Savvy Spender

Thanks to my amazing friends on social media {I mean, seriously, how did we answer life's most perplexing issues before Facebook?}, I was encouraged to have a good pair of running shoes and also directed to a website where I could have those $160 shoes for $104 with FREE SHIPPING. 

Check out Running Warehouse, and if you go through the button on Skinny Runner, you can save an additional 10%! 

I'm soaking in all the running tips I can right now, especially after buying new shoes.  The guy at the shoe store told me I can get a year's use out of the same shoes, but I'm learning that there is a certain amount of mileage I can put on before they've worn out.  Typically 300-500 miles, depending on the person, the way they run, where they run, etc.  So, I'll start keeping a record of how many miles my new/cheaper/awesome for my high arches shoes are used.  Skinny Runner suggested writing a note and placing it in the shoe when you're done, so you know exactly how much wear you have on them before you even start.

I'm beginning to sound like a real runner.  Who would have ever thought!

Buyers Remorse

On Friday, Patrick and I went and got fitted for new running shoes at our local, non chain, shoe store.  After a scan showing my incredibly high arch, the incredibly helpful employee returned with two pairs of New Balance shoes.  I tried both on and made my choice of the first pair based on his recommendation and the fit. 

I placed them up on the counter without a second thought.  I mean, I WAS using saved tax return money for these shoes so I didn't think twice about asking the price.  I figured they would be around $100-$115, since that's how much my husband's were, and I wasn't really that worried because I had a 10% off coupon.

I almost passed out when my shoes cost $160!  ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY DOLLARS.  My 10% off coupon only saved me the sales tax on both pairs. 

I got in the car and immediately started having buyers remorse.  I love this little shoe store but I have never bought ANY pair of shoes that cost that much money in my life.  I can't bring myself to even take them out of the box and put them on. Surely there has to be a less expensive shoe that can handle my high arches, right?  I don't want to end up hurt from bad shoes, but man, $160 is a lot of money to be running around in.

Should I keep them or not?  My 10 day return period is coming up fast!

Thursday Weigh Day

I almost didn't do it.  I almost asked for a "gimme" this week after my failed attempt to get back on track.  I didn't want to see the damage because, let's be honest, I didn't really stand a chance this week - my girly times were approaching AND we had 3 days of Valentine's parties {READ: Candy bags} to get through?  Yeah.  The fail on that was epic.

The damage is done, though.  158.8  Ugh.

The positives?  I'm not back in the 160s.  I managed to stick only to Hersey Kisses for the chocolate I craved.

The negatives?  I was totally unmotivated, crabby and ravenous.  I only worked out once this week -- and I gave up during my run.  {Slacker}  And, I can really pack on a few pounds when I try/don't try.

Oh well.  Onward and upward.

I'm picking out my new shoes tomorrow afternoon and plan to hit the gym to break them in on Saturday morning.

Here's to a new week!

Dear Self

Weekends in Detroit are a bad idea.  I don't know how we're going to get around this issue seeing as how we'll need to be there frequently over the next few months, but we need to formulate {and stick to} a better plan in order to survive.  We have been working really hard the last 7 weeks and we just throw it all away as soon as we arrive in the mitten, and really, we know better than that.

That heaviness you feel isn't just the crap you ate, it's guilt, but this isn't a reason to chuck the whole rest of the week out the window.  There are 3 full days of eating and exercise left until weigh in and it is inexcusable to give up now.

Drink water.  Eat 27 points per day ONLY.  Run like the wind.  Don't give up.

Sincerely,

Girl Who Still Wants to Lose 6 More Pounds

Thursday Weigh Day

Happy to report that I'm down 2.2 pounds!  Current weight is 156.

Now, if I can refrain from continuing to stuff my face after a very long, very stressful day, maybe I can weigh in at my lowest to date next week!

Silent Goal

While I've been hoping to be able to actually RUN in this half marathon I keep talking about, they way I felt at about 2:15 into one of my 3 minute jogs on my training made me skeptical that I would ever achieve it.

Last night at the gym, on an ordinary treadmill, I hit one of my silent goals. Week 4, Day 1 of my training called for not one but TWO 5 minute long jogs, each after a 3 minute jog and some rest. And I did it without giving up.  I didn't rest my hands on the treadmill.  I didn't jump off to catch my breath.  In fact, I was pretty impressed with my breathing overall!   This is the same person who could barely breathe after a minute of running 4 weeks ago!

I finally got to that level of feeling that I keep reading about on the motivational signs on Pinterest.  Like running was exactly what I needed to conquer my bad day, release all my stress, and get me to the kind of healthy I want to be.  It was incredible!

Between 50 minutes of Zumba and 2.0 miles of run/walking {16 minutes total of running!!}, I ended the day with 13,342 steps and 13 earned activity points!  And today, I still feel amazing, even if I was up at 6am with my 3 year old needing to use the potty.

My reward for my silent goal is going to be fit for a purchase a new pair of running shoes!  Brand spanking new, clean ones!  {The ones I run in now are 5 year old Asics that I was professionally fit for at Roadrunner when we lived in San Diego!}

Can't wait!

New Favorite Lunch

I have already admitted my addiction to Feta cheese.  I use it on salads, in sandwhiches, and now in my new favorite lunch.  It's quick, easy, and filling!  I really would eat three helpings of this every day if I wasn't working on my self control problem.  It's that delicious!


Spicy Chicken Sausage with Spinach, Mushrooms and Feta:
1 Serving = 5 WW+ Points

• Trader Joe's Spicy Chicken Sausage {Or any kind of chicken sausage you prefer - points may vary}
• 1 tsp I Can't Believe It's Not Butter
• 3 Cups Organic Spinach
• 1 Cup Sliced Button Mushrooms
• 1 oz Feta Cheese {President Feta is only 1pt for 1oz}

Heat sausage in pan according to directions.  Remove and slice into chunks.  Add 1tsp butter to pan, sautee spinach and mushrooms.  When almost completely wilted, add chicken chunks to pan.  Finish cooking.  Plate it up, and toss with feta while still hot.  

Enjoy!