minutes ago. It wasn't until I was a couple blocks away that I realized I hadn't packed shorts to run in, and my jeggings just weren't gonna cut it.

So today we took the long route for our walk at a good pace. In toms, no less. Then we went for a second walk/playground visit. It happens.

On the plus side, last night and tonight's dinner was fish tacos. I love them! So light and fresh. I always eat a few and still want more! It's the cabbage. It looks like it'll fill your belly, but it's a trick. Oh well.

Overheated.

I'll say it again: working out is hard.

Over the weekend (which was filled with movies, late nights and some poor liquor choices), I skipped my workouts. I told myself I was allowed one day off, but after one day of heaven (and no, there will not be workouts in heaven for me, because they are not something I can lose myself in), who's gonna say no to two? So, two days gone. But now it's Monday again.

Today I temporarily forgot that I didn't have to run, but that I could merely follow along to some overenthusiastic person telling me to remember why I'm looking like an idiot trying to do side kicks at a frightening pace without turning out (as if that's even possible). As I attempt to do these ridiculous motions, I think to myself "lady, you're 5' 5", have a six-pack and probably weigh as much as I did in middle school", of course unable to say this out loud due to lack of oxygen in my lungs. At the ten minute mark, I am already over it; my feet are slipping on the carpet, my bangs keep falling into my face, and it's hot in my room. I made it to twenty minutes before I tapped out like a sissy-la-la. I'm going to have killer legs and butt by the time this thing is done with, because I never seem to make it to the core workout, and when I do I'm so worried about strangling myself with my own neck that I can't complete the sets.

On a slightly related note, two of my friends also have birthdays in October, and we have decided this year to celebrate half-birthdays, meaning April. Should any of you choose to join in the celebration, I'm in the market for new running shoes. Or a gym membership. Because let's face it, side-stepping and jabbing in your bedroom just doesn't compare to making yourself look like a fool in the presence of strangers.

Yogi

Usually when I say that word, I'm looking for some creamy delicious dairy. But not today!

Today I found some videos for overweight yogis. They were the only ones that were longer than two minutes a piece. Between the four videos, it was about forty minutes. I did two and a half videos for about 25 minutes. I thought I was gonna fall over. Due to yesterdays pilates attempt, everything from the hips down was a bit sore. Also, my upper-body strength isn't so great, so I have a hard time lasting in the plank or downward dog. But I did pretty good, and I feel good, so I guess that's pretty cool. My body is definitely trying to reject this new regiment. Or perhaps that's just my mind. Either way, it's gonna be a struggle, for sure.

butt: kicked.

Holy crap. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to say these things, considering my prof may read them, but I got my ass handed to me today.

For those of you who aren't currently living in the rain-soaked Sacramento Valley, then let me tell you that it is just that. I think it's been going for over a week now, with a couple days of a slight break. I personally love it. I find it soothing, considering the funk I've been in for almost a week. Mood reflecting weather comforts me; as does my Mumford & Sons station on Pandora. Today has been the heaviest and most consistent of the precipitative week, and since I couldn't find the baby's rain jacket I didn't feel quite right about taking her out in the 43 degree weather, bundled with blankets or not. Nothing is worth a sick baby.

So I looked online for a free Pilates video (I haven't quite been able to justify a netflix subscription). Little did I know what I was in for. I forgot how much I hated Pilates in high school. I prefer getting my pride beat down in a ballet class, where the movements are fairly fluid and most people look at least a little uncomfortable. I found an hour long video of some lady and her friends in what looks like a basement turned gym. I was skeptic at first, but after the first fifteen minutes, I had broken a slight sweat. Because I was foolish enough to start with a baby underfoot, I took a break for a few hours until she went back down for a nap. I admit I wimped out a few times: the lunges (makes me appreciate Joanna in the worst way); the sit-ups (does anyone have any tips on how to make your neck not feel as if it's strangling you?); and the plank (in my defense, I was wearing swishy pants on carpet and barefoot). But I definitely did more than I thought I could or than I would have previously would have.

It's hard working out. I just finished a bit ago, and I feel exhausted. My whole body hates me and I have a headache. Does that change, the more your body gets used to it?

Well, I have baby suitcases to pack, assignments to finish, and clothes to change. Can't go to college group looking like a crazy!

One last question: what are your favorite things to wear when you exercise? brands? types? shoes? etc? I'm getting rather tired of weird t-shirts and sleeves. Plus, once summer comes, I expect to get tan.

with love and healthy wishes.

A Start to the Day

Here we go, guys.

I started this blog for school. A way to track and keep me accountable for my term project for health. I'm already a bit more than a week in and things aren't going so well. Perhaps I should explain.

My Health Ed prof assigned a behavior modification for our semester project. I decided that my lazy butt needs to kick things into high gear and literally get moving. The unnumbered pounds that I've put on since not dancing/moving home are starting to reveal themselves in places I'd rather they not; i.e., my face and hips. Why can't gained weight go to the places you want? Digression. So, I have decided to take up jogging. Bob Harper says it's the best way to get started. Plus, I don't need fancy equipment, a gym membership or really much else (side note, a jogging stroller will kick your butt; get one. even if you don't have a baby; fill it with bricks).

In addition to my new jogging routine on work days, I plan to actually open the book I bought when Allison and I went to see the amazing Bob Harper almost year ago. To go with it, I am going to take part in Bob's weekly challenges and any videos I can use from his website.

Eventually, I want to start adding healthy recipes and tips that I'm finding on my journey to skinnyhood (a real word).

Here's where you guys come in: I need you to keep me on top of it! Every single one of you know just how lazy I am and how much I love to sleep in/nap (or as my beloved cousin calls it "studying"). But if I know you're reading and supporting me and wishing me well, then I think it will really help! So comment, bug, congratulate and express concern. Even better, join me! Everyone can find some room to get a bit healthier in their lives.

The ultimate goal is to have a healthy BMI, lose all the belly chub and the kinds that have settled elsewhere on my body, and fit into some shorts for summer! My reward for the end of the project is that if I can stick with it from here on out, if I can actually learn to like my routine, then I get to buy a new dress. A pretty easter dress from Urban or this new little boutique in arden mall, and not just a target one.

So here's to a new start, a healthy start, and a forever start.