Fitness Friday: blog hop with @TigerTownTails

This Friday I'm doing something a little different.  Earlier this week, Southeast Michigan-area blogger and runner, Kyle, asked if I'd answer a few questions for his Fit Friend Friday post.  You can find my answers here!

While you're over on Kyle's blog, send him some marathon-training love.  Kyle just embarked on his journey to 26.2!  Kyle is training to run the 2014 Walt Disney World Marathon and his training plan looks AWESOME!  I know he's going rock Mickey's house next January.

If you want to follow Kyle's training (and I know you do), you can find him over on Daily Mile and Twitter.

Best of luck, Kyle, in your marathon journey - I know you're going to do great!

If you didn't get a chance yesterday, check out my announcement about becoming one of the newest writers for the Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans!  I'm so excited to be a member of such a kick-ass team of women.

Thankful Thursday: social media and an announcement!

If you've "known" me for any length of time, you know I'm a social media junkie. What I didn't realize until I got a tweet today was that 3 years ago today I met Kirsten for the first time!


She was coming to Chicago for a conference so I drove over to spend the weekend with someone I'd never met. Who says you can't become instant friends with someone!

Not long after that, I headed to Baltimore for Fitbloggin '11 where I met more women (and a few men) who will be friends for life. I'm beyond crushed that I'm not heading to Portland today for Fitbloggin '13. The conference ticket I won from the Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans  allowed me the opportunity to learn so much about blogging and myself that weekend (plus I got to hang with these rock stars).

Now, thanks to those amazing connections and friendships, I have a very cool announcement! I am one of the newest writers for the Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans!


I even have a writer profile :) I'm excited to be a part of a site and community that has given me so much love and encouragement over the past 3 years. I'll be blogging a few times a month (my first post is planned for July 2nd) and I get to help Lisa out with the running areas of the site, as well as help manage the Run with the Sisterhood Facebook page!

Please go check out this amazing site and follow us in your reader, on Facebook and on Twitter. I can't wait to share my running journey with you all there! (Don't worry, nothing's going to change over in my little neck of the blogosphere here.)

How is your Thursday going?  Any thanks you'd like to share?

Weigh-in Wednesday: fighting tears

Since the day has pretty much gone to shit, I figured I'd post this.  I'm frustrated and I feel like a failure.  There were even tears this morning and I seriously want to cry right now.

Starting Weight (11-28-12): 153.6

Last week: 145.2

This week: 148.2

Change: up 3.0

Total change: down 5.4

I gained 3 pounds this week.  It sucks out loud that I've completely blown any hard work I managed to accomplish.  All of my workouts have been basically for nothing because it would appear if I eat anything that isn't a salad, I'm going to just gain weight.  At least that's how it feels.  I even cut way back on beers this week because I didn't want the empty calories and I knew with as hot as it has been, I needed to actually hydrate.

I should've just had the beer.

Tri Training Tuesday: Week 4, the one where I kicked my own ass

I won't lie...last week was really hard.  I struggled mentally and physically, but I made it through the week with only some sore muscles and maybe a new perspective on double workouts.  Here's how the week played out:

Monday 6/17: RUN and STRENGTH.  I ran to and from the gym for 2.8 miles in 28 minutes (total - 1.4 miles each way) and while I was at the gym completed workout A3 from NROLFW.  I upped the weights this week and didn't die, so I'll call it a win.  
Tuesday 6/18: Triple workout day.  Oh.My.Werd. RUN 3.2 in 33:56 (10:36 pace) in the morning.  SWIM 20 minutes in a LAKE in the afternoon.  Then RUN 4.5 miles in 45:35 (10:02 pace) at the Grand Rapids Marathon Beerrun.  I was extremely proud of myself for nailing these workouts.
Wednesday 6/19: NOTHING - I took the day off. 
Thursday 6/20: BIKE 14.2 miles in 58 minutes (about 14 mph) in the morning then a RUN of 4.2 miles in 42:26 (10:06 pace) at lunch time.  Loved the convo and running with a friend but was reminded why I never run at lunch time.  Holy HOT.  And then I might have eaten 1/2 a bag of tortilla chips on the way home from the store. Don't judge.
Friday 6/21: NROLFW 3B - Mentally, this day was really tough for me to the point of sitting in the parking lot at the gym for the longest time before I'd even go in.  I didn't want to work out but I sucked it up and did it anyway.
Saturday 6/22: RUN 9.34 miles in 1:38:24 (10:32 pace).  This was my virtual 15k for the We Get LOST in Running Race Series.  It was so humid that I was praying for rain to dry me off.  All I got was a dude's sprinklers for about 3 steps.  This run was hard, I ran out of water, and it overall sucked and hurt but I stuck with it.  In all likelihood, my relay and half marathon in August will be worse than today, so I might as well get used to it.
Sunday 6/23: I mowed the lawn. Calling it good.


How was your training this week?  Any fun races this past weekend?

Meal (ok #dessert) Monday: Bourbon Peach Cobbler

Lets do a little math, shall we?

Peaches

+ 

=

Add ice cream and you get THIS!!

This recipe came straight off of The Food Network via Ziplist. You can find it here or if you want the ziplist one click here.

Definitely not the healthiest recipe I've ever posted but you should really try it. Just don't eat 1/2 the pan the night before running almost 10 miles not that I've done that or anything.  I'm not going to type out all the instructions because I'm feeling lazy but if you click one of the links you can save it or print it and that makes things easier for both of us. Win-Win.

I didn't change the recipe at all but next time would probably add more booze because the flavor was barely noticeable. I even think this recipe could be adapted for other fruit and hooch combinations. Maybe raspberries and amaretto?  Any other ideas?

Fitness Friday: Fighting

I'm fighting a lot of negative thoughts right now. I absolutely did not want to go to the gym this morning and even sat in the car for 10 min before I decided to go in. I knew I'd forgotten hair ties & my headphones. I was in a shitty mood & didn't want to workout. But I shut off the van and I walked in to this sign:



I guess I needed that slap in the face. I'd be lying if I said I felt better after my workout because today I didn't. But I got it done and worked out hard. Life isn't easy. Losing weight isn't easy. Training isn't easy. But sometimes you need to fight through all the shit and believe that someday it will all be worth it.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Weigh-in Wednesday: too much fun

It doesn't matter that I've been nailing my workouts & even worked out 3 times yesterday (run, swim, run). The fact is...I've been having too much fun (or consuming too many "fun" foods and drinks). I'm the heaviest I've been in almost a year and it sucks out loud.

Starting Weight (11-28-12): 153.6

Last week: 144.2

This week: 145.2

Change: up 1.0

Total change: down 8.4

I feel like I'm blowing it & all the hard work I've done in the past has been a waste.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Tri Training Tuesday: Week 3: #vlog #triathlon

Anyway...here was how the week panned out from a training standpoint:

Monday 6/10: RUN a most incredible 5 miles in 46:34 (9:18 pace) with Corey in the morning and then NROLFW workout A2 in the afternoon.
Tuesday 6/11: SWIM 1200 yards in 36 min - Couldn't managed to swim freestyle the whole time like I'd wanted so ended up doing 300 free/100 back three times.  Also tried to drown by inhaling water up my nose, going under and flooding my goggles, all while doing the back stroke.  I should also note this was in the pool with a deep end and I couldn't touch bottom.  It was definitely one of my finer moments. Go ahead. Laugh. It's ok.  I live to amuse.
Wednesday 6/12: BIKE - the one where I fell down.  Only  made it 1.5 miles before I wiped out and then had to bike 1.5 miles home.  It wasn't a good day.  My scrape has crusted over very nicely  now and the bruise on my elbow is quite colorful.

Thursday 6/13: RUN 3.2 miles in 31 minutes (9:44 pace).  I was very stiff from Wednesday's fall and wasn't sure how this would go, so I just left a watch on the porch and took off.  No music, just me and the wildlife.  It actually turned into a pretty decent run, in spite of the sore areas and God-awful humidity.
Friday 6/14: NROLFW 2B - I was supposed to do this on Thursday along with the run but my forearm, hand and wrist were entirely too sore to try lifting weights, so I scrapped the planned rest or swim and did the strength workout I missed on Thursday.  Didn't go nuts this time but still used the same weights as last week.
Saturday 6/15: RUN 8.1 miles in 1:26:28 (10:40 pace).  This just felt all sorts of wrong the entire time. Had to refill my water at the 1/2 way mark, never felt like I got into a groove. It was just a really crappy run.
Sunday 6/16: BIKE 10.5 miles in 43 minutes (14.6 mph) - My plan called for a 1 hour ride but I'm just not comfortable going out onto roads yet so I stuck to the trail. I was feeling really negative when I left and wasn't any better when I got back, but at least I didn't fall.  

Vlogs? yes, no, want more, don't care?  I hope I wasn't too annoying.  Ever notice things about your speech when you record one?  I know I do.

Meal Monday: Eggplant Parmesean

My girl requested this last week & normally I make it healthier than frying but this time I went with pan frying the eggplant and it was so good.

Peel & slice eggplant about 1/2 inch thick. Sprinkle both sides with salt & let it sit for a few min. Blot any liquid with paper towel.

Scramble an egg in a bowl. Dip slices in egg then dredge in a mix of seasoned breadcrumbs & Parmesean. Pan fry in butter & oil a couple min on each side until slightly crispy.

Pour a jar of spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 pan. Lay eggplant slices on top & bake in a 350* oven for about 30 min.

Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and put back in the oven for a few minutes. Serve with a salad, pasta & garlic bread.

Turned out very good for just throwing something together. This is my only eggplant recipe. Do you have a favorite way to prepare eggplant?

Thankful Thursday: @learningpatience #blate (blogger dates!) #getLOSTinrunning

This week I got to meet up with Corey from Learning Patience! She's a fun, runner/foodie living the expat life in Trinidad. If you don't already follow her blog, go do that...I'll wait....

We good? Excellent!

Corey was in Michigan for her nephew's graduation and decided to make the 2 hour drive from her sister's place to run a virtual 8k with me! The Get LOST in Running virtual race series is pretty cool - distances based on "the numbers" from LOST (you know, 4 8 15 16 23 42) that you run wherever and whenever you want.  Organizer Joe even says you can break them up if you want!  So far I've only registered for (and completed now) the 8k, but I might have to do more.  There are real medals for each "station" and a wicked LOST medal if you complete all 6.  This 8k (5 miles) would be Corey's longest run since coming back from a serious foot injury.

She made it to my house in a downpour so we chatted a bit while the skies cleared a little. Corey even brought me an awesome present - an "I run this body" t-shirt from mile-posts! Seriously,Corey rocks and this shirt just might be my new favorite t-shirt EVER!



The weather finally decided to cooperate so we had Kay snap a pic and we were off.

Corey is taller than I expected - or I'm just really short :)  Also note the wet - it was still raining.

I took Corey on my usual Kent Trail route - promising it was flat (she didn't totally agree but that's ok) and that the tree cover would protect us from the rain. We had an amazing run which resulted in my fastest 5 miles EVER!

what the what?!?! 9:18 average pace!!

I loved chatting with Corey, when we weren't trying to breathe. Sometimes the run just really comes together and the amazing company makes it even better.

Corey's awesome gang-sign for "8" cracked us up

After our run, we headed to a local diner to refuel, chat about blogging and share favorite iPhone apps (gotta love another iPhone addict!).  I'm not posting a picture of my breakfast because it was a ridiculous amount of food.

pic from Corey

I really love meeting other bloggers and runners.  One of the things we talked about was the amazing connection we've both made with friends all around the world thanks to our blogs.  I can't even begin to describe how thankful I am for the chance to meet up with Corey. We had a blast and hopefully will get together again sometime. Now...if I could only find that money tree and meet up with her in Trinidad :)

Gone on any fun blates lately?

Weigh-in Wednesday: I need to try harder

I've taken a couple weeks off from posting weigh-ins because I knew they'd be ugly. Guess I was right.

Starting Weight (11-28-12): 153.6

Last week: 143.2 (actually on 5/22/13)

This week: 144.2

Change: up 1.0

Total change: down 9.4

This shit has to stop. I need to cool it on the beer and junk-ish food.  Eat more salads.  Add in more 2-a-day workouts. The first one starts now. Bike this morning and lift this afternoon. I'm getting really sick of that 2nd number being a 4.  Yes, my clothes are fitting better but I still don't think someone as tiny as me should weigh 140-something.  If you look at the charts, I should probably weigh about 115 or 120, but I know that isn't realistic.  I guess I need to work much, much harder if I want to be back in the 130s by my birthday.

Tri Training Tuesday: week 2

I think I'm starting to get into the swing of training again - but I'm paying for going a bit overboard.  Mostly a number of muscle groups are a little pissed for jumping back in too quickly and still not being fully recovered.  It'll get better though.  Here's how the week looked:

Monday 6/3: SWIM 1000 yds in 27 min and NROLFW workout A1
Tuesday 6/4: RUN 4 miles in about 40 min - my Garmin wigged out so I'm not really sure what I did, only that this run was HARD.
Wednesday 6/5: Happy National Running Day! RUN 2 miles in 21:17 (my first "double" of relay training), BIKE (upright at gym) 6 miles in 17:22.  NROLFW workout B1
Thursday 6/6: nothing - so sore that I could barely move.
Friday 6/7: BIKE 11.7 miles in 51:44 then a short .6 mile run off the bike in 5:57
Saturday 6/8: RUN 6.2 miles in 1:03:36 (10:15 pace).  Finally feel like I'm getting my legs back!
Sunday 6/9: nothing

My hamstrings are still complaining a little but I'm starting to feel much better.  I had the most amazing run yesterday, too - can't wait to tell you all about it!

How's your training going?  Do you plan races in the summer or is this your "off" season?

Fitness Friday: SORE!!! #NROLFW

source

I'm not sure I agree with the "happy pain" part, but the sore muscles I definitely have.  This week I started the New Rules of Lifting for Women workouts again.  I've only done the first two, and combined with a hard run on Tuesday night and then essentially running a double by running again Wednesday morning, I've pretty much destroyed my legs.  I'll be the first to admit I haven't stretched or foam rolled nearly enough, because frankly, IT HURTS LIKE A MOFO!

I'm not sure if I just overdid it or if I'm really that out of shape.  I didn't even start my weights back where I left off a year ago but backed them down a bit.  Who knows.  In any case, I'll try to update on my progress from time to time.  I have a google doc that I've created to keep track, plus I'm using the jefit app at the gym as I work out. My only complaint about the app is it doesn't really work for the alternating sets, but I'm figuring it out.

Here's my first week's log:

Anyone else out there ever done the New Rules workouts?

Thankful Thursday: Hard Lessons

In last Monday's random musings post, I alluded to the fact that I was almost the victim of a Craigslist auto scam well, I fell for it so I guess I was a victim only I was saved by my BIL before I lost any money.  I debated whether to write about it but the comments from a few of you said if I help just one person avoid getting scammed, then it would be worth talking about.

So here it goes....

We are in the market for a decent used car for the twins to share when one or both of them get their drivers licenses this summer.  I've been looking at Craigslist and my BIL (who is a gear head by nature) has been on the hunt as well.  Friday night I saw a posting for a '99 Passat Turbo that was in the price range.  The posting was very vague and asked for an email response.  This isn't that unusual though so I sent an email asking about mileage, if it was an automatic, stuff like that.  I got a reply almost immediately:

"Hello,

 

   The car is still for sale if you want to buy it. My name is Tracy Roberson and I am the legal owner of the 1999 Volkswagen Passat Turbo Automatic. I would like to tell you that the car is in perfect condition, never wrecked, clean and clear title with only 155,000 miles. This car is in excellent running condition with no issue. I have all the documents, manuals, service records and I decided to sell it for $1,600 , shipping included. The buyer will receive it with all papers and receipts that he needs to register it so if you buy it you don't have to worry about the paperwork. Also you will have 5 days to test and inspect the car once is delivered at your address.

 

  I am in possession of this car from my father who unfortunately can't enjoy it anymore as he died. I moved back where I was born in Lincoln , Maine and now it will be shipped from here. Please get back for more photos and info if you are interested to buy it.

I have a contract with eBay so this deal must go through them.According with eBay you have 5 days from the time you receive the car to inspect it and decide if you want to keep it or not (but I am sure you will not be disappointed). The inspection period will be set to five days and I think is enough for you to make an opinion about the car. The inspection period will allow you to test drive and inspect the car for a period of time that we agree on (in our case 5 days). Typically, an inspection will give you a detailed report on the car's current condition. If you refuse it eBay will send you a full refund. I will get paid by eBay only after the inspection period is over.

 

If you have the money and want to buy it I only need your full name and address to move forward with the transaction.

 

I also want to inform you that I am entertaining another two offers for it at this moment so please let me know your decision as soon as possible to know what to do.

 

Sorry for the long email I have tried to explain the entire process.

 

Thank you,

Tracy Roberson"

I forwarded the email on to my BIL and emailed back a forth a few more times with "Tracy".  She/He sent a link to a photobucket acct with many more pictures of the car and I shared those with the kids.  They were obviously quite excited and this type of car was exactly what we were looking for.  I still hadn't heard back from my BIL but this sounded like a great deal so after discussing it with the husband, we decided to bite the bullet and agree to purchase the car.  I sent a final email to "Tracy" and went to bed.

I woke up in the middle of the night because my sleep is so very broken and turned on my phone. I saw this message from my BIL: 

"This is a scam.  It would cost $800 to ship that car from Maine.  EBay does not have a contract with anyone, nor does anyone pay EBay.  You pay the seller.  EBay then sends a bill to the SELLER.

Here’s the real listing for this car, by the real owner in Louisiana… (I removed the listing)

All this Craigslist SCAMMER did was steal the photos off of this legitimate EBay listing.   Note the Louisiana license plate on the EBay listing.  Notice that in the scammer’s photobucket account he has blurred the license plate.  (I removed the pictures as well)

Whatever you do, do not share any more information about yourself with this idiot!!!

Oh shit....I had given this asshole scammer my email, phone number and address.  I spent the rest of the night awake, feeling sick to my stomach. In the morning, my BIL sent me this email that described what I should've looked for in the posting on that car.  

If you re-read the opening email response, all the classic con-man techniques are there.

1)      They give their full name to build trust.

2)      There is a bit of a hard-luck story to further build some trust

3)      The deal is guaranteed by someone else you tend to trust (eBay)

4)      The deal is complicated. 

5)      And if you read carefully, the language they use is a little off. (i.e. written by a foreigner)

Needless to say, I really felt like a complete and total moron.  I fell for every one of that asshole's lines.  Even after I emailed the jerk back to say I had information that lead me to believe he was running a scam and I wasn't buying anything, I got a reply that said "I'm so glad you decided to buy  the car, you won't be disappointed, I'll have eBay send you an invoice." WTF???? Seriously??? 

My BIL called later to talk me off my ledge and it made me feel a little bit better, but the damage was already done.  In the course of 24 hours, I'd managed to let someone take advantage of me and cause me to lose all faith in society.  I hate that people are out there with their sole purpose in life to scam honest, hard working people out of their money and their ability to trust themselves.  Had I been searching Craigslist on the computer (rather than the mobile app on my phone) I would have seen this message - right on the front page when you search for cars and trucks:

Hopefully my naivete and stupidity will save someone else the embarrassment and potential loss of their cash. I'm so very thankful he was able to see through all this and save my ass before I sent the  f*ckwad my money. Needless to say, I'm being much more cautious now and shopping locally.  I send every link I find to my BIL and I know to approach them all with caution and skepticism.  It's just sad that I now feel like I can't trust anyone.  

Happy National Running Day! #runchat #nationalrunningday

Even though many of us celebrate the ability to run everyday, today is officially National Running Day.

This morning I woke up before my alarm and headed out for a 2 mile run, knowing many of my running friends were doing the same thing this morning. Today I ran a mile in honor of each of my kids but I also ran those 2 miles as part of my first official training run for the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail 200 Mile Relay!  In 12 hours, I managed 2 runs for a total of 6 miles - something a year ago I could not have done. This made for a happy Bari this morning.

Coming back from injury hasn't been easy and I'd be lying if I said I never had a run that still hurt in some way.  However, I'm reminded every day how fortunate I am to have the ability to run.  I feel pretty lucky to have connected with so many great friends through running as well.  It's pretty freaking awesome.  

I run...because I can.  How about you?

Tri Training Tuesday

Since it seemed to work out to post my half marathon training here, I figured I'd start posting my training for Tri Del Sol now that all those crazy halfs are done (at least for a little while).

I have to admit - trying to come up with a training plan for a triathlon that is only about 7 weeks away, plus incorporate the NROLFW strength workouts, train for the 200 mile relay and keep up my mileage for the half I have at the end of August has been a colossal PITA.  I learned last night that I don't like to follow swimming with any other workout (unless I'm outside and just going to do a swim/bike brick) because getting dressed for a workout after a swim is dumb.  Do any of you have any idea how hard it is to put on a sports bra when you're all wet? And yes, I tried to dry off first.  I've reworked the plan a little to avoid this scenario.  I'm trying to get in at least a couple bike rides, a couple swims, 2 strength workouts and 3 runs each week. It's a lot.  I haven't even begun to figure out 2-a-day runs for the relay and I'm trying not to stress that the run days just say "run" - there's no speed work, tempos, intervals, etc.



As for last week's workouts....they were pretty minimal.  I can't believe DailyMile called them "epic" or something ridiculous like that.

Monday 5/27: nothing
Tuesday 5/28: nothing
Wednesday 5/29: 15 min abs workout
Thursday 5/30: nothing
Friday 5/31: BIKE 1.5 miles - maiden voyage clipped in and I didn't fall down.
Saturday 6/1: RUN 3.1 miles in 31:08 (9:56 pace) - pretty good run considering I still felt very tight/sore in my achilles and calves from last Saturday's half and it was 80bazilionty degrees outside.  Later in the day BIKE 7.8 miles in 31:15 (15 mph ave) - great ride but I was disappointed I wasn't faster overall.
Sunday 6/2: nothing

The workout log will get better.  I hope.  I'm open to any suggestions in that training plan.  Just hit me up in the comments.

Monday Miscellany: good, bad and ugly

This weekend left me feeling like I need a weekend to get over my weekend.

First the good. We finally did something about the mess of Blu-ray movies that have been piled up next to the TV.

before - attractive, huh?

after - M still needs to do something about those CDs

I need to decide whether my OCD about the picture and cabinet not being centered is enough to drive me crazy. Either that or I move the cabinet over and we lose an outlet.

Now the bad (or good depending how you look at it).


My van hit a huge birthday last night. Yes...the OCD is strong. I had to drive a couple loops around my neighborhood so I wouldn't leave the house this morning, forget to look at the odometer and be pissed when I got to work and noticed it said 100002.  It's pretty crazy that we've been looking for a car for the kids to share and a few we've looked at have less miles than my car.  Hardly seems fair.

And now the ugly...I was *almost* the victim of a Craigslist vehicle scam but thankfully my BIL is much smarter than me and saved me $1600. All that really got hurt was my pride.  My kids were pretty disappointed, too, to find out the car we were buying for them really didn't exist.  Had this message been on the Craigslist app (it only shows up when searching via a web browser), I might not have ended up feeling so stupid after sending some asshole personal information about myself and getting excited about a vehicle that was just a stolen picture off of a real eBay listing.


I'm still trying to decide whether to write about what happened and share the emails/scam. Maybe an example of my stupidity could save someone else the embarrassment and potentially a lot of money. Needless to say, I lost quite a bit of trust in humanity this weekend. I think it's even affecting me physically because my neck has been all jammed up and I'm sleeping even worse than usual.  Huge lesson learned - just because you consider yourself to be a fairly intelligent, well-educated person doesn't mean you can't be fooled.

Thoughts? Do you want to read the emails and what my BIL taught me about scam artists? Have you ever been taken advantage of like this?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone