Thursday Training: Week 11

I know it's true.  

Here's this weeks schedule:

Sunday 3/11: 4 mile run (9:15 pace)

Monday 3/12: 2 mile run (8:32 pace)

Tuesday 3/13:   4.5 mile run (9:11 pace)

Wednesday 3/14: Rest Day - I know we'll be traveling and at the game

Thursday 3/15: 2 mile run

Friday 3/16: Rest Day

Saturday 3/17:  2 mile run

**all workouts are subject to change

Since I'll be out of town this week/weekend, I'll be packing my running shoes and some outfits.  I did it when I went to Miami and I actually pulled them out, put them on and ran.  When did I become this person?  So, my plan is to try and do the same wherever I may be.  

Here are my 5 tips for training while traveling:

1.  Pack your stuff.  Now don't go overboard, but pack a few things.  It'll make you more inclined to workout if you see your clothes.
2.  Train in the morning.  You're more likely to train at the beginning of your day.  Get up while the others snooze, throw on your clothes, and get going.  You can always nap by the pool or on the beach in the afternoon.
3.  Take the scenic route.  If you're somewhere warm and safe, run outside.  You can easily map a route with your computer or phone before you start going.  I did this along South Beach and it was amazing. 
4.  Pamper Yourself.  If you workout, reward yourself with a massage, facial, mani/pedi or a frosty beverage.
5.  Don't stress.  You're on vacation.  You don't have to do everything you planned.  The road and/or the treadmill will be waiting for you when you get home!
 

What I'm Loving Wednesday

 I'm loving these Toms in Yellow Palmetto!

I'm loving essie's Turquoise and Caicos nail polish!

I'm loving these cute, pink shorts from J. Crew!

I'm loving this band ring from Tiffany & Co.  Hint, hint.  Wink, wink. Anniversary. Ahem.

I'm loving the opportunity to be a crazy, University of South Florida fan tonight as they go to the NCAA tournament for the first time in 20 years!  Go Bulls!

 

I'm loving Carrie Underwood's new video for "Good Girl".

I'm loving that Aly found a new site for watermarking and picture editing.  It's called Pic Monkey and it's so easy to use!   (and isn't my model adorable?!)

And I'm always loving Fred and Knox!  

What are you loving?

Oh, the Places I'll Go

I think since we're heading to Dayton, Ohio (and maybe Columbus, Ohio or Nashville, Tennessee) this week and going to Vegas in less than a month and traveling to Cincinnati and Amelia Island, Florida in April too, I've got travel on the brain!

If you know me, you know I LOVE to travel.  I've been fortunate enough to have traveled to 45 of the 50 United States, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, and some of Europe, but there are always other places I've wanted to visit (and plan on going there one day).  

So, in no particular order, here's my Travel Wish List:

Australia  - I'd love to see the beaches and of course the kangaroos

Dubai, UAE - how amazing would this be?

Egypt - I'd love to see the Pyramids and ride a camel

Fiji - staying in a hut over the water is a "must do" for me

Germany- out of all of the times I've been to Europe, I've never been to Germany

Ireland - I'd love to see the landscape and beauty Ireland offers

Israel - where time began

Taj Mahal, India - to see the Taj Mahal would be amazing

African Safari - I'd love to see animals up close and in their natural surroundings

Whistler, Canada - it'd be a winter wonderland

Northern Lights, Alaska - how amazing?!

Now, if we just had the time and resources to get everywhere! 

Where have you always wanted to go? 

My Weekend with Memphis

While Fred was away this weekend at a bachelor party, I was spending my time watching the Memphis Tigers clinch the Conference USA championship title with my parents.  My mom and I went to a reception on Tuesday and we started going to games on Wednesday.  Let's just say I've had a LOT of basketball this past week.  And I am a University of South Florida graduate; so, after watching the Memphis game, I'd rush home to see South Florida play in the Big East tournament.  Unfortunately, they lost, but there was still a chance of making it to the Big Dance for USF.

My parents and I had so much fun cheering the guys on to victory and hanging out together this weekend! 

 C-USA Championship Game

 Memphis WINS! 

 The Guys

 waving to the fans

 goodbye, Wesley

 Coack Pastner cutting down the net

Now, we're headed to the NCAA Tournament!

And on Sunday, I was ready for the bracket selection by sporting both South Florida and Memphis gear....

Luckily, both teams made it in!

So, we're heading to Dayton, Ohio on Wednesday to watch South Florida take on Cal.  And either heading to see Memphis play St. Louis in Columbus, Ohio or to Nashville for the next South Florida game on Friday.  Let the March Madness begin! 

Sneaky, Sneaky

I got a little sneaky last week.  In my quest for trying to be healthier, I thought I remembered seeing something on Pinterest about using Greek yogurt as a substitute for eggs and oil in a cake and brownie recipe.  So, of course, I looked back through my pins and found it!  

So, I decided to give it a try without telling anyone.  I used a box of Ghiradelli Double Chocolate Brownie Mix (yum---my favorite), 1 6oz. Fage Greek yogurt and 1/4 cup of water.  

Well, at least the batter looked the same...

And I cooked the brownies like the package said and they came out looking "normal"...

They were quite gooey, but I did notice a slight aftertaste.  Fred agreed that there was something missing.

So, I guess being sneaky doesn't always pay off and sometimes there's nothing just like the real thing.  Next time, I'll stick with the eggs and oil. 

Have you ever tried something like this?  If so, did it work?   Did they notice?

Training Week 10

I can't believe I've been going at this for 10 weeks.  I didn't tell anyone about it in the beginning because, frankly, I didn't know that I would keep up with it.  I didn't start by just running 2-5 miles.  I started small and gradually worked my way up.  This didn't happen overnight.

And while I may not have lost much weight, I do see a difference in the way my clothes fit and the way I feel.  And that's what counts.

I usually start composing this post about a week before I actually post it on the blog.  It helps me to get my mind wrapped around what I want to accomplish and to review what I've done.  This week, I've learned that you can plan workouts, but sometimes, things change.  Life happens.  But, when in doubt, get up and get moving, even if for just 20 minutes.  It's all about conscious choices and self-discipline.

Training this week:

Sunday 3/4: Rest Day

Monday 3/5: 4 mile run (9:32 pace)

Tuesday 3/6:  2 mile run (8:45 pace)

Wednesday 3/7: Rest Day

Thursday 3/8: 5.7 mile run (9:07 pace)

Friday 3/9: Pure Barre class

Saturday 3/10:  Rest Day -- hoping Memphis is in the C-USA Championship game
**all workouts are subject to change

Why I Workout?

1.  Because I have a HUGE sweet tooth and love fried foods!  I'm from the south.  It's how I was raised. :)
2.  For my physical health.  God only gave us one body; so, we better do it some good.
3.  For my mental health.  Running is cheaper than therapy.  It clears my mind and keeps me in check.  No lie.
4.  To get a pat on the back (from myself).  I feel accomplished after a great workout.  It helps me to remember that I am stronger and can do more than I ever imagined.
5.  It's an excuse to buy even more cute clothes.  Seriously.  You know my love for all things Lululemon, but have you seen the Victoria's Secret VSX line?  Cha-ching.

What I'm Loving Wednesday

I'm loving that it's March...let the games begin!  I'm pulling for the South Florida Bulls (Big East), Memphis (C-USA) and Tennessee (SEC)!  Who are you pulling for?

 I'm loving that the DWTS Season 14 cast was announced last week.  I've never watched it before, but I may start because my boyfriend, Gavin DeGraw will be dancing!  To see the full list, click here.

 I'm loving that American Idol is now live!  This is certainly an interesting year.  I can't tell who will be the frontrunners just yet.

I'm loving that I love running!  Who would have ever thought? Me?!

I'm loving that the 2012 Memphis in May Beale Street Music Festival line-up was announced last week.  Some of my faves, Florence + the Machine, NEEDTOBREATHE and BUSH, are coming!

And I'm always loving my two favorites, Fred and Knox! 

What are you loving today?

March With Me

Although the February Photo-a-Day Challenge was a wee bit of a challenge in itself, I decided to go ahead and participate in the March Photo-a-Day Challenge.  I actually like some of the topics better this month than last.  Y'all have got to help me stay accountable.  

So without further adieu, the challenge:

March 1:  Up...it was a beautiful blue sky day!  I wish I could bottle it up forever!

March 2: Fruit...lots of apples at Target

March 3:  Your Neighborhood...our gates

March 4: Bedside...my side of the bed

March 5:  A Smile...yes, this is Knox smiling  :)

I'm not sure I'll continue to blog about this, but you can follow me on Twitter to see!

Are you participating this time around? 

Monday Morning

Happy Monday!

Thank you to those who checked on us Friday with all of the bad weather. Thankfully, we only had wind, but my thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the storms.

I hope all of you had a wonderful weekend.  We were super busy, as always, but we did manage to have some fun!

Last night, Fred and I, along with my parents and some of our friends and their friends, attended the University of Memphis' Men's Basketball, current C-USA regular season champs, banquet.  It was fun to meet some of the players and coaches of the home team.  There was a meet and greet beforehand followed by a dinner, awards and entertainment from the players. 

Here are some of our pics:

Fred and I

Mason and I (and the super cute Tiger balloon)

 We sat at Antonio Barton's table

 Fred and I

 Will Barton, Antonio Barton and I  

 Coach Josh Pastner and I  (the cutest coach in the NCAA)

 my mom and I

We had a great time.  And it's always nice to support our local team.  Go Tigers Go!

So, what did you do this weekend?