Good News!!

Okay, I just had to post.

I just got back from the gym, since its rainy and very cold out- I ran on the treadmill after watching a video over at HangryPants. It was regarding this little media clip of women talking about workout gear. If you haven't given your feedback, head on over HERE and let em know what you think. My feedback is B_Healthy.

Part of my comment included that workout gear discussion SHOULD include important topics like dry fit underwear- or any kind of underwear to wear when you run or workout. I don't know about yall but if I run say over 4-5 miles, my undapants get SOAKED! They make dry fit pants, dry fit sports bras, dry fit shirts- what the crap on the underwear?

What does everyone else do? I mean, maybe I missed the boat on what underwear runner's wear. Either way, I'm clueless and slightly uncomfy!

So, speaking of running, I ran 7 miles in 49 minutes! I ran 3.2 in 24 (something), my second 3.2 in 22 ( something), and then finished up to 7 miles total. I bumped up several times to 9.5 mph ( which correlates to a 6:18 mile).

I seriously just had fury inside of me I think. I was angry and upset that Jack ran away. Jeff and I were "not on the same page" about the kitchen and it was stupid but annoying me. I tried to really focus and push myself because "I can"- and I did!

Good news: everything is perfect again and ... we found jack as soon as I got home from the gym.
stinker.

Day 2 of spring semester is over!

Body:
6 mile run! G-L-O-R-I-O-U-S!
I actually stopped at each mile so that I could remember the times to put on here-
Mile1- 9:03 ( I walked for the first bit to warm up)

Mile2- 7:35 min

Mile3-7:47 min

Mile4-7:01 min

Mile 5-6:31 min

Mile 6- 6:58 min

Total time was for 6 miles was 45 minutes something...

Mind:
Vitamins, Minerals and Nutricuticals Class is 4-7 not 4-6 ... phew.. Oh and get this, it was SO coincidental with today's earlier post- We covered the beginnings of free radicals, essentially the reasons you need Antioxidants!

One that was interesting, a lipid peroxyl radical, attacks healthy unsaturated fats that are in cell membranes. I also learned way more than I realized about just how much we produce free radicals, it was astounding! During lots of aerobic exercise ( like running 6 miles :-( ) .. our bodies take all that extra oxygen available and convert lots to free radicals! The good news, our bodies have nutrient mechanisms set up to fight free radicals! those mechanisms include the electron transport chain- which utilizes oxygen to create water and energy. Most recently discussed are the antioxidants found in foods AND in supplements that can really help stop these guys from damaging our cells, increasing our risk for disease like cancer. I will try to do a lengthier post this week or in one week after we do more on free radicals.

It reminded me of a comment on some blog I read , the commenter said how you should not eat polyunsaturated fat. That is absolutely NOT true- I assume this person either had no clue what they were talking about or maybe they heard some mis-information about those free radicals attacking the polyunsaturated fats BUT it is the free radicals that are the problem! Polyunsaturated Fats have more than two (hence poly) double bonds (unsaturated) in their chain - which means it is bent in structure- which means it does good things in your body because of the bent, flexible structure. Omega 3's, Fish Oils, are only a few polyunsaturated fats that help with inflammation, cell structure and functioning, heart and brain function... Anyway- when we discussed the lipid peroxyl radical it reminded me of that! I don't remember the blog- but I liked the writer!

Soul:
I made a lasagna

I had my school fax the loan people my info so they stop charging me and overdrafting my account!

I made it to Trader Joes for a big ol grocery stop...

Jeff is the sweetest ever! Superboyfriend does it again. The lady booked us a suite in the resort's lodge- but Jeff and I wanted a cabin to ourselves. Well- he arranged it ever so quickly AND he also emailed me a software thing for helping me with finances AND he sent me an email with the subject "heart u" AND we might be going on a ski trip too with all our friends- How wonderful!

back to the grocery store
Photo #1

Cage Free Eggs
Organic 1% Milk
Salad Mix
Cabbage
Brussel Sprouts
Two TJ Nonfat Greek Yogurt
Two Blueberry Greek Yogurts

Photo #2

Bag of Organic D'Anjou Pears (only $3)
Bag of Organic Kiwi (only $2)
Fresh Hawaiian Pineapple
Organic Bananas
Organic Fuji Apple
Frozen pineapple tidbits x2
frozen strawberries
Frozen organic blueberries
frozen mango
Frozen broccoli
Frozen bell pepper
Pork Tenderloin with Garlic and Peppercorn
Goddess Dressing
Cabot Cottage Cheese
Two packs of whole wheat pizza dough
Two jars of TJ marinara
Jar of Bolognese Sauce

My total bill was $65 !!! I think I did pretty good because this will last me quite sometime with all the things I have already built up in our pantry etc.!

I intentionally grabbed lots of fresh fruit so that I could take them with me to campus, and lots of frozen fruit for lovely smoothies!

Night-time eating is still a No-no

Body:
The plan for today is a great sweaty run. My knee was very sore last night as were my toes. Its odd because it has felt so great lately. Anyway, I am shooting for just a good 3.2 but we will see. If it bothers me, I'll be doing something else.


** And the plan worked! I did a fantastic 3.2 and once I got over the harsh first mile, I decided I would go to 4. I ran at 9.2 mph for 6 minutes and had a steady pace of 8.0 for the last two miles! This guy looked at me in aw... he smiled and shook his head like "damn i can't keep up with you" and I looked back like "oh no you can't! :-D" . Only looks- I would never say that in real life! I also did 15 minutes on the elliptical to cool down. **

I'd tried downloading another yogadownload. It got stuck at 12%... arrrggh- Does anyone else have this problem?

Mind:
An article on Sugar is Posted! Click Here to check it out..

I had to write about another (mini) article too...

Nightime Eating STILL a NO-NO

In The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a study in October 2008 examined the self-directed food choices of 67 men and 50 women. These healthy, non-diabetic adults spent 3 consecutive days and nights in a metabolic section of a hospital. The subjects ate a "standard" diet of 20% protein, 50% carbohydrates, and 30% fat during the day. Subjects ate freely after 6 pm, with food selection time being recorded.

36% of the sample were considered "night-time eaters" consuming significantly more calories than non-nighttime eaters. Their conclusion: nighttime eating was common and predicted weight gain. Research continues to be determined regarding abnormal sleep patterns leading nighttime wakefullness.

I think this is very interesting because it appears that those eating later at night slowed their metabolism, and gained weight. While I feel that if you are 100% truly hungry ( some of us just don't get home from work/school until 8 pm or later) - you should eat by all means regardless of time. But that is only if you need to eat, many people snack late at night while watching shows or out of boredom or anxiety or depression, and this clearly leads to packing on the pounds.
I can't wait to find more research in the future on this!

Soul:

I feel like a new baby is coming home from the hospital today- Jeff is signing and driving home his brand new truck now!


***I will update with another post of food photos and Truck photos later today!!***

Happy Monday to All! Happy Spring Semester to all starting with me this week as well!

Intention and Expectation

Body:

WOW- I did 7.75 miles total!

I ran 6.5 of that at a steady pace of 8:34 for the first 3.25 then at a steady 7:47 for the last 3.25! It felt like I was floating the whole time! I read a magazine during my 1 mile warm up walk and then just... RAN! Visualize lady on the bus stop bench from Forrest Gump " so You just Raaaaaaan !?"

Mind:
I read this article in that magazine while warming up about how positive thinking really influences your behavior and why "saying so" means that it will become a reality. It goes on about "Intention and Expectation". 

This reminds me of how I type on here my "plan" for the day, or my list of what I intended for my body.mind.soul.  That is my "intention" and that intention helps give me the determination to act. After I have the determination to actually do "it", there is a level of "expectation" left by imaginary readers, real readers and myself to accomplish that intention.

I wrote the other day how writing out these plans seem to make me really accomplish most of what I intended, it was pretty darn cool to read an article affirming just that!

It also mentioned how you can use positive thinking to influence all areas of your life, such as "I will eat healthy today" to improve dietary habits, or "we will get along for this project" with co workers or " I will get that promotion" to help you get ahead at work. I think it could just work for relationships too...

"Jeff and I will get married, Jeff and I will get married, Jeff and I will get married..."

- well it's not instantaneous, but you get the idea!

Soul:
Off to shower with my new stash of Victoria's Secret Body Wash and lotions! Thanks Momma Mo and Melissa!

Then its off to return another shirt I got Jeff, and see if I can find a replacement. Who ever thought guys were picky about clothes?


Lunch:
Steamed Veggie Salad: romaine, carrots, snap peas, bean sprouts, broccoli, asparagus, red pepper, squash, cauliflower

you can really see the steam i guess!

The salad base before I put on all the steamed veggies- I forgot i had reduced fat

feta too

 
Leftover chicken breast- made intentionally for lunch last night- does that still mean its "leftover" if it had the intention for another meal?
Whole wheat wrap

Scrub a dub dub

Smoothie, Sammy, and Spinach Dip

I couldn't make up my mind what I wanted for lunch at first but it all came together so nicely.
I made a sandwich with just turkey and toasted bread, then wanted more protein ( my protein powder has some extra "recovery" ingredients so perfect for after a run!). I made a smoothie with 1/2 milk 1/2 water, mango, pineapple and protein powder. I wasn't sure what vegetable I wanted, but then saw frozen spinach and artichokes. So I heated those up in a bowl, added a little dab of smart balance, some salt and cracked black pepper, some pre-chopped bacon, some chobani, some fat free mayo, some shredded cheese. Mixed all of it really well then microwaved for another 1 minute. I threw in a glob of leftover sicilian sauce from yesterday too.

I don't really enjoy crackers or chips that much so I hardly ever have em on hand. I dipped my rather plain sandwich in it... SO GOOD!

Body:
Run!!!!! No pain/twisty feelings ... I warmed up for 2 miles at speed 6.8 ( about an 8:35 min/mile) then jogged for 2 miles at speed 7.7 ( pace 7:47 min/mi )on the treadmill and then sprinted the last 1 mile,
My last mile sprint was:
0.25 at 9 mph
0.25 at 8.4
0.25 at 9.2
0.25 at 8.6

I walked for another 1 mile to cool down. It felt fantastic~

Mind:
suduko of course

i have did searching but nothing to write about yet. back to searching now

Soul:
Jeff heard back from the insurance company and they finally accepted liability for the accident and offered him a tiny settlement.... but at least its one big step in the right direction so he can rent a car and it will be paid for and he can find out soon what he will be offered for his truck!!

I love running, i swear it beats out any "case of blah" I ever have. It just makes me a happier person.

I am excited to have dinner at Momma Mo's and trim the tree!

Christmas Party 08

Appetizer Hour:
My Glass #1 of Sonoma Merlot, Jeff's Glass of Bass

Oh My gosh... quite possible this was the best cheese I have ever had

Brie with Cranberries ( they were fresh softened deliciously cherry like), and Goat Cheese with Pesto

Here is mine: It was soooooooo satisfyingly delicious

I should have taken a picture of everyone at our table! I warned them when we sat down that I take pictures because I write a blog about food and nutrition. I was completely surprised that everyone was genuinely interested in knowing why and what it was like and they all want to get the link to the site- so whenever they stop by- Hi Michelle, Justin, Melissa,Woody, Christ, and Gretchen!

Glass #2 and Bread

I am not a huge bread person but I like to try things. I ripped off a hunk but it was too chewy

Salad: This was a very interesting way to do a Caesar Salad. A rib of romaine, anchovy slices on top, thin strips of parm cheese, that little wafer tasted like cardboard.

Entree:

Chicken on top of creamy mushroom risotto, zuchinni, steak. Last year they had a similar dish only with chicken and salmon. I mentioned everyone at our table being interested in my blog, well we had quite the discussion about this entree! My steak was medium-well. There was no pink at all. However, Melissa's was bright vibrant red, Justin's was a rose/blush, Jeff's was a mix of Melissa's and Justin's- It was incredibly odd how the same dish came to 8 people at the table but the steaks were cooked all different. Mine was so well-cooked that I could not even chew it. My chicken was very tasty, however, Michelle's chicken was very dry-

Congratulations Michelle ( she is having a baby girl!).


Dessert:

I ate the whip cream, the nuts, and that chocolate stick coming out towards you! I had a few bites ( again I like to try things) but I am not a huge fan of pudding AND I was full!

Overall Recap and Review:
I think the cheese was phenomenal and made my night! Everything was "tasty" otherwise so I hate to bring up the negative because it was "over-the-top"! It is definitely a fancy place and I love being able to attend. On top of that, to hang out with Jeff's co-workers because they are all about our age and really funny was fantastic! Last year, Jeff and a few others formed a secret band that played a great set of cover songs. They were outstanding, however, this year shortly after they began practice the drummer caught pneumonia. He had to be hospitalized and has some permanent damage but is overall fine now. Unfortunately, they couldn't do it without him. So we missed out on that but I got to spend more time with Jeff since he wasn't playing.

Jeff and I at the Tree

Initiation of the New Employees: Teams had to dress up one person like Frosty The snowman. We cheered for this guy because they were right next to our table- and one of the new employees sat with us. (They won, so they had to sing Frosty The Snowman)

I had so much fun chatting with Emily, Christy, Jennifer, Amy, Stacy, Michelle, and Melissa! Hi, Ladies if you stop in!!

Earlier Friday...
Lunch:
I know it is not as "spectacular" as the food above- Leftover pasta and chicken from the other night.

Mid-Afternoon Red-White-Green Snack( actually at about 4 because I did NOT want to go to the xmas party starving)
Red and Green Peppers, Mushrooms and a little blue cheese dressing (full fat deliciousness)
Chobani Strawberry with Pistachios

Body:
Cardio: A fantastic run. A wonderful run.

I "sprinted" 4 miles. I stretched for a few seconds at each mile but jogged in between all the sprinting so no walking for this lady!

My general treadmill pace: 6.5 mph (recovery/slow jog) 7.5-7.7 mph (usual, comfortable pace) 9.3-9.8 mph (sprint)

9.8 felt super sonic- I felt like I was going to fall off the treadmill, which made it even more exciting hahaha. I didn't keep track of much else aside from running for at least 2 minutes of each mile above 9 mph... So it was mostly at a 7.5 speed, I would sprint when a good song came on during each mile at 9.3 bump it up to 9.8 then recover at a 6.5 for no more than 2 minutes... back up to a 7 + then back up to a spring etc.

My goal was to run the entire time, sprint during each mile and I met my goal.

Mind:
I turned in my paper, I only studied a little. I felt a little burnt out from the three papers due total this week. I have this weekend to study so I wanted to pace myself.

Soul:

Fantastic evening. After the holiday party we went downtown to a bar - one of our friends' birthdays- so we danced with them and had a phenomenal evening!

One of my Favorites

Dinner: One of my favorites! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts with whole wheat pasta, hunt's garlic and onion tomato sauce

Salad: TJ Champs Elyse, Red bell pepper, mushroom, snap peas and Goddess Dressing

I saute the chicken in the pan with some pepper, salt and a dash of parm cheese... While that cooked on low, I boiled the pasta, drained it, then tossed in the sauce into the now-empty pan.

Dessert:

No Pudge , using the single mix method- Genius!
Added in banana, peanut butter, pumpkin butter and extra nonfat greek yogurt!

Body:
4 mile run, 10 minute elliptical cool down

"ahhhh" this is me sighing because it felt fantastic!

Mind:
Paper #2 done, worked on Paper #3 due friday, lots of studying this weekend while my sister will be enjoying herself in paradise..

Soul:
Done with classes for the semester!!!
Woohoo!

Oh I wish I could be going to my sister's 30th birthday party in paradise this weekend! I could not afford the $700. Had I worked this semester as planned, I would have been just fine. Unfortunately, I could not and I know she will only turn 30 once but I can't go bankrupt for it as much as I want to!
Plus, I have finals on monday and wednesday and that would just not be easy to relax on the beach with a Pina Colada when I need to memorize metabolic pathways and research methods!

In the past seven days I have done yoga twice and run on 3 of the days. I feel FANTASTIC. Incredibly balanced. I love it!

I rented movies specifically for Jeff- "Stepbrothers" which we just finished watching after dinner & during dessert. We totally turned the lights out like a movie theater, and now its time for Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer from 1964!

Body:
Run: 3.2 miles - I did an easy pace at 8 minutes, then did some speedwork at 1 minute intervals of 6:20 minutes/mile... it felt fantastic!
Biked: 6.4 miles
Elliptical: just to cool down- for 5 minutes

All cardio today, took a break from strength training since I lifted yesterday.

Mind:
Class lasted 30 minutes but I worked after lunch on my project due friday (2 hours) and final touches on my paper due today (30 minutes) and read the sources for my paper due wednesday (2 hrs) - I have lots of studying for my final in one week, and lots for my final in 11 days!

Soul:

It feels so nice to have that paper done ( I found out I did the citations correctly but in the wrong style.. oh well).... I love when dishes are done, I hate when they are just piled in the sink- so that is definately nice! I have to figure out this job thing, I think it will take me awhile. I am most excited that Jeff finally went to the doctor today, he has been sick for what seems like 3 weeks straight and I had it in the middle of that and felt horrible! I needed meds immediately- so I am finishing my last does tomorrow and he went today and sure enough, got the same meds. So it was nice getting to spend a little unexpected time with him and hopefully he will start feeling better soon too!

and I love running..did i ever mention that?

Savory Oats, Attempt #2 COMPLETE SUCCESS

Body:

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO....HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Can you tell I am excited? I ran 5.15 miles in 42 minutes!
It was hard, the first mile was easy - i was like this is so awesome this is so awesome- and then I started coughing and was thinking to myself "I can I can I can I can" every step of the way until the 5 mile mark.

Sigh... my quads are super sore from yesterday's lifting but I am fairly confident by thursday (rest day tomorrow) I will feel fine!

I am a little sore all over, just in that lovely " ooh we missed you exercise" kind of way.

Mind:
Heading to work on paper- metabolism paper only today- lots of reading and then writing- Hyperglycemia Cell Metabolism this is your warning, I will conquer you !


Soul:
I love running I love running fast I love running slow I love being able to run I love runner's high I love that my knee did not hurt one bit I love running

I am so excited for my parents to come here - It takes off SO much stress from me and I can relax and conquer the (world) I mean, metabolism paper.

Pre-Run Fuel:

English Muffin
Nonfat Cottage Cheese
Pumpkin Butter
Banana
Flaxseed Butter

Savory Oats Lunch:

In this order, I re-arranged from yesterday


3/4 cup Leek and Potato Soup
1/2 cup irish oats
Trader Joes Poultry Seasoning (which actually contains all healthy spices and no salt or chemicals!)

Heated up in the Microwave for 2 minutes..let cool while I seperately heated up 1/2 cup frozen spinach and broccoli. Drained out any excess water and added it to the oat soup... Added some chopped red pepper, parmesean and pork from last night

Heated it all up for another 1 minute...

YUMMMMM!

So I had an apple and pumpkin butter on the side but then since pork and apples go so nicely together- I threw in some apple into it to.




I would recommend this to anyone and everyone!

To Run or Not to Run

My expected first half marathon was this weekend. I did not run it. There were so many reasons that I should NOT run it, I found it hard to find a reason WHY to run it other than it was a goal.

I have had feasts of glucose, protein and electrolytes. I double-knot. I lock the door behind me. I had to prove what I was made. Just keep adding mile after mile on my internal odometer. I ran 3 miles, 8 miles, 12 miles. Some days more, some days less. I rewarded a long run with a short run. And a short run with a long run. Rain tried to slow me. Sun tried to microwave me. The early frost made me feel like a warrior. I cramped. But I paid no mind to comfort. On weekends. On holidays. I made excuses to keep going. Questioned myself. Played mind games. Put my heart before my knees. Listened to my breathing. Worked on my tan. I hit the wall. I went through it.

( this was adapted from a nike quote I found very inspiring- good job nike!)

I did not run the 13.1 mile 1/2 marathon this weekend. I had been debating all week because I have been fighting off this cold, trying so hard for it not to get me down. I felt the pressure bricks laying on top of me, the yogurt presentation, on top goes the native american health presentation, then the metabolism exam... I had to drive three hours , then spend a few hundered on a hotel the night before, then pay $80 to wake up at 6 am and run. Then drive back three hours .

It just seemed like all of this extra effort that was NOT worth it at this point. I started training in July with the hopes of placing very high. Once I hurt my knee, everything changed. I wasn't sure if I would even be able to run again.

After slowly rebuilding my distance, increasing my cross training, running 12.5 miles last week, I realized that I don't need to drive 3 hours or spend $300 to finish in a 13 mile race. I ran my race, I ran 12.5 miles in under 2 hours- about an 8 minute mile pace for 12.5 miles! I knew I could have kept going.

My initial goal was to place in the top ten and I was training at 6:20 minute miles, 7:00 minute miles, longer runs were a mix of 7 to 8 minute miles. I was on my way of acheiving it until my knee injury.

I realized after a long week of reflection, anxiety, pain, stress, sniffles, breathing trouble that this was just all ... silly!

I run whether I will "win" the race or just finish. I ran my race, and I acheived more than I could have hoped for. I already know that I can do it. That was my race, to find out if I actually can and would. I did.

This is where I start.
I start training again, a long-long-long training program to build back up to where I started. My knees won't go before my heart. My schoolwork does not get put aside to run, and if I start getting sick, I will wait until I get better.


So I felt that although no one probably knew, I had to write out what happened and why and that I am confident this is not going to be the only race in my future. I will be running many more, probably skipping many along the way.


Sunday, I ran 3 miles with Jack-brown-dog nice and easy. We stopped to smell nearly everything and when we came home I realized how AMAZING our crepe myrtle trees look in our front yard. I will take a picture today but I only hope they haven't quickly faded their gorgeous colors.

I made pumpkin pie breakfast for one again and I have a long week of studies ahead of me!!

Marathon Here I come

Body:
RAN 12.5 MILES!!!! WWWWWAAAAAHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOO@@@

My fake race went superb! I stopped at mile 6 on campus and bought a bag of candy corn ( i had more than this- about 20 pieces total)( no jelly beans)- and boy, did I feel an energy boost! Phew! I feel so much more confident for the marathon next weekend! sigh...

p.s i decided to do a calorie count today only because I ran SO much and know I have a huge deficit to make up- I'm not big on calorie counting in general because I really try to listen to my body and feed it whatever it wants - when it wants it- but for today, I feel like I need to keep track. Plus, it will be helpful for next weekend for the race to kinda gage what I need

interesting notes:
-it was approx. 47 degrees when I started running

-it was approx. 53 degrees when I stopped

-I ran for 1 hour and 48 minutes, 12 miles ( .5 mile jog/walk)

-I felt super slow even though well under the time I thought I would get

- Took off my gloves on mile three

-candy corn was super energy boost!

- came home and immediately made a delicious smoothie (despite not being hungry???)

- when i got home, I was SUPER cold ... I still am really cold after showering and eating and now ready for class

Smoothie ( I drank while getting in the shower because I was so cold but knew I needed to get fuel and to get warm)
1/2 cup milk

3/4 banana

1 Tb pb
1 scoop chocolate protein powder

1/2 cup frozen mango

Delicious - best one I have ever made ! !!
approx. 210 calories

Post shower I had:
Tava "Meditteranean Fiesta"
Flat Out Light Wrap

Rotissere chicken w/o skin

approx. 140 calories

I know this is not enough calories- I am at 700 for the day (w candy corn) but honestly, my stomach does not want anything inside it right now. I know that I burned over 1,000 and "need" the fuel- but I just can't handle anymore right now.

So I will bring a smores z bar & apple with me and know for sure I can get something as soon as I get hungry again before class!

Pumpkin Sprinkles

Update on Body:

I just ran ....9 miles... ! And on the 7th mile I thought of all the great readers on here that comment and knew I could keep going! So THANK YOU ! I ran around my campus 6 times! Each loop is 1.49 miles according to mapmyrun (1.3 according to my car) and I ran extra in between stuff. WOOHOOO! That is the farthest I have run so far - and had I not stepped off into the grass and strained my arch on some rocks-I would have kept going. But at that point, I wouldn't risk any more strain.

Lunch:
Protein Plate: 3 egg whites hard boiled, nonfat greekyogurt from Trader Joes with a scoop of protein powder mixed in AND Halloween Pumpkin sprinkles! hee hee- I wouldn't recommend mixing protein powder like this but it was all function ( recovery muscle fuel )... and for delicious warming comfort- a nice bowl of Quaker Simple Harvest Hot Cereal- mixed with water and a cut up apple inside , cinnamon sprinkled all over! YUM!

Off to shower, then class to fufill all my ( some of my) "Mind" stuff

"I thought I'd try out my sea legs" .... "Lieutenant Dan, you ain't got no legs..."

Yes I know that...
( apologies to those who have not seen it, you probably won't understand any of this post )
Now you wouldn't believe me if I told you, but I could run like the wind blows.

I dragged myself to the gym with a case of the "Blahs" but I wore my knee brace and my running -only shoes. Mama says they was magic shoes, They could take me anywhere.
So Today, for no particular reason, I decided to go for a little run. So I ran to the end of the road. And when I got there, I thought maybe I'd run to the end of town. And when I got there, I thought maybe I'd just run across Greenbow County. And I figured, since I run this far, maybe I'd just run across the great state of Alabama. And that's what I did. I ran clear across Alabama. For no particular reason I just kept on going. And when I got there, I figured, since I'd gone this far, I might as well turn around, just keep on going. I might as well just turn back, keep right on going At 5 miles, I figured I would just stop but then I though I will go to 6.4 because I like 10K's... then at 6.4 I figured I would even it out to 7 because I like the number 7. I felt like if I really wanted to, I could run for 3 years, 2 months, 14 days, and 16 hours. I thought to myself ... I'm pretty tired, I think I'll go home now.

So I went home and made some lunch! Hope you enjoyed that, everything in italics is directly from Forrest Gump, it just seemed so appropriate !

Salmon, leftover angel hair, some goddess dressing, and tons of veggies!

• spinach



• carrot



• asparagus



• cauliflower



• red pepper



• yellow squash



• red cabbage



• snap peas



• broccoli

Jeff just called with free tickets to The State Fair!!! Its over in a few days and not really all its cracked up to be but I did want to catch the Slow Food exhibit and maybe eat a fried turkey leg or fried oreos. I hear they have fried pecan pie this year. Quite honestly, I am open to trying anything but I tend to just not want that kind of stuff. Whatever it is, I know I can just enjoy eating it since it happens once a year if that.

We'll see if we go and I will probably not post lunch and dinner pics until later but will for sure take pics!!!

** Before I left for class I grabbed this baggie full of Kashi crackers- there was one serving in there. I actually didn't want them but thought since I ran so much, by the time class rolls around I will be starving and not be able to pay attention so if that would be the case- I grabbed the crackers. Good thing because sure enough, fifteen minutes before class while I was reviewing from last week- I was hungry! **