Great Allegany Run 15K - 10/6/12

I haven't disappeared or fallen off the wagon.  I'm still losing weight and running.  I'm on a pretty good schedule now with my workouts.  I'm a little sad to see the daylight dwindling - it's making it harder to fit in my runs.

Anyhow, on to my race report!

This was my longest distance to date.  I trained for the past several weeks and my last long run was 8.3 miles.  I went in to this race confident that I'd have a decent time.  It's touted as a downhill race.  It starts at around 1200 ft and finishes around 600 ft.

The weather was not ideal.  It was threatening rain and did rain a little on the way to the race, but held out during the race itself.  It was a pretty cool morning, but not as cold as some mornings that I've run.  I managed to forget to grab my inhaler before we left the house.  I didn't realize it until we were too far away from home to turn around without being late.  If it weren't a mostly flat/downhill race, I don't know that I could have done 9.3 miles without my inhaler.

I made sure that I didn't start out too fast and get carried away by the downhill.  I had looked at the race results from last year and knew I'd be pretty close to last and I made peace with that.  I wasn't too sad when everyone took off and left me in the dust.  It was a beautiful course through the Allegany Mountains with the leaves changing, so I tried to focus on that.

I passed two people in the beginning, but I could hear them on my heels the whole way - it was an extra push when it got a little tough.  The last two miles killed me, though.  I hadn't started experimenting with different fuels yet, but I probably could have used something.  Between not having my iPod (I left it in the car b/c I was afraid it would downpour on me) and not having my inhaler, everything past the 7 mile marker was really hard!  Eventually those two people I had passed in the beginning, and kept behind me the whole way, passed me.

There was one small hill near the end (much smaller than the hills I usually run), but I was having a hard time mentally getting through that last mile and I did walk a little bit during that.  I don't have any fancy gadgets, so I didn't really know what my pace was or even what time it was.  I figured that instead of the 11:30 pace I was aiming for was out the window and settled for what I figured would be a 12:00 or higher pace....

And then I rounded that last corner toward the finish line and saw the clock at 1:41:xx and picked it up a bit. I crossed right at 1:42:30 - a 10:59 pace.  I was thrilled.  I was still 141/144, but I am okay with that.  I know I could have done better if I had my inhaler and music probably would have helped when things got tough, too.  It's a good starting point, though.  It was a great, local race and I think I'll make it a yearly tradition - I look forward to beating my time next year!!

DC Color Run Review

I know I'm way late getting this up.  It's been a crazy week at work.

Anyhow, last Sunday was The Color Run in DC.  They held it in the National Harbor and I'd heard a lot of buzz about another race held there back in the Winter that went horribly awry, so I was a bit weary.  It was VERY well organized.  I got there extra early just to make sure, but even people that got there at the last minute said things were smooth.

The start was between buildings.  I'm sure the people that live in those buildings were not thrilled with all the people there that early on a Sunday with the music and such, but it worked for the race logistics.

Running through the color stations was a lot of fun, but I definitely inhaled more colored corn starch than is probably recommended!

The run was fun, but these color throws at the after party were probably the most fun part of the whole event!  There was tons of energy and excitement.

Blue Color Zone

Orange Color Zone

Weekly Weigh-In 9/8/12

Weigh-in: 195.2 - Down 1.6lbs - Down 139.4 overall 

I was away last weekend and didn't get to make a post.  I was down 0.6 before I left and down another 1lb this week. I'd always like to see it go faster, but I have to live a little too.  Being out of town (and a little too close to Sweet Frog) was not good for me last weekend.  I tried to get back in the saddle this week, but still struggled a little.  I'm just happy to see a loss and I can also see a change in my shape here lately, so that's a positive.

High of the Week: Going away over the long weekend.  We just went to a local mountain resort, but it was nice to get away and have some time to relax.  We went on a scenic chairlift ride up into the mountains and spent some time at a huge indoor water park.

Low of the Week:  Returning to work after a long weekend - it's always rough!  My September calendar is out of control.  I'll be all over the state and even one trip out of state for work.  The nights away make it hard to keep my exercise routine and eating habits in check, so I'll have to be extra conscious of my decisions this month!

Best Work-Out:  I am doing the Color Run in DC TOMORROW!!  That meant that my long run either had to be added on top of this or moved.  I decided it'd be easier to move it.  I put in 6 miles before work yesterday!  I can't believe that I did a long run and then went to work.  It's not that they wipe me out, but I'm just not a morning person and to get up that early to run and then still work a full day.  It felt like an accomplishment.

Photo of the Week: 
Pictures from last weekend - it was a little foggy/rainy during our stay.

Inspiration: 

From Pinterest

Weekly Weigh-in 8/26/12

Weigh-in: 196.8 - Down 1.6lbs - Down 137.8 overall 

Slow and steady these days, which is just perfect for me.  I'm very excited to say that my BMI is now out of the Obese range and into the overweight range!  I don't put much stock into BMI because it doesn't take into account other factors like muscle mass and bone structure, BUT it's still nice to see a change in that category!

High of the Week: Getting under 200lbs and now leaving Obesity behind have been two huge and exciting milestones for me.  I've been obese for pretty much my whole life with the exception of a couple months my senior year of HS when I lost 20ish lbs and was in the overweight category....unfortunately it didn't last long back then and I quickly gained it all back and then some!

Low of the Week:  I had to take the week off of running because I hurt a tendon in my ankle.  It was a bit of a bummer to not be able to run.

Best Work-Out:  I couldn't run this week because of my injured ankle, so I had to get creative with my workouts.  I took a couple nice walks with my dogs.  I also tried a new strength class at my gym.  It's at 6:15 in the morning which is a bit of a struggle for me, but I feel it for days after!  As much as I love running, it was nice to change up the routine this week and try some new things.

Photo of the Week: 

  

Inspiration:

From Pinterest

One-derland and my Fitness Re-assessment

Weigh-in: 198.4 - Down 3.6lbs - Down 136.2 overall 
I FINALLY got under 200 after teetering there for a couple weeks!  My weight begins with a 1 for the first time since my age also started with a 1!!  It's all a bit surreal for me, but I'm excited to have finally crossed this milestone.

I went in for my fitness reassessment yesterday morning as part of my wellness program at the gym.  I have these reassessments every three months and it tests both my cardiovascular and strength as well as some other health stats.  I still max out the leg press (400lbs) which means that I can leg press twice my body weight!!  I also almost maxed out the cardio test!  I think I will max it out at my next one.

At the end of my assessment, they enter all my stats in a computer program and I get a nice little print-out showing my progress.  I wish I had started this program when I first started my weight loss journey because it'd be great to see the stats of my progress from the beginning.  Now I just have them from the beginning of March.  Since then, I've lost 35lbs, almost 12" from my waist, and 6" from my hips.

The other thing that I like about my results is that it gives me an analysis of body fat vs. lean body weight.  I started at 40.5% fat and I'm down to 34.2%.  My lean body weight is 132lbs - meaning that if I had absolutely not one single pound of fat on my body, I'd be 132lbs.  Seeing this made me realize that I needed to re-evaluate my goal weight.  I know I've talked on here before about my changing goals, but I've never had much basis for my goal other than the BMI charts, which can be pretty useless since they don't take into account body composition.  

So, after looking at what healthy body fat percentages are and doing some math based on my current lean body mass, I've come up with a new goal.  Lean body mass can/will decrease as I lose weight, but it shouldn't go down too much more.  Athletes have between 14% and 20% body fat - I'm optimistic, but not delusional - I know I'll never fall into this category.  "Fitness" is between 21% and 24% and then Average is 25% to 31%.  I'd like to see myself in the fitness category, but I won't beat myself up if I am in the lower end of average.  If my lean body mass doesn't change, 24% would be 174lbs.  I figure it will go down some, so I've changed my current goal to 167.3 - it's a bit of an odd number, but it is half of my previous weight - I will be HALF the person that I used to be if I can make it to there.  I realize that this will put me on the high end of BMI and even a little into the overweight category, but obviously that's not always the most accurate indicator of fitness!

I promise I'm going to leave my goal weight alone until I reach my first goal and then I can re-evaluate!

From Pinterest

Weekly Weigh-In 8/12/12

Weigh-in: 202.0 - Up 1.8 lbs - Down 132.6 overall 
I was hoping to not see a gain this week, but somewhat expecting it anyway.  I don't like seeing a gain and it sucks since I was so close to a milestone, but I enjoyed my little mini-vacay with my friends and don't regret that.  I just have to get back at it, workout harder and eat better.

High of the Week: Coming home to my pets?  Maybe...  I don't want to say this week has sucked totally, but I've been dreaming about moving back up North all week and dreading seeing a gain on the scale, so I don't really know what my "high" is.

Low of the Week:  Coming back to work after vacation!  Sometimes it feels like it's not even worth it to leave because of everything I have to catch up on after returning, but then I remember how much I enjoyed myself while I was gone.  My sunburnt legs also made it hard to get motivated to workout this week...

Best Work-Out:  I got an awful sunburn on my legs before I left Massachusetts, so I didn't run much this week.  I did go to the 30/30/30 Interval class at the gym yesterday.  It was my second time and it really kicks my butt and the time flies.  I am trying to change up my routine a little more because I've been majorly slacking on my strength training!

Photo of the Week: 

Getting ready for my Sunday long run!  My new favorite outfit...if only I had hot pink running shoes to match ;)

 

Inspiration:  

From pinterest

Weekly Weigh-In 8/5/12

Weigh-in: 200.2 - Down 0.6lbs - Down 134.4 overall 
I was traveling all week last week and took off again over the weekend, so I weighed-in on my one morning home last week - Thursday.  Last Wednesday made 18 months that I've been at this and I was really hoping to inch into the 100s, but I didn't quite make it.  I just got home this evening (the 6th) and I won't dare step on the scale after the weekend I've had.  I'll have to keep really busy this week to make up for all the enjoyment of this weekend!

High/Low of the Week:  My high and low are one in the same this week - TRAVEL!  I got to visit Nashville, TN for work at the beginning of the week, which was fun.  I spent Monday night in Baltimore, MD before my early flight Tuesday.  I was in Nashville all day Tuesday and Wednesday before heading back home Wednesday evening.  Then I took off again Thursday mid-day to visit my friends in Massachusetts.  I really enjoy traveling and seeing different things, but it throws off my healthiness schedule.  Workouts aren't the same and eating is definitely not the same.  I try to make healthy choices and still fit in workouts, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't indulge!!

Best Work-Out:  Although I was traveling, I did get in a couple of good runs.  I set out for a 3.5-4mi run in Nashville on Wednesday morning, but ended up getting lost and went about 4.5 by the time I found my way back to my hotel.  Friday, I also woke up to run at my friend's house and set out for a run.  I thought I had a good route picked out for another 4ish mile run, but my turn to loop back to the house never seems to come...about 6.7 miles later, I made it back.  Unfortunately, I hurt my ankle during that run, so I was sidelined for the rest of the weekend.  I tried to keep moving, walking around shopping, swimming in the pool and the ocean, etc.

Photo of the Week: 

I'm a blog failure!  We brought the camera with us to Massachusetts, but managed to leave it home on all of our outings, so I have no pics until our friends send them to me.

Inspiration: 

From Pinterest

Weekly Weigh-In 7/29/12 ++ Before & After Party

Weigh-in: 200.8 - Down 3.2lbs - Down 133.8 overall
SO CLOSE to One-derland!  I'm still hopeful that I might get there by August 1st.  If not, at least I know that I gave it a good effort.


This week has been pretty mediocre.  Nothing much to report in the way of highs/lows.  I had a great workout Saturday morning.  I have mostly shied away from classes at the gym, but I saw this one going on there last week and thought it might be fun to join in, so I made it a point to get up and go.  It was a good, high intensity class that had me sweating and moving the whole time!

Photo of the Week:

        

Before & After Pic Party!:
I got out some of my old clothes for a little bit of comparison!  I obviously know that losing 130+lbs has made a huge difference, but often times I just can't fathom how much bigger I used to be.  It's nice to see how dramatic the difference is from time to time!

 My old Pants...Size 28

Left is me and my friend in 2010 before I moved from RI

Top is from 4th of July 2010

Anyone care to join me in this tent?

Weekly Weigh-In 7/22/12

Weigh-in: 204.0 - Down 1.0lbs - Down 130.6 overall

I was really sure that it was going to be a big week...I did everything right, but still only lost a pound.  It's weeks like this one that are the most frustrating.  I'm not going to give up though, just going to try harder this week and hope that it's just mother nature working against me this week and I'll have a big loss next week!

*I also want to note that I've been tracking more on MyFitnessPal lately.  I'm still following Weight Watchers, but I like seeing my protein and carbs accounted for also.  If anyone wants to be my "friend" on there - I'm spunkypenguin*

High of the Week:  After running my whole 10K last week, I've had a huge confidence boost in my running!  I got in both of my AM short runs this week (3 miles and 3.25 miles) and ran all of it - even the annoying gravel part that I usually let myself walk.  I also didn't take any walk breaks during my whole long run this morning (~5mi)!

Low of the Week: Working so hard this whole week, expecting a big loss, and not seeing it on the scale.  It's part of the whole journey, but it can still be such a bummer when you're trying really hard to reach a goal and are getting so close, but then things come to a screeching halt.  It's frustrating!

Best Work-Out:  It was a really solid week, exercise-wise.  I did my runs, got in my strength training.  My long run this morning was pretty great.  It was humid, but it was overcast and cool and I felt great during - even with all the hills!  I dare say that I'm getting used to hills these days...

Photo of the Week:
I didn't take a picture this week.  I promise new pictures next weekend!  I am planning to do a fun before/after photo shoot next weekend, so look forward to that :)


Inspiration:

From Pinterest

 

Weekly Weigh-In 7/15/12

Weigh-in: 205.0 - Down 0.4lbs - Down 129.6 overall

I guess I can't have big losses every week.  I wasn't great with my eating this week, so I guess that's why I stayed pretty much the same.

High of the Week:  Finishing my 10K yesterday was the highlight of my week.  I really had myself psyched out over it and I don't know why.  I felt great during it and ran the whole thing, which is impressive because I even took walk breaks during my last 5K.  Now I'm already looking into other 10Ks and 15Ks to do this fall :)  

After my 10K, I showered and headed to the mall (the malls around me are lame, so I always take the opportunity to shop when I'm out of town!)  Gap was having some awesome sales - I got some nice Gap Fit clothes for the winter on super clearance ($10 for tights and $7 for a long sleeve tech shirt!).  I also got a nice hot pink shirt to go with the hot pink capris I got at the outlets a couple weeks ago! I can't wait to wear this outfit, but both are still a little snug - soon, though!!

Low of the Week: We found out that we can't go to the beach next week like we planned, which is a bummer - we were both looking forward to it.  I was really looking forward to running on the boardwalk again!  We're going to try to reschedule for August, though.

Best Work-Out:  I had a strong week running my last few training runs.  I also had a good one-hour personal training session Wednesday night.

Photo of the Week:
I don't know if I'm the only one who does this, but I keep a drawer full of clothes that don't quite fit yet.  I often buy things that are a couple sizes small if I find a good deal.  I've built up quite a little stockpile.  When I got home from the Gap, I added my new winter things that I'd bought a size down in anticipation of being smaller in the winter to the drawer.  I decided to go ahead and go through and try on some of the stuff that was in there waiting on me.  I have jeans in sizes 11, 12, 13, and 14 in there.  I had bought 2 pairs of size 12 Calvin Klein jeans from Goodwill a long time ago (when I was maybe a size 20?) in hopes that I might one day fit into them.  I tried them on when I first go them and they didn't even come up over my legs.  Well, yesterday, I tried them on and they FIT!!!  I have not been in a 12 since I was in High School, so I was ecstatic!  While I was out shopping, I also stopped in Express - a store I have not even dared to enter since High School and found that their 12s almost fit and their large tops also fit!  I'm getting really excited that I can shop in regular stores - it's a great feeling!

       

I had to be my own photographer this week, so I apologize for the lame mirror pics.  I'll admit that they are still a little snug, but they fit!!

The "next size" drawer after I hung up the things that fit now!  Although my CK 12s fit, my Lucky 14s do not.  It's crazy how much difference there can be in designers.

Anyone else keep stockpiles of clothes that are too small for them??

Inspiration:   

Caribbean Sounds 10K - Washington, DC

Today was my first 10K.  I did the Caribbean Sounds 10K in Rock Creek Park down in DC. I had signed up a while back when there was a Schwaggle on Active.com (kind of like Groupon).  I was really nervous for no apparent reason!  I read reviews after I signed up about lack of water stops.  Then they changed the route earlier this week and there was a HUGE hill w/ a 6% grade at the end of the 5k (which the 10Kers repeated twice).  I had only trained at up to a 3% grade and even that was sparse!  Then there was the weather - it's been storming on/off here all week and it was forecast for rain today.

Despite all that and even a bad dream I had about waking up late and not being able to make it there, I went....and I had a great time!  I stayed with my grandmother down that way last night, so I didn't have to wake up in the middle of the night to drive down.  When I left her house this morning, it was pouring rain and I was dreading running in the rain!  By the time I got down there, it had stopped raining.  There was a brief downpour about 20-30 minutes before the start time and that got me worried.  Luckily, though, the rain held off for the race and the sun was even trying to make an appearance by the end.

We lined up and headed off - down the dreaded hill.  It was nice to start the race on a downhill, but I was worried about coming back up it...TWICE.  I managed to run the ENTIRE race!  That's really impressive for me because I usually let myself walk a couple times during my training runs.  I paused at one of the water stops (they had plenty of those despite previous year's complaints), but that was it.

The rain cooled it off and I had a good time.  Unfortunately, my partner and race photographer is visiting family out of state this week, so I don't have any pictures and I had to go alone.  It would have been nice to have had someone there to cheer me on and meet me after the race, but there were plenty of people cheering at the finish line!!

UPDATE:  The official results were posted today and I came in at 1:14:10!!  That's an 11:57 avg. pace!  Most of my runs are in the 12+ ranges, so even a few seconds under makes me ecstatic.  I'm ready for my next race!!

Weekly Weigh-In 7/8/12

Weigh-in: 205.4 - Down 2.2lbs - Down 129.2 overall

These are the kind of weeks I like to see!  I know they can't all be like this, but I'm closing in on One-derland and I'm a bit anxious to get there :)  August 1 will make 18 months and that's the date I'm shooting for to be under 200!  I think it's doable if I don't hit any plateaus

High of the Week:  Although Fourth of July fell on a Wednesday this year, which I think is a bit lame, it was still a nice relaxing day for me.  I exercised good self control at the family cook-out and focused on the healthier things to eat, but still let myself enjoy the food.  I'm feel like I'm doing well finding the balance in life.

Low of the Week: Being without power for 3 days was HORRIBLE.  I never want to repeat that ever again, but I know that it is probably inevitable.  We did finally get power back sometime Monday (after it went out on Friday at 9pm).  The storm hit quickly and we were not adequately prepared.  We learned a few lessons from this, though, and have started a "survival kit" of sorts.

Starting over in the freezer - The only thing that made it were my VitaTops, PopIce and the pack of hot dogs we bought during the outage.

Best Work-Out:  I didn't get to talk about it last week due to the power problems, but I did a 6 mile training run (on the treadmill) last Saturday.  Unfortunately it was too hot for me to run outside (I'm a major wimp when it comes to the heat), but it was exciting to run 6 whole miles when I know I couldn't even run 6 whole minutes a few months ago.  I love seeing my endurance grow.  I was supposed to do a 7 miler yesterday, but postponed it until today due to some calf muscle tightness.

Photo of the Week:
No picture of me this week.  I was supposed to get a pedicure for my birthday last weekend, but we didn't go due to the power outage/crisis.  I went this weekend and I'm really in love with this color :)

Inspiration:  

From Pinterest

Weekly Weigh-In 7/1/12 - Abbreviated Version

I'm stopping off at a Panera Bread about 45 minutes from my house to use the internet.  We were hit pretty hard by the storms Friday night.  We've been without power since 9pm Friday night and they say it could be up to a week before it is fully restored.  We are on a well, so no power also = no water.  We've lost lots of food due to the outage, but other than that and being bored crazy - we're doing okay.

I did weigh-in this morning despite all the chaos this weekend and was down 2lbs to 207.6!

I'm not a fan of Mother Nature's gift for the birthday weekend, but it has taught me an important lesson in disaster preparedness.  As soon as the stores restock generators, I will be buying one!  I am also going to start stockpiling water so that I can flush my toilets, wash things, etc!!

I had my cake and I ate it too!

Yesterday was my 27th birthday.  It wouldn't normally be a very exciting birthday, but it feels like a bit of a milestone for me.  I graduated high school 10 years ago and that's when the weight started piling on.  I'm at a point now where I am getting back to where I was in weight-wise in high school.  Everyone always asks on your birthday if you feel any older and it's always kind of a silly question because one day doesn't make you feel older.  This year, though, the day itself hasn't made me feel any different, but I feel younger than I have in the past 10 years!

I know that I said I was going to get back on track this week, but apparently I forgot about my birthday being this week.  I am usually mindful of what I eat, but sometimes you just have to live a little.  My wonderful partner got me a Carvel ice cream cake - the kind with the crunchies in the middle!

I make the weirdest blowing out candles face!

 I had to work yesterday and my boss took me out to lunch - I tried to be good and chose Subway, but still let myself have a cookie and get the herbs & cheese bread instead of wheat bread.  What can I say, I'm not perfect!  Days like today are the reason that I love WW - it's all about living life in moderation.  I just can't allow EVERYDAY to be like my birthday - even if I want it to be.

Sneaky trick candle re-lit!

My mom came up last night to enjoy dinner and cake with me.  I took today off from work and we're going to go out shopping a little later!  I got some very nice presents from my mom and my partner.  My partner got me a couple little things, but most exciting of all - she got me the entry into the Dolphin Challenge at the Shamrock Marathon in VA Beach next March.  It will be my first half marathon!  I'm also going to do the 8k the day before just for fun.  I've been looking forward to this race as my first half since it is a relatively flat course, which I've heard others tout as a good one for beginners and it also has good support.

We'll see how all of the festivities impact the scale this week - I'll be back Sunday with my weekly weigh-in!

Weekly Weigh-In 6/24/12

Weigh-in: 209.6 - Down 1.0lbs - Down 125.0 overall

Between letting loose at the beach last weekend and then traveling for work a few days this week (and eating out those days), it's not surprising that I didn't lose much.  At least it was not a gain!  I am back on track this week!

High of the Week:  I got to go to Nashville for work this week.  It was a last minute trip and I didn't have much time to spend there, but it's always interesting to visit a new city...and I love airplane rides.  It was made even better by the fact that I was not at all stressed about whether I would be too big for the seat.  I last flew in 2007 and it was not exactly comfortable for me...and I'm sure even less so for those around me.  It was a bit of a NSV for this week :)



Low of the Week: I went to the asthma doctor (FINALLY) and as I suspected, he confirmed that I have exercise-induced asthma.  This is also a positive because I now have an answer and treatment. He gave me an inhaler to use before I run and it helps some, but I still cough throughout my run...it's weird.  I'm going to give it more time.

Best Work-Out:  I was really excited to run in a new place this week, but there were minimal sidewalks near my hotel and I didn't want to risk it, so I didn't run in Nashville.  I did have a pretty good training run Thursday morning before I left, though.  I also had a good 1hr personal training session on Wednesday :)

Photo of the Week:
I've never been one to wear tank tops out in public...until now!  I still don't love my arms or the chub under my arms, but it's so much better than what it was before and it's so hot out, that I live with it :)

 

Inspiration: 

Weekend at the Beach

I finally found my camera transfer cord...in a place that I looked no less than FIVE times, yet there it was!

I had not been to Ocean City in a good 15+ years (since I was a preteen!)  We had lived in New England for several years, so I got used to the lack of waves up there.  I always missed the big crashing waves of the Mid-Atlantic though!

It was overcast and windy on our last day there...until just before we were leaving - it always works out like that, doesn't it!

That wasn't going to stop me, though!  I love the ocean.  I wish this picture would have turned out better - I don't know what happened to it.  The water was definitely cold at first, but in reality, it was probably warmer in there than on the beach!

This is my "Holy Shit, this is F***ing COLD!" face.  It's one that is very familiar.  Since this is a weight-loss blog and not just a fun photo album, I included a nice little before/after side by side.  The last photo I have of myself in a bathing suit is from 2007.  I've never been one to shy away from the beach or swimming just because of how I looked in a bathing suit, but apparently I didn't photograph those moments too often ;)

I can't wait to go back to the beach in July - for a whole week next time!

Weekly Weigh-In 6/17/12

Weigh-in: 210.6 - Down 1.6lbs - Down 124.0 overall

I will be honest and say that I weighed in Friday morning before I left for the weekend at the beach.  I made a good effort to eat pretty well and exercise while there, but I also had to live a little.  I weighed in again this morning and my weigh-in was 211.0.  I'm hoping that that is some water weight/bloating from all the "bad" food I ate - I guess the scale will tell next week.

High of the Week:  Spending the weekend at the beach!  I have missed the beach so much since I moved away from Rhode Island where I was used to the beach being 30-60 minutes away (and now it's 6+ hours).  I took off from work early on Friday and headed for Ocean City, MD.  I needed that relaxation and just a good time.  

Low of the Week: Work was rough this week.  I didn't strength train at all.  I was supposed to have a personal training session, but had to stay at work late, so I cancelled.

Best Work-Out:  Running at the beach is the absolute, best thing ever!  I wish I could run at the beach ALL the time.  My training plan had me running 4.5 miles Saturday, so I laced up my shoes and ran from our condo down to the boardwalk and ran almost to the end of the boardwalk and then back.  I didn't really have a good way of figuring out how far I'd run, so I just ran for time (30 min out and turned around).  It was so awesome running on flat land at sea level seeing the beach and the waves.  It was also great to see all the other runners out on the board walk.  I never really get to see other runners way out where I live.  It was so great that I decided to head out for an easy run on Sunday also - I NEVER run two days in a row!  And I felt great :)

Photo of the Week:
I cannot, for the life of me, find my photo transfer cord for my camera!  I will just have to post a beach update later this week when I track it down ;) 

Inspiration: 

From Pinterest