Packing, Running and Working!

First off, I have some crazy news that's been eating me up inside!! I've been keeping it on the not so down low for the past few weeks and I just can't hold it in any longer! Who's finally moving!?!? THIS GIRL! Big Island here I come!

Here's to early retirement and drinks on the beach! 

I wish! My job transfer just went through, so it looks like I'll be all settled come the end of May!  (And since I haven't been to Hawaii before, this is what I've been picturing. This is my other favorite place; Tina's Cove in Jacmel, Haiti)

Check out my new running shirt!! I'm pretty excited about this purchase, because I needed something to keep me warm but cool during the winter months, and my family will enjoy having me covered up, as opposed to running in a sports bra and shorts (which is my absolute favorite!)

And after putting in 40 hours last week, and then 38 this week, the 5k my friend Emilee and I will be doing is is finally only three days away!! It will be my first 5k or race of any sort for that matter, so I'm thinking I won't time myself, and I'll just experience it. And we will have our own paparazzi/cheering section (which is, from what I've been told, absolute necessity). Thoughts?




Have you ever been to Hawaii?

What clothes do you typically run in?

Ever done a 5k or Color/Dye type run?

Runner | Pinched Nerve

Now I haven't gone in to be checked out, but everyone I've talked to thinks I have a pinched nerve (super reliable right?!). The pain in my back was there when I got out of bed yesterday, which made getting out of bet rather difficult. It's a sharp pain I get when my shoulders aren't aligned with my hips, or a turn my head too much or put my chin to my chest.

So guess who hasn't gone running! This girl! And guess when the 5k is.. March 16, I can't believe it's already February this week!

In honor of not going running, here's a few things I've found around the web, from friends, and random things that could go into the "fitness" category <3

My friend Lily sent this to my on facebook, now I think he's attractive, but I would much rather Collin Kaepernick, or Peyton Manning be at the finish line.. how cool would that be!

This is what I've been trying to focus on while hitting the treadmill. It's so easy to get discouraged when hearing about those who "just" run 9 miles. Instead I'm working on beating my time, and going further than before. I'll get there!

I can't wait to make one of these and go running in it!

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What's your favorite running gear? Do you make it yourself?

What do you do when you can't go running due to injury

Any tips for a pinched nerve?

Dad Time | A Walk In The Park

This past week I've really been needing some dad time, and with two days off I thought, wouldn't it be neat if Uncle Mike was free this weekend and I could go visit him?!

Well after some trying via Facebook, it just wasn't working out, and didn't look like I'd get to talk to him in time... But then I found that there was a family craft party happening and his wife RSVP'd attending. I called them up thinking he and I could hang out while she went (I'm not too into making cards). Turns out they both planned on going, but he would be ditching the craft party to hang out with my cousins, his sons. Guess who got to join!

It was a lot of fun, we all went on a nice walk to the park with the dogs. Shane hung his new TV, Brian and Uncle Mike put together Shane's new couch from World Market. Then we just hung out at the house, with chips and beer, none for me =)  They told stories about working at Google, about us being Canadian, future plans, the works. It was great.

I felt a lot better when I got home that day, and I love how being with family always seems to do that.

You know those days where you're just into the day and forget you may want to remember it through pictures? Well this was one of those days...

Noogler - my cousin has a sense of humor

 

It was a beautiful park... Darn sun got Brian's face

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What do you do when you need some family time?
 

Is family close by or far away?

Runner | A Good Night's Sleep

It amazes me how much better I've been sleeping on the days after I've hit the treadmill. It took my back a few dates with the heating pad until I recovered from being my nephews personal trampoline the other night, but I must say, waking up is a whole lot easier.

Today was my first day reading while on the treadmill. I've got to say, it takes some talent To all of you who have mastered this art, props... I think I'll have to stick to watching tv on the laptop, or listening to music!

Short post for tonight, because I'll be up early tomorrow to head out to the Flee Market! I can't wait, I haven't been in so long, because it's rare I have the right day off and it's not raining.

One of my favorite songs to run to <3

Runner | Game day!

Now I don't know about everyone else, but I'm beyond pumped to have a Harbowl Superbowl this year! Granted I would've been happy had Peyton Manning and the Broncos made it, but they will have their own Manning Bowl Probowl this year, so I'm quite thrilled for that as well.

As far as my running went today... After the NFC game as the AFC game was starting, it looked slow, and I just quite wasn't into it yet so I decided to hit the treadmill. I ended up brisk walking occasionally jogging for about 40 minutes. While I was enjoying playing with the speeds as well as the incline (settling at an incline of "3")... I watched Pitch Perfect. It is possibly one of the funniest movies I've seen in a while, one that I can actually watch twice in one week without complaint!

Another fun workout-y thing I did today was pump up my cardio! And by far, my favorite way of doing that is through dance!  I don't have a Wii (or any gaming console for that matter) so I use Youtube and look up Just Dance workouts. My current favorites are It's Raining Men, Iko Iko, andddddddd Gangnam Style.
Go ahead try them out, make sure you warm up first though, cause if you go hard, you'll start sweating!

Runner | Everything in Moderation

Today, I woke up with a text from my mom, saying she needed some help moving some furniture. It was an antique full size bed set. Being it was just me and her moving all of this, I had to literally bend over backwards carrying one of the dressers (which would've been the perfect time for a nice man to come over and offer a helping hand!!)

Needless to say, today I did not go running, jogging, or even walking. Rather, I took some Advil, a trip to the bookstore, and made a date with my heating pad.

At said bookstore, I didn't find anything I'm really psyched about but I did get some store credit on old books I brought in.

Later, I got to hang out with one of the most charming guys I know. He gives the best hugs, will always give me my iPhone back instead of Facebook hacking, thinks my back is the coolest trampoline ever, and can almost say my name... His name is Dustin, and he is the best nephew this auntie could wish for.

So until tomorrow...
Remember, everything in moderation.

And laughing with adorable children an hour a day will shed 4lbs a year :) fun fact

Runner | Day One

One and a half miles for me, one giant leap towards Run or Dye!

I've always heard that if you want to achieve something, you must first have a goal. So not only am I committing to running every day this week, but I've also signed up for the Run or Dye 5k. It's quickly approaching the Northern California date in early March and I'm really excited for it. Again, who thought running could be so fun; that when you finish a 5k, your covered in different colored chalk paint!

To get ready for it and keep my word, today began day one. Unfortunately my 6am jog today consisted of my sorry butt staying in bed until I went to work this morning. I forgot that at 6am it's still dark, and everything including my car, the Raley's parking lot, and the sidewalks are dangerously frozen. Work didn't seem too long, and despite my coworker's comments of disbelief that I would really stick to it when I got home, I did. The hardest part I might add was moving and unfolding the treadmill. I never knew those guys could be so heavy! Anywho, after about a mile and half and 25minutes of Grey's Anatomy my Lasagna Timer went off so I called it a night. Even though it's only a drop of water in comparison to where I'd like to be, I'm pretty sure I'll feel it tomorrow. Baby steps right?

 

I found this on Pinterest, and I really like the ideas, and tips it gave. In my case I don't hate running, but I do hate running outside when its below 40* outside, so I'm learning to love the treadmill! What works for you?

Runner | The First Step

I'd like to start off with... I hate running. And when I say hate, I say it like it's a strong word. That tightening of your chest when you've reached your limits and you're just starting out. The burning in your throat, like you want to coat it with aloe vera or anything to add moisture! I hate running... I hated running...

Crazy that a movie can change your perspective on things, but when I first saw the movie The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, I liked it for a completely different reason than everyone else. I liked it because it gave me a new perspective on running! It looked fun, and exhausting, but that high, that spread of endorphins, that made me reconsider.

Last summer I decided I wanted to start running. Partly because though I'm thin, I'm way out of shape... And partly because I bought a pair of really cute running shoes I wanted a reason to wear. So began my obsession.

Now this post is my way of starting a commitment. Think of it as my announcement to the world of my official relationship with running COUGH **currently running, jogging, brisk walking at times :) ** but a commitment none the less. A commitment I intend to grow and care for.

It begins tomorrow. I will hit the pavement one way or another, even if it means dragging my sorry butt out of bed at 6am to get it in before work.

Hot Pink Yeah?!