Half Marathon Update: Week 1

Yesterday I finished week 1 of half marathon training!!!  11 more weeks until I'll be running that big 13.1 miles!!!  The week looked like this...

Monday: Strength and Stretching...I did an hour with Jillian Michaels
Tuesday: 3 miles...I'm loving this awesome Colorado weather for runs outside
Wednesday: 2 miles + strength
Thursday: 3 miles
Friday: REST...but I ran a Virtual 5K
Saturday: 30 min. of cross training
Sunday: 4 miles

The longest run was 4 miles this week and it was a great run!  The trails were packed with so many people, bikes, strollers, dogs, etc. and it was good people watching!  I was just about to finish my 4 miles when I heard {through my music} stomping behind me....pretty soon this goof with MC Hammer headphones on and a giant backpack passed me...and I have always thought that I run heavy and I really try to focus on taking really light steps...but it sounded like this guy was seriously STOMPING!!!!  {and this quack PASSED me....UUUGGGG}

I know this picture is far away, but there he is!!!

Pounding out those miles!!!  Love the bright blue Colorado sky! {I need a new pair of headphones!!}

4 miles...D-O-N-E!!!!

1st week of half marathon training...D-O-N-E!!!!! :)

This week is a repeat of last week!  11 more weeks!!!!

Runs for Cookies: Virtual 5K

I participated in a Virtual 5K that was sponsored by Katie at Runs for Cookies.  She is really inspiring as she has lost 125 lbs. and runs a super fast 5K!!!  I decided to run this 5K just for fun, but I beat my time when I ran the Colder Boulder in Dec.!!!  The bibs were super cute, but I wasn't able to print it off at work...so some reason the stupid computer wouldn't let me.  It was an easy 5K for me...and I'm glad I participated!!!  

STATS:

Runs for Cookies 5K

10:03/mile

Total time: 30:12

I will update about my first week of 1/2 marathon training tomorrow or Monday as my weeks end on Sundays!!!  Here's to my long run tomorrow!!!!

Link-up: Favorite Work-Out Clothing

Today, I'm linking up with Mel. & Laura to talk about our favorite work out gear!!!  

Since it is the middle of winter and I am in the Rocky Mountains I recently bought new work-out gear to survive the cold weather!  This winter has been pretty mild, but there have been a few days that I have pulled on my cold gear Under Armour to go out and run!  I love the items that I bought! 

I love this top!!!  I have an Under Armour shirt in gray that it a turtle neck that I love on windy days!  This top is warm!!!

I have a deal with matching when I am running....so therefore I had to have these pants as well!!  But I love that they aren't baggy!  They are very fitted!  

My friends and I at the Colder Boulder 5K at the beginning of Dec.  I couldn't wait to wear my new gear while running this race!

When it isn't so cold, I like to wear capris or compression shorts!  Now, should I wear compression shorts???  Probably not, but I will not tolerate any chaffing!!!  The experience I have had with chaffing is horrendous and I hate it, so at this point wearing regular running shorts are not an option for me!

I love wearing these Under Armour capris not only for running, but on a daily basis for comfort!

My favorite capris!

The compression shorts that I wear!  I like the longer ones, well at least until I have better toned legs!!!

As for a shirt, I like to run in a tank top or a fitted t-shirt!  I hate running in baggy t-shirt...I actually can't stand it!!  I have a few {ok, a lot} of the boyfriend t-shirts from Target that I love to work out in!  They have a small sleeve and are not big and baggy!  The only thing I hate out a razor back tank top or a small sleeve is the horrible tan line that you get...

So, since I have little ta-ta's it doesn't mean that a good bra is't worth it!  When I first started running last year, all I owed where sports bras from Target...and well, even with my little girls those bras just weren't cutting it!  So I invested in the Nike Dri-Fit bras and now I want one in every color!!!!

I have those awkward bangs that I HATE!!!!  I grow them out and then I decide that I want them shorter and I regret it every time!!  So, I wanted to find the perfect band to hold my bangs back, but that doesn't slip!  After reading ALL of Mama Laughlin's blogpost from the very beginning, she talked about the Bic Bands and how wonderful they were...so I bought some and I LOVE THEM!!!  I even got a friend hooked on them!  

My hot pink Bic Band!

Of, course no outfit is complete without a great pair of shoes!!  I have already linked up this month about my favorite running shoes so you can get all the details but clicking on the link!  However, I still stand by my favorite shoes!! 

I love my Brooks!!!!

This coming weekend I am on a mission to purchase the perfect Garmin watch...so I am open to suggestions on which one is the best!!!  I would love to have one that tells you the calories that you burn!  Ready...GO!!!!

Well, I'm off to finish my 2nd day of 1/2 marathon training!!!  

Green Smoothies

I love me a green smoothie....like I LOVE THEM!!!!

They are easy to make...
Healthy...
Yummy...
Make people wonder what the H*LL you are drinking...
Refreshing...
Filling...
Amazing...

Ingredients:
Spinach Leaves
Flax Seed Meal
Frozen fruit
Water

I use an over-sized handful of spinach leaves and add 1 teaspoon of flax seed meal.  Top it off with 1 cup of water.  I put these ingredients in my magic bullet cup and blend.  I add 1 cup of frozen fruit and blend again...there you have it...a fabulous, tasty, and healthy smoothie!!!!

Handful of spinach

Added Flax seed meal

Along with a cup of water and a little blending!  I love that magic bullet!

Greens are ready for the fruit!

I love this tropical blend of frozen fruit!  There is also a mango blend that I love!  I am not fond of the berry blend (raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries), it is just way to tart for me!

Fruit added

Blending the fruit

Finished blending

 Delicious Green Smoothie!

I love a green smoothie to start out my long night shifts of work!  I love the faces that people make when they see the color of my drink!

What keeps me going....

I had a 60 minute run today with my Bridge to 10K program that I have only 2 more runs until graduation!   As I was running, I asked myself why I was doing this....and besides the fact that I love the way I feel when I'm done, I came up with a list...

* The numbers on the scale keep falling lower and lower.
* My legs actually have defined muscles
* I am doing something that I never thought I was capable of doing
* I love seeing the added amount of calories on MyFitnessPal that I could eat if I wanted to (usually I don't eat them)

Then as I was thinking, I don't know that I can go anymore and I'm going to fail at this 60 minute run...

* I saw my shadow again, and well it still jiggles a little too much
* I saw a man riding a hot pink Barbie looking bike and it took my mind off of thinking I was dying
* I saw a Hottie McHottie playing catching with his dog and there was no way I would stop running when he could see me give up
* My ipod instantly started playing all the tunes that make me want to run faster!  Their beat just gets me moving a little faster:  
          -Wild Ones- Flo Rida
          -Payphone- Maroon 5
          -Somebody that I used to know- Gotye
          -I won't Give up- Jason Marz
          -Sexy Chick - David Guetta
          -Like a G6- Free Wired
          -Freedom - Nicki Minaj
       Those songs are just a few that get me to the end or make me kick it up a notch when I have slowed way down.
* I saw a man wearing a pink jacket....what was up with men and pink this morning!!!
* I saw the end...there is was and I was bound and determined to get there!  I got there alright, as soon as I saw the end I kicked it up a notch...and I FINISHED!!!

Today I have ran the farthest I have ever ran in my life!  And I AM PROUD!!!

On Monday, I become Hal Higdeon's bia, but when the 12 weeks are finished and I'm running that half marathon he will be become my bia!!!!

Right now, for the next 30 minutes I will become Jillian Michael's bia...here's to 30 day Shread....or should I say 30 day DREAD!!!! :)

Weekend Happenings...

I began my Friday with no plans whatsoever and in a matter of an hour I had plans for every minute of the weekend!!!  What a great weekend it was!!!

Friday evening I headed to Mile High Stadium for the Broncos pep rally and it was....LAME-SAUCE!!!  My friend Lindsay and I walked around to the different vendors, listened to the band, and headed into the Broncos souvenir store...Lindsay bought a warm fleece blanket...I, well I saved my money for the prettier colors of red and yellow (you guessed it, I'm a Chiefs fan!).  After the lame-o pep rally we went to see Django...AMAZE-BALLS!!!  This movie was so good!!!  It was a long movie, but never once was I not intrigued with what was happening!!!  Of course we scored the yummy popcorn...a person can not go to a movie with indulging in the amazing popcorn!!!!

Quentin Tarantino is a pure genius.....

Saturday morning I reluctantly peeled myself out of my bed that is amazingly warmed by my mattress pad to take Miss Mia out in 11 degree weather....HOLY FREAKING COLD!!!  It was then that I started to dread agreeing to go the Broncos play-off game!  However, I pulled on my fat girl jeans with layers underneath (gotta keep at least on pair of fat girl jeans around for times like this when you need layers!!!) and went to the game!  I knew that I had to have a few drinks in order to stay warm...and the nice guys that were sitting beside us supplied us with crown royal and peppermint schnapps, and well I stayed half-way warm.  The beers that we bought were colder by the time we finished them than they were when we bought them...and they started to freeze...now that is when you know it's freakin' cold out!  The Broncos couldn't pull it off, but what did I really care...I just had a good time!!!  

It was a packed stadium!!!

Just arriving to the game...and still halfway warm!!

And we were frozen!!!  Our little noses didn't like the cold so much!

It took a couple hours after I got home to warm completely up, but I had a great time!!  Thanks Lindsay for asking me to go with you!!!! :)

Sunday, I got up and went to mass, ate some lunch, spent 30 minutes with Jillian Michaels, took a nap, and went into work for an extra shift...womp womp....

30 Day Shred by J.M. update:

I have spent the last 10 days on Level 1 and today I will move up to Level 2 for 10 more days....I have noticed that it is getting easier...and I'm sure that it will continue that way as I keep moving up!  I will keep you updated!  One thing that I regret is not taking before measurements...but I'll just see how my clothes fit when I'm done!  I have already put on a pair of dress pants that are beginning to be too big...WINNING!!!!  YAY!!!

B210K Update:

I literally have 4 more runs until I graduate...however the last 4 days have been just a little fridged outside so I will save those last 4 runs until it gets a little warmer...like high 30's instead of the teens!!!  I have a hate (there is no love about it) relationship with the treadmill and absolutely dread long runs on a treadmill...an 60+ minutes + the treadmill= no bueno!!!  Half marathon training starts Monday...and I do have to say I wasn't nervous until I typed that and then my stomach dropped to my knees!!!!  Here we go...I'm about to make Hal Higdon my B*TCH!!!!

Favorite Running Shoe Link-Up

A couple of fellow bloggers that I stalk on a daily occasion are hosting a link-up for people to talk about their favorite running shoes, why they purchased them, and how they have helped them!  I decided to participate since I have just purchased my first pair of running shoes that I was actually fitted for!!!  

With that being said, I headed out on Friday to find the prefect pair of running shoes for my feet!  A pair that complimented my feet in a good way {my sister's joke that I have hooves for feet! Yes, I am abused by my sisters!!!} Little did I know that there was a lot more into than getting a pair of shoes that make your feet look good!!  My friend Rosa and I headed to Boulder Running Company and the girl that helped us was so knowledgeable about running, shoes, strides, etc.  She put us in a pair of shoes that had no support whatsoever and put us on a treadmill.  After recording our stride she evaluated it with us and come to find out I pronate as I land!  Hence why my knees and the heel of my left foot have been killing me lately!  

After trying on 3 different pairs of shoes that would give me the support so that I don't pronate anymore I chose these beauts............DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!!!

BROOKS ADRENALINE GTS 13

Since Friday I have ran 12 miles and 3 miles on the elliptical and I must say that my knees hurt less and my heel, well pain??  I wouldn't have known it even existed!  It's amazing to know that a pair of running shoes are only good for around 500 miles! I did get blisters, but I am constantly getting blisters with any pair of shoes that I have ever owned...I even have blister resistant socks. I have learned just to deal with the blisters and Bandaid makes a blister bandaid that I constantly have on my feet!

   I was previously running in a pair of Reebok ZigZags that I got because I thought the were "cute" and that was a long time ago!!!  It's a no wonder I was hurting while running!  Here's to my first half marathon in my amazing Brooks!!!

I learned a lot going to the a running store and getting fitted in a pair of shoes!  I will stick to the running stores when it comes time to getting my next pair of shoes!  I actually can't wait!!  I wanted them all!!  

Here are my new Brooks securely fastened to my "Hooves"!!!!

If you are wanting more/different information on favorite running shoes, check out Mel's blog!  She has all of the different links for the Running Shoe Link-Up!!!!

Time to lace up my beauts and head to Sloan's lake for my daily run!!!!

Lasagna Soup

I love soup. Any kind of soup! When I get to try a new recipe for soup, I jump on it!  I have been craving my mom's lasagna for a week now, and this afternoon I got an idea to make lasagna soup.  I have been seeing the recipes on pinterest, but I google searched a recipe that was AHHH-MAZING!!!!

Lasagna Soup

Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

for the soup:
• 2 tsp. olive oil
• 1-1/2 lbs. Italian sausage (I used 2 lbs. of lean turkey sausage)
• 3 c. chopped onions (I just used half an onion)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp. dried oregano (I used 1 tsp. oregano and 1 tsp. italian seasoning)
• 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 T. tomato paste (I used 6 oz. since I had more meat)
• 1 28-oz. can fire roasted diced tomatoes
• 2 bay leaves
• 6 c. chicken stock
• 8 oz. mafalda or fusilli pasta (I used fusilli, but it was hard to eat.  In the future I will use lasagna noodles and break them up)
• 1/2 c. finely chopped fresh basil leaves
• salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
for the cheesy yum: (I didn't make this...too many calories)
• 8 oz. ricotta
• 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• pinch of freshly ground pepper
additional cheesy yum: (I just used a small amount of mozzarella and sprinkled it on top of my bowl of soup)
• 2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese

Preparation

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking up into bite sized pieces, and brown for about 5 minutes. Add onions and cook until softened, about 6 minutes. Add garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute. Add tomato paste and stir well to incorporate. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the tomato paste turns a rusty brown color.

Add diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and chicken stock. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Add uncooked pasta and cook until al dente. Do not over cook or let soup simmer for a long period of time at this point, as the pasta will get mushy and absorb all the soup broth. You may even want to consider cooking the noodles separately, and then adding some to individual bowls before ladling the soup over them. This would be an especially smart move if you are anticipating any leftovers. Right before serving, stir in the basil and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cheesy yum. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.

To serve, place a dollop of the cheesy yum in each soup bowl, sprinkle some of the mozzarella on top and ladle the hot soup over the cheese

CALORIES FOR ONE SERVING: 273.4  BOO-YAH!!!!!

I seriously am in love with this recipe!!!  It was so delish! ENJOY!!!!!

Just the right fit...

I told myself after all the running I did last fall that I was going to go get fitted for running shoes after the holidays!  So, yesterday my friend Rosa and I headed out to Boulder Running Company and did just that!  The lady that helped us was really good and knew her stuff...she gave us a pair of shoes that had no support whatsoever and had us run on the treadmill while she recorded our run from our knees down.  She then replayed it for us and evaluated our run, come to find out I pronate my ankle in the worst way ever!  She let us try on several pairs of shoes to help fix our problems and then after we picked the ones we wanted she put us back on the treadmill...and there you have it, no pronation!  Simple right???
I walked out of there with a nice pair of Brooks running shoes that I have already ran 12 miles in!!!  Besides a blister, they are comfortable and just need a little break in!

Aren't they pretty?!?!?!??!

So, in addition to running I have started Jillian Michael's 30 day shred!  I will do her workouts every day for 30 days and see what happens!!  I love her, but boy does it get irritating when this skinny little b**** is yelling at you not to give up, keep going, you don't get any breaks when you only do a 20 minute work-out....but she has me pretty darn sore, so I guess I'll just let her yell at me!   Oh, and I can't wait until the Biggest Loser starts tomorrow...JILLIAN IS BACK!!!  YAY!!!

My half marathon training begins Jan. 21st and I have my schedule posted to the fridge, so I have no excuse not to see what my next run is!!!  I have to say that I just want the actual training to start already!!!  

Here's to ROCK THE PARKWAY...April 13, 2012!!!!!

Fourteen

Well, it's official...I'M OLD!!!  Yesterday my nephew Nicholas celebrated his 14th birthday!  I have said over and over again that it was 14 years ago that I was anxiously awaiting the phone call from my sister to confirm his arrival.  Tori and I tried so hard to stay up all night long in the recliners in the basement trying the decide is he was going to be a boy or girl!  When he arrived, he changed our lives for the better!  We learned hard lessons, laughed until our abs hurt, rocked him until the chair broke, and continue to love him unconditionally!  Happy Birthday Nicholas!!!  I hope you day was filled with nothing but happiness and love because you deserve it more than you will ever know!!!