Thursday Latelies...I'm joining the fun!

I keep seeing some of my favorite blogs doing the "Thursday Latelies" and I decided to join in this week...even though my ugly mug will NOT be doing it as a video like some of my faves do (bex and jill). Thursday Latelies is just listing some things that you are currently loving or thankful for...so here is my list! Don't judge me...it's my first time!

My number 1 will have to be running.  I love to run...even though I may have a miserable run here and there, I still love it.  I love pushing myself and the satisfaction I feel at the end of a run.  I'm also a total sap at times and get a little emotional while running. I try to use my running time to talk with the Lord and sometimes I am just overwhelmed with thankfulness that I have the ability to run. I may never achieve the speed I want (or once had) and I may never place in a marathon, half or even a 5k, but I can run.  I have the God given ability to run and I am so thankful and humbled when I think of all the people that cannot, whether from physical disability or health reasons.  Silly, I know...but I am also the same girl who will most likely tear up when I cross a finish line, no matter how well I did.  I just get such a sense of accomplishment and often get overcome by the emotion of it....such a softie I know...don't give me that look!  

Adding to my thankfulness and love for running is this super, awesome giveaway by Tips 4 Running.  Go check out the page AND the giveaway! Those Saucony's look and sound awesome and I for one would love to win a pair.  I have my next half marathon in 24 days (here) AND my first FULL marathon in February (here) and I would love to be sporting a pair of these new Saucony's.  

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These are the ones I want!!!

Next, I am thankful for the little old man in Walmart that either just needed someone to talk to or truly got a look at my gross feet....yeah, he just needed someone to talk to, we'll go with that.  I purchased this:

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I admit it...I have nasty feet.  Part of it is that I am lazy and don't use that pumice scrubber enough on them and I'm too cheap to get regular pedi's so my heals pretty much stay dry, cracked and gross.  I will buy stuff and then never stick with putting it on regularly.  But for $5.94 I got this tub of Heel Rescue that the sweetest little old man told me was guaranteed to work (I also heard how bad his feet are and that you must be faithful for this to work...he was adorable).  I'm all for a guaranty...so I bought it.  I have only used it twice but it did feel fabulous and not super greasy either...I'll keep you posted on my progress!  Don't get your hopes up though...there will probably NOT be pics EVA of my feet on here!  I think I should have listened to my mom growing up when she constantly yelled at me to put shoes on, although she always told me I would get worms if I didn't quit running barefoot in the barn with Rusty (my best friend and quarter horse) and I never did.  I'm probably just paying now as an adult with gross feet!

Next up is this fabulous little gem I discovered: Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Penetrating oil! LOVING it!  I have pretty healthy hair on my own, but with my highlighting, coloring, flat ironing my curls into straight submission...I wanted to use something to help it out and keep it healthy.  This stuff is fabulous! It smells great, and gives my hair such softness and shine....love it!

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Next up: Nail Life! I have pretty healthy nails, but if I neglect them I'll get the typical peeling that can occur. Years ago, a girl I worked with told me about this stuff.  She had the strongest, most beautiful natural nails ever! She swore by this stuff, so I bought some and have never been without a bottle in my house since.  It really does give you strong, healthy nails!

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Last up is my new Stella & Dot, Snake Orb Pendant Necklace! Just got it in last night and love, love, love it!!!!  Thanks to Skinny Runner for this post I got it on sale (super amazing steal) and I am so excited about it. Of course I am wearing it today and posing for super gooberish pics, but hey, new jewelry makes me silly giddy!

 

So fun! Go check out Stella & Dot!

So that is it for me...guess I have a lot that I am loving and thankful for today.  Believe me, there are a ton more that I am thankful for, but for today, this is a fun list!

OH WAIT!!!! One more thing....I'm super excited and happy that the hubs and I are getting massages together after work today! I will post about that tomorrow and all the awesome deliciousness that I'm sure it will be!

Ok...one more thing....I am still working out...but this week kind of got away from me.  I took yesterday (yes I remember that I took Monday off too) off...dumb, but I had so much to do.  I will be running tonight (even though I'm sure I won't want to after my massage and dinner with the hubs).  

Rain, rain, go away...

Tonight was supposed to be track work with my tri team (here) but the rain put an end to that.  As much as I hate track work it does really help..but it was kind of nice to just go hand out with everyone for Taco Tuesday instead!

So that I felt like I did something...I did a quick leg series before taking a nice bath with a good book.  Here is what I did:
25 squats
10 lunges (each leg)
15 calf raises (each leg)
15 squats with side leg raise
Repeat 2x

Really sad...but felt good and I'm counting it as "something" active. 

Weekend Recap

I know I said I was going to give myself Friday of....but I didn't.  I'm STILL sore from that workout...good sore though.  I didn't have to be at work on Friday until 6, and since my boss is the BOMB and lets me off at 3 on Fridays (and pays me to 4), I had time when I got home to workout.  I took full advantage and got in a weights workout at the house.  I did shoulders/chest/abs.  Great workout!

I took Saturday off and slept in with the hubs and then went to breakfast before work.  After work the hubs and I watched our friend and his band play and met up with some friends for some food and spirits at Primebar.  Brass Tap was having an Octoberfest street party event so we sat outside and watched a little football (Poor Florida...) and did some people watching. It was beautiful outside! I was in shorts and a little top and was wishing I had a jacket....the weather was awesome!

The hubs and I listening to some music!

On Sunday, the hubs went to ride his dirtbike with his dad so I had the morning to myself before work.  I decided to test out running on an empty stomach.  I planned on a 5 mile run and since I didn't get started until after 9:30 I decided I would take my fuel/hydration belt.  I hate wearing it but know that I need to so I got everything ready and headed out by 9:40 AM.  It was a beautiful morning but still got really hot even at that time!  I learned a few things on this run.

1.   I do really well running in the morning on an empty stomach.

2.   I cannot forget to take my beta blocker...if I do then I will pay during a run.

3.   Remembering to take a gel mid-run really will help!

New running gear!

I ran a total of 5.42 miles in 59:25.  For me, that was a very good run and much faster than my runs have been lately, especially being that it was longer than the others and still faster.  Strange, but I def think it has to do with running early.  It is so hard for me to work all day and then try to come home and get a good run in.  I really need to start going to bed early so that I can get up in the morning to run.  I just HATE that will mean getting up at 4 AM to run...ugh!  Anyway...back to Sunday's run.  At about mile 2 I was feeling good and plugging right along and I glanced at my HR....it was at 188! Oops! Up to this point I was doing a run 1 mile/walk 1 minute split and was just under a 10:00/min mile pace.  I usually do a 5 minute/30 second split but changed it up for this run since I felt so good.  Well, I realized that I had forgotten to take my beta blocker on Saturday, which I think is what was causing my super elevated HR.  Normally, when I take my meds daily, I won't get over 168, even if I'm running a fast pace.  I felt fine though and didn't want to start making more stops, but as I neared mile 3, my HR had climbed to 193.  I decided it would be wise for me to get my HR down, so at mile 3, I stopped running and walked for 4 minutes and got it down to 160 before I started running again.  I also took a Hammer gel at mile 3.  It took almost a mile for me to really feel the effect of the gel but man did I.  I probably could have run a few more miles...I felt that good.  Had to get to work though.  All in all....fantastic run...even with the HR issues.  

Run is done!!! Felt awesome!

Wow....what a super long and boring post...sorry! But it helps me to get this all down and keep myself accountable.  Super happy with this week....only took one day off and got some miles in.  My goal for this next week will be to get in a few more miles and have a longer run.  Less than 4 weeks to my half marathon...and I want to be ready on race morning!

Running, sweaty bands and hair!

I am really proud of myself that I actually got this run in...not proud that it was only about 4 miles.  Oh well.  The hubs wanted to go out to dinner since I work Friday night and we won't be able to do date night.  He knew I wanted to get my run in so he relented and said we could go late....such a doll! Total run was 3.92 in 43:06.

I like the route I planned because there is really no changing your mind and shortening the run once you get about a mile in so I knew I would get my miles in.  But halfway through I was just dying...no clue why.  I pushed through though and the last half was much better.  I actually enjoyed the last half.  Except for the gnats...ugh.  I swear I get a head start on my muscle recovery eating by the amount of gnats I probably consume during my evening runs...so gross! And when I get back and look in the mirror they are stuck all over my face, arms...it really is disgusting.  I told the hubs I was going to start wearing my hunting fly cover face thing for my runs to avoid eating the gnats....I'll be sure to take a picture of THAT for you to see.

On to the good stuff: sweaty bands!  I am totally in love with SkinnyRunner (you should totally check out her blog...she is hilarious, a fantastic runner, beautiful, a Christian and you will be addicted too) and I found out about Sweaty Bands through her blog.  I have NEVER been able to find a band that stays put.  I don't know if its my hair or the shape of my head but they never stay and I wish they would.  I hate taking my rubber band out a million times to re-do my ponytail to fix all the flyaways.  So I thought I would give these a try and I am so glad I did!!! Truly they do not slip.  I used it for the first time on my run last night and it didn't move...it was wonderful!!! And they have a million styles and sizes to pick from.  I just bought one to try since there was no point getting more if they didn't stay on my head.  Of course I bought one that says 13.1 since I'm training for another half.  But I cannot wait to go order more now. Check out the site and order some....they are super cute and you won't be disappointed in how they "stick"!

Here is mine!

I took a picture of me post run with it still in place...but I will admit that I am way too vain to put it up.  I was still a gross, sweaty mess so you will NOT be seeing that picture...but I promise...it was still holding strong!

Next up: new hair!  Wow....I wasn't really sure HOW dark I was going and thankful its not the permanent stuff.  I say thankfully because I'm not sure the hubs loves/likes it.  When I washed my hair and got out of the shower I was like....oh boy! But today, after straightening it and constantly checking myself out in the mirror, it is really growing on me.  I know if will fade some and I think I will like it even more once it does...and I think I will like it this dark minus the red.  So my final say is: good decision.  Its fun for fall and I hurt no one (animals included) in the process.  The hubs will get use to it (I hope).

I love Fridays! My recap of the week: I'm happy that I have worked out 4 days and although I will probably not get a workout in today, I am okay with that.  I will let today be my "off" day.  I have to work at my part-time job tonight and I won't be home until LATE so there will be no evening run.  Tomorrow I am going to get a long run in the morning and then check out a friends new Crossfit Grand Opening.  I don't think I'll get to do their WOD since I have to work at 11:00 AM but I can at least go and check it out.  I am really ready for the weekend!

Biking with the Hubs

When given the choice of working out alone or working out with my husband, I will always choose him.  Even if it wasn't the workout that I had planned for that day.  He's just fun to be with and hey, a workout is a workout when it comes to spending time with my man.  So yesterday when he told me that he was going to go ride "about 18 miles" and that I was welcome to come with, I of course switched my plans from weights at the gym to cycling with him.  He only recently bought a road bike and I really never thought he would do it, but he did and he's good!  I know the only reason he enjoys the trail we go to is because he feels like he is "in the woods" and he always gets to see deer.  You see my husband is quite the hunter and LOVES being in the woods, seeing deer, talking about hunting, watching hunting shows (oh Lee and Tiffany), you get the idea.

The loop we do is about a 13 mile loop all together, it's an out and back with a few little side roads we shoot down.  We went early to be sure we got at least 18 miles in before dark.  We keep track of how many deer we see on the ride and its funny when we come back through a spot and see some in the same area...they cannot be counted in case they are the same deer...must keep accurate accounting of the animals! Its funny, but it helps pass the time searching for who can spot the most.  We also like to spot the pygmy rattlesnakes along the way.  They seem to be out in full force lately...sunning themselves on the trail.  The last time there were TONS on the trail.  Just a little advice I was given...even if you feel you need to run them over....DON'T! You never know when one of those suckers will fling up and bite you....just saying.  A guy I ride with had one fling up and bite his shoe and then hang on for a little bit...he about soiled his pants trying not to crash and unclip to get the sucker off....just some friendly advice.

Overall last night we saw 60 deer, only 3 pygmy's (which are getting bigger from previous rides...ugh) and a goat.  Yes, I said a goat.  He lives out off one of the side roads and we see fellow cyclists stop to feed him from time to time.  He is quite friendly and if you talk to him as you come up he loves to run out to see you.  The first time my husband saw him he was afraid he was going to come out and ram him.  I guess he was looking for his snack and got a little too close to the hubs.  He is black and orange and only has half a little horn on one side...kinda sad looking but cute nonetheless.  We ended up doing 20.86 miles and rode for an hour and 22 minutes.  Good ride and quality time with the hubs....score! Even better that I burned over 1200 calories!

Lunchtime running in Florida = bad idea!

     Today I decided to run during my lunch break.  Yesterday marked the beginning of a 3 month challenge I started for myself.  I’m keeping track of what I eat, my workouts, etc. and my goal is to lose 20 pounds, improve my run times and tone up.  I’m going to blog about my progress in the hopes that it will keep me accountable.  Not that anyone actually reads my blog except maybe my mom and cousin…but it will help me so I’m doing it!

     Florida is hot…duh! Not really sure why I thought running at 12:30 p.m. during my lunch break in October was a bright idea, but whatev.  It was HOT….I gave myself 35 minutes to run.  That gave me time to change and then time for cooling down and cleaning up before I had to go back into work.  I should have known things were not going to turn out well when I went to start and my Garmin (I use the forerunner 305) flashed battery low (I let a friend borrow it and didn't charge it…ugh!).  But it started up once I cleared the low battery and I was off.  I felt good and was proud of myself for getting out and being active during lunch so I was starting off at a good pace.  I hadn't mapped out where I was running but there is a nice little neighborhood a quarter of a mile down from my office that I figured I would just circle through.  I was pushing myself and well on my way to an 8:30/mile when my Garmin died….7:30 into my run! Not sure why…but that killed my mood.  I hate running without my Garmin!  I kept going but after another 10 minutes I was POURING sweat and was so freaking hot.  I just kept thinking about having to go back to the office and take a washcloth bath in the sink in the public bathroom so that I could go back to the office….it was not looking pretty. 

     I only ended up doing 2.5 miles and only ran for 24 minutes when I had allotted myself 35 minutes…the Garmin died though and I didn’t want to be late so I just came back and when I saw my time, I figured I would use the extra time to cool down and clean up.  Boy was that a good decision.  I walked the shade of my building for about 10 minutes and then headed in to clean up…still sweating like crazy.  I normally wouldn’t have even considered doing something like this at lunch but since I didn't get up that morning to go to the gym like I was supposed to, I was making myself do this at lunch.  I got to the bathroom and stripped to my sports bra and spandex shorts and took a poor man’s bath in the sink with a washcloth and soap…praying the whole time no one would walk in on me! Thankfully no one did and I was able to clean up and get dressed but could NOT cool down…sweat was still pouring off me.

     Lesson learned…lunch time in Florida at these temperatures is NOT the time to run.  But, that being said, I felt so good the rest of the afternoon.  When normally I would be feeling sluggish instead I felt fresh (minus the drying sweat) and alert.  So, yes I should do something active during lunch every day but no, it should not be running in the heat!

So I'm all about reading blogs these days. I have a few that I DO NOT MISS but the list keeps getting bigger and bigger. I never really think about anyone reading mine because in my mind that isn't what I use it for. I use it kind of as a way to vent...get my thoughts OUT of my head in the hopes that I will stop dwelling on them. Pity party for one in my head is not fun. But I'm so bad about updating it!!! I think all of two people read it anyway but I still enjoy just getting my thoughts out. I started the blog to keep friends and family up to date on our fertility process but I think it kind of morphed into something else...what I'm not sure yet.

Anyway...I still want to use it for what it originated for so here are some current stats on where we stand:

1) The tea is over for now. I gave it a shot for three months and I just can't do it anymore. I think it messed with my balance anyway. Yes it helped some things with my cycle...not to be too graphic but it did improve the "quality" of my menses, helped with cramps, shortened the duration of my period BUT I was crazy on it. Seriously...I didn't even recognize myself. I was feeling very crazy...too emotional...almost borderline irrational about things and I couldn't get over it. Well, once the tea was done, miraculously a month later I feel completely back to normal...like someone flipped the crazy switch off or something. I like feeling normal again!

2) I'm still working on eating healthier and have started really working on my fruit/veggie intake. I'm even taking supreme greens supplements....love them! I'm still training with my triathlon team (more to come on that though) and just trying to get some more sleep. I think all these things can only help me in the baby making process.

3) No plans for any treatments any time soon. I've been praying about it and we just are not in a financial position to go into EVEN MORE debt at this time. I just don't feel it would be prudent right now. I would LOVE to be able to afford to start IVF, but unless that money tree I planted starts growing or I win the lottery (need to start playing) then its not an option right now. Which leads me to something I read on a blog I stumbled across today. Here is a direct quote from her blog entry:

"Time means something with infertility — both in the physical sense of success rates and the emotional sense of peace of heart. What is worth more — being mindful of time but spending more than you can afford, or sacrificing some time in order to make fertility treatments affordable?" (read here)

Wow...now that is something to ponder!!! I had already been working on this blog entry when I read that. It made me really FEEL my 32 years and think...am I wasting my eggs by waiting? Is there going to ever be a "right" time financially (probably not)? Ugh...this whole infertility stuff sucks!

So.....I got a part time job as a server. My life is going to be crazy! 40 hour full time job for my attorney....part time server (20 hours a week)...wife....friend....running....biking....swimming...wait...didn't I say earlier that I was going to be getting more sleep?

I feel like I need to make some sacrifices NOW so that maybe I can shoot to be in a position to work on number 3 above. Obviously the hubs and I still work on TTC the old fashion way, and I still pray that the Lord blesses us that way. But if that isn't the plan, and we need to move to IVF, well this chick needs some more $$$$!

The Wilder Fertility Fund is still around and accepting donations but I'm just not pushing things with it right now. Everyone is struggling these days so I'm not out begging people to fund my fertility treatments. If someone feels led to give, awesome. We are appreciative and so humbled by the generosity, but I'm not ready to go stand in front of Publix with a sign saying, "Please help fund my IVF"....yet. =)