New job+ 8milers+ Ice bathing

 Happy Monday Morning! 

I’m happy to report that I am coming off an excellent night’s sleep and currently snuggling with these silly mutts

 Cuddling refers to constantly being stepped on and over while they do whatever they want.

This weekend was full and busy. I started my new job on Friday, my very first shift was a double and while it was an extremely long day (10am-10pm) I am happy to report that I love it so far! 

This restaurant is a Seafood marketplace/bar/bistro. I will be waitressing but also learning the bar and marketplace also which is pretty exciting since it will give me some variety. Plus I get to eat super high quality seafood :)  I learned that I’m a natural at skinning fish.. I did it perfect my very first time- it’s like a weird talent or something. 

I worked Saturday too, but just 10-4, so James and I went out for sushi. We also rented a movie, but I was so exhausted I fell asleep 5 minutes into it. I’m such a party animal.

Sunday was all about running- I had an 8 miler on the schedule. I’ll be honest my legs were already pretty tired from standing for 18 hours this weekend, but I figured they would feel better once I started

Plus, I got to use my brand new compression socks that I just bought from Procompression which felt awesome. I filled my camelbak, grabbed some fuel and was on my way. It ended up being a beautiful day and I finished the 8 miles in 1:13 (which included a pit stop back to the car and another one at Wholefoods to use the bathroom- why do I always have to pee 5 minutes into my runs?!) 

I came home and made a big bowl of scrambled eggs with broccoli, onion and cheddar doused in hot sauce of course, and then did my best to not fall asleep on the couch. I finally convinced myself to get up and stretch a half hour later and jumped into an ice bath right afterwards.  

 It honestly wasn’t too bad this second time around, dare I say, I actually enjoyed it! Plus James promised me a special treat if I was ice bathing when he got home- which ended up being a one pump mocha latte from Starbucks ;) And Tuna kept me laughing for most of it too

 I had given him his first piece of ice before I threw the rest of it in the tub and apparently he loved it. He kept jumping on the side and shoving his nose in the water trying to fish out more and ended up making nose bubbles and almost fell in a bunch

It was a good laugh! 

After 20 minutes, I got out and bundled up and read for a bit. Once I had most of the feeling back in my lower half I showered finally. 

James and I are starting in a volleyball league this Tuesday so we met up with some of our team members to hit the ball around. I was less than enthusiastic about chasing the ball (we aren’t exactly professional players! hah) but it was fun anyway! 

The weekend+ Longest Run +Ice Baths+ a lucky girl

As soon as I hit publish on Thursday- plans got changed again! 

My tattoo consult got moved until the afternoon which kind of seemed good at first because James was going to take the drive with me (The shop is over an hour away so having company sounded awesome) But then James was at a job at URI- University of RI- and there was a gun threat (which turned out to be a bunch of 20 year olds playing Zombie vs. Humans- seriously.. imaginary games about zombies in college?! So much for higher education)

 So instead James was stuck in the parking lot for the next 3 hours. 

The boys hung out with me while I waited to leave for my appointment 

Daddy?

While driving to the appointment- I was 2 cars behind a 3 car accident. Talk about scary! Thankfully everyone seemed ok and I continued on my journey. 

My appointment went well. We spent the first half catching up and chatting about why I was planning on getting the tattoo and looking at the tattoo on my other foot- which he has decided we are also touching up/adding more colors when I get the outline of my new tattoo- because having both feet tattooed at the same time really seems like fun. NOT! 

Haha.. foot tattoos are supposedly one of the most painful you can get (hands and head are in the same pain category with ribs and hips coming in second) Basically the less meat under the skin then more it hurts. I’ve had my right foot tattooed twice.. so while it does hurt, it’s not enough to stop me from doing the other one ;)

I only took one picture the whole time I was there 

(this is not the tattoo I’m getting)

I left with some homework (final decisions about colors and the font I plan to use for Hydro’s name) and an appointment for the outline (May 16th!)

On the way home, I missed my exit and had to drive through city traffic but still managed to make it to my PT client. 

I came home to a beautiful dinner (James really is the best) 

 This included my very first time eating an actual steak in over 15 years. It was super fancy, pinkies up grass-fed

I’m not going to lie.. I didn’t really dig it. I really tried to like it, especially because James was so excited about it.. but it really just didn’t do it for me. I managed to eat 1/2 of it. 

Friday I did the last workout of the week for BBB- which I loved.. It was a circuit style workout with lots of balancing moves- good fun! I also ran a couple of miles. I refueled with simple stuff

Nice and clean.. Except when I got to work I got a hold of the whipped cream (we make it from just cream and powdered sugar.. and I’m a total sucker for it and eat way too much of it.. oops)

I was extra bad and put caramel on it too.. YUM

After work, James and I headed out on the motorcycle- it was a beautiful day and so awesome to be on the bike again! I even bought a leather jacket- which means I’m totally a biker now ;) Ha.. Yeah right! After jacket shopping we hit up Andrea’s for some awesome greek food

 James was a little hungry and ordered SO.MUCH.FOOD. I shared a salad and that appetizer plate up there with him- he also had soup and this entree

I choose a lamb burger- because obviously I’m obsessed. 

Sunday- I had an 8 miler scheduled. I knew it was going to be in the 50’s and sunny so I headed to Providence to run through the city. I was pretty nervous about this run. It was not only the longest run I’ve done ever- but it was the longest I’ve ever run on the actual road (Previously the longest run was 7 miles on a treadmill- which is totally not the same!)

Thankfully, I had the BEST time on this run!

 I think for one of the first times since starting the half marathon training, I realized that I actually am becoming a runner.. like I kind of love it. That might change when I have another crappy run- but as of this run.. and right now- I love it! And I also feel like I will not only finish the half marathon- but I will come in under two hours. (I’ve been told that my only goal for my first half should be to finish.. but I still want to finish under 2 hours- because that’s how I roll) 

Anyway.. about 2.5 miles in I attempted to run up this hill

The picture does not do this thing justice.. I did my best, but I had to walk up some of it..

I also practiced a little fueling with Honey stingers.. 

 

I ate the whole package between mile 4 and 5. They taste awesome and the texture reminds me of fruit snacks that I used to eat all the time as a kid.. But my stomach didn’t really love it- I got a little crampy. The package says 5-10 chews as a serving and I just went for the 10 right off the bat. I think I would have been fine with just 5.. so next long run I will give that a try and see how it goes.

The worst part of the whole thing?

I HATE being cold.. and I hate icing.. so this was pretty much torture! I cried. REAL tears trying to get in there.. James had to talk me through it- I was being a complete baby.. but this is just cruel. Before I hopped in I foam rolled, stretched and made coffee. 

Thankfully the 20 minutes went by fast.. and soon I was on the couch with all of my boy trying to warm me up

I’m such a lucky girl ;)

How was your weekend?

Any long runs, or good workouts?

Have you ever ice bathed? 

Crappy Runs (the exercise not the shits)

My run this morning was ROUGH.. it was only 4 miles (with 2 miles as a tempo- 8:30) I paused the treadmill at least 5 times. My legs felt like lead and my head just wasn’t really in it. 

Whatever, I got it done and over with. 

But lets backtrack a little.

Yesterday I did the second workout of the BBB- though my gym doesn’t have Bosu balls so I had to modify some of the exercises. I rocked my newish bright pants

 Later I did some grocery shopping. James came home from work and we took the dogs for a hike

(Yup.. I’m still wearing the same clothes.. lol)

 We found this old fireplace in the middle of nowhere 

 Crossed a scary dam- which I almost fell into 3 times

 And thoroughly exhausted the dogs.. (And ourselves- we were STARVED)  Tuna was totally zoned out in the car ride back

We covered 4.5 miles. 

While driving home, we devised a plan for dinner.. Divide and conquer! James took care of the ground lamb making it into burgers- seasoned with rosemary and feta cheese. I popped the sweet potatoes in the microwave (fastest way!) and started to steam the kale. Dinner was ready in 15 minutes flat..

I kind of inhaled the kale before I cared about taking a picture.. oh and ground lamb is amazing BTW.. holy moly! 

So yeah.. Back to today.. 

Crappy run, Check. 

I was supposed to give a massage- but that got canceled. Instead I’m having a second cup of coffee before cleaning and then heading out to my Tattoo Consultation appointment! The rest of the night will be time with clients. 

Who’s doing Best Body Bootcamp out there?? 

Have you ever had lamb? What’s your favorite way to prepare/eat it?

Been on any crappy runs lately? How about great hikes?

Making space + Best Body Bootcamp

April 

 Where is the time going? I’m having trouble keeping track of what day it is at this point.

BUT

Monday marked the first day of Best Body Bootcamp!

I am pretty excited about the next 8 weeks- I have been really slack-a-lackin with my strength WOs since I’ve been running more- and when I do get around to hitting the weight room, I’m kind of stuck in a rut with the same old exercises- and after making workouts for others, I start to lose my inspiration for keeping things exciting for myself.. Going by rave reviews of previous participants BBB is exactly the perfect fit! 

Since I didn’t have a chance to get the fit test done this past weekend, I started my workout with it Monday at home- and then headed out to the gym to complete the first workout. Honestly Tina’s workout was sneaky.. While I was completing it, it didn’t seem all that tough- I was wrong. Later Monday night I also taught class- and I knew then that I was going to be in trouble Tuesday morning because I was already sore! (And Hungry)

Luckily, I have the best husband- and he had dinner ready and waiting for me

New to us method of cooking Cod fish- Broiled with lemon zest/juice and walnuts with some spices. Seriously fantastic! (Loosely adapted from Practical Paleo) Along with Roasted asparagus and potato. 

We closed the night with a little Redbox movie. Chasing Mavericks- based on a true story and was a really good movie. You should check it out! 

Tuesday I woke up, had some coffee and a little breakie

Fage 2%, banana, chia seeds, walnuts and coconut flakes. 

While eating breakfast I snapped a picture of the boys

 Tuna has a very expressive face- it kills me. 

As it turns out, I was right about being sore.. my legs were like lead, but thankfully even though my training plan has me increasing to 4 runs a week instead of 3 (This week- and for the remainder) , I only had 2 miles scheduled for this day. It was super sunny out, and had been really mild the day before so I thought it would be a perfect time to get used to running outside. 

Ok.. it was a bit colder than I had anticipated! But I was done in 18 minutes, so it really didn’t matter much. 

I headed out to work at the restaurant- and put in my two weeks notice toward the end of the day. I’ve done the whole “Stay at a job you hate because you need money and its the responsible thing to do- and then hate your life each time you have to work” thing… I did it at Denny’s for years.. and I just can’t do it to myself again- life is just too short.. so this was the right thing to do. 

I felt so much better :)

Sometimes, you have to make space in your life for positive things by getting rid of things that are not serving you.. or letting go of things or people that have a hold on you. 

I’m open for new opportunities! 

Photos of awesomeness (from the last couple days)

Hey Friday! 

I thought I’d keep this short and sweet tonight with a few snapshots of the last couple of days.. you know.. all the awesome stuff I can be grateful for or just think is pretty cool. 

I’m getting a whole lot better at this whole gel-eyeliner-girly-winged-kindofthing

 I dig it :)

I found the perfect frame to showcase my little Hydro-face’s paw print at T.J.Maxx that also happens to go perfectly on the very in-progress wall collage 

 It was only $6 and was supposed to just be a table-top frame, but I finagled it to hang on the wall.

(P.S.- I made a consult appointment with my tattoo artist for next week to chat about my Hydro tattoo and I’m super PUMPED about it!) 

There was awesome coffee hangout time with Paula at Felicia’s coffee (that cookie must weigh in a pound at least.. High fiber chocolate chip cookies for the win! I didn’t have any of it.. but it looked so yum!)

Tuna is super serious- and I whipped out the flippy-floppys for real.. Hello Spring!

While hanging out with Paula we went to Target.. I found two tanks for under $3 each and a pair of pants for $7- Score! This tank is my favorite.. because it’s covered in hott pink stars.. DUH

Even though my hip hurt like a Mofo, I still managed to get my training run pounded out

I convinced myself that it would all be worth it because it was massage day! This session was supposed to be Thai massage, but Jess forgot to wear yoga clothes, and you can’t do Thai massage in jeans.. but it all worked out for the best because she kicked my ass with an hour and 45 minutes of super intense, deep tissue work- which I so desperately needed. 

I woke up this morning feeling completely (muscle) pain free- there are definitely a couple of sore spots where she really dug in- but my hip hasn’t felt this good in weeks! I felt so great when I woke up this morning I texted her.. JUST to thank her.. I don’t know how I got so lucky to find someone to barter massages.. but I’m and so grateful.. And I’m sure my body is too! 

I taught a very unstructured yoga class later in the evening.. It was one of those classes where you just can’t focus the students (or yourself- I’m probably the worst teacher in the world- lol).. or wrangle them even a little to get some good yoga work in.. so instead to ended early and went to share some sangria.. 

I love my students.. 

After a decent nights sleep (which was awesome because I slept about 2 hours broken sleep the night before) I made an awesome paleo breakfast

 With a honking big cup of coffee of course.. 

I followed it up with some attempted yoga.. Tuna still doesn’t get the concept of mom working out.. 

 So yoga quickly turned into photo-session

 These dogs are too much! 

I think I managed about 15 minutes of Tuna-interupted yoga before hitting the shower and taking the pup for a training walk.. playing Red Light.. Green light.. Good news is he still remembered the game (even though it had been close to a week since last we played) We managed 2-3 blocks around the neighborhood! 

Afterwards I took Tuna along for a ride to Wholefoods- (Sammy kind of hates the car so he only really goes in it when we are taking him to the woods for a hike) it is the only store around here that I can buy grass fed cows milk.. and I NEED it for my coffee.. I also bought some more Fage yogurt too :) 

I used some of the yogurt, a big spoonful of almond butter and some cinnamon to make a dip for my work lunch

Lunch was awesome.. Work was not.. The oven caught fire- and shit got real.. I realized I would be a terrible person in an emergency.. I freaked out a bit. Thankfully no one got hurt and it was more shocking than serious.. but I left early (which is always awesome in my eyes) and walked with $14 in my pocket.. Tomorrow’s workday is sure to be interesting! 

Tuesday- Thursday + WO

Tuesday

I had a horrible run.. my legs felt like lead and I just didn’t want to be doing it.. I realize that there are going to be good run days and bad run days- so I just chalked it up to part of the process.  Needless to say, I got it done :) 

Wednesday

We have one of those satellite alarm clocks.. you know the ones that set the time for you? Yes- they are cool in theory except when the clock decided to “Spring ahead” a week early. James woke us up and did the normal coffee making.. but at 5AM instead of 6AM!  But once I’m awake- there is no going back. So instead, It was time to get a good home workout in. I based it on this workout with a couple modifications

Tabata #1 High knees

Tabata #2 Jumping Jacks

50 Air squats

25 Mountain climbers

50 Alternating Lunges

25 Jump squats

Tabata #3 Butt Kickers

Tabata #4 Star jumps

25 Pushups

50 Crunches

25 Diamond pushups

50 Hollow body rocks 

50 Woodchoppers (with 12 lb. Medicine ball)

50 Alt. Front kicks

The whole time I was working out I had a little buddy

 We did run into one little problem… 

Every time I tried to do a pushup he snuck his way under me.. Because you know pushups need to be more challenging right?! 

We ended up having a little mini training session in between pushups- trying to get him to lay down on a yoga towel next to me since he obviously wanted to stay close

Almost there…

Hurray! 

Truth be told this lasted about 5 seconds before he got back up.. but it’s still progress!

Afterwards I attempting to make some Paleo Banana bread.. It really looked promising in the oven

If only it actually came out good. Actually it tasted really good but It wouldn’t cook in the middle- even though I had it in the oven for over an hour.. That’s what I get for thinking I could wing a recipe.  

Thursday (Today!)

This morning, Tuna left me a little present while I got ready for my run

 Isn’t that sweet? 

(The towel on the floor is from their breakfast- we feed the boys the BARF diet- you don’t want raw meat on your floor, blieve me! )

Pre-run fuel

Coconut Chia pudding with defrosted mixed berries

Almond butter

Coconut flakes

And then the run

Afterwards there was a mug of coffee the size of my head and snacks that didn’t hold me over.. so lunch followed soon after!

So tell me what have you been up to??
What are your experiences with good and bad runs?

Weekend in Review

Friday 

I started the day off with a 45 minute Tuna walk around the hood before heading off to work. The place was DEAD.. I seriously waited on 3 of the 8 tables that came in all day, so I left early to hang out with James. We headed to Providence for a very chilly walk around the city with Tuna.. (We are trying to get him around as many people and places as possible to desensitize him since he is nervous of loud noises and such- plus as a “Pit Bull Mix” people are automatically going to be sketchy around him, and we want him to be used to that and change their skewed views on the breed with all of his smooches!)

By the time we got home he was pooped

Aren’t they cute together? Sammy totally loves him

(He jumped on the chair to lay next to him- which is basically the dog version of spitting in your palm and shaking)

We made some dinner before heading out to meet our friends for a drink. 

It was a nice low key night :)

Saturday

I went to work- and ended my shift with a $10 tip on a $150 check- This is a table that I had to sing Happy Birthday to among other things and they didn’t even leave 10%.. So I asked them how my service was.. They said it was great, etc..  I just don’t get it.. Being a waitress really blows sometimes.

After work James and I walked Tuna to our friends’ house to see what they were up to. We decided to head over the the shoe store since I need to buy new running shoes and our friend Scott was in the market for some new shoes as well. 

I have been looking for new shoes for a while- but I have commitment issues.. especially when sneakers are over $100 a pair.. Eventually I settled on Brooks Pure Cadence2 

They are my first pair of minimal sneakers and was very excited except for the price.. $120- ouch.. Pretty sure my credit card is still crying.

After the shoe buying we came back to our place and played Uno.. 

Sunday

I took my new kicks for their very first run

 If nothing else they look awesome and make me feel cool

Well so far so good! I could instantly tell the difference between these and the other shoes I was running in.  I think I like them ;)

We did some random stuff during the afternoon and then headed out to see Tenacious D

 “Balcony” is code word for the very last row of seats with noses bleeding- it didn’t matter it still rocked our socks off and we were excited about it

 The show started with Sasquatch playing a Bigfoot guitar and singing.. he was pretty awesome actually

 Followed by KG and Jack Black rockin’ the house.. super amazing and awesome :)

On the way home we grabbed a pint of Ben and Jerrys 

And proceeded to eat the entire pint between the two of us.. It was fantastic and I’m not the least bit ashamed :)

Monday

Morning walk the with The Big Tuna followed by a bunch of errands and house cleaning.

I checked the mail and found this

Apparently the folks at the vets office where Hydro was put to rest- took his foot prints and mailed them to us with a wonderful handwritten condolence message. I bawled the moment I saw it.. 

The funny thing was- as I was vacuuming earlier in the day, I was thinking of Hydro (and the fact that I will probably be vacuuming his hair up for the next 2 years) Man I miss his presence <3 nbsp="" p="">

The afternoon was a coffee date with James followed by a walk around the hood with my friend Laura and her dog.

Then off to teach- dinner and wine to end the night :)