Sunday: Rest Day - lots of sleeping in, strecthing, and cleaning the apartment.
Monday - Kicked butt today! I was supposed to do a twenty minute run, which I completed with a couple short walk breaks and a five minute warm up and cool down, all at a 2% incline :) finally felt like I hit my stride, even if it was only for a short run. After that, I did my usual upper and lower back exercises and stretching :)
Tuesday - Rest day & Taco Tuesday :)
Wednesday -Went for a run after a long hard day at work... I had an hour and fifteen minutes to squeeze in a run and weights/stretching before my preschool's parent's night, and it was amazing; perfect way to blow off steam.
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday - Going great :) already feeling stronger and a little bit faster!
Workouts Completed: 10
Miles Run/Walked: 20
Days until 5th/3rd Riverbank 25k: 145
Days until Bayshore Half Marathon: 159
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Week 1
(Day 1: On last post)
Day 2:
Ran two miles during 1:1 interval training (1 minute of running : 1 minute of walking) for 20 minutes (per my 5th/3rd Riverbank Run Training Schedule), followed by more strength training! A little sore, but feeling great!!
Day 3:
Rest Day - and a much needed trip to On the Border with my coworkers!
Day 4:
I was supposed to walk 20 minutes today, so that was easy; didn't even go to the gym to to do it!
Day 5:
Let me tell you, if you want your pick of machines at Planet Fitness, just go on Friday night! I was only supposed to do one mile easy, but then I added a mile of hill training :) still feeling great!
Day 6:
Today was my first day with any pain at all when running; my ankle kept having shooting pains so I switched from the treadmill to the elliptical after a little bit, but I still got in my cardio!
Workouts Completed: 5
Miles Run/Walked: 10
Days Until 5th/3rd Riverbank Run 25k: 152
Days Until Bayshore Half Marathon: 166
Day 2:
Ran two miles during 1:1 interval training (1 minute of running : 1 minute of walking) for 20 minutes (per my 5th/3rd Riverbank Run Training Schedule), followed by more strength training! A little sore, but feeling great!!
Day 3:
Rest Day - and a much needed trip to On the Border with my coworkers!
Day 4:
I was supposed to walk 20 minutes today, so that was easy; didn't even go to the gym to to do it!
Day 5:
Let me tell you, if you want your pick of machines at Planet Fitness, just go on Friday night! I was only supposed to do one mile easy, but then I added a mile of hill training :) still feeling great!
Day 6:
Today was my first day with any pain at all when running; my ankle kept having shooting pains so I switched from the treadmill to the elliptical after a little bit, but I still got in my cardio!
Workouts Completed: 5
Miles Run/Walked: 10
Days Until 5th/3rd Riverbank Run 25k: 152
Days Until Bayshore Half Marathon: 166
Monday, December 1, 2014
Here We Go
I've signed up for two races for next spring that will hopefully keep me motivated to reach my marathon goal! First is the Fifth Third Riverbank Run's 25k, which is May 9th, and will be my longest run to date by just over 2 miles! I'm a little nervous but one of my friends talked me into it (thanks Jen!) and it'll help me stay on track to potentially run/walk a marathon Fall 2015.
Second, I've signed up for the Bayshore Half Marathon that's in Traverse City over Memorial Day weekend. This is a race that I've wanted to run for a couple of years. I've run the Bayshore 10k two years in a row now and I have always looked up to the people who complete the half marathon or marathon there. I knew that the race would be hard to get into (it sold out within an hour last year!) and I was right; it sold out in less than 20 minutes today! Thank goodness I was prepared and got signed up along with my friend Jen, cousin Mike and several others who I had no idea even wanted to do the run! Jeremy and Mike's wife Amy will do the 10k so we'll have a big crew heading on up there!
Since I signed up for both of those races, I decided that today I needed to finally get my Planet Fitness membership. So right after work I went on in and signed up and completed my first workout there. The 25k race has provided a workout schedule that I will be following to make sure that I am staying on track. Today's was a 20 minute run, and after I completed that I did some strength training afterwards to help with my back!
So far so good!
Workouts Completed: 1
Miles Run/Walked: 2.5
Days Until 5th/3rd Riverbank Run 25k: 158
Days Until Bayshore Half Marathon: 172
Second, I've signed up for the Bayshore Half Marathon that's in Traverse City over Memorial Day weekend. This is a race that I've wanted to run for a couple of years. I've run the Bayshore 10k two years in a row now and I have always looked up to the people who complete the half marathon or marathon there. I knew that the race would be hard to get into (it sold out within an hour last year!) and I was right; it sold out in less than 20 minutes today! Thank goodness I was prepared and got signed up along with my friend Jen, cousin Mike and several others who I had no idea even wanted to do the run! Jeremy and Mike's wife Amy will do the 10k so we'll have a big crew heading on up there!
Since I signed up for both of those races, I decided that today I needed to finally get my Planet Fitness membership. So right after work I went on in and signed up and completed my first workout there. The 25k race has provided a workout schedule that I will be following to make sure that I am staying on track. Today's was a 20 minute run, and after I completed that I did some strength training afterwards to help with my back!
So far so good!
Workouts Completed: 1
Miles Run/Walked: 2.5
Days Until 5th/3rd Riverbank Run 25k: 158
Days Until Bayshore Half Marathon: 172
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Accountability
Over the past couple of years, I've really been trying to get better about exercising. In college I tried to force myself to go to the SAC, and I really only did so before Spring Break, Halloween or some other "event." I tried IM sports, and again, did my best, but I'm really not a group sports kind of person. When I was living at home during student teaching, I walked the dog everyday, but still, that only gets you so far.
After graduating, getting married, and moving to Traverse City (where I knew next to no one), I became bored with just going to the beach and lazing around, so I signed up for a 5k on a whim. After completing that, I was bitten by the running bug - but not even so much running, but running towards a goal. Running for a t-shirt and a medal, for a race bib to hang on the fridge, and for bragging rights. For my own personal sense of achievement.
Since my first 5k in July of 2011, I have run (and run/walked) multiple 5ks, three 10ks, and two half marathons. And now, I'm reaching for a higher goal; well, actually, two goals.
1st - I want to run an entire half marathon (no walk breaks with the exception of grabbing water at the refreshment tables).
2nd - I want to complete a marathon. Running and walking, at least for the first one =) within a year.
So, to make myself more accountable, I'm posting this out there for anyone to read. I'm joining Planet Fitness (to run indoors since it's freezing outside), and then I'm going to put updates on here when I run, any accomplishments I have as I train, and how it's going in general. That way, I have some level of accountability beyond myself. Maybe that'll help.
Since my first 5k in July of 2011, I have run (and run/walked) multiple 5ks, three 10ks, and two half marathons. And now, I'm reaching for a higher goal; well, actually, two goals.
1st - I want to run an entire half marathon (no walk breaks with the exception of grabbing water at the refreshment tables).
2nd - I want to complete a marathon. Running and walking, at least for the first one =) within a year.
So, to make myself more accountable, I'm posting this out there for anyone to read. I'm joining Planet Fitness (to run indoors since it's freezing outside), and then I'm going to put updates on here when I run, any accomplishments I have as I train, and how it's going in general. That way, I have some level of accountability beyond myself. Maybe that'll help.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Alpha Gamma Delta Wedding Tradition
In the Fall of 2008, I joined the sorority Alpha Gamma Delta and even though I'm an alum now, the group still means the world to me! While planning my wedding this past spring I kept coming across different ceremonies for different Greek groups that they do at weddings, and I wanted there to be one for AGD! However, even with much searching, googling and talking to alum, I could never find one!
Thankfully, Megan W., amongst some of my other sorority sisters came to my rescue! The following is the "AGD Wedding Ceremony" as performed at my wedding reception and at my sorority sister Victoria's wedding! Pictures of the ceremony are below as well!
Supplies:
CD/Ipod with the song "Never Alone" by Jim Brickman/Lady Antebellum
Sound system to play the song on
Red/Buff/Green Ribbon - one for each sister in attendance to hold onto - make sure these ribbons are at least several feet long
Bouquet of red, buff and green flowers (roses or otherwise)
Chair for the bride and groom to sit on
Vase to put flowers in
Optional supplies:
Permanent Marker to write a wish to the couple on one of the strands of ribbon
Steps:
Prior to the wedding:
1. Sorority sisters confirm that they want to do the ceremony and organize themselves!
2. Ensure that each sister in attendance knows how the ceremony goes and knows the words to the song! If desired, song lyrics could be printed out.
3. Make sure someone purchases the flowers/ribbon/vase and that someone has a copy of the music
4. Designate soloists! The whole song could be sang as a group, but it sounds prettier with soloists singing the verses!
5. Practice as a group if desired!
6. Tie the ribbons to the flowers/vase just prior to the wedding. It takes longer than you think and the ribbons need to also be longer than you think. The more sisters in attendance the longer the ribbons need to be (because you'll be making a bigger circle).
At the wedding:
7. At some point during the reception (probably after dinner and first few dances), gather the sisters, groom and bride on the dance floor. Have the bride and groom share a chair!
8. Hand the bride and groom the bouquet of flowers (don't let the flowers drip on her dress!!!! Have the flowers dried off or in an empty vase until after the ceremony!!!)
9. Have each sister take hold of one ribbon, and make a circle including the bride and groom.
10. Have a spokesperson share the meaning of the ceremony (so that other guests understand), saying that it is inspired by our love for the couple and our mutual connection to AGD. That each ribbon signifies our connection to the sorority and to the new bride!
11. Sing the song =) try not to cry too much!
12. At the end of the song, during the last chorus, the last time it says "baby you're never alone" replace "baby" with the sister's name.
13. As the song ends, the sisters drop their ribbons signifying "letting go" of their sister and putting them into the husband's care!
14. Take care of the chair/flowers (ask where the bride wants them put) and don't forget your music/ipod!
Just some notes:
-Never Alone was chosen for this because in the Fall of 2010 (the year that I was ritual coordinator), Victoria brought the song to me to introduce to our pref ceremony and it's been used in pref ever since =) if you haven't heard it, you're missing out!!
-It's supposed to be a surprise to the bride and groom, so don't go parading around with the flowers (lol). However, it is advisable to try to make sure not to interrupt the reception if something else is going on, or disrupt the couple's plans. I guess, try to sneekly figure out the game plan for the reception!
Any questions or comments feel free to comment below and I'll try to answer them!! Below are some pictures, courtesy of J2 Photography (http://j2foto.com/), from my wedding on April 14th, 2012.
Thankfully, Megan W., amongst some of my other sorority sisters came to my rescue! The following is the "AGD Wedding Ceremony" as performed at my wedding reception and at my sorority sister Victoria's wedding! Pictures of the ceremony are below as well!
Supplies:
CD/Ipod with the song "Never Alone" by Jim Brickman/Lady Antebellum
Sound system to play the song on
Red/Buff/Green Ribbon - one for each sister in attendance to hold onto - make sure these ribbons are at least several feet long
Bouquet of red, buff and green flowers (roses or otherwise)
Chair for the bride and groom to sit on
Vase to put flowers in
Optional supplies:
Permanent Marker to write a wish to the couple on one of the strands of ribbon
Steps:
Prior to the wedding:
1. Sorority sisters confirm that they want to do the ceremony and organize themselves!
2. Ensure that each sister in attendance knows how the ceremony goes and knows the words to the song! If desired, song lyrics could be printed out.
3. Make sure someone purchases the flowers/ribbon/vase and that someone has a copy of the music
4. Designate soloists! The whole song could be sang as a group, but it sounds prettier with soloists singing the verses!
5. Practice as a group if desired!
6. Tie the ribbons to the flowers/vase just prior to the wedding. It takes longer than you think and the ribbons need to also be longer than you think. The more sisters in attendance the longer the ribbons need to be (because you'll be making a bigger circle).
At the wedding:
7. At some point during the reception (probably after dinner and first few dances), gather the sisters, groom and bride on the dance floor. Have the bride and groom share a chair!
8. Hand the bride and groom the bouquet of flowers (don't let the flowers drip on her dress!!!! Have the flowers dried off or in an empty vase until after the ceremony!!!)
9. Have each sister take hold of one ribbon, and make a circle including the bride and groom.
10. Have a spokesperson share the meaning of the ceremony (so that other guests understand), saying that it is inspired by our love for the couple and our mutual connection to AGD. That each ribbon signifies our connection to the sorority and to the new bride!
11. Sing the song =) try not to cry too much!
12. At the end of the song, during the last chorus, the last time it says "baby you're never alone" replace "baby" with the sister's name.
13. As the song ends, the sisters drop their ribbons signifying "letting go" of their sister and putting them into the husband's care!
14. Take care of the chair/flowers (ask where the bride wants them put) and don't forget your music/ipod!
Just some notes:
-Never Alone was chosen for this because in the Fall of 2010 (the year that I was ritual coordinator), Victoria brought the song to me to introduce to our pref ceremony and it's been used in pref ever since =) if you haven't heard it, you're missing out!!
-It's supposed to be a surprise to the bride and groom, so don't go parading around with the flowers (lol). However, it is advisable to try to make sure not to interrupt the reception if something else is going on, or disrupt the couple's plans. I guess, try to sneekly figure out the game plan for the reception!
Any questions or comments feel free to comment below and I'll try to answer them!! Below are some pictures, courtesy of J2 Photography (http://j2foto.com/), from my wedding on April 14th, 2012.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Motivated, motivated....
During my life, I've always been a pretty active person. I did gymnastics as a kid, volleyball and track in middle school, gymnastics and tennis in high school, and lastly, any IM sport I could squeeze into my schedule that my sorority participated in. My quest to stay active even included soccer and basketball, leading to a very unimpressive scoring record on my part (0 goals, and 2 baskets over 2 years with AGD).
Now, as a college graduate I find my life swamped with committments other than exercise. Subbing, commuting at least a couple days a week, coaching volleyball, tutoring and simply trying to enjoy time with my new husband! While we try very hard to exercise, frankly, I can be pretty lazy, and when it's cold out, the last thing I want to do is get off the couch. But those are just excuses, and it's taking a great deal of willpower to jump over those hurdles!
Last spring, in a random spurt of motivation, I signed up for a 5k, thinking that it would be easy, but at the same time, crazy, cause why would I ever willingly run for half an hour? Well, I finished below my goal time (35:00, and I finished 34:34) and at my goal "speed" (no walking) and I was bitten by the running bug! After several cold months of laziness, I've signed up for a Bayshore 10k in late May, and the Color Run 5k in August, and I'm so excited to get back into the swing of things =)
Even though I can tell I'm not in my "prime" as far as my fitness right now, I would love to just feel more in shape. It's not even about being a Size 2 - I've definitely embraced that being a Size 2 really isn't in the cards for me anymore, and that's not really where I want to, or need to be. My body shape, and bone structure isn't built to be a Size 2, at least not as a 23 year old, and I'm proud to have some curves! Now, I really just want to tone, to be in shape, and feel good - regardless of what size my (short length) jeans are. Hopefully 10k training, Zumba, and possibly even ballet will help me get to the confidence level that I'd love to be at!
So, on the way to my first 10k, and hopefully on the way to feeling good about me!
Now, as a college graduate I find my life swamped with committments other than exercise. Subbing, commuting at least a couple days a week, coaching volleyball, tutoring and simply trying to enjoy time with my new husband! While we try very hard to exercise, frankly, I can be pretty lazy, and when it's cold out, the last thing I want to do is get off the couch. But those are just excuses, and it's taking a great deal of willpower to jump over those hurdles!
Last spring, in a random spurt of motivation, I signed up for a 5k, thinking that it would be easy, but at the same time, crazy, cause why would I ever willingly run for half an hour? Well, I finished below my goal time (35:00, and I finished 34:34) and at my goal "speed" (no walking) and I was bitten by the running bug! After several cold months of laziness, I've signed up for a Bayshore 10k in late May, and the Color Run 5k in August, and I'm so excited to get back into the swing of things =)
Even though I can tell I'm not in my "prime" as far as my fitness right now, I would love to just feel more in shape. It's not even about being a Size 2 - I've definitely embraced that being a Size 2 really isn't in the cards for me anymore, and that's not really where I want to, or need to be. My body shape, and bone structure isn't built to be a Size 2, at least not as a 23 year old, and I'm proud to have some curves! Now, I really just want to tone, to be in shape, and feel good - regardless of what size my (short length) jeans are. Hopefully 10k training, Zumba, and possibly even ballet will help me get to the confidence level that I'd love to be at!
So, on the way to my first 10k, and hopefully on the way to feeling good about me!
Monday, November 26, 2012
Acknowledgements
So, those of you who know me, know that for a time, I was obsessed -with Twilight, Harry Potter, and many more series. During my childhood, I "grew up" with Harry Potter, starting in 5th grade with Mrs. Wollet introducing the series to me, and ending with my graduation from high school coming the same year as the final installment. Even though the movies came out many years later, I still consider the books to mark more accurately the passage of my childhood.
Then came college; and Twilight. Thanks to my friends at 712 South Main Street, I became, again, obsessed with a series. I watched, and many can attest to this, Twilight probably close to 100 times in the 2nd semester of my Junior Year, no joke. I've read, reread, and listened to the Twilight series as well during mundane summer jobs, long car rides and to help me fall asleep.
When I came across Twilight, I was young, naive and desperate for my own happy ending. I was 20 years old, in a fantastic, new relationship; I was a young member of my sorority; and I was newly admitted to the Teacher Education Program at CMU. Young. So very young, but still, I felt I knew it all. And as silly as it seems, I saw these movies and books, and hoped and dreamed as thousands, perhaps millions of girls/young women have that I would have my own happy ending.
And as this series progressed and matured, so did I. I moved in with my then boyfriend (soon to be fiance), graduated from college, started substitute teaching, planned my wedding, got married, moved to a brand new city, ran a 5k, experienced the loss of a close (in-law) family member, and so much more. But in the general scheme of things, I grew up. I changed. And I didn't find my own happy "ending," but more of a happy beginning and start to the next part of my life.
It became very clear to me recently upon a trip to Mount Pleasant that I have changed. Not necessarily in a bad, or even good way, but I'm moving forward. I look at the same locations, Trout Hall, Main Street, 607 S. Main, the Bird, Tailgate and I'm seeing them differently. And I appreciate them, and the city that helped me become the person I am today, but I finally feel like I'm taking a huge step forward. I'm no longer living in the past or wishing that I could go back in time. I'm sure I'll revisit Mt P many, many more times, and I'll never let go of the memories, friendship and sisterhood that I gained in my 4 years at CMU, and in the same light, I'm sure I'll "revisit" the Twilight and Harry Potter series, but with different eyes.
So with that, I'm acknowledging that I'm stepping forward in my life, shutting one door (book) and opening another. I'm moving forward as a wife, teacher, sister, daughter, and so much more.
Thank you so much for reading this and I hope you can relate in some way, shape or form, regardless of your feelings on the Twilight Saga. Special thanks to one of my fellow sisters whose writing has inspired me to share my thoughts on growing up with all of you.
Then came college; and Twilight. Thanks to my friends at 712 South Main Street, I became, again, obsessed with a series. I watched, and many can attest to this, Twilight probably close to 100 times in the 2nd semester of my Junior Year, no joke. I've read, reread, and listened to the Twilight series as well during mundane summer jobs, long car rides and to help me fall asleep.
When I came across Twilight, I was young, naive and desperate for my own happy ending. I was 20 years old, in a fantastic, new relationship; I was a young member of my sorority; and I was newly admitted to the Teacher Education Program at CMU. Young. So very young, but still, I felt I knew it all. And as silly as it seems, I saw these movies and books, and hoped and dreamed as thousands, perhaps millions of girls/young women have that I would have my own happy ending.
And as this series progressed and matured, so did I. I moved in with my then boyfriend (soon to be fiance), graduated from college, started substitute teaching, planned my wedding, got married, moved to a brand new city, ran a 5k, experienced the loss of a close (in-law) family member, and so much more. But in the general scheme of things, I grew up. I changed. And I didn't find my own happy "ending," but more of a happy beginning and start to the next part of my life.
It became very clear to me recently upon a trip to Mount Pleasant that I have changed. Not necessarily in a bad, or even good way, but I'm moving forward. I look at the same locations, Trout Hall, Main Street, 607 S. Main, the Bird, Tailgate and I'm seeing them differently. And I appreciate them, and the city that helped me become the person I am today, but I finally feel like I'm taking a huge step forward. I'm no longer living in the past or wishing that I could go back in time. I'm sure I'll revisit Mt P many, many more times, and I'll never let go of the memories, friendship and sisterhood that I gained in my 4 years at CMU, and in the same light, I'm sure I'll "revisit" the Twilight and Harry Potter series, but with different eyes.
So with that, I'm acknowledging that I'm stepping forward in my life, shutting one door (book) and opening another. I'm moving forward as a wife, teacher, sister, daughter, and so much more.
Thank you so much for reading this and I hope you can relate in some way, shape or form, regardless of your feelings on the Twilight Saga. Special thanks to one of my fellow sisters whose writing has inspired me to share my thoughts on growing up with all of you.
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