Keeping it fun!

I am taking a few days off. Yes, I am!!! I have been having bad runs and I have hated many steps. I decided to give myself a break and I'll start fresh on Sunday. My original goal was to enjoy running so I'll stick with it for life. So, that's what I am doing. I'm not training for the Olympics so it will be just fine.
I'll report back on Sunday!

December 1 and another new start

It's the first Monday after Thanksgiving, also December 1, and I have a forgettable birthday coming up... Good day for a fresh start.

I have my new "Fitness and Well-being Journal" (Shannon's invention) that Casey gave me as my prize for October's Go-Getter.   I've been to Mark, and made some goals.  So, for starters, I am to keep a food consumption log (Geez, I hate that), so I will add a place for that in my journal.  Then there is the self motivating that will be necessary when I head out to Colorado, in around 10 days and no longer have Mark to kick my butt... Then again there is that girl Casey who will be around some to do it.

Mark worked out an exercise program for me to follow a couple days a week.  I just need to add some cardio to it for the other 2 days.  

Here's the workout.  It's a body weight workout.  It's based on the total number of reps from all the exercises.  Mine is a 350 rep program.  I start and finish with 10 minutes of bike or elliptical.

Squats 45

Pushups 40

Leg curls using a ball 20

Jackknifes (a core exercise) on a ball 20

Step ups onto a bench 40

Pull ups using the band over the door 15

Lunges 40 (20 each leg)

Close grip pushups done standing against a wall 20

Rows with a band attached to the door knobs 40

Body weight squats 40

Pull ups 15

Lunges 20 (10 each leg)

Phew.  Add to that the laundry workout which involves 2 flights of stairs 4 times per load, per machine... My legs are like noodles.  AND the weather man says a winter storm is on its way. That means a generous arm and back workout tonight and tomorrow.   "UNCLE!"

Here's hoping there is a difference in my pant size by that birthday!

Happy December you all. 

She's Famous!

Not too long ago, I received an email at gogettersblog@gmail.com from "Training Peaks".  They wanted to know if they could contact a certain Go-Getter and do a profile on her.  After getting the OK from this particular Ms Go-Getter, I forwarded her email... and the rest is history!

Check it out:  Training Peaks Member Profile

PS: Thank you, Ms. Go-Getter Celebrity, for mentioning our blog in your profile!  And, keep up the good work!  You said some really great things on there which, of course, put a HUGE smile across my face!

PSS: Go-Getters, remember to hit the "back button" after reading the profile to get you back to the blog... where you can then leave a comment on the post if you want!

Me Too. (In response to Beth's post below)

I went to the gym today, which went against every particle in my body.  I did NOT want to go.  But I went.  (It beat working on another Sunday).  I only ran 1 mile on the treadmill.  Then, I walked another mile and a half and that was it.  I did put the treadmill on a 6.o incline during the walking part, so like Beth said, I guess I can feel good about that part.  But, otherwise, I just couldn't get things moving.

I think this just happens.  I know it's happened to me before.  I've never really paid enough attention to what else was going on in my life during these sluggish periods though.  Sometimes it's PMS, I do know that for sure.  Other times, maybe it's been bad diet.  If my systems are not all operating regularly, especially the digestive system, then I struggle to feel good at all, let alone get in a good run.  

I think eating well leads to better workouts which lead to a better mood overall.   There was a program on Colorado's pbs today that was talking about this connection.  Seems pretty true to me.

I think you said it best the other day, Beth.  You told me that I don't have to be a superstar alllll the time.  You were right.

Nose dive! HELP!!!

I had my very best run last Sunday followed by the worst running week ever! My body is just not cooperating with me for some reason this week. I did a 5K on Thanksgiving morning. I expected to do so well because it was in the park where I run every week. I did it in 32:34. That is not so bad, I guess. The bad part was that it totally sucked! I HATED it. I felt like stopping to walk constantly. I didn't - so at least I can feel good about that.

Today was supposed to be a long run for me. I did not feel like doing it at all. The weather was really rainy so I decided to do just 3 miles. Ha. My body felt so fatigued. I stopped after 1 mile and walked an additional 2 miles. What the hell?????

I suppose this just happens. Maybe I should just walk for a week to let my body rest. I am not sure. Help! Any advice???

I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving!

Best run to date

I did 8 miles yesterday. I know I am making progress because I am not completely debilitated today! I intended to run 7 miles but just kept going. I think I experienced runner's high. It has finally registered in my brain - I just might do okay in this half marathon. I'm stoked.

The dietary clean up is not progressing quite as well! Well, there's always tomorrow.

Bummed out, worn out

I am bummed out because yesterday I made the decision not to go to Philly for the 1/2 marathon.  I have been under the weather all week and my job keeps me traveling so much, I just didn't have the will to get on another plane this morning.  My body is fatigued from being in so many different cities, environments, and time zones.  I will be going home for the holiday and decided, with Adrienne's help, that I really didn't want to miss out on seeing my family.  Not to mention the motor in our water pump quit yesterday and my car had to go into the shop...all at the same time!  So, I am resting this weekend.

Adrienne is one of the most wonderful people I know.  She is extremely understanding and was part of the decision yesterday and the days leading up to this weekend.  She knows what it's like to be overwhelmed by having too much on our plates, and I know you guys know what that's like too.  She is the kind of friend that genuinely wants the best for others and I am so grateful for her support in this.  She cares about my well-being and I am eternally thankful to her for that.  Thank you, Adrienne.  Let's try to see each other in OH!

So that's the news.  Major bummer.  :(  I will be there with you in spirit A!  I love ya.  Go get 'em tomorrow!

Casey

Have a BLAST at the Philadelphia marathon!!!!!!!!

4.5 Miles

Got in a 4.5 mile jog yesterday.  Was feeling a bit overwhelmed and the jog really helped calm me down a little.  I typically stress out so much before each biz trip (I'm leaving for another one today) and jogging usually keeps my mind from racing out of control.  

Life before job.  Life before job.  Life before job.

Have a great week!

Casey

The Philadelphia Half Marathon! Just a week away!

Click here to see the latest e-newsletter from the Philly Marathon.

Come cheer us on, either in person or in spirit, next Sunday as we jog/walk the city of Philadelphia in the Philadelphia Half Marathon!

Videos

Our friend, Gary (he's part of our Go-Getters Group network), sent this video to me a little while back.  It's full of wonderful "life reminders". I think it's important to remember these kinds of things, especially at a time when there is economic trouble, job trouble, and other factors in our lives that make life appear rather bleak.





This other video is a reminder of the way that we can find ourselves in the middle of a disaster and still make a positive difference. Whether the disaster is a hurricane (like in the video) or a disaster at work and the economy, or in any other part of life, it is important to try not to spend too much time feeling like a victim. I think we are only victims as long as we allow ourselves to feel that way. I was definitely doing that again with my job. Instead, it's probably better to ask for help and get proactive, because not one of us is helpless! (By the way, one of our fellow Go-Getters, Sam, spent time in New Orleans and participated in the clean up effort!)

Life Before Job

My new list of priorities:

1. Sleep

2. Healthy Diet

3. Exercise

4. Family and Friends

5. Job

That's in a nutshell.  It feels reeeeeally good putting "job" at number 5 and not number 1.  It will probably be challenging for me to keep this up, but I am going live into this like I mean it!  A fellow go-getter told me that I need to put my life on page one and the job on page two.  That clicked and I felt relief as soon as I considered that I might actually be "allowed" to move "job" out of the number 1 position.

Then later that day (yesterday) I went to the gym, renewed my membership and went for a 3 mile jog.  And, I slept like a baby last night.  Once I changed my frame of mind, I started to feel better.  It really is about your frame of mind.  And, I am very interested to see how this renewed approach affects my job.  I wonder if things will get better and I might have the power to take my life back.

It's Saturday which means it's also GO-GETTERS DAY!  Give your best effort to be a go-getter today!!   

Love,

Casey

Time going by so fast I can't keep up

When October started I was in a frenzy. We had Kincaid's birthday and I did so much for that. Then school and my internship was in full swing. Then I had interviews for Doctoral programs and job interviews and more school work. The time has just flown by. I am proud to say that during this time my dedication to the gym has been steady. My worst week had me at the gym only three times instead of five. I did a spinning class tonight and it was great. It kicked my butt, but it was great.

I just wanted to check in, say hi and see what was going on here. I miss all the go-getters and I need to stay in touch. Everyone is always so uplifting and wonderful on here.

I'm going to post some photos of the past month or so. We did Halloween, of course with the boys and that was a lot of fun.

Casey and I run our 1/2 in a few weeks. It's coming up!

Miss everyone here and I promise to be around more often.

Adrienne

Future Go-Getter

I remember it like it was yesterday - my phone rang and the text message read 'My sister had a boy'. My first thought was that my cousin Denise wasn't due for a good while, and I was right. Her son Cayden was born at only 24 weeks.

We were all cautiously optimistic for him knowing that he would have to spend a considerable amount of time in the hospital while he finished developing. A couple weeks after his birth I visited with my cousins over Thanksgiving and got an unexpected opportunity to see Cayden in the hospital. Seeing him only a couple weeks old in the NICU was something there just aren't words for and something I will never forget. He would continue to make extraordinary progress and three months later was able to come home. I got to hold him for the first time about a month later. Shortly after his first birthday I got to see him over Thanksgiving and he was a babbling, crawling, playing toddler. I think I spent most of that day on the carpet playing with him.

Unfortunately it hasn't all be fun and games for Cayden. Not long after Thanksgiving he spent two weeks in the hospital with a rare type of bacterial meningitis. Only a month later he returned to the hospital with another case of meningitis. After a battery of tests he was found to have a defect in his right ear that was causing the meningitis. A procedure was performed to hopefully fix the cause of the meningitis and it was successful. However a couple months later he was back in the hospital with his worst case of meningitis to date. This time a more substantial procedure was performed which has stopped the meningitis, however it meant his right ear will never function.

I got to spend a day with him over July 4th weekend and it was so much fun playing with him in his pool and watching him walk all over the place. I'll get to see him again over Thanksgiving and I can't wait.

Today is his 2nd birthday which is what prompted me to share this. Happy Birthday to a very inspirational little boy.

6 miles!

I don't know what has come over me. I can't believe I am still doing this. I had my longest run today - 6 miles. I went to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville and ran along the river. It was beautiful. I ran by sheep, cows, horses, turkeys, geese... loved it! The last mile was tough - I cannot lie. It was sheer will and not one shred of form.

Tomorrow will mark 75 days until my half marathon. I am really going to clean it up. No alcohol (except Tgiving, xmas and New Years eve), no sugar (oh my God, that will really suck) and no wheat. I'll be reporting in. This is sure to be harder than running! I am hoping it will pay off and I will be able to pick up speed and distance.

Everybody, hang in there. The holidays are upon us. People start freaking out at work and there is chocolate everywhere you look. Keep going and getting.
Have a great week.
B

MIA no longer!!!!

So, I checked the blog today, my first time in months and saw my picture posted by my wonderful mother in a post about a month old! Figured I'd better check in.
Yes, still swimming and fitting in whatever else I can (sure, even some dancing!). Can't say I'm in that great of shape though...mostly I'm trying to preserve my sanity. The next two weeks will be hectic, drilling wells (some put in by hand and others with a drill rig) and then water and soil sampling the following week. At least I will be out of the office, though I am somewhat overwhelmed with what I need to finish up before Jan. 1. I'll try to get back into blogging...but know that I am still out there being a go-getter even if I don't post!
Abs

Thank you!

Just want to say thank you to those of you who are posting and commenting. Life has been incredibly hectic and crazy for me lately and I'm sorry I haven't been on here as much. I haven't been working out at all...just working. I am grateful to have my job, though. I just have to keep reminding myself of that everyday. That's a work out in and of itself! ;-)


Have a great weekend everyone!
Keep your chins up,
Casey

Brady, Brady

I am hoping to burn some calories watching the Browns play the Broncos (I hate the Broncos) tonight.  I have all the necessary football watching stuff nearby.... more calories.  BUT I hope to burn some up yelling and barking like a dog.

And then there's that cute Brady (rhymes with Grady who got another golden glove today) playing QB for the first time in his professional career.  Just another reason for you all to come visit Cleveland.  Even if our teams don't win anything, we sure do have the eye candy.

Woof Woof.

Somewhere between Halloween and Thanksgiving

What to do????   There are plenty of fun sized candy bars left over from Halloween, and Thanksgiving is just around the corner.  The days are getting shorter and all this sounds like a recipe for weight gain.  I am sorta jealous of you runners preparing for your marathons.  I am keeping up the strength workouts.  BUT calories need to be burned.  UGH.

There's one less Reese's peanut butter cup in the bowl tonight, and the thought of going to bed with the windows wide open (it's really warm here for Nov.) sounds too good.  If only we burned calories while we dream... I've had some wild ones lately.

And another thing, isn't it time to hibernate?  Do bears dream?  If only our brains in overdrive counted for something.

I went to the Cleveland Botanical Garden today and held a book published before Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue, and another large volume of rose prints by Pierre-Joseph Redoute worth 7 figures (the librarian not allowed to divulge the exact worth).  It was cool. Some of the prints are pictured above.  You have probably seen reprints in someone's dining room...  I suggest you all go do something like that.  Most museums will let their members see special paintings held in areas not seen by the public.   Or come here and go with me!

That's it.  Hope you all are well.  

VOTE!!!!

Mountain Biking!

This morning I went on my first mountain bike ride in years (over 5 years at least).  I had a WONDERFUL time!!!  I went with two friends from Evergreen.  They got me out there where I didn't think I was good enough to go and I did more than I thought I could!  We rode our bikes to Elk Meadow where we must have done something like 5 or 6 miles on the trail; uphill, downhill, turns, rocks and roots - FUN!  I stayed on my bike almost the entire trip, and with only 3 gears to work with...the bike is pretty old and needs a tune up (or maybe I just need a new bike)!  The uphills became tough when I didn't have an easier gear to shift into, but I figured a good hard workout surely wasn't a bad thing!  I need it, I'm pretty out of shape and have these 2 half marathons coming up!!!  Gotta keep up with Adrienne and Beth!

My friend took a picture and as soon as it comes through I will post it up here too.

Have a great Sunday everybody!

Casey

5 mile run!

After a week of not such great running (felt tired, sore, cranky, etc.), I did my first 5 mile run this morning! I slowed it down and felt really great the whole way. Wow. I am making progress. 83 days until the big day (1/2 marathon). Very exciting AND finishing seems possible.

Happy Sunday!

My first 5K !!!

I did it! I had a great time running my very first 5K. I started out much too fast in the first mile. A very nice man started coaching me a bit. I told him it was my first race and he ran with me for a little while giving me tips. He told me my pace was 9 min / mi. That's when I knew I needed to slow way down.

Of course, once I hit the first big hill, I had to walk a bit. The course was really hilly!!! Anyway, I ended up walking twice but still finished in 32 minutes. My new "coach" waited for me at the finish line and made me feel like a million bucks. My husband was waiting to give me a big high five at the finish line too. It was great. I loved it!!! It was so wonderful to see people encouraging each other, strangers cheering for us, a perfect stranger coaching me, etc. I just registered for my next 5K on November 8th. I love this!
Happy Sunday. B

How I spent my day

On Weds., I was very good.  I worked out with Mark, then cleaned up and went off to the Cleveland Museum of Art with my friend Silvia.  We spent 3 hours wandering around.  There is a new exhibit there (until January) with wonderful jewels on display... Faberge, Lalique, and Tiffany.  If any of you are in the area, it is worth a visit.  Then Silvia and I walked down the new glass hallway (pictured) to the old (1916), and renovated part.  Beautiful, and I cannot wait to go back.  But by then, it was 6 PM and my feet and legs were killing me.

Thursday, I recouped by getting a manicure and pedicure, thank you Wendy!

Today, a mammogram,  and a return of the MG to storage (snow in our future).

Tonight, a celebration of what I hope to be a clear mammogram, Mexican food!!!!

Hmm.... better add a couple of calorie burning experiences this weekend....

Gotta love the process....

Motivation on the road

Here I am again... somewhere else. I managed to peel myself out of bed three mornings in a row to run. This morning - saying I was not motivated is an understatement. It is so hard to maintain a training schedule on the road. I am not whining but... God... it's haaarrrdddd! I cut myself some slack though. Today, I ran two miles, stopped, walked for 5 minutes and then ran a third mile. I started feeling bad about it then realized that it's okay to take it easy. I got out there and that is the hardest part.

I have to start monitoring my attitude. Sometimes, I get so goal oriented that I stop enjoying the process. I want to continue enjoying my runs. I don't know if anyone else suffers from this problem... kind of silly. I sat on my ass for the past 5 years yet mentally I'll torture myself for shortening my 3rd run of the week!!! Crazy.

I suppose it is a good reminder to live in the moment instead of 10 paces ahead. To stop seeking perfection in every step. To celebrate small accomplishments. To have faith in the process. To enjoy the ride...