tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88818701059845338172024-03-13T20:46:22.309-07:00Marathon Mel"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss it, you will land among the stars". ~Les BrownKopp Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06292175396724445807noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881870105984533817.post-89528349735105221412013-02-25T14:23:00.002-08:002013-02-25T14:25:31.920-08:00January and (some of) February RecapIt's been a busy and...well, interesting couple of months. I have barely had time to get through my day-to-day business, let alone update my blog. <br />
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January was a solid month. I continued training for my marathon on April 7th. Training went really well! I even continued to keep my swimming, cycling, yoga, and strength training going strong. However, all month, I was fighting a sinus infection. Took it easy one week, and thought I had kicked it. I ended January on a great note:<br />
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Running: 140 miles<br />
Strength sessions: 13<br />
Swim yards: 3600 yards<br />
Spinning session: 1<br />
Yoga: 7 sessions<br />
Races run: 3 (2 virtual, 1 IRL)<br />
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I am pleased with the yoga and strength sessions. I would like to see my swimming and spinning increase again! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sadie after her surgery on one of our visits. </td></tr>
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Along came the first week of February came along and the infection came back with a vengeance. I had to take an entire week off. I don't think I have done that since I started running 3 1/2 years ago! I was down for the count. The following week, I took it easy so as not to end up sick again. Then on the 6th, one of my Cavaliers, Sadie, got really sick and ended up needed emergency surgery. Once she got home, she needed to be supervised and given medications round the clock. Finally on the 10th, we got the news that my husband's grandmother had passed away. The memorial service was the following weekend. Needless to say, this month has been rough on training. I will do an official recap at the end of the month, but I am slowly getting back on track!<br />
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I have run 3 half marathons this year to move towards my goal of 13in2013! I will update my 13in2013 page with the recaps!<br />
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<br />Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08274837252980894266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881870105984533817.post-68251427130690454112013-01-07T17:14:00.002-08:002013-01-07T17:14:39.730-08:002013...a look forwardAs I look into the coming year, I would like to begin thinking about what I want to accomplish. I have 3 big goals that I want to accomplish. <br />
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<b>Goal 1: Qualify for Boston. </b><br />
This past year I ran 2 marathons and surprised myself in both. On a non stop hills course in Canton in June, I broke 4 hours, taking 35 minutes off my first marathon time. In October, I came close to a <a href="http://www.marathonguide.com/news/regfeatures/BostonQualifying.cfm">BQ</a>, with a time of 3:42:59 taking almost 15 minutes off my time from June. I never thought I could ever come close to a BQ. After October, I was determined that I will take that 3 minutes off that I need in order to BQ. I can do it! The training has already begun, and I am feeling good! The next opportunity is April 7th in Xenia. 3:39...here I come!<br />
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<b>Goal 2: Do a Half Iron Man. </b><br />
I was a swimmer in high school. I love being in the water. I discovered my love for running about 3 years ago. I am learning to enjoy cycling. Put these together, and you have a desire to do a triathlon. In 2012, I participated in a mini-triathlon in July and had a blast. This led to doing an Olympic distance triathlon in September. I had such a blast and I developed the desire to challenge myself even more. A woman from my running group and I are going to do <a href="http://rev3tri.com/cedar-point/cedar-point-news/">Rev3</a> at Cedar Point in September. I'm totally excited about this! I would love to say I don't have a time goal in mind, but I do. I won't reveal it right now, but I can't wait to see what my body can do. <br />
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<b>Goal 3: Run 13 Half Marathons in 2013. </b><br />
This idea was inspired by another member of my running group who ran 12 in 2012. I thought it would be very cool to say I ran 13-13.1's in 2013! I will need to do one or two virtual races, but I am totally confident that I can achieve this goal! I'm looking forward to tracking my progress here, and I can't wait to look back in a year and reflect on each race! There are a couple of bloggers that are helping me with this goal. <a href="http://jillconyers.com/sponsors/">Jill</a> and <a href="http://www.fundrun4bling.com/">Sandra</a>. I want to thank them in advance for the support that they are giving and the encouragement!!<br />
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I am excited to see what 2013 is going to bring. I can't wait to sit here in a year and reflect on what I have accomplished. Cheers!Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08274837252980894266noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881870105984533817.post-84232271867463341052013-01-01T15:52:00.001-08:002013-01-01T15:52:08.223-08:002012, a reflection...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">As I reflect on 2012, I can honestly say I am proud of what I have accomplished. I ran my 2nd and 3rd marathons. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">I got to run with my daddy. He ran about a mile with me in my marathon in June, </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">and we ran the Jingle Bell Run (sorta) together, as well as with many other members of my family! </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">I PR'd at every distance, except that illusive half-marathon. I fought and won against <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0004438/">PF</a>. I have stayed healthy.</span></div>
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I have run alone....</div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">I have run with friends. I have paced friends. I have had friends pace me. </span></div>
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I have run with my girls...</div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">I competed in my first triathlon (Olympic distance). </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">I met my running goal for the year. Even with set-backs, </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">I have fought through and I came out stronger. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">It was a good year. </span></div>
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<br />Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08274837252980894266noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881870105984533817.post-73897533683357176632012-12-31T12:56:00.007-08:002012-12-31T12:57:39.094-08:00HBBC wrap up week #6I haven't had a chance to do a weekly wrap up for a couple of weeks, but I have been doing well keeping myself moving during the Holiday Season. The last couple of weeks have been busy, but good. I love this time of year...not so crazy about the snow, but I am learning to embrace running in it. It appears I won't have much of a choice this winter. <br />
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Here's what I did this week:<br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7;">Monday</span>: Stayed inside on the TM and did a 5 mile easy run with 2 miles walking, then 20 minutes of stretching.<br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7;">Tuesday</span>: Just an easy 4 miles before we got going to Canton for Christmas celebrations at my Gramma's house.<br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7;">Wednesday</span>: Have been trying to do more yoga. I found a great routine on youtube.com. There were 3 parts: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77X52npYkyI">Part 1</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4CRXmTGMQk">Part 2</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttZhxsAVyak">Part 3</a>. This was a nice 30 minute routine that I did after my 6 mile run in the blizzard and the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwvexar9AyE">WOW #6</a>. I added lying leg lifts and straight-leg crunches. I think this might be my favorite of the WOWs so far. <br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7;">Thursday</span>: Took a much needed rest day. Lounged around the house and enjoyed the family. It was a great day. <br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7;">Friday</span>: Went to Blacklick Woods to get my 6 miles with 4 at MP in. There were no clear roads/sidewalks in my neighborhood and I needed to be able to get some good speed. Luckily, the roadway was clear in the park, even though the trail was not. It was so pretty, I had to snap a couple of pics. The run went really well, and I was able to hit my goal pace. I got home and did the WOW workout again, as well as 30 minutes of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSAS2UbW5cI">yoga</a>. Another good routine from youtube!<br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7;">Saturday</span>: I love the weekends, extra time to get workouts in. I hadn't been in the pool or on the bike all week, so I took advantage of the time I had today to do both. Tried to run outside, but the snow was just too deep, and too many people had not cleared their sidewalks at all. Got 2 done outside, and then headed to the Y to finish up my 5 for the day. Then did an hour of spinning, and a 2000 yard swim followed by a quick stretch and cool down walk. Whew! I felt good after all of that!<br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7;">Sunday</span>: Had 12 miles on the schedule, but the snow was still a problem in my neighborhood, so I relented and hopped on the TM. I tried to do a progressive run, and I was doing great...until my TM stopped working at 8.5 miles....ugh. I messed with it for a few minutes, and then got changed and headed outside to finish. I was able to find some pseudo-cleared roads, and got the remaining 3.5 in. last mile was my fastest, as I continued to try to keep the progressive run going. <br />
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Got my freggies in every day but one. I am happy with that! <br />
Total points for week 6: <span style="color: purple;">78.18</span>. <br />
<br />
HBBC has been a great motivator for me these last few weeks. I am excited for the coming year! Thanks for all of your support and motivation!Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08274837252980894266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881870105984533817.post-22810505034470789672012-12-18T15:15:00.000-08:002012-12-18T15:15:01.224-08:00Honor and Remember...part 2<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My last two runs were dedicated to the adult victims of Sandy Hook. I was able to spend a full mile praying for each of these victims by name. The stories of <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/staffers-hailed-heroes-conn-shooting-083934401.html">courage and sacrifice</a> that have been told about the teachers and staff at Sandy Hook have touched and inspired me. I hope that I have courage to face down any evil that may block my path. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I ran, I prayed for: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~ Healing for the families of the victims. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~ That God's grace surrounds each of the survivors. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~ That the Lanza family can be greeted with grace. Hate breeds hate...the only way to battle hate is with love. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~ That the survivors (including those parents whose children came home on Friday) not suffer from guilt because they survived. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~That the town of Sandy Hook feel the prayers and support of the nation. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~ That the nation begin to heal and do so through love and kindness towards each other. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Run #1 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mile 1: <b>Vicky Soto</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mile 2: <b>Dawn Hochsprung</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mile 3: <b>Mary Sherlach</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mile 4: <b>Rachel Davino</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Run #2</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mile 1: <b>Anne Marie Murphy</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mile 2: <b>Lauren Rousseau</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mile 3: <b>The Lanza family</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mile 4: <b>The survivors</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I believe that God has shown Himself in the aftermath of this tragedy. At least, He has revealed himself to me. I believe that love will prevail. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #fffefd; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><b>Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, </b></span><b style="background-color: #fffefd; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">for you are with me.</b></span></div>
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<b style="background-color: #fffefd; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> (Psalm 23)</span></b></div>
Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08274837252980894266noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881870105984533817.post-30112901497161713622012-12-15T15:24:00.001-08:002012-12-15T15:24:13.733-08:00Honor and rememberYesterday, one of the most horrendous events in recent memory took place. A 20 year old man killed his mother in their home and then drove to a nearby elementary school and gunned down 20 kindergarten and first-graders and 6 staff members and then turned the gun on himself. When I heard the news, as a mother and a teacher, my heart broke. The grief that so many strangers are feeling in the aftermath of this unfathomable tragedy is real and raw. The feeling of wanting to help ease the pain of those affected is tremendous. The solace and healing that running has provided for me inspired me to do the only thing I know how to do to cope with this...run. <br />
<br />
My plan for this morning was to run 8 miles, head to the gym and spin for an hour, and then do a nice easy swim. However, as I was getting ready, a little voice started making itself heard in the back of my head. There were 20 beautiful innocent lives lost yesterday...run a mile for each of them. Of course, I said to that voice at first....no way. I haven't run more than 13 miles in over 2 months (not including my marathon). But that voice just wouldn't go away. So I made a decision. I would run those 20 miles in an attitude of prayer and love...and I would finish. No matter how long it took me, I would finish. I knew this would be hard, and would probably hurt a lot. But my pain and discomfort pales in comparison to the 20 families who will never get to hug, kiss, or hold their little angels again. <br />
<br />
I found a worship music station on Pandora and set out. I broke this run up into 4-5 mile runs. This made it a bit easier mentally. I spent the entire run focused on praying for each of those lovely children. There were times I had to wipe away the tears, but I kept putting one foot in front of another. It was important to me to run for each of them today, so not finishing was not an option. When it got hard at the end, I just kept my focus on asking God to provide healing and comfort for each family. <br />
<br />
May God bless each of these precious children that were taken too soon...<br />
<br />
Mile 1 <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">- </span><strong style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Charlotte Bacon</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">, 6 years old</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Mile 2 - </span><strong style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Daniel Barden</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">, 7 years old </span><br style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Mile 3 - </span><strong style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Olivia Engel</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">, 6 years old</span><br style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Mile 4 - </span><strong style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Josephine Gay</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">, 7 years old</span><br style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Mile 5 - </span><strong style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Ana M. Marquez-Greene</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">, 6 years old</span><br style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Mile 6 - </span><strong style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Dylan Hockley</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">, 6 years old</span><br style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Mile 7 - </span><strong style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Madeleine F. Hsu</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">, 6 years old</span><br style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Mile 8 - </span><strong style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Catherine V. Hubbard</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">, 6 years old</span><br style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Mile 9 - </span><strong style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Chase Kowalski</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">, 7 years old</span><br style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Mile 10 - </span><strong style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Jesse Lewis</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">, 6 years old</span><br style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Mile 11 - </span><strong style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">James Mattioli </strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">, 6 years old</span><br style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Mile 12 - </span><strong style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Grace McDonnell</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">, 7 years old</span><br style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Mile 13 - </span><strong style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Emilie Parker</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">, 6 years old</span><br style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Mile 14 - </span><strong style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Jack Pinto</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">, 6 years old</span><br style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Mile 15 - </span><strong style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Noah Pozner</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">, 6 years old</span><br style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Mile 16 - </span><strong style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Caroline Previdi</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">, 6 years old</span><br style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Mile 17 - </span><strong style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Jessica Rekos</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">, 6 years old</span><br style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Mile 18 - </span><strong style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Avielle Richman</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">, 6 years old</span><br style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Mile 19 - </span><strong style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Benjamin Wheeler, </strong><span style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">6 years old</span><br style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Mile 20 - </span><strong style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Allison N. Wyatt</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">, 6 years old</span><div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/15/sandy-hook-shooting-victims-names_n_2307354.html</span></div>
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08274837252980894266noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881870105984533817.post-69999405095928499422012-12-10T17:15:00.001-08:002012-12-10T17:17:50.364-08:00HBBC Week 3This was a <span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">fantastic</span> week. I met my goals for the week, and am feeling strong and relaxed. <br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">Monday</span>: Ran a really easy-paced 5.5 miles. I was still feeling a bit under the weather, but it felt good to get outside and run. After the run, I tried the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0Zl7Frk8a0&feature=g-user-u">WOW #3</a>. I added planks and squats and did 5 rounds. Love the tabata style of workout!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aPcpIW1sHB4/UMaHKR82W9I/AAAAAAAAAsc/GZbqE0wDxg0/s1600/do-your-tabatas-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aPcpIW1sHB4/UMaHKR82W9I/AAAAAAAAAsc/GZbqE0wDxg0/s320/do-your-tabatas-1.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Taken from: http://tabatatraining.org</span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">Tuesday</span>: Used this as somewhat of a rest day. Got up and did a nice 2200 yard swim (Endurance-Form #4). I recently purchased the book, "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Swim-Workouts-Triathletes-Practical-Endurance/dp/1934030759/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355188153&sr=8-1&keywords=swim+workouts+for+triathletes">Swim workouts for Triathletes</a>" and I am following the "general fitness" plan right now. My goal is to get 3 swims/week in.<br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">Wednesday</span>: Hit it hard today. Did my first every spin class before school. I LOVED it!! The instructor was surprised this was the first time I have ever tried it. Came home that night and ddid a 10k negative split run. Cooled it down with just under a mile walk on the treadmill and then 20 minutes of stretching. <br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">Thursday</span>: Hit the pool before school and did a 3100 yard swim (Endurance speed #6). This was a fun workout, and I got to swim fast for parts of it! :) Came home and did a really slow 4 mile recovery run and 20 minutes of stretching. The quads were really feeling it today as a result of the spin. It took until Sunday before I felt normal again. I wanted to head back to the Y for a spin on Friday morning, but I was having a hard time just going up and down stairs, so I decided to hold off.<br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">Friday</span>: No morning workout today, but did an easy 3.5 interval workout on the treadmill, and then finished up with a 1 mile cool down walk. <br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">Saturday</span>: My goal when I headed out was to get 8-12 miles in at a nice relaxed pace. As I progressed into the run, I started to feel really good. At around 10 miles, I thought I would go for a half marathon...and try to negative split it. Mission accomplished. I ran a 1:55 half marathon with the 2nd half of it 3 minutes faster than the first half. I felt incredible! I cooled it down with a 2 mile walk around the neighborhood, then came home and did some yoga poses and stretched the legs out. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Feeling pretty awesome after an unplanned half mary!!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">Sunday</span>: Headed back to the Y for a brick workout. Did a nice easy 14 mile spin on the indoor bike, then hit the pool for 2400 yard swim (Force #2). Came home and watched the end of the Browns game (THEY WON!!!) while stretching.<br />
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I am very pleased with this week. I wanted to get over 80 points this week, and because of the quality workouts I got in, plus getting in my fruits and veggies every day, I was successful! <span style="color: red;">81.7</span> points this week. I have found that I am more cognizant of going for a piece of fruit as a snack, instead of the chocolate or crackers I would normally go for. I love fruit smoothies, and will often make my own, or buy the Naked smoothies from the store. <span style="color: #0b5394;">My kids and I fight over edamame!</span> How awesome is that??? The best news of all, is that I have lost 4 of the pounds I have put on since my marathon in late October!!! So very pleased. I am hoping to continue that trend through the New Year! <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t4t-JpaGwuc/UMaIycP2PZI/AAAAAAAAAs8/2Eps0mzezzo/s1600/edamame-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t4t-JpaGwuc/UMaIycP2PZI/AAAAAAAAAs8/2Eps0mzezzo/s320/edamame-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Taken from http://www.jamesbeard.org/blog/eat-word-edamame</span></div>
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This coming week is a recovery week as I get ready to start a new marathon training cycle on the 17th. My <span style="color: #3d85c6;">goals</span> for this week:<br />
~ All freggies in each day<br />
~ Post to FB each day<br />
~ Do the WOW at least once<br />
~ Stretch 4 times<br />
~ Swim 2-3 times<br />
~ Spin 2 times<br />
~ Run 24-30 milesMelaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08274837252980894266noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881870105984533817.post-21375549492199878342012-12-02T17:46:00.004-08:002012-12-09T13:40:12.892-08:00HBBC2012 Week 2 wrap up. This was somewhat of a rest week for me. I guess I needed it, but I hadn't planned it this way. That's OK, because I am rested and ready to tackle the coming week. <br />
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<span style="color: red;">Monday</span>, I took it a little easy. Short 2+ mile run as a warm up and then I did 4 rounds of the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmTIdHWTGqE&feature=g-user">WOW</a>. This felt amazing. Then I spent about 20 minutes stretching and did 9 sun salutation as part of that stretching session. I love sun salutations! <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-15xAcVld_Vw/ULwB-wPvC1I/AAAAAAAAArM/ONJ-JvjfmhU/s1600/SunSalutationFinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-15xAcVld_Vw/ULwB-wPvC1I/AAAAAAAAArM/ONJ-JvjfmhU/s320/SunSalutationFinal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image from: http://theyogalotus.blogspot.com/p/sun-salutation.html</span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">Tuesday</span>, I took a full on rest day! I didn't plan it, but I definitely needed it. <br />
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<span style="color: #f1c232;">Wednesday</span>, I headed to the YMCA after school. Got in a 6 mile progressive run on the tready and the track and then hit the indoor bike for a nice 15 mile spin. <br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Thursday</span>, I got up early and went for a nice 2300 yard swim before school. After school I did a 6+ mile run which included 4 <a href="http://www.bartyasso.com/800s">Yasso 800's</a>. My goal for these by the end of my training cycle is under 3:40. These were all right around 3:43. I've got some work to do! Spent 20 minutes doing some stretching again, and got up to 10 sun salutations this time. <br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Friday</span> was a wonderful, easy 7 mile recovery run. I paced this by HR, and kept it to under 135. This translated to about a 9:45 pace. Just perfect! Came in and did 2 WOW circuits which included 12 different moves. It was fantastic! I'm still feeling it on Sunday night. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Thanks, Amy Herring for putting this together!</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">Saturday</span> was the Jingle Bell Run 5k. Each year, my family makes the trip down here to do this run. This year my mom, dad, gramma, my mother in law, my nephew, both of my girls and my oldest's boyfriend joined in the fun! We had a lot of fun. I was up most of the night with some kind of stomach bug, so I didn't put up my best 5k, but I was still one of the top 50 women, so I got a medal! My official time was 24:15. This is almost 90 seconds slower than my PR from a couple of months ago, but I know it was because I was sick. By the time I included all the walking to and from the car, my warm up and then running back to finish the walk with my family, I ended up with 7 miles on the day. Did a little bit of stretching...10 minutes, and then tried to rest and drank lots of ginger ale and at pretzels so I could feel better for my family's Christmas on Sunday. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The family before heading out to the race!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Post race with my "Top 50" medal!</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">Sunday</span> was the day we decided to celebrate Christmas with my side of the family. I hosted for 19 people and loved every minute of it. This translated to roughly 5 hours of cooking and cleaning. After dinner and presents, we took the little ones out for a short walk. The weather was unexpectedly warm for December 2nd. My youngest got Just Dance 3, and I spent about 20 minutes playing the game with her! We had so much fun today. The day was topped off by a Brown's win over the Raiders! <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Some scenes from the day...</span></div>
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Overall, this was not the week I had been shooting for, but it was still a successful week. Partly because of poor planning, I didn't meet my goals of getting 2 spins and 2 swims in, but I will get it this week! I got in 3 days of stretching instead of 4, but that is still 3 more days than I have been getting, so that is considered successful! I got my fruits and veggies (freggies) in each day, and participated in the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/HBBC12/">FB</a> group each day. My total points for this week are <span style="color: #cc0000;">70.05</span>, just a bit under what I had been shooting for, but still pretty good since it turned out to be somewhat of a rest week! <br />
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My <span style="color: magenta;">goals</span> for next week are:<br />
2 spins and 2 swims<br />
5-6 runs<br />
3+ days of stretching<br />
All my freggies/post to FB daily<br />
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<br />Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08274837252980894266noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881870105984533817.post-25040729707689793472012-11-25T17:49:00.003-08:002012-11-25T18:18:20.550-08:00I'm backIt has been a long time since I have last posted, but I recently joined a challenge that will be lots of fun! It's called the Holiday Booty Buster Challenge, and since I am very competitive, this will be a good way for me to continue to be active even between training schedules and especially over the holidays. If you are interested, go to <a href="http://www.holidaybootiebusterchallenge.com/">Holiday Bootie Buster 2012</a>, and let them know I sent ya!<br />
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The first week went really well. My goal for this week was to get 5-7 servings of fruits and veggies (freggies) each day this week. I was successful, and I am very pleased about this! Had a fantastic week of training as well. I even tried the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RC_cbyvBn4I&feature=plcp">Workout of the Week</a>, which is part of the challenge. Did it twice! <br />
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I am loving this challenge and the accountability that the group is giving me. Lots of inspiration as well! Even on days when I don't want to do anything, I look at the wonderful things that others are doing, and I get off my butt and get my workout done!<br />
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The goal for the coming week is to get in 2 swims, 2 bike rides, and stretching/yoga 3-4 days this week...in addition to my normal running. :) <br />
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Thanks, <a href="http://www.runtothefinish.com/">Amanda</a> for doing this! <br />
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HBBC2012 week 1 points:<br />
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Bonus points:<br />
1 point each day for posting to FB (7)<br />
1 point for doing WOW (1)<br />
2 points for getting family out on Thanksgiving (2)<br />
1 point each for posting participation to Twitter and FB (2)<br />
2 points for posting link on blog (2)<br />
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workout points:<br />
32.8 miles running (32.8)<br />
1 mile walk (1)<br />
90 minutes swimming (9)<br />
27 minutes WOW (1.8)<br />
40 minutes stretching/yoga (2)<br />
18.3 miles cycling (6.1)<br />
30 minutes of football game on thanksgiving (2.5)<br />
1 point per day for freggies (7)<br />
cooking/cleaning for Thanksgiving (1.8)<br />
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Total points: Bonus + Workout = 76.7<br />
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I would love to see this closer to 90 this coming week. My goal is to get this up to 100! :)<br />
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<br />Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08274837252980894266noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881870105984533817.post-64388491065465055932012-02-20T16:58:00.000-08:002012-02-20T16:58:10.827-08:00plan for week 2 of marathon trainingI am enjoying the Pfitzinger training plan. However, I am finding that I need to really plan my weekly workouts. So this is just a way for me to keep track of what I have slated! He has a stretching routine, a strength training routine, drills, and a core routine. My goal for <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">stretching</span> is 3-4 times per week. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Strength</span>: 2-3 times, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">core</span>: 3-4 times, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">drills</span>: 1-2 times.<br />
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Monday: Rest/XT. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Strength</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Stretch</span>.<br />
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Tuesday: 8 miles w/10 x 100m strides. THR for the first 6 miles is 128-144. Then 10 x 100m strides w/200m recoveries. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Drills</span> before my run, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Core</span> afterwards. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Boot camp</span> Tuesday evening! <br />
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Wednesday: 10 miles general aerobic (THR: 128-144). <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Stretch</span>.<br />
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Thursday: Rest (I have Conferences Thursday, so there will be no workout!)<br />
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Friday: 5 mile recovery run (THR: under 138). <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Stretch</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Strength</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Core</span><br />
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Saturday: 13 miles w/8 miles at MP. (3 mile w/u at THR 128-144, 8 miles at THR 141-155, 2 mile c/d at 128-144.)<br />
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Sunday: Rest/XT. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Stretch</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Strength</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Core</span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08274837252980894266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881870105984533817.post-50182406260068823592012-02-19T15:53:00.000-08:002012-02-19T15:53:57.116-08:001 month of clean eatingIt has been about 5 weeks since I started clean eating. It has gone very well. Initially, I lost weight very quickly. Then I seemed to level off for a couple of weeks. Then, I started to notice something interesting. Even though I was not losing weight, I was losing fat...and gaining muscle. This is what I wanted to see happen! I am down about 12 pounds, but have lost somewhere around 4-6% body fat. I will have a better approximation on Wednesday when I have my body fat tested. This is so encouraging. I have begun to notice more muscle definition in my body, and my clothes are starting to fit right again! <br />
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So, what have I been eating? Natural, whole, organic foods. I have gotten away from most processed foods, and have avoided added sugar and anything made with white flour, for the most part. A couple of times in the last few weeks, I have had small portions of these foods I have been trying to avoid. I have noticed that when I do have even a small amount of processed foods, sugar, or white flour, I feel icky. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v33NPuNxqq8/T0GKGRdcshI/AAAAAAAAApw/s7ZqHB9ayvo/s1600/grain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v33NPuNxqq8/T0GKGRdcshI/AAAAAAAAApw/s7ZqHB9ayvo/s320/grain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I have become creative in the kitchen. I made turkey burgers with Wheat Germ instead of bread crumbs. I didn't tell anyone and they all raved about them! I made a very yummy citrus-y salmon with whole wheat pasta. Yum! <br />
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I am obsessed with yogurt, blueberries, and granola! Oh yea, and natural peanut butter with apples or bananas! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ctlkrEUOi4M/T0GKzQm-8lI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/x21cv-wxVus/s1600/IMG_1257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ctlkrEUOi4M/T0GKzQm-8lI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/x21cv-wxVus/s320/IMG_1257.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
I treat myself to 4-5 Dove dark chocolate covered almonds each day....I have really begun to love them! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PCYg3FJ3VFI/T0GLCL6IG9I/AAAAAAAAAqY/o-yCnvV-bJ4/s1600/dove-rich-dark-chocolate-42566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PCYg3FJ3VFI/T0GLCL6IG9I/AAAAAAAAAqY/o-yCnvV-bJ4/s1600/dove-rich-dark-chocolate-42566.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I have also tried a really good oatmeal pancake recipe with a home-made fruit topping. I made yogurt cheese and put that on the pancakes with the fruit as well. It was similar to stuffed crepes! One of my favorite things to have for breakfast. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1V0ZLyM4piI/T0GKWxW8kkI/AAAAAAAAAp4/-w6aZmjc6Ys/s1600/IMG_1074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1V0ZLyM4piI/T0GKWxW8kkI/AAAAAAAAAp4/-w6aZmjc6Ys/s320/IMG_1074.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And I have discovered a love for Kashi pizza. OH MY GOODNESS!! So amazingly good! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QTxtuwBsoZA/T0GKhNhCXQI/AAAAAAAAAqA/1PplK2_r_FU/s1600/IMG_1258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QTxtuwBsoZA/T0GKhNhCXQI/AAAAAAAAAqA/1PplK2_r_FU/s320/IMG_1258.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Overall, I am very pleased with this change in eating habits. I can see myself sticking with this long term, I just have to accept that there will be times I will have to stray from it just a bit. Especially for things like birthday parties, and other important celebrations. However, I also know that just because I am offered something sweet that would be contrary to how I normally eat, I do not have to accept it! I can say no thank you, and enjoy a few Dove Chocolates instead! </div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08274837252980894266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881870105984533817.post-75727166758429432252012-02-19T15:33:00.000-08:002012-02-19T15:54:40.904-08:00week 7 in picturesSunday 2/12: Kayla is part of the youth puppet squad at the church we attend. Tonight was her big show. She did so well! These are just a few pics of her throughout the show and afterwards when the kids could come up and see the puppets. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Monday 2/13: Today, in student council, I noticed this lunchbox that one of my students had! Being a HUGE Beatles fan, I was, of course, instantly jealous. I must find one!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tIjBu6dBMYA/T0GENMNticI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/9WPYQps55QE/s1600/IMG_1195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tIjBu6dBMYA/T0GENMNticI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/9WPYQps55QE/s320/IMG_1195.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tuesday 2/14: Valentine's Day! It was a snowy day, and there was a Valentine's Day party in Student Council. During the party, a box of 2 dozen chocolate covered strawberries was delivered from my Valentine! It was a wonderful surprise, and very yummy!! I made a yummy citrus salmon and noodles dinner for us. Mmmmm...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-81t1sO4EL7w/T0GEvxJy9WI/AAAAAAAAAoY/MjUKn-d-3io/s1600/IMG_1200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-81t1sO4EL7w/T0GEvxJy9WI/AAAAAAAAAoY/MjUKn-d-3io/s320/IMG_1200.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wednesday 2/15: I DVR'd the Grammys and sat down tonight to watch them. I haven't watched an awards show in years, but this one was pretty good overall. I was especially tickled by the fact that Sir Paul performed twice! (Have I mentioned that I am a HUGE Beatles fan?!?!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jwYz2eEpYJs/T0GFh7dgOoI/AAAAAAAAAo4/zgHPzND-2oM/s1600/IMG_1215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jwYz2eEpYJs/T0GFh7dgOoI/AAAAAAAAAo4/zgHPzND-2oM/s320/IMG_1215.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thursday 2/16: Tea ended up not having school today because of a power outage. So, she spent the day with me. I was actually out of class that day for a math departmental meeting. She brought a couple of movies and made herself right at home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MQojNQmJw8o/T0GF5NTzdKI/AAAAAAAAApA/HIYv1Zi0pC4/s1600/IMG_1231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MQojNQmJw8o/T0GF5NTzdKI/AAAAAAAAApA/HIYv1Zi0pC4/s320/IMG_1231.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Friday 2/17: I registered for the Scioto Miles race series and as a result, got a fantastic Brooks running jacket with my registration! I got to pick it up today. I have since run with it twice! LOVE IT!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YPyYp5y4Z0c/T0GGUe_1eaI/AAAAAAAAApI/9GbbmOtqwi0/s1600/IMG_1251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YPyYp5y4Z0c/T0GGUe_1eaI/AAAAAAAAApI/9GbbmOtqwi0/s320/IMG_1251.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Saturday 2/18: My niece turned 3 this weekend and we traveled to Fremont, Ohio to celebrate her big day! She is an adorable little girl and had a princess themed party! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qQ5HYWzf2rU/T0GGsKxFFdI/AAAAAAAAApQ/oxhq42zbG_Q/s1600/IMG_1236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qQ5HYWzf2rU/T0GGsKxFFdI/AAAAAAAAApQ/oxhq42zbG_Q/s320/IMG_1236.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08274837252980894266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881870105984533817.post-13974152715980946742012-02-19T15:14:00.000-08:002012-02-19T15:55:00.183-08:00week 6 in picturesLife has definitely been busy these last couple of weeks, so I have gotten a bit behind. Get ready for some rapid blog posting! <br />
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Sunday 2/5: Superbowl Sunday. Lucy was intent on getting a piece of popcorn from Kyle. She was staring him down. Tea tried very hard to stay awake for the game, but soon enough, she was conked out on the floor. <br />
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Monday 2/6: It was a relatively mild February day here in Ohio, so my girls decided that a picnic was called for. They took their dinner outside, along with a couple of blankets, and ate it picnic style in the back yard! <br />
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Tuesday 2/7: A couple of my students drew some pictures on my whiteboard when they were finished working on their group project. They were so sweet, I had to snap a pic. I even told them their drawing might make my weekly blog post! :)<br />
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Wednesday 2/8: I'm kind of obsessed with peanut butter...especially since the Eat Clean way of eating encourages eating natural peanut butter!! This is what we currently have in the house! <br />
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</div>Thursday 2/9: Tea brought home her math test today! So proud of her...she got over 100%! Makes her mom (a math teacher) very proud! <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-suJODuajZR0/T0F9GHq5QZI/AAAAAAAAAmg/dfdNjdQw2iU/s1600/IMG_1101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-suJODuajZR0/T0F9GHq5QZI/AAAAAAAAAmg/dfdNjdQw2iU/s320/IMG_1101.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Friday 2/10: The weekly challenge was to run at a metro park. I chose Sharon Woods... unfortunately, on the day I chose to run there, the snow and the wind presented a challenge. :) This is me after finishing 1 loop at Sharon. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hdJsSa6kTbo/T0GA6XID78I/AAAAAAAAAmw/Fi4ILQHlg4k/s1600/IMG_1105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hdJsSa6kTbo/T0GA6XID78I/AAAAAAAAAmw/Fi4ILQHlg4k/s320/IMG_1105.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Saturday 2/11: Kayla played her flute solo at the regional solo and ensemble. The highest score you can get is a 1. She played almost flawlessly, and it was beautiful!!! The drive was a bit dicey as it snowed a bit the night before. It was well worth it! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08274837252980894266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881870105984533817.post-30140171359302741862012-02-05T13:02:00.000-08:002012-02-05T13:02:58.191-08:00week 5 in picturesAnother week has come and gone. It's amazing how quickly time flies. I had some time today to reflect on where I was last year at this time. Just over a year ago, I had a procedure on my heart to fix an electrical disorder that caused my heart to race uncontrollably. You can read about it <a href="http://marathonmelanie.blogspot.com/2011/01/fixing-broken-heart.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I am so thankful that I have been able to continue to do what I love and for the blessings the past year has been. Ok, back to this week!<div><br />
</div><div>Sunday: Did some planking and my Lucy love bug had to get in on the action...she follows me everywhere! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jnPr3Bc_Z9w/Ty7rc9cfMbI/AAAAAAAAAkM/ENAjkZOaA9I/s1600/IMG_1006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jnPr3Bc_Z9w/Ty7rc9cfMbI/AAAAAAAAAkM/ENAjkZOaA9I/s320/IMG_1006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Monday: I am the student council advisor at the school where I teach. We are having our prom at a new venue this year. Monday, we took a trip to check out the venue (the LC for those of you who live in Columbus). It is a really cool venue, and I think the kids are really going to enjoy having prom here! I know I am getting excited about it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dISWh3XlPBg/Ty7r908LgEI/AAAAAAAAAkU/UegVXUKr3Ps/s1600/IMG_1012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dISWh3XlPBg/Ty7r908LgEI/AAAAAAAAAkU/UegVXUKr3Ps/s320/IMG_1012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tuesday: I had a really great workout at Boot Camp on Tuesday. I was feeling so good afterwards, I decided to document it by taking a pic! Yep, I am a sweaty, gross mess....but I am really happy about it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oPW_IEWQvc8/Ty7sQlk5rzI/AAAAAAAAAkc/ST7YinpQt7U/s1600/IMG_1026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oPW_IEWQvc8/Ty7sQlk5rzI/AAAAAAAAAkc/ST7YinpQt7U/s320/IMG_1026.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wednesday: After Tea was done with bells practice, we went to Subway to get dinner for the fam. The sunset was gorgeous..and my little girl was holding my hand. Even though it is blurry, I love that pic! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thursday: My CKCS are sisters...and it is sometimes scary how closely they mimic each other. They just naturally do it. I snapped a few pics of them just being cute. Then when I went to check on Tea, I really took a good look at the posters she has hanging on her door....I love that she is so confident in who she is! This made me a proud mama! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wpaGIAFbvbg/Ty7tPrq93AI/AAAAAAAAAk0/MEoZdztamfE/s1600/IMG_1037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wpaGIAFbvbg/Ty7tPrq93AI/AAAAAAAAAk0/MEoZdztamfE/s320/IMG_1037.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Friday: Kayla and I both have iPhones. I ordered a bunch of cases from Amazon.com. They are soooooo cheap! Some of them arrived on Friday. Later, Tea was sketching in her sketchbook. I was pretty impressed by what she drew. She has always been artistic. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ulT-NauPaE/Ty7tw0yCvZI/AAAAAAAAAlU/sw8L10UNPtg/s1600/IMG_1054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ulT-NauPaE/Ty7tw0yCvZI/AAAAAAAAAlU/sw8L10UNPtg/s320/IMG_1054.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Saturday: Every now and then, I like to feel girly. :) I haven't painted my nails in FOREVER! I felt like doing it, so I did! :) I have never been able to grow my nails, so they are short. But at least they are pretty now! :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hope this week brings everyone out there great things! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08274837252980894266noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881870105984533817.post-9004883325669913222012-01-30T18:25:00.000-08:002012-01-30T18:25:19.388-08:00Pi Day 5kOh my goodness! I just found a <a href="http://www.premierraces.com/viewevent.asp?eventID=383" target="_blank">Pi-Day 5k</a> in Columbus!!<br />
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As a math teacher and runner, this race was made for me! I am so excited about this...maybe even almost as excited about the <a href="http://www.cantonmarathon.com/" target="_blank">Canton marathon</a> in June! <br />
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And, yes, the race is 3.14 miles run the weekend before Pi Day (3/14). The only thing that would make this better is if it was run ON 3/14 at 3:14pm! :) A girl can dream! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J_cCXq9wkKg/TydQkGErebI/AAAAAAAAAkE/zwwUScyGMvE/s320/Pi_Day_Pi_K_logo.jpg" width="320" /></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08274837252980894266noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881870105984533817.post-54934960291651831332012-01-29T14:53:00.000-08:002012-01-29T14:53:27.496-08:00weeks 2 and 3 of clean eating.The last couple weeks have gone pretty well. I have lost another 4 pounds, putting me at 9 pounds since I started this 3 weeks ago. I feel pretty good. The weight is coming off. And I am eating a lot of food...no calorie counting necessary!!<br />
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The last couple weeks have brought their challenges. The whole family had a Monday off, so we decided to go see a movie. Of course, everyone in my family wants popcorn, candy, pop, and icees. I had to be proactive and brought a snack with me: dry roasted peanuts and dried cranberries. For a drink I got a bottle of water. It was actually more satisfying than I thought it would be. Then, they wanted ice cream after the movie. I just had to use some self control and not get any. That was tough, but I was proud of myself for resisting! <br />
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The last couple of Fridays, we have gotten pizza. Instead of eating pizza, I have ordered a salad. This past Friday, however, I tried a small bite of pizza....and boy did I regret it later. My stomach was terribly upset with me. I have learned my lesson! <br />
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Here are some of my favorite meals/snacks so far:<br />
~I LOVE yogurt with blueberries and a little granola. I have discovered a love for blueberries that I did not know I had. Yummmy!! Love how they POP in your mouth. :)<br />
~ Natural peanut butter on ANYTHING! (especially apples and/or bananas)<br />
~ Wheat germ. It adds a nutty crunch to anything. I tried a whole wheat tortilla with sliced apple, peanut butter, and wheat germ today...it was AMAZING.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YazbxFva6Uk/TySog3KB5bI/AAAAAAAAAjc/XML59NwNDv0/s1600/Kretschmer-WheatGerm-OriginalToasted-Detail.sflb.ashx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YazbxFva6Uk/TySog3KB5bI/AAAAAAAAAjc/XML59NwNDv0/s200/Kretschmer-WheatGerm-OriginalToasted-Detail.sflb.ashx.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>~Making my own salad dressing. It's fun, and they are very flavorful! I have made a red onion poppyseed dressing that was my favorite so far! <br />
~Dove dark chocolate covered almonds. Before I began clean eating, I did not like almonds or dark chocolate! Now, I look forward to my 3-5 almonds each day! <br />
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What do I miss the most? Two things, ice cream and pop. I totally expected to miss ice cream. The pop came as a surprise. Hopefully, that will diminish, but sometimes it's all I can do to resist! <br />
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Pro's<br />
~ Eating fresh food makes everything taste better. Not to mention, I have lunch for the next day. Leftovers are so easy to pack. <br />
~ I am more deliberate about what I eat when I go out. I ate at Panera. I had to think carefully about what I was going to eat there. I ended up getting a pick two with a Fuji Apple Salad (no pecans or cheese) and a bowl of chicken noodle soup with a side of an apple. I also went to Bon Vie one night for a GNO, and got a Grilled Salmon salad. Except for the dressing, it was as clean as you could get.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GkEu0YBYwts/TySpEvBVIcI/AAAAAAAAAjs/SUmSULhoHGM/s1600/img_3672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GkEu0YBYwts/TySpEvBVIcI/AAAAAAAAAjs/SUmSULhoHGM/s320/img_3672.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fuji Apple Salad</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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~ I don't have to count calories! <br />
~My sweet tooth has become easier to handle. It's funny, because I never really liked blueberries before (they didn't taste sweet enough for me)...now I can't get enough of them! <br />
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Con's<br />
~The family not doing this wholeheartedly with me makes it challenging at times. But I am getting used to it, and I know that in the long run, it's for the best.<br />
~ Fueling for a long run is tricky. Still trying to figure that out. I would really like to find a "clean" alternative to gels. Does anyone out there have any suggestions? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-42hBhuMSpE0/TySpyoX7S9I/AAAAAAAAAj8/xBZjgAHnnds/s1600/PowerBar+Gel+2011040803380313.gif.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-42hBhuMSpE0/TySpyoX7S9I/AAAAAAAAAj8/xBZjgAHnnds/s1600/PowerBar+Gel+2011040803380313.gif.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I want to say goodbye to these! </div><br />
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I found a magazine at the checkout line the other day called <a href="http://www.wholeliving.com/" target="_blank">Whole Living.</a> I am considering subscribing to it. I have also looked at a couple of cookbooks on Amazon. Any suggestions?Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08274837252980894266noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881870105984533817.post-28549215060292695612012-01-28T17:36:00.000-08:002012-01-28T17:36:41.160-08:00week 4 in picturesSunday: Went out for my first real run in over a week. of course, the weather did not want to cooperate. The slush made it difficult to get my footing. However, it made me go slowly, which is what I needed to be doing!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Monday: Our last day of exams was today. The hallways were empty early on in the day....and my night was spent grading exams. Not my favorite way to spend a night, but an absolutely necessary evil! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dpOSfvnJRq4/TySayQpAcbI/AAAAAAAAAhk/XJ2POYB6tjk/s1600/IMG_0963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dpOSfvnJRq4/TySayQpAcbI/AAAAAAAAAhk/XJ2POYB6tjk/s320/IMG_0963.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OEp-9hmWBOA/TyScIbh8gJI/AAAAAAAAAiE/3-ElkO6ekCE/s1600/IMG_0968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OEp-9hmWBOA/TyScIbh8gJI/AAAAAAAAAiE/3-ElkO6ekCE/s320/IMG_0968.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tuesday: My little love bug Lucy is never far from me. And if I am not paying enough attention, she will give me those puppy dog eyes! And I finally ordered a Garmin 405. It came on Tuesday! I was so excited to use it, but I had to wait until Wednesday! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wednesday: Homecoming week was this week. The tiara arrived for the Queen. It is tradition that I try it on...so here it is! It made me feel a bit nostalgic, so I dug out my Senior T-shirt. I had all my friends/classmates sign it with puffy paint. It still looks good for being 18 years old! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thursday: My cute kitty, Oscar can be so adorable sometimes. Caught him mid-yawn. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YTb1D135l7E/TyShJL34tzI/AAAAAAAAAi0/w73VSk9rtmY/s1600/IMG_0988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YTb1D135l7E/TyShJL34tzI/AAAAAAAAAi0/w73VSk9rtmY/s320/IMG_0988.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Friday: As I was leaving school, I was surprised to see the car parked beside me was the same as my first car. Thought it was kind of ironic. So here is my current car, and my first car side by side! Later that night, I was going to bed and I found three sleepy girls in my bed. Couldn't resist the opportunity to snap a pic! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nrvWLNnu8SY/TyShriEK9xI/AAAAAAAAAjE/TVZSpvc8yfA/s1600/IMG_0999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nrvWLNnu8SY/TyShriEK9xI/AAAAAAAAAjE/TVZSpvc8yfA/s320/IMG_0999.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Saturday: Went for my longest run in a while today. Surprisingly, it felt really great. My foot seems to be getting better! YEA!! As I was running at my favorite metro park, I noticed how fast the water was moving in the creek. It's hard to tell from the pic, but it was moving FAST! We have had a lot of precipitation. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It has been a long week, and I am glad that it is over! Hope everyone out there had a great week!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08274837252980894266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881870105984533817.post-22196846574246198912012-01-22T12:13:00.000-08:002012-01-22T12:17:51.746-08:00week 3 in picturesweek 3<br />
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Sunday: I helped out with the children's worship on sunday. The lesson was about how thoughtless words can cut like a sword, but kind words can be healing (like a bandage). As part of the lesson, I wrapped myself up in bandages! It was a blast!!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Monday: I had the day off work, so I decided to start planning for my training for The Canton Marathon. I am using Pfitzinger's 18/55 plan. I spent a bit of time working on my training calendar. I love planning things! :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QDi3GECiNmQ/Txxp8PSih5I/AAAAAAAAAfs/PZ7pLzWKSJA/s1600/photo+3-15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QDi3GECiNmQ/Txxp8PSih5I/AAAAAAAAAfs/PZ7pLzWKSJA/s320/photo+3-15.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tuesday: I still have my Christmas decorations up...please don't judge me. :) One of my cats enjoys spending time in his little box under the tree....and I really love my 26.2 and 13.1 ornaments. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wednesday: Woke up to a light dusting of snow, and I thought the dogs' footprints on the steps was kind of cool! Later on that evening, I was working on something on my laptop, and Sadie decided I had done enough for the night. Who am I to argue with that cute little face??</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thursday: Today was a busy day! I ordered some things to help me make my own homemade salad dressing. My carafe (with recipes on the side) came! I was totally excited!!! The weekly challenge was to run a flight of steps up AND down 20 times. I took a pic at the end! It was fun...and boy did my calves hurt the next day. :) Then I caught a pic of Kayla flipping her grilled cheese sandwich. She was so proud! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Friday: This was a work day for us as teachers...we had no students. So, since we had the time, we went to Panera for lunch. I walked into one of the stalls in the restroom and saw what I felt was very ironic! What do you think? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Saturday: Got to go out for a ladies' night with a group of my female runner friends. We went to Bon Vie. I tried to eat as "clean" as possible. I think I did pretty well with a grilled salmon salad. I asked for the dressing on the side, but didn't get it. Otherwise it was perfect! We had a blast. A couple of the ladies even took a ride on the lazy susan in the middle of the table. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">What was the highlight of your week??</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08274837252980894266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881870105984533817.post-24033843117448794002012-01-15T11:37:00.000-08:002012-01-15T11:37:16.520-08:00week 1 of clean eatingLast week I bought a book on eating clean by Tosca Reno. I read the first couple of chapters and decided to dive right in. I did not throw away all of the junk food in my house....mostly because I want to do this, my family is not totally convinced. The main premise of this way of eating is two fold: 1. avoid processed foods and white flour as much as possible. Eat whole foods and/or organic whenever possible. 2. Eat 6 smaller meals per day vs. 3 meals. Each meal should consist of a lean protein and complex carbohydrates. Smaller portions, more often, with unprocessed foods. <div><br />
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</div><div>I dove right in and went to the store to stock up on the right foods. Here is an example of one day's worth of food for me: </div><div><br />
</div><div>Breakfast: 1/3 cup oatmeal (with flax seed and wheat germ) with a portion of frozen berries and 3 egg whites and 1 whole egg scrambled with hot herbal tea. </div><div>Morning snack: an apple with 2 tbsp of natural peanut butter. </div><div>Lunch: a nice portion of salad with dressing (I am starting to make my own) with leftover chili-lime chicken and brown rice from the night before. </div><div>Mid-Afternoon snack: 1 cup of low fat plain yogurt with frozen berries. </div><div>Dinner: Salad with dressing, whole grain pasta with sun dried tomato chicken</div><div>Evening snack: 1 cup cottage cheese with berries. </div><div>Throughout the day I am constantly drinking water and/or herbal tea. </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o3RxKEUZwKI/TxMqwSuXdGI/AAAAAAAAAfY/GvjdJPn5Snw/s1600/photo+2-9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o3RxKEUZwKI/TxMqwSuXdGI/AAAAAAAAAfY/GvjdJPn5Snw/s320/photo+2-9.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">my breakfast one morning!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div>I am finding that I am not really hungry...I may sometimes think I am hungry, but it is usually just boredom or my mind playing tricks. I try to drink a glass of water and that normally helps. The fact that I get to eat every 2 1/2-3 hours usually helps with any "hunger pains". Here are some pro's and con's that I have found after 1 week. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Pro's: </div><div>~I cook extra with dinner every night and that becomes my lunch for the next day...so no eating out!</div><div>~I get to eat every 3 hours or so! </div><div>~I am eating fresher/organic/whole foods more often. </div><div>~ I feel good!</div><div>~ I have lost about 5 pounds this week. (More on that later.)</div><div>~I am experimenting in the kitchen...(this could probably be a con once in a while too. :))</div><div>~My kids are eating better...still could change some things, but I am seeing improvement. </div><div>~No calorie counting! </div><div><br />
</div><div>Con's: </div><div>~Making dinner every night. </div><div>~Packing my food for the day takes a little longer and more planning. </div><div>~If I don't eat when I am supposed to, it can throw me off for the rest of the day. </div><div>~Breakfast takes a little longer...but it is still manageable!</div><div>~There are some things I just will not eat!!</div><div><br />
</div><div>I truly believe the pro's are outweighing the con's at this point. For the last 6-8 months I have steadily seen my weight climb....and it is not muscle. I have been very frustrated by the fact that I am very active and try to eat healthy for the most part. I did not feel like I should be gaining weight! The fact that I have seen this kind of weight loss already, is a big motivator for me to continue! I am also taking part in a challenge for the first 4 months of the year, and would really like to see my body fat percentage come down to the lower end of acceptable, rather than the high end! </div><div><br />
</div><div>I will try to post once a week or so with how it's going! </div></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08274837252980894266noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881870105984533817.post-37503226259887852322012-01-14T14:02:00.000-08:002012-01-14T14:02:06.438-08:00week 2 in picturessunday: went for a run around my friend's neighborhood while our girls played. love my glove...and got a great shot of the sunset. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">monday: got to school early and saw a brilliant full moon. had to try to take a pic. this was the best one i got. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ImifhWxGIEE/TxH4McqICNI/AAAAAAAAAdo/RG7BUHK7h8I/s1600/photo+3-10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ImifhWxGIEE/TxH4McqICNI/AAAAAAAAAdo/RG7BUHK7h8I/s320/photo+3-10.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">tuesday: went to my first boot camp class..really intense but really great . when i got to my car, i had a message that my sis in law was going to the er with severe stomach pain (she is ok now!). so i went over to their house and took care of the kiddos while mom and dad were at the hospital. when i got home, i watched my favorite show on TV...NCIS! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i4DBEQJ0ZnY/TxH4ycLvXRI/AAAAAAAAAdw/svlClzZXjAc/s1600/photo+1-10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i4DBEQJ0ZnY/TxH4ycLvXRI/AAAAAAAAAdw/svlClzZXjAc/s320/photo+1-10.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">wednesday: got home that day and my package from my blog exchange had arrived! through no fault of her own, my blogger secret santa's gift got lost in the mail, so she sent me another package! (too sweet!) and it was the perfect gift for me...all things to help with my PF. i have already tried the KT tape, and i love it! the chocolate is really good too! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U1g5VB7sV2A/TxH4LCGYdiI/AAAAAAAAAdg/id0fJ97Kncw/s1600/photo+3-11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U1g5VB7sV2A/TxH4LCGYdiI/AAAAAAAAAdg/id0fJ97Kncw/s320/photo+3-11.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">thursday: this was a big day for the high school at which i work. the vice president of the US (yep, biden!) visited to talk to the seniors and juniors about college affordability. the first pic is of a group of students waiting by the windows to see his motorcade arrive. very cool moment! i got to see the motorcade coming and going. pretty cool!! the second is a snap of him leaving. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-noucMEQnNlo/TxH6d91c9DI/AAAAAAAAAeg/Cx8wnFmuYhI/s1600/photo+4-8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-noucMEQnNlo/TxH6d91c9DI/AAAAAAAAAeg/Cx8wnFmuYhI/s320/photo+4-8.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Swk3rEWnc8c/TxH5hHQv3KI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/X0N0GU2_UcM/s1600/photo+5-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Swk3rEWnc8c/TxH5hHQv3KI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/X0N0GU2_UcM/s320/photo+5-3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">friday: had our first real snow storm of the winter come through beginning late thursday night into friday morning. i got a snow day! the girls did not. the winds were crazy (check out the flags...they were like this non stop). and we even saw a car in the ditch. craziness. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n5S9du5Qcb0/TxH6IZIIeFI/AAAAAAAAAeY/87-g-5v_v0Y/s1600/photo+1-9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n5S9du5Qcb0/TxH6IZIIeFI/AAAAAAAAAeY/87-g-5v_v0Y/s320/photo+1-9.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6_4uBBhjQyI/TxH68cAE4_I/AAAAAAAAAeo/3h8x0vzrhbg/s1600/photo-47.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6_4uBBhjQyI/TxH68cAE4_I/AAAAAAAAAeo/3h8x0vzrhbg/s320/photo-47.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">saturday: i decided to brave the snow and cold and go for a run. it was chilly (less than 20 degrees), and lots of snow on the ground. i dressed warmly enough, and my shoes (brooks pure grit) did really well. but i definitely need some warmer socks. :) took it really slowly and just took in the sights. the girls played outside as well! gotta love the first snow of the winter. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SenNJA9MfWw/TxH7Hgpwb1I/AAAAAAAAAe4/HWK_Z-QMT18/s1600/photo+3-9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SenNJA9MfWw/TxH7Hgpwb1I/AAAAAAAAAe4/HWK_Z-QMT18/s320/photo+3-9.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YzhPnCTN9iI/TxH7FfF0QhI/AAAAAAAAAew/HLi-iXQ25gk/s1600/photo-46.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YzhPnCTN9iI/TxH7FfF0QhI/AAAAAAAAAew/HLi-iXQ25gk/s320/photo-46.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">thankfully, it is supposed to be warm again next week! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08274837252980894266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881870105984533817.post-88716504392762387492012-01-07T12:22:00.000-08:002012-01-07T12:22:02.950-08:00week 1 in picturesi have always wanted to do a 365 day picture challenge. i have seen many of my friends do it, and i love the pics. my problem is not that i won't take a picture each day, but it is in getting it posted every day. so, i am going to try to do a weekly post with all the pictures that i have taken throughout the week. this is the first one of the year!<br />
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</div>sunday: took a trip to the browns game with the hubby. had a lot of fun, despite the cold, wind, and snow! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5lOHtEmH5U/Twilrm9wnSI/AAAAAAAAAb4/xYiHwLlyR7Q/s1600/photo-43.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5lOHtEmH5U/Twilrm9wnSI/AAAAAAAAAb4/xYiHwLlyR7Q/s320/photo-43.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">monday: lazy day off...last day of winter break. lucy (our cavalier king charles terrier), took the whole lazy day to a new level. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xuv-NDJKa50/TwimTpTL6kI/AAAAAAAAAcA/NwwDcRkNwXc/s1600/photo+1-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xuv-NDJKa50/TwimTpTL6kI/AAAAAAAAAcA/NwwDcRkNwXc/s320/photo+1-1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">tuesday: first day back at school. it was also the coldest day of the winter. i went for a sunset/dusk run. when i left it was 18* with wind chills in the single digits. was treated to a beautiful sunset though! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dFZAK2jdt5E/Twim0cpgiGI/AAAAAAAAAcI/Y8O1rbKsu8Q/s1600/photo+3-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dFZAK2jdt5E/Twim0cpgiGI/AAAAAAAAAcI/Y8O1rbKsu8Q/s320/photo+3-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">wednesday: i ordered my pedometer for a challenge i am participating in. it came today!! this will be on my person for the next 4 months. i have been surprised to see that without running, i don't take nearly as many steps as i thought i would. it has also motivated me to do some extra walking to get my steps up to almost 10,000 average per day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M72UW9jcz6M/TwinOtaS4AI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/OFVMNUE1umg/s1600/photo+4-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M72UW9jcz6M/TwinOtaS4AI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/OFVMNUE1umg/s320/photo+4-1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">thursday: did an incline workout on the treadmill. just 2 miles...but it was tough. really got the heart rate going! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qMOf1TvFhOE/TwinkrxkcNI/AAAAAAAAAcY/EQfZzpY23W8/s1600/photo+5-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qMOf1TvFhOE/TwinkrxkcNI/AAAAAAAAAcY/EQfZzpY23W8/s320/photo+5-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">friday: i actually have a couple of pix from today of my kids (and pets...) kayla was snuggling on the couch with sadie...and it was a beautiful pic, so i had to snap it. then tea was reading with her american girl doll...too cute. and my cute kitty cat, oscar (he is 15ish years old). love him! finally, went to run a 5k on my own. ran it fast, but not all out, and it went pretty well! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fzw8gBtat0I/TwioQgQGinI/AAAAAAAAAc4/75uSY3DpJ4U/s1600/photo+3-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fzw8gBtat0I/TwioQgQGinI/AAAAAAAAAc4/75uSY3DpJ4U/s320/photo+3-3.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MopklLWURzg/TwioPk9nrMI/AAAAAAAAAco/aqVYKu3WmxE/s1600/photo+4-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MopklLWURzg/TwioPk9nrMI/AAAAAAAAAco/aqVYKu3WmxE/s320/photo+4-3.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IHEos5U3Gag/TwioOd4GKLI/AAAAAAAAAcg/Zemry3TfI0E/s1600/photo+2-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IHEos5U3Gag/TwioOd4GKLI/AAAAAAAAAcg/Zemry3TfI0E/s320/photo+2-4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">saturday: what an absolutely gorgeous day in ohio. it's hard to believe that it is january! took a couple snaps of the gorgeous sunshine. will be craving this later in the winter i am sure! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6B_eMF6n27U/TwipMoZK6zI/AAAAAAAAAdA/WTOBtZRoPUo/s1600/photo+2-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6B_eMF6n27U/TwipMoZK6zI/AAAAAAAAAdA/WTOBtZRoPUo/s320/photo+2-5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">hope everyone had a great first week of the year! enjoy week 2!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08274837252980894266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881870105984533817.post-69552649228200104902012-01-03T18:00:00.000-08:002012-01-03T18:02:50.685-08:00what a weekwhat a great week last week was. got to visit with family, sleep in a couple of days, run with some awesome friends, and sit in the dawg pound at the browns/steelers game on new year's day. <br />
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monday: ran a nice easy 4 miler in the 'hood, then home to do chalean burn circuit 2. then had my husband's side of the family over for christmas! it was great to get to visit with the family. <br />
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tuesday: met up with some of my running buddies and did an easy 5 miler. they pushed me a little bit on my pace, but it felt really good. <br />
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wednesday: had a runDMC meet up for a bRUNch. went out for a killer hill run, and then brunch at the hostess' house afterward. these were seriously some killer hills! had to walk up one, it was so steep!! got a good 9 miler in at a pretty slow pace....my heel was really bothering me on this run. brunch was fabulous! i am so blessed to have such awesome people with which to run!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9bMDkwq20Fc/TwOxdecvV2I/AAAAAAAAAaY/a9WNIloiIkw/s1600/404890_349493261731429_100000122756658_1567146_775042107_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9bMDkwq20Fc/TwOxdecvV2I/AAAAAAAAAaY/a9WNIloiIkw/s320/404890_349493261731429_100000122756658_1567146_775042107_n.jpg" width="317" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><br />
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thursday: chalean extreme burn circuit 3 and nike trainer ab trainer. these were nice workouts. then met my father-in-law and he took the girls for a few days over new year's. this is an annual tradition, and they all look forward to it!!<br />
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friday: took the day off and did nothing! hubby and i watched most of the first season of big bang theory. this show cracks me up!! check it out if you want a good laugh!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pvq-llFpe2w/TwOyGAc-S-I/AAAAAAAAAa4/HE-aPKwH210/s1600/The-Big-Bang-Theory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pvq-llFpe2w/TwOyGAc-S-I/AAAAAAAAAa4/HE-aPKwH210/s320/The-Big-Bang-Theory.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
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saturday (new year's eve): met up with a group at highbanks metro parks for a loop. foot was bugging me again, so i just did one loop...thought about potentially doing 2, but needed to stop after 1! got to meet a new runner in our group, and we had a great time running 2011 to a close! the hills at highbanks are no joke, either! hubby and i went to melting pot that night for a wonderful yummy dinner! great way to see in the new year!<br />
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sunday: hubby and i went to the browns' game to watch them battle their rival, the steeler's. it was a close game, but unfortunately, the browns came up a bit short. we kept warm, even though the weather started to decline very quickly. got about 2 miles of walking to and from the car. <br />
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total miles for the week: 26<br />
total cross training/weights workouts: 3<br />
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plan for this week:<br />
monday: rest day...last day of break<br />
tuesday: run 4 easy<br />
wednesday: chalean burn 1/run 4-6 easy<br />
thursday: run 6 easy/nike trainer ab workout<br />
friday: chalean burn 2<br />
saturday: run 10-12 easy/nike trainer ab workout<br />
sunday: chalean burn 3/run 3-5 easy<br />
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total planned mileage: 27-33<br />
total planned weights workouts: 3<br />
total planned ab workouts: 2Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08274837252980894266noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881870105984533817.post-86986906055088072272011-12-27T15:43:00.000-08:002011-12-27T15:43:51.158-08:00planning aheadi realize it's tuesday, and that i haven't posted my plan for the week yet, but it's been a busy couple of days. i finally have a few minutes, so i am posting my plan for the week. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">looking back at last week: </span><br />
<u>monday</u>: 12 days of christmas challenge.<br />
<u>tuesday</u>: ran an easy 4.5 miles did the 12 DoC challenge and did Chalean Extreme Burn Circuit 3. run felt ok, and other workouts felt really nice.<br />
<u>wednesday</u> <u>and</u> <u>thursday</u>: took a couple of days off to try to let my heel heal. didn't do any workouts these days. <br />
<u>friday</u>: met up with a group at sharon woods to try to do 2-3 laps (8-12 miles). ended up only being able to do 2 laps...heel was really bad. felt a bit disappointed, but this made me resolve to do everything in my power to get this better FAST! did the DoC challenge and Chalean Extreme Burn 1.<br />
<u>saturday</u>: really wanted to run a 5k race that a running friend of mine had organized, but didn't to risk making the foot worse, so opted out of it. instead, i did an incline workout on the treadmill about 4 miles. set the incline up high and did a fast walk/really slow jog. this didn't seem to bother the foot as much, so felt good about it. <br />
<u>sunday</u> (christmas day): took today off. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">plan for this week:</span><br />
<u>monday</u>: run 4-5 miles easy and Chalean Burn Circuit 2<br />
<u>tuesday</u>: run 5-6 miles easy<br />
<u>wednesday</u>: meeting up with a big group of running buddies for a bRUNch. going for a 10 mile hilly run and then back to the hostess's house for a yummy brunch. <br />
<u>thursday</u>: either doing Chalean burn circuit 3 today or wednesday<br />
<u>friday</u>: run 3-6 miles easy<br />
<u>saturday</u>: (new year's eve): easy 3 miler and chalean burn circuit 1 (beginning of week 3)<br />
<u>sunday</u>: if i can pull it off, i am going to try to do a new year's race. we have to be up at cleveland stadium by 3:30 or so, so it might be pushing for time. <br />
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still on the hunt for the push cd in the chalean extreme workout video series. i have misplaced the dvd since i bought it a few years ago. anyone know where i can find it?? only have a couple more weeks before i begin that part of the circuit! <br />
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i am wearing my boot whenever i possibly can. i have also found a great taping technique. i am taking my anti-inflammatories like clockwork, and stretching whenever i can. i am happy to say that i am feeling progress. on my run today, i felt discomfort, but not pain. that is definitely a step in the right direction! hooray. :) <br />
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i got a second sole gift card for christmas and i am going to buy a pair of trail shoes....i really want to get the <a href="http://www.finishline.com/store/catalog/product.jsp?sourceid=paidsearch&productId=prod683549&BROOKS&cid=PLA_1761069&mkwid=st49OTA1D&origin=pla&gclid=CLW2xNS2o60CFQLrKgodTlTolg" target="_blank">brooks pure grit.</a> has anyone tried these? the reviews i have read so far have been positive.<br />
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going to write a couple more posts this week. one about christmas and one about reflecting on the year. hope you all had a wonderful holiday and are able to reflect on your journey through the last year!! Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08274837252980894266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881870105984533817.post-81983687073314328702011-12-23T17:54:00.000-08:002011-12-23T17:54:22.416-08:00rough dayso, i went to the doc yesterday for my foot. after a quick exam and looking at some X-rays, it was pretty evident that it is PF again. this time is about 10 times worse than the last time i had it. it never gets better... in fact during a run, it gets progressively worse. she gave me a cortisone shot (ouch!) and i am back to wearing the boot at night, taking some prescription anti-inflammatories, stretching....and not doing much running. <br />
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i met a group of my running friends up at sharon woods today for an 8-12 mile run. after the first loop, i could tell that 2 more loops was not going to happen. forced myself to do one more loop, and then had to stop. the pain with every single step was too much to bear. i got home and put my boot on for a while and took a nap. got up and the foot felt ok. after getting some gifts wrapped, i decided to try to go finish the 12....only needed to do about 4 miles. after a minute into the run, i had to turn around and admit defeat. i found myself crying as i faced the fact that i may have to lay off running for a while. as most of you that are runners would understand, running is my sanity, it keeps the darkness away, and keeps me feeling good about myself. without running, i am terrified that the depression will sneak back in. <br />
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i decided to to go ahead and do my chalean extreme workout. i am hoping that i can keep on doing these workouts....and maybe some shorter runs for the next couple of weeks. i've gotta get through the worst of this and then i can get back to my training. i know that my training needs to really begin for canton sometime in february...so i have some time to get this healed. <br />
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on a more positive note, i just need to get some more gift wrapping done and maybe make some cookies tomorrow and i will be ready for sunday and monday. i love this time of year, but the way i have been feeling has left me grumpy and moving my focus from where it should be this time of year. <br />
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have you ever had to take time off from what you love? how did you get through it?Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08274837252980894266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881870105984533817.post-70980901924474745432011-12-22T17:43:00.000-08:002011-12-22T17:43:18.924-08:00Three Things Thursday1. I think I am officially done with my Christmas shopping. Now all that's left to do is plan the meal for Christmas with my husband's family on Monday, wrap gifts, and wait for the rest of my orders to arrive. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6diVeFTC61Q/TvPb4mpGOvI/AAAAAAAAAZA/E-li2Zi_4Ag/s1600/010-wrap-presents_2_160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6diVeFTC61Q/TvPb4mpGOvI/AAAAAAAAAZA/E-li2Zi_4Ag/s1600/010-wrap-presents_2_160.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>2. I went to the doc today for my foot. Thankfully, I think, it is PF. It's pretty bad though...the spur is much larger than it was in spring. She gave me a cortisone shot and my foot is feeling like it's asleep and in the process of waking up. Really creepy and uncomfortable feeling. Hoping it feels better by the morning so I can meet up with some running buddies for an 8-12 miler. <br />
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3. I watched all episodes of <a href="http://www.hulu.com/search?query=once+upon+a+time&st=0&fs=" target="_blank">Once Upon a Time today on Hulu.</a> (Since I wasn't going to be able to workout/run, I had to pass the time somehow...) It's a pretty interesting show....I think I am hooked! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-apNXsJEgwJo/TvPcaPsmrII/AAAAAAAAAZY/OpqVcb2EXxM/s1600/once-upon-a-time-abc-tv-show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-apNXsJEgwJo/TvPcaPsmrII/AAAAAAAAAZY/OpqVcb2EXxM/s320/once-upon-a-time-abc-tv-show.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Are you ready for Christmas? What do you still have left to do?</span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08274837252980894266noreply@blogger.com1