2 miles...

Yesterday's training plan called for a 20 min. run in zone 3.  I was really excited cause twenty minutes is nothing these days.  I thought about running outside but opened the front door and couldn't breathe.  So to the treadmill I went.  It was the end of the week so none of my normal workout clothes were clean.  So I ended up wearing shorts that were too big for me and a yoga top...which usually I hate running in cause they ride up.  Thank you fat stomach.  Despite my horrible outfit choice...I had an absolutely amazing run. 

Before I started I had mentally told myself I was going to push myself.  Well, I started my 7 minute warm-up increased the speed to past what I normally do, maintained that for about 10 or so minutes.  Checked my heart rate.  Hmmm. Still not high enough.  Checked my heart rate strap, wiggled it around to make sure it was working properly.  Increased my speed.  I was already at about 20 minutes but I felt so awesome that I figured I might as well finish out the mile.  Increased my speed.  Not going to lie.  These two miles were probably the best run I have ever had.  I could have kept running but decided not to since I knew what I had waiting for me on Monday.  Thank God for good runs...they make all the bad runs totally worth it!  (and in ill fitting clothes, nonetheless!)

XOXO,

      NMO

Deck O' Death...

So, I met with my trainer yesterday for my monthly meeting.  I had e-mailed her before the meeting to warn her that she was probably going to be yelling at me but didn't elaborate why.  Got up at 7:15 ish to drag my arse there by 8:00 a.m.  The idea of working out at that point was not appealing.  At. all.   Of course, she asked me how things were going and why she was going to yell at me.  I just handed her my less than half filled out workout log.  Amazingly enough she didn't yell.  She did ask how I was sleeping, which I was very happy to report...much, much, better.  She was happy to hear that and figured I had probably been on my way to chronic fatigue syndrome...ok, I don't remember if that was the name of it but something like it.  Basically, she said it was probably good I backed off on my training and that if I had two nights in a row where I wasn't sleeping to let her know right away. 

So, anyway, we discussed how busy I have been with school and how it was easier to get my runs in cause I had a treadmill right at home and didn't have to take the time to drive to the gym as I would for lifting.  Her face lit up and she asked me if I had ever heard of the Deck of Death workout.  I gave her that look that said...do I really wanna hear about it?  She explained that she uses it when she travels.  And since I didn't need a new strength program (cause I only did last months once, GASP!) she said she would teach me that.  Note to self:  Never ever skip your regular strength work outs again!

Ok, here is a rundown on the rules.  Obviously there are different variations out there and you can pretty much do what you want.

Each suit stands for a specific body part, that way you get a full body work out.  Otherwise you can just designate the suits for two specific body parts if you are trying to focus on something.  You pick one exercise from each suit. Cards are face value and Jacks are 11, Queens are 12, Kings are 13, and Aces are 14.  You go through the whole deck or for an hour.  I had about 10 cards left yesterday...probably because I spent a lot of time whining to the trainer so I could rest a little...that and I had a 7 minute warm-up. 

Hearts: (arms) push-ups, walking push-ups, judo push-ups, row push-ups, wide push-ups, bench dips, bear crawl, crab walk, twist-up push-ups, diamond push-ups), dolphin push-ups


Spades: (legs) lunges, double lunges, squats, squat holds, wall sits, squat jumps (optional + 1 legged jumps for single digits), lunge jumps


Diamonds: (abs) sit-ups, triple sit-ups, v-ups, bicycles, butterfly kicks, jackknives, crunches, side crunches, rockies

Clubs: (cardio) sprints, burpees, squat jumps, jump rope, mountain climbers, high knees, sets of stairs

Not going to lie.  It kind of sounds easy but it is really, really, really hard!  This is what I felt like when I was done.

Not three hours after the workout I was already feeling sore.  And boy, oh boy, can I feel it today. 
 
XOXO,
      NMO
 
 
P.S.  She tried to get me to do Burpees yesterday and I flat out refused.  I'm kind of  a snot like that.  But I was already dying and I figured if I was going to continue to die I was going to do it with some other form of torture that I appreciate more! 

In a Funk...

Is this not the coolest thing you have ever seen?  I pretty much love it and may try to reproduce it while doodling in class...with no success, I'm sure!  

Anyway,  I don't have anything exciting to share.  In fact this post is going to be quite the opposite.  So, 4th of July weekend, right?!  I should be totally stoked I get an extra day off school and blah, blah, blah.  That is exactly how I feel is BLAH! 

Friday I went to Bunker Beach with Britt.  Nothing like laying in the sun for four or so hours.  Normally I would be ecstatic about this.  I'll admit I was pretty excited and I did get a nice burn/tan but I was just kind of out of it.  Did absolutely nothing Friday night on my long list of  "to dos". 

Saturday.  I was supposed to work out cause I skipped on Friday cause I'm LAZY!  But I was in a major funk.  I was in one of those moods where in high school I would have asked my friends if you could be depressed if I knew I was depressed.  I really don't think I'm depressed, maybe just down.  Anyway, woke up at 8:00 a.m. and did absolutely nothing until noon.  Decided that maybe if I showered there would be life in me and I could be a normal human.  Eh, it kind of worked.  I left the house cause I figured it couldn't hurt.  But what do you do when you have no one to hang out with in the area.  You go shopping.  Hello retail therapy.  I did purchase 6 tank tops for around $12.  I'm awesome I know, but even that didn't make me feel better.  Got home and then mom wanted to go shopping.  At that point I had decided I was going to the gym but she was excited so I nixed the gym...once again...and went shopping with her.  Still felt lame.  Watched TV that night and went to bed. 

Today.  Feeling a little better.  Went to church.  Bought some groceries.  Worked on a paper.  Made some brownies.  Worked on a paper some more.  Watched a little TV with mom.  Need to run today!!!! 

So, here is what I would like to complete before the end of Monday:

Clean my bathroom.  I share with my bro and it is so disgusting I can barely stand it.  I NEVER let my bathroom get this bad...usually I am anal!

I would really like to finish both of my papers but realistically if I could finish the history paper and start the research paper my life would be so much nicer this week.

Laundry.  I don't have any clean shorts.  Or pants for that matter.  Hmm, come to think of it I need to do this tonight so I have some clothes to wear tomorrow!

Pick up my room.  This usually happens when I do laundry.  But I have a half unpacked bag sitting in the middle of my room from my trip last weekend and beach towels from my Friday's excursion laying on the floor.  Driving me nuts.  It's a miracle I have been able to get any paper writing done. 

This is probably the most important.  I need an attitude adjustment.  I've been positive self-talking myself up the wazoo with little results.  Sometimes I just think we need to go to that dark place so we can appreciate the happy times...right?! 

I have been scheduling my work outs and then coming up with every excuse under the sun not to do them.  It's pathetic.  I know better and my body deserves better.  Now if only I could get my body and mind in sync and I'd be in business.  Oh, my trainer is not going to be happy with me! 

So, yeah, this is what is on my mind.  A lot of nothing and a lot of everything.  Encouraging words and motivation are welcomed!!!

XOXO,

    

         NMO

Celebrate...

This is my friend, Jenn.  You should be jealous of me because she is awesome.  I hit the jackpot in the friend department.  Anyway, today is her 26th birthday so I'm showing her a little love, you should too!! 

10 reasons why I love this girl!

1)  She is a gentle source of encouragement.
2)  She is the voice of reason...I need that a lot.
3)  I once threw a glass of water on her and she still talks to me.  (Long story but basically I'm a horrible friend).
4)  She's my mom.
5)  Someday she is going to raise my children. 
6)  She knows how everyone is related to everyone and probably the latest tidbit of gossip.
7)  When I lived with her she cooked for me!
8)  Her faith is inspiring.
9)  We can go months without talking and pick up right where we left off.
10)  She understands my sarcasm, knows my past, knows all my faults and loves me anyway!

Happy 26th Birthday Jenn!  Next time we are together I will make you cupcakes.  They will be delicious.  We will eat and we will laugh!  Thank you for being such a great friend!  Love you!

Losing Focus...

It is official.  A couple of months ago I signed up for my first race.  My goal is not to beat other people...my goal is to finish without dying.  I will be doing the 10k.  Right now my goal time is 1:20.  Which I think is doable.  I have never ran a race.  I hate running outside.  There are hills outside and I have to keep my legs going.  When I'm on the treadmill I usually run at an incline of 1 or 1.5 and IT keeps my legs going.  If I don't keep going I'm going to fall off.  Can't we just transfer that to outside...

Confession.  I have been a total slacker with my workouts.  I have been getting my runs in on Mon, Tues, and Wednesday but then doing absolutely nothing Thurs, Fri, Sat, and Sun!  Eek!   That's bad, very bad.  81 days until the race...but whose counting.  I met with my trainer the other day.  She set up a new strength plan for me.  I was getting so bored of the old one.  I am pretty sure I whined the whole session.  It is going to kick my butt.  Not even exaggerating.  Also, she is making me do a lot of weird things.  I already look like crap when I'm exercising but now you want me to slam a ball down that makes lots of noise and then bear crawl across the gym?!  Eye rolls were needed I swear...Note to trainer:  I am more apt to do everything you want me to if I don't look like a complete retard doing it.  

I need to get my butt in gear and my mind back in the game.  I have been using homework as an excuse.  Yeah, I have a lot of homework but I could manage my time better.  It pains me to say that.  I'm probably not accomplishing much anyway in the two hours I could be working out.  Seriously, the internet is the devil and provides all sorts of distractions.  So, wish me luck and please tell me to get my butt in gear...I respond well to mean comments and guilt!

XOXO,

     NMO

Organized...not so much!

Well, this is my last ditch effort of procrastination before I shower and start my paper that is due tomorrow.  This week has kind have been the week of hell.  Three papers and one presentation.  It wouldn't have been so bad if I would have completed a little more homework this weekend.  Instead I was chillin with my peeps at the 20's/30's retreat.  Totally worth the chaos this week though not gonna lie. 

With the increase work load...homework that is...I find myself putting off my runs or leaving them until last minute.  I am the queen of excuses, trust me!  I haven't been to the gym...since...I can't remember when!  Scary, very scary!  I got back from the retreat and stepped on the scale.  Eek!  I had gained 5lbs.!  No. Thank. You.  I think some of it was water weight cause I've lost a couple already but it is a nice little reminder of how easy it is to get out of the "good" habits and back into the old.  The scale definitely reflected that. 

I was hoping that this weekend could be used as catch up but it is getting filled quickly.  Thursday night after class I am visiting my dear friend Meg to catch up on SYTYCD.  Friday my mom, two aunts, and I are going wedding dress shopping with my cousin!  And out to lunch of course!  Saturday is a graduation party for my mom's cousin's son...whatever relationship that is to me?!  But I am required to attend.  So right now Sunday is looking like my day of grace.  I am really hoping to fit some S-U-N in there too.  I need to get organized so that next week I am not running around with my head cut off, that and I am going to V-Town for a tubing trip that weekend.  So, yeah!  Organization needs to become my friend stat! 

XOXO,
     NMO

In case you were wondering...

I have a new found love for PB&J sandwiches.  These days I'm either having one for lunch or one for supper.  Absolutely De-lish-ous!

I started running again.  It's amazing how fast you can get out of a habit but it still feels real good =)  By the way, I love these shoes...Mizuno Wave Creation...look 'em up!  I just did and I found out they have a boat load of new colors at Finish Line!  Super expensive but totally worth it!

Still not sleeping.  I am kind of turning into one of those morning people except I'm not cheerful.  That was your warning...

I have finished my paper.  Well, it is completed enough that I'm going to hand it in.  We had a saying in high school when we were taking chem:  Sometimes you just have to let go and say screw it!

I'm pretty sure I might celebrate with a cupcake ;)

Don't worry my whining will not stop.  We have a lab today to run our statistics...whatever that means.  I do know it means there is another paper next week. 

I have used two full ink cartridges and almost a whole pack of paper since I started grad school.  Don't worry I am doing my part to kill the trees and make our world a better place for our children!  Ha!  I just wish the teachers would make copies for us since they have big, fast, efficient machines...but I guess when you are in grad school teachers don't do that.  Lame. 

I was reminded last night that everything happens for a reason.  And boy, oh boy, am I glad that the Lord has plans for me that I don't know about cause I really can make a mess of things. 

Ok, I am off to plasma to help save a life ;)  You're welcome.

XOXO,
     NMO