Holiday Recap

If it wasn't for all the goodies at work, I think I would have been ok! But I can't complain too much...I made each choice and my clothes still fit. I definitely made better choices this Christmas than prior years. I would say I had dessert everyday, but I did stop eating when full. My meals were a little more indulgent with cheese, butter, etc. I did stick to a healthy Green Monster every morning and then either lunch or dinner was indulgent.

I did pretty well with the workouts (only got in half my running):

Monday: 75 min Power Yoga
Tuesday: 60 min Power Yoga
Wednesday: off
Thursday: 75 min Yoga, 2.5 mile run
Friday: off
Saturday: 75 min Power yoga
Sunday: 2.5 mile run

This week I am hoping for 4 yoga classes and 10 miles...so far just one yoga class, so I have to step it up!

On to a more exciting note...I got a new SLR camera for Christmas...so I may take the blog in another direction and begin posting more food and recipe entries...maybe one prepared meal per day. I just need to learn how to work it first...my goal for the weekend!

Another goal for the weekend is to do lots of running...small amount (2-2.5 miles) each day with my boyfriend and his little sister (she is 15). She mentioned she wanted to workout with us, which I think is AWESOME! We got her a Lululemon hoodie for Christmas...I think that's what inspired her...haha! I am planning to run with them twice over the long weekend and do my own runs twice. The runs with them will be at more of a beginner level, but it will be fun and I'll count them as cross-training!

Another cool gift I got was a cookbook that uses goat cheese in every recipe! I love goat cheese! I made a salmon taco dish last night and it was glorious...I will have to make again and post pic with my new camera!

Weekly Re-cap

As I said last night, my weekend was pretty action-packed with workouts...here is what I accomplished:

Workout schedule:
Monday - 2 hour yoga workshop - Check!
Tuesday - Run intervals (3 miles) +ST - Check!
Wednesday - Elliptical 30 min or off - Off
Thursday - Yoga 60 min - Check!
Friday - Run 3.5 miles + ST - Ran 1 mile, 30 min elliptical, + ST
Saturday - Run 3.5 miles + 75 min yoga - yoga, Check!
Sunday - 90 min yoga - Check + 2.6 mile run (though it was longer, but ended up only being 2.6!)

So I check most of my workouts off my list last week...my goal, however, is to still get to that 10 miles per week. I am having the hardest time making myself get out there and run. Once I get moving I am fine...it's just getting myself to move! My plan for this week:

Workout Schedule
Monday - 75 min Yoga
Tuesday - 60 min Yoga + 3 miles Intervals
Wednesday - ST
Thursday - Jog 3 miles + Yoga
Friday - Off/Merry Christmas!
Saturday - Jog 4 miles + yoga
Sunday - Yoga

We are having a pot luck at work tomorrow...I'll report back on my future successful choices;) Can I confess that I am a bottomless pit lately...yikes!

Ooooh and update...my clothes are feeling a bit better lately...still inthe same size, but a tad more comfortable!

Yummy Snacks and NYR Ideas

I had my first Glow Bar today...holy YUM!!! I had the Empower bar, which is dark chocolate and roasted coffee...can I say it's my favorite even though I haven't tried any of the others yet?!

I've had a great weekend...great workouts, smart eating and got all my Christmas shopping done:) The workouts consisted of:

1. Friday - 30 min elliptical, ST upper body and 1-mile run

2. Saturday - 75 minute yoga

3. Sunday - 3 mile run and 90 minutes yoga

I also got a much needed massage on Saturday...I am thinking of making my New Years Resolution to earn one massage per month. The way I will earn my massage is getting my in 10 miles running and 3 sessions of yoga each week. I think that is doable and will keep me on track! I am also thinking about signing up for a 10K in March. A couple friends are doing it and it would be a great goal for me.

I had a girls night out to a wine bar on Saturday...I was really excited about this, because I haven't made too many friends yet since moving here. I had a really great time with the girls (they are the ladies signed up for the 10K). I stuck to 2 glasses of wine, had a chicken entree and we split baked brie for an appetizer and sea salt caramels for dessert (each got one caramel). It was the perfect amount of indulgence...I wasn't stuffed, but was satisfied, and happy I didn't go crazy!

I am looking forward to the festivities this week and coming weekend and not worrying too much about food...I think I've got this one!

I win, I win!

(In Mr. Bean's voice from Rat Race!!)

I probably had one of the best days yesterday...the stars aligned and it seemed everything I have been working on is paying off! For starters I got a call from my supervisor letting my know that I got a promotion! I asked for one back in June and it finally happened!

Next, I had my 2 hour yoga workshop/christmas party. Let me tell you, 2 hours of power yoga is HARD!!! I was a sweaty beast, but I got through it and I felt like all the classes I've been attending really helped! The class was jam-packed...like 4 inches between you and the next person, sooo much body heat going on in that room!

After the yoga session, the owner of the studio held a christmas party with food, champagne and prizes. Another reason all my work attending yoga classes paid off is because I WON 3rd place in attending the most yoga classes since September (I've only been going since Oct!) I got a lulu bag full of goodies:

• Luon tank from Lululemon
• Yogitoes Headband
• Yogitoes skidless towel
• 5-class pack
• MountainFlow long sleeve T

I was SUPER excited to win all that cool stuff, plus I won another door prize for a free drop-in class...score! Lululemon was there with a truck show and offering 15% off, so naturally I treated myself to a new shirt that I have been wanting:)

Today I woke up really sore and didn't make it to the morning yoga class I normally attend. Instead, I am going to run intervals on the treadmil after work as scheduled...and maybe a little ST:)

Weekly Recap

So this week was a little harder than the rest. Work picked up and I found myself struggling to manage my time and get my workouts in. I figured it out by the end of the week and I am excited to keep making progress this week. Here are my workouts for the past week:

Workout Schedule:
Monday - off
Tuesday - Run Intervals 2.5 miles + 60 minutes Yoga - skipped the run, did the yoga
Wednesday - Run 3.5 miles during work + 75 minutes Yoga - skipped the run, did the yoga
Thursday - 60 minutes yoga (am), Run 1 mile (at higher speed) + Strength Training (pm) - Did the yoga and ran 3.5 miles during work
Friday - off
Saturday - 75 minutes yoga + 3 mile run - Done (3.5 miles)!
Sunday - 90 minutes yoga - Done!

So I got in 7 miles this week and 5 yoga classes...not bad, but I will do better this week and get in my 10 miles. My eating was pretty great all week...I stuck to my 2 glasses of wine and one desert (homemade apple crisp - split with boyfriend). I had a small piece or two of chocolate everyday to satisfy my sweet tooth and found this a great way to keep from snacking after dinner.

I ate out 3 times all week...and made decent choices. I split a couple entrees at an asian restaurant with my boyfriend on Thursday night and stopped eating when I was full. Friday we went to a french restaurant and I ordered butternut squash soup to start and had salmon with a small portion of whipped potatoes for my entree. I stuck to one glass of wine...we usually order a bottle here, plus we skipped desert (a first!). Saturday I got a half tomato/moz/basil pannini with a cup of tomato basil soup from a deli down the street (so good and I even stopped eating the soup when I was full and saved the rest for later...success!!!). I think I am getting the hang of this listening to your body thing.

So this week my workout plan includes the following:

Workout Schedule
Monday - 2 hour yoga workshop
Tuesday - Run intervals (3 miles) +ST
Wednesday - Elliptical 30 min or off
Thursday - Yoga 60 min
Friday - Run 3.5 miles + ST
Saturday - Run 3.5 miles + 75 min yoga
Sunday - 90 min yoga

I think this week is doable...Wednesday is up in the air...I am going to listen to my body and take the day off if I need it.

Running for myself!

I was inspired by Jen' post this morning about ME having to get out there and do it for myself, soooo....I got outside. I took my lunch break to the road and put in 3.5 miles in about 39 minutes. I am still in that 11 minute/mile category, but I am just glad I got out there. Plus it was so cold, my lungs could barely handle it!

Reading all these great blogs everyday really helps me get motivated. When I see all these people doing great things for themselves, it reminds me that I deserve great things for myself too!

I am glad I got the run in now because I have plans tonight to attend a SassyFit Holiday party being held at the local Lululemon! I am pretty excited, I absolutely love both companies. I took a bootcamp with SassyFit last summer and can't wait to sign up for another once we get daylight back! They also keep a really cool blog (linked above) with great fitness and heathly living tips:) I also love that both companies offer promotional fitness classes, sometimes together!

The rest of my weekend plans include shipping Christmas prezies to my family in the midwest (staying in Seattle for the holidays...) and some yoga and running. It is supposed to start raining again next week, so I have to take advantage of the clear skies while I can! I am also thinking about a couple baking projects...I am going to raid some blogs I follow for healthy baked goods and give them a try!!!

Needing some Balance...

Things at work have gotten insane!! I can barely keep up. I had planned a 3.5 mile run today during work and was unable to make it out. In fact, I haven't run yet this week. Usually I have in about 6 miles by Wednesday. I have done 2 yoga sessions, however, so I am keeping up on that. In order to make my 10 miles I need to catch up by running for the next 4 days! I think I can do it as long as I vary the intensity of the runs...I normally take a day off between runs, but since I only go for 30-40 minutes at a time, I think its ok to go 4 days in a row, right??!! I left my outdoor running gear at work, so if I can squeeze one in tomorrow or Friday, I will be prepared!

I have been keeping my food in check this week! I've had a green monster for breakfast, cup of kashi or fiber one for a mid-morning snack, gigantic salad for lunch, fruit and yogurt for the afternoon snack and for dinner:

Monday - Ravioli with olive oil drizzle and caesar salad
Tuesday - Homemade burger with caramelized onions and steamed carrots
Wednesday - Seared tuna with mushroom couscous and steamed broccolini (fav for the week!)

Normally I would have had garlic bread with Monday's meal, oven fries with Tuesdays and wine with Wednesday. I would say Success! for not adding those extras. I've also had a small piece of chocolate for dessert each day...got to satisfy the sweet tooth! Don't ask me how I limit myself to one Lindt truffle...those things are AMAZING!

Goals Re-Cap

I am very happy with my progress last week:

Monday - 6pm, Speed Intervals, 30 min (2.5 miles) - Done!
Tuesday - 6:30am, Power Hour Yoga 60 min - Done!
6pm, Strength training, 30 min - Done!
Wednesday - 3pm, Run 3.5 miles outside (at work) - Done!
Thursday - 6:30am, Power Hour Yoga - Done!
6pm, 2 miles on treadmill (try for 10 minute/mile pace) - Skipped:(
Friday - Off
Saturday - 9am, Run 3 miles outside - Done!
9:45am, Power Vinyasa Flow 75 min - Done!
Sunday - 4pm Restorative Yoga 90 min - Done!

So I only skipped one workout...not bad, since I had already put in a yoga session that morning. I was just under my 10 miles for the week, but I am just happy to be keeping consistent! I am a bit overwhelmed at work this week, but I am going to keep my workouts a priority. I took Monday off because I had a killer headache all day, but I am aiming to make up for it today:)

My eating has had some ups and downs. On a positive note, I am getting in a lot more veggies now that I am drinking the green monsters for breakfast. I also have been having salad for lunch. I did have a couple slip-ups this weekend that included a trip to McDonalds and take-out from a Mexican restaurant, but i think I made decent choices. Other than that, the eats have been pretty good. I only drank wine on Friday, but I may have had 3-4 glasses...aaaaand some chocolate mousse (it was glorious!) But onto a new week...

Workout Schedule:
Monday - off
Tuesday - Run Intervals 2.5 miles + 60 minutes Yoga
Wednesday - Run 3.5 miles during work + 75 minutes Yoga
Thursday - 60 minutes yoga (am), Run 1 mile (at higher speed) + Strength Training (pm)
Friday - off
Saturday - 75 minutes yoga + 3 mile run
Sunday - 90 minutes yoga

My goal to get those size 32 jeans to fit did not happen, although the jeans do feel a bit better...I am not quite there. My motivation match-up, Nicole, and I are extending our goals until the end of January. So that should be enough time to get into those suckers...even with Christmas coming up...I hope;)

Mini Vacation!

I just booked an extended weekend get-away to NYC next month!!! My best friend is finishing up her graduate degree at NYU this semester, so I though I'd better visit just in case she gets a job else-where:) I have never been to the City, but I am so excited to go and really looking forward to a girls weekend!!! We haven't seen each other in over a year:(

We haven't made an itinerary yet, but I know I'd like to go to a Broadway show. She suggested In the Heights...but I am taking suggestions. I looked up the trailer and it looked pretty entertaining...hip hop musical love story that won a Tony in 2008.

There is so much to do and see that I will have to pick just a few of them. I will be there 3 whole days (with 2 travel days) and I know I want to see Central Park and eat at some fun restaurants in addition to the show. Does anyone have any tips or suggestions for me? I'm sure she will have ideas as well...I just want to be prepared...(I'm a total planner!)

I'd really love to be able to go for a run through Central Park, but it being January...its not likely! I will save that for next time:) I wouldn't mind trying a yoga or spin studio while I'm there...I always read about how many cool fitness studios there are in NYC.

I love having a trip to look forward to...it keeps me going sometimes with this whole health thing! We will be taking lots of pictures, so I want to look fab in them!! I am most excited to just be there and take it all in! I probably won't want to leave:)

On a sidenote...I made a green monster this morning and there was a little left-over, so I poured it in a cup and left it in the fridge. A couple of hours later, my boyfriend was texting me for the recipe so he could make another...he loved it!

Sore Muscles and No Music:(

I finally got a great strength training session in last night. I did a 30 minute total body circuit and I am feeling it today! One thing I noticed in my workout is that I can now do lunges where my knee touches the ground and I can also do the stability ball roll-ins. I used to never get those...I think because my core has improved so much that now they are possible. I'm still working on toe push-ups...I have a weak upper body, but that will soon change!!

So with all those sweet moves, my body is feeling it today! I managed to get a 3.5 mile run during work at about an 11 min/mile pace. Those damn hills get me every time. I think if I were running a flat course my pace would be a bit faster (but I don't think that exists in Seattle)! I will just keep working on running those hills...one day I will do it!

While on my way to work today, I realized that I had forgotten my ipod, so I had to do that run with no music!!! Not cool! I can see how its safer to run without music or if you have a route away from busy streets, you can listen to nature...but my route is nothing but cars zipping by. If it weren't for the sunny sky and the gorgeous views of the Cascades and Olympic Mountains, it would have been super boring!

We are actually supposed to have sun through this weekend, so I may take advantage and do another run on Friday (and my usual Saturday). I have yoga tomorrow morning to stretch out these hip flexors....ouch!

I Finally Tried it!

After weeks of curiosity, I finally tried a Green Monster this morning. I wanted to have an energy boost before my morning yoga class...and that it did! I felt awesome...these are going to become part of my regular routine...although I am thinking about adding some frozen berries to the mix! I got hungry again while getting ready for work so I brought some oats with me and had my second breakfast. I like the idea of splitting up my breakfast like that...it really kept me going:)

Thanksgiving Update

Well....I will admit that I ate more desserts than necessary, however I did spread them out and I stopped eating when I was full. I never felt stuffed all weekend, but maybe I could have made better choices. In any case, I'm not going to dwell on it. My plan was to get in one workout, but that didn't happen:( My body did enjoy my 3 days off from running/yoga, I think I needed that rest, because now I feel great. I signed up for a yoga class when I got back on Sunday and definitely noticed the difference in my body...I felt much stronger after the 3 rest days.

And did I mention Tom Skerritt (super talented actor) was in my yoga class Sunday?!?!! I was a little star struck, I must admit! I didn't realize he lived here in Seattle...it was pretty cool to see him in that environment! I came home and said to my bf..."Holy crap, I just practiced yoga with William Walker (I watch Brothers and Sisters every Sunday and loved him in Picket Fences)!

Workout Plan

My scheduled workouts for the week include:

Monday - 6pm, Speed Intervals, 30 min (2.5 miles) - Done!
Tuesday - 6:30am, Power Hour Yoga 60 min - Done!
6pm, Strength training, 30 min
Wednesday - 3pm, Run 3.5 miles outside (at work)
Thursday - 6:30am, Power Hour Yoga
6pm, 2 miles on treadmill (try for 10 minute/mile pace)
Friday - Off
Saturday - 9am, Run 3 miles outside
9:45am, Power Vinyasa Flow 75 min
Sunday - 4pm Restorative Yoga 90 min

I'm finding it hard to fit in 10 miles per week and all my yoga and ST without having a day for rest...I hope that I can soon add mileage to each day so that I am running 10 miles, 3 days per week. I get pretty tired after 3-3.5 miles, so my next December will be to do a 4-miler on the weekend and two 3 milers during the week. Speaking of Goals.....here are the results to my November Goals:

November Goals Report:
Fitness Goals:
1. Power Yoga 3x per week - Done!
2. Run 10 miles per week - Close...I'm calling it a victory because I made an effort to run each week!
3. Strength Train 2x per week - Beyond yoga, I didn't do extra ST 2x each week
4. Maintain a 10 min/mile for 3 miles - I am close to this...I think I can do it by the end of December.
5. Improve from cobra to updog during vinyasas - Done!

Food Goals:
1. Track everyday and stay within calorie range - Out of range a few times
2. One dinner out per week - Done, for 3/4 weeks
3. 2 alcoholic drinks per week - Fail!!!
4. limit added sugar/unhealthy fats to 200 calories - Fail!!!

I am going to keep these goals going into December. For fitness goal #5...my new yoga goal is to hold crow pose.

Lone Yogi...

I made it to my 6:30 am power yoga class, but....seems no one else made it out of bed this morning! I was the only one there to take the class! I felt a bit weird at first, but it ended up being great because the instructor was able to assist me in correcting my moves and help me to align properly. It was like having my own private yoga session:)

I think I may be a little obsessed with power yoga...I practiced on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and today...and I am signed up for a class tomorrow:/ The owner of the studio is having a holiday workshop in December and is giving prizes to the 3 people who have practiced the most since September. She told me that I was up there....and I've only been going there since October! Maybe I should take a day off...I think my shoulders are needing some time off:) It would be pretty great to get a prize tho;)

I'm actually pretty excited for the holiday workshop...it starts with a 2 hour power flow class and then they are providing wine and food and raffling off class packages, yogi toes, and Lulu gear. Then Lululemon will be holding a trunk show at the studio...I guess last year they offered 30% off (have I mentioned my obsession with their clothing!) I hope they bring all sizes though...watch them bring all this great stuff for a discount and it's all size 2! That would be my luck:)

My plan for the evening was to do some strength training, but my muscles are pretty tired, so I may take the night off. We had a Thanksgiving dinner last Sunday with some family, so we are planning to use the stock we made from the bones and some of the meat to make a turkey soup tonight...yum! My boyfriend surprised me with homemade risotto with some of the leftover turkey and veggies last night...it was divine! (He is a phenomenal cook!) I will have to start putting up photos of food and such;)

Weekly Progress and Goals

Last week was pretty great. I ate out twice for dinner over the weekend, but only splurged the second night...at a local Mexican restaurant. I feel like it is pretty easy to order healthy Mexican cuisine, however, when they set that basket of death (read: free chips and the most delicious salsa ever!) in front of you right when you sit down...it is so hard to crawl back out! I ended up ordering chicken stuffed with a pepper and queso, but what I didn't notice was that it was going to come fried. I had a moment of panic when she set my plate down, but then decided to just let it be my splurge for the week. We split an appetizer and I didn't drink, so it turned out ok! As for my goals update...

WORKOUTS
Monday: Intervals and strength training - 6 am: Done! I ended up doing this workout after work.
Tuesday: Power Hour - 6:30 am: Done!
Wednesday: Intervals and strength training - 5:30 pm: Had a killer headache, but made up on Thursday after work
Thursday: Power Hour - 6:30 am - Done + Wednesday's workout
Friday: Jog 3 miles @ work - 4 pm (may take this day off) - took the day off!
Saturday: Run 30 minutes + Power Vinyasa - 9 am - Done!
Sunday: Yoga - 9:30 am - Done!

I only got to a little over 8 miles for the week, so that is something I will have to keep in check. I did 2 early morning workouts rather than the three I planned...another thing to continue working on.

FOOD GOALS
1. Track everyday and stay within calorie range - I tracked everyday, but was a little over on Sunday (Thanksgiving with some family)
2. One dinner out per week - had 2 dinners out on Friday and Saturday
3. 2 alcoholic drinks per week - Done! 2 glasses of red wine on Sunday
4. limit added sugar/unhealthy fats to 200 calories - Over on Saturday and Sunday:(

I think I need to work on limiting added sugar and fats during the weekends...it is going to be especially hard this coming weekend with the holiday:/

WORKOUTS FOR THIS WEEK:
Monday: Run 2 miles 3 pm, Power Vinyasa 6 pm
Tuesday: Power Hour 6:30 am, ST 5:30 pm
Wednesday: Run 3 miles, Power Vinyasa 9:30am
Thursday: off
Friday: Run 3 miles + ST 9 am
Saturday: off
Sunday: Yoga 4 pm

I am hoping to get one workout while I am out of town Thursday- Saturday..I think I can do it:)

I already ran 3.5 miles during work today, so I am off to a good start! I am noticing so much improvement in running and yoga, that I am starting to get excited each time I get to do it!

Avoiding Free Pizza

Yes, we had boxes and boxes of yummy, cheesy, free pizza today at work....aaaaaand I successfully avoided it! It was pretty tough with the glorious smell of pizza in my face, but I knew I had a delicious healthy lunch waiting for me. I had a side salad of arugula, spinach, cherry tomatoes and balsamic and made a sandwich on the foreman with whole wheat bread and this egg white salad that I bought at Treader Joe's this week. SO GOOD! I felt so much better than I would have eating a couple slices of greasy pizza.

I skipped my workout last night:(

I was feeling very headachey and tired so I went to bed early and got up for my morning yoga class. It was wonderful and I felt really good during the class. I plan to make up my missed workout tonight...so after work I'll be hitting the apartment gym for some speed intervals and strength training. I feel kind of blah right now, but I'm planing to just push through and get the workout done!

On a more exciting note...I made a couple of New Years Resolutions! I am planning a 5K with a friend who lives in NYC and one with my sister when she comes to visit me! We are going to train on our own since we all live in different states and then pick a couple of races to register for. I am also trying to get the boyfriend to sign up for one with me too...that would be 3 races for 2010:)

Rain or Shine...

The forecast this week is rain...EVERY day! This is my first winter living in Seattle, so I am hoping to be able to embrace the rain soon, but coming from sunny California makes it pretty tough!

I have been taking note of how I feel and my progress on runs outside vs. on the treadmill. When I first started running, I was a bit afraid to run outside, I think because people would see me and judge me, etc, etc...! There are A LOT of fit people in the Pacific Northwest and I felt like I would be a slow poke compared to them.

So lately, I have been going outside for one of my runs per week. It doesn't even compare to the treadmill...I feel so slow, like I'm not going anywhere...which, I'm not really I guess! The runs outside feel so much better and I even have a faster pace. So I think I've conquered that fear, but now...what to do with all this rain we've been having. I suppose I should embrace the rain and just take my runs outside anyway.

So a new mini-goal...rain or shine, I am going to run outside this Saturday before my yoga class and report back. Next obstacle will be running in the dark...scary!

I Made It!

I made it to my 6:30 am Pour Hour yoga class and it was glorious! I even woke up before my alarm...I guess some days are just better than others.

So with all my free time tonight, I am going to get some extra work done, spend a little time on the elliptical for an easy cardio workout, cook dinner with my boyfriend and watch the Office!!

On the menu tonight is homemade chicken and dumpling soup. The boyfriend roasted a chicken last night and made some stock out of it, so I am looking forward to using that in a yummy soup tonight. I am thinking about stealing this desert recipe from The Lindz...it looks so amazing!

I am participating in the Motivational Match-ups that Jen and Mizfit put together and have been matched up with a gal who is originally close to my hometown in Michigan...pretty cool (Hi Nicole!!) We've been talking about a plan to motivate each other and came up with sending each other our workout schedule for the week on Sunday night and texting each other motivational messages prior to the workout. I am hoping that we can pump each other up to have an awesome workout! We are also going to set a goal to complete in one month (by December 6). Aaaand...we're going to send I-tunes gift cards to each other for making our goal:) I think that is great motivation...I need a new playlist!!

So...my next task is to come up with a good goal. I'm indifferent about making a weight goal (I don't even have a scale!!!), so I am thinking of a few options to pick from. I may set a number of morning workouts I have to complete (Which would be super challenging for me!) or some kind of Jeans size goal. I will be back with what I decide tomorrow!

Planning Workouts

I had my alarm set once again for 6 am with the intention of running intervals and strength training before work. Did I wake up? yes...did I get up? yes...did I put my workout clothes on?...no! I decided I would crawl back into the warm cozy bed for another hour! Yesterday I was signed up to go to my morning power hour and hit the "off" instead of "snooze". I was sad, but was able to make up the class in the evening.

I really need to get motivation for this whole morning workout thing! I just think my day would be so much better. I wouldn't have to take two showers and I could read or cook a more extensive meal after work. I have the most desire to workout during the afternoon around about 2 pm. I would do that if i had a light day at work, but I feel like I need to be available in the afternoons at work. Also, I'm not sure how to go about getting all sweaty and then returning to work (no showers in the office). Does anyone else do this...any tips?

I figure I am going to try and look at morning workouts as prioritizing myself first thing, and then getting on with the rest of my day. I signed up for yoga tomorrow morning and am hoping to report back that I made it!

Breakfast Routine

I've been playing around lately with what I eat for breakfast. For about 4 months, I was regularly eating about a cup of Fiber One mini wheats and milk or multigrain cheerios with a banana and milk for my breakfast. I got really sick of cereal and I would get hungry again a couple of hours later.

This month I've been experimenting with an oatmeal-based (which seems to be what a lot of you are eating out there!) or an egg/veggie/english muffin based breakfast. With both of these choices I've noticed that I stay full up until lunchtime (or approximately 4 hours after breakfast) and there is a lot less mindless snacking going on!

My normal routine calls for about a 400 cal breakfast, 300-400 calorie lunch, 200 calorie afternoon snack and a 500 calorie dinner (+/- 100-150 for a nighttime snack)

Yesterday, however, I was in a hurry and had a cup and a half of Kashi Honey Sunshine and milk, which only came to about 230 calories. I didn't last too long and by 10 I had an apple, 12:30 my lunch (which was lower-cal than I usually eat at 280 calories) and 2:30 my yogurt. While eating my yogurt I noticed it tasted a bit "off" and saw the expiration was 10 days ago...YUCK! So that gave me an excuse to get a nonfat cappucino and raspberry oat bar from the local coffee shop across from my office. Maybe not the best choice, but I had been ravenous all day and that really hit the spot and I only had half the bar (WAY to sugary!)

I really believe that having a satisfying breakfast really sets the tone for my day and today I was back on track with a half-cup of dry oats cooked in milk with a smashed banana, canned pumpkin, a drizzle of honey and cinnamon. It was delicious!

Weekly Progress

This weekend was full of rain and gray skies...I guess I'd better get used to it living in Seattle:) So my plan for outdoor workouts didn't come through. I'm wondering if I should just suck it up and buy some rain gear for running in the winter...?

I did make it to a power vinyasa class on Saturday, which was AMAZING! The instructor chose to play some upbeat music during the more intense flow portion of the class and it really energized me to keep moving! I am happy to say that I am getting closer to my yoga goal of practicing the updog in instead of cobra during vinyasas. I practiced updog about 1/3 of the time during my class Saturday:)

My boyfriend and I celebrated our 2-year anniversary on Saturday with a nice dinner out at one of Tom Douglas' restaurants here in Seattle. I did ok with my food choices (bread basket: one piece with olive oil/balsamic, appetizer: split a half dozen oysters and a mushroom & tomato sauce dish, entree: halibut with lentils, desert: split a piece of coconut creme pie), but not so much with wine! I had a glass while waiting for a table and then we split a bottle at dinner. I went way over my 2 drinks per week, so that is something I will work on in the coming weeks!

So...all that wine=very tired Gina all day Sunday. I kept my calories pretty low, but I took the day off from working out and did some reading and relaxing.

November Fitness Goals - Week 1
1. Power Yoga 3x per week - I attended power yoga Tue, Wed, Thu, & Sat!
2. Run 10 miles per week - I got to 8 miles this week
3. Strength Train 2x per week - I did one day of ST (i kind of want to count all the power yoga, thoughts?)
4. Maintain a 10 min/mile for 3 miles - Still working toward this goal
5. Improve from cobra to updog during vinyasas - Making progress

November Food Goals:
1. Track everyday and stay within calorie range - I tracked everyday, but was out of range on Saturday (all the wine...oops!)
2. One dinner out per week - Only had dinner out on Sat, but had lunch out on Sat and Sun. I'm think about doing one meal out next month.
3. 2 alcoholic drinks per week - One drink on Friday, 3.5 drinks on Saturday
4. limit added sugar/unhealthy fats to 200 calories - Went over on Saturday

Overall, I think I am making great progress toward my goals and posting my progress really makes me want to do better this week! I am going to focus more on keeping the drinks and added sugars down and getting all my planned workouts in this week.

Do One Thing A Day That Scares You...

I LOVE Lululemon's motto...and today I did just that.

I didn't have time for a morning workout so I brought my clothes with me to work with the intention of going for a run sometime during the afternoon. I fought my internal battle all day leading up to 4 pm. Should I just get over my fears and go, or do I take it to the treadmill after work.

Whenever I do something new with fitness I get super nervous beforehand, whether it be a new class, a new route, a new activity, running outdoors, etc. So I searched some blogs that I follow for inspiration and found this one on Glamour by Margarita a couple days ago. I don't know if anyone followed her journey last year, but she was incredibly inspirational. She mentioned that her clothes are starting to get tight and confessed how she has gotten back to that uncomfortable feeling and why she needs to get back on track.

This hit me hard, because I am in that same boat and after reading through all the posts, I found the energy and courage to go change my clothes and head out of the office. I went on a great 3.7 mile run with a few hills and it felt wonderful!

I think this running outside thing may be for me after all:)

Morning Yoga...

Oh how I love thee!!!

My favorite yoga studio (Mountain Flow in Madison Park for anyone in Seattle) started offering a 6:30 am Power Hour on Tuesday's and Thursday's. I went on Tuesday and I wasn't so sure about the whole morning thing. My body was tight and I couldn't get as deep a stretch as I can in the evenings...plus all I could think about was going back to bed:( I got through the class and felt AMAZING the rest of my day...I even had enough energy to do some jogging and strength training after work!

So, of course I went again this morning! I felt a lot better this time around. *I got up and did an early workout yesterday morning as well, so I am hoping to train myself to switch my workouts to the mornings. It is just a matter of getting out of bed and getting my body used to moving first thing.* I worked up a great sweat...the room is heated to 80-85 degrees, which I love! I swear it warms my muscles up faster and I can get a much better stretch (plus dripping sweat makes me feel like I got a better workout in...and a little hardcore!).

Last night, I took a Restorative Yoga class, which includes about 55-60 minutes of power yoga and 15-20 minutes of restorative poses. I love the restorative poses, I always feel so great and really get good sleep after those classes.

After yoga, I went to this cute local market across the street and picked up some salmon, sweet potato and brussels sprouts. I roasted the potato and sprouts in olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper. I broiled the salmon with a little honey, coarse mustard and wheat germ as topping. Sadly I got distracted on my computer and ended up overcooking the fish and burning the sprouts (left the sprouts in the oven during the broiling process...oops!). I sort of saved the sprouts by pealing off the burned layer, but the fish wasn't so lucky. Only about half of it was edible:( Oh well...I was so "zen" at that point (and starving) that it didn't mater!

I don't have any workouts scheduled for tonight, but I am planning to get back into the gym for some running and strength training tomorrow morning before work.

Relying on the Treadmill

I went to bed last night with the intention of waking up for a morning workout. My alarm went off at 6 am and by 6:30 I was out of bed and headed to my apartment complexes gym. Now, the gym only has 2 treadmills and I am always nervous that they will be in use when I get there. Some of you may ask..."why don't you just go outside for a run?" But the truth is, It is out of my comfort zone and I will have a separate post about that!

So I get down to the gym and BOTH treadmills are in use! The one girl had a pretty good run going, but the dude with her was reading a book while walking very slowly! Does this anger anyone else when you see this? I was angry. I had my mind set on the treadmill and felt that he was preventing me from my run.

I decided to use the elliptical and when they left 12 minutes into my workout, I finished the last 18 minutes on the treadmill and felt pretty good. I wanted to do more, but had to get ready for work. Maybe I will take it outside next time that happens....if I can get over my fear:)

First Day of School...

Welcome to my Blog!!!

I feel like it's my first day of school. I'm very excited and nervous to write my first post. There are so many inspiring blogs out there and I hope that my journey can inspire someone as so many of you have kept me motivated over the past year to stay on the right track to a healthy lifestyle.

After an initial weight loss of 35 lbs through diet and exercise, I have been maintaining the same weight of 165 lbs for over a year now and would like to break the plateau and get down to 150. I plan to use this blog to track my progress, so I would like to start by setting some goals!

Ultimate Goals:
1. Lose 15 pounds by April 2010
2. Run a 5K and 10K in 2010

November Fitness Goals:
1. Power Yoga 3x per week
2. Run 10 miles per week
3. Strength Train 2x per week
4. Maintain a 10 min/mile for 3 miles
5. Improve from cobra to updog during vinyasas

November Food Goals:
1. Track everyday and stay within calorie range
2. One dinner out per week
3. 2 alcoholic drinks per week
4. limit added sugar/unhealthy fats to 200 calories

I had a pretty great day on the health front today. I stayed within my calorie range and got in a great workout! I started out the day with a hour of power yoga and after work I jogged on the treadmill for 30 minutes (2.5 miles) and did about 15 minutes of circuit training with 5 and 10 lb free weights.

I am really happy with my meals today:

Breakfast: Finessista breakfast cookie
Lunch: Spinach and arugula salad with walnuts, goat cheese, tomatoes, dried cranberries, balsamic and a piece of cornbread
Snack: Cottage cheese and grapes
Dinner: Chicken & pepper quesadilla with salad and guac

I am planning to jog 30 minutes in the morning with a plank workout. I also signed up for Restorative Yoga at 6 pm (LOVE that class!!!).