Back in the Groove

I am definitely getting back into a groove.  I don't know what caused that hiccup on Tuesday but I am sure glad it is gone and hope it doesn't come back.  But hey - I teach middle school and high school and we are in the last 2 1/2 months of school with Spring Fever soon to hit as soon as Winter decides to leave.  More snow is forecasted for tonight.  They keep changing the forecast so who know how much we may or may not get. 

I got a run in with the Dad and SIL today after school which was really nice.  Felt good to run with them again and I am planning on another one with them and my sissy tomorrow.  When I got home I got to take the doggies for a walk and then Cowboy and I went for our 1.5 mile run with Copper.  I was much faster pace for me, but it felt good.   My Dad and SIL want me to run a 15 mile trail run the day after a 10K.  I think they are crazy - but yet a part of me is still thinking about it.  Hmmm...

Only Temporary

Thank Goodness the cranki-ness was only temporary.   I had a much better day today.  I really tried to go into the day very positive and tried to keep things very light-hearted in my first class so that I could get myself off to the right start in the classroom.  I was able to keep the grove going for the rest of my classes and the day went much better. 

I have to thank my husband for getting me out for a run yesterday which I think helped to dissolve some of the cranki-ness.  He has to get back into cardio shape for his pack test here before too long so he is going to try to run every other day on our quick out and back 2 mile jaunt.  It was nice to run with him and Copper since it has been a while.    I also got quite a few walks in with the doggies and used the book my sister gave me to do some strength exercises outside before Cowboy got home.  I couldn't get the lil girls to come inside so I took my workout outside. 

Today, however, I got home early enough that we walked a few loops and played outside for a bit before I was able to get the lil girls inside so that I could some Yoga Meltdown.  It's funny how quickly you can lose some of the strength you've built up when you don't do the routines regularly.  It felt nice to rep-it-out with Jillian again.

Now onto lesson prepping Accounting II - depreciation expense, displosing of plant assets, and declining balance method.  What fun!

Cranky

I am so cranky today, it isn't even funny.  But I don't know if cranky is the word to describe my mood it is more depressed funk that I can't seem to get myself out of.  School has been driving me crazy - I can't seem to have a "good teacher" day.  I keep feeling like I'm doing a crappy job and it just gets frustrating.  I let the actions of a few students really pull me into a downward spiral and I can see that but can't figure out how to prevent or stop it for that matter.  Ugh...hoping tomorrow is a better day. 

I have lots of catching up to do on here - maybe I will get to it soon.  I took some pictures last week of the snow and got a few the weekend before of the puppies.  They are getting big and back into the "i can't hear you" phase.  Here's a few pictures of both:



Charisma Jane



Macy Dae



Big and Small



Cabella Mia



Goofy



Soaring Away!

Heavy wet snow that was very pretty on the trees and fence.

It looked like a winter wonderland

I am hoping that is the last of the snow for this winter.

Bestest Giveaway

I will get back to regular blogging sometime soon.  I've been keeping up my favorite blogs.  You have to check out SkinnyRunner.com.  She is an awesome blogger and is giving the bestest and biggest giveaway ever. 

March Madness 5k Race Recap

Today was the first 5k road race in our area for the season.  This is usually a Friday night race but for the last two years, they've switched it to Saturday morning.  Yesterday we would have run in gorgeous 70 degree weather, today we ran in 42 degrees and wind, lots of wind.  Regardless of the temps and warm weather it was still a good race.

This course isn't my favorite.  Most of it is on a stretch of bike path that drives me crazy because it is long and flat and seems to go forever.  The first quarter of a mile was into the wind and you spend that whole time tripping over little kids.  This race is to raise money for their soccer organization so it is understandable that they are excited and want to be up front - but still causes many of us frustrations as we get into our grove.  When we turned off of the bike path and onto a side road the wind was at our backs.  I got warmed up quick, ended up shedding my fleece and got my rhythm.  When we were about to turn back onto the bike path I was thinking how quick the first 2 miles went and that it was the best I had felt on that course in a long time.  THEN - the wind hit and I was running like I was in mud.   The last mile or so was straight into the wind again and it was slow going. 

The turnout for the race wasn't the best.  Many of the usual racers weren't there so my company along that last mile was just two young socceer players.  I wasn't too far behind a young girl in front of me, but couldn't push enough to get her.  She finished in 24:03 and I finished in 24:10, SIL- SB finished in 24:17 I think, right behind me.    We ended up being 1, 2 and 3.  This is about the third time in my  6 years of racing that I've finshed in the top 2 or 3.   The rest of my family (dad, sister, sister, and both BIL's) also ran the race.  Oh and the neice she rode in her Bob with her Grandbob pushing her the whole way.

So overall, not to shabby for the start of the racing season considering I haven't been training that hard.  I don't really pick it up and get into running and training until May/June when school starts to wind down.  June is when I usually really pick it up since my schedule is free and I can get in as many and as long of runs as I want with gorgeous weather to boot.    Ah....June....can't wait!

Happy St. Patty's Day

Did you wear your green today?  I did, I had a few sixth graders threaten to pinch me if I didn't.  I was hungry for my family's traditional St. Patty's Day meal - corn beef, cabbage and potatoes but as I got closer to the grocery store my tummy changed it's mind and I ended up with all those ingredients just in a much different form.  We had tater-tots and ruebens and it was DELICIOUS!  Ruebens are one of my favorite sandwiches but I don't put the dressing on it - that is icky! 

The weather was absolutely gorgeous today.  I am sad I was trapped inside until 4:30 but when I got home I spent a good hour outside with the doggies.  I took some time to rest today since I've done quite a few workouts this week.  Monday, Jillian kicked my butt in level 2 six pack abs.  Tuesday, I did Ripped Level 1 and Wednesday I got out for a 3.8 mile run and lots of walking with the doggies. So today I just did the walking and tomorrow a little run before resting up for the first race of the season.  The top and back of my calf muscles are sore and I can't figure out if they are sore from wearing my new boots on Monday, the spin class on Sunday or the big ol' trip I had which caused me to sprawl all out on the rocks in our yard.  Not sure - but I hope it gets less sore quick. 

The calf muscles didn't bug me during my run yesterday, which was good. After about 2 miles into the run though I started to run out of steam.  I just didn't feel like I had the energy.  I definitely haven't been getting enough calories to keep me going on the days I go for a run since I always end up with my belly growling within the first few minutes.  I probably would have done better if I had eaten my granola bar.  So on Saturday I am making sure to get up early enough to get a good breakfast in my tummy.

This week has been easy at school since the students have been doing PSSA testing and our schedule was modified.  Tomorrow though we are back to a regular day.  It is going to seem so long.  Guess I better do a little prep for tomorrow.  This will be the first night this week I've prepped here at home so I can't complain.

Final Week of Fitness Challenge

It has been six weeks since we started the Fitness Challenge.  I can't believe how fast six weeks go.  I have increased my points each week and have already started to notice a difference in my body.  I am planning on keeping it going so that I can continue to improve my core and upper body. 

Since it was the last week I spent extra time this weekend focused on my workouts.  My workouts during the week were minimal.  The Fitness Challenge is between three teams in our school district and currently my team is in second place by just 13 points.  Hopefully everyone on the team put in some extra time this week and we can zip into first place.  If we win, the charity organization we are playing for will receive a donation.  Here's the breakdown of my week:

Monday - 2 points               40 min walk and stretch
Tuesday - 2.5 points            20 min walk, 30 min JM Ripped
Wednesday - 2.5 points       35 min 3.7 mile run, 15 min walk
Thursday - 2.5 points           20 min walk, 35 min JM Ripped
Friday - 3 points                   35 min 3.3 mile run, 25 min JM Yoga
Saturday - 9 points               120 min walk/hike and another 60 min walk
Sunday - 9.5 points               40 min yard work and walk, 60 min spin class and 90 min Yoga class

Total for the week is 31 points!!!  Woo-hoo!!!  I finally made it to the Y for the spin and Yoga class.  Spin is crazy - but it felt really good and I don't hurt yet but I am sure that is to come.  Yoga was good and more meditative that I am use to. (I was struggling with Thinking instead of Feeling - I couldn't shut off my brain -until we did the balance poses but right after that I was back to thinking.  Too much going on in my head)  I think I like the Power Yoga better.  I like doing the yoga poses' but like the way the Jillian Michaels makes it more aerobic and has you do the poses' in reps.

This week I plan on moving on to Level 2 of Six Pack Abs, two more workouts at Level 1 of Ripped and going to try to get some Pilates back in the workout list oh and runs.....yep need to do those too.  The first race of the season is this Saturday.  Hoping to get a run in tomorrow, Wednesday, and an easy one on Friday.  That should get me ready.

Aaaahhhh, Sissy Time!

I now feel a little bit more in synch.  If I go too long without having a chance to spend time with my sisters I feel all out of whack.  Does anyone else feel that way?   I got a little bit more in synch today after I got a chance to spend time with one of my sisters.  Cowboy was helping out at the Coonhound Show and Hunt so I decided to take the afternoon and have some girl time.  I called Amanda to see what she was up to and if she wanted to do some shopping with me, but she was already out running errands with her Mister.  She called me back shortly after I got started though and met up with me in the mall.  So Sweet!!!!!  It was sooo nice to be able to hang out with her for the afternoon.  We just spent a relaxing few hours wondering the mall.  I bought too much - but got really good deals on what I did get.  The most expensive thing I bought was $19.99 - everything else was mostly under $5 - so I got quite a few bargins.  Now I just need to spend some time with my other sister and I will be all better.  :)

After a great afternoon, and a healthy dinner it's time to cuddle with the doggies.  None of them wanted to play this evening which is unusual.  We must have worn them out this morning with out walks, rabbit chasin' and yard work.  

oi, ah, oh....ow

Yep that is what I've been saying since about 2:30 this afternoon. Here's the cause of those little yelps:

 I got the new Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 yesterday and did the first workout.   What a good workout.  Quick, easy to follow and while I was doing it, I felt great.  It didn't feel tough and I didn't struggle with it at all.  I felt good afterwards and still felt pretty good most of the day today.  But around 2:30 the back of my legs just tightened up like little rubberbands. 

I met up with my dad for a run at 3:45 and we did a somewhat flat course.  My legs actually felt pretty good and only made me yelp a few times.  After my run though, the legs were really tight once again. I think I see some Pilates here in a little bit to try to stretch out. 

I really like the Jillian workouts.  She is very motivating and it is so fast paced you don't have a time to get distracted.  I am excited to see the results from doing all these Jillian workouts.  The Fitness Challenge is almost done, but I am hoping to keep things going and really get my butt in shape.  I think I'm in shape because I run but really I am not as in shape as I should be.  My heart and lungs are in good shape, and running muscles are in good shape but all those other muscles need some serious work.

Cowboy and I have been trying to focus on eating a little healthier too.  Tonight was a great big ol salad , tomato's, cucumbers, cheese, carrots and topped with fish sticks.  I got a bag of fish stick awhile ago and they are not that good by themselves, but they tasted really good on top of that salad.  So that is definitely a menu item we will see again soon. Any other good, healthy, quick menu item ideas??

Rain, rain, go away....

It has been raining here ALL day.  The temperature has dropped from 47 degrees this morning to 32 degrees so far and it is going to continue to drop and then turn over to messy stuff and snow.  What fun!

It's been a busy day already.  Up early with the dogs, doing schoolwork by 7:30, out the door at 8:45 to go to the gun show and sell tickets for the Beagle Club till 1, then I did two quick stops at the mall before I came home to work out.  I was planning on going to Spin and Yoga at the Y today, but because I ended up working the gun show I decided to skip the Y and come home to spend some quality time wtih Jillian Michaels.  I just got finished doing both level 1 and 2.  I am tuckered out.

Here's the recap from week 5 of our Fitness Challenge:

• Monday - 2 points               40 min walk
• Tuesday - 3.5 points            30 min 3.6 mile run, 35 min BenderBall, Pilates Abs & Burn
• Wednesday - 4.5 points       60 min walk, 30 min JM YogaLevel2
• Thursday - 1 point                20 min walk
• Friday - 3 points                   30 min run and 30 min walking/shopping grocery store
• Saturday - 10.5 points          90 min hike, 90 min outside work, 30 min stretch, yoga and abs
• Sunday - 2.5 points              30 min JM YogaLevel1, 20 min Jm YogaLevel2

Great job with points this week with a total of 27 - my most so far.  Haven't been getting the runs in, but I have been doing really well with my cross training and abs.  You would think the JM workouts would get easier but I still end every time with lil-feel-good-muscle-quakes. 

Now it is time to go read some of my new book.  One of my students was reading Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog by Ted Kerasote and it looked really good. 

I spent a few minutes in class walking around and reading it while the students worked on their project.  I went to Borders today and picked it up.  I thought Richie and I would both enjoy reading it since the doggies are a big part of our lives.  Here's a little excerpt from Amazon and Booklist:

"Merle showed up at the San Juan River at the same time Kerasote and his river-rafting friends arrived. Merle looked at Kerasote as if to say, "You need a dog, and I'm it." He accompanied the group down the river and then went home to Wyoming with Kerasote. A dog who was eager to please and almost trained himself, Merle learned the ways of bison, ground squirrels, and coyotes. Merle then taught Kerasote the fullness of the hunt, leading Kerasote to his favorite prey. But, after Kerasote installed a dog door, the main thing Merle taught him is that a dog develops to his full potential, becoming the dog he was meant to be, when allowed to make his own decisions. Merle developed a life of his own, patrolling the small settlement where they lived with his dog companions, and yet was always very aware of Kerasote and his schedule. "

Spring is in the Air

It really feels like spring is right around the corner at the moment, BUT according to noaa.gov there is lots of rain and snow on the way.  Today was a great day.  My hubby and I spent most of the day together.  We took Cabella over to the club to chase some rabbits, did a few errands and then came home and set up the big pen for the little girls.  They are going to be moving outside during the day.

I made a fantastic dinner tonight.  I got the recipe from Kraft Foods for a Parmesan-Crusted Stuff Chicken Breast and modified it a bit.

It was very delicious and very easy to make.  I modified it for just the two of us by doing the following:

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breast
• 24 fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
• mozzarella and cheddar cheese
• Tastefully Simple Seasoning Salt
• Italian Seasoning
• Parmesan Cheese
• Chicken Stuffing

Steps:

1. Heat oven to 400. 
2. Make a cut in the long side chicken breast, being careful not to cut through the other side.  I pounded the breast out a little bit since it was so thick.  I also sprinkled Seasoning Salt and Italian Seasoning on the inside. 
3. Fill pocket with a few spears of asparagus and sprinkle with mozzerlla and cheddar cheese.
4. Fold over the other side, place on cookie sheet sprayed with cooking spray, and sprinkle chicken with Parmesan Cheese.
5. Put chicken in oven for about 15 minutes.
6. After 15 mins, put the rest of the asparagus spears on the cookie sheet with a little olive oil and seasoning salt sprinkled on top.  I also sprinkled some more mozzerella on top of the chicken.
7. Put back in the oven for another 10 minutes.
8. While the chicken is finishing up, make up Chicken Stuffing following instructions on package.

We both really enjoyed it.  It was tasty, filling and we didn't have any leftovers.  That's a good meal in my book.

Vitamins

With my new push on cross-training along with my running, I have also been taking a look at my diet.  I've been reading a lot of different blogs and am interested in how many are eating "clean" and not processed foods.  That is one thing I would like to work on more.  We do pretty good in the summer when I have the garden growing, but here in the winter I tend to cook up a lot of pre-packaged pasta, rice, potatoes and I don't like it.

I feel that "eating clean" would take too much time, it is so much easier to just toss things together and cook it up, rather than having to go through all the steps.  Plus I just don't have any idea where to start with easy recipes.  I hope that this summer I can actually spend some time on my summer vacation figuring things out and coming up with recipes that I can use through the school year.

I have been trying to buy more fresh veggies each week as well to cook with.  I haven't made it to the store this week but hope to make it there tomorrow after school to get some more lettuce, asparagus, broccoli and califlower.  I love cooking asparagus and my family made me hungry for that last weekend when they made it for Friday night dinner. 

One of my favorite "eating clean" bloggers is CleanEatingChelsey.  She always posts a lot of ideas and receipes.  Today she posted about an opportunity to win $100 Shopping Spree from Swanson Vitamins. Who doesn't like free stuff??  It can't hurt to try.  I browsed through their site and they offer a lot more than vitamins.  I would like to try some of their products since I've been really trying to be sure to take my vitamins each night and could use to stock up on a few. 


Have a blog? Want to win a $100? Check out the Swanson Health Blog.