6 Miles Strong

I don’t know about your part of the country but here in central Virginia we are being spoiled with some amazing weather this week. Today, I left work and walked out into a gorgeous sunny evening complete with blue skies and a gentle breeze.

I thought it would be the perfect excuse to ditch the gym, visit the trail, and work on my speed and intervals for the upcoming Beauty and The Beast 5K I have coming up at Disney. I texted a pal earlier to chat about my feelings surrounding this year’s Princess weekend at Disney. I truly thought I would feel more disappointed about not running the ½ marathon this year but after today’s run I know I did the right thing by focusing on health and weight loss this year versus training for events. During my run tonight I had some time to reflect.

I know that I am a pretty slow runner and that tonight’s accomplishment might not seem like much to some. However, for me it was huge. I ran a solid 6 miles (and change) while keeping a 12-13 minute mile pace the entire run. I would love to one day run/walk at a 9-10 minute pace but for me today was a victory. I am not even sure how it happened exactly. I hopped off road and ran my usual loop. Instead of taking the short paved path (1/2 mile or so) back to the car I just turned around and re-ran my loop in the other direction.

I will admit that the second loop was mostly downhill as the first loop was mostly uphill. I was able to gain a lot of speed during the second loop (and confidence) and found that I continued to run at a greater speed not only downhill but also on the flat surfaces as well as the inclines. I listened to some cheesy old school jams (Ice Ice Baby, Pump Up the Jam, Can’t Touch This and other fabulous lame early 90s tunes) and sort of zoned out. If the sun hadn’t threatened to set on me I might have even attempted to do both loops a second time. It’s one of my goals for the future for sure. When I finally made it back to the car I felt incredibly tired, content, and accomplished. I can honestly say, I think, it may have been the best run I have ever been on.

I know that my co-workers, especially my very patient boss and my across the hall pal, are probably sick of hearing me sing the praises of Bikram yoga every single day but I am fully crediting those classes for my new found running ability. I used to write a lot about how my legs were willing to carry me but my breathing was “spazzy” and all over the place. I feel like I have more control over my lungs, breathing, and just my body overall. This revelation makes me so incredibly excited to continue running and practicing yoga.

After this epic (well epic for me) run I was pretty much starving. I came home and made one of the hub’s faves, cashew chicken and brown rice. I am finally settling in to finish up some school work and bond with my TIVO.

What does your weekly workout routine look like?

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Sandwich Meets Fork

I thought I would torture entertain all of you living with the feet upon feet of snow with a little photo look see at my trail run/walk today. It was a clear beautiful 45 degrees and the trail was packed. I love how beautiful and blue the sky looked. Other than some super tight calves in the beginning and some toe pain near the end I could have stayed out there for hours. (Well except for that pesky sun setting thing). These little bursts of nice weather remind me there is an end to the winter in sight.

When I got home I was starving so I decided to make a dish I have been interested in trying for quite some time. My gal Rachael Ray made this on 30 Minute Meals ages ago and I thought it looked really yummy. She calls it a “Cuban Hash” since it incorporates the elements of a Cuban sandwich. You can find her recipe HERE. Due to my eating plan I made several adjustments to this super easy to make knife and fork kind of sammie.

-I started by toasting up some whole grain bread in the oven with olive oil, chopping 1 medium onion, and chopping 3 links of lean andouille sausage (none of it is super lean so just do your best).

-Next I substituted ground turkey for ground pork and heated it in a skillet with cumin, all spice, salt and pepper. After it was slightly browned I tossed in the chopped onions.

-After this cooked up I added in the sausage

-After 2-3 minutes I added 2 ½ tablespoons of tomato paste and allowed it to cook through for 1-2 minutes

-Next, I poured in ½ bottle of beer (even the cheap stuff will do) and let it cook out for 3-4 minutes before reducing the heat

-As the beer cooked out I made my “relish” which was some chopped dill pickles and yellow mustard (simple yet oh so effective)

And just like that it was time to build the knife and fork sandwich

-Use toast at the base

-Pile on a couple scoops of the meat and onions

-Add a slice of 2% Swiss cheese

-Pile on the chunky homemade relish

-Top with a fried egg (Yum!)

Bust out the knife and fork because this little guy is packed with way too much awesome goodness to pick up! It was a great filling meal, was healthy with our modifications, and is totally guy friendly! Enjoy!!

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Running (off road) in Pink

Today after my weigh in and a quick breakfast the hubs and I hit the off road trail again to get our Saturday workout in. Though we went at an overall slower pace than last weekend’s off road run we did some uphill sprints (though why I agreed to that Ill never know) and enjoyed being outside even with a temperature in the teens. I should also mention we brought along our chunky monkey pup Harlow. She normally gives up about a ½ mile in but something about the cold makes her feel all fancy and fantastic so she was hanging in there like a big dog! I am happy to report another successful run and I am feeling stronger every week. On another note, I was all bundled up in my signature color today so I am pretty sure that helped. 😉

Now to cook/bake/organize and get things set up for our movie party night!

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Hey I Remember You…

As many of you know, I started this blog way back when to document my relationship with running. My little blog baby soon grew into something more as I struggled in 2010 to learn a healthy living lifestyle. My blog now examines all parts of this process, especially the weight loss/fitness aspect. I have proclaimed over and over again that this will be my year to emerge something better. I am developing a better diet/eating plan with the help of Weight Watchers and the “Points Plus” system. I am incorporating several different types of workouts into my plan. I seem to be on the right path so why do I keep feeling this nagging feeling in my gut? After my decision to focus on weight loss this year and not train for any major event (ie: The Princess ½) I died a little inside. While I am sticking to my decision (it is just the right thing for me right now) I also feel I need to mend my relationship with running. I realize that sounds funny but if you have ever loved to run I have no doubt you’ll understand.

Today I laced up my running shoes to go out for a run. It was not a “walking and just jog a little” run or a “run ½ way and walk the rest of the way back run” but a real “sweat like a guy and go until it hurts in a good way and then go a little further” run. In rereading some of my old blogs I realized that off road running really helped me find my running “sweet spot”. So, the hubs and I headed out to a familiar trail and, crazily enough, a familiar feeling.

It is a challenge for someone who is not at a healthy or ideal weight to run. The fact that I did what I did today amazes me. It encourages me. It, even though not a huge feat for most, makes me feel proud. I ran for 4 off road miles. I ran hills, rocky terrain, slippery terrain, bridges and even stairs. I ran it all without complaining and, most importantly, without doubting. Since my last run at Disney it has been the doubt getting in between me and my love for the run. I see that with such clarity now. Today was a new day for me. It was like starting over.

The hubs was really excited to support me and see me get “back in the ring” so to speak. He ran along behind me to snap photos of my day. He was running up hills and popping out from behind rocks like my own little paparazzi. (Does this make me more like B Spears? Please tell me it does!). It was like he knew today was something I would want to remember and I am so glad he was there. When I started to fade near the end he encouraged me to finish strong (and I did!).

I will let his photos from today tell my little running story. It might not be pretty, but it’s real. I am so thankful and happy to have this part of my workout and life back.

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Another Random Sunday

Today was a no plan, do whatever the day brings, sort of Sunday. Inspired by last night’s cookies I decided to add some craisins to my morning oatmeal. It is kind of amazing what the smallest change will do for a dish. My boring bowl of oatmeal suddenly felt really sweet and indulgent. The calorie/points plus value was the exact same as when I use raisins.

Next, I went out on some random errands (groceries, bill paying, etc). I ended up at Target to pick up dog food for the fur babies and I spotted these really cute bowls. I like to mix it up from time to time with what plates/bowls I use on the blog so I love finding a cute print/pattern. I am pretty sure these bowls were meant to be since I was recently watching reruns of friends where they were using oversized cups in an almost identical print. I even searched for them online with no luck! Plus these were a steal at $7.00!

After my errands were done I stopped at Macys. It had just opened for the day and happened to be on the way home. I had two $5.00 gift cards (well use them or lose them $5 credits is more accurate) with a 1-31-11 expiration. I scoped out the sale sweaters and truthfully they were so incredibly “picked over” I almost just bought some tights to use up the credits so I would not lose them and be done with it. Luckily, I spotted these gems from last summer being put back out for sale. They were 75% off with an additional 40% off and I had a 15% off coupon. That plus my two $5 credits got me these fun little summer pieces for $0.03. True Story!

Once I dropped everything off at home I figured it had warmed up enough to go for a run outside. I drove downtown for a change in scenery to hit the trail. Apparently the trail did not get the memo that the snow had melted so I was faced with a frozen snowy mess. I slowed WAY down but the workout was still a good one. Not only was it a workout for my booty (trying to stay balanced) but it was also peaceful to just concentrate on what I was doing. I put U2 (my absolute favorite) on the I-Pod and enjoyed the beautiful scenery.

I am now settling in at home to catch up on some TIVO (Rachael Ray has a LOT of shows during the week!) and start a chili meatloaf for dinner. What did you do this weekend?

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New Year, New Run, New Recipe

One of the reasons I started this blog last year was to document my relationship with running. I did several 5Ks, trained for a ½ marathon, and had some really great (and really terrible runs/jogs). Somewhere along the way running and I sort of parted ways. Specifically, it was after the Disney Wine and Dine ½ Marathon. After completing it, I started to feel a lot of pressure to complete another. As a result I sort of pushed running away and that was that.

Now that 2011 is upon us and I am giving myself a full year of no pressure fitness (meaning no major trainings to distract me from my weight loss/fitness goals) I felt it was time to have a little date with my old pal running. Sure he’s hurt me before but I think it will be different this time. 😉 In all seriousness, it was time to lace up my sneakers and get back out there.

Today, after work I bundled up in my cold weather clothes and headed out to the trail. For four miles I walked/jogged/ran, listened to music, and just let myself move at a comfortable pace. I was pleased to see how much my body wanted to jog/run and how nice it felt to feel nothing but accomplishment when it was finished. There was no anxiety about picking up my time or dread of a long run tomorrow. There was only relief and the desire to get back out this weekend for another round with the pavement!

After I made it home it was time to start dinner. Tonight I decided to put a fun little twist on my old favorite, the warm spinach salad, by spicing my own pecans to add to the mix! It was really simple and is a great way to add crunch to a salad (instead of processes croutons or bacon).

~Preheat your oven to 325 and warm a skillet with 1tsp olive oil and butter at medium heat

~Add your “wet” ingredients 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and 1 tsp of hot sauce

~Next, add dry ingredients 1 tablespoon cumin, ¾ tsp paprika, garlic powder and onion powder

~Allow the flavors to blend together (2-3 min)

~Add the pecans and coat

~Place the coated pecans on a cookie sheet in a single layer

~Bake for 10-15 min shaking the pan every 3-4 minutes

~Place the pecans in a bowl and add a touch of course sea salt

~Enjoy them as a snack or salad topper!!

*Thanks again to the hubs for the food photos tonight!

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Mini Goal- The Royal Family 5k

The Disney running events have had a huge impact on my desire to get fit. Disney is where I attempted my first ½ marathon last March as well as where I completed my first ½ marathon last October. In particular, The Princess ½ Marathon weekend is something I hold near and dear to my heart. It just so happens that the Princess ½ Marathon weekend falls during our favorite time to visit Disney (late Feb/early March) so it makes sense, with me being a lover of all things Disney and all things Princess, that I would participate.

This year is all about fitness and weight loss for me. I am going to concentrate on truly learning what is right for my body and getting back to my “happy weight” versus concentrating on training for distance and adding something more to the uphill battle I have in front of me this year. With that said, I did not want to be left out of this really fun, amazingly inspiring weekend at Disney. So, I have signed up for the Royal Family 5K. This way I can still go to the expo, see my wonderful healthy living blog girls, and take Saturday morning to run through the park for a 5k! We plan to spend the rest of that day at Hollywood Studios. I feel like this is the perfect compromise until I am in a place to train for a ½ again (maybe by next year.)

I was all smiles to learn the “theme” for the Royal Family 5k this year is Beauty and the Beast! How cute is that? I am hoping I can talk my expert tutu making friend Kris into helping me make a “Princess” tutu for the run and I will definitely have my tiara on!

The course runs through Epcot which should be fun and the best part is we are working some fitness into our family vacation! My goal is to get my speed/time up enough that I can stop at least twice to snap some Princess photos. It feels good to have a “stepping stone” type of goal to reach and I cannot wait to get to Disney in February!

Have you ever run a 5k, ½ marathon, or marathon at Disney?

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Happy New Year!!

It is that time of year again, the time of year when networks countdown the most popular news stories, radio stations countdown the most popular songs, and individuals reminisce about the biggest moments of the year gone by.

I can truly say 2010 has been an amazing year for me. I am at a job I enjoy working with people I truly like. I have reconnected with old friends, made some new friends, and am closer than ever with the people I love. I have a little home with my husband and two sweet pups. Maybe most importantly, I am content and very thankful for the life I have.

Since this is just the right time of year for countdowns I give you my 10 favorite moments of 2010! (You can click any of the bold links to read more!)

10. Running In Pink Project was born.  One little post in March of 2010 started my blog, which has grown tremendously over the last year. I love having this creative outlet, which I hope will grow into something really great in 2011!

9. Happy Birthday to Me-Turning 30 at Disney World. Even though this was pre-blog it still had to make the list. I turned 30 in the happiest place on earth, finally got a photo with Alice, had ice cream for breakfast, and generally spent one the happiest days I’ve ever had at Disney with the hubs.

8. Getting my PR during a local 5K. The hubs and I attended a local 5k where I felt “free” to just run for the very first time!

7.  Wicked (and Wicked Again). You all know I love a musical. Wicked is pretty much my favorite. I was lucky enough to see the touring production twice this year. Once on a nice date night with the hubs and once for a fantastic girls day out!

6. Family Time. The hubs and I took a road trip to WV to get in some serious family bonding time!

5. Finishing the Wine and Dine ½ Marathon. While this experience had its bumps (the hubs dropping out, getting permission to run his leg of the relay along with mine, finishing after nearly getting swept) it was a bittersweet experience. However, I think it is an experience that made me a better person and so it is on my list of favorites for 2010.

4. Attending the Healthy Living Summit in Chicago. This experience was pretty amazing. I got to meet some really great girls, including online pal Andrea. I learned a ton and had a wonderful time visiting “The Windy City” for the very first time.

3. Fit for a Princess-Disney Princess ½ Marathon Weekend. Even though this ½ marathon did not go exactly how I had hoped it still introduced me to the joys of organized endurance events (Disney Style), prepared me for future races, and put a drive in my soul to “try harder” and “be better” Later in the year (see #5) I did just that! (On a side note-I am somewhat sad, yet resolved, in reporting I am not participating in the ½ this year. We will be there on vacation to cheer you girls on and I will be doing the Royal Family 5k so I can participate in the Princess weekend but weight loss, not training, is my focus this year. I hope to cap off my year of fitness and weight loss by participating again next year. But, I can’t wait to see everyone!!)

2. Visiting New York for the very first time. There is not much I can say here other than “WOW!”. This was an experience with three of my great girlfriends that I will never ever forget.

1. God Bless Texas! The hubs and I took a trip to Dallas Texas and see the Cowboys play. This might seem like a strange thing to take the top spot. However, the hubs and I had an amazing week in Dallas bonding, ate great food, saw my most favorite team of all time play football, toured the stadium, and made some really cool memories. It definitely meets the criteria for an amazing moment.

What are some of your favorite moments of 2010?

Wishing you and yours a Happy, Healthy, and Beautiful 2011!!!!

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T-Minus 72 Hours

In less than 72 hours I’ll be weighing in at Weight Watchers and jump-starting my 365 days to a fitter (and happier) me. So what does one do in their last 72 hours of freedom? Some might indulge in favorite treats or “last meals” but I kind of don’t believe in that. I think that is the sort of flawed thinking that gets us into these messes to begin with. (Though I will admit I had full fat milk in my coffee this morning. *gasp!*

I am taking a different kind of approach during these last 72 hours. I am preparing the tools for my success.

1. My Weight Watchers Card. I am signed up for auto-pay and ready to hit the scale Friday morning and my meetings on Monday nights.

2. A Notebook. I can plan meals and work outs a week in advance. I can keep my WW logs in here, save measurements, and brainstorm for future blogs.

3. Water to Go. I am cleaning my trusty pink water bottle and getting her ready for some serious water drinking action.

4. DVDs. I am sorting through workout DVDs to pull out some faves for days I just cannot make it to the gym.

5. Yoga. I am busting out the new yoga mat and block I got for Christmas and looking for some classes to take in town.

6. Gym Schedule. I need to learn the weight machines and maybe take a class or two. The New Year is all about learning full body fitness.

7. Blogs. I am reading YOUR blogs to get some excellent fitness and food ideas.

8. Disney. Yes maybe it seems lame but looking forward to my next trip (and run) at Disney takes me to my happy place! I think its fine to pull inspiration from wherever you can (or wherever you want).

9. Volunteering. I am looking for races or events to volunteer at. Nothing is quite as inspirational as watching amazing athletes push their limits.

10. Friends. I am rallying family and friends to keep me on track. Your loved ones are probably your most valuable resource. They want to see you succeed!

What are some of the tools of YOUR success?

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Getting Back to Good

I talked a little last week about transitioning back into running. That is happening right now as I begin preparing for the Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon.  Part of that transition means fueling my body for workouts rather than being haphazard about what I am eating. I started that process today. While staying on program in terms of (weight watchers) points/calories I was very careful about putting only fruit, veggies, lean meats, and grains into my body. While I am not needing anything special in terms of my diet I am trying my best to make sound nutritional choices. Tonight I prepared a dish that completely fits the bill!

Warm Mediterranean Pasta Salad

–Begin by preparing a whole grain or vegetable based pasta

-Finely Chop 1 large onion and a bell pepper (I chose a sunshiny yellow since the weather is so blah!)

-Add these veggies to a pan with extra virgin olive oil-salt and pepper to taste-then add a container of halved grape tomatoes

-After the tomatoes begin to burst add in some finely chopped artichoke hearts

-After the artichokes warm through add in some balsamic vinegar and combine it with the pasta and add in some turkey peperoni, black olives (sliced), and feta

-Add salt and pepper to taste and enjoy!

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