tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80516260752709811542024-03-12T23:39:45.644-04:00SeeTiffRunMy running diaries and life in maintenance modeUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger135125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051626075270981154.post-74595785520011003432023-06-14T20:43:00.003-04:002023-06-14T20:43:41.943-04:00Long Haul Covid Symptoms & Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon: My Sixth 13.1<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1zspLhbHp1rKXgUQ0FNFp3YcLQ8ZgH5i6" height="320" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1zspLhbHp1rKXgUQ0FNFp3YcLQ8ZgH5i6" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" width="180" /><br /></div><div>I had to revive the blog I haven’t posted on in about 3 years to talk about this race and the prep. No, it wasn’t a bad race, but it was the most challenging half marathon I’ve ever completed, and here’s why…</div><div><br /></div><div>So in December 2022, I was sick with what I thought was a normal cold (I know). I usually continue working out when I am sick, but this time was different. I could barely run half of a mile without stopping to walk. My chest would become tight, and I was breathing heavily. Sometimes I would vomit clear mucus after my workouts. Nope, that didn't make me stop. Well, not yet. So, fast forward to January, while I was still having these symptoms while working out, I found out from the doctor that I more than likely had COVID in December. I remember the exact child that I probably caught it from. He gave extra hugs before leaving for Winter Break.</div><div><br /></div><div>I still continued to cross-train, but it took a while for me to accept the fact that I couldn't run at my normal pace and duration. I was sad. This was my outlet, my way to relieve stress, my way to press restart, my me-time, my self-care...and now I couldn't do it. I felt like this was something swiftly taken from me and it wasn't fair and I wasn't able to prepare. If you have something you like to do and it's the only thing that you thought no one could affect, then you'd understand why.</div><div><br /></div><div>I continued to train as best as I could for this race because I still wanted to participate since I paid my money and I was planning to go with some run friends. They definitely made finishing bearable and they were so supportive of me.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now onto the race recap. My first Rock 'n' Roll Race was in New Orleans. It was my first half marathon that I will never forget. I knew this experience this series provides everything from the expo to the race to the finish line was going to be great! That it was. It was so many photo opportunities and I even bought a new pair of running shoes. I've never done that before. :-)</div><div><br /></div><div>After finally figuring out how we were going to get to the race and not have my car towed (lol), we got to the start line as soon as it was time for some corral to go off. I think we were all late for our corrals. </div><div><br /></div><div>My plan for this race was to just walk/run. During my "training", I opted to run and count to 60 and then walk and count to 60. I made that interval thing up, I know. In the beginning, I was doing good. I actually ran for .40 mi., but it was downhill. My next strategy was to keep up with the 3:15 pacer. I did that for a while until I got bored. Then I started my own intervals back up. Towards the end of the race, I walked a lot. I think like 3 miles of walking straight.</div><div><br /></div><div>The scenery on the route in Nashville was beautiful! My favorite part of the course was running past the record companies and the part towards the end across the bridge overlooking the river. The HILLS on this race was CRAZY hard. This was the hardest route I've ever done. Worse than Atlanta hills. </div><div><br /></div><div>The people watching and the scenery GOT ME THROUGH. Those hills did NOT. If you think it was easy for me, maybe I made it look that way, but at one point I called my husband complaining and cursing, lol. After that, I prayed and prayed and prayed until I finished. I don't ever have to do that race again. I'd do the 5k.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, it is a couple of months later and I have dealt with the same long haul covid symptoms, unfortunately. I took a couple of weeks off here and there. Tried drinking green tea and other natural remedies that I remember trying when I was actually covid positive before. This week, the week of June 11th, I did a couple of run + walk Peloton workouts and I ran more than walked! I was sooo happy. When I wanted to stop, it was the "out of shape, out of breath" and not the "it feels like I'm going to have an asthma attack" feeling. I'm so happy, but I also heard the symptoms can return, so I am being careful and hopeful that things won't reverse. I have a heart doctor and allergist appointment coming up that may be able to give me some answers. I'm so thankful I've been able to do what I've been doing. Until then I am going to keep trying and keep moving. Movement is truly medicine for me.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Do you have an outlet that helps you escape and reset your mind, body, and soul?</b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051626075270981154.post-76392514213977178972020-06-30T14:47:00.000-04:002020-06-30T14:47:08.849-04:00I ran 100 miles!<br />
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For the first time in a <b>very</b> long time, I ran 100 miles. No, not at one time (although some folks do that), but for the month. I knew this would be the perfect motivator to get me back into half marathon training shape. After having my son, I would always barely get up to 10 miles before he would get sick or my husband would have to work and I'd have no sitter. So all of my hard work went away because I could never rebound. Now baby girl rides in the stroller and my son rides his scooter or his bike while I run.<br />
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Now, it is <b>NOT</b> my preference to bring either of them, but I've learned that you've gotta do what you've gotta do. Most times if I'm running with them, pace doesn't matter. Only distance. This in turn helps because I'm still getting an easy pace workout in. I'll do fartleks, run/walk intervals, and hill train with them. When I'm solo, I always want to run as fast as I can to get it over with and not really stick to a plan (I'm impatient). On one of my ten-milers, we had to stop so many times to give our son a break. So, yeah...I usually try not to bring them if I need to do over 4 1/2 miles. How do "they" have so much energy inside of the house, but when you take them outside to burn it, they're "soooo tired"?<br />
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I ran short runs 4-5 days during the week and scheduled long runs on Saturdays & Sundays depending on my husband's work schedule. I ran them with one of my running groups, which also really helped. Being a mom of a 9-month-old and a 6-year-old, you <b>MUST</b> find a way to become disciplined if you have any personal fitness goals. This is why I choose to post my runs/workouts online, run with friends, and enter challenges. That's just what helps me stay accountable myself. Be careful not to compare your journey with others, but most definitely use others to help you achieve what you're trying to achieve.<br />
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Before I had kids I was all over Atlanta running with Black Girls Run and then became a group run leader for them. Then came children. That's why it's been 7 1/2 years since I've run my fourth and last half marathon. So... this challenge came right on time.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V37jc-5gyT8/XvuFDEvdvVI/AAAAAAAAY18/jfu6TpVn354t9byu5LQO4w24F3aLuWm4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="820" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V37jc-5gyT8/XvuFDEvdvVI/AAAAAAAAY18/jfu6TpVn354t9byu5LQO4w24F3aLuWm4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_1591.jpg" width="203" /></a>I registered for the runningnerds Summer Heat Virtual Half Marathon. I ran the runningnerds Winter Virtual Half Marathon years ago. I think that was my 3rd half marathon? It was virtual, but I ran it with a group starting from West Midtown. I remember it was extremely cold that morning. Like I said in my previous post, I am up to 10 miles, so next week I am going to run 11-12 miles. My old running coach always told me to run a mile or two over the actual race distance, so that the actual race distance will be easy. It's nothing like running any race and that last .5 mile becomes a s-t-r-u-g-g-l-e. The thing is, I don't know if I'll have time for that. So I'll probably attempt 12 this Sunday, 9-10 the next and go into taper mode? I'll have to look at an official training plan before I make my mind up since I'm already at 10.<br />
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Wish me luck on my journey! The school year is soon to start aka busy season (and that's a whole 'notha case of foolery with what's going on), so this would be a great finale. I'll take a mini-break and then back at it for two fall races in October and November.<br />
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<b>What do you do to help you stick to your goals? What are you choosing to focus on to help your mental state right now?</b><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051626075270981154.post-24819535401392275722020-06-28T22:15:00.001-04:002020-06-28T22:15:46.075-04:002020, June Challenge, Long Runs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Unless you've been living under a big boulder these days, you should be aware of the current political, and social climate of our country. Yes, Black people are still fighting for the end of blatant and systematic racism as we have been for hundreds of years through voting, protesting, rioting, speeches, and marches. In 2020, unfortunately, we're still at it. That being said, that is the reason for this mural that was painted on both the wall and the trail grounds of the Eastside Beltline here in Atlanta.</div>
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I and a few folks in one of my run clubs set out for a 45-minute out and back route through Midtown this morning. My goal was to run 10 miles. I am apart of a Nike 100-mile June Challenge and I am also trying to build my base to run a virtual half marathon at the end of next month. It would be great to do this while I have so much "free" time and before busy seasons starts back up.</div>
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3 out of 4 weekend long runs this month, I ran 10 miles. Father's Day I cut it short to 8 so I could get back home quickly to begin the festivities. I am definitely ready to ramp my training miles up to 11 next week (fingers crossed that the home schedule will allow).</div>
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During this month I experienced the routine knee pain that I always experience whenever I start running further. I iced and really stretched like you're supposed to. I'm known to skip proper stretching which is such a no, no. That pain went away. Thank God. It was time for some new shoes as well. </div>
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On today's run around mile 7, a little hamstring pain seemed to come out of nowhere. Maybe I stretched a cold muscle this morning? To remedy this, I stretched and took an old fashion ice bath when I got home. We'll see if that did the trick during tomorrow's recovery run.</div>
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Today's run was also very HUMID as I don't know what, but my pace ended up being the same as my last 10-mile run. Listening to my body and running in this Atlanta heat, I'll definitely be bringing my fuel belt along next week. When I used to distance run in the past, some things that helped me were Gatorade and Jelly Belly Sports Beans around the 8-10 mile mark. I have some Energy Gels in the pantry right now I'll be experimenting with. If someone told me I needed to run 3 more miles this morning, I wouldn't have made it, which is how I <b>know</b> I was becoming dehydrated and my carb-loaded dinner from last night had burned away. </div>
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I bet you can tell where the hills were on my route. The Beltline is a steady incline, but it's not that bad (plus I've been stroller running it a few times). But, if you guessed mile 8, you are correct! If you've ever run UP 10th strength starting from the bottom of Piedmont Park, you KNOW that LOOOONG incline is a beast! I made it up without stopping though. The last hill I had to conquer was at mile 10 going up the 17th street bridge.</div>
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Anyway, I was so happy to be done, back in my car, and to my water. I guzzled all 32 oz of it on spot. After this 100-mile challenge is over, I think I am going to run longer on fewer days (depending on my children) and continue strength workouts during the week.</div>
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<b>What have been some of your summer fitness goals?</b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051626075270981154.post-14664684485931691762020-04-08T15:26:00.000-04:002020-04-08T15:26:53.918-04:00First Post of the Year & Postpartum Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yoooo!<br />
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So as I've mentioned in my last post (October 2019), I wasn't sure how often I would able to blog my postpartum weight loss journey. I've been back at pre-preggo weight for a while now, but I think I'm just now getting back to my pre-preggo fit status (and that's okay). What I mean by that is... I feel IN SHAPE.<br />
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<b>How many weeks postpartum are you now? </b>Time goes by so fast! Baby girl is 6 1/2 months and the boy is 6 1/2 years old. I'm also back at work...well, kind of. Depending on when you're reading this, look at the date. You'll see that we're in the middle of a pandemic now, which is why I have time to write this post. I went back to work at 6 weeks postpartum (:-/). Fast forward to March a Coronavirus pandemic is currently happening, so I'm remote teaching. It's a lot to deal with.<br />
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<b>How have I been staying fit?</b> During the last post, I was just about to start the HEAT Challenge. It's an extreme 8-week fit challenge. It was so fun to complete and just the thing I needed when dealing with postpartum blues, getting back into the routine of exercising, and meeting some initial goals. I was able to follow the entire workout plan minus a week EXCEPT the meal plan. I originally signed up for the Keto meal plan...seeing that there were other nursing moms who had success with following a Keto diet and it did not affect their milk supply. THIS was not for me. At least not this particular plan. My milk supply seemed to immediately slow even after 2-3 days. I just went back to what I knew worked. Eat CLEAN! I continued to meal prep, but I definitely had to have some carbs...rice and sweet potatoes. I won't be posting my before and after challenge picture, but trust me I made gains. ;-)<br />
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<b>Are you still running / racing? </b>After that challenge was over, I registered for the Hot Chocolate 15k which was in February. Following a running plan for that helped to keep me on track. I ran mostly and kept up some type of strength training because the two go hand in hand. I was sooooo happy I met my personal time goal given the fact that I had a new baby, my son, husband, AND not to mention the loads of work I had to catch up on being a Teacher. After that race, I continued to train for a half marathon, but unfortunately I waited until the last minute to register and it sold out. :-( I had been trying to run that race for years.<br />
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So now, "stuck" at home with the two kiddos and working remotely, I've been trying out different free workouts some businesses have been offering. I think I need to stick to one plan. Peloton has been free, so on some Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays I find a dreadmill workout (saving grace!) and an upper body workout to do. On Monday, Wednesdays, and some Saturdays, I've been doing Effect Fitness live boot camp with some added strength training. Hmm, I may stick with that schedule, but I'm not certain yet. Us Virgos and Type A folk like to have a clear plan. I also still have to work around my husband's schedule as he's an essential worker.<br />
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So there's my little update on fit life at the moment. Oh yea, my husband being a certified personal trainer has helped me to stay on track too because we have a little competitiveness going on in the house. :-)<br />
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<b>How have you kept up your healthy routine during this pandemic? Did exercising help you manage postpartum depression? Or any other type for that matter?</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051626075270981154.post-11415337658253147222019-10-17T08:00:00.000-04:002019-10-17T08:00:06.397-04:00Postpartum Weight-loss Journey<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Postpartum life can be really in depth (mentally, physically, and spiritually) for the sake of not rambling, this post is only about my journey <i>maintaining</i> my health and weight.</span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">At 3 weeks, 4 days postpartum, I’m down 26 lbs from the 35 I gained without doing anything special. Once I do, it'll be tricky monitoring amount of food intake and exercise while breastfeeding because you don’t want anything to affect your milk supply. Breastfeeding also makes me even hungrier!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I watch what I eat as normal, I just care a little more since I’m not exactly in 'IDGAF what I eat' mode like I was my last 3 weeks of being pregnant. Nah, but really. I haven’t obviously been given the OK to workout yet at 3 weeks so I’m focusing on food more because that’s 80% of weight loss anyway.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I found this timeline for runners in one of my groups, which syncs with my plan to establish core strength before anything else. Even if I had been given the green light I would now follow this guide. That was more knowledge I didn’t have with my son's pregnancy...the need to strengthen my core before beginning running or anything else yet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Back to the timeline I found online...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I’m doing weeks 2-4, which include squats, lunges, bridges, and walking. It’s boring but it's proving that my core is so weak. I tried a plank the other day and could barely last to the count of 10.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here’s a few pics from the two days I’ve done so far.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">This journey is going to be more mental this go 'round. My life is jam packed with LIFE events so I’m really going to have to be mentally tough and strategic in order to make sure I get my ME-time in. I cannot stress enough the importance of taking care of yourself before you can take care of others. It just goes hand in hand. Motherhood ain’t no easy feat, and I wanna be sane sooooo, my husband knows I need to workout, lol.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For that extra push and accountability, I’m going to be doing the Fall H.E.A.T challenge. It begins 10/21. I’m the type that has to have a plan. And although I’m back in my pre-preggo clothes, I know what weight I feel the most comfortable at. After these last 10lbs, I’ll have more work. I’m trying to be a “hot girl” by spring, lmao.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Not sure how often I will blog, per usual, but I wanted to make sure I documented this period some kind of way so I’d have something to look back on for myself. <img alt="✌" class="CToWUd" data-goomoji="270c" data-image-whitelisted="" goomoji="270c" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/e/270c" style="margin: 0px 0.2ex; max-height: 24px; vertical-align: middle;" /></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051626075270981154.post-57222927080980609962019-10-16T11:26:00.000-04:002019-10-16T11:26:22.556-04:00Pregnant Does Not Mean Powerless: Fit Pregnancy Journey<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">First Preggo Race - Atlanta Women's 5k</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">I was cruising along on my maintenance mode journey, had lost my “first year at a new job” weight and boom...found out I was pregnant. That was January 2019. We’d been trying but not trying to conceive (does that make sense? Lol), so I was still a bit surprised. Nevertheless, I had goals and figured this was my opportunity to see how far I could push myself this time.</span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">My first pregnancy ended in miscarriage at 11 weeks. I wasn't active, overweight, and sedentary. Five years later, during my second pregnancy, I ran until I was 4 months pregnant. I was very nervous about miscarrying again. I also remember it becoming uncomfortable to run past 4 months. I didn’t have as many examples as I do now, i.e. the plethora of women who workout during pregnancy and post on Instagram. Now there are tons of resources, personal and professional for pregnant women who want to continue exercising. It was even recommended by my doctor to continue. So, with that being said...here’s a few snippets from my workouts during my pregnancy.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ITd4BnN3yqY/XacgTh5nwII/AAAAAAAAYG8/FP2kpRbW5Zs2kG5DHQWX5XYPUb5wXLA4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_4991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="745" data-original-width="750" height="393" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ITd4BnN3yqY/XacgTh5nwII/AAAAAAAAYG8/FP2kpRbW5Zs2kG5DHQWX5XYPUb5wXLA4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_4991.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Circa Month 1</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mU6i66fjlgU/XacgWGZZUpI/AAAAAAAAYHY/a2BiJfwluLYv9GClKwnNasjeLZqchJgmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_5004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mU6i66fjlgU/XacgWGZZUpI/AAAAAAAAYHY/a2BiJfwluLYv9GClKwnNasjeLZqchJgmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_5004.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Circa Month 2</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_J5uhNdTQ2s/XacgWqs-thI/AAAAAAAAYHw/_1FES3n1YQIzx16ddInL1yFTWs_DvJqpQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_5005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_J5uhNdTQ2s/XacgWqs-thI/AAAAAAAAYHw/_1FES3n1YQIzx16ddInL1yFTWs_DvJqpQCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_5005.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Month 2</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8_cVBHTC1T4/XacgTryjUpI/AAAAAAAAYHE/tvaHRjETM6UKnKQGps8DOoLCSykUZDlsgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_4997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="974" data-original-width="542" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8_cVBHTC1T4/XacgTryjUpI/AAAAAAAAYHE/tvaHRjETM6UKnKQGps8DOoLCSykUZDlsgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_4997.jpg" width="222" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Circa Month 3</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MYaY1Y1SYnY/XacgTi8S7aI/AAAAAAAAYHA/kJ74aiZMbWYIGEEwCSvcMsPTMGJ4RCongCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_4998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MYaY1Y1SYnY/XacgTi8S7aI/AAAAAAAAYHA/kJ74aiZMbWYIGEEwCSvcMsPTMGJ4RCongCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_4998.jpg" width="374" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Circa Month 5</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_u0KYaF0KxM/XacgUAM9v_I/AAAAAAAAYHI/gCBcDAqCGqEF55jw2_mzUMyP7OBBzfX1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_4999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="984" data-original-width="462" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_u0KYaF0KxM/XacgUAM9v_I/AAAAAAAAYHI/gCBcDAqCGqEF55jw2_mzUMyP7OBBzfX1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_4999.jpg" width="186" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Circa Month 6</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BiaIJqNONEs/XacgUW9ifYI/AAAAAAAAYHM/q9edpsLnVp0Aaivk4hAfYse1EZqXWRXzACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_5001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="648" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BiaIJqNONEs/XacgUW9ifYI/AAAAAAAAYHM/q9edpsLnVp0Aaivk4hAfYse1EZqXWRXzACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_5001.jpg" width="270" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Month 6</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My personal rule was to go as long as I felt good. This round was already different, as I now had a 5 year old and worked full-time...as a Teacher 🤯</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">. So continuing to exercise was a huge mood and energy booster for me if anything else. Thank God for the summer off!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I had no complications and stayed within the recommended 35 lbs weight gain recommendation. The only thing that almost threatened my ability to workout at the time was me having placenta previa, but that was resolved. <img alt="🙌" class="CToWUd" data-goomoji="1f64c" data-image-whitelisted="" goomoji="1f64c" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/e/1f64c" style="margin: 0px 0.2ex; max-height: 24px; vertical-align: middle;" /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZZ3NEy4HJE/XacgVdZQmoI/AAAAAAAAYHU/GmaUMmXLg5oCQKW7aRQbnqYwi45G9NZkQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_5003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="947" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZZ3NEy4HJE/XacgVdZQmoI/AAAAAAAAYHU/GmaUMmXLg5oCQKW7aRQbnqYwi45G9NZkQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_5003.jpg" width="316" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Month 7</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was feeling good, feeling great, and stuck to my routine until my family’s Orlando trip and then a week later it was back to school. Now, non-preggo, those are enough to mess up a routine, but being pregnant and having that to occur? Yea, unfortunately I could never get back on the 2-3 day a week thing I had going on. I just made sure to focus on my eating habits. I didn’t feel as bad because being a teacher, I’m on my feet all day and I did walk around two major theme parks in Orlando. 🤷🏾♀️ I was also starting to experience major, MAJOR pelvic pressure that the support bands just were NOT helping with anymore. That was something else I didn’t have or know to purchase during my son’s pregnancy.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Universal Studios 2019</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I had a healthy pregnancy, a quicker, problem-free delivery, only gained exactly 35 lbs, and a healthy baby girl! I’d say I reached my goal and would recommend any already active person to keep it up in SOME way because pregnancy does not equal <b>POWERless</b>. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 0.2ex; margin-right: 0.2ex;"><img alt="✌" class="CToWUd" data-goomoji="270c" data-image-whitelisted="" goomoji="270c" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/e/270c" style="margin: 0px 0.2ex; max-height: 24px; vertical-align: middle;" /></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051626075270981154.post-2580581649175166462017-07-05T10:26:00.000-04:002017-07-05T10:26:25.314-04:002017 Peachtree Road Race RecapYesterday, I completed my fourth Atlanta Journal Constitution Peachtree Road Race. It's the largest 10k in the U.S. with 60,000 participants. This is one of the most exciting, cheerful, and ORGANIZED races I've done to date. It's usually the only race I do in the summer. Something about it just keeps me coming back.<br />
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I became involved with this race as a teenage volunteer just trying to clock hours. I think I volunteered about 3 or 4 times. This was before the big Macy's parade downtown was cancelled (I used to volunteer for them too). When I volunteered, I had no idea what distance these folks were running and I didn't know what a 10k was. All I knew was I got great perks for standing out at Pharr Rd making sure cars knew Peachtree St. was closed and cheering on the runners and walkers. It was exciting just volunteering.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pTlJkua764U/WVzxtcB7xFI/AAAAAAAAWFk/FuMZkXweIS4arGcYIzyB-2P0z74dvgmXQCLcBGAs/s1600/13439241_10153540705066529_8503097805045120323_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pTlJkua764U/WVzxtcB7xFI/AAAAAAAAWFk/FuMZkXweIS4arGcYIzyB-2P0z74dvgmXQCLcBGAs/s320/13439241_10153540705066529_8503097805045120323_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pictures from 2016 with my father. <br />He's standing in front of the hospital on "cardiac hill" that he had his surgery at.</td></tr>
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Check out <a href="http://seetiffrun11.blogspot.com/p/personal-records.html">2014's recap</a>. Fast forward to 2016's race... I didn't blog about it, but last year my dad and I ran/walked it together. In January 2016, he had triple bypass surgery. A fairly healthy man had to have unexpected heart surgery. Of course, that was hard. Once everything was okay and therapy was over, he told me he was down to do "the Peachtree" with me. I wish I would've blogged about it, but there's so many emotions from that day, it would have to be a separate post.<br />
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Fast forward to 2017... Here's a few pictures from the expo. I was in and out this year. I wasn't trying to pay $15 to park AND I didn't want to be near the temptation for too long, lol. Last year I signed up for a half marathon in Orlando and chickened out of doing it because I would've had to travel solo. *eye roll* I should've done it, but anyway...<br />
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<b>Follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/seetiffrun/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> to see more of my weekly runs.</b></div>
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My husband decided to join us again for his second PRR, so it was me, him and my dad. We were all in different corrals and decided to just start the races on our own and meet up afterwards.<br />
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We arrived on MARTA just in time, literally 5 minutes before Corral G was to start (a bump up from my past corral's J and H). I didn't get any start pictures except for the flag and what I snapped on Snapchat.<br />
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Because I didn't properly train for this race, I intended to do walk/run intervals using my Couch to 10k app on Week 7. Lol at myself, because I should've known I was going to scrap that idea. As soon as they said go and I remembered that my "plan" would be thrown off a bit by the initial crowd and the fact that EVERYBODY starts out running, so it's not like I could really run my own pace. You're running the pace of the crowd until it thins out. The first 3 miles are always my fastest because it's downhill. It's mile 4 and 5 that take me out. *insert eye roll*.<br />
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So basically, I ran the first 3 miles, mostly walked miles 4 and 5, then started back running after reaching 5. I knew I hadn't been able to train very hard this time so I was okay with stopping to walk. In the past I would've been disappointed in myself for seemingly giving up. My splits definitely accurately reflect my performance. It was HOT and it was HUMID for sure too so it was difficult for ME to regain momentum.<br />
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During my walk break as I saw my pacer, who didn't know she was my pacer 😃 pass me by and disappear into the crowd, I was thinking <span style="font-size: large;">"WHY do I keep signing up for this race!"</span> and <span style="font-size: large;">"I could be on the beach or at the Essence Festival!"</span> Sigh. This was my slowest time completing this race solo. My dad shaved off 4 minutes off his time! It's all good. I still love running and I still love/hate running this race. He says he doesn't know about doing it next year, but I'll work on that. 😊<br />
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On to the next... the Atlanta 20k Relay :-)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051626075270981154.post-55420856086874737612017-06-22T23:43:00.001-04:002017-06-22T23:43:34.035-04:00WASN'T FEELING IT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;">Breakfast: vanilla protein shake (whey) with water<u><br /></u></span></td></tr>
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Today, well the past couple of days I just haven't felt like working out. I don't know. One week or one day can go well and then the next day I can have no motivation at all. I think I need to start back taking vitamins, seriously. Somehow, someway, I dragged myself downstairs to my garage (#firstworldproblems) and ran a mile and used the dumbbells for bicep curls and shoulder presses (two sets of 10). My eating was okay today, except for the Chips Ahoy. I'll live. I'll probably find motivation for a good run since I'm going to another city tomorrow. My blog post will probably be more interesting as well. :-)</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051626075270981154.post-73548721040831074632017-06-19T22:53:00.004-04:002017-06-21T16:50:13.958-04:00COUNTRY LIFE | ZOO ADVENTURES | RESET BUTTON<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>6.15-6.18/2017</b></div>
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This past weekend we went to visit family in Northern Mississippi. It was the trip to my husband's hometown we needed. We hadn't visited since Christmas. Well, we tried to visit before Mother's Day, but I was the driver and um... we might've had a little accident that would be the root of many dollars being spent on my little Jeep that we're still paying for. All because I ran over a large piece of tire from an 18 wheeler. *eye roll*</div>
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Anyway, my son loves being in the country. He got to see the horse his dad grew up with and just run around and be free on the property. He blends in quite well, lol. I'm from a different kind of country. </div>
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In the 11 years I've been going to visit, I've always skipped my workouts. I made the excuse of not wanting to drive a country mile to go workout and I certainly don't want to run down the road his parents home is on. I'm not trying to be chased by who knows what. I had the bright idea (what took me so long, I have no idea), to take me to the nearby HBCU (historically Black college & university) so I could run around campus or on their track. I'm attempting to keep some type of training schedule for this upcoming 10k. I ended up run/walking 4 miles around the track. I ran the straight parts and walked the curved. Loop after loop after loop and 4 miles were finally complete.</div>
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Although I exercised 1 out of the 3 full days we were there, I didn't eat well AT. ALL. On the drive there and back I ate McDonald's (which I never really even eat at home). For breakfast my MIL cooked biscuits, pork bacon, pork sausage, and eggs all three mornings. Friday night we joined other family who were also in town at the Cheesecake Factory in Memphis. I couldn't go to the Cheesecake Factory and not get a slice of cheesecake. Poor me. I ordered the Oreo Dream Extreme Cheesecake or something like that. It was 1500 calories or so alone! My entrée was the turkey burger and sweet potato fries. So yeah, that was an over 3000 calorie meal. Saturday we had Corky's BBQ and the family hosted a fish fry. It's all good, I didn't beat myself up. I had a good time. </div>
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While we were there, we got a chance to visit the Memphis Zoo. I LOVED this zoo! I mean I only have one other zoo to compare it to, Atlanta Zoo, but it really put "ours" to shame. I'm sorry. I hardly say something in another city is better than my own, but yeah. Visiting this zoo made me want to see others. Being me, I couldn't help but feel kind of bad about enjoying animals in captivity, but I found out all of the animals there were endangered species, so that made me feel little better, lol. I felt like the zoo was saving them. Don't get me wrong, I'm not an up close and personal nature girl, but I do think about these types of issues. I counted this zoo trip as an active rest day. We walked a lot.</div>
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<b>6.19.2017</b></div>
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This morning (Monday) my stomach felt like it was paying the price for all of the garbage I ate. Per usual when I eat too much crap. It's like my body is trying to reject it because I've been eating a certain way (mostly clean) for so long. I knew it was time to hit the <b>Reset</b> button, for sure.</div>
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I didn't have much of an appetite today. I grazed on some sweet potato mash I ordered at O'Charley's. We went there to celebrate Father's Day when we got back in town. I also ate the rest of my breaded chicken and broccoli. That was my breakfast and lunch.</div>
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I wasn't feeling motivated to work out yet. My NTC app had today scheduled as a rest day, but I knew I needed to do SOMETHING. I looked at one of my old before and after pictures from last December when I successfully started and finished my journey to lose weight I'd put on in grad school. I put the same shirt on and didn't see what I liked. Oh yeah, that worked. I was downstairs on my treadmill in a flash!</div>
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I decided to just start off by walking on an incline to see if that would make me feel like running while I watched an Instagram live video from a lady I follow, Lakeitha Duncan. After about a mile, I switched to run/walk intervals for 2 miles, and finished by running the last mile. It's crazy how when I got to 3 miles, I was finally in the mood to run and felt my speed coming back to me. I had a good pace for that last mile. I have to play so many mind games with myself when I'm on the treadmill...crazy.</div>
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Dinner was a simple salad with cucumber from my in laws garden and a tomato from my first patio garden with balsamic vinaigrette dressing. I'm feeling much better at the end of the night.</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051626075270981154.post-14310046397048558772017-06-14T23:42:00.001-04:002017-06-14T23:42:50.733-04:00FAITH & FITNESS <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I woke up with Psalm 23:1 on my heart. "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall lack nothing". I have everything to complain about this week, but I will not. Besides, what good will it do? I have everything I need and a lot of what I want..."I [shall] lack nothing."</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8PK-7Aq8tz4/WUHxverrycI/AAAAAAAAV_Y/mAqYzJxtX24GVcYbhjqSYM7d9rWksqGngCLcBGAs/s1600/File_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8PK-7Aq8tz4/WUHxverrycI/AAAAAAAAV_Y/mAqYzJxtX24GVcYbhjqSYM7d9rWksqGngCLcBGAs/s320/File_001.jpg" width="240" /></a>As an attempt to keep the spirit of optimism going throughout the day, I decided do one of my favorite things I like to do to clear my head (besides cleaning & writing) and that was work out. Since the school year has ended and my son is home as well, my workouts have not occurred the same time of day no matter how hard I try. That can sometimes mean no workout at all. I decided after I fed him, I'd immediately workout afterwards (usually I start our home school lessons first), so I wouldn't have an excuse for becoming busy and then eventually skip it.</div>
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In the picture is a whole wheat waffle (fit & active brand from Aldi's), an egg with spinach, and two pieces of turkey bacon. I was going to skip the waffle because I'm <i>supposed</i> to be detoxing this week, but I was like "what the hey!". I'm counting macros/calories for a few weeks anyway, so as long as I don't go over my goal, I think I'll be good.<br />
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Now, for this workout. This was my first workout after a 5 day hiatus (I blame my cycle). I'm training for a 10k, but just like clock work, I've grown bored with training for a distance over a 5k solo. It sucks. All of my long distance races I ran before I had my son, I was able to train with my running group or a partner. I swear that's the only way I was able to be so consistent with longer distances. Bottom line, I've grown bored with training again because it's started to seem more like a chore than be fun, relaxing, and accomplishing like running used to be for me. On top of that, I don't get outside very much and I haven't been motivated to run with my 40lb son in the jogger.<br />
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In efforts to just be active and be in SOME sort of shape for this race, I'm just going to do what I can. As I type that, I think about the two back to back family trips coming up. I've been switching between one of my Jillian Michael's DVD's and following a Nike+ Training Club workout. Today I did NTC Pace Breaker.<br />
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Today's workout was strength-based using body weight only (no gym equipment). It was challenging and I definitely feel the burn already. I burned almost 200 calories in 35 minutes.<br />
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I had to dust off my trusty rusty Nike+ GPS watch. I don't use it to run anymore. I track my runs with my Garmin. I use it to track calories burned when I sync it to my chest strap. The only reason I am still using this is because I haven't figured out which watch I really want to purchase. I want to track calories during workouts and my run, but that's for another post. <b>Which do you use?</b></div>
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As mentioned above, I am supposedly detoxing. My lunch was this apple banana smoothie. I got the original recipe from Pinterest. This one consisted of 1 small apple, half of a banana, 1 serving of vanilla protein powder, a handful of spinach, 1 cup of water, and a few ice cubes. </div>
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The rest of the day was blah...it's life. My dinner was on point and my snacks..... uh, yeah...I'm good on calorie count, but macros didn't go so well today. Tomorrow is another day. :-)</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for reading! Comment below with your blog link. I'm trying to get back into reading fitness and health blogs instead of just the usual reading of Instagram posts.</span></b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051626075270981154.post-30624258903917734342017-03-18T14:50:00.000-04:002017-03-18T14:50:07.437-04:00Update!<img src="webkit-fake-url://cf31e5b3-cc46-43d1-807e-6bae862e4d35/imagejpeg" /><br />
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It's been two years since I've blogged! Oh my! Well, the past year and some months, I've been in graduate school. I haven't quit running, I've just obviously had to redirect my attention to other things so blogging took a back seat. Waaaay in the back.<br />
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I've somehow been able to run a few 5k's and the annual 10k (Peachtree Road Race) that I do. But other than that, I've been running to either lose weight, maintain my weight, or as a stress reliever. My highest mileage was last fall. I went out on a solo run around Stone Mountain Park and talked myself into running 10 miles. It was my first double digit run since having my son (who's 3 now). I was extremely proud of myself.<br />
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Fast forward to today, March 2017. Today I completed Week 5, Day 2 of couch 10k. I completed exactly 4 miles. I'm not necessarily training to run a 10k right now. I found it helpful to use the couch to 10k program as a motivator to workout in the evenings. I don't have to stress about running the entire time. The intervals help me lose fat and burn calories faster. Lastly, I always like a structured program. I've been trying to lose the 15 lbs I gained since starting graduate school (which I have), and I needed something that would help me stay on track.<br />
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As far as my weight, I'm back to pre-graduate school weight, which is the same as pre-baby weight. Which is the same weight I was at when I first lost 50lbs. So I'm good. :-) I'm pretty much doing the same things...tracking macros, eating clean, exercising. A post with pictures will be next.<br />
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Thanks for reading :-)<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051626075270981154.post-79721674795113653032015-07-01T23:49:00.000-04:002015-07-01T23:49:03.723-04:00New Month, New Challenges<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's time for new goals and new perspectives. Make the last part of the the year even better. Remember those 2015 goals we made last December?</div>
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Today was pretty uneventful. Just the way my introverted self likes it. I did go to the gym this morning and joined a cycle class. It's been over a year since my last class. I did so much better than I thought and I can't believe I stayed on beat and with the instructor about 95% of the time, ha ha. I guess it helped that this class seemed somewhat on the beginner's level. I want to continue going. It IS a good exercise for runners. I also feel like my weight has plateaued so it's definitely time to break it up. My body is used to running and I don't burn as many calories as I used to from it.<br />
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I stopped by Walmart on the way home for some snacks for my upcoming road trip. Among the items I bought was more Greek yogurt for my smoothies and for this new healthy toddler treat idea I saw on Pinterest, yogurt drops. They're hardening in the fridge as I type, so I'll have to report on how this different texture tastes to me and most importantly to my son. He's the pickiest eater ever.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good to the last drop. Ingredients were: berries, banana, & vanilla Greek yogurt</td></tr>
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<b>On to the next!</b> If you follow me on Instagram, you may of seen that I joined a challenge calling "Jumping Into June Challenge". We were to jump rope a certain number throughout the week. It was going well for me the first couple days as far as completing the reps, but on my runs that followed, I experienced fatigued legs and what I hate most of all...SHIN splints! So yeah, that challenged ended in less than two weeks for me.<br />
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Checking through my e-mail today, I noticed FitFluential started a new challenge for this month called the July FitFluential Challenge (search hashtags #FF100 & #FFChallenge for motivation). There's a calendar with one type of exercise for every day in July that you should complete 100 reps. I think that's doable, right? I'll incorporate this with whatever other workouts I decide to do even after Saturdays 10 k.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check it out! Maybe you can join me.</td></tr>
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So as I mentioned above, today was pretty uneventful. There was rain in the forecast, which meant I didn't want to risk taking the boy anywhere and getting caught in it trying to hold him and an umbrella...again #disaster. So I decided this was the perfect time to get half way through packing for our upcoming trip. It. took. forever with this little one throwing my shoes everywhere, re-wrinkling clothes I'd already ironed... ugh. I finally finished after about 2 1/2 hours and a lunch break.<br />
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Did I mention how much I love summer break? At home with so many options, getting so many things done. No? Well I do! I have about 4 more weeks to go and I'm so trying not to think about it. Life is about to get real hectic around here plus grad school, too. Lord help me.</div>
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<b>What did you do today? What are your goals for part 2 of this year?</b></div>
Tiffany @ThisIsTheAfterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15042032148888456390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051626075270981154.post-16073301832238736022015-06-29T23:13:00.000-04:002015-07-03T08:08:11.760-04:00Fueling for a Stellar Performance!<br />
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This post idea couldn't of come at a better time as I am preparing to run a 10k this Saturday. I can definitely tell a major difference during my workouts or my runs when I eat properly and when I don't. I look at choosing the green smoothie over that scrumptious warm looking chocolate chip cookie as an incentive.<br />
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For one, if I'm going to choose the cookie I may as well not work out. I'm wasting time and energy. Don't get me wrong, I haven't been super perfect in the nutrition lately. But I can say I've done about 70% well and I can still tell a difference even then. I have a general rule for myself and that's just not to eat too many fatty meals in a row. My problem can be the unhealthy snacking in between those healthy meals.<br />
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So with that being said, I feel my best when I am consistent, eat less fatty meals, and DRINK WATER.<br />
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<b>Before Workouts</b><br />
If I work out in the morning, I don't eat anything. If I have to have something it's oatmeal and/or a banana. I tend to eat late at times and I feel too full if I try to eat before my morning workouts. If I turn in early the previous night or are half marathon training, then I'll have something light for breakfast like a banana, eggs, or sometimes a green smoothie.<br />
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<b>During Workouts</b><br />
My normal workouts are usually an hour and a half or less, so I'll have water and that's it. If I'm half marathon training, I like to bring water or the sports beans (something with sugar). I usually hit that mark of needing something around 8-9 miles out.<br />
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<b>Post Workout</b><br />
Post workout I'll usually have a carb (green smoothie w/soy protein powder, plain banana, occasionally bread) and a protein. My protein usually ends up being eggs.<br />
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I like to keep my diet as simple and natural as possible. I don't judge for using artificial supplements, but personally I would only use those if I need to save time or can't get to my kitchen...as an actual supplement and NOT a total replacement as some folks I know work out on a regular do.<br />
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So, that's it in a nutshell. Hopefully my post helps someone. If there's any questions or suggestions, please don't hesitate to post them below.<br />
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Before I end, today was my rest day, but I decided to have a little fun with my sister and try some core work using my stability ball. I realize my form was a little off, but this won't be my last time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: Pinterest</td></tr>
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<b>How do you 'fuel up'? Share the link to your post or comment below.</b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051626075270981154.post-9162727417601854072015-06-27T22:26:00.001-04:002015-06-27T22:26:40.401-04:00Today's Run Was Awesome!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Despite my blog title, I woke up feeling the monthly miserable, lethargic, and unmotivated. I didn't feel like moving out of my nice comfy bed, dressing my child to drop him off, OR driving the 45 minutes to the safest place to run solo. On top of that I got to that side of town and I could now tell it had been raining. I was praying I wouldn't get caught in the rain or maybe I wanted it to rain so I could use that as an excuse not to run? Hmmm? All #firstworldproblems, yes.<div>
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Anyhow, I got to the park and was preparing to run when I realized not only had I lost my armband, but my second set of earbuds weren't working. So a run with no music it was. This is where people watching and listening to my breathing really came in handy...because fast forward to the end of my run, 5 miles later. It. was. awesome!</div>
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Without all of my gadgets readily available to look at, I wasn't distracted by how fast or slow I was running. I just ran and listened to my breathing. I was very surprised at my splits.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last two miles were super hilly as you can see.</td></tr>
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What I was most surprised at was that I worried for nothing. If you read my last post (I'm getting the vibe that I don't give myself enough credit), but I mentioned I was worried that my slower pace while running with the jogger would slow me down on my next solo run. It didn't. </div>
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Despite this route being super hilly, this was my fastest time around it in a looooong time. So yeah, I'm pleased with only 6 more days until race day. :-)</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051626075270981154.post-6590156422541488952015-06-25T00:55:00.000-04:002015-06-25T00:55:31.636-04:00Adventures in Potty TrainingAnd so a new chapter has begun...potty training. My son is 20 months today. Judging by developmental signs, I thought it would be okay to get a head start on potty training before we both head back to school in a few more weeks. So after asking for advice from family and friends, I thought I'd give it a try.<br />
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The method I used was to keep him bottomless, set the timer for 15 minutes and have him sit until he pees. He peed in the potty 5 times and had 3 accidents on the floor. I think that's pretty good, right? Here's the text I sent to the hubs after the first time my son went pee pee, lol. (Oh and sorry if using "peed" or "pee" is un-lady like or offends you :-))<br />
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Meanwhile, for some reason I didn't have much of an appetite as the day went on and that probably contributed to my evening headache. Despite that and considering my race is NEXT WEEK, I made myself get up and go to the gym.<br />
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My training schedule called for cross-training. I spent 30 minutes on the elliptical at level 5 and 20 minutes on the stair climber, running intervals up to level 17. I was a sweaty nasty mess. Sorry no pic ;-)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know, bad form. Shame on me.</td></tr>
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I still didn't feel like the gym workout was enough so when I got home I chose a 15 minute Nike+ Training Club workout to do. It was a full body strength workout designed for runners. I was about to say I love Nike+, but right now I'm kind of upset because yet AGAIN, another GPS watch is broken. The screen stopped displaying. Just in time for my race next week right? I won't have time to call customer service for a replacement, so I'll have to deal. I have my eyes set on a Garmin for my birthday in September. So no calorie count tonight.<br />
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I have a 3 mile run scheduled for tomorrow. I'll have to run it pushing the jogger stroller again since the hubs works too late. I've made significant "gains" running solo in the past few weeks. Was feeling like my old self actually. I hope that running with the stroller this week and a little of last won't negatively impact my performance. Reality is, running with a 30 lb boy plus however much the stroller weighs, add on the hills on ALL GA routes, I repeat ALL GA routes (well except Silver Comet Trail, maybe) causes me to walk/run. My average pace while running with the boy has been between 13-14 minutes per mile. Good news is I'll have a chance to test my theory on Saturday morning because I'll have a sitter and won't have to run with him. Crossing my fingers I haven't regressed.<br />
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Well anyhow, I'm glad I worked out today. It makes me feel content about ending my day.<br />
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<b>What's the "secret" to running faster with a jogger stroller? Any potty training tips? Do share.</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051626075270981154.post-33136677639942360892015-06-16T23:05:00.000-04:002015-06-16T23:05:19.758-04:00Where oh, where have I been?I'll keep this brief. Well let's see. I have honestly been too busy with life that blogging took a backseat. No, not a backseat, but it got locked in the trunk and never thought of until ... now. Lately, I've been feeling like writing so I decided to pick back up where I left off.<div>
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<b>Running/Weight Update</b></div>
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Yep...still running. My last post was my last race recap, the Hot Chocolate 15k. For the last 9-10 weeks I've been training for the AJC Peachtree Road Race 10k coming up on the 4th of July. The physical part of training has been going well, but the nutrition part, not so much. I actually gained the 10 lbs I lost while training for the last race plus 1 lb WHILE training for this race. :-) So yep, I keep losing and regaining the same 10 lbs. Story of my life....</div>
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<b>Summer Break Is In Effect!</b></div>
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I'm on summer break (I'm a teacher), so I thought I'd periodically share some of the activities my toddler and I have been getting into while we're on vacay. I want to also break up the monotony of the running post, IF I'm going to return to regular blogging for a while. We'll see. Well at least while I'm on summer break anyways.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Atlantic Station has something called Tot Spot for kids 5 and under. It's free activities for the little ones. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I posted this on my IG... "Blow child, blow". He was so determined to make a bubble.</td></tr>
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There's plenty of adventures ahead to post about. I have about 3 more weeks I think until race day. I'm kind of nervous because my average paces haven't been consistent. Some days I've been slow (due to leg pain/fatigue), some days I'm fast, and then some days I'm in between.So who knows. I practed a portion of the route on my last long run Saturday and it was bomb.... so I guess we shall see. Until then... Thanks for reading. :-)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051626075270981154.post-4675881032682538432015-02-12T09:44:00.000-05:002015-02-12T09:44:39.574-05:00Race Recap: Hot Chocolate 15k AtlantaHello, readers!<div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fqbzlF0bNWY/VNy5AJ8wt4I/AAAAAAAAN3g/J6fMRB5XywU/s1600/IMG_1999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fqbzlF0bNWY/VNy5AJ8wt4I/AAAAAAAAN3g/J6fMRB5XywU/s1600/IMG_1999.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a>Well, I guess I'll BRIEFLY explain my absence on my blog (again). I'd started training for what was supposed to be my "comeback" half marathon in September, but with my work schedule, my son being sick from daycare (ugh), and life, training just got away from me. I was up to 8-miles with the jogger, but skipping a long run is not a good idea for me because it was hard to get back into the groove of things, including blogging. I continued working out and going to my classes, while eating not so great. I actually gained about 10 lbs (I've loss 6 of those so far). That 10 lbs was motivation to actually put money on another race, so I decided to sign up for the Hot Chocolate...I was chasing a new medal, and this was perfect since now the Hot Chocolate race series gives medals AND jackets for 15k participants. Was that brief? :-)</div>
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I enlisted an old running buddy to help motivate me to run OUTDOORS after work while I had childcare and we ran long on Saturday mornings. FYI, the 15k is 9.3 miles. He had me become comfortable with 9.5-10 miles to be sure I'd be comfortable...well, so I thought (not his fault).</div>
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On to race day... I ran the 5k last year (first race 3 months postpartum/no recap) so I knew what to expect. This race is very organized with start corrals according to pace. You know not everyone followed the rules, though. I did. :-)</div>
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I'd had the flu (along with my son) a few days for the race. By mile 3, I had coughed up ALL of my mucus and could finally breathe! I actually had to stop a few times I was coughing so much. That's never happened to me during cold weather running and certainly not during a race.</div>
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Miles 3-6 were easy, I ran a steady pace, trying to make sure I was conserving energy up the hills. Oh, but when I got to the gi-NORMOUS hill at mile 7, I mentally gave up. This basically set the tone for the remainder of the race for me. And when you're NOT running with your buddy on race day, I had no one to push me. So I walked/ran the rest of the race. </div>
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I was so disappointed that I had only 2 miles or so to complete and I gave up. I'm sure I could of finished faster, but no. </div>
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I don't know if I'd do that race again next year because of the course. But then again, that's how most Atlanta races are. Atlanta is very hilly. I just felt like they put even more hills in the race to be funny. Seriously. </div>
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After finally reaching the finish line, which I did run the last 1/2 mile, I think. We were greeted with our medals, plenty of water and sports drink, banana, hot chocolate, fudge, and other little treats. Oh and my jacket I had picked up at the race expo is of decent quality.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051626075270981154.post-43361315586900897952014-10-26T14:10:00.002-04:002014-10-26T14:10:30.328-04:00Review: Manitoba Harvests' Hemp HeartsI started exercising and eating clean as soon as my doctor gave me the green light. I was extremely ready to get back to my routine and get my body back. My plan was to increase my protein as I had done in the past. One difference was that now I was nursing my son.<br />
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In the past, I would normally add a whey or soy protein powder to my smoothies, but after research I found that I shouldn't supplement with either of those and that I should use a more natural source.</div>
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I eventually forgot about it and just added extra protein to my diet by eating more egg whites for breakfast and snack.</div>
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A few months later and after becoming a Sweat Pink Ambassador, I saw the opportunity to review Manitoba's Harvests' Hemp Hearts. I discovered this was safe while nursing. This was perfect as I am still nursing and still happen to be looking for a more natural protein source. It's hemp seeds...a naturally high source of protein. </div>
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As soon as I posted that I received this on my Instagram account, I received great feedback, so I knew it must be good.</div>
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I chose to try the hemp seeds in my smoothies. It was my intention to take more photos, but time and life took that away. Nonetheless, I did enjoy my smoothie as normal. </div>
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I will admit the Hemp heeds looked funny, so I became skeptical of the taste, but I was so wrong. If you aren't a fan of overpowering tastes, you will love this. I don't know if it's because of the recipes that I chose, but I could hardly taste the hemp seeds. That's okay with me. As long as I am getting the nutrition I want from it.</div>
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I visited Whole Foods Market last week for other items, and happened to see Manitoba's Hemp Hearts Seeds on the end-cap (I used to work in retail, lol). I plan to use the rest of the seeds in my oatmeal in the morning, but I am glad I already know where they can be repurchased. </div>
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<b>*Manitoba Harvest sent me this package to review as part of my Sweat Pink Ambassadorship. This post is my true opinion.*</b></div>
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<b>Do you add extra protein to your smoothies? Would you be interested in an Instagram giveaway?</b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051626075270981154.post-42393505922756828122014-10-15T17:59:00.000-04:002014-10-15T17:59:13.696-04:00Frugal Clean Eating: Meal PlanningHope you haven't had to wait too long, but here's the second post in my new Frugal Clean Eating series or the step-by-step on what I do when it's time to go grocery shopping. Here's the <a href="http://thisistheafter.blogspot.com/2014/09/new-series-frugal-clean-eating.html" target="_blank">first</a>.<br />
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<b>1.</b> I look in the fridge and see what basic items need to be replaced. I can't stand going to the grocery store guessing at what we're out of. I usually don't get it because I guessed wrong and have to go back to the store.</div>
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<b>2.</b> I ask the hubs what he wants for dinner and his lunches. Usually his answer is "it doesn't matter". If I can't figure out what I want. I go Pinterest and scroll down my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/thisistheafter/eating-to-live/" target="_blank"><b>Eat to Live board</b></a> for ideas. I forgot to mention I really don't like to cook. I cook because we have to eat. So I try to find SIMPLE and quick recipes that don't take hours. I just don't have time.</div>
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<b>3.</b> I create a meal list and mark off what I already have. I try to choose recipes based on items I already have when I can.</div>
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<b>4.</b> I create my grocery list by day and by meal. It's the best way I've found to stay organized.<br />
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This week's menu (Thursday through next Thursday)...<br />
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<b>5.</b> #5 is important. I try NOT to forget my list at home. It's happened.</div>
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<b>6.</b> The main reason why I am able to shop and save, I shop at Aldi's. Aldi's sells majority off brands, but still has name brands. But it's still quality items. They are able to offer their items at cheaper prices because they've cut costs in other areas. Most of the time I find everything I need. But in the event I don't, then I'll go to a place like Kroger's or Walmart, if I have to. For example, they don't sell baby formula, but they do sell Pampers brand diapers.<br />
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Stay tuned for the next post...my grocery haul and total spent post.<br />
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<b>Where do you food shop?</b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051626075270981154.post-64644398393882373852014-10-14T16:45:00.001-04:002014-10-14T16:45:04.628-04:00Gone fishin'Sorry to those who care that I've been m.i.a for a few weeks. From out of town trips, weddings, and other family gatherings, my son starting to walk, life has been crazy around here. I was supposed to post my second post in the Frugal Clean Eating series, but honestly I haven't gone grocery shopping. On top of that have not even worked out in over 2 weeks and have experienced a little trouble with my blog if you notice a lack of pics in my older posts. (I'll update my half marathon training status later in the week.)<div>
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Yesterday I was finally tired of NOT working out and was starting to feel that "I'm fat" feeling. You know that feeling in your stomach like it's a bottomless pit and look down to see that your stomach is hanging over your pants? Yea, that feeling. Around here, some things have to be sacrificed in order to do what I want. So yesterdays sacrifice was an early bedtime in order to get my workout in.</div>
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I was off for Columbus Day so I thought what better day to "start over". Side note: I miss being a SAHM. I got dressed, prepped the boy, and we were off to the gym for my favorite class, Body Works Plus Abs. </div>
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There was a new instructor. She was pretty good and had us do sort of a circuit training style workout. I did waaaay better than I thought I would've. Especially on the arm exercises. Another side note: If you walked into a gym class and saw the instructor and noticed she doesn't "look" fit and may be on the overweight side, would you be able to take her serious? Just curious.</div>
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I'd plan to run on the "dread mill" afterwards, but was paged to get my son who had a surprise package for me to change. My gym doesn't change diapers. So yeah...</div>
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The next thing on my get back on track agenda is to finish meal planning and actually go to the grocery store this Thursday. I have a very informative post planned to show you how I will stick to my budget for the week so please stay tuned.</div>
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<b>Do you take breaks in your fitness and healthy living journey?</b> <b>Do you ever get bored or burned out?</b></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051626075270981154.post-13028911528244307942014-09-23T08:56:00.004-04:002014-09-23T08:56:46.726-04:00Time to Switch Gears<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm thinking about making the "executive" decision to stop using the Nike+ Coach feature's half marathon training plan. As I previously posted, Week 5 did not go so well, and Week 6 hasn't gotten off to a great start because of that either. I've never missed a long run before.</div>
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As I sit here typing this at HOME, yes, at home on a Tuesday morning because my son caught pink eye from some grimy little kid at school, I am thinking I must not have been thinking well when I chose to try the Nike plan. </div>
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I do like that I am already up to 8 miles by Week 5, well as of last week. So I felt like I would be ready for a 13.1 early, but the schedule is just not doable for me and my new lifestyle. The hubs agrees. My soon-to-be 11 mth old and I wake up by 5 am to be at work (also his school) by 6:30. I'm off by 2:30 and exhausted of course. Depending on the mileage and weather for that day, I run outdoors or on the treadmill. I then come home and cook dinner. Attempt to relax for a millisecond and then start prepping for the next day. I actually hate that I am devoting so much time to it and feel like it's taking time away from my son because those days I treadmill run he is in the Kid's Club when he JUST left daycare. So...yea, I think I just made my decision while typing.</div>
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I recently read a <a href="http://eatprayrundc.com/2014/09/22/run-less-run-faster-training-plan/#comment-16378" target="_blank">review on the Run Less, Run Faster plan</a> that came right on time by Courtney at Eat Pray Run DC and I am thinking about giving that a try or using my real life running buddies training plan. I'll decide in the next few days. Her group is only up to 6 miles, I think.</div>
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Obviously I won't be running today because I really don't want to take my son out. His eye has started to clear up fast after we finally received the drops for his eyes. Omg, that's another story. I'm glad I am off today because I probably wouldn't of been any good to those kids this morning. There was an understandably long wait last night in urgent care.</div>
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In my self-diagnosed OCD fashion, I keep thinking about how a substitute teacher was supposed to start today to replace the other teacher in my class who is on maternity leave. I wonder is the class in shambles by now and how the are kids doing. I wonder if they are rambling through papers I already wanted to organize, as today is early dismissal for the kids so I the rest of the day was supposed to be my Teacher work day to get stuff together.</div>
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Well before this post gets anywhere else off topic, I'll just go ahead and end it here. I'll update my training by the end of the week. Hopefully I can get back on track. Usually a good Body Words Plus Abs class helps. Side note: I sooo wish I can go to one of my morning gym classes I used to go to when I was a SAHM.</div>
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<b>Have you ever switched training plans mid training? </b></div>
Tiffany @ThisIsTheAfterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15042032148888456390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051626075270981154.post-44783945172883302172014-09-22T12:00:00.000-04:002014-09-22T12:00:08.752-04:00Weight Maintenance Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This type of post is something else new I've decided to formally keep up with on my blog. I've realized this is my personal weight maintenance blog, but I haven't posted anything about weight lately, just running. Running IS the way I keep the pounds off, though. Please read <a href="http://thisistheafter.blogspot.com/p/my-weight-loss-journey.html" target="_blank">my weight loss journey</a> if you haven't. I promise I tried to write it different than most. :-)<br />
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I did mention in an older post this year I lost all of my baby weight by the time my son was 6 months. Those 5 extra pounds took forever to lose, plus I was and still am breastfeeding (soon-to-be weaning).<br />
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Since then, I have loss another 10 lbs. As you know I run, go to Body Works plus Abs class at the gym, and I eat a balanced diet daily with indulgences in between (i.e. the Talenti coffee chocolate chip gelato) that had me up past bedtime the other day. I now toggle between 148 and 149. So yes, that means I've lost 50 lbs twice since I've started my whole new lifestyle in 2008.<br />
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At this point I am not trying to lose weight only fat. Tummy fat to be exact. I continue to eat clean or become consistent because I'll admit I keep taking "breaks". I'm on my feet all day at work and not snacking like I used to when I was a stay-at-home mom so that has been a major factor in the extra weight loss I wasn't even aiming for, I am sure.<br />
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Here is a very recent picture...<br />
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<b>How are your fitness goals coming along?</b>Tiffany @ThisIsTheAfterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15042032148888456390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051626075270981154.post-62000685425051836232014-09-21T21:00:00.001-04:002014-09-21T21:00:19.041-04:00Week 5 Recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Week 5 was going so strong. I even ran that 6 miler I was so nervous about. Then all of a sudden I fell off...just yesterday. </span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I was supposed to run 8 miles yesterday morning. I just knew it would be a good run since I'd done so well during the week. The bipolar weather here was just too cool to take my son out as early as I needed to get started. Note to self: I will have to buy one of those stroller weather shields. It was PERFECT weather for running, too. </span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Following that disappointment, the procrastination happened for the rest of the day. The hubs had something to do at 10:30 that morning which is why we couldn't just start later in the morning. I also needed to run a few errands including go to the library. The stroller friendly trail we usually run on is not one I will be running on solo anymore in light of too many recent bad news stories. I don't think I've ever missed a long run during any of my other times training for a half.</span></span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So what will I do? I'm just going to chalk it up as a lost and continue with my training plan as usual. I choose not to sulk. Life happens. I actually could of gone today, but honestly I was not motivated. I spent a little time after church at Bed Bath and Beyond and one of my favorite places, IKEA shopping for a bay window curtain rod. Exciting. I know!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I'm getting things together and decorating around my home before my son's first birthday party next month. The party will be at our house.</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Tomorrow is a new day and a chance to start over. Enjoy your week.<br /><br /><b>Has </b></span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><b>this ever happened to you? Did you find it hard to recover on your next long run?</b></b></span></div>
Tiffany @ThisIsTheAfterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15042032148888456390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051626075270981154.post-19545296385401025072014-09-16T16:23:00.002-04:002014-09-16T16:25:14.345-04:00New Series: Frugal Clean Eating<i>*Let me start by saying I have not being paid by any of the stores or brands I may mention in this series.*</i><br />
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I have decided instead of posting an updated grocery haul like I said I would a couple of months ago, I have decided to start a new series called Frugal Clean/Healthy Eating. I, like everyone else wants the best for their family, but I rather do so as <strike>cheaply </strike>frugal as possible.<br />
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Through the course of this series I will share how I meal plan, what stores I shop at (although it's only one store majority of the time), and I will share some of the prices in comparison to other brands.<br />
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<i>P.S. I don't think Walmart is the best on prices for food, especially meat most times.</i></div>
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I've had to find ways to save money on a consistent basis for my household and this series will show exactly that. I am an occasional Couponer. Meaning I coupon when I have time and when I hear about a really good deal. Lately I haven't had the time.<br />
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There will be a mixture of name and store brand items in my shopping haul(s). For some items I like the name brand quality better than the store, but I am definitely not afraid of the store brands when trying to save a little money. If you didn't know, some of them are made in the same factories, ijs.<br />
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All in all, I want to help bust the myth and actually show that eating healthy doesn't have to break the bank if you just keep it simple.<br />
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Oh, and this will be for my family of 2 adults and 1 infant.Tiffany @ThisIsTheAfterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15042032148888456390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051626075270981154.post-18064107415205070042014-09-15T01:38:00.002-04:002014-09-15T01:38:44.201-04:00#FirstWorldProblemsAs I sit here at 1 a.m. to write this post, 3 hours from my alarm sounding off...I'm thinking about the mileage I have to run this week. First of all, I'm up because I just HAD to have gelato before bed. Not just any flavor, I ate the COFFEE chocolate chip! I didn't think it'd really have caffeine in it. I just thought it was coffee flavored. Fail. :-(<br />
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I sit here thinking, how in the heck am I going to stay motivated to get through this training week with all of my responsibility? I'm going to be so exhausted tomorrow. Please Jesus, keep me from snapping on someone.<br />
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It was SO much more motivating when my schedule allowed me to just jump up and go to a group run on any side of town I wished. Even when I didn't feel like running. Once I arrived at the group run, it's like something magical happened. I felt like it and I ran any distance my peer would "pressure" me into...within reason of course.<br />
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Don't get me wrong, I have no regrets on my current situation. I'm just at the point ALREADY in my training where I'm not feeling all of the "restrictions", if you will. Nike ain't playing games with it's training plan. I literally have 1 rest day this week. WTH? This better be worth it because I could be running my 2-3 times a week as originally planned. A group run to look forward to would make this a little easier.<br />
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One of my pet peeves is complaining and not doing anything to change it. I just needed to vent for a moment. I thought my proud 8-mile moment would have lasted at least more than 2 days. Uh, no. This is pretty hard. Like I've said over and over (too much probably), this is my first time half marathon training while working full-time AND caring for an infant, etc. Sigh. Woe is me. #firstworldproblems<br />
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<b>Go ahead, vent. Tell me something you've been wanting to get off your chest.</b>Tiffany @ThisIsTheAfterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15042032148888456390noreply@blogger.com2