Now I ask you.........

Why do you run????

Oh yeh....that's why I run!

Just had someone ask me this week.....why do you run?  I gave my standard answer.  I don't love it -- but it's easy, simple and a great way to burn calories -- in as short of time as possible.

Then due to the the rain and my general exhaustion.....I didn't run with my group on Saturday.  So I was left to run alone on Sunday.  Needed to log 12 miles.  So at about 9am -- I headed out to complete the task. It was semi-sunny and in the mid 50's.  Decided to run toward a neighborhood I always want to explore...but don't.  You see I'm always in a hurry -- no time to be aimlessly exploring.  As I neared the turn....thought what the heck maybe I'll run to the local country club.....wonder how far that actually is.  On the way there I found a trailhead.  Took a little turn and found a new place I'd never been.  Then another trailhead and oh yeh, a fast running stream and a small waterfall.  Made it to the club and saw a deer running right up the driveway......wonder if she was a member????  Then headed back and still made it through the neighborhood I wanted to see.  And yet another trailhead.  Who knew.  This trip also took me by a church with an organized event to bless bikes -- yeh motorcycles!  That was a sight to see -- 500 plus bikes and bikers getting a nod from the big guy upstairs!

It was all an excellent reminder why I run -- not to complete a task...but to explore on my own what I have missed before!

MM

It's Working . . .I Think!

Hi!
Jodie - I just wanted to tell you that while I hit a roadblock last week, I got over it and back on the SB bandwagon. In 4 weeks, (post my lethargic vacation of an added few) I got off 7 lbs. That is unheard of in my world. I struggled a little early (no energy when working out) but now I think I have the perfect combo figured out and I feel great. No real reason, but I cut the Diet Coke as well (SHOCK) (I had maybe 1 or 2 a day) so that may be helping as well - who knows.

I think the next two weeks will be the true test to see if I can keep the momentem going. My body has a clear history of yo-yoing on me. But writing here keeps me committed, and I have two local friends who are trying it, so I can't be the failure since I started it!

Everyone enjoy the long weekend!
JW

I Need a New Day

I gained TWO lbs this week which put me over the edge. Doug has been out of town for 4 days, which had me running a little bit (but 5 days before were pretty good, I felt strong lifting weights, etc - just not much time for cardio). We had a BIG mtg on Fri at Kohl's and did not get the program ("we can't buy it b/c we're afraid it would sell' - how do you combat that?) So I promptly ate 2 pcs of pizza for dinner, had a glass of wine at the Art Walk, and ice cream with the kids after the baseball game.

So far today has not been much better; I spent some time looking up weight loss clinics and spas, and then had a nice big nap. I think I need one of your Strozzi type therapists to analyze my eating habits (clearly something is awry), an MD to analyze my body chemistry and a boot camp seargant to kick my butt!

JW

It's a new day!

Actually it's a rainy day.....in Duluth.  I am catching my breathe after week from hell.  Skipped running group today to reacquaint myself with Weight Watchers.  I had one of those weeks where I ate everything I could find.  Unfortunately that week followed 2 travel weeks....so I have some ground to make up.  Regardless of what the scale said -- I feel very positive that I am back on track.  Then I did a little beauty product shopping at Ulta and now I am positioning myself for a nice lazy day nap.

Jessica has got me looking up all sorts of trail stuff -- so I may spend a little time exploring that topic as well.  I hope you both are finding a great way to enjoy your weekend as well.

MM

Surprises for my favorite friends!

Came across something awfully cute.....so watch your mail box for a little surprise!  I'm thinking about both of you for different reasons.

Jess -- you're just taking a little mental break.  Give yourself a reasonable break and then get back on it....baby!  Treat yourself if you need to....then spend some quiet time with yourself and come to terms with what is holding you back.

Jodie -- you seem to have gone underground.  But I will keep calling!  I'll be in NY the week of June 5th.  I could come in early and we could hang out and talk Strozzi till we can't stand it anymore.  I have a lot to tell you....and I know you have a lot to share with me as well.

Now back to me -- I'm settling back into my routine.  Eating normal -- working out like I should....  Just need to deal with my mental stuff from Strozzi.  I'm working on that.

Sweet dreams everyone!

MM

Confession

Tues nite - and I am once again blowing off my run club! What is up with me? I did hike 5 miles today with Doug (he goes fast, and part was quite hilly). I do have a huge project for work that I am cranking on, mtg tmrw to prepare for, I have to take MK to practice, I need to stop at the library and I really need to paint my toenails. Do you hear all my excuses?! I'm pretty sure this was all going on last year, too but I did not miss a single night unless I was out of town. What is my problem?!
Jessica

Fat Farm Anyone?

Week 2 on the SB protocol . . .and I gained 1.2 lbs! What the heck (not exactly the word I used) is up with that? I feel like I have made so many good choices and of course I work out. The only thing I had off-program was some yoghurt covered cranberries on the plane (b/c I did not plan well). But really, a pound?

I was at the OB this week for check up and she commented "hmm, gained a few pounds since last year" No sh*t. (she's big by the way - I love her, but she is overweight). Thurs I went to run hills and I couldn't even do the warm up run (I think I was missing my carbs). So of course last night I used work as an excuse and did not make the time to run - I blew it off. It is such a vicious downward spiral!

I swear I need to go into some remote clinical study or just hang it all up. A lady I work with just turned 50, also has thyroid issues, and has worked with a trainer for about 2 months now. She of course has lost 8 lbs already - only trying to lose 15. I have been at it a year, and need to lose 30 and have 0 to show! WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?!

60 Hours at Home

Home again briefly.......  I think I'm working out once a week -- but they are serious workouts.  Ran 14 miles today!  The guy who manages our running group is all about the miles.  Somehow I did fine -- wiped out now, don't get me wrong....but proud I did it after the NY/Toronto trip.  One more freakin' trip and then home for 3 weeks.  I will get through this.  Haven't stopped thinking about the Appalachian Trail thing since you told me about it Jessica.  B & N did not have the book,  I don't think there is a Kindle version -- so I will have to order it from Amazon.

No big profound life changes yet.....but stay tuned.

Love you guys!  Hey Jodie.......what's going on with you?????

MM

SB Wk 1 Report

One week down on South Beach, and I have to say . . . I like it! Thank-you Jodie! I kicked off the week in NY, faced with dinner rolls, MAC AND CHEESE, WINE (ahem), delayed flt at airport challenge, followed by fresh cookies on plane, and then Book Club with apps, pushy desert lady, WINE, and then after I ran last nite, I picked up Sam and my neighbor offered me a BEER . . . but I mustered past all of the challenges! The only one I caved in on was a Mom's Day Tea at school, and Sam made me a small sugar cookie (it would have broken his heart if I didn't eat it). They made a card answering questions and one was "My Mom's favorite thing to eat is . . . " Salad. I guess that's what he sees me eat, but little does he know what I wish I was eating! "I love my Mom because . . ." She looks so good. Having a 6 yr old is great for the ego.

But I digress . . . yes, I went to run hills last nite (instead of drinking margs and eating enchiladas for Cino de Mayo!) and I have to say it was sooooo hard. I had no gas at all. And weights today were hard. So I'm not sure if I'm missing my energy carbs or just in a lazy state. But I lost a few pounds, which in my world, has not happened in years. I put on a few during 10 days of vacation slugfest (do you like that word?) so not sure if I can count that, but -4.8. From before vaca not quite so much, but still down, which as I say is a miracle for me. The true test is what week 2 holds!
Enjoying my hummus and veggie snack right now!
Jessica

Book

I have a book title in case you are looking for some motivation!
Ultra Marathon by Dean Karnazes. It's not about the ultra, it's about this guys' focus and crazy determination and for some strange reason I am finding it pretty darn funny. Like how he thought he was so cool until some army recruits with packs blew by him (twice); and how he had this cool Lexus as a work perk and puked all over inside after a race.
Of course you know me - I enjoy reading about other people's running more than doing it myself!
Jessica