Sunday, Plan Day

It's Sunday night, so that means it's time to get ready for the new week! I'm going to Atlanta Thursday and Friday for work, so it's short week planning, which is nice, but also annoying. I haven't fully unpacked from Pittsburgh last weekend (because I hate unpacking. And putting away laundry or dishes), so I am kind of just repacking. Luckily, Johnny was good enough to go to the grocery store so I could stay in my pjs and think about planning for the week. I came up with a new plan for myself too, which is exciting, but first...

This weekend was an at-home weekend for the first time in a while, which was really nice. The VT cousins came down with their adorable baby to spend the weekend with us, and we had a grand old time. Yesterday, we went to the aquarium!

I haven't been to the aquarium in a long time, so it was actually pretty fun to check it out again. I bought a LivingSocial deal a couple weeks ago, so admission was only $8 an adult instead of $23! We always talk about going when the VTers are in town, but we've never really been interested in spending $50 a couple to go. This deal popped up and I jumped right on it, and it was well worth it! I was most excited about the newly added shark and ray touch tank! I couldn't wait to get my hands in the tanks. No sharks came my way, but I touched a bunch of rays and it was SO cool. (Obviously I am a dork sometimes).

Much to our pleasure, the weather yesterday and today was absolutely wonderful. It's hard to believe that it's the middle of November right now. We walked a whole lot over the weekend, adding a few miles to my Pile on the Miles total for this week! (We did walk back and forth from a new fro-yo place, but it still counts!)

SO back to my new plan. Remember how I said I'm going to run 5 miles on Thanksgiving? Yup? Ok. Well I still absolutely plan on doing it. But I've one-upped myself. Not only will I be doing 5 miles on Thanksgiving, but I'll be going a 10k the first weekend in December! I know it might seem slightly crazy, but I KNOW I can do it, it's just a matter of making myself do it.

I got on this kick to do a 10k after I got an email from my dear friend who lives on the other other side of the world asking me if my 5 mile plans meant I had 10k plans. Well, at first it definitely didn't. But as soon as she mentioned it, I got it stuck in my head. So I decided to commit to it. First, I looked up a training plan through Runner's World.

I wanted to make sure it was even reasonable. I know it's going to be pushing myself, but that's definitely the point. Seeing what Runner's World spit out, I definitely feel confident. My pace is a bit faster than what they've got me training at, so I know it won't kill me. And, I recruited my sister to run with me. She's great about running at my pace with me and pushing me a little harder, so right after I looked up this plan I texted her to make sure I'd have a partner in crime.

So it's done! It's happening, and I just hope I'm ready in a few short weeks!

You'd Think It Was Summer...

Although the BFF just posted that there's snow in Albuquerque, there's no such weather here in New England (how does that make sense?) We had some chilly fall temps this past week, but this weekend was GORGEOUS. It was in the 80s both yesterday and today and I spent the majority of the weekend outside. Today, I even got a sunburn. Oops!

Today I started with a half marathon. I mean, I ran four miles last weekend, so what's 13.1?? Just kidding. I didn't run at all today. I was a spectator at the B.A.A. Half Marathon. My sister, her friend, and a few other friends of mine were running, so the hubs and I went out to cheer them on.

This picture doesn't actually have anyone I know in it. They all ran by really quickly, and it was a HUGE race, so I didn't get any pictures. I saw our friend at the five mile mark, but I didn't see my sister, so I hopped on my bike and rode to the finish line. I stood at mile 13, and I saw my sister's friend, but I never saw my sister. I was totally bummed about it because I wanted to push her like she pushed me in my tri, but no such luck. I ran down to the finish line and luckily I found her there!

They kicked butt, even though it was HOT and HILLY (what a horrible combo). It was not my sister's first 1/2, but I'm still super proud of her for doing ANOTHER ONE. Crazy? It runs in the family.

Since I was out in Jamaica Plain anyway, I met up with a friend of mine who just moved out there for a walk. Her new place is right by the Arnold Arboretum, so we figure it'd be a nice place for a walk. Well, it's more than a nice place. It's a beautiful place that's great for walks. I didn't take my camera with me, but it's really a sight to see. It's hard to believe it's in the city!

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We ended up walking just about 5 miles through the hilly park, and it felt so good. I really don't love running, but long walks and challenging walks I love love love. You get to see so much without feeling like dying, so I think it's great.

I rode my bike home after our walk, but the seat broke some how, so I had to stop every few minutes to adjust it and it was VERY annoying...and pretty much the most uncomfortable thing ever. Regardless, I got A LOT of walking/biking in today and it was wonderful. Just how a weekend should be.

Some people in Boston have tomorrow off (cough::thehubs::cough), but I have to go to work. Good thing I like my job. Time to prep for the week...it should be a great one, I even have a blogger event! Exciting! :)

Stormy Saturday

Today was supposed to be a wash. The weather channel issued a thunderstorm warning and the softballs game I was going to watch was cancelled. I was prepared for a rather annoying day of weather.

Turns out, it's not bad. The sun has not made an appearance, but neither has the rain! I took advantage of it, and did some wandering around the city. I contemplated going to strength class this morning, but in my training plan today is a rest day...and I wanted to lay around with the hubs this morning. So I did. I definitely listened to my body and got the extra hours of sleep :)

I started my wandering at LuluLemon in the Prudential Center. My non-Welsh friend from Wales gave me a gift card for my bday, so I figure it was about time to cash it in! I got a new tanktop and this hoodie I've had my eye on for a while. I love shopping there and only wish I could afford everything in the store. And I always think it would be awesome to work there and wear workout clothes "to the office" everyday.

After a few more stops I hit up the Health and Fitness expo. It was happening at the convention center right next to the Pru, so I figured I'd stop in (I spent the day working at a convention in Boston yesterday, so I might as well go to another on my day off right?)

It was pleasantly crowded, but there wasn't too much to see. There were a lot of free screenings and some interactive booths. It was good to see people taking advantage of these things, especially when health care costs are so high. I didn't wait in line for anything, since I was just kind of browsing, but I did snag myself a free Lara bar, and walk through a giant brain.

Afterward, I wandered over to BerryLine. It's a fro-yo place they just opened on Newbury street. I've been to one of their other location before, but this was the first time I visited the one so conveniently located near my apartment. It's not one of those super amazing places where you add everything yourself and weigh it, but it was deliciously good. It was just the treat I'd been holding out for all week. I got Nutella (HECK YES!) fro-yo with strawberries and s'more bites. AMAZING.

I had a late breakfast (thanks to sleeping in) so this was my later lunch. I'm heading to a friends tonight for dinner and fireworks (some towns apparently don't know that the fourth isn't until next weekend) and I'm sure there will be some wonderful bbq goodness there. I love summer, even when it's not sunny (or warm).

Stayed tuned: tomorrow I'm going on a bike ride with friends! Riding is on my training plan for tomorrow so it worked out perfectly. Hopefully they don't mind that I'm such a novice!

Sore Legs and Gummy Bears

This weekend has been go go go! Friday after work, I got home, did a quick change, and was out the door for dinner. We were hoping to find seats at a place with outdoor seating, but since it was such a nice day we didn't have any luck. We ended up inside, but the food was still good! After waiting for the bus home for what felt like forever, the hubs and I made it home and crashed hard.

Saturday I was up and at 'em right away. I hit strength class followed by a 60 minute spin class. I brought my camera to document the sweaty event, but I of course didn't actually take any pictures. That's the theme for the weekend, fyi.

After the mega gym sessions, I shopped with my sister for a while, before coming home for a late lunch and making a cake for Pride. For the last three years, I've made a fabulous rainbow cake as my contribution to the party. I didn't take a picture, but this is the one I made last year...same idea this year :)

I went right from the party, over to the NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK/BACKSTREET BOYS CONCERT!!!!! Although I didn't want to leave the party, the concert was amazing! Mark Walbergh introduced the bands, and I sang at the top of my lungs to all the sounds. I felt like I was 15 and swoony over boy bands all over again.

It ended up POURING rain, so I was soaked with a hoarse voice by the end of the night. I'm so glad I got the chance to go!

I was up again this morning for the NStar Walk for Children's Hospital. This is my third year participating in the event, and the third year that it has been raining! This year was a little rough because I dropped my keys, ID, and bank card at one point. Once I noticed I started back in the other direction. I found my keys and someone found my bank card and gave it to one of the volunteers, but my ID is gone. Oh well! That's the least important in my mind! It was a long 7+ miles, but I was happy to have been able to be a part of it again.

This weekend I asked my body to do a lot. I pushed myself hard, and now I'm enjoying some time relaxing with tea and gummy bears. I think at this point my body deserves it! I think I'll update iTunes while I'm at it too :)

I wish Monday wasn't tomorrow!

100th Post!

HAPPY 100TH POST! Between the BFF and me, we've managed to get 100 posts into the last couple months! Pretty awesome, if you ask me!

I am quite happily enjoying the long weekend. I got to jet out of work a little early yesterday afternoon, and had a surprisingly traffic-free ride. It was a GORGEOUS day. I didn't get out during lunch, but when I got to the car, the thermometer told me just how wonderful the day had been.

(yes I was driving when I took this, and yes I have a lot of thousands of miles on my car. Oh well).

I got home just in time to change and head out for a double date. We went with Johnny's bff Dave (although he tells me boys don't have bffs...so maybe his bromantic friend?) and Dave's girlfriend. We met up for a fancy drink at The Liberty Hotel. I used to work right by this hotel and have been a few times for drinks and I love it. It used to be a jail, so the architecture of the building is awesome. It's a little pricey, so I've never eaten here, but I love going!

After a drink, we walked over to the Museum of Science.

Like MY bff, I enjoy going to Museums sans children. We weren't there for the exhibits though, we were there to FINALLY see the tornado movie at the Omni Theatre! It was SO cool. It seems to be a little too real these days, with the many tornadoes touching down around the country, but it was really neat to see things from that perspective. We luckily don't deal with them here in New England, but it was fascinating all the same!

After the movie (which was only about 45 minutes long), we walked back to have dinner near the hotel. We settled on Antonio's, an Italian place with an extremely reasonably priced menu. I don't generally like going out for Italian for two reasons:

1. I can make Italian food. I know it's not nearly as good as resturant stuff, but I can make pasta and meatballs, so why spend so much money on it?
2. It's not very healthy. It's high in ww points and the portions are HUGE. I'd generally go for a lighter, healthier options, but every once and while, it's a good treat!

Dinner was amazing. I ended up getting the mussels and they did not disappoint. And the place itself was so cute and homey. There are only about 15 tables and it feels like Italy (I can say that because I lived there). It was worth the extra calories!

Today was another gorgeous day. After my carbo loading last night, I was pleased to get out for a bike ride! It was my first ride since I got my bike 2 weeks ago (bad weather caused that delay) and it was great. Unfortunately, it being a nice day, there were SO many people out and very much in the way, preventing me from ever really picking up much speed. I ended up covering 7 miles in about 50 minutes. It made me realize just how different real biking is from spin class! I'm going to need a lot of work on that for the tri!

I took my bike back to Johnny's office (that's where it lives since our apartment is small and up three flights of stairs), and headed home for a quick shower before an afternoon of errands! I have ZERO in terms of summer clothes, so my sister and I went shopping. I ended up with a few things, but I sill need a lot more! I did also buy 14 new pairs of underwear (Victoria Secret awesome sale!). This may be TMI, but in the 2+ years of losing weight, I've gone through SO many clothes. I frequently get rid of pants and shirts that are just not working any more. The one thing that I've kept the whole time? My underwear. I guess it continued to fit for quite some time, so I never needed to replace it. Lately, I've noticed that it really no longer fits. I bought a few new pairs a couple months ago, but now it's out of control. Tomorrow the underwear drawer will be purged and my buns will be happy!!

I hope everyone is having an awesome long weekend! I'm SO happy to have a day off!!

The Weekend and The Race

It has been such an awesome weekend here in the city. Weather -wise, and life-wise. Right now I'm laying in bed after a busy morning, and when I finish this post I'm going to read my book and maybe even nap. I don't see how it can get much better!

Yesterday morning really started the beautiful weekend. I didn't set an alarm, eventually got up, had some coffee, read blogs, and got out the door to the gym. No rush, just a nice relaxing morning. I did 25 minutes on the elliptical and a quick mile on the treadmill. If I'm in the city on a Saturday morning, I usually try to do weight lifting class followed by a 60 minute spin class, but since I had a race today I wanted yesterday's work out to be pretty light. When I finished I walked around the city for a while doing a bunch of errands. I refuled with some ice coffee. I absolutely love ice coffee in the summer, I even have a koozie!

We love our Dunkin' here in Massachusetts!

One of the errands I had to do was to stop at the Lindt chocolate store. Tough life, huh? Two of our friends are moving to Switzerland in a few weeks, and we had a going away party for them last night. I bought a bunch of assorted truffles and chocolate to have at that party (we also had candy watches, since the Swiss are known for their watches, Swiss and American cheese for sandwiches, and we gave them Swiss Francs as a going away present). I had a good time wandering around the store and picking things out. The sales person kept offering me free samples, but I limited myself to one, which was DELICIOUS and an awesome post-work out treat. I'm not sure I'd be able to work in a place like that!

After the rest of my errands, the clouds started rolling in. I headed home as a few sprinkles came down, and minutes after I walked in the door it started pouring! It was perfect timing! I settled in a made myself a seriously good salad. I'm sure you're not all that interested in what my salad looked like, but I took a pictures, so you get to see.

The party last night was fun, but I had to jet early to see David Sedaris read! I LOVE him as an author and I've had these tickets for months. It was unfortunate that it all fell on the same night, but the show was good! He's such a hilarious man, and I love hearing him read his own stuff. It's so much better than when I read it to myself.

This morning I was up bright and early to run a 5k in my home town. Unfortunately, I work with some hip pain. I'm not sure what it was all about because I didn't do anything crazy this week, so I think maybe I slept on it funny. I was concerned that it was ruin the race for me, but once I started running, the pain was unnoticeable. On my way to the race I picked up my gma. She came out to cheer me on!

The race itself sucked. The course was a nice challenge, but the organization was HORRIBLE. One site said it started at 9, then active.com (where we registered) said 9:30. Turns out 9:30 was right, so we were more than a little early. The race shirts were not pink, and we didn't even get one! Only the first 100 runners were given shirt, which was not information posted on the race site, and they were BLUE. We could buy them, but since I already payed for the race and it wasn't pink I didn't bother. When we started running at 9:30, we were stopped a little ways down the street where the starting line was actually located. It was bazaar, but it also threw off the mileage. According to my Garmin, the race was only 2.98 miles. That aside, I ran a GREAT race. The first mile of the race (Garmin measured, not race markers) was the fastest mile I've ever run. The second mile was a bit slower, but still rocking for me. The last .98 was HARD. It had a big uphill that made me want to cry a little. But I powered through because I knew a huge downhill was on the other side. We finished the race in 34:14, which put us on pace to finish the whole 5k at 35:44-ish (the hubs likes math and was "crunching the numbers" for me). Now, to most people out there, this probably doesn't seem that great, but for me? THIS IS AMAZING! The finished a 5k in May last year (with the BFF!) in 43 minutes. This summer, my 5k time was 40 minutes. I am improving by minutes each time, and I RAN MY FASTEST MILE EVER. Needless to say, I'm SUPER excited about this. I would have liked to have my finishing time be more accurate, but I'll take it! I have my friend Emma to thank for this awesome feeling though. Running with her really pushed me to keep my pace up, and now I know I can do it. I felt badly holding her back, but she didn't care one bit. She kept giving me pep talks and helped me finish strong. Luckily, she's running the 5 miler with me in June too!

(Please note how she looks like she barely broke a sweat and I look like I might pass out haha).

It was an awesome weekend and I feel ready to take on the week. Happy Mother's Day to all the awesome moms out there. I don't get to see mine, but I'll see her on Friday when I head to VT with the whole family! My brother is graduating and we're going to party hard. Hopefully the work week goes by quickly!