Marathon training started today, and some other rambling...

Well actually, I should say half-marathon training started today because I added to/adjusted my marathon training plan for the half I'm doing on my birthday (June 22nd). The marathon isn't until November. And I actually ran outside today! I took Lucy with me so I wasn't expecting to get a whole lot accomplished, but she actually did really well :) I set my app (iSmoothRun) for a 5 minute warm-up and then 1:30/:30 intervals and off we went.

The subdivision I live in has a main road that goes around in a circle, and it's exactly 1 mile if I stay on the inner sidewalk. Usually I add onto that by using the outer sidewalk/road and go around another street. Here, let me show you what I'm talking about...

My house is at the "pause" mark. If I take the outer road/sidewalk and add on Revere Drive (where the 5 mile marker is) it makes each lap 1.25 miles. If I just do the inner circle of Independence Drive it's exactly 1 mile. Pretty cool, huh?

Anyways, Lucy had enough after twice around so I dropped her back at home, took off my jacket, and back out I went for 3 more laps. On the 5th lap I added the extra street to make sure I hit 5 miles. It went really well, other than some tummy issues (as usual, ugh!), so I will probably keep with the 1:30/:30 intervals for my "long" runs.

After that I watched a couple episodes of Mystery Diners (I love those kind of shows on Food Network!) while making the grocery list, took Lucy for another lap, and then off to the grocery store. I really need to develop a better grocery system because it seems like I'm going every 4 or 5 days, and at about $150 each trip, this is super expensive! The problem is that my husband and I eat completely different types of foods. Of course you all know that I'm vegetarian/plant-strong, but hubby definitely is NOT.

Well well, aren't I just yappy today?! While I'm on a roll, here's today's menu:

• Breakfast: vitamin, coffee
• Pre-run: roasted cauliflower and a black-bean burger (this probably explains the tummy issues)
• Post-run: romaine salad w/tomatoes, onions, celery, radishes, sesame sticks and tahini lime dressing
• Snack: Lime tortilla Popchips w/garlic and artichoke hummus
• Dinner: haven't decided yet

For the past few days I've been hovering at 120 pounds, so this week's plan is get back to around 118. Then June's goal is 116 pounds.

Okay, I think that's about it. Hope everyone is having a happy Memorial Day weekend!

Checking in

Not too much going on here. Toe is still broken (duh) but is starting to feel better, and the swelling has gone down considerably. So I went back to the gym today and did 4 miles on the elliptical. Other than my feet going numb after about 20 minutes it was all good!

As for food, nothing exciting there either. I'm still trying to shake off 2 more pounds to get back down to 116. Trying to figure out an "ideal" weight is not an easy task. 110 was definitely too small- I looked malnourished and my face was kinda sunken in, if that makes any sense. On the other hand, I felt too heavy at 120. If it makes any difference I'm 5'4 and small-boned.

So anyways, about those 2 pounds... I've decided to join in Allan's latest challenge, which starts on May 1st. The challenge is to take a picture of everything that goes in your mouth, BEFORE it goes in your mouth. I'm thinking that having to snap a picture of those late afternoon Nutter Butters or before bedtime spoonful of peanut butter with chocolate chips will stop me from doing it! I already know what you're thinking. I could still eat the crap and just not take a picture. But if you know me and any of my history, when I commit to something, I commit 100%. If I decide to have a Reese's (or any other kind of crap) you will see a picture of it! Alrighty then. Anyone else up for this? CLICK HERE for more information.

Have a great day :)