Running Thoughts

I didn't take time to post details about the Turkey Trot when I posted the pictures, so here's the scoop. It was just under 20 degrees outside, but the sun was shining. So before you get too impressed that I run in that kind of temp, understand that I'm at nearly 9000 ft above sea level with a very intense sun. It's amazing the difference. When I lived in Texas, I was cold at 50 degrees. The run was 2 miles through the town and around. We ended up back where we started, at the museum, for refreshments which completely nullified the few calories burned in the trot...hahaha! Now, you may wonder why we wore jingle bells??? The only thing I could figure was that the run was to raise funds for "Toys For Tots," for Christmas. It was fun. Then we went to some friends house to eat yummy thanksgiving food and go in search of the perfect Christmas tree. We found it! Yesterday, I did a little Christmas shopping, and today, I'm decorating...it's beginni...

Even got jingle bells to wear, see?

Remember from whom all blessings flow, and have a happy thanksgiving!

Yesterday was a lifting day and today is a sore day! Yippeee! I did a great job. Today, I'd hoped to run a trail, but I have to go grocery shopping (hour away), so I'm not sure what will happen. I do know that hills are more fun on a trail and that was my goal. I may end up with an inclined treadmill. Less exciting. I have a sick little boy. So, I have to re-think my Thanksgiving plan. We were to go to some friends' house, but now I'm not sure. They were providing the turkey. I guess I'd better add a turkey to my shopping list! MMMMM Speaking of Thanksgiving, I'm planning for that day to be my free day which means that the weekend will be more difficult. I'm pretty stuck in my ways of having a few free meals on the weekend. We get together with friends on Sunday and it's nice to have that time free. But Thanksgiving..yep that has to be free. :) So, my Thanksgiving challenge has more to do with my weekend than the day itself. I hope to run...

I was so close. I decided to run on a trail that I've not run on yet. There is snow up there, but I've heard that it is still runnable. I got all dressed for the adventure and headed over there in my jeep. Along the way, I remembered that I was supposed to be home in the afternoon to do a favor for a friend. So, I turned my little green rig around and went back home. I did run sprints, though, and felt great afterward! I love the energy boost from sprints. I didn't run full speed, I ran fast, but not my fastest so that the distance could be farther. Then, yoga this evening. So, here is my ode to today. Today, you dealt me a hand I could use. You offered me cards I could hold. You slipped me a couple of trump cards, And I say THANKS. Oh, Today, I fan the cards you dealt with a smile on my face Realizing that I hold them, and I get to play them. Win or lose, I will play. And Today, I played. And won.

What I lack in muscle, I made up for in enthusiasm! Ruth suggested bicep pics to benchmark where we are to compare to future pics as we get more and more RIPPED! Lol! Her pic is def more impressive. But that just means that mine will be an amazing transformation, right? Speaking of biceps, I finished my workout today! Burnouts were 18 pound curls. Not too shabby.

I had a great, cold run today. 6 miles from the lake, home. Went back later to retrieve my jacket that I left in the bushes. Too hot with it, too cold without it. I felt great. I was pushing myself and enjoying the cold air. So, tell me what is the secret? I simply can't go any faster. Seriously. Everyone talks about their slow pace being a 10 minute mile. My fast pace... unless I do some walking. If I'm walking between stretches, then I'm around 8.5 or 9. But to run the whole thing, I'll feel fast at 10. I know, I know...I'm not supposed to be worried about it. But it's a downer to feel like a run was good and then look at the time. Every time. I wasn't planning to post about my time, but there it is. bicep curls tomorrow.

Headache and afterheadache all gone, I took off for two miles at my faster pace. Banjo the Golden Retriever by my side (little white rug never gets to go, he is too naughty!), I ventured out into the 30 degree day. I ended up with my fleece tied around my waist and turning down the heater as I re-entered the house. Then yoga this afternoon. We even managed some housework and schoolwork. Lots of water and mostly ate on track. :)

In contemplating the new week, I considered whether Monday should be a lifting day or a cardio day. At 9 degrees outside, I'm thinkin', "lifting." My lifting area is in my bedroom which has looked like this: After much work, it is now recognizable as a bedroom. The weight bench has been uncovered and the weights that were in there somewhere are now accessible again. I tried to take an after picture, but I'd let my camera battery run down. (I need a melon sized red flashy light to signal me when the battery is low) I'll go for it again tomorrow. (later, after lifting, yoga, and bellydance...) I haven't let the mess keep me from working out...maybe I let working out keep me from cleaning up the mess???-something to contemplate... Anyway, workouts done. Sore muscles everywhere. Tomorrow is a running day. That's happy!

I'm finally about to go lift...back, booty, biceps. I ran a couple of miles today with speed intervals. Mostly ate on target...progress, not perfection!

Brooks Kaedance Mitchell and her mommy, Sara.

We are back from Denver. I missed one cardio workout...bummer! But I did my lifting today. Chest, shoulders, triceps. I hope to have more time to post tomorrow, but here is today's BIG NEWS!!! Sara had a baby girl today. All are doing well. Brooks Kaedance Mitchell weighs 6 pounds, 3 ounces and measures 20.25 inches. I will get to see her tomorrow. Pictures for sure!

Foto Friday somehow got pushed to Snapshot Saturday and nearly Sn apshot Sunday...Anyway, here it is: Faces. I see faces when I run. Some are friendly, some mocking. All are companions. Do you see them too?

News Flash! I joined the Transformation Healthy Holiday Challenge. Began Monday, but haven't had time to post. We have my hubby's parents here for a visit. I'm so glad...they've eaten almost all of our halloween candy!! ;) Bill Phillips sent out a challenge invitation for November and December, so I thought I'd join. It's fun to do something different. Besides, I'm in another challenge that my friend, Jen, set up through Beachbody. Here are my goals and plan: Here are my goals: 1. Lose 10 pounds 2. Fit back into my too-tight jeans 3. Run 5 seconds faster per mile 4. Gain pretty muscle Here is my plan: 1. Eat body for life style 2. continue with endurance running, but not train for a distance right now, and include Hiit 3. Lift weights shawn phillips style (absolution), including Chalean Extreme (beachbody) exercises...I've found I'm not crazy about some aspects of the dvd, but like the exercises. And here is what I posted at Transformation.com...