Wowza! Prisoners, lost doggy and food shopping!

Business has kept me uber busy lately...too busy to post unfortunately..sorry!  So here I am now, trying to throw it all in.  lets see....

Workout:  Missed pilates Thursday (set my clock on my alarm for 11 am instead of pm...thank goodness I woke up at all....so quick 50 minute cardio session on treadmill.

Friday: 4mile run 5mile bike + weights
Saturday:  Bodyrock in my glorious Evansville IN hotel room! 
Sunday:  Brick - Yeah! love these!  I feel so accomplished.  30 min spin, 5K run, 600 meter swim...it was great!

Monday:  5K, 20 minute elliptical, 5 mile bike

So, I lets get a quick replay here....Friday afternoon...getting ready to pack up my office and head to Evansville for an all day Saturday meeting.  Phone Rings!!! Its my husband and our dog Luna is nowhere to be found...nowhere! and he is freaking out!.  My kids are due to be home from school in 30 minutes and my daughter's heart would be broken....RUN FAST TO MY CAR! DRIVE FAST HOME...Crying loudly! He still cannot find her.  I was so upset because Luna does not run away...she likes to be held, she likes to be in side where its warm...she does not leave our yard Ever!!!  I get home, my daughter is sobbing in our driveway!  I burst into tears!  OMG...how do I handle this...she cries and cries my baby Luna, my baby Luna!  My husband has signs made and he hops in my car with my son and they take off to find her.  Me and baby girl rapidly walk the neighborhood screaming Luna's name.  Nothing!  I prayed and I prayed and I prayed!  and we cried a lot.  About an hour later we turned up a street and I saw my car coming the opposite direction...all of a sudden it stopped and yes, did I see what I think I saw?  did he pick up Luna?  Hubs started waving me down....he gave me a thumbs up!...then I saw her....yeah!  We found our baby Luna!...We all cried!  I thanked God!

I don't think she let go of her all weekend!
She played with her, she cooked with her...
she cuddled with her!  We were all so grateful
to have found her!

I'm sure Luna was ecstatic! She loves her little mommy!

Well, after Luna was safely located, I headed on the road to Evansville! Yeah!  the drive was BORING!!

There is nothing on the drive to see......but this....

This is a prison.....as if I needed this warning...which you probably

can't read  "PRISON AREA - DO NOT PICK UP HITCH HIKERS"

AND then....I went through the drive-through at Panda Express and they STOPPED carrying and selling my favorite sauce.  I'm devastated.  So I did what any normal human would do..I found 2 bottles on Ebay and ordered them!  Yeah for me!

Something beautiful can be found anywhere...

Sarah and I have been texting back and forth alot about injuries...make sure you read her post from earlier today because it is so true and it really hit home for me.  Like her...I'm fighting some sort of injury...not sure what mine is yet but my right knee is not very happy with me right now.  But, I've been injured before and had to lay off the running (which can be very hard to deal with) but I did come back stronger and more excited...so there is something positive that can come from being injured. 

Anyway, speaking of how something beautiful can come from anywhere....I was driving home yesterday and the weather was getting kind of scary.  The winds were very strong..everything was blowing everywhere and traffic was at a stand still due to traffic lights going out.  Needless, to say, it was not making for the best drive home from work.  Well, lo and behold, I looked out my driver side window and there sat a DOUBLE RAINBOW!  It was so pretty and it took me back to being a little girl and when my best friend and I used to try and find the gold at the end of the rainbow...we would bike for hours looking but never could find it.  That's when biking was really enjoyable and I did it looking for treasure.  Now, I do it to burn calories...I need to get back to making fitness fun!! We all do!  The world would be a healther place if we focused less on the "working out" and focused more on the "fun" we can have being outside just playing like kids. 

Boring me...

Workout:  short n sweet summary of the past few days

Saturday:  Brick - 30 minute spin bike, 3 mile run, 400 swim
Sunday:    Easy 4 mile run outside - 7:45 pace
Monday:   7 mile speed workout on treadmill - 1 mile warmup; 4 x 1600, 800 jogs between and cool down
                 3 mile bike
Tuesday:   5 mile tempo - 1 mile warmup; 3.5 miles with hill repeats between 7.0-7.8 pace; .5 mile cool
                 5. 5 mile bike   AND NOW I AM HUNGRY!!!!!!!



lunch started out like this...too much for one tupperware container (or actually
my chinese food takeout container)...broccoli, zuchini, grilled chicken, edamame and brown rice
with my favorite sauce



This is the brown rice and edamame....it is soooo  yummy!



all mixed together!!!..mmmmmm

Check out the label from this cake I bought my husband for his
birthday from Bucca de beppo....it is soooo amazing...but it is soooo
soooo soooo sooo BAD for you!  OMG. 
1700 Calories per slice
96 grams of fat per slice

I have some leftovers if you are interested!



Carbs - I need 'em!

I am so hungry right now and I am craving a big bowl of pasta!  So, I found this recipe and thought it looked pretty yummy and not too bad for ya either (double bonus!!)  I love pasta, love good grilled chicken and I love zucchini...so unless I really screw this up...I should enjoy this!  I'm working out with my friend Leah tomorrow to train for our upcoming triathlon.....bring on the biking, swimming and run!! 

Recipe from: Fitness Magazine - Online

Lemony Fusilli with Chicken, Zucchini, and Pine Nuts

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Makes: 4 servings
Ingredients
3 teaspoons salt
8 ounces whole wheat fusilli
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 slender zucchini, halved lengthwise, sliced into 1/4-inch thick pieces
5 scallions, chopped
1/4 cup pine nuts
1 lemon, rind peeled in strips
Small pinch red pepper flakes
12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
5 large basil leaves, sliced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional)
Directions
1. Bring a large pot of water with 2 teaspoons of the salt to a boil; add the fusilli. Cook until al dente.
2. Warm 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the zucchini, scallions, pine nuts, lemon peel, red pepper flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt; cook, tossing frequently, until zucchini is well browned and tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Use a slotted spoon to transfer zucchini to a serving bowl. Remove lemon peel from pan. Mince 1/2 teaspoon of the peel and discard the rest. Squeeze half the lemon over the zucchini.
4. Turn heat to medium-high and swirl in remaining olive oil. Add the chicken, minced lemon peel, and remaining salt; cook, stirring, until golden, about 7 minutes.
5. Drain fusilli, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking water. Add fusilli, zucchini, and reserved cooking water to skillet. Cook 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and top with the basil and, if using, Parmesan.
Nutrition facts per serving: 426 calories, 32g protein, 49g carbohydrate, 14g fat (2.2g saturated), 6g fib

TGI almost Friday

I need for this week to be over.   I feel as though I haven't been able to accomplish anything even though I've been swamped.  Let's see....I was sick on Tuesday, I had to leave work early on Wed  for some kiddo time...and errand running...and then today I got to go to the Doctor...yuck! but all is well on the health front so that is good news.  I did skip Pilates today and replace it with a more cardio heavy plus bodyrock workout cause my workouts have been a little all over the place this week and I just felt like I needed a good run in. 

Wednesday and today I ran 5Ks, biked a few miles and did some strength training.  Today, I also did some kick butt bodyrock so I am feeling sore tonight.  I actually enjoy that sore feeling...is that weird?

I did get my nails done today....I have huge hands so I feel like I have to get my nails done or I look like "man hands"....its amazing what a good mani - pedi can do for  your mood.  love this hot pink...sorry for the terrible pic! 

I need a palm reader...look at those lines on my hand....it
must mean something interesting.....I probably don't want or
need to know.

So I work in the insurance industry and I was speaking with one of my clients, who is a mental therapist, and deals with gals with issues like eating disorders.   It begged the question of when does one become overly obsessed with food or exercise?  I like to think that I am a very motivated, driven person who enjoys working out and the benefits that come with it....but am I obsessed? 

I think about times when we had a flight at 6 in the morning and I wanted to make sure and fit a workout in so I ran on the treadmill at 2 in the morning so I could feel like I "worked  out" that day. I had already worked out earlier that day but knew the next day was out unless I did it in the middle of the night.  I was glad I did but others thought I was a bit cookoo....what do you think?  Well, I have got to go to sleep..but I have more planned to blog tomorrow....so til then.

Fun weekend sick tuesday

So I've been MIA for a few days...thank goodness I have a blogging buddy to keep us current!

So here's the lo-down on my workouts over the past few days:

Saturday (party day):   30 minutes on spin bike - high intensity
                                   5K on treadmill - 23 minutes
                                   450 meter swim

It was a great workout!!

Sunday:  REST DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Monday:  5 K, 6 mile bike, bodyrock (75 high knees + 25 sandbag squats x ten)
* my knee is jacked up....my hubs said he had the same thing back in his soccer playing days and I need to let it rest....it is grinding! not fun nor pretty sounding!  uggggg!  I WILL NOT BE INJURED!!

Tuesday:  5miles - steady *8:30 pace; 3 mile bike; abs (planks, and crunches on ball...alternating) plus pushups - and I am sick!  I got home around 7:15 this morning to get gets up and ready for school and literally collapsed and could not get back up.

I made it into work today wearing victoria secret sweats, no makeup and airdried hair ( I look sick) OMG!!!

but on to more enjoyable visions:  random pics for your viewing pleasure:


Dirty Martini yummy

My favorite dinner and leftover lunch! and the sauce
that makes it so yummy...why that is
featured in the next picture......

Very yummy! panda express mandarin sauce
a little dab will do ya!

Me in my 3rd and final skinny runner tee! love it!

Sarah and Leah flauntin their bling!  everyone bought new
jeans for the occassion....yeah! for shopping!!!

and last but definitely not least! my baby playing dressup.
I think he was channeling Darth Vadar on a bad fashion day
...note the high waters

Deep thoughts

Workout:  1 hour of Pilates - circuits....love this pilates class!

Class begins at 6am and ends at approx. 7am....usually I linger and chat with the instructor (my friend Leah) over a couple yummy cups of coffee....I usually get home somewhere around 7:30 and wake up the kiddies so they can get ready for school and daycare!  Today, my husband came into the room while I was in the middle of my "attempt to be presentable" routine and looked at me and said:

"Is it worth it?"

I looked at him in my glazed tired way and said "What? you mean the working out?" he said "yes, the getting no sleep so you can work out?".....I quickly said "YES"...."One more hour or so of sleep would not make me feel any better....but working out makes me feel awesome and strong and healthy."  and you know what?....it is true! and I think I require less sleep because I do work out.  Plus my kids think exercising is something that everyone does....kind of like brushing your teeth...I hope this helps guide them to a long healthy life full of good food and fun, safe and healthy exercise!

Go Pacers!

I think yesterday was one of the most exhausting days of my life.  Does anyone else out there hate meetings?  Does anyone else out there think that meetings are generally a waste of time and result in nothing but a greater amount of wasted time!  UGGG!  Due to this meeting, I had to go to the gym at 5 am vs my normal 6am..which means getting up before 5am in order to get in a full workout....UGGG! but I did it because I knew I would feel like more crap than if I didn't.  So made it to the gym, ran a 5K, rode 5mi on the bike and did some more Bodyrock...suprise!  I know...I'm pretty predictable...but I did run and ride fast because I had to fit all of this in a short time span. 

Today started off a little better...I slept in til 6 then went to the gym about 20 after for another great workout! No suprises here....4 mile run at 8:00 pace, 4 mile bike and more HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training)  or Bodyrock.  The guy next to me looked at me and said "you are making me hurt just watching you do that"...I took that as a compliment. 

And back to yesterday...my hubs took my baby boy to the Pacers game.  My parents have season tickets and shared them with us (Thanks!!)....   My punkin just loves basketball and soccer....and we knew he would be so excited to go.  We bought him a personalized jersey and a mini Pacer's Basketball.  He wore the jersey to bed and then refused to take it off this morning.  I'm just hoping he will take it off some time this week. 

While the hubs and baby were at the Pacer game, I took my 2 oldest to dinner, Gamestop (more video games) and to the Buckle! Yes...new jeans for momma.  Picked up some BKE jeans...usually I don't like these ones....but I was suprised to find some...and at a much cheaper price than I'm used to spending Yeah for saving money!

Hmmm....what else did I buy yesterday?  Oh yes, my new training suit for swimming.  I picked up this sassy lil number (if a training suit can ever be sassy?) plus some new goggles and swim cap...all in a days work! 



Paninis, Sweets and Triathlons

This weekend was bizarrely uneventful yet fulfilling at the same time.  Went out with some friends on Friday to watch a great band.  I knew that Saturday would not be the most productive day of the week since Friday would be a late night but it was a nice relaxing day. 

Sunday was a great day...my friend Leah and I met up to do some official "triathlon" training...or a BRICK as we true professional (lol) triathletes call them...

First off...22 minutes on the spin bike.  I usually ride on a mountain bike outside or on a good ol stationary bike...and this was so much better.  Definitely better for training for the bike leg of the race until I can actually get some decent weather here in Indiana.  Next did 3 miles on treadmill....6.5 up to 9.0 speed on treadmill....just shy of 23:30 time. And then we hit the pool.  Well because I haven't done lap swimming in forever and don't usually require a training suit or goggles...this was extra fun.  I swam 400 meters about half breaststroke and half freestyle.  Swimming will be the hardest part of this event for me!! No Joke! My eyes were killing me and my suit so did NOT want to go swimming with me!  alas I made it through.  It was a great workout and I felt super strong afterwards!!

maybe not this strong! (this is not me!!)

After our workout....I decided to go buy a panini press sandwhich maker...no idea why really but it sounded good!  So I picked up this little number. 

and it made the best sandwhich!!!  Some 9grain bread, sprouts, spinach, havarti cheese, lean meat and avacado grilled on the new sandwhich maker and you have heaven on a plate.

this is my sandwhich in progress while my husband tried to ruin my picture by
sticking up his finger...hmmmm.

and this is what my hubs brought home for us all to enjoy...isn't that sweet? Good thing I
don't like cake! yeah for me!  but my kids were super happy with the cupcakes, eclaires, lemon and raspberry squares and popcorn!  They are still on a sugar high.

Cheese and Vanilla and Blueberry Flavors! Yeah for Daddy!

and on to more healthy topics!  TODAY'S WORKOUT:

5K + 20 minutes Elliptical + Bodyrock (lunges, abwork, pushups and more abwork) Woohoo!

Random Saturday Stuff

1.  Fridays workout was a good one:  5K Run, 6 Mile Bike Ride, Bodyrock workout -  I am sore today!

• Jump Up & Star Lift 60 reps
• James Bond Lunges 60 reps (alternating legs)
• Monkey Business Exercise 60 reps
• Side Crunch 30 reps on each side
• Breakdance Push Up & Knee Tuck 60 reps

2.  Today's Workout - TBD - I have a headache...a little too much fun last night.  My workout thus far has consisted of reading about workout out....see below:

I think I have built up a collection of 1000s of magazines!
Does anyone else have trouble throwing away magazines?

3.  I wore my new "I wanna punch running in the face" tee to work yesterday.  Love it! So glad I bought 3 of Skinny Runner's tees before she sold out!

4.  Ms. Luna is also enjoying a relaxing day of tv and magazine reading.


I am a princess!

 5.  Tomorrow, I am going to the Y to swim, bike and run with my friend Leah, who also happens to be my pilates instructor.  You can check out her website here - Just Breathe Pilates.  I love pilates and it has given my abs some of their pre-baby glory again.  We are training for the Carmel Sprint Triathlon. Yeah!

6.  I've been researching what I need to buy for my first official tri....and this is what I've come up with so far.  You can can find this list and longer lists for Olympic, Hall Ironman and Full Ironman Tri's at OneTri.  I better get shopping!!

Sprint Triathlon Race Checklist

Swim:

Swim suit or tri shorts
Wetsuit
Goggles
Swim Cap
Lubricant or anti-chafe
Towel
Ear Plugs

Bike:

Bike
Helmet
Bike shorts or tri shorts
Bike Shoes
Sunglasses
Water bottles w/energy replacement fluids
Energy gel or snacks
Biking gloves
Sunglasses
Spare Tube, CO2, Tire Levers

Run:

Race shoes with elastic or quick laces
Cap or Visor
Lubricant for feet
Race number on race belt
Energy gel or snack

Other:

Warm clothes or Rain clothes
Sunscreen
Bag
Extra Energy gels and snacks
Sandals
Change of clothes for post race

Important reminder for all of us...young or old.

                              Don't text and drive.  It's not worth it.

I'm back!.....at the Gym!

Today started out as such a good day!  I forgot how much I like going to the gym.  I've been working out at home everyday for the last month...running on my treadmill and doing bodyrock workouts.

Last night I vowed to make it to the gym this morning because 1) I missed having other people to keep me entertained 2) I missed the variety of machines, free weights and cardio options to add to my runs and 3) just because.   I should have gone to bed earlier..I am such a night owl...I didn't go to sleep til 1 am...yes thats 1 am and my alarm went off at 5:45!! What the heck is wrong with me? 

So here is the lo-down on today's workout:

5K on treadmill - 24 minutes
5 miles on bike
Bodyrock workout - 300 Rep Workout

• 1) Side Lunge Knee Tuck (left leg)30 reps
• 2) Side Lunge Knee Tuck (right leg)30 reps
• 3) Plank Jump Push Up & Roll Over30 reps
• 4) Side Crunch 15 reps on each side
• 5) Sandbag Swing 15 reps on each arm
• 6) Pull Ups 30 reps
• 7) 1-2-3 Up One Leg Half Squat15 reps on each leg
• 8) Hanging Knee Raises30 reps
• 9) 3 low jacks & Jump Up30 reps
• 10) Tripple Knee Tuck & Side Step Push Up30 reps

What was nice about being at the gym doing the last segment of the workout is I had a pull up bar and that gadget that lets me do Hanging Knee Raises.  I've been using the arms on my treadmill to do the hanging knee raises and I'm just waiting for the arms to fall off it from holding my full body weight. 

I don't plan on posting full workouts every day but it does help keep me accountable when I know I have to post it....for all you all to see.   And since I think almost every post should have a picture...I'm gonna post a random one here...this is me with my baby boy...doing what I'm gonna try to do early tonight (like midnight at the latest).                    

look at those chubby cheeks!!! (his not mine :) )

Gourmet Dinner and Paper Plates

 Exactly 2 exciting things happened in my life today!

1.  I received my 3 new shirts from Skinny Runner today!  Yeah! I absolutely love Skinny Runner...you must check out her blog.....she was also sweet enough to send me 2 of her "Life's Funner with a Runner" stickers (double whoop whoop!)


Shirt #1:  It's not about vanity It's about sanity
Shirt #2:  I wanna punch running in the face
Shirt #3: Team Skinny Runner

AND...drumroll.....the 2nd exciting thing to happen to

me today is......:

I cooked a really good dinner!! and yes
I serve all meals on paper plates...I hate dishes.

Zucchini, Squash, Asparagus, Portabello Mushrooms, Grilled Chicken and

Nishiki Sticky Brown Rice = YUMMY!!!

*Workouts: Yesterday - 4 miles and Bodyrock and Today: 4 miles and more Bodyrock (75 high knees while jumping rope plus 25 sandbag squats x 10) - I was dripping sweat!