Back on the Same Page

by Heidi on May 16, 2012

Today my morning went a little like this….

5:45a – alarm goes off. Snooze.
6:00a – alarm goes off. Snooze.
6:10a – Alarm goes off. Snooze
6:15a – Alarm goes off. Snooze (should be getting up here. Adam apparently attempted. I wouldn’t budge)
cue this every ten minutes until 7:15a
7:15a – alarm goes off “five more minutes…”
7:25a – alarm goes off. Cue cuddling.
7:40a – FINALLY GET OUT OF BED.
7:50a – depart house.
8:15a – arrive home. jump in shower.
8:45a – depart for work.

Cue massive whiskey tango foxtrot here. I had wanted to run 3-5 miles but instead got in only 2.25 – a run is still a run but insert mild disappointment with myself here.

We had a rude awakening today. That a. we suck at morning workouts. b. we suck at getting to bed at a decent hour. The past two nights it’s been closer to midnight than 11a bedtime (though Monday’s late night was so worth it.) c. we need to be better about the good habits we both built while he was gone.

I’ve written before about my struggles with morning workouts. I don’t deny that I would much rather stay in bed cuddled up under my down comforter next to the warmth of my husband but reality is, lately if I don’t work out in the morning, I don’t workout at all and that my friends is a problem. A big one.

How do you fix good habits gone awry?

Get on the same page.

So we went back to the drawing board.

1. No more eating out during the week. Easy. Plan meals. Grocery shop on sundays. This week was tough since I had a Junior League happy hour Monday, we went out last night to celebrate his 30th that’s coming up and tonight I have my end of the year dinner for Junior League. It’s best though when we plan ahead, bring lunches. Make smoothies for breakfast, etc…

2. Set Expectations. Each night we will go to bed by x time to get up at y time and do z workout for b time period. Generally, we have to be in bed before 11p, up by 6:30a at the latest to fit in a 30-60 minute workout and still have time to shower/eat/make lunch and be out the door by 8:30-8:40a so I can get to work by 9a. When hubs was gone his schedule was way more structured than mine but I still managed to get myself up and moving for the most part when I said I would or worked out after work when I didn’t.

3. No Excuses. If we set ourselves up by making a workout plan (which I typically like to do anyhow) we’re less likely to make excuses. But if I make a workout plan (which I often do) and don’t share that with him, we’re a. not on the same page and b. I can justify excuses. No more though!

4. Keep each other accountable. Similar to the no more excuses and being on the same page, if we each have goals, communicate those goals and support each other, we’ll be more successful. Stick to the plan, reward ourselves when we succeed and build this up, our lifestyle will be so much better.

Do you work out with your spouse? If so, how do you hold each other accountable??

Helpful reading:

How to be a morning person {via Greatist}
Learn to love morning workouts {via SparkPeople}
10 Morning Workout Motivators {via Womens Day}

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Weekly Workouts

by Heidi on May 15, 2012

Yesterday morning we did a modified workout of the failed workout on Sunday. Which would have been a great workout except hubs and I both thought the bleachers were being used so we vowed to go back later…and never made it back. Whoops

But yesterday we fit in a quick workout before work at the gym since it was rainy – 1 mi warm up run, 3 sets of 20 pushups, crunches, arm dips and tuck jumps and a quick .25 mi run home.

Tuesday: rest (it was pouring this morning, and I stayed up late)
Wednesday:
3-5 mi
Thursday:
800m w/u, 1200m/800/400/200 w/ 400m rest 800m c/d (~3.5)
Friday:  
run 3-5 mi
Saturday:
Girls on the Run 5k followed by 5 miles (total 8.1)
Sun: rest

Yes friends, I stayed up late last night. It was so so worth it though….

Hubs and I are both officially registered for:

Apparently it sold out by 9a so the late night last night was definitely worth it!

So that puts me at 16 races left for the year. I’m pretty sure I can find at least ten more in there. I might not be the fastest runner but running races excites me to run and train and keep up this level of fitness and keep getting better. Everyone has to find that thing that gets them moving. Right? Races are mine.

1 ten miler (Oct)
4 half marathons (June, Sept, and 2 in December)
4 10k’s (2 in June, 1 in Oct, and 1 in November)
6 5k’s (throughout the summer, and fall I’m sure I’ll add to this number)
1 15k  (December)

What gets YOU moving?

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Weekend Happy

by Heidi on May 15, 2012

The weekend started out great. We got up early yesterday, ran down Bestgate/Rowe Blvd and watched the TriRock Triathlon.

We grabbed a small bite to eat, and then walked downtown to Church Circle. On the way down, we saw one of my Junior League members (soon to be president to be exact!) running around mile 1!

We kept walking and finally saw her looking amazing towards the finish. While waiting, we also saw Jess starting her 5k leg! Seeing all those awesome athletes totally makes me want to sign up for a tri. Maybe next summer….

 Rockstars. All of them. I want to do this race next year because that finish? Down that hill? Amazing.

We ran home back through the closed streets of a race that had passed, and up the quiet sleepy streets of Ridgely but then it started to get hot. And I realized that wearing a long sleeve shirt was not the right decision. But still, it was a beautiful day for a run and that was what really mattered – getting out and running.

It was a slow 6.5 miles but 6.5 miles none the less. Next weekend I’ll fit in 8 at some point, between a 5k for Girls on the Run and then movie and lunch with a gal pal. But this upcoming weeks workouts will be in a separate post.

Veggie burger – made with black beans and fresh veggies.

After, we got lunch at Punk’s which is a local favorite, and then headed to South County to check out some vineyards.

I had a LivingSocial deal for Running Hare Winery down in Prince Frederick (speaking of which, how do you pronounce that – Adam and I couldn’t decide who was correct he said fred-er-ick and I was saying fred-rick who’s correct?) in Calvert County. The wines were decent, the location was beautiful, it was quite possibly the perfect place to spend a beautiful Saturday afternoon.

The winery was beautiful and there was a wedding setting up!

We brought some cheeses and bread to enjoy while enjoying a bottle of wine – which came with the deal (win!).

The wines were for the most part decent. I’d go back, it was a really nice afternoon joint – there was music, tons of tables, just a great place to enjoy a nice bottle of wine.

After… we were going to head to Solomon’s Island – which we ended up at later – but on our way down we saw signs for another winery. So we stopped at Perigeaux Winery which was a little off the beaten path but another beautiful space as well.

The winery was beautiful and apparently the tasting space is relatively new! A beautiful space. I wasn’t a HUGE fan of the wines, I found them to be a bit more acidic and not particularly enjoyable. That being said, hubs liked them so to each their own! The woman who did the tasting at Perigeaux was much more pleasant and fun to talk to than the harried tasters at Running Hare who were overwhelmed and less helpful when it came to understanding the wines.

We popped down to Solomons after that – but I was underwhelmed though I’ve heard since that there’s a fun Tiki bar and a good BBQ place down there so we may have to make another trip eventually.

Solomon’s itself is nestled at the mouth of the Patuxent River with a bunch of history to it also. It’s really beautiful there.

Instead of eating down there, because we were both being rather picky, we hit up Nova sushi – a place I found via yelp on our way home. So. Worth it. Oh. Em. Gee. Best sushi I’ve ever had. Yes that is seared (with a blow torch no less) fatty tuna. OM NOM NOM.

Sunday was much more laid back with a failed workout, a failed hunt for breakfast, an ikea trip and then a lazy evening at home. It was one of those perfect weekends that was a perfect combination of productive and lazy that left you feeling relaxed and refreshed when the work week started.

Happy rainy Tuesday morning! How was YOUR weekend??


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Happy Mothers Day!

by Heidi on May 13, 2012

The hardest part about moving away when I was 23 was leaving my mom. My mom has been, most importantly, throughout my life, there for me always and I would definitely not be where I am today if it were not for her and everything she’s done for me and how she’s supported and encouraged me along the way.

Thank you for everything Mom. You’re amazing and an inspiration and I love you more than words could ever say.

Happy Mothers Day.

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Friday Date Night

by Heidi on May 12, 2012

After getting off work early on Friday, we were going to go for a run, but I compromised. Told hubs we’d have an early night in, run in the morning so we can go down and see the Triathlon, and then go to some wineries on Saturday afternoon.

So we planned a Towne Centre date night.

Dinner at the Paladar Happy hour ($5 plates/drinks – yes please!), walking around (I wanted to see what was new in lululemon) and then dessert at Menchies. It was quite perfect really – not too expensive and perfect to spend the beautiful evening outdoors.

It was sooo beautiful out.

Sangria and Mojitos. Delish.

I had the chorizo and cheese pupusas. They were AMAZING.

We also shared a side of guacamole, I probably wouldn’t go to Paladar for non-happy hour as their dishes seem a little over priced but the happy hour is a great value for what you get and the food is delightfully flavorful. The atmosphere – though sometimes a bit loud and crowded is nice – especially outdoors.  I’ve definitely had better mexican food but this is more “latin fusion” which is a nice change from the usual nachos and enchilladas (my go to).

We finished date night off at Menchies and let’s just be honest…I don’t mess around with Menchies. None of that healthy FroYo crap – if I’m going to have dessert? I’m going for hot fudge, sprinkles and mini cookie dough bites. All. In. I have an intense sweet tooth so sticking with moderation at Menchies is definitely key.

We ended at home by watching My Week with Marilyn which was spectacular. I’m really not a huge movie person so if a movie can keep my attention and not make me want to nap, then I call it a success and a good movie. A few weeks ago we watched The Blind Side and it was AMAZING. This makes two movies in a row so hubs was quite proud of me :)

The great thing about last night was while it wasn’t a ten on the super healthy scale, it definitely wasn’t a big fat 0 either. The portion sizes at Paladar for their happy hour menu are incredibly reasonable, and we left satisfied but not stuffed. We got some walking in, didn’t get wasted face (though I may not have needed that second sangria).

We’re off to explore South County today so expect some fun posts over on NewlyMarylanders soon and an update about our (miserable) long run today while cheering on the TriRock later this weekend!

Happy Saturday friends! 

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Foodie Friday: Burgerlicious

by Heidi on May 11, 2012

Before trivia last night, hubs and I made a quick dinner. We’ve made it before, but I couldn’t find where I had ever blogged about it. Many thanks, as the credit is not mine, for the wonderful ladies at We Are Not Martha for this recipe – it’s a summertime favorite over in these parts.

Spinach & Feta Turkey Burgers

{via}
1 egg, beaten
1 clove of garlic, minced
2 ounces feta cheese
roughly 5 ounces frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)
a dash of paprika (adjust to your liking)
salt and pepper to taste
1 lb of ground turkey

We modified and used 2 eggs, bread crumbs, salt & pepper, turkey, feta and spinach.

Mix all together. Form into patties. Grill till cooked through about 15-20 minutes. Enjoy.

Yes I made a smiley face on my sandwich thin.

All in all a pretty healthy meal. Followed by a happy hour with the Striders where I got more info on joining a team to run a ragnar relay in January from Miami to Key West. Then trivia with my colleagues up in Millersville.

Enjoying a Natty Boh as big as my head. They’re $2.75 at trivia. #winning

Ragnar January 2012 incredibly tempting but will also be very expensive which isn’t really feasible with Adam not having a job at the moment. While I could get a second job, save up, it just doesn’t seem fair (which is what I seem to be saying a lot lately…) to him/us for me to invest in an experience that I can’t enjoy with him. That being said, we were talking also about making a trip west to visit my sister in law (adam’s baby sister) and running a race out there. Both trips would knock off a couple from my 30 before 30 list but

Besides, it would be even better if I could just get a company like New Balance or Newton to sponsor me for a team doing a race like this (how did those amazing bloggers get picked for Reach the Beach?? And how do I get in on something like that?? HI SPONSOR ME! I WILL BLOG ABOUT YOU AND TELL EVERYONE HOW AWESOME YOUR SHOES ARE – which I already do re: my Newtons.)

But what I’m MOST stoked about for next year? Is the fact that Nike Women’s Half is coming to DC in Spring 2013. I peed a little. I’m hoping to rope in TLB, and that will be my big 30th birthday race :)

Happy Friday freaders!

What/where is YOUR dream race??

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Me time & A Recipe

by Heidi on May 10, 2012

I should have saved this for Foodie Friday but whatevs.

Hubs had a thing last night for his job search so I was on my own for a few hours. I spent time cleaning the tables, the kitchen, finishing laundry and cooking a nice meal. It was a nice relaxing night after all was said and done.

Baked Cheesy Ziti with Sausage

Ingredients
whole wheat pasta
skim ricotta
sausage (I used TJ sweet apple chicken sausage)
1 egg
mozzarella cheese
sauce of your choice – i used 3 cheese

Cook sausage and pasta as directed. Mix ricotta cheese with an egg and italian seasoning. Mix pasta, ricotta mix, sauce and sausage in pot. Move to casserole dish. Top with remaining sauce, and mozzarella cheese.

Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes (I baked for 20 at 400 degrees and it was a little more crispy than I would have preferred)

 Donezo and a little over cooked? Tasted fine to me!

It was a pretty tasty dish. I’m pretty stoked that I have more for lunch tomorrow. I know it wasn’t the healthiest of dishes but I live by the motto that everything is fine in moderation.

I spent the rest of the night catching up on bad television and getting rid of junk mail. There’s something incredibly refreshing about purging crap from the house.

Time for bed – gotta run in the morning since I’m going to a happy hour and hopefully will have more info about checking another item off the 30 before 30 – may be joining a team for the Miami to Florida Keys Ragnar Relay in January! (!!!!) More info soon!

What do you do during “me time”??

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Sluggish

by Heidi on May 9, 2012

We ran again this morning, since when I got home yesterday, I crawled into bed and finished the book I was reading. Whoops. Post work runs are…not ideal apparently since we definitely did not make it out to the Fleet Feet running group I had planned on going to. Whoopsy daisy.

What I wore Wednesday

Ready to run!

Top: run swiftly by lululemon
Shorts: Speed shorts by lululemon
sneaks:  Newtons

Again, don’t mind my mess. I just haven’t had the energy to clean up. I’ll do that tonight though. Hubs is going to an open house for a company up in Beltsville so I’m on my own tonight (woo hoo! PARRTTYYY…or not).

I do however, clean up real nice.

top: JCrew Outlet
skirt: express
shoes: Payless
necklace: ebay

My run this morning was so sluggish. I couldn’t tell if it was the humidity, the fact that my legs felt like lead and my calves were super tight, or if it was just because I was super restless sleeping last night or a combination since none of those really help have a great morning run. But we managed to fit in a nice 4.25 miler in about 45 minutes.  Pretty sure while hubs is gone tonight I’ll be a. doing a yoga podcast, b. cleaning up the bedroom and c. catching up on my bad television that he hates oh so much. Somewhere in there, there will be a mini date with my foam roller. Hopefully that’ll help some of the tension in my calves and IT bands.

I just can’t let this bad run define my training this week. Each week is full of success (completing all my workouts!) or hurdles (soreness or sleeping in) but as a runner, one thing I’ve learned the most is that you can’t let those hurdles take over and bring you down. You just have to pick yourself up and keep going.

When I was a hurdler in high school on our track team, I struggled a lot. I was never really fast and couldn’t figure the 4 step out (4 steps between each hurdle alternating lead legs). I had somehow taught myself how to hurdle in middle school and was okay at it but I used only my right leg to go over the hurdles and never learned how to alternate despite my coach pushing me hard by my senior year. My mom still remembers when I raced my first home meet freshman year and I fell. I got back up but man that race did me in and for a while, I was afraid to hurdle.

{source}

Eventually, I got over it and realized I’m not going to go anywhere if I don’t just do that…get over it. Which is really, what you have to do as a runner. When you don’t PR, when you have a tough run or when you mentally just get down on yourself. You just have to get over it. And keep moving forward. Setbacks don’t define you and they don’t equal failure

How do you handle tough days or bad training runs? 

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Weekend in Images

by Heidi on May 7, 2012

After my work event on Saturday morning, we had a Groupon for the Chesapeake Wine Festival. We went last year and had an amazing time. The weather this year, though a lil overcast, was beautiful (yet again). The wine was amazing though it felt like they had less vineyards there this year than last and many just…weren’t that good.

wine fest

they did however, have Boordy Vineyards, which is located north of Baltimore and one of my favorite wineries in the area. We went there for our anniversary last year!

I was first introduced to Smith Island Cake on my birthday when my friend Jason bought me a slice over at Boatyard. One of the vendors had the cake so hubs and I split a piece – it was delicious.

After the wine fest, we hit up Yellowfin for happy hour with my friend Sarah and her beau Mike – half priced apps are always a win. We were there and got to watch the Derby. I hadn’t picked a horse but it was pretty awesome to see “I’ll have another” come from behind to win!

After the business of working, the wine fest and dinner, we had a quiet night in with some Menchies and more wine and got to bed early.

Sunday

We slept in a little – which was really not conducive to fitting in a 7 mile run. Whoops. But we made it to church (albeit 15 minutes late though still in time for communion!). Then we were going to hit up the downtown farmers market but missed that too.

So instead we scrounged for parking, and got lunch, walked around the first annual Annapolis City Fair, and up to the First Sunday Arts Fest on West Street.

We had a nice lunch from the Big Cheese/Sammy’s Deli on Randall Street – a tasty little downtown Deli. The ingredients were so fresh!!

City Fair goings on. Including giant chess match and lots of vendors.

After we walked up to the Art Festival on West Street – so many fun booths!

We even got to see some of the May Day baskets left over! I love spring in Annapolis!

We came home after running errands a bit worn out. I sat down to rest, in my running clothes but was more inclined to nap than I was to run for over an hour. So we didn’t. #fail.

But we did have a delicious stir fry dinner on the balcony and got to bed at a decent hour so that was a win and totally helped us run 5 miles this morning!

How was YOUR weekend?

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This Week’s Workouts

by Heidi on May 7, 2012

I kicked off Monday with a pretty awesome 5 mile run. Hubs commented that I am a bear to get out of bed in the morning, but once I got up and got moving it felt really good and I was incredibly pleased! It’s just that initial…get moving part. Still though, we were running by 6:30 and home before 7:30 which is pretty good considering most of the time I’m not out of bed til between 7-7:30a.

I had kept a pretty steady 9:30/mi pace until the massive hill up our road kicking off the last mile of our run. Ugh. Apparently we need to do some Naval Academy Bridge workouts to build up hill endurance before Zooma. Avg pace was about 10:01 which is still pretty decent though ideally I want to keep my pace on longer runs at sub 10:00/mi. I was really comfortable at a 9:15/mi pace which is a huge improvement from earlier this year and even last year.

We didn’t get in a long run this weekend but we did spend a good 2.5 hours walking around downtown yesterday so it wasn’t like I sat on my ass all day. Saturday however was spent gorging on wine and delicious food.

This week’s workouts…

Monday: 5 miles
Tuesday:
3-5 miles with Fleet Feet (I will run with them this week!)
Wednesday:
7×400 @ 8:00/mi  w/200m rest/strength workout
Thursday: 3-5 miles with lulu
Friday: Strength workout
Saturday: 7-8 miles

I’ve mentioned that I’m doing my next half in Delaware on June 9th. I was itching for another half marathon since April and I found this one that’s not too far and fairly inexpensive as far as half marathons go. 6 weeks to go, and I felt really good this morning.  Definitely need to focus on hills and speed though.

Check out my training plan, it’s only 6 weeks away but thankfully I’m not starting from scratch in regards to my training:

Read worthy75 great weight loss tips {via SparkPeople}

Are you a morning workout person? How do you motivate yourself to get moving in the mornings?

Also did you know it’s National Women’s Health week? Share with me one of your favorite healthy tips for a blog post at the end of the week! 

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