This is the Sandy quote of the day: "I don't know, I just licked it."
I think we should all try to work that into everyday conversation.
Happy weekend! xoxo
Friday, February 24, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
Must haves
I got this idea from Janetha's series of Things I Use & Love posts over at meals & moves. This is going to be about my workouts, because that's what I feel like focusing on right now. And even though I'm tired, I'm really looking forward to my workout tonight since I had to take last night off. So, these are the things I use when I workout that a) I LOVE and b) really work for me (that's why I love them so much!).
My treadmill
Isn't she pretty? I love my treadmill. I'm not really a gym person because I prefer to work out solo. I've always enjoyed walking, and that's how I started getting into shape oh so many years ago when I finally determined to be healthier. Back then I was living in a tiny little room with too much stuff, so my walking consisted of going back and forth in an L shape, wearing a rut in the carpet and leaving blue marks from my shoes when I turned. I've come a long way, baby. At some point I remember getting one of those dinky stepper things, which I wore out in no time. Then I got a manual treadmill. That was fine for a short time, but I wanted one with a motor to help keep me on pace. It took some time, but I finally got this one when I moved into my last place and there's been no going back. I can walk, I can jog, I can run. I can change my incline. I can do one of the preset workouts. I LOVE it so. I learned quickly though not to watch funny things, because I will fall off the treadmill and hurt myself if I laugh too hard. A painful lesson to learn, but it has stuck with me.
Running shoes
Shoes are important. I'm more of a walker/jogger than a runner, but a good running shoe is critical. I feel it when I'm not wearing good shoes, or my shoes have worn out. I've tried several different styles in the stores and I like New Balance. My last new shoes were actually Asics, but I discovered after a while that they do not work well for my feet. I was not getting the proper support where I needed it or something, because my feet always hurt. Which is why I got rid of those and went back to my old New Balance shoes, which took better care of my feet despite being well past their prime. So New Balance it is. There is something about them that works just right for me. They manage to give me the support I need for my flat feet and overpronation, AND for my ankles, without being too restrictive (which is surprisingly difficult for me to find).
As I mentioned previously, I got two new pairs of shoes a few weeks ago:
So far, I've mostly used the New Balance because I really prefer them for walking and running. But I want to try the Brooks a bit more, both on the treadmill and for cross-training, to see what works best for me.
Weights
I am not good about maintaining my weight lifting regimen. I'm the first to admit that. My name is Elizabeth, and I am a cardio addict. It's true. I just feel better about myself when I'm all sweaty and out of breath and beet red from a good cardio workout. BUT I also know how important weight lifting is, both for weight loss and for overall health. So I do try to fit it in 2-3 times each week. I know that it helps me. And I love the results, I just don't find it very enjoyable. I mostly alternate between 5 and 8 pound hand weights. I have resistance bands, but I don't use them much. I am considering Les Mills Pump to improve my weight training. Plus the deluxe package comes with a step/bench thingy. I'm still thinking about that though because it's a video based workout. (See the next thing on my list for why that may not work for me.)
Netflix/DVDs/Music
I like watching something or listening to my iPod when I'm working out. It's what keeps me motivated.
Right now (as you can see and as I've mentioned before) I'm watching Friday Night Lights. Sometimes when I walk I will listen to an audio book. And when I'm running, I really enjoy listening to Bloc Party because they keep me pumped and give me a really good beat to maintain my pace. But my favorite thing is to watch TV. Here's why:
1) I get drawn into the story, so the workout goes by faster
2) The pretty people make me want to be in better shape
3) 43 minutes (the approximate length of an hour long show minus the commercials) is a good length for me. Depending on if I'm walking or jogging or running, or a combination, that's usually the time it takes me to go anywhere from 2 to 4 miles. My normal workout is either treadmill for one episode and weight lifting for one episode OR treadmill for two episodes. That seems to work really well for my body and for my schedule.
Workout DVDs
For those times when I'm into a video workout I like to do Turbo Jam
or Rockin Body
Both are enjoyable for me and give me a good workout. Both incorporate dance to a certain extent (Rockin Body more than Turbo Jam). I'm slightly more partial to Turbo Jam because I've had it longer and done all the workouts, so it's more familiar. And I know that I burn 800-900 calories in a 45-50 minute cardio workout. I don't know what I'm burning with Rockin Body because my Bodybugg doesn't really work anymore (hence why that is not on this post).
Peripherals (kinda)
Just as important to me as anything else is this:
I use these to pull my hair up into buns when I'm doing hard cardio. Not necessary for just walking or weight lifting or anything like that. But if I'm going all out, either jogging/running or a video - anything that leaves me a sweaty mess - I'm going to use these and here is why:
I do believe this was a 3 mile walk/run. Notice that I have a few wispies and my face has more color, but otherwise it looks the same. THAT is why I love this. My hair isn't bouncing around bugging me when I'm working out AND it stays put throughout. I think I got the idea from a magazine to pull my hair into a bun to keep it in place, but I modified to two buns because my layers kept falling out and one bun was just too much hair for my little clippies to hold.
So there you have it. My workouts in a nutshell. Have a great weekend! xoxo
What is/are your favorite workout(s)? Anything you've been wanting to try? Any workout items or accessories you can't live without?
My treadmill
 |
| Not the best pictures, I know. But I kept forgetting to take these pictures until it was night and there was hardly any light, and my phone is my camera. Blah blah blah. |
Isn't she pretty? I love my treadmill. I'm not really a gym person because I prefer to work out solo. I've always enjoyed walking, and that's how I started getting into shape oh so many years ago when I finally determined to be healthier. Back then I was living in a tiny little room with too much stuff, so my walking consisted of going back and forth in an L shape, wearing a rut in the carpet and leaving blue marks from my shoes when I turned. I've come a long way, baby. At some point I remember getting one of those dinky stepper things, which I wore out in no time. Then I got a manual treadmill. That was fine for a short time, but I wanted one with a motor to help keep me on pace. It took some time, but I finally got this one when I moved into my last place and there's been no going back. I can walk, I can jog, I can run. I can change my incline. I can do one of the preset workouts. I LOVE it so. I learned quickly though not to watch funny things, because I will fall off the treadmill and hurt myself if I laugh too hard. A painful lesson to learn, but it has stuck with me.
Running shoes
Shoes are important. I'm more of a walker/jogger than a runner, but a good running shoe is critical. I feel it when I'm not wearing good shoes, or my shoes have worn out. I've tried several different styles in the stores and I like New Balance. My last new shoes were actually Asics, but I discovered after a while that they do not work well for my feet. I was not getting the proper support where I needed it or something, because my feet always hurt. Which is why I got rid of those and went back to my old New Balance shoes, which took better care of my feet despite being well past their prime. So New Balance it is. There is something about them that works just right for me. They manage to give me the support I need for my flat feet and overpronation, AND for my ankles, without being too restrictive (which is surprisingly difficult for me to find).
As I mentioned previously, I got two new pairs of shoes a few weeks ago:
 |
| Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12 |
 |
| New Balance 860v.2 |
So far, I've mostly used the New Balance because I really prefer them for walking and running. But I want to try the Brooks a bit more, both on the treadmill and for cross-training, to see what works best for me.
Weights
I am not good about maintaining my weight lifting regimen. I'm the first to admit that. My name is Elizabeth, and I am a cardio addict. It's true. I just feel better about myself when I'm all sweaty and out of breath and beet red from a good cardio workout. BUT I also know how important weight lifting is, both for weight loss and for overall health. So I do try to fit it in 2-3 times each week. I know that it helps me. And I love the results, I just don't find it very enjoyable. I mostly alternate between 5 and 8 pound hand weights. I have resistance bands, but I don't use them much. I am considering Les Mills Pump to improve my weight training. Plus the deluxe package comes with a step/bench thingy. I'm still thinking about that though because it's a video based workout. (See the next thing on my list for why that may not work for me.)
Netflix/DVDs/Music
I like watching something or listening to my iPod when I'm working out. It's what keeps me motivated.
1) I get drawn into the story, so the workout goes by faster
2) The pretty people make me want to be in better shape
3) 43 minutes (the approximate length of an hour long show minus the commercials) is a good length for me. Depending on if I'm walking or jogging or running, or a combination, that's usually the time it takes me to go anywhere from 2 to 4 miles. My normal workout is either treadmill for one episode and weight lifting for one episode OR treadmill for two episodes. That seems to work really well for my body and for my schedule.
Workout DVDs
For those times when I'm into a video workout I like to do Turbo Jam
Peripherals (kinda)
Just as important to me as anything else is this:
 |
| Before my workout |
 |
| After my workout |
So there you have it. My workouts in a nutshell. Have a great weekend! xoxo
What is/are your favorite workout(s)? Anything you've been wanting to try? Any workout items or accessories you can't live without?
Friday, February 10, 2012
Friday Randomness
Hi there! I have several posts in the works, all of them about half finished. Focusing is not my strong suit sometimes. It is finally Friday and I'm running on three cups of coffee. (That's a lot for me.) I am tired y'all. Not even for any particular reason. It's just one of those weeks, I guess. So in lieu of any of those other posts still in progress, I'm going to ramble about a few things.
1) I have worked out every night this week. Monday I tried out my new New Balance running shoes and did my toning routine. Tuesday I tried out my new Brooks running shoes for a slightly longer run and determined that I like the New Balance better for running. Wednesday I was back in the New Balance for a short run and toning routine. Last night... oh last night. I was looking forward to a really fun workout, but by the time I got home my head hurt and I had almost no energy. I was thisclose to skipping it altogether, but I managed to pull it together and do a couple of miles on the treadmill while watching Friday Night Lights. That was about all I was capable of. But I'm not dwelling on that. I choose to focus on the fact that I did work out. So yay me. And tonight I am going to go home, put on my jammies and totally veg out. I have earned it, my friends!
2) Friday Night Lights! Oh my gosh, how amazing is this show? It is currently what I call my "workout show," which means I only watch it when I'm working out. It's one of the tricks I use to help motivate me to stick to my workout schedule. (I confess, I have watched a couple epidodes on my lunch breaks. It's that good.) Let me tell you, it really came in handy last night. Oh and the episode I was watching last night was so, so good (Season 1, Ep. 12: What to Do While You're Waiting.) I may have been over-relating just a bit, but wow. So well done. Anyway. If you like a good drama, with good writing and good acting, I highly recommend it. The entire series is on Netflix DVD and streaming (which is how I'm watching it). In fact, I'm very tempted to watch it tonight, but I will try to resist and stick to the numerous things piled up on my DVR.
3) Which brings me to Vampire Diaries. Oh man. This show makes me look forward to Thursdays, people. And it did not disappoint last night. I absolutely HATED the dress they put Nina Dobrev in. But her hair looked fabulous, so I guess I can let it go. So many good things, I can't even get into it all. I wish I had been feeling better so I could more fully enjoy it. But even so, awesome episode, as usual. And Cindy agrees with me! Love!
OK, I'm going to end my rambling there for today. I hope everyone has a lovely weekend. I'm looking forward to lots of rest. xoxo
1) I have worked out every night this week. Monday I tried out my new New Balance running shoes and did my toning routine. Tuesday I tried out my new Brooks running shoes for a slightly longer run and determined that I like the New Balance better for running. Wednesday I was back in the New Balance for a short run and toning routine. Last night... oh last night. I was looking forward to a really fun workout, but by the time I got home my head hurt and I had almost no energy. I was thisclose to skipping it altogether, but I managed to pull it together and do a couple of miles on the treadmill while watching Friday Night Lights. That was about all I was capable of. But I'm not dwelling on that. I choose to focus on the fact that I did work out. So yay me. And tonight I am going to go home, put on my jammies and totally veg out. I have earned it, my friends!
2) Friday Night Lights! Oh my gosh, how amazing is this show? It is currently what I call my "workout show," which means I only watch it when I'm working out. It's one of the tricks I use to help motivate me to stick to my workout schedule. (I confess, I have watched a couple epidodes on my lunch breaks. It's that good.) Let me tell you, it really came in handy last night. Oh and the episode I was watching last night was so, so good (Season 1, Ep. 12: What to Do While You're Waiting.) I may have been over-relating just a bit, but wow. So well done. Anyway. If you like a good drama, with good writing and good acting, I highly recommend it. The entire series is on Netflix DVD and streaming (which is how I'm watching it). In fact, I'm very tempted to watch it tonight, but I will try to resist and stick to the numerous things piled up on my DVR.
3) Which brings me to Vampire Diaries. Oh man. This show makes me look forward to Thursdays, people. And it did not disappoint last night. I absolutely HATED the dress they put Nina Dobrev in. But her hair looked fabulous, so I guess I can let it go. So many good things, I can't even get into it all. I wish I had been feeling better so I could more fully enjoy it. But even so, awesome episode, as usual. And Cindy agrees with me! Love!
OK, I'm going to end my rambling there for today. I hope everyone has a lovely weekend. I'm looking forward to lots of rest. xoxo
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Random things that make me happy
I'm having one of those days when I'm bored with everything, I'm not feeling great and I'm just generally cranky. I know I haven't eaten enough but nothing sounds good. I need my workout tonight (physically and mentally), but I'm not looking forward to it. I'm a joy to be around. You know, one of THOSE days when nothing satisfies me. So why not talk about random things that make me happy to cheer myself up?
I would like to take this opportunity to pat myself on the back a bit. I am proud of myself for staying under budget last month. Yay! I wish I could remember the last time that happened, but, sadly I cannot. Also, I stuck to my goal of at least four workouts per week. I have a chart at home with star stickers to prove it. (Yes I like to reward myself with stickers. They are stars, but not necessarily gold. No, I don't have a color-coded system, though that sounds like something I would do. I could only find a variety pack of the star stickers I like so I'm going through them one color at a time. Right now I'm on blue, which are very pretty and make me smile.) One of these days I should get a picture and share the slightly chaotic method behind the madness of my workout schedule. This is not that day, but maybe soon if I can remember.
I'm going to the cable office this evening to shut off one of the DVRs in my house, because I really don't need two. I want to save money, not spend extra money to have a spare DVR just in case I have too many things on I want to record. That's what the internet is for. Oy. So one DVR will be enough for me even if I end up whining about it. If/when that happens, I will tell myself to stop being so spoiled and ridiculous and be thankful for the things I have (both necessary and not). I've got a pretty good life. And Vampire Diaries is back on this week! So happy! Even one week off is no fun. I had plenty to do last Thursday to distract me from it, but I still missed it. I wonder if they'll kill anyone this week. :D
The belt on my treadmill seems to be working again. Ever since it was moved last March, the belt would not stay aligned, making it impossible for me to run on my treadmill. But after a friend helped me move it into the living room almost a month ago (meaning he moved it while I watched and told him not to hurt himself), it's been working like a charm again. I don't know why. I'm not going to question it; I'm just thankful. I've missed running so so so so much. I prefer being on my treadmill to being outside (I know, to most people that's weird, but whatever), so it's been really tough having the belt out of whack.
I'm super excited to get my taxes done on Saturday. I love tax season! As long as I don't see my W-2 and how much money they take from me, I am a very happy camper. And that refund money is going toward my credit card. I really mean it this time. I say that every year, but I wimp out because I'm always so afraid of not having enough in my checking account. Yet I somehow manage to make it all the other months of the year, plus I have my savings in case of emergency. So I'm going to suck it up and put my return toward my debt (except for however much I may need for new tires).
I'm also excited to get new workout shoes on Saturday. Finding out how much I'll be getting back is sure to put me in a good mood, and the shoe store is on my way home. Plus I have a little surplus funding this month somehow. And my running shoes are OLD. So old they don't even have them on the website anymore because they've updated to a new version. It hurts my feet to even walk in them. I might get a new pair of running shoes and some cross-trainers. Although I found a pair of New Balance (my faves!) that are both. Who knew? We'll see what I find at the store.
Those are the random things that make me happy right now. Are there any little things that fill you with joy? Running/cross-training shoe recommendations? Random thoughts? Please share! xoxo
I would like to take this opportunity to pat myself on the back a bit. I am proud of myself for staying under budget last month. Yay! I wish I could remember the last time that happened, but, sadly I cannot. Also, I stuck to my goal of at least four workouts per week. I have a chart at home with star stickers to prove it. (Yes I like to reward myself with stickers. They are stars, but not necessarily gold. No, I don't have a color-coded system, though that sounds like something I would do. I could only find a variety pack of the star stickers I like so I'm going through them one color at a time. Right now I'm on blue, which are very pretty and make me smile.) One of these days I should get a picture and share the slightly chaotic method behind the madness of my workout schedule. This is not that day, but maybe soon if I can remember.
I'm going to the cable office this evening to shut off one of the DVRs in my house, because I really don't need two. I want to save money, not spend extra money to have a spare DVR just in case I have too many things on I want to record. That's what the internet is for. Oy. So one DVR will be enough for me even if I end up whining about it. If/when that happens, I will tell myself to stop being so spoiled and ridiculous and be thankful for the things I have (both necessary and not). I've got a pretty good life. And Vampire Diaries is back on this week! So happy! Even one week off is no fun. I had plenty to do last Thursday to distract me from it, but I still missed it. I wonder if they'll kill anyone this week. :D
The belt on my treadmill seems to be working again. Ever since it was moved last March, the belt would not stay aligned, making it impossible for me to run on my treadmill. But after a friend helped me move it into the living room almost a month ago (meaning he moved it while I watched and told him not to hurt himself), it's been working like a charm again. I don't know why. I'm not going to question it; I'm just thankful. I've missed running so so so so much. I prefer being on my treadmill to being outside (I know, to most people that's weird, but whatever), so it's been really tough having the belt out of whack.
I'm super excited to get my taxes done on Saturday. I love tax season! As long as I don't see my W-2 and how much money they take from me, I am a very happy camper. And that refund money is going toward my credit card. I really mean it this time. I say that every year, but I wimp out because I'm always so afraid of not having enough in my checking account. Yet I somehow manage to make it all the other months of the year, plus I have my savings in case of emergency. So I'm going to suck it up and put my return toward my debt (except for however much I may need for new tires).
I'm also excited to get new workout shoes on Saturday. Finding out how much I'll be getting back is sure to put me in a good mood, and the shoe store is on my way home. Plus I have a little surplus funding this month somehow. And my running shoes are OLD. So old they don't even have them on the website anymore because they've updated to a new version. It hurts my feet to even walk in them. I might get a new pair of running shoes and some cross-trainers. Although I found a pair of New Balance (my faves!) that are both. Who knew? We'll see what I find at the store.
Those are the random things that make me happy right now. Are there any little things that fill you with joy? Running/cross-training shoe recommendations? Random thoughts? Please share! xoxo
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