Workout Buddy

I have always heard how much it helps to have someone to work out with, and now I see why. My friend, Jenny, is training for the Half-Marathon with me and I can't believe how much better it is to run with a friend. Not only is the run more enjoyable and fun, but you have so much more accountability. When my alarm goes off in the morning I don't have to ask myself, "should I run today?" My decision is already made and I know that Jenny will be on her way to my house within a few minutes. I am so excited to have a friend to accomplish this goal with.

Also, if you want to exercise consistently, I think it is SO IMPORTANT to have a goal to work towards. Some people are motivated simply by their love of exercise, but for many of us, that is not enough. I've been surprised at how my view of running has changed. I don't think of it as just "going for a run." I think of it as getting one step closer to my goal. If you think of yourself as an athlete in training, I believe you are more likely to stick to your goals and stay motivated.

Half-marathon

I started training for a half-marathon on Tuesday. Yikes! I'm nervous, but I'm also really excited! I love having something to look forward to.

These are the ones that I am deciding between:

Sat, July 30
Anacortes Art Dash Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
Anacortes, WA

Sat, Aug. 6
Tacoma Narrows Half Marathon
Tacoma, WA


Sat, Aug. 6
Grand Ridge Trail Half Marathon, 50K & 5-Mile Run
Issaquah, WA

Sat, Aug. 13
Cougar Mountain Trail Running Series Half Marathon
Bellevue, WA

Quinoa

I made quinoa (keen-wah) for the first time today. It was pretty good! This is a super healthy recipe. Low-calorie and low-fat. It looks kinda like barf, but it tastes good. If that's not a great endorsement, I don't know what is. Quinoa and Black Beans 1 teaspoon vegetable oil 1 onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped 3/4 cup uncooked quinoa 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper salt and pepper to taste 1 cup frozen corn kernels 1 or 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained (I THINK ONE CAN IS ENOUGH) 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro Directions: Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the onion and garlic, and saute until lightly browned. Mix quinoa into the saucepan and cover with vegetable broth. Season with cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes, Stir frozen corn into the saucepan, and continue to simmer about 5 minutes until heated through. Mix in the black beans and cilantro. BEST SERVED COLD.

Just do it.

Have you ever thought about the Nike slogan? So simple, yet it's exactly what we all need to hear. Quit complaining and just do it. I'm talking to myself here. I am done with this whole "I'm super lazy and eat whatever I want" thing. I'm over it. It's tough because I feel so free when I allow myself to eat anything and everything, but it's just not worth it because my clothes are getting tighter by the second. Not cool.

Summer is coming soon (ish?) and I don't want to spend another summer avoiding my swimsuit like the plague. I want to enjoy life and feel confident. I know what I need to do. I just need to actually do it. And I will.




In other news, Jessica Biel is awesome.

Ugh.

That pretty much sums it up. The Sugar Fast was a big failure. I'm just so... blah lately. I don't even have words for it. So that's my update. Anyday now I'm gonna be motivated again. Wait for it...

The Great Sugar Fast!!

Have you heard of it? No, you haven't because I just made it up. Ok, so here's the problem: I eat way too much sugary stuff. I eat healthy meals all day long and then at night I crave sweets (ie. cookies and ice cream) like a crazy person.

So what if I just said, NO!? That's what I'm gonna do. For 2 whole weeks. That's like eternity in my mind, just so you know. I've never done anything like this. I just feel like I need a break from the over-consumption of crap.

The only sweet stuff I will be eating is fruit. Wish me luck. Oh, does anyone want to join me? I didn't think so.

Starting... NOW!!

Losin' weight... la la la

Update:

On January 2nd I got really serious about eating clean and exercising. I started working out 5 days a week (running/walking, weight lifting, and pilates). I lost 6 pounds in about 2 weeks. I felt awesome! But sadly, I've started wavering in my dedication this past week or so. It sucks. I have a really hard time sticking to my healthy goals. I just lose my focus really easily. Well anyway, here is how I looked 10 days ago:

I've gained a couple pounds back since then, but I won't let that get me down. I have big plans, folks. Big plans! Get excited about my next post. :) I'm totally psyching myself up for this.