Turns out, it didn't suck

Believe it or not, I DID make it to the gym yesterday.

 

And, even more shocking-- it didn't entirely suck.

I started with 3.5 miles on the treadmill, going for some speed-drills similar to the my last speed work session. (Stay tuned for time details...)

Then, I went to a 60-minute Spinning Class with the world's most annoying teacher. Seriously. She kills me. Her music is even worse. Legit-- half the class was had music with no words. Music is a make or break deal with me and group fitness instructors. This one broke her. Big time.

I was awaiting a friend of mine to arrive in town and she texted me half way through Spinning that she had just left and since she lives over an hour away I decided after Spinning to get another 1.5 miles in to make it an even 5 miles for the day.

By this time, I was on a full blown endorphin high so I decided to try to push it during this 1.5 miles. And, wowza-- did I. (Stay tuned...)

I decided t0 hop on an elliptical for a quick cool down. A few minutes in and my knee started to hurt. BAD. Part of me said to stop, but part of me said to keep going to see how it felt. 10 minutes in and it felt OK. I (maybe  a little stupidly?) wanted to see if running would make it hurt worse, so I hopped on the ol' mill for 1 more mile.

Turns out, it didn't hurt at all a few steps in so I decided to PUSH IT. Like, faster than I ever, ever have before.

So, how'd I do overall? Results?

Freaking B-A. At least-- BA for me.

3.5 in 8:18/mile pace.

1.5 miles in 7:57/mile pace. (WHAT?!?!? That # starts with a SEVEN!!!)

1 mile in 7:35/mile pace. (WHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTT?!?!?!?!?)

And, I got in a 60 minute spinning class and 10 minutes on the elliptical.

I PUSHED it. This was TOUGH, but I was focused and dead set on beating my time each time.

And, I felt AMAZING afterward. I was exhausted and tired and my body hurt and everything in between... but, above all-- I was on the BIGGEST RUNNERS HIGH. I felt amazing. I felt PROUD.

Just goes to show-- even if you don't feel like working out-- GO! It may suck. It really may. BUT. Buuuut, it just may be freaking awesome.

Should I Workout Today?

(source)

 

 

 

I don't care what anyone other healthy living or running blogs say. Working out is not always sunshine and rainbows and unicorns. Some days, you just do NOT want to workout.

 

Today, I just do NOT want to workout. I slept in, skipping my morning workout. Today we had a potluck party thing at work and I ate... a LOT. Therefore, I feel just groooooss and the idea of hitting a treadmill almost makes me wanna vomit.

 

I JUST DON'T WANT TO WORKOUT. Not even a little bit.

 

But, I will.

 

Some days when you don't feel like working out I am a FIRM believer that means you shouldn't. Sometimes if you're just not feeling it I think it's your bodies way of telling you to sit your ass on the couch and chill.

 

But...

 

Some days when you don't wanna workout you just gotta suck it up, stop being a whiny little bitch and get out there anyway. So, that's what I'm gonna go do. Treadmill for a few miles, then a spinning class. Even though I don't want to. Maybe I'll experience that ever-elusive feeling where you'll start feeling it after a few minutes of doing it... doubtful. I think today is just one of those whiny JUST DON'T WANNA DO IT kinda days. And, that's OK.

 

Shocking revelation ahead: sometimes, you gotta do things you don't wanna do. I know. I was amazed the first time I heard it to.

So, I'm off. Right now. 

Elf4Health: Week 3 Update!

 (source)

 

 

 

Time for Week 3's Elf4Health update!

 

First and foremost- I have a new elf! While I already miss this girl, my new elf, Mandy, is super sweet. She's blog-less (for now!), so I can't give her an official shout out, so this'll just have to do. Hi, Mandy!! Keep up the hard work!!

 

Now, onto the challenges of the week!

 

Week 3, Day 1 (Monday): Track water intake and try to drink your weight in ounces of water.

Nailed it. I drink tons of water all day long at work, so this wasn't too hard. I did have to think about it after I got home that night, though.

 

 

Week 3, Day 2 (Tuesday): Clean out and organize fridge/pantry. Get rid of expired/unhealthy items.

 

Rocked this one too! I'm naturally a neat freak, so there wasn't too much to clean, but I did go through things and make sure nothing was crazy old or gross. We still have some not-so-healthy items like ice cream and cookie mixes and stuff. Hey, life's all about balance, right? 

 

 

Week 3, Day 3 (Wednesday): Eat 3 servings of veggies by 2pm.

FAIL. I didn't have a single veggie by 2pm. Wah wah. No excuses. Just didn't do it. Bad, Meagan.

 

 

Week 3, Day 4 (Thursday): Buy coffee for the person behind you or treat a co-worker to lunch or a snack.

 Major success! Not only did I buy bagels for my whole office (receipt on left), but I also bought the car behind me breakfast (receipt on right). When I told the barista I wanted to pay for the person behind me, she asked if I knew them and when I replied no and that I simply was trying to pay it forward she was speechless. It felt absolutely amazing to do something so randomly nice for a stranger. And, it's somehow really cool that that person will never know who I am or be able to "repay" me. I would have never thought to do something like this, so I'm SO glad this was the challenge of the day.

 

 

Week 3, Day 5 (Friday): Workout with a buddy.

I'm gonna call this one a win, too... even though it's stretching it. I don't really have a workout buddy in the area I live. BUT, I did reply to the wonderful Elle and had a virtual buddy! I ran 6 miles and did 15 minutes on the elliptical in the morning. Maybe there wasn't a friend on the machine next to me, but I definitely wouldn't say I was alone... I knew all the other elves were sweating somewhere too!

 

*This was also an incredibly sad, sad day for our nation. One of the other elves challenged us to add a challenge of reflection for those who lost their lives in Connecticut. I also participated in this un-official challenge. I still do not know what to say about this day's events, so I won't try to say anything about it here. I'm still just completely speechless and just so saddened by it.*   

 

 

Week 3, Day 6 (Saturday/Sunday): Donate to a holiday charity in your area. 

  BIG success! Ok, so maybe this was technically on Friday-- but, still. My department at work adopted a family through the Salvation Army. I not only donated money, but also helped shop and got to drop off the gifts and food at the Salvation Army.

 

 

Overall, I'd say Week 3 was SO much more successful than week 2. I payed much closer attention to what the challenges were before the start of each day and really worked to make sure I met them.

 

 

On to Week 4! Challenge's for this week...

W4D1 (Monday, 12/17): Do a circuit workout today.

W4D2 (Tuesday, 12/18): Treat yourself to something you've been craving!

W4D3 (Wednesday, 12/19): Bake cookies!

W4D4 (Thursday, 12/20): Make a casserole for dinner.

W4D5 (Friday, 12/21): Pay it forward!

W4D6 (Saturday/Sunday 12/22, 12/23): Going to a holiday party? Have a healthy snack before, choose water, adn split dessert.

Weekly Workout Recap (12/10-12/16)

(source)

Weekly Workout Recap (12/10-12/16):
Monday, 12.10.12: 45 minute Unleashed class & 1.5 miles
Tuesday, 12.11.12: 60 minute Signature Strength class & 2 miles & 45 minutes elliptical
Wednesday, 12.12.12: 60 minute Spinning class
Thursday, 12.13.12: 6.2 miles
Friday, 12.14.12: 6 miles & 15 min. elliptical
Saturday, 12.15.12: 45 minute Insanity DVD workout
Sunday, 12.16.12: Rest Day!


Totals for Week (12/10-12/16):
15.7 Miles Run 
1 Spinning Classes
1 Signature Strength Classes
1 Unleashed Classes
1 Insanity Workout
45 Minutes Elliptical


This week was kinda an unintentional step back week... just didn't quite have the time I usually have and was outta town all weekend. I did get 2 pretty solid speed runs in through-- 1 intentional, 1 not. Was happy to get 3 different types of gym classes  and an Insanity workout in too! It's always good to mix it up a bit. Overall, a solid week, I'd say!

Don't Know What to Say

I don't normally post on weekends, however this weekend I especially didn't post. I just didn't know what to say. After such a tragic event, what do you say? Do you not acknowledge it? How do you go back to "normal"?

I don't know how to go back to normal, but I do know that I can't not acknowledge it. I won't ramble on for pages or give some huge proclamation of opinion on how things happened or what needs to change. This post isn't for that. Nor is it for some political rant. This post is simply to say I am so sorry for all those effected by Friday's horrific shooting in Connecticut.

I spent Friday glued to the news like much of the nation. I've had conversations with friends and family at length. I can't stop thinking about it.

I don't have children. I do not spend my days surrounded by children. I cannot even begin to phantom what it would feel like... I just can't.

I honestly don't know what else to say about it. I'm just so sickened by the events. And so, so sorry to all those who lost loved ones. My heart and thoughts and prayers are with you.

15 Thing Friday

1.    I am so beyond ready for the weekend. If I get through this day without slapping someone, I’m gonna call it a win. I'm just putting that out there.

(source)

2.    I saw this product on this girls blog and now I wanna try it. It takes next to nothing to get me interested in a new beauty product. I'm a total sucker for a good review.

(source)

3. I ran yesterday at lunch. I ran FAST. Well, fast for me. 6.2 miles (because why just do 6 when you can do an official 10K?) in 52:16 for a 8:25/mile pace. WHAAAT??? A sub 8:30 pace? WHAAAAAAAAT??? I'm still in shock and not 100% convinced it actually happened. Maybe I dreamed it? #proof

Ok, so I'll admit that doesn't quite LOOK like proof, but it is! See, it took my Garmin til my turn around point to catch satelite, but I am 100% certain I was running just as fast (if not faster) the 1st half of my run than the 2nd AND the 1st half was DOWNHILL while the 2nd half was uphill. So, I'll calling it. #proof.

 

4. Speaking of running, I ran this morning too! I'm on a roll! And... it was fast again! However, today's was an intentional "speed" workout. Woah. I'm so official and shit.

I ended with 6 miles in 52:50 for an 8:48/mile pace. I finished up the workout with a 15-minute cool down on the elliptical.

TWO sub 9:00 6-mile runs in a row? WOAH. I don't even know who I am. Don't worry-- I'm sure it's a fluke.


5. Let's stay on the running theme for another second, shall we? I officially met my 2000 in 2012 goal! I'm currently at 2009 miles total for 2012.

So, I'd say that officially means I'm shooting for the 2012 in 2012 goal! I mean... I only have 3 more to go. If I don't meet this goal, we have some serious problems on our hands.

If/when I meet my goal, it will mean that I will have officially averaged 5.5 miles PER DAY, EVERYDAY for the ENTIRE YEAR. That's freaking crazy. I mean... isn't it? Like, totally, legit crazy. I'm speechless about it.


6. I bought this Luna bar at the grocery store yesterday. Haven't tried it yet, but it sounds so good!

7. I have TWO holiday parties TODAY. Lunch and dinner(ish). By the time I got to bed I'll likely weigh 5 more pounds than I do now. I'm pretty OK with it.  


8. And, officially surprising pretty much no one, this article says philosophy is one of the most unwanted degrees by employers. Shocker.


9. LOVE this look. The dress is beyond cute-- it even has pockets! And, the shoes and hair and makeup... love it.

(source)

9. People out there have named their babies the following ridiculous names this year: J'Adore, Yoga, Excel, Burger, Espn, Hippo, HToo. What does this even mean?? Seriously?? WTF is wrong with these people? I think if you choose to name your baby one of these names your child should get taken away from you. How would YOU like to go through like with the name HIPPO? Seriously.


10. I would like to make and eat this entire cake immediately please. This girl constantly makes the most delicious looking desserts, but this might take the cake (get it?!?! I'm so funny.). Seriously. Drooling.

(source)

11. I have spent an unnatural amount of time researching all things dogs in preparation of us possibly getting a dog. As in, HOURS. I've read too many articles to count on potty and crate training... even though we think the dog we're getting is already trained on both. Wtf is wrong with me? If I'm like this with a dog, God help poor Hubs when we have a baby.  


12. Forbes magazine has named Britney Spears the highest paid female musician of 2012. This makes me happy beyond belief. I love me some Britney and am SO happy to see her have she shit together again. There were some dark days before.


(source)

(source)

So glad to see her back to the Britney we all know and love.

(source)

 

 13. I spent 30 minutes looking through banana republic, the gap, the limited, and old navy's websites to include a link to something I want to get and NOTHING screamed out at me. Seriously-- I must be in a funk today.


14. I cannot believe it's already mid-December. Where did this month ago? I swear, Thanksgiving was last week. I swear.


15. It's Friday!!!!!!!!

First's

There’s a “first’s survey” floating around the blog world and as doing a pre-made survey is WAY easier than figuring out something to blog about, I’m gonna go with it…

 

1. First thing you do when you wake up in the morning.

Depends a lot on the day. But, usually give the Hubs a quick kiss (he’s still asleep about 99% of the time) and then go to the bathroom. I always wake up with a full bladder! TMI? Oh well. I just drink so much water during the day!

 

2. First thing you reach for when you open the fridge.

Well, why did I go to fridge? In the morning, I reach for my pre-packed lunch to take with me. Usually otherwise it’s for a drink (flavored water, as of late).

 

3. First thing you do when you go to the gym.

Go the lockeroom to put my stuff down and to fill my water bottle from the water fountain.

 

4. First thing you do you when you get home from work/school.

Bring my gym back upstairs and pull the dirty/sweating/stinky clothes from the morning out and then re-pack it for the next day. I also pull out the outfit for the next day and hang that on the doorknob so it’s all ready to go. I also set my gym clothes out for the next morning. Gotta do it all the night before so there's no excuses the next morning! Plus, it lets me sleep even just 5 more minutes in the morning which makes it SO worth it.

 

5. First car.

A red Ford Taurus station wagon. Yup. I was the coolest 16 year old station wagon driver EVER.

 

6. First car accident/traffic violation.

Yeaaah…. Not so funny story, actually. I kinda accidently flipped my mom’s SUV over (as in, we were hanging upside down from our seatbelts) when I was still on my learners permit. WHOOPS. NO ONE GOT HURT—thank God!! And, to be fair—it was an SUV and it was raining. I wasn’t even speeding! It was just a bad situation. I didn’t get ticketed or anything, but her car was definitely totaled. WHOOPS!

7. First choice beverage.

DIET PEPSI. Obviously. Happens to be the Hubs first choice too. Match made in soft drink heaven.

 

8. First thing you wanted to be when you grew up.

“The Boss”. I didn’t care what kind of boss or who I was going to boss, as long as I was the boss. I also went through a phase where I wanted to be a TOLL BOOTH WORKER. I wish I was kidding. I was a weird kid. Don’t judge.


 

9. First choice breakfast.

Not sure… but, the first thing to pop in my head is a bacon, egg and cheese bagel from McDonalds w/ no sauce. SO GOOD. I love breakfast food. Bagels, doughnuts, French toast, pancakes—I’ll take them all. I just love food. Doesn't much matter the kind.

10. First choice dessert.

Fro. Yo. If you didn’t know that already, you don’t know me.

11. First *major* purchase.

Well, when I was 18 I bought a computer to take with me to college. At the time, it was a BIG purchase to me. Since then, I’ve bought another computer (a Mac this time… WAY more pricey) which didn’t seem like quite as big of a deal. I haven’t bought a car or a house or anything though, so I don’t think I really have made a “MAJOR” purchase.

12. First song that comes to mind…

Well, the one that’s playing right this second is Jason Mraz “I’m Yours”. Love that song. Love him. Love.

Pics from the time my friend and I went to see Jason Mraz!!! LOVED it!! 

 

13. First job.
I worked at a smoothie place in the mall called Fruitlati for like a week before getting a better paying job as a Hostess at a Mexican restaurant called Casa Gallardo where I worked all through high school and on college breaks.

 

14. First time you flew on a plane.

Oh, jeez! I have no idea. I was likely really, really little. I’ve flown a lot. I honestly have no idea! I do know the last time I flew, though! It was coming home from our cruise from Tampa to Chicago.

Clearly not a plane... but, it is us on that cruise!

 

15. First pet you owned.

Well, I personally have never owned a pet... well, other than a fish or two. Our family has had pets, but they've never been MINE. The Hubs and I are thiiiiiiis close to adding a pet to our little family! We're trying to adopt a dog through a local shelther. This little girl may be joining our family soon!

 

 

 

Now, tell me one of your firsts!