The Running In Pink Project

I cannot believe the amazing weather we are having in this part of the country today. It is GORGEOUS. I was up extra early this morning for work (my own fault) and the sun was just peeping over the fluffy clouds as I made it in.

Eventually the skies turned an amazing blue and the temperature continued to shoot up. I was pretty thankful to be done with work  relatively early. I had a chance to kind of be out and about in this sun-roof-open-in -January weather.

I had no real plans today so I decided to mosey over to a new bagel shop that has opened in town. If my limited experience with bagel shops has taught me anything (Im looking at you NYC) its that you should never judge a bagel shop by its appearance. I had the best bagel of my life in a dirty–  semi creepy fast market type place in New York. Anywho, I was pretty excited to try our town’s new joint “Jerry’s Bagels” since a couple of my favorite work girls have recently been singing its praises.

Jerry’s is a no frills kind of spot but nice. Its clean, the decor is kind of retro and the staff is really helpful and friendly. The important part, of course, are the bagels and I have to say mine was amazing! Even though Ive officially wrapped up my 7 days of veggies challenge I still ordered “The Vegetarian” on a Whole Grain Everything bagel. In the mix: Rosemary Hummus, Lettuce, Tomato, Green Peppers, Banana Peppers, Onions, and shredded Mozzarella.

The piles of cold veggies were a great contrast to the warm bagel and hummus. I was definitely a fan. I wrapped up half of this massive sandwich to-go and headed on my way. I will definitely be visiting Jerrys again soon!

After lunch I decided to just kind of drive and go where the mood took me. I ended up at Barnes and Noble. The hubs and I used to go to bookstores a lot but our visits sort of wavered after we both got E-Readers. I had forgotten just how much I love walking around and looking at random books.

I did judge a couple of books by their covers and now have some new items on my must read wish list…

Have you read any of these? What did you think? Thats not a random mix at all right?? After browsing for books I made quick stops in Pier 1 and Best Buy. I didnt buy anything but made a little wish list of cuteness at Pier 1. Then it was off to Target.

Our Target is looking a little haggard right now but thats because they are finally coming into this century and turning into what I like to call “The Good Targets”. You know.. the ones with Starbucks and produce and that look like they came from modern times. Ill definitely take hot mess Target in the meantime!

My last stop was Old Navy where I tried on pretty much every dress in the store. There were SO many cute ones and I did not like a single one of them on me. Definitely glad I didnt judge those books by their covers or Id have spend some major $$ on a pile of ill fitting dresses and cardis.

Off to enjoy this weather before heading over to a friend’s house for a pajama party!

Happy Weekend!!

Recap from Week Four:

ACTIVITY:

Yoga Classes: 5 (90 min each)

Miles Run/Walk/Jogged 13

Activity Points Earned 58

FOOD:

Days on Plan: 7

Days Daily Target was hit: 5

Days Over Target: 1 (4 Weekly Allowance Points were used)

Days Under Target: 1 (Getting better at this!!)

Activity Points Eaten: 0

Weekly Allowance Points Eaten: 4

RESULTS:

I netted a loss of 5.4 pounds this week for a total loss of  20 pounds.

PHOTO FROM THE WEEK:

So today marks day four of my 7 day experiment to eat like a vegetarian. While I havent been incredibly creative with my meals I have managed to make some pretty hearty meatless dinners. They also could not be any easier to prepare which is great for a super busy work week.

Sunday I made a broccoli casserole that it savory and packed with veggies. I started by heating up 2 containers of frozen broccoli.

At the same time I sautéed 1 diced onion, 1 diced pepper, 1 cup diced celery, and 1 package of diced mushrooms.

One all of the veggies were softened I added in my broccoli, 2 cups of cooked whole grain rice, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 can of cream of celery soup and 1/2 cup of 2% cheddar cheese.

After 40 minutes of baking at 375 degrees I had a warm delicious dinner (and tons of leftovers) to enjoy!

Tonights dinner was even easier. I reserved a few chopped veggies from last night’s dinner (minus the celery) and added some chopped tomatoes.

While the veggies softened I made an egg with 1 full egg, 2 whites, 1 tsp cream, and several dashes of hot sauce.

In case you havent guessed already I was making a veggie packed omelet.

It was so packed, in fact, that it turned into a bit of a mess. Luckily piling on tons of fresh salsa masks my less than proficient omelet making skills!

I added a slice of whole grain toast with some strawberry preserves to round out the meal.

I am still not sure how I feel about the meatless experience just yet but I am curious to see how, if at all, this continues to impact my energy levels and weigh in results. So far, so good!!

What is your favorite vegetarian recipe?

So following in the same tradition as me and my terrible luck with cars my pal Siobhan totalled her car last week which means she has some super serious shopping to do this weekend. We piled in her rental after work and headed up to Roanoke to check out some leads.

Siobhan is in the market for a SUV but I had my eye on something else.

Ahhh yes a B3 (Baby Blue Bug). I have lusted after one of these since I got my car a few years also. Remember the good old days when I drove a Bug??? You know before the body shop that is repairing the damage from my December wreck decided to stick me in a rental for going on two weeks now. Ugh. Sadly, Im not in the market for a new wonderbug right now (you know unless the shop has secretly lost my bug or something) or else Id have scooped this right up. The car salesman asked if I wanted to “take it for a spin.” I said that would be a terrible plan much like when they shove a soft puppy in your arms at the pet store. I dont know that I could just walk away and leave it for some other fabulous girl to adopt. Ahem. Anyway, Siobhan made some progress on her shopping and we decided to celebrate with a little trip to the thrift store.

I’ve technically never been in a thrift store and if Im being totally honest here I was a little grossed out, a little intrigued, and basically had a rad time. I bought this gem of a book by Miss Britney Spears for $1.50…

and a super cute skirt for 2.00 which is washing as we speak.

In other news I have decided to “go veg” for a week to test out a week in the life of a vegetarian. I think trying new eating plans will keep my metabolism shaken up and I might even pick up some amazing recipes along the way. I had my first test during out dinner at Wildflour Bakery in Roanoke.

Wildflour is amazing and I normally get a turkey wrap or chicken chili. Luckily this joint has a pretty extensive vegetarian menu so I had no trouble finding something good. I started with the potato and feta soup.

The soup was really thick and full of tons of fresh herbs. The dill/rosemary combination with the tiny bits of feta was fantastic. Next, I had the “4^th  Street Quesidilla” which consists of wheat tortillas stuffed with spinach and artichokes in a light cream cheese, grilled mushrooms/peppers/onions, and fresh tomatoes. There was plenty of fresh salsa on top for an extra little kick.

We boxed up 1/2 of our dinners to save room for cake. This was my one indulgence for the week and, for once (and even though it was planned for with points/calories), I immediately regretted it. I felt too full and a little gross after eating it. Live and learn though right? In it’s own right this cake is really amazing. Its called “Marie Antoinette” for reasons that I cannot figure out other than maybe because its so fancy and decadent. It was just too much for me tonight.

On deck tomorrow work outs, more car shopping, and adventures in vegetarian grocery shopping.

What are you doing this weekend?

Recap from Week Three:

ACTIVITY:

Yoga Classes: 6 (90 min each)

Miles Run/Walk/Jogged 12

Activity Points Earned 68

FOOD:

Days on Plan: 7

Days Daily Target was hit: 4

Days Over Target: 1 (5 Weekly Allowance Points were used)

Days Under Target: 2

Activity Points Eaten: 0

Weekly Allowance Points Eaten: 5

RESULTS:

I netted a loss of 2.4 pounds this week for a total loss of  14.6 pounds.

PHOTO FROM THE WEEK:

Feeling:

I feel just ok about this weeks loss. I feel like this early in the process I should be posting bigger numbers but I am just going to focus on the week ahead and see what happens. 2 1/2 pounds gone is still 2 1/2 pounds gone.

un·com·fort·a·ble

During yoga when the class struggles hard in a posture the instructor
often says, “It’s supposed to be uncomfortable. That is how you are
changing your body.” If you think about it discomfort is often a
catalyst for change. Discomfort forges relationships, facilitates
moves, and sometimes forces us to take a long hard look at ourselves.
It makes sense, then, to consider the notion that being uncomfortable
is ok. In fact, it’s desirable.

This is especially true during the weight loss process. I am
uncomfortable on my run/walks. I am uncomfortable at the gym. I am
uncomfortable during yoga classes. I am uncomfortable trying new
fitness activities. It would seem I am uncomfortable a lot.

How amazing, then, to look at this discomfort in a new light. Not only
is it ok to feel uncomfortable but its actually a good thing. It’s a
good thing to push my body on a run, feel my legs burn and my heart
pound. It’s a good thing to sink into a yoga posture and feel my back
muscles working overtime. It’s a good thing to change up my fitness
routine and “be brave” at the gym. It’s a good thing to be
uncomfortable.

I love the idea that every moment of discomfort is getting me that
much closer to the person Id like to be. I like knowing that I trade a
little discomfort for a little strength everyday. And that someday,
the latter will prevail.

We are often bombarded with the happy “isn’t fitness awesome and
amazing” persona that it’s so easy to feel like something is wrong
with you if you struggle on a run, dread your spin class, or need to
dig deep just to get through some crunches. There is nothing wrong
with feeling wiped out after a good workout. There is nothing wrong
with being sore the next day.  There is nothing wrong with you.

I am going to keep moving forward with my fitness and diet this year.
I am going to keep being uncomfortable, keep pushing myself and,
finally, keep embracing the strength I am gaining along the way!

Today started off slow. Really slow. After running over (with the rental mind you) what appears to be a railroad tie or some equally gigantic object my car now has a massive flat. Totally and completely as in not even enough air to drive to more air kind of flat. Luckily Siobhan knows how to change a flat and, as clearly I do not, she came to my house first thing to change my tire. I think shes a rockstar now AND she even taught me how to change it….not that I ever would unless there was no other way (lets just be honest here).

Anyway, I fixed a quick breakfast of oats and craisins after she left and then I sat in my chair for a bit…and then a bit longer…and longer…and then I seriously started debating whether or not I even wanted to move today. It was freezing outside. I was worn out from yesterday. I….was making excuses. So, I got up, bundled up, and took my excuse making butt down to the trail.

I grumbled and complained for about a mile solid and then I just kind of gave in to the workout and, dare I say, enjoyed my afternoon. The weather was cold (really cold) but lovely and there were loads of people out on the trail. I did my five miles and headed back to the car.

I had a weekend cold plate when I got home. In the mix was:

-3 oz Deli Turkey

-1 Weight Watchers String Cheese

-1 Orange

-Edamame Hummus

-3 tablespoons of 7 grain salad

 I spent the rest of my afternoon running errands and resting. Its hard to slow down sometimes but rest is exactly what my body needed. I missed yoga and will have to take a double class this week but it was totally and completely worth it.

Tonight I kept it simple for dinner and had a Black Bean burger on top of a bed of onions sautéed in olive oil, salt, pepper, and Chipolte chili powder. I topped the burger with 1 oz of fresh sharp cheddar and tons if spicy salsa.

Looking forward to a night of TIVO and puppy snuggling!

How do you like to spend your day off?