Photo A Day- January

The following pictures were taken on my Canon EOS Rebel T3 or my iphone. There are no filters. All photographs taken by myself, Tracy Sawlsville. Apologies for the odd formatting on the dates.

January 1st:

January 2nd:

January 3rd:



January 4th:

January 5th: (iphone)

 

January 6th:

January 7th: (iphone)

January 8th:

January 9th: (iphone)

January 10th:

January 11th: (iphone)

January 12th:

January 13th: (iphone)

January 14th: (iphone)

January 15th:

January 16th:

January 17th: (iphone)

January 18th: (iphone)

January 19th: (iphone)

January 20th: (iphone)

January 21st: (iphone)

January 22nd: (iPhone)

January 23rd: (iPhone)

January 24th: (iPhone)

January 25th: (iPhone)

January 26th: (iPhone)

January 27th: (iPhone)

January 28th: (iPhone)

January 29th: (iPhone)

January 30th: (iPhone)

January 31st:  

January Mini Goals- Update/Recap

New Years Goals that will be included monthly:

1. Write in a journal every day: I have continued this goal and am really actually enjoying it. It feels really nice to get things out at the end of each day, to write it all down and think things through. I am coming to terms with not needing to write more than half a page each day. I used to think each day had to be filled with deep and meaningful thoughts, but I realized instead it's a great tool to work through my thoughts and decide on certain decisions.
2. Take at least one picture a day: I have been truly enjoying this goal and am so glad to have stuck with it for this long. I would really like to make more time to go out and use my new camera instead of relying on my phone, but as far as completing this goal I will take what I can get.
3. Run and/or walk 105 miles: I kicked asphalt this month. No, I'm not going to be humble about it. Prior to this month my highest mileage month was September 2012 when I got up to 114.73 miles (right before having three months in a row with less than 25 miles each month). I ended the month with a total of 146.98 miles. A whole 41.98 miles ahead of schedule. If I continue with this momentum I will be able to reach my goal of 1250 quickly and possibly go on to do even more... Say, 1400 miles in 2014?
4. Run at least one mile every day to continue running streak: I have completed the goal of a minimum of 1 mile every day, bringing my streak to 103 miles as of today. I never thought I would make it this far and yet it feels like it's flown by.
5. Track on MFP: Today is day 49 in a row. Some days I tracked better than others, some days I only tracked a meal or two. I find myself being less motivated and I really do not like that feeling. I need to get back to it because I feel so much better when I do.
6. Read two books: Completed! I finished Jodi Picoult's Mercy and Jodi Picoult's Songs of the Humpback Whale. Both good books. It took me longer to get into the second book, but once I got into it I couldn't put it down. I had Isabel help me pick 3/24 and this one is difficult to put down. I should be finished within a week. Hopefully I can keep this pace with reading and surpass my book goal too.

January Goals:

1. Have at least one child free date night with Patrick: We were able to get away for a night, taking advantage of the night she spent the night at my parents. We went out to dinner to the Cheesecake Factory, enjoying a "free" dinner thanks to Patrick's generous employees who got him a gift certificate to that restaurant. We splurged on an appetizer, delicious dinner and dessert! We then walked around the mall, where Patrick got a massage and I bought a new outfit.
2. Take Isabel to feed the ducks: Completed! I don't know why we don't do this more often. And I don't know why I keep saying that and not doing it. It's a wonderful and very inexpensive thing to do on a day off when we're sitting around complaining about how bored we are.
3. Make weekly workout schedules and stick to it: I actually feel really good about this goal. There were some workouts that I had to move around, but I think that's okay and I'm really happy that I was flexible with these workouts. Sometimes I have a tendency of having an off day and not getting my workout in. This is not beneficial to me in anyway because then it carries over to the next day, then the next, then the next, etc until before I realize it I am not working out at all and not enjoying the idea of working out. At this point I am still enjoying the workouts I am doing without feeling burnt out.
4. Organize apartment: There are a few odds and ends here and there that need to be sorted and taken care of, but to be honest it's looking pretty good. We still have to figure out a system for chores because as it still stands (3 years living together!) one of us feels taken advantage of at some point or another. It's difficult to want to pick up or clean after a long day at work for either of us, so we end up cleaning on our days off. Then we feel resentful that we are cleaning on our days off. I'm sure we'll figure something out at some point, but for now we are just working on not keeping score and appreciating what the other person is able to do when they do it without expectations.
5. Cook dinner at least once: I made the bubble-up enchiladas recipe this month and it turned out well. I think I have too high of expectations for myself and am obviously my biggest critic. It didn't help that Patrick got the stomach flu the night I cooked dinner. I know that it had nothing to do with my cooking, but that was bad timing. I am looking into what I want to cook for next month, but haven't found anything yet (granted my search has just started...)
6. Bake a new cookie and/or cupcake recipe: I decided to make cupcakes last weekend. I found this recipe for nutella mini cupcakes that only needed three ingredients. Instead of doing the nutella for frosting (in fear of too much nutella.. is there such a thing?) I used my vanilla frosting recipe from a cupcake cookbook I often use. I did step out a little with the new recipe, but stuck with an oldie but goodie for the frosting. I, personally, think they turned out really well and enjoyed eating too many of them. They cam out in a kind of brownie consistency. I will definitely make these again.

100 Day Streak/Mileage Update #2

Today marks the 100th day that I have gone out for a run.

100 days of planning when and where to run. 100 days of deciding if it was worth it or not to continue. 100 days of putting on my running clothes. 100 days of lacing up my shoes. 100 days of success.

I have attempted streaks before and was honestly not sure if I would ever want to attempt another one again. I wasn't as invested. For whatever reason, I am now and I have enjoyed the past 100 days and I look forward to the next however many I am able to do (with the ultimate goal being 500 days in a row). I am in it for the long haul, mostly because I couldn't imagine starting over with day 1 again, but also because I enjoy getting out for at least 15 minutes every single day.

Those 15 minutes are mine and no one can take them away. Some days I did the minimum of 1 mile and other days I ran a half marathon. No matter what the distance, I got out there and I did it.

I am so proud of that. I really am. I am not usually the one to stand around bragging about myself and my accomplishments, but I have learned recently that it's okay to do that when it's something that you are proud of.

So, 100 days are finished and in the books (literally, as I keep a journal of all my miles). 100 days and 263.19 miles (interval runs ONLY- does not include walking miles) later and I am smiling from ear to ear. I set a goal and I put it in motion and I am accomplishing it one day, and one mile, at a time.

Mileage update:

Monthly mileage goal: 105 miles

Monthly mileage as of 1/28: 134.94

Yearly mileage goal: 1250 miles

Yearly mileage as of 1/28: 134.94

10.79% complete

Total mileage recorded to date (1/1/12-1/28/14): 1884.95

Running streak goal: 500 days

Running streak: day 100!

This week's mileage:

Wednesday- 1.37 mile walk, 2.07 mile walk, 1.48 mile interval run

Thursday- 1.32 mile walk, 2.05 mile walk, 1.07 mile interval run

Friday- 1.04 mile interval run

Saturday- 8.68 mile interval run

Sunday- 2.76 mile interval run

Monday- 1.39 mile walk, 2.07 mile walk, 2.24 mile interval run

Tuesday- 1.37 mile walk, 2.05 mile walk, 1.57 mile interval run

Pictures from this week:

Weigh In #7

Starting Weight: 189.2
Last Weeks Weight: 180.8
This Weeks Weight: 182.8

+/-: +2
Total +/-: -6.4

A two pound gain was not expected, planned or wanted, but a two pound gain was needed. You see, I haven't been very diligent with my tracking. I've been sneaking bites off of Isabel's plate and not using my calories as well as I can. I'm not going to try and justify it as a false gain (even though it could be) or due to strength training (even though it could be). It is a reminder to get back to basics and to start tracking again. 

It's also a reminder to look at the whole picture. I may have gained weight and a quarter of an inch in my chest, but overall I have lost an inch between my waist, hips and thighs in the past two weeks. That is a success and something to be proud of.

Plus the fact that I stood on the scale and accepted the weight without any negative thoughts about myself was a huge step in the right direction.

Last Weeks Goals:

1. Stay off of the scale except for weigh in day. I did well with this goal up until Thursday night. I had an inner turmoil dilemma on whether or not I should check in. I knew better because it was at night and I already felt like I had gained so why verify it and make myself feel worse. I ended up picking up the scale and taking it to Patrick to hold onto until it was time to weigh in. I didn't like feeling so out of control, but I was proud of myself for finding a solution.

2. Track. I could have been better tracking every bite, but I'm not going to be too hard on myself. I know that it's the little bites and tastes that end up causing harm, so I need to cut that out ASAP.

3. Stick to the workout schedule. I did stick to the schedule, except I moved the gym from Tuesday to Wednesday again. I realized that this works better and am going to make that change for next week so that I don't have to change it and can just stick to the schedule. I stayed home from work on Friday as Isabel was sick and stayed home from school. I left my 5 and 8 pound weights at home so I followed the exercises from the Jackie Warner DVD using my 3 pound weights and did more repetitions.

4. Go grocery shopping on payday (Friday). Well, I didn't go yesterday (payday) but I do plan on going today or tomorrow and sticking to our list/budget. Isabel was home sick so we stayed home so she could rest. It will feel good to get groceries to restock the fridge BEFORE it gets completely empty

5. Step out of my comfort zone and use the weight machines at the gym. Patrick went with me to the gym on Thursday (it's becoming a nice part of the week) and after a quick run on the treadmill to get in my streak he and I went and did a few of the weight machines. It felt good and I think that if I went in the morning when there are less people I would be more comfortable trying more machines.

Workout schedule:

January 19th- January 25th
Sunday: streak completed
Monday: streak completed, arm workout completed
Tuesday: streak completed, No More Trouble Zones completed, gym moved to Wednesday
Wednesday: streak completed, arm workout completed, gym completed
Thursday: streak completed, No More Trouble Zones completed, gym completed

Friday: streak completed, arm workout completed
Saturday: training run- 10 miles 8.69/10 miles completed. Isabel is sick so I ended early.

This weeks goals:

1. Track every single bite.
2. Stay off of the scale except for weigh in day.
3. Get 6+ glasses of water every day.
4. Follow workout schedule.
5. Write one positive thing about my body a day.

Workout schedule:

January 26th- February 1st
Sunday: streak
Monday: streak, No More Trouble Zones
Tuesday: streak, arm workout
Wednesday: streak, No More Trouble Zones, gym
Thursday: streak, arm workout, gym

Friday: streak, No More Trouble Zones
Saturday: training run- 6 miles

Original measurements taken October 15th:

Chest: 41

Waist: 37.5

Hips: 45.5

L thigh: 26.5

L arm: 13

L calf: 14.5

Last weeks measurements taken January 11th:

Chest: 38.75 (-2.25)

Waist: 34.5 (-3)

Hips: 43.75 (-1.75)

L thigh: 24.5 (-2)

L arm: 12.5 (-.5)

L calf: 15.5 (+1)

Current measurements taken January 25th:

Chest: 39 (-2)

Waist: 34 (-3.5)

Hips: 43.5 (-2)

L thigh: 24.25 (-2.25)
L arm: 12.5 (-.5)

L calf: 15.5 (+1)

Long distance training run recap:

Today's run was a scheduled solo 10 mile training run. Rachel couldn't make it this week because she's too awesome doing volunteer work at a Cross Fit Infinite Strength competition in Arizona. I was a little worried that it was going to be a tough run, but it ended up feeling really good.

My mom text me between mile 4 and 5 to tell me that Isabel's fever had spiked. There really wasn't anything I could do except cut my run short and go back to their house before mile 9 instead of passing it for that little extra distance. I finished at mile 8.69 and thankfully her fever had gone down by the time I got there.

I stuck with my 30:1 intervals and tried to keep my mile times until 13:30 minute miles. These long distance runs are supposed to be 1-2 minutes slower than my race day pace (which has been around 12:30). Some miles were closer to that 12:30 and some were close to the 13:30 pace. Overall I was really happy with my time and more importantly with how I felt throughout the entire run.

Onto another week!

No More Trouble Zones

My Jillian Michael's workout DVD library is growing. Quite rapidly.

I currently have the following:
30 Day Shred
Ripped in 30
Killer Buns & Thighs
6 Week 6 Pack
Yoga Meltdown

My two most recent additions were Christmas gifts- Body Revolution (from my parents) and No More Trouble Zones (from Patrick). I know that I am not ready to make the 90 day commitment needed for Body Revolution (and I want to wait until I am closer to my goal weight). I decided that I wanted to use No More Trouble Zones first because instead of doing a full 30-40 minute workout you are able to choose a 5-7 minute workout based on specific areas. This works better with my schedule right now and I am able to do some strength training every day without fear of over doing it while I continue on with my running goals.

As of right now I am doing this DVD 2-3 days a week while doing a Jackie Warner arm workout DVD the other 2-3 days. This is the third week we've been doing it (my best friend and co-worker and I) and I feel wonderful! It's been an amazing help to have someone else to help hold me accountable and to be accountable for. I know that my motivation to get out and do a workout is higher when I have someone to go with.

As of right now we are doing the following workouts together and doing it every other day Monday through Friday. One week we workout with Jillian Michael's Tuesday and Thursday/Jackie Warner Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The next week we switch- Jillian on Monday, Wednesday and Friday/Jackie Warner on Tuesday and Thursday.

So far our workouts are:
Shoulder & Legs and Upper Body & Core
Chest & Abs and Lower Body & Core
Biceps & Butt and Upper Body & Core
Thighs & Triceps and Lower Body & Core
Core

I really can't complain. The muscle soreness has been totally worth it and I am excited to see what changes will be happening to my body as time goes on. I will continue to adjust as needed and will add more if I find that the 15 minute workout is not enough. I think that for now, 15 minute DVDs are all I can handle without going overboard.

Plus, I want this to be livable. I want this to be a habit that sticks for a long time. I know that I am on the right path to make this something that lasts.

Mileage Update #1

I like seeing the miles typed out like this. I am a visual person and I am also starting to allow myself to be proud of my accomplishments. I think updating the stats on the side is good for me to keep track, however I also want to make a weekly update post of my mileage so that I can see it all in one place along with the visual goal tracker from runkeeper. 

Monthly mileage goal: 105 miles

Monthly mileage as of 1/21: 102.41

Yearly mileage goal: 1250 miles

Yearly mileage as of 1/21: 102.41

8.19% complete

Total mileage recorded to date (1/1/12-1/21/14): 1852.42

Running streak goal: 500 days

Running streak: day 93

This weeks mileage:

Wednesday 1/15: 2.04 mile walk, 1.59 mile interval run

Thursday 1/16: 2.04 mile walk, 3.10 mile run

Friday 1/17: 2.04 mile walk, 1.50 mile interval run

Saturday 1/18: 5.57 mile interval run

Sunday: 1/19 1.40 mile interval run with Isabel 

Monday: 1/20 1.31 mile walk, 2.07 mile walk, 1.63 mile interval run

Tuesday 1/21: 1.38 mile walk, 2.06 mile walk, 1.52 mile interval run