My Beloved Interval Timer- Running Recap

Prior to the beginning of this week I had not been running consistently. Shocker, right?

I mean, I haven't really had a good track record with sticking to something, especially a goal that puts me first. So it was only a matter of time before I stopped something completely. I just didn't think it would be running..

I am the queen of excuses and would use as many as possible to convince others and especially myself to not go for a scheduled run. But I feel committed right now to my training schedule and my weekly workouts and that means running rain or shine, outside or on a treadmill, interval timer or naked.

Tuesday was my first run on my current weekly workout schedule. An easy 30-45 minute run around my parents neighborhood and down to the pool where Isabel has her swim lessons. An easy 2ish mile run. A piece of cake.

Except that my interval timer, my convenient little Gymboss timer that beeped at me when it was time to run and again when it was time to walk went missing in action. This would have been the perfect time for me to make an excuse. No interval timer = no run, right? Right?!?

Not this time. Nope. Not when I have a goal in mind.

Instead I ordered a new one yesterday and decided that I would just count my steps for intervals for my scheduled runs until it came in the mail. Every time my left foot hit the ground I would count and I would do so for 100 steps. Then I would walk for 100 steps and repeat for the entire run. Some what annoying, especially going uphill when my mind was going a few different places and I kept recounting the same step (thankfully it was during a run interval so I don't feel like I missed out on my workout), but it worked and I ended up being able to run more than my normal interval time.

The new interval timer I bought myself to replace my plain black one that I've had for two years.

My run was 32:14 and a total distance of 2.54 miles. Not my best time, definitely not my worst. And I surprisingly was able to handle the intervals just fine. This was exciting for me because I've been very comfortable at 45:1 since my running started.

Mile 1- 12:41
Mile 2- 12:34
Mile 0.54-6:58

I averaged 4.7 mph (thanks to my long legs and my ability to walk at a consistent 3.5-4 mph pace) and my top speed hit was 6.6 mph (most likely while going downhill).

Not too shabby getting back into it..

Wednesday was my second scheduled run and it was a little different than Tuesday's because I ended up finding my interval timer (clipped to my hydration belt of all places- and the last place I thought to check). I decided to change things up and instead of running 45 seconds and walking 1 minute I switched it to running 1 minute and walking 45 seconds.

The run felt slower than Tuesday's run and I was sure that I was going to be running 13-14 minute miles. I kind of let go and just let my body find it's pace while still pushing a little. To my pleasant surprise, I ran both miles less than Tuesday's fastest mile. This course was relatively flat the entire time with maybe a very slight incline for the first half and a very slight decline for the second half.

It felt good to be out running too, not forced. I was a little concerned that I would be taking on too much the first week of training, but I have been able to stick with the schedule fairly well and I know that it will soon become a habit. I plan on switching things up every once in a while to keep my body guessing and to keep it interesting, but at least I know what I am capable of without going too crazy.

Wednesday's run was 31:22 and a total distance of 2.49 miles.

Mile 1- 12:26
Mile 2- 12:20
Mile 0.46- 6.36

I averaged 4.8 mph and my top speed hit was 7.3 mph.

My long run was scheduled for this morning. I decided last night that I would allow myself to get up when my body was ready and I would go for my run then. But even though I had the best intentions to go to bed early in order to be up early I knew my morning run was doomed as I watched the clock tick past 10 and then 11 pm.

I was still up fairly early, but was exhausted. I had about an hour long internal debate with myself about whether or not I should go. The voice telling me to just go and get it over with was louder then the one telling me I could wait until this evening, but somehow the lazy side took over and I laid in bed.

The motivation this morning was also cut short when I weighed in this morning. It should have pushed me to go, but instead it did the opposite and I ended up over eating and not tracking today.

That weigh in also put me in a bad mood for the rest of the day and I really just wanted to push off my run until tomorrow. I knew that wasn't a good idea but I was mad about my weigh in, mad about my attitude, mad about over eating, mad about not just going for my run this morning, mad about so many things. Patrick kept pushing me to go (which was irritating me even more) and I finally got to the point where I got frustrated enough to just go.

What a run!

My long Saturday run is supposed to be at a speed 1-2 minutes slower than my weekday and race day pace. This is to try to prevent injury and to maintain stamina on a long distance run. I went out with the best intentions to go nice and slow with 13-14 minute miles. I changed my watch to run 45:45 intervals just to test it out and to hopefully go slower than Wednesday since I would be running less.

Maybe I need to go for a run when I'm pissed off more often...

Today's long training run was 37:40 and a total distance of 3.10 miles.

Mile 1- 12:20
Mile 2- 12:11
Mile 3- 11:32
Mile 0.1- 1:35

I averaged 4.9 mph and my top speed hit was 7.3 mph.

I'm happy with the improvements of my mile times, not just in this week but since starting back running in May, but at the same time I really need to reign it in on my long distance training run. I am hoping that once my niece starts running with me to train for the 5K in September it will help me to slow down a little.

I think I am going to try to make my weekday runs just a little farther in distance, but we'll see what the week brings. My next training run will be 4 miles next Saturday. Since I'm training for a shorter distance race in September I don't need to increase the mileage too much yet. I am looking forward to getting back into the double digit miles, but that won't be for a month or two.

Weigh In Day and a Weekend Recap

We went out last night. Like grown ups do on a weekend night. And Isabel stayed with Patrick's parents, all.. night.. long..

This is rare for us to have her stay with his parents. I feel weird asking them and that ends up to us not going out for dates as often as we should. In fact, we often go months without going on a real date. It's not unusual for Isabel to stay the night at my parents once a week, but that's usually for her benefit for the night before both Patrick and I have to work early.

She had a blast at Grandma and Grandpa's though, and Patrick and I had a blast both last night at the party and this morning when we woke up at 9:30 in the morning.

I decided to try a new outfit for the party. I bought the pants a few days ago and paired it with a bright shirt. I'm not quite sure how it turned out, but I thought it looked cute and pretty well put together when I included the scarf I made.

The party was for a friend of my parents. It was his combination 60th birthday party and retirement party. It was a casino themed party, complete with a poker table, black jack tables and a crap's table. I don't understand how to play craps, so Patrick and I tried our hand at black jack. We were doing pretty well, but as soon as my parent's sat down to play Texas Hold 'Em, I knew it was time to get serious.

My dad is a poker player. He is at the nearby poker room no less than three times a week, and in Vegas about once a month. He's always being invited to play in tournaments and it is pretty intimidating playing with him.

So last night I thought it would be fun to play since it was a "friendly" game. The dealer was awesome and we were having such a great time. The plan was to stay until 9 or so and then Patrick and I were going to find something to do after, but we were having so much fun that we didn't leave until 10:30 or so, right after I knocked my dad out with an awesome hand that he thought I was bluffing on.

















This wasn't really my hand, but all of those chips were mine... I started the evening with $500 in chips and ended the night with $1960. If only that was real!

It was a great night and I feel so lucky to have in laws that are willing to watch Isabel over night, as well as a family that I can actually have a wonderful time spending time with. Three hours of playing poker with my parents and husband is one of the highlights of my week.

Which brings me to this morning...

Patrick and I were lucky enough to sleep in until 9:30 AM again this morning. The second day in a row! This is so rare for us. Rare and appreciated. Glorious would be the best word.. Between Patrick usually working on the weekends, swap meets, training runs, children and other odd interruptions, I honestly couldn't even tell you the last time we slept in together.

Being Sunday morning that means that it is weigh in day and the start of my week for weight loss and fitness.

Last week's weight: 186.6
This week's weight: 186.2
This week +/-: -0.4
Total +/-: -2.6

Thoughts: I am so happy to see a loss this week! I was honestly anticipating a gain with the way this week has gone, and was just hoping to not have gained it all back and then some. But I ended up losing and am using it as motivation to do better this week.

I went off track this week. By off track I mean that I stopped tracking. After working with the trainer for a measly 10 minutes on Monday I felt extremely sore for three days afterwards. To the point where I moaned and groaned standing and sitting. To the point where I think I was less sore after the LA Marathon. Yes, I am that out of shape..

It made me realize that I need to go tomorrow after work to sign up with the trainer. No excuses! I desperately want to improve my numbers (weight, BMI, body fat % and measurements). I want to be in the best shape I can be in and that means that I need to make my health, my eating habits and my fitness a top priority.

I think I'm too focused on the end result, how long it's going to take to get there, and the frustration with it not happening faster, that I am not as invested in the process. I need to realize that this is not just about the end result. It's a daily struggle and it's a long process. If I focus on the day by day, and maybe even the meal by meal successes then my goals will be reached eventually.

So it's back to tracking today and back to picking healthy choices. Hoping to get in at least 4 cardio workouts this week, two at the gym and two running, and two strength workouts, one with my personal trainer and one on my own. I am not sure exactly what days I am going to get these workouts in, but I am committed to fitting it in when I can.

This coming week I am also planning on picking out some really cute outfits for work. I have purchased some new clothes from Kohl's and Marshall's and am really excited to play around with different outfit combinations. I think that it's a positive way for me to appreciate my body. Even if it has a negative impact for my bank account...

Back to Work

I started back at work this morning, and I thought it would be best to start off on the right foot.

Necklace from: my mom (I think it's from Avon?)

Shirt from: Old Navy

Skirt from: Target

Shoes from: Kohl's

 

And I felt great! We are a casual office, but it's always nice to get done up (especially when it helps you feel more confidence). I really think I'm going to try to get dressed up Monday through Thursday (aka- no jeans) and then go casual/cute on Friday's.

Goal: 1200
Food: 1298
Exercise: -217
Net: 1070

 

Breakfast:
Whole Wheat English Muffin (110)
1/2 Tbsp Creamy Peanut Butter (42)

Lunch: 
Sushi (560)

Snack: 
Swedish Fish (225)
Dinner: 
2 Slices Cheese Pizza (360)
Exercise:
30 Donkey Kicks, 1.37 mile walk  Calories burned: -217

Positive: I started back at work today and I rocked my outfit. I looked good because I felt good. I had confidence in myself and I really think it showed.

The Good: First day back at work and so much has changed since I left. So much good changes that I can't even begin to explain how excited I am to be back. A few people have left (and all but one will be missed). A few people have joined. I start training next Monday and cannot wait to learn my new job. I am no longer on the bottom of the totem pole!

The Bad: It's difficult being away from Isabel. I have gotten used to being with her all day every day for the past three and a half months. I don't want to leave her in the mornings, but it definitely helps if she stays asleep. If she wakes up before I leave there are a lot of tears on both ends. I miss her during the day when I'm at work, but am thankful that she is with my parents and that they have her call me. When I get home, she usually wants nothing to do with me and has a horrible time listening to me. It's a difficult balance we have yet to find.

Thoughts: 
* I am hoping to get to bed earlier tonight. I tried going to bed early last night, but could not fall asleep. I think tonight might be a little easier, but since Patrick is closing and doesn't get home until close to 11 I will probably wake up then.

* I am having a difficult time with the 30 Day Push challenge. I made my 10 goals for the year, but thanks to some help from some friends who are also doing the challenge, some of my goals are not measurable. I will need to focus on making more measurable goals next week (since this assignment is done weekly). I'm going to keep these ten for now:
1. Have more confidence in myself
2. Be more positive about my body and what it can do
3. Go back to school for marine biology
4. Save over $10,000 in our house savings account as a starting point
5. Sign up for the Dopey Challenge
6. Make weekly workout schedules and stick with it
7. Be more organized at home
8. Be more comfortable in the kitchen
9. Start my own business cross stitching my photography
10. Buy a new family car

* I realized today how much I love my job. I left feeling very stressed about things and came back with an entirely new outlook. Training is going to be all week next week and I have such an amazing feeling about how things are turning out.

* My mom is having surgery on her back tomorrow. Nothing serious, and in all honesty it is a routine surgery. But routine in my family has not always ended well. Almost four years ago my dad's heart stopped during a routine surgery. It was the fault of the anesthesiologist, and I have never really dealt with the feelings about that day. Fortunately, the hell of that month is far behind us and he's a pretty healthy man, but every time one of us has to have surgery it washes up those memories and it's a scary few hours until we get the call that everything is okay.

Sunday July 7th

I decided to start over this morning and in doing so I updated my profile on My Fitness Pal. In doing so I decided to change my weekly goal from losing 1 pound a week to losing 2 pounds a week. This will lower my daily calorie goal from 1540 to 1200. I will also be eating the calories I burn. I think when I was eating 1540 calories I was eating too much, which was why I wasn't losing any weight. That may not be the reason why, but I think it is the most obvious and I feel like this change may be what I need to start seeing the scale move in the right direction.

I will weigh in monthly as well as take measurements monthly. I will also be focusing my food intake on the good healthy guidelines set by Weight Watchers. These include dairy, whole grains, protein, fruits and veggies and water, among a few others. If I can focus on eating healthier foods then I know I can succeed.

I made a workout schedule for this week and hope to stick to it as best as I possibly can. Obviously things may change, but this is what I would like to have happen.

Sunday July 7th: 20 Donkey Kicks, 30 minutes stationary bike, 30 minutes elliptical
Monday July 8th: 25 Donkey Kicks, 30-45 minute interval run
Tuesday July 9th: 30 Donkey Kicks
Wednesday July 10th: 35 Donkey Kicks, 30-45 minute interval run
Thursday July 11th: 40 Donkey Kicks
Friday July 12th: 45 Donkey Kicks, 30 minute stationary bike, 30 minutes elliptical
Saturday July 13th: 50 Donkey Kicks, 5 mile run

I also decided to start Chalene Johnsons 30 Day Push again. I watched the first video yesterday and am feeling dedicated to making it the full 30 days. I have seen a few people make it through the entire program and experience such wonderful changes in their lives that I want to put in the work to get that positive change myself. I made it about 2 weeks last time and am focused to complete it this go around.

Day one was all about getting started and the daily homework was to write down your values, what's important to you, what you want people to know you for, what you want to be remembered for, what the guiding principles in your life are, and what things you feel have a calling to you. It was more difficult than I thought it would be, but I did it. Today I've been working on what my priorities are and I am still trying to make it through that. We'll see how the next 28 days go and if I become more organized and focused on my goals.

Goal: 1200
Food: 1922
Exercise: -898
Net: 1024

Breakfast:
Chobani Flip Cups- Key Lime (180)
Soy milk- Regular Light (60)

Lunch:
Chicken Caesar Salad- dressing on the side (503)

Snack:
1/2 soft pretzel (200)
Swedish fish (150)

Dinner:
Taco Bell Chicken Cantina Bowl (560)
Taco Bell Pink Lemonade Freeze (270)

Exercise:
20 Donkey Kicks
35 minutes Stationary Bike (9.59 miles)
33 minutes Elliptical (2.91 miles)
Calories burned: -898

Positive: I made it through my scheduled workout at the gym. I felt like quitting a few times during both the bike ride and while on the elliptical, but I pushed through and I am really proud of myself for sticking with it.

The Good: I started over today instead of waiting another day. The binge-fest did not need to continue as the vacation is over and it is back to reality. I very easily could have put it off a day and started at the beginning of the week, or better yet I could have waited until the 12th so that my challenge would have ended on our one year anniversary. But I didn't do that, I tracked my food and worked out.

The Bad: I need to go grocery shopping and buy fruits and veggies. I am hoping to do this tomorrow so that I have some healthy foods to bring with me for my lunches for work starting on Tuesday. I know that if I bring healthy foods to snack on and have for lunch then I will have nothing to worry about. As long as I bring only what I'm going to eat for that day then I will be fine. Until I make it to the grocery store to get these healthy foods I am a little stuck searching for foods in our slightly bare cupboards and refrigerator.

Thoughts:
*Donkey kicks are going to do wonders for my backside. I hope... I only had to do 20 on each side today and towards the end of the second set of 10 I could definitely feel the burn. I am looking forward to toning up and getting through a challenge. Getting up to 100 is going to be painful. Painful and so worth it.

*It was nice being able to sleep in this morning. I woke up a few times between 6 am (when Patrick left for work) and when I got out of bed at 8:30 am. After waking up no later than 7 am while on vacation I needed the extra sleep. I can say that I am looking forward to getting up at 6 am when I go back to work on Tuesday. Yes, you read that right. I am looking forward to it. I love having a schedule and going to work every day is the best kind of schedule.

*I am trying to decide if I want to go to the gym before work or after work next week. Since I am only going to be going 2-3 days a week I need to see how busy the gym is when I get home from work before I decide if it's worth it to get up extra early to get in an hour workout, shower at the gym and then go to work on those few occasions.

*It felt great getting back to the gym tonight and I am so glad I went and that I stayed for the entire time scheduled. I also talked to someone about my two free training sessions and am hoping to set those up sometime this week. I received an email last week while on vacation that said the following (mind you while reading this email I totally felt confident in my choice to join this gym):

"As a new member in our club, it is our duty to get you started on the right track to reach your fitness goals. Nothing is more important to us than providing our members with the finest fitness programs.

Body Xchange trainers have been trained extensively for weight loss management, overall fitness performance, muscle toning, athletic training and post rehabilitation exercises. With your membership you will receive two orientation sessions ($120 value).
 

If you are an existing member that has never had the opportunity to work with one of our fitness professionals, please sign up immediately for your two sessions.

Our belief is......"Results cause Motivation", so if you're not getting them we want to help.

Remember one thing: You will not change your health and physique overnight. Be patient and the results are guaranteed. If you are new to exercise, we recommend 2-3 times a week at about 45 minutes each workout if you are able to. If 45 minutes is too much, do what you can and add a few minutes each visit. Within 30 days, you will do just fine. THERE ARE NO MAGIC PILLS!"

 

*I hate doing laundry. HATE IT!

 

*My husband is annoying to live with. I only type this because he just said "I must be really annoying to live with" and because I know he reads my blog occasionally. I am hoping he will read this so that I can see his reaction. Truth be told, he is not annoying to live with.

 

*I already have the outfit I plan on wearing for my first day back to work. I know it is fancier than need be (we are a casual office) but I like dressing up and I feel more confident when I get dressed nicely and put on make up and do my hair. Can't promise I'll be doing my hair, but I am planning on doing my make up.

 

*I am having mixed feelings about going back to work on Tuesday. On one hand I like having the schedule, I'm excited to make my promotion official and to start training for that position and I'm excited to see my coworkers again. But on the other hand I have not made the best use of my three months off of work and I feel like I spent the majority of the time lounging around in a near depression. I am going to desperately miss the time I have been able to spend with Isabel. I never thought I would be the type of person who wanted to be a stay at home mom (at least not full time), but now that I have to go back I don't want to.

 

*I am ready for success. I am ready to allow myself to experience success. I deserve to be successful. I can only get out of this what I put into it. I am so ready to work my ass off (literally) in order to be healthier and more physically fit. I am ready to be in great shape so that training can be easier and so that I can enjoy running again.

Thursday June 27th

The Good- I had therapy tonight and was able to talk some more about my negative thoughts about my body and my self sabotage with my eating habits. It seems to make so much sense when she and I talk and I feel so stupid sometimes because it all sounds so silly when I'm talking about it. But then she leaves and my mind starts spinning with negativity and I don't know how to make it stop. It's ridiculous that I can't be happy that I went to the gym last night for 50 minutes, instead I tear myself down for only going for 50 minutes. I can't get in check with my eating because I am so focused on not seeing the results that I throw in the towel and figure that I'm still making progress with working out, so what's the point of the rest of it. I know that with continuing therapy and discussing these thoughts I will make progress with the mental part of it too, which is sometimes more difficult to deal with than the physical.

The Bad- I did not get out of bed to go to the gym this morning like I had planned. I couldn't fall asleep until after 11 last night and then woke up a few times in the middle of the night. I was not well rested and chose to listen to my body instead of push myself to go.

The Positive- My therapist advised I start two journals tonight and go for as long as I can. The first will be a notebook with a positive a day about myself. The second is a notebook with a reason a day why I love Isabel. I decided to have Patrick include one in each notebook and Isabel as well. Isabel's will be given to her when she gets a little older, possibly when she starts going through changes with her body and needs to see reasons why she's lovable. Being a girl sucks and those changes can be difficult to get through.

The Workout- 
50 squats
 
Thoughts for the Day

* When you don't fall asleep until after 11pm and then wake up multiple times throughout the night you are very unlikely to get up with your alarm and make it to the gym in the morning. Meaning that there are two options- 1. take more rest days or 2. get more sleep. Doing both would probably be the best choice.

* It is very interesting watching Isabel play sports. She is very book smart and she definitely tries her hardest, but she lacks coordination.

* I have started reading yet another book and am now in the middle of three. This one is called Running On Faith by Jason Lester and has been really good so far. My favorite part is this:

"When you make extreme-distance sports your life, it's like you have this angel sitting on your shoulder, constantly whispering, "Do something inconceivable. Set the bar higher. Take up a new challenge." Most days, you're too busy to listen, but when things quiet down you start asking yourself questions. Could I improve my split? Could I set a new personal record? Could I keep going past the point where in the past I've quit? It's about inner growth and improving discipline and mental focus. After all, the only person you ever really meet out on the course is yourself. You are your own ultimate competition; at the end of the day, you're the one you have to answer to."

* In order to not kill your plants on the patio you have spent time and money to make more "homey", you must water them or make sure your husband continues to water them. They will die if they sit out in the heat and don't get watered for days at a time.

* I'm going to miss my husband. We have not spent more than one night apart since being married and I am not looking forward to the next 4 nights without him.

* I bought a 16 pack of batteries and have 2 empty 2GB SD cards ready for our 9 day vacation. I am worried that this will not be enough. I intend to take some very artistic photos this vacation (which to me includes a lot of close ups of flowers and animals and interesting buildings, etc). There may be a trip to CVS to buy some more memory.

* Planning on taking that many pictures is ridiculous.

* I am having a really difficult time putting in the work and not seeing the results and am going to use this vacation as a way to stop thinking about what's working and what's not. We are coming back home on a Saturday and I intend on making that Sunday my day to sit down and figure it all out before starting back up with MFP that Monday. I need to remember that my body is not going to change over night and that the work I am doing is a good thing and will show eventually.

* I got an email from my new gym about a free two session meeting with a trainer. I need to look into that when I get back. Hopefully I can talk to someone about nutrition (my biggest struggle right now) and maybe make a good plan on what machines to use and for how long.

Wednesday June 26th

The Good- I made it to the gym for the second day in a row and made plans to go again tomorrow. I will get my money's worth, even if it is only $19 a month. I am thinking once training starts on August 31st I will make it to the gym 2 days a week for cross training purposes. One day to use the stationary bike and one day to use the elliptical.

The Bad- I had intentions to go to the gym for an hour and a half tonight. By the time I got there I already started talking myself out of going for the full time planned (30 minutes treadmill, 30 minutes bike, 30 minutes elliptical). Once there I decided on 20 minutes each machine for a total time of an hour. I started on the treadmill for a total time of 25 minutes including a 5 minute cool down. Then I got on the bike and decided it was too late to do the elliptical since I still needed to do my 100 squats. So I stayed on the bike for 25 minutes and went home. That's 50 minutes. Why doesn't it feel like I did enough?

The Positive- I decided on a "schedule" to incorporate the gym into my training program. It will change week to week depending on Patrick's work schedule, but at least I have a general idea of what I want to do.

The Workout- Treadmill- 1.58 miles, 

Bike- 5.27 miles, 100 squats

Thoughts for the Day

* I got a pedicure today and felt extremely self conscious about my runners feet. I apologized to the guy and I don't know why. I'm proud of my feet!

 

* I started packing tonight. I know I'm over packing, but I'd rather have too much than not enough.

* I like American Dad. Patrick and I watch it every week night at 10pm because it is so much better than the awfulness that is the 10 o'clock news. 

 

* I can't think of anything to say. I shouldn't wait until 10:30 at night to blog about the day and instead should make notes throughout the day.

Monday June 24th

Since I am not tracking right now I have decided to try something different for my daily updates... Bare with me.

The Good- Patrick has officially been promoted from assistant manager to store manager. He has such an amazing work ethic that it was only a matter of time before he got the promotion that he so deserved. Thankfully the offer was more than he was anticipating and will definitely help us in the long run. Interestingly enough, I spoke with my manager this morning and she told me that she is getting the paperwork together with HR to offer me a promotion when I get back from my time off. Such great news for us financially!

The Bad- I ate fast food twice today. It was for silly reasons and shouldn't have happened. It was out of convenience and laziness and I feel like there is a brick sitting in my stomach. I should not have let this happen and am embarrassed to have been so weak twice in one day.

The Positive- I didn't want to go for my workout tonight, but ended up starting out small by walking across the street to sign up for a gym and go to the used book store with Isabel. Then after Patrick got home I went for my one mile run. Didn't get in everything planned, but considering I didn't want to do anything I think it was good to do what I did.

The Workout- 1 mile walk, 1 mile intervals, 1 mile run, 95 squats

Thoughts for the Day
*Patrick and I need to make a pro/con list about him going on our family vacation. Taking 9 days off of work right after starting at a new store is not ideal and the decision is up to him.
*Patrick and I also need to make adjustments to our budget on mint.com. Now that we are both going to be making more money we need to figure out what we can afford to put towards the rest of Patrick's debt and what we can put towards our savings accounts.
*We have a lot of savings accounts. Like a lot of them. But they all serve their purpose and it helps to see what we have in each account. Plus I like that we can "nickname" the accounts so we know what's going where and when.
*I joined a gym today. It's less than a mile from our apartment, so I will most likely walk across the street to go for my cross training (or strength training once I get comfortable using the weight lifting machines). Then again since they open at 4:30am I may end up going before work. That way I can just leave from the gym and not worry about being out running on the streets when it's still dark in the mornings. I'm excited to start incorporating other cardio as well.
*I need to start packing. Which means I need to make a list of things I need to pack. Which means I need to use the Google in order to find the best list to use to pack for our vacation.
*I'm tired, but can't seem to sleep at night. I have been waking up early to go for my run and working out and I just can't fall asleep. Very frustrating.
*Was watching Family Feud with Patrick and they asked "Name someone you wouldn't want to see at a nudest colony". There were the normal answers "Boss/Coworker" and "Parents/In-Laws". The missing answer neither family got? Fatties... I am shocked and appalled and still picking my jaw up off of the floor. Wow. Just.. Wow.

Sleep- Or Lack Thereof

For the past few months I have been having some difficulty sleeping. There are many factors attributing to this, but I cannot remember the last time I've slept through the night.

I have been having trouble falling asleep and when I do I wake up with wrist pain, or because the cat is chewing on plastic, or Isabel wakes up crying with a nightmare, or Patrick is snoring... These are just a few of the nightly annoyances keeping me awake. I can honestly say that a huge issue with my sleep patterns is pretty simple. I have no schedule for the day as I did when I was working.

I had started the habit of going to bed early in order to get up early. I was eating better because I could limit what I ate throughout the day by not keeping food at work and only bringing what I was planning on eating that day. I was also working out more often throughout the day and would be tired for the right reasons at night.

Without that schedule I have been allowing myself to stay up later than necessary and when possible I lay in bed later than necessary as well. I've been getting better about getting up and being productive, but I'm not where I want to be quite yet.

Pinterest has become a friend of mine. An obsession would be more accurate. But it's been beneficial because I've found a lot of recipes, a lot of motivation for running and weight loss, and a lot of great articles to read.

I enjoyed this article about 27 Easy Ways to Sleep Better because it's what I need right now. I know that sleeping better will help in so many other areas of my life including weight, energy and being more patient to name a few.

I really connected the most with the following tips and am planning on incorporating them in the near future to hopefully sleep through the night.

1. Establish a bedtime routine. This lets the body know it's time to unwind from the day's stress and chill. Figure out a schedule and stick to it every night of the week - even weekends!
2. Exercise regularly. Studies suggest some aerobic exercise can reduce anxiety and improve quality of sleep in people who suffer from insomnia.
3. Work out earlier in the day. While exercise can help improve sleep quality, it's important to schedule workouts that end at least two hours before hitting the hay so that post-workout adrenaline boost doesn't keep you up.
4. Bedroom activities only, please. Reserve the bed for bedtime-only activities so the mind associates the bedroom with relaxation. Sleep and sex, yes. Work and bills, not so much.
5. Create a comfortable environment. Whether that means picking the perfect mattress, splurging on 800-thread-count sheets, getting heavy-duty curtains to block out light, or keeping a fan in the room for background noise, make sure it's comfy before climbing into bed. Share a bed? Work with your partner to make any changes necessary so everyone sleeps well.
6. Take a hot shower or bath before bed. This can help the mind relax, while the rise and fall of body temperature induces sleepiness.
7. Set a daily wake up time. Just like it's best to go to bed at the same time every day, it's a good idea to keep a consistent wake up time - even on the weekends. Irregular bedtime and wake-up hours can lead to poor sleep patterns.

There are so many more great suggestions, but those 7 are the ones that I can easily change and are the ones that hit home to me. I plan on working on these things in order to improve my sleep. I think that the more I work on my sleeping habits the more other things in my life will improve, including exercise and eating habits.