http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal.asp?id=EJENKINSB EJENKINSB's Blog on SparkPeople, home of free diet plans and a healthy living community http://assets2.sparkpeople.com/assets/nav/logo_spark.gif http://www.sparkpeople.com/ http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5363484 This morning I got really excited about something: I have NO plans for the summer. Well, that's not entirely true since we're moving in August, but until then we're staying put. <BR> <BR> Suddenly I realized that this is a perfect opportunity. I have the freedom of an open schedule. Of course, it's not all that open since I've got my two boys to keep busy, but it sure makes it easier to head to the gym when I don't have to attend a meeting or bake for a bake sale! <BR> <BR> I don't ha... Tue, 21 May 2013 13:02:29 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5359254 The last couple of days have been going pretty well. I've been careful of what I eat, making time for exercise, and feeling good. Mostly I've been trying to make really conscious decisions about how I spend my time and what I put in my mouth and feed our kids. Not so shockingly, when I really think about how I want to spend my time, I found out that it's way more fun to be active! <BR> <BR> My kids are tiny. Really, they are both very petite despite their average appetites. Of course,... Fri, 17 May 2013 11:50:21 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5352444 Yesterday was the first time I logged into Sparkpeople in over 45 days. I told myself that I was taking a break, and I did. I took a break from most exercise, healthy eating, and being invested in my own well being. You can imagine how well that went. <BR> <BR> April wasn't a great month for me. I felt lousy, my shorts were getting tighter by the day, and more than anything, I felt defeated. If that was my version of a "vacation" from myself, what sort of break was I actually on? It tu... Fri, 10 May 2013 18:27:56 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5352443 Yesterday was the first time I logged into Sparkpeople in over 45 days. I told myself that I was taking a break, and I did. I took a break from most exercise, healthy eating, and being invested in my own well being. You can imagine how well that went. <BR> <BR> April wasn't a great month for me. I felt lousy, my shorts were getting tighter by the day, and more than anything, I felt defeated. If that was my version of a "vacation" from myself, what sort of break was I actually on? It tu... Fri, 10 May 2013 18:27:55 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5305131 I've been off-plan. Terribly, off-plan, in fact. Running hasn't been happening as often as it should have, and I let myself get lax with making healthy choices. I've gained weight. <BR> <BR> But today's a fresh start, and a new day. I'm making myself a priority. <BR> <BR> I've been sick for the last few days, which is not fun, but part of life. While I truly do *want* to run, I can barely breathe and my sinuses ache, so I'm giving myself a few days to take it easy and shake this cold. ... Sat, 30 Mar 2013 09:27:28 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5279438 While I blogged yesterday about the Disney Princess Half Marathon, I really wanted to blog about something else; the ultimate non-scale victory, at least for me. I woke up yesterday, and today too, for that matter and not only did I not hate my body, but I liked what I saw. <BR> <BR> Maybe it's the trim I got at the hairdressers on Tuesday, but I tend to think it's something else. I think that I'm seeing changes in my body that I didn't notice before. Yes, I still have a ways to go. Bu... Fri, 8 Mar 2013 21:40:28 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5277550 Well, I've been back home for a few days, and it's taken me that long to get back in the blogging mood. It's not that I've been off-track or feeling down - just the opposite! The weather is gorgeous, I've been feeling pretty motivated, and I'd just rather take my kids to the park than sit down and type. <BR> <BR> So - the race. While I didn't finish even near my goal time, I still think I did really well, and I'm very proud of myself. I finished with a time of 2:56, and I'm completely ... Thu, 7 Mar 2013 14:22:11 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5265700 So, I'l do a full race report when I get back to Pensacola (I'm still enjoying sunny/rainy Orlando with my family!), but it was a good time. Mostly, I'm just excited because the soreness/discomfort really only lasted a day and a half. YAY! I'll be back in the gym today for a recovery run. <BR> <BR> I'm trying really hard to make healthier food choices on vacation. It's not easy, but I order a salad when I can, or a grilled chicken sandwich with no cheese or mayo. I've also ONLY had wate... Wed, 27 Feb 2013 09:15:43 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5257803 Today has been pretty stinking awesome. Well, it didn't start out that way, but even so, I'm tickled pink! After THREE trips to the Personal Property Office (we're military, so I've got to work with that office each time it's time for us to move) this morning, I finally secured our move date for this summer. YAY! Between a missing signature, and a simple miscommunication, I ended up making the trip too many times this morning. Even so, right now it doesn't matter because it's done! <BR... Wed, 20 Feb 2013 17:41:20 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5253402 Sometimes I just never learn. <BR> <BR> I *know* that I can't keep sweets in the house. I *know* that as confident and motivated as I might feel one moment, in the next I might not be able to scrounge up the willpower to walk away from the cake / cookie / chocolate / treat that is hiding in my kitchen. I know all of this. And yet, on Friday and Saturday, I chose to forget. <BR> <BR> Last night I tossed the last of the Valentine's Day candy and treats that my kids acquired. Not only ... Sun, 17 Feb 2013 09:29:31 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5250555 I am surrounded by sweets and temptation and it's killing me! Last night, to appease my son, and because it was the 13th anniversary of when my husband and I met - I made cupcakes. Well, actually, since we couldn't decide if we wanted cupcakes or a cake, we split the recipe and made 6 cupcakes and poured the rest of the batter in a round cake pan. Win-win, right? <BR> <BR> Well, oddly enough, I wasn't overwhelmed with temptation. At least not at first. It wasn't until nearly 11 that I *... Thu, 14 Feb 2013 15:05:19 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5249384 Tonight we're having sweet and sour meatballs for dinner tonight, and I'm VERY excited. I LOVE sweet and sour meatballs because not only are they delicious, but they're the easiest thing ever. I'm a huge fan of easy to prep meals, and lately have been using our crock pot much more than usual. <BR> <BR> Granted, sweet and sour meatballs aren't a crock pot meal, but I know it's easy because it's a meal that my husband and his roommates often made in college. <BR> <BR> 1 pound 93% or 97% ... Wed, 13 Feb 2013 16:59:30 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5247989 I ran this morning at the gym. It wasn't very far, but I felt comfortable and good, and am glad that after more than a few days off I didn't lose much momentum. <BR> <BR> On the way to the gym, I noticed that there were police cars EVERYWHERE. Nothing really registered with me, but then I turned on the radio and remembered that it's Fat Tuesday, and our town takes Mardi Gras VERY seriously! Then later on while I was checking out SparkPeople, I saw the article about giving something up f... Tue, 12 Feb 2013 16:06:30 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5246668 While yesterday didn't go quite as planned, today served up just the right things to get me going again. First up, it's a rainy, stormy day. Obviously that doesn't sound very motivating, but today is my "stretch & strength" day in my training plan, so what better weather to make an indoor workout appealing?! <BR> <BR> My little one keeps getting up earlier...and earlier...and earlier, which while I don't necessarily love at 5:30, did make our morning go so much smoother than I expected t... Mon, 11 Feb 2013 16:32:22 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5245072 The last few days haven't been pretty. I haven't run in five days, and I haven't been sticking on-plan very well. That being said, I've also been laid up on the couch and generally feel like I've been mowed down by a truck. <BR> <BR> While this morning I don't feel exactly amazing, I'm going to let my attitude set the pace for the day and have already decided that it's going to be a good one. Last night for dinner we had fajitas, so I'm thinking I might mix in some of those veggies in wit... Sun, 10 Feb 2013 12:20:25 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5240455 I haven't made a ton of fitness-related purchases, but I've made a couple that I *really* love. Also, let me preface this by saying that I made both of these purchases at the Race Expo for the Double Bridge Run...I was swept away by the excitement, not to mention super deals! <BR> <BR> <img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/1/4/l1421460513.jpg"> <BR> <BR> The first is the FuelBelt Sprint Palm Holder with pocket. Holy cow is this thing awesome! I hate water stops. I'm not so grea... Wed, 6 Feb 2013 15:54:47 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5235493 I need to be honest, I was TERRIFIED of running yesterday's race. The Pensacola Double Bridge Run is a 15K (9.3 miles!) race that takes runners over two bridges (one of which is three miles long) and spans three towns. The distance alone really overwhelmed me. I've never run that far, and while I truly believed that I could do it, I wasn't without reservations. Mostly I was scared that I wouldn't be able to keep the minimum pace and would be swept up by the pace truck. Also, deep down al... Sun, 3 Feb 2013 09:57:52 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5231490 Last night my husband and I bought our airfare for our house-hunting trip in April. Luckily for us, my mom and my aunt (they're partners in crime!) are coming to stay with the boys while we head North and find a place to live later this summer. <BR> <BR> After we bought the tickets, K (husband) and I started getting excited. We're moving to a city, and for suburbanites like us, that's pretty thrilling. We've scheduled three full days of house-hunting and then our last day we'll check ou... Thu, 31 Jan 2013 10:13:36 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5230006 On Monday morning, just as I was piling the kids into the car for preschool drop-off, I got a text from a friend inviting to go for a walk. I quickly tossed the stroller into the trunk, dropped the kids off to school, and then T and I met up with my friend and her son for a walk. We walked (quick pace - I was sweaty) for nearly two hours. It was AWESOME! <BR> <BR> Today the South has some less than awesome weather, so T and I are packing it up and heading to the gym. I need to run for at... Wed, 30 Jan 2013 10:07:55 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5224366 Now that I'm back on Sparkpeople, I'm making a conscious effort to take things one step at a time. So for the weekend, I'm not going to worry about making sure that I behave perfectly in terms of my nutrition. Instead, I have two goals: drink 8 glasses of water each day and stop eating after 8 o'clock. <BR> <BR> I've been using an app to track my water throughout the day called Waterlogged. I really enjoy it, and at the end of the day, I just make sure that I update SP as well. Easy eno... Sat, 26 Jan 2013 12:50:41 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5222853 Well, after a rather lengthy hiatus, I'm back. I gained a chunk of weight back over the holidays, but that's not stopping me. I'm still running, and now I'm back on the food-diary wagon. Phew! It feels good to be logged back on. <BR> <BR> Next Saturday I'm running the Pensacola Double Bridge Run...it's a 15K that crosses two bridges and spans three towns. I'm terrified and excited. Luckily, my husband is working the overnight this evening and so he'll be home so I can run without the ki... Fri, 25 Jan 2013 10:24:40 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5145787 Never have I been so glad to have achy calves! Yesterday I ran my long-awaited 10K race, and I am so darn happy! <BR> <BR> Since the end of September I've really been struggling. Some days I could keep on track, but most of the time I was eating poorly and not getting enough exercise. Something was missing, and it was desire. I had temporarily given up, and it sent me into a tailspin. <BR> <BR> Well, until yesterday. <BR> <BR> Running is my thing. It's hard, and I'm not fast, but it m... Sun, 25 Nov 2012 09:46:08 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5145786 Never have I been so glad to have achy calves! Yesterday I ran my long-awaited 10K race, and I am so darn happy! <BR> <BR> Since the end of September I've really been struggling. Some days I could keep on track, but most of the time I was eating poorly and not getting enough exercise. Something was missing, and it was desire. I had temporarily given up, and it sent me into a tailspin. <BR> <BR> Well, until yesterday. <BR> <BR> Running is my thing. It's hard, and I'm not fast, but it m... Sun, 25 Nov 2012 09:46:08 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5138682 I was really overwhelmed by the comments on my last post. All I can really say is "Thank you." Sometimes I need a real kick in the butt, and your comments made me realize that this is just a temporary thing. I haven't thrown out all of my progress, I've just gotten sidetracked. <BR> <BR> Today was okay. I kept on track for the most part (though I haven't exercised today), and my husband kept the kids occupied so I could catch a nap. Going to bed and getting enough rest is really key for... Sat, 17 Nov 2012 19:47:01 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5136480 Today, like most days recently, I'm struggling. I'm overwhelmed - by what, I don't know - but it's there. After a nearly a two week running hiatus while my husband traveled, I'm having an intensely difficult time getting myself back on track. Besides being physically exhausted (staying up too late, eating poorly, and not exercising will do that to a gal), I can't seem to break out of this funk that I'm in. <BR> <BR> This morning I woke up with grand intentions...do my carpool pick-up a... Thu, 15 Nov 2012 14:59:23 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5120859 So October sucked. I generally don't like to use that particular descriptor, but really, it's the only one that fits. The whole stinking month sucked. <BR> <BR> It didn't help that I fell off the wagon with a rather disasterous weekend trip with my husband and kids at the beginning of the month. Our boys didn't sleep...and one night I found myself sleeping in our CAR (in the hotel parking lot, no less), because I fell asleep after driving my toddler son around for two hours. It was prett... Thu, 1 Nov 2012 22:24:51 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5095528 For as disappointed as I was in my last post, I'm feeling pretty good today. I've been sticking on-plan since Tuesday, and it hasn't been bad. Of course, I've also got a cold so that naturally makes my appetite diminished. I'll take it though! <BR> <BR> This morning I dropped my youngest off at daycare for a few hours (my oldest was in school) so I could head to the dentist and then run some errands. The dentist appointment went ridiculously well, and I can't say how relieved I am to hav... Thu, 11 Oct 2012 16:49:02 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5095527 For as disappointed as I was in my last post, I'm feeling pretty good today. I've been sticking on-plan since Tuesday, and it hasn't been bad. Of course, I've also got a cold so that naturally makes my appetite diminished. I'll take it though! <BR> <BR> This morning I dropped my youngest off at daycare for a few hours (my oldest was in school) so I could head to the dentist and then run some errands. The dentist appointment went ridiculously well, and I can't say how relieved I am to hav... Thu, 11 Oct 2012 16:49:02 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5093325 The last few weeks have not been great. I've majorly slacked off with my tracking and gave myself a free pass on too many exercise days. All in all, I've been pretty down about it. I've gained back a couple of pounds which is disappointing, but I know that it's not the end of the world. <BR> <BR> So a few weeks ago when my in-laws visited, my mother in-law mentioned that I was looking rather fit. I loved hearing the positive feedback but then figured that I could enjoy a dessert here, or... Tue, 9 Oct 2012 22:32:49 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5083956 Well, despite having written down my plan yesterday, I didn't fully commit. I didn't cross train at all, but did manage to do my push-ups and sit-ups. Frankly, it was kind of nice to be mellow and get other stuff done, namely grocery shopping and a trip to the park with friends. <BR> <BR> But today is a new day, so I got up early. I intended on running before the boys woke up, but sure enough my big guy strolled into our room at 6:15 sweetly requesting waffles. So, I didn't get to run be... Tue, 2 Oct 2012 15:00:07 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5082096 I've taken note that a lot of my Spark Friends post their workout schedule each week, and I happen to think it's a really fantastic idea. So last night I sat down with my planner and plotted out my workout / half training plan for the week. <BR> <BR> <img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/8/8/l883668435.jpg"> <BR> <BR> Truthfully, seeing it all listed out on the page is both overwhelming and exciting. Overwhelming because I've got a lot of activity scheduled, and exciting because ... Mon, 1 Oct 2012 11:56:30 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5077197 This week is just going...well, it's just going. I have no reason to be out of sorts, but despite sleeping well I'm still flat out tired. Yesterday I actually took a nap, which I rarely do, and I might try and catch some shut eye this afternoon too. It's just so weird. I do know exactly when I got into this funk though. On Monday night, my son and I made a dozen cupcakes, and the next morning I ate spoonful after spoonful of frosting. Needless to say, that left me feeling physically lou... Thu, 27 Sep 2012 13:57:53 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5071310 Well, I've gained some weight. As happy as I was to have cracked 170 last week, I celebrated with food, which is not a good thing. I often use the excuse of visitors for eating poorly, as in "oh, we've got out of town guests so I can splurge when we go out to dinner tonight." Obviously that's just not working. <BR> <BR> Yesterday I ran for only the second time last week. It was a good run, but I felt crappy all week because I kept putting off running. Foolish, I know. I wanted to go, b... Sun, 23 Sep 2012 10:14:53 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5061452 So last week ended up going really well. I logged a bunch of miles, had a rather uneventful (and terror-free) trip to the dentist, and was able to do everything that I needed to do before my in-laws arrived. <BR> <BR> Yesterday was my big day - the 5K that I was really looking forward to. I was so happy, I finished in 25:55, which is AMAZING. I spent the day floating along, but I have to admit, there was a nagging feeling following me around all day. My time just didn't seem right. Ye... Sun, 16 Sep 2012 11:29:24 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5052976 I swear, this week has barely started and I am already stressed out. I hate that. On Thursday, my son and I are going to the dentist - a task that I always dread. For him, it's a standard cleaning, but for me it's a cleaning and then setting the groundwork for what will end up being a month of dental work. I'm already a basketcase when it comes to the dentist, so it's no surprise that I'm stressed. <BR> <BR> Add to that a gathering of spouses at the Commanding Officer's house, a pre-op a... Mon, 10 Sep 2012 17:04:46 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5048518 Well, we made it! We all (my family) survived the first week of school and carpooling - YAY! <BR> <BR> I've managed to stay on plan and get my runs in early in the morning. The one thing I will say, is that with my uptick in running this week, my calves have been on FIRE. I've been rolling my legs out with a tennis ball, but I need to go out this weekend and pick up a foam roller. It certainly can't hurt. <BR> <BR> As of now, I'm one week out from running my second 5K, and I'm pretty ... Fri, 7 Sep 2012 12:37:24 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5042665 I feel like this summer has been a lesson in falling off the wagon and climbing back on. It's not a bad thing; I learned some lessons, and figured some things out. All told, I had more good days than bad, and no matter how "meh" I feel about my progress over the summer, I'm fifteen pounds lighter than I was in April. That's nothing to sneeze at, so it's all good. <BR> <BR> But now it's September, and I can't blame my lack of engagement on it being summer, or being off-schedule. This wee... Mon, 3 Sep 2012 15:47:33 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5039007 Today has been a really nice day. Actually, it's been a nice week. Despite the fact that Isaac kind of messed up Tuesday and Wednesday, things are good. <BR> <BR> I ran this morning. I got up at 6:30, and at 6:37 I was rounding the corner of our cul du sac and heading out to the road. It was a good feeling. Then, as I was just getting ready to hop in the shower afterwards, I got a text from my friend inviting me to go for a walk down by the seawall. So off we went! <BR> <BR> All tol... Fri, 31 Aug 2012 15:33:52 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5022622 Today was not great. In fact, it just plain sucked. It poured all day, and frankly I'm sick and tired of the lousy weather. My kids fussed and fought most of the day, and despite staying on track until SEVEN O'CLOCK tonight, I tucked the boys in and then headed for the kitchen. I tracked it all, but it was ugly, and now I feel like crap. <BR> <BR> BUT (of course, there's going to be a "but"), tomorrow i'm heading out to buy a double jogging stroller that I found on Craigslist. I have di... Mon, 20 Aug 2012 00:04:11 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5019813 I've been pretty much absent on Sparkpeople this week. My mom came to visit and arrived on Monday night, so I spent most of Monday running around getting the house cleaned up and attending my son's "end of summer" preschool party. It's always fun having my mom around, not to mention an extra set of hands with the boys, and it was a nice week. <BR> <BR> The kids and I just dropped her off at the airport, and so now it's back to the grind. I will say that while I wasn't so great about log... Fri, 17 Aug 2012 18:11:34 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5008486 I've noticed lately, that I've got a little more spring in my step. It's not just because I'm feeling a tad bit lighter physically, but I've almost always got a smile on my face these days. My husband pointed it out over the weekend, that we've just been having a lot of fun lately. <BR> <BR> I've always considered myself a happy person, but maybe the reality is that I *wasn't* as happy as I thought. This summer, I've found that I have more confidence, I'm standing a little taller, and may... Thu, 9 Aug 2012 16:05:30 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4996845 Earlier today, when I posted my August goals, I was doubtful that I'd get to do any serious running. My foot has been giving me a hard time, and even after a pretty good run on Monday, I spent yesterday popping Tylenol and rolling my foot on a frozen water bottle. Despite the fact that my physician advised that it was going to take a while for my foot to heal, I really thought that I could bounce back in a couple of days. <BR> <BR> Running has been really good for me mentally. It clears... Wed, 1 Aug 2012 18:20:34 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4996389 It's August, which I have to admit, I am really excited about. July didn't shape up quite as I planned. I met NONE of my goals, which absolutely sucks, and messed up my foot. All around, despite getting off to a strong start, July fizzled into a puddle right before my eyes. I'm not going to lie, I'm terribly disappointed. I'm mad at myself for letting an injury completely sideline me, and I'm mad for letting myself falter. <BR> <BR> But, at least it's August. <BR> <BR> I've got new, AT... Wed, 1 Aug 2012 12:52:35 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4992978 I can't pretend like the last week has been a good one - it hasn't. My foot felt terrible, and while the stretches worked for a little bit, it was really only temporary relief. Mostly, though, I found that while I could work out (doing the bike, as instructed, rather than walking or running), nothing made me feel as good as running. Basically I spent the week in a major funk, and my eating habits reflected just that. <BR> <BR> Today is a new day, though. I'm heading to the gym later, and... Mon, 30 Jul 2012 11:21:17 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4986302 After hobbling around yesterday, I sacked up and got my doctor's appointment bumped up to this morning. I've been fretting the last couple of days: what if I have a stress fracture, or really messed up arches and will be sidelined for weeks? Exercising has become an integral part of my routine lately, and I was positively terrified of what I was going to find out. <BR> <BR> But this morning the friendly PA put my mind as ease. After a quick foot exam, and review of my pain, symptoms, and... Wed, 25 Jul 2012 12:14:50 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4983628 So after the rockstar feeling wore off last night, I realized that my left foot was really bothering me. The pain in the the arch, and I have no idea what caused it. It's painful enough that I called the doctor, and have spent most of the day trying to stay off of it. The pain isn't in my heel...it's definitely in the arch, and doesn't hurt to the touch. It's really only when I put weight on it AND try to push off (like we do when walking or running). <BR> <BR> I have to say, I'm in a... Mon, 23 Jul 2012 17:32:05 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4981976 On Friday, as I finished my training run as part of the Easy 10K with Jeff Galloway app, the voiceover casually announced that my next run would be an "easy five miles." HA! For me, those are words that should never go together in a sentence. EVER. <BR> <BR> Needless to say, I spent much of Friday afternoon and most of Saturday freaking out. I've never run that far, so it was beyond my wildest dreams to ever run that distance...especially in the first week of the training. <BR> <BR> Kno... Sun, 22 Jul 2012 17:12:25 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4977138 As of today, I am thirteen pounds lighter than I was in April. I read stories on Sparkpeople all the time, about men and women who have lost hundreds of pounds, and I'm in awe of them. It is SO incredibly inspiring to see their successes. At the same time, I love reading updates and blog posts from my own Spark friends...their successes propel me forward. <BR> <BR> Maybe thirteen pounds isn't a lot to many people. But for me, I haven't been at this weight since before my first son was bo... Thu, 19 Jul 2012 01:48:36 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4976527 For my birthday last week, my Dad and his wife gave me an Amazon gift card. I was SO excited! Needless to say, I was VERY excited today when I had a package waiting for me at the front door this afternoon. Wahoo! <BR> <BR> I ordered new gym socks, which arrived today. Sure, that sounds weird, but I've found that having quality, non-cotton socks has made a huge difference in my foot-comfort when I run! I also ordered some Body Glide (again, super boring but completely useful and helpful ... Wed, 18 Jul 2012 17:15:25 EST http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=4971511 Yesterday was decidedly not great. It POURED all day long. It rained so hard that I couldn't even get the kids out to the car without needing to come back in and get us all changed since we were so wet. It was disheartening, since I really needed to get out and do something. I was going stir crazy! <BR> <BR> Well, today has more than made up for it. I woke up extra early so I could take the kids to pick up coffee before my husband came home from work (he's working overnights this week),... Sun, 15 Jul 2012 16:14:52 EST