New Record - 9.6 miles

So I've been itching to push it a bit...I needed some convincing that the half-m is within my grasp. So today I did it...went from our house to the Food Time - 9.6 miles round trip! I ran the whole thing, not quickly, a hair over a 10 minute mile. But it felt good, was so fun, and I had plenty of me left over at the end. I love that run down Luster's Gate. In the early morning, there's little traffic, wonderful smells, sheep, cows, horses, bunnies, birds, turtles (although the one I saw was dead :-( , humming birds, bicyclists, etc.

I thought about how I let fate put the right trainer in my path and I'm so glad I ended up with JRP who is a runner and pushed me a bit in that direction, and challenged me to establish a goal. I suspect some other trainers have more of a body-building thrust or general fitness approach where cardio is just cardio. I am glad to have a specific cardio focus. Without the half as a goal, I would never have run this far, and it's so empowering and just a HUGE rush!! Can you tell I'm feeling good right now??? WOWW!!!!

Shaved heads at the gym

OK, so today at the gym, out of the 15 guys who were there at 2:30 pm, probably 10 of them had shaved heads, or nearly shaved heads. What gives?

I had a great tennis lesson this morning and he worked me harder than he has (or maybe I finally just got moving). I was pouring with sweat and huffing and puffing a bit (while of course he was not even glistening). I probably get the most encouragement (at tennis I mean) at my weekly lesson. It gives me a nice benchmark to go by. I'm hitting stronger and better, getting a few more weapons in the arsenal, and the serve is coming. Now I am committed to anticipating shots, watching as the ball leaves the racket to see where it will go, and getting there, moving on my toes, not flat feet.

The gym was fun. The smith machine was broken so I went ahead and did REAL bench press for the first time since my powerlifting days and it felt awesome!! I didn't press much, but that's OK! I can see (sometimes barely!) the changes in what I can lift at the gym and how I feel.

Tomorrow I will go 7 miles. Tonight I am having dinner at the club with Robert. The big question is, I have an urge for a glass of wine tonight. Should I or shouldn't I? Stay tuned!!!!

(I sure do like parentheses, don't I?!)

Rice

Another calorie eye-opener. White rice is just over 100 calories for 1/2 a cup! Darn it!

I made one of my favorite easy meals. Saute onions, add ground turkey and brown, drain, add tomato sauce, simmer. Serve over white rice with side of plain fat-free yogurt. Add green beans and there you go! YUM!!!

This weather is not helping my fitness regime. I got just 13 laps in at the pool (aiming for 32) and we were kicked out due to thunder and ominous skies. It's crazy and unpredictable this week.

Still here!

So, Sharon checked up to be sure I wasn't "in a funk" and thus not posting. Thanks, Sharon, that's what this accountability is all about. I must admit that I lost a bit of my fire over vacation, then I struggled a bit through my run this morning, but I met with the trainer today and worked hard at the gym and that renewed my spirit! Tonight is tennis (weather permitting) and I'm hoping to swim tomorrow.

I discovered a really fun new snack in the organic freezer section..individual "Sponge Bob" packs of edamame - immature soybeans in the pod. One pack has 38 calories but 3 g of protein and they are fun to dig out of the pods and pretty yummy to eat. Even the kids enjoy them. I'm trying to get my eating back on track. Yesterday I had to ease the transition with a Hershey bar with almonds. Darn those chocolate cravings!

So during the workout I shared bits about our vacation. I'm afraid the trainer probably thinks I'm some sort of alcoholic now! We did enjoy assorted mixed drinks on a daily basis and I think I said that one day we popped open a bottle of wine at 11 am!! I LOVE vacation!

This weekend's run is to be 7 miles and they go up by a mile each week for a while. It's exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. I got majorly chaffed by my shorts one day at the beach and have to choose my long-run shorts wisely now.

Keep making those small changes that add up! Go girls!! Dream about whatever body part might motivate you (my stomache) to dig a little deeper.

Yoga & a run

One family at the beach I had not met before, but they are cool. Mom, Heath, teaches yoga at home in NJ, so I joined her an attended an 8 am yoga class outside on a pool deck by the ocean (taught by someone else). It was a fun way to start the day as years ago I did yoga for a time but haven't since. I followed that up later with a 40 minute run on the beach followed immediately by jumping into the ocean. It was so much fun.

We took the boys to the soundside of the OBX where you can literally walk out a quarter of a mile and still only have water to your waist. There are no waves, and just soft sand beneath your feet that makes it a favorite for windsurfers.

I'd be doing great in terms of diet and exercise if it wasn't for the margaritas, pina coladas, wine, beer, etc. Darn it! Oh well...small price to pay :-)