TREADMILLS - My Nemesis!

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

I'm sooooooo over treadmills! I know they serve their purpose BUT sheesh I feel like I'm going nowhere very, very fast! (Literally!)

So, I successfully finished my first week of half marathon training last week entirely on treadmills. That's right, I did workouts on my home treadmill & the gym treadmill. I am pleased that I got them done & happy that I was able to check those workouts off my training schedule BUT that is where the satisfaction ended. You see, I cannot get over the hampster wheel feeling & I've tried EVERYTHING to keep myself distracted while completing these workouts! I've gotten so desperate now that I now blast the I-POD, watch TV AND sing at the top of my lungs to get me through these workouts! NOTE: I do forgo the singing part at the gym as not to encourage stares but the other day I was singing so loud in my basement that my DH came running down the stairs because he thought I was injured or something (LOL!). There is nothing interesting about a treadmill...Period! Not to make it all sound negative though because I will say that the home one is extremely convenient & an awesome thing to have especially when you are trying to squeeze in a good workout in a small time frame. I think I just may kind of frustrated with all of this treadmill work because it's all I've done for the last 3 weeks or so when typically I only do 1 or 2 days of it...

Soooooo, all of this has prompted me to explore something new. The entire reason that I've decided to do my training indoors on the treadmills is due to the snow & ice conditions still present in my local neighborhood. I don't want to fall & risk injury by running outside right now. The other reason was my ridiculous stance that I took after my Norfolk 10M race in which I proclaimed that since it was soooo bitterly cold I would NOT run outside until March. BUT, I'm thinking if I just explored a little bit more I may be able to locate a track that has been pretty well salted & cleared by now, I just have to look. AND, maybe the cold isn't so bad so perhaps I should just stop being a crybaby & suck it up (don't quote me on that part!). I'm doing this today because I refuse to suffer through 7 miles on the treadmill!!!

Anyhow, beyond that, week 1 of January goals I'm looking okay...

1. Did half marathon training...I think I beat that one to death!
2. Eating...did really well until Friday but we had a celebration that included dinner & karoake at work
3. Participation in challenges...still logging in my PP January Challenge
4. Swimming...yeah, still lazy there, only 1/2 hour last week but this week I did 50 minutes...woohoo
5. Redecoration project...bought new bed, bureau, comforter set for baby, painting this weekend

Well Happy Track Hunting to me!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DACIUS 1/15/2010 8:43AM

I never understood runners opposition to running on treadmills until recently. For a long time I actually prefered them. But now that I run for over 60 minutes at a time. A treadmill just plain sucks. Especially if I am speed training. Something just feels weird about running fast on a treadmill, seriously hoofing it, then someone casually walks by you laughing and joking. The competitor in me just wants to hop off and run past that person. LOL!!! I much prefer my bridge runs. I much prefer my runs down random road A or boulevard B. So I feel your pain chica. I know our weather down here is considered mild to most, but I really cannot stand runnign in temps below 50 degrees. I simply do not have the right clothes for it. Report Inappropriate Comment

LAURAKINS 1/14/2010 12:12AM

I feel your pain about the treadmill. I trained for all (3) of my halfs on treadmills during the cold months when I couldn't get outside and I went CRAZY! You are doing great! What race are you training for? I am excited to be running a fall half this year so I can train outside this summer!!! Keep up the great work! Report Inappropriate Comment

MARATHON_MOM 1/13/2010 6:47AM

I, too, despise the dreadmill. I use it when I have to because of weather or time issues, but I never ever like it. The only thing that really helps me get through it is the TV (music doesn't even help anymore) or (don't laugh) I have been known to put on the Free Run on Wii Fit Plus and watch all the little Mii's running around. LOL. It's comical, really.... and when my husband's Mii passes me, I, OF COURSE, have to speed up. hehehe. It isn't nearly as cold here as you have to deal with, so I feel like a whiner now for saying I don't go out to run sometimes because of the cold. LOL Report Inappropriate Comment

LYNDA1019 1/12/2010 3:19PM

Well Crys, I started running on the dreadmill. It is convenient, but that is all you can say about it. I found it harder to run outside at first. Now, I know I cannot compare my run at 37 degrees to what you are facing up north, however, I wore a tank top, a lightweight long sleeve shirt, and a light jacket. I work a winter headband for my ears and running gloves with socks over them as mittens. I shed both the gloves and sock/mittens during the run because I was hot. It was exceptionally windy and the windchill last Saturday was 28 degrees. No ice or snow to deal with. Ice scares me. You could try to run on the bike paths because they are plowed. I have one near my home in E Prov. and I run it all seasons but I drive to it and run in the winter when I was home in dear old Rhode Island. They do plow it but you have to watch out for black ice with any melting days. But once you figure out what clothes to wear, you will find joy in running outside in the cold. And you will burn more calories. Make it an adventure! I know you are up to the challenge! Report Inappropriate Comment

JEM0622 1/12/2010 1:42PM

All you need is running tights and a lightweight jacket. No need for multiple layers. Cover your ears, but not your entire head. And gloves. Yak Traks if you are worried about falling. I'm doing the dreadmill. Can't stand the cold and it makes me cough way too much. Not fun! ~Julie Report Inappropriate Comment

SORGIN 1/12/2010 1:02PM

Thanks for this blog! I HATE THE TREADMILL! I HATE THE TREADMILL! I HATE THE TREADMILL! (There, I got it out of my system.) And like you, we have snow/ice and running in those conditions can be - well - interesting. I probably do one run a week on the treadmill (but I need to do more because I'm training for the Surf City Half in Feb. which is in a warmer climate than I'm used to!) For six months, I couldn't understand why the treadmill was such torture. I am always slower on the treadmill than I am outdoors. I feel like I work harder on the treadmill. It never made sense to me. And then I figured out that 1) the temperature is a lot warmer where the treadmill is, 68 degrees, and 2) the treadmill is at a constant speed which doesn't allow me run intuitively; I just try to keep up with the belt. I haven't made my peace with the dreadmill quite yet but I finally see it for what it is. It is great for quick runs, interval, hill and speedwork (not that I do that a whole lot). It's great - as you say - for those days when you can't bear to go outside due to rain, snow or ice or whatever. So it is better than nothing or not being able to log miles for training due to crappy weather. I am SO impressed that you did all your training this week on the treadmill. That is AWESOME and shows how dedicated you are to your training. THAT ROCKS! I have started to put up photos where my treadmill is, runners I admire, quotes, my bib numbers. And like you I turn on the music, the TV and do anything I can to get through it. I think you've hit on how to manage the dreadmill though - keep changing it up and it will be okay. As for cold weather running, I like it much more than the dreadmill or warm weather running. Lightweight layers are the key and it only takes a few runs for you to figure out your temp threshold per layer. My husband put screws on the bottom of an old pair of running shoes last year and those worked like a charm on the ice. Since then I've bought a pair of trail shoes and I feel very safe with those. I don't slip or slide at all in those and if I get to run on pavement I don't get the click, click, click of the screw shoes. Sorry for the long post here but just wanted to say CONGRATS to you! That is no small feat! Report Inappropriate Comment

DEEJACKSON 1/12/2010 12:53PM

Gotta do both inside AND outside! You are going to suffer SEVERE burnout. And like RUNTRILAUGH says, outside running will better prepare you for actual race conditions (ex. weather, terrain, etc.) HAVE FUN WHEN YOU RUN!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

HEALTHYELEPHANT 1/12/2010 12:42PM

I feel your pain!!! I tried to do a long run on a treadmill a couple weeks ago, and I couldn't mentally get through it. So what I'm doing is taking the long run outside (once/week), then doing the others indoors. My speedwork and tempo runs are short enough that I can push through on the dreadmill, and the "easy" runs are no problem. As far as bundling up goes - it is chilly, but if you layer up, you'll be happier. Last weekend, it was 15 or so, and here's what I was wearing: tights heavy wind pants on top light socks heavy socks on top light long-sleeve tech shirt short-sleeve tech shirt in middle heavy shirt on top heavy jacket gloves face mask hat By the end, I didn't need the face mask, or the gloves, and I probably could have gone without the jacket. And that was in the really cold stuff! You can do it! :) Report Inappropriate Comment

LIGHTNINGRUNNER 1/12/2010 12:35PM

Be glad you are running and get some Yak Traks (I think that is what they are) and venture outside for a run. Report Inappropriate Comment

RUNTRILAUGH 1/12/2010 12:27PM

Outside training will prepare you for more than just the mileage. The surface you are striking is different, the weather and elevation changes, etc.... but you know that already! It will be good to get out there and do what you can.... You'll do great!!!! Keep the faith! Comment edited on: 1/12/2010 12:28:32 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

Does Speedwork WORK??

Thursday, January 07, 2010

So, part of my half marathon program that I have started this week includes some speedwork...I'm new to this. Typically when I train for most races I just train for mileage at a reasonable pace. When I saw that this program included some different things I was pretty excited but now I think I may be a bit skeptical soooooo I'm hoping some of you runners out there can tell me if it's the real deal...

So, I was supposed to do 7 repeats of .25 miles at a very fast pace. I did this last night but instead I did .30 on my treadmill because I thought that this would be a piece of cake! It was tough to sprint so fast for each interval! Harder than I initially thought that's for sure! BUT you could rest in between which was oh so nice, which I did. That part was really nice. However, by the end of this training session, total miles only amounted to slightly over 2.5 miles which is really not much. So I put in another 6 or so minutes just to make it 2.9 miles but I really felt like that wasn't a real deal workout. I KNOW I did not burn as many calories as I typically do when I put in a lot of miles or go to the gym but as much as I felt like a big slacker, it was what the training called for & who am I to argue with the experts, right?

So, I guess my question is does speedwork work? I mean does it really result in increased race speeds? I know that I see a lot of people do it, most of the time on the track & these people definitely look like the opposite of slackers but I just want to make sure that I'm putting in 100% for each training run & if I feel like it's really not an exertion of that much energy, that many miles & doesn't burn as many calories it just makes me questions it's effectiveness...

Any thoughts??

  

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CWRISTON1 1/10/2010 7:54AM

I've heard that hill work can really simulate the speed work. Because you are pushing yourself up the hills, it really makes a difference. I would suggest the hill off Post Road near the green Animal Hospital (forget what its called). The road across from it is Cedar St/Ave and its a gradual climb that gets tougher as you get toward the top. I knew of a RI state trooper that ran that to prepare for the academy and it worked for him (increased endurance, etc). I would typically include that hill in my runs from East Greenwich. Its off Post and drops you at the top on Love Lane. From there you could either come back down and do it again, or make the loop down Love Lane to Bayview, go down the hill and do it again. Wish I was there and I'd run it with you (there would be no talking...just panting...tough hill). If you want a bigger challenge do Hilltop (across from Ocean Forty condos on Post Road) -- its even more of a climb. Report Inappropriate Comment

CALLENIUS 1/8/2010 8:29AM

My friend and I have done a couple of half marathons and I think that speedwork does help....if you actually do it :) Our speed did improve, but we didn't stick to it like we should so I think that made all the difference. We are determined to concentrate on that for our next one. Good luck with your training! Report Inappropriate Comment

KUANGIE 1/7/2010 11:13PM

For some reason, I can't push myself to really do speedwork outside, only on the treadmill. This is why I I train for a half like you do. I am starting to like the treadmill better in this weather. Good luck in your training! Report Inappropriate Comment

HEALTHYELEPHANT 1/7/2010 1:01PM

Yep. I did it for the first time for my first half back in October, and when I checked my running logs, I realized my overall pace sped up. And it's soooooo helpful to get used to race pace - you know what you're going for when you get to race day! Report Inappropriate Comment

LIGHTNINGRUNNER 1/7/2010 12:51PM

I can talk about the 7 weeks of it I had before I retired...injured. Yes it does, you also learn about what the pace feels like. you also learn about turnover speed...which yes, does make you faster. Report Inappropriate Comment

January Goals

Monday, January 04, 2010

Per my binding commitment that I made in my last blog, I am going to put in writing my goals each month...that way I stay on track! January is always such an exciting month because I think that it kind of defines how the New Year will go so with that being said I want to start out strong!

1. Increase my swimming this month to at least 1 hour per week (BLAH!). I know I really need 2 hours but this is going to be a big struggle for me so...baby steps!
2. Complete Partying Penguins challenge for January, hardest part of this challenge is the 8 cups of water per day, I know that it is good for me but that's a lot of water!
3. Do over my baby's room...I'm thinking Spongebob because who doesn't love Spongebob?? Painting isn't my fav pastime but I'm going to put in the time this month & get it all done!
4. Spend some friend time this month, last month it was tough with the holidays & whatnot to get together, this month I need to make the time at least twice to catch up.
5. 100 crunches per day - starting today...should be a piece of cake
6. 3 x per week strength training - tough one to start but once I get getting I think it will become routine
7. Bring lunch from home Monday through Friday & actually eat the lunch I bring, no excuses!
8. Start half marathon training, this one I'm really excited about! I actually signed up today too which makes it real for me. I need to figure out how to coordinate some of the speed work training though but this goal I'm a-okay with...

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CWRISTON1 1/10/2010 7:47AM

I have my first half-marathon scheduled for one week after yours - 3/27 in Allison Park, PA. I know I "started" training two weeks ago on the half training schedule, but the move got in the way...as well as the snow. I have joined the gym, and can't wait to work through this process with you toward the half. And hear how yours goes :-) You've also inspired me to write down my goals monthly, and maybe just maybe look around at other challenges that are out there on SparkPeople so I can be held more accountable to focusing rather than floundering. P.S. I'm going to live (in RI) vicariously through you for a little while. Don't get creeped out ~ haa haa. It's what I need to do to make it through this winter landscape (complete with no sidewalks or outdoor roads to walk on). Report Inappropriate Comment

HARRINGTON5 1/6/2010 2:28PM

Great goals and CONGRATULATIONS for signing up for the half marathon! You are a SUPER STAR and I think 2010 is going to be your best year yet! Report Inappropriate Comment

HEALTHYELEPHANT 1/5/2010 12:15PM

Sounds like a great plan!!! :) Happy January! :) Report Inappropriate Comment

MRS.NG.06 1/5/2010 10:18AM

Sounds like a fantastic plan my friend! Keep it up! January is indeed VERY exciting!! xoxoox Report Inappropriate Comment

CALLIEJENE 1/4/2010 3:35PM

Good Luck!! Report Inappropriate Comment

RUNTRILAUGH 1/4/2010 3:35PM

Looks like you have set some great goals for January!!! COME ON PENGUIN! LETS DO THIS!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

DENNISBISHOP 1/4/2010 3:32PM

I wish you much success in achieving your goals! dennyb Report Inappropriate Comment

Goodbye 2009...Hello 2010!

Friday, January 01, 2010

I'm really excited about starting a new year & the prospect of sooooo many new adventures that await! As much as I was so OVER 2009, the year wasn't oh so bad...here are the Spark highlights...

- I exercised consistently the entire year!! Although I love to work out I've never been so good about keeping up with a routine & this year I actually did. Now it's like breathing, I know that I have to put in at least an hour workout 5 sometimes 6 times per week. It's amazing to me that this is now a lifestyle whereas in the past I've tried every fad workout under the sun - I'm talking Tae Bo, Boot Camp, Hip Hop or whatever famous celebrity was promoting a workout tape of the moment - & maybe stuck with the routine religiously (almost fanatically) for a good 3 months before resuming my couch potato lifestyle. This year I even started working out on the weekends & believe it or not, it's been fun! I feel stronger & in more shape than ever before! Oddly enough I haven't even gotten sick in 2009 which secretly I attribute to this exercise thing.
- I watched what I ate the entire year! Now let me explain because sometimes that meant that I watched the chocolate cake & chips go into my mouth (HAHA!)...what I mean is that 2009 is the first year that I was mindful of trying to have a healthy diet & worrying about my portions. Never in my life has this been a concern. A lot of that I credit Sparkpeople with because once you log in it's impossible to ignore your bad food choices. Especially when everyone here is talking about it whether it be good, bad or ugly. In the past I have had crap-o-la diet habits & this year, although I fell of the wagon quite a bit, I got right back on & put in a great deal of good days which I'm sooooo proud of. & this has really paid off! Up until the end of 2008 I needed to lose about 10lbs, I wasn't in the greatest shape after baby #2 & now I can go to the store, purchase a size 6 & not even worry about it.
- I fell in love with running races! I did my first 5K back in March of 2009, it was a thrilling experience & I have been addicted ever since! I've had my highs (hello Norfolk 10M Road Race & Artistry in Motion 10K!) & my lows (yeah, that's you Down & Dirty Duathlon & L'il Rhody Runaround...BOO!) but I wouldn't change a thing...it's been a fun ride! Can't wait to see what's in store in 2010 but I'm ready for whatever comes my way!
- I became a swimmer(?) or something like that! In any case, when I started 2009 I hated the water & now I drag my sorry behind every Monday (of all days huh?) to see Coach Andrew for swim lessons. This is something that I never thought I would do & I'm still sticking with it. I'm getting better(?) & closer to my tri goal!
- I became not just a typical runner BUT a physically fit runner! I finished C25K at the very end of 2008 & in 2009 I got to show my stuff. The program taught me the technique & now I have discovered my passion for it. I've run further than I ever thought I could & I'm amazed still that if you just put one foot in front of the other your body will do all the work. Had I known about this running thing & all it's benefits & rewards years ago OMG I would be an Olympian by now! - OK maybe I'm exaggerating a bit but I would have been really good! Now I feel like I've begun a running "career" & I can't wait to see how far I can go!

So, for 2010 here are my goals

- Run in a half marathon - planning to do the New Bedford one on 3/21
- Reach the holy grail - DO A TRI! Just a sprint one - so far I've picked out the Oh My Goddard one in June...I'm scared about this one but I need to find a really good training program to get me there. There are a lot of things that I don't know about tri's, equipment, something about "brick" training so I hear but that is why I have this wonderful Spark resource because you Sparkers are athletes!
- Keep on, keeping on with my races! When the weather gets a bit nicer at least 2 per month during the season. I may have to modify this a bit around tri-time but I had a good time last year doing races even just 5K's (I LOVE how I belittle 5K's like they're such a cake walk when I only ran my first one in 2009!). Contemplating even freezing my butt off & doing some races in February even though I said I wouldn't...
- Going to give it my all in the eating department, just like last year I am going to be mindful of my food choices & do my absolute best to make sure that I'm putting in my body good food on most days.
- Going to sculpt the guns! I need some upper body strength people, I have chicken arms seriously! From running they are really small now but I want arms that will give me an excuse to point just so that I can flex them! I will be incorporating dreaded weights into my routine at least 3x per week.
- Crunch time, at least 100 crunches per day. Even though I am most insecure about my stomach I ignore it quite a bit. When I go to the gym I put in ab work but during my normal run days I just skip it & really it's the area in which you typically see results the quickest but that would be if I were actually doing something huh?
- 2 hours of swimming per week...this was not my goal this was the Manager from Envious Swimming's recommendation last week when Andrew wasn't there & she matter of factly told me that swim lessons one time per week with Andrew weren't going to get me to the level I need to be to do a tri...so I'm facing the music & I'm going to do it...this will be the hardest challenge!
- I will participate in Spark challenges for at least 7 out of the 12 months this year! Challenges keep me motivated & actually force me out of slumps (i.e. November 2009) & secretly I'm a competitive person (shocking I know!) so it's good for me.
- Since my goals are so cumbersome I'm going to break them down each month & each month I will blog & plan my monthly goals. This worked really well for me in December & help me with my procrastinating tendencies because all of the physical goals that I've listed are fairly long term & I'll need to have mini-milestones along the way to achieve them.

Well I think that's about it...ah, the possibilities! Here's the the New Year!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CWRISTON1 1/10/2010 7:39AM

Great Goals, Crystal! You have really come a long way from the C25K to a ten miler! That is impressive. Doesn't it feel great to impress yourself as well as all the people around you? Our bodies will do exactly what we tell them to do. I'm trying to catch up on blog reading today :-) Report Inappropriate Comment

LYNDA1019 1/2/2010 11:33AM

I am tired just reading all of your goals! Good job, Crys. I loved your comment about how exercising now is just like breathing. I just came in from my 10 miler on Marco Island (yes, I did go back) and I ran it so much better than the first time. Of course, I had no wine the night before and ate so much better. I even went to bed at 9:30PM so I would be wide awake at 4:30AM for my drive down there. I am really learning how to fuel my long runs. Had oatmeal pancakes at 5AM and I was good for 10 miles. And OMG my half is around the corner. Next week my long run is only 8 (did I just say "only"?) It is the restful week before the half. Wow! You will see how fast your Half will approach. I am back to wonderful RI for 5 days in Jan. and another 5 days in Feb. during which there is a 10 miler in Attleboro that I was considering....... I don't think I could run well in the cold as I am not conditioned for it. It was 46 degrees and windy this morning and that felt cold to me. I am turning into a Florida wimp! Lynda Report Inappropriate Comment

RUNNINGPFUHL 1/2/2010 9:11AM

You accomplished so much in 2009!! I remember when I first saw your page, I was so impressed and motivated! I thought, if she can do it, so can I!! :) I look at your 2010 goals and I KNOW you can do it!! I can't wait to read your race reports!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

HARRINGTON5 1/1/2010 10:35PM

WOW Lady, you have accomplished so much! I'm old enough to be your mother and still, you motivate me. I just love reading your blogs. Those are no pansy goals you have set for yourself, but I just feel that you can accomplish whatever you want. You are a contender! Have a fantastic 2010! Report Inappropriate Comment

LADYBUGRUNNER 1/1/2010 8:50PM

What great accomplishments in 2009 and great goals for 2010!!! WooHoo, it's gonna be a GREAT year!!! Comment edited on: 1/1/2010 8:51:06 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

December Goal Checkup WK4 - I'm ready for 2010!

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

I am pleased to report that the Christmas holiday for all it's running around, stress & shopping was a success! It is now confirmed that I have the MOST spoiled kids in the whole wide world & the gifts to prove it! Seriously, this year as much as I stressed before the holiday, which I always do - things went surprisingly well! Christmas Eve we had our annual get together at my Uncle's house. It is always a good time & one of the few times in which our family actually gets together for anything BUT be that as it may it can be stressful too...how should I put this delicately, I come from a very vocal family so it can be very catch/miss as to how the event pans out. This year, minimal drama...HOORAY! AND for Yankee Swap I actually got the #1 which meant that I went home with a gift that I actually wanted, this never happens to me! AND my husband got #17 which was the second highest number which meant another gift that I wanted...HOORAY! The gift though that no one seemed to want though was the Snugglie...go figure!

Christmas morning was lots of fun with the kids opening their gifts. My little one is actually at the age now where he can oooohh & ahhhh about his new presents...too cute! My oldest got everything under the son as according to his well-documented list for which he provided. I got a Pandora bracelet from DH which I wasn't even sure what that was as I'm not a jewelry kind of person but apparently it's a pretty swanky gift.

Christmas afternoon I held up my end of the bargain for my December goals & went to La Salette... ! Later on in the evening we did what I LOVE to do for Christmas which may seem a bit strange, we went out to eat to a Chinese restaurant, they are the only restaurants open you know & I'm a huge fan of going there for some odd reason...

As for the rest of the goals...

Watch a Christmas movie - wasn't a great one, I'm talking "Prancer Returns" but I did catch some of "A Christmas Story" & my personal fav "Elf"

EATING - Well...oh well is all I can say to this one, I started out the week strong even bragging about my brownie perservance & by Wednesday when I had to deal with a stressful work situation, it was time to bring on the cookies! I didn't overdo it too much but I didn't underdo it either. Christmas Eve brought some yummy things but not too much in the dessert department more like just ham & mashed potatoes which is okay. Christmas was a sodium filled day. The long weekend was a non-stop fast food adventure. EH, I'm getting full just thinking about this! BUT (Bring on the rationalization!) - I DID run all last week. That's right...even on Christmas Eve (PLUS I had to shop that day!) I put in an hour treadmill run, I took Christmas day off but that Saturday I went outside for a good 6 mile run...so all is not lost right?? This week I did a-okay all day yesterday but another situation arose today (blame transferring again!) & so I ate buffalo wings & french fries of all things! So with this being said for this goal I would give it 1/18 !

Moving forward though...I'm thoroughly excited about the New Year approaching! 2009 started out kind of rough but this year I can already tell it's going to be different! Reading everyone's blogs about their goals & their year in review has gotten me psyched too! I'm trying to come up ith some really good stuff to make sure that this new year will count!

  

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MRS.NG.06 12/29/2009 3:42PM

Jesus woman, you are kicking butt! I think all that running definitely outweighed the brownies in the long run!!! Its all about balance and keepin your exercise sure equalled it out! I havent been to La Salette shrine in SO long..you just brought back a flood of FREEZING memories..that place is always cold but absolutley breathtaking : ) Have a happy new year! Report Inappropriate Comment

DACIUS 12/29/2009 3:11PM

Sounds like you guys had an awesome Christmas. here's to an incredible new year and a rocking 2010!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

HARRINGTON5 12/29/2009 2:53PM

Wonderful accounting of your holiday and goals. I love reading your blogs, always so insightful and entertaining! You WILL have a fantastic 2010 because you have the right attitude and are off to a good start! Report Inappropriate Comment