Here We Go!

No, I'm not talking about Bud Light. Ick.

A year or 2 ago I wouldn't ever imagine I would be doing this...

I think I may be crazy - 26.2 miles is a long way!

But I can do it because I'm a strong, determined woman. Plus, I have a plan.

Thanks, Hal Higdon, for your knowledge about how to get me through this challenge.

I've also been hanging out on No Meat Athlete for some great advice. It's such an awesome site; I can't believe I haven't checked it out more in depth sooner. I even have one of their shirts!

I'm excited to document most of my journey to 26.2 here. Should be fun :)

I'm off to get a foam roller. See you later!

~Kasey

Happy Saturday

Hello!

I hope your work week ended well. I had yesterday off from work, but I have to go in today. Oh well, I was very productive yesterday!

I went for an hour long run outside! It was a lovely 28° and sunny - I had forgotten how much running outside is much better than on the treadmill. I can't wait for spring!

I did other random errands and cleaning, and then Dillon and I went to our favorite beer place, JL Beers. Even though I'm trying to lose weight, I was able to plan for this outing, and I enjoyed 2 beers and shared an order of their homemade chip with Dillon. I'm a firm believer that I shouldn't have to give up stuff like that because I really enjoy it! I just need to work it into my plan, so I'm not going overboard.

A brief recap of some of my eats yesterday:

Calories consumed: 1670
Caloried burned: 785

Breakfast was the usual, toast, banana, and nut butter. - 285 calories

During my errand running, I picked up one of these bars to hold me over until lunchtime.

I think this might be my new favorite bar! I don't like to eat too many bars like this because they are pretty high in sugar, but this one was quite delicious. It had 230 calories and 13 grams of protein! A good way to refuel my muscles after my run.

Then I had a light late lunch -

Romaine with 2 tbsp of light zesty Italian dressing, Ezekiel bread with hummus, and 2 tbsp of dried cranberries for something sweet.  - 237 calories

Then Dillon and I went to JL; I didn't take any pictures, though we talked about how when I get my iPhone (hopefully on Monday!!), I'll most likely take many more pictures because the camera is very good. There with 1 tall beer, Breckenridge Vanilla Porter, and 1 pint of Honey Weiss, along with about half an order of some homemade chips, I calculated it was about 753 calories. Not very healthy ones, but we had fun, and that's what's important!

Afterwards, we came home and watched The Social Network and shared an apple and some popcorn. Good movie - different than I expected, but it was entertaining. That snack was about 165 calories. 

I was kind of on the low side for net calories yesterday, but I wasn't that hungry. I'm sure I'll make it up somewhere along the line.

On a very happy note, my weight went from 155.8 on Thursday to 152.4 today :) I know weight fluctuates quite a bit, but I'm much happier with 152. I've never gotten any lower than that, so hopefully soon!

Time to get ready for work once again! I can't wait for tomorrow for the Superbowl! Go Packers :)

~Kasey

Green Monster

Sound Scary?

Its not - it is very delicious and nutritious!

Since I got my VitaMix, I've found a new appreciation for this fun drink.

Here is an oldie, but a goodie, combination.

1 cup unsweetened soymilk, 1 frozen banana - I always have frozen bananas because I throw any that are getting too ripe in the freezer for later - 1 tbsp of peanut butter - homemade, recipe coming soon - 1 tbsp ground flax, 2 large handfulls of spinach.

Put all ingredients into the blender and blend until smooth ~ 1-2 minutes.

Mmmm, green goodness! It looks strange, but its so delicious, and there are so many different ingredients you could use! Its fun to experiment, and its especially a great post-workout drink!

Speaking of workouts, my last few have been especially awesome! I'm beginning to notice improvements in my running, especially in regards to speed. Its awesome to finally be able to see a difference!

I've also been really enjoying using the stationary bike after I run. Today, for example, I ran for 30 minutes and then rode the bike for 20. I love the extra cardio without all the impact. And, well, I really miss riding my bike! I can't wait for Spring; I'm so over Winter.

Well I must go get ready for work. Have a great day!

~Kasey

9 Miles!

This morning I ran about 9 miles in 1:40:00! While not super fast, it's still pretty awesome if you ask me.

The half marathon isn't until May, so I think I'll be very ready for it! I think I'm really going to focus on speed during the week, and then on the weekends get 8-12 mile runs in most of the time. I don't like following a particular plan; I think it kind of takes the fun out of running. I want to run when, where, and for how long I want to run at that time! So I think this flexible plan should work very well for me.

To prepare for my long run today, I devoured this last night -

Mac and Chreese with roasted broccoli! You've probably seen this before :) We were supposed to have this on Thursday, but we went to Granite City for dinner that night instead. Whoops!

Last night we also went to Dairy Queen for Blizzards. Not very healthy of me, but it's been so long since we've had actual ice cream - it was a nice treat. Treats in moderation, right?

We turned in early last night after watching an episode of The Wire (it's so good!) so we could be rested for our day.

Right now I'm sipping this to recover from my run -

1 cup of unsweetened soymilk, 1 cup of frozen blueberries, and 1 frozen banana. Yum!

Well I need to go get ready for the day! Our plan today is to get some errands done (recycling, pharmacy, etc..), go eat Indian food, and then probably head to JL Beers to enjoy some brew while watching football. Go Packers!!

I think it's going to be a wonderful day. I hope yours is, too :)

~Kasey

Workout Plan

Good Morning!

I had the toughest time getting to the gym this morning. Dillon woke me up before he left for work, and I just did not want to go.

So what did I do? I told myself that I have never regretted going to the gym, but I have regretted skipping a workout. Plus, I didn't want to mess up my workout plan.

And it worked! I had one of my best runs to date. 50 minutes on the treadmill of fast running (5.8-6) for much of it in my Vibrams. It felt awesome.

Speaking of my workout plan, I thought I'd share it with you.

Sunday
45 minutes of Yoga
30DS - Level 2

Monday
50 minute run- Mizunos

Tuesday
Rest

Wednesday
30 minute run & weights- Mizunos

Thursday
50 minute run- Vibrams

Friday
Zumba- Vibrams

Saturday
Rest

So far, so good! I think the plan really helps keep me focused and accountable. I'm doing some running in my running shoes (Mizunos), but then I still like to use my Vibrams a couple times as well. I also am managing to get some cross training in, which is awesome so I don't get so burned out from just running.

I think the plan really helps keep me focused and accountable.

Well I need to finish eating my breakfast and get ready for the day.

Ezekiel sprouted grain toast, nut butter, cinnamon, and coffee. I seriously eat this every morning, and many nights I go to bed looking forward to eating breakfast. It's that good.

Today is my last day of work for the week! Well, kind of- I have to work on Saturday, but I have Friday and Sunday off. I'm excited for a break! Getting used to a new schedule is hard and tiring. I'm sure it will get better.

Hope you have a great Thursday!

~Kasey