2012 Goals in Review

Wow...I haven't written on this blog since February...that's sad.  Actually, I think I've kind of gotten out of the habit of being online.  I rarely sit down at the computer unless it's absolutely necessary.  What a switch that's been since I was working and was in front of a computer most of my day.  Probably that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Anyways, since it's the last day of 2012, I thought I should look back at my goals and see what I've done with them.  I sucked this year!  I didn't accomplish a single goal that I set for myself.  That's a little depressing.  However, I did accomplish alot this year and I think that I should focus on that.  So, here's what we've been up to...since February.

Spring - Tim and I were just talking about how fast 2012 went.  He asked what we did.  I told him we spent the entire spring working on the Land Cruiser, getting it ready for Cruiserfest.  We literally spent as much time as possible from March until he left in June doing Land Cruiser stuff.  I also spent lots and lots of time on my church calling.

June - Tim went to Cruiserfest and actually won "Best Overland Cruiser" in the Show n' Shine.  Apparently, all our work and money paid off.  I went to Youth Conference in Salt Lake City.  I worked in our garden.  We grew corn, peas (which the dogs ate before we picked any), onions, tomatoes, peppers, green beans, pumpkins, zucchini, crookneck squash, miniature corn and maybe some other stuff.  It was a big garden.

July - Rylan went to Scout Camp for the first time and loved it.  He came home wearing the same clothes he wore the entire time he was there.  I'm pretty sure the clothes could have walked around by themselves at that point.  Kyra and I went to Girls Camp at Maple Rise.  It was BLAZING hot! I worked in our garden.

August - I canned lots and lots of green beans...like 100 quarts of green beans.  We made freezer jam.  I made salsa.  I have no idea how much we canned, but that's what I did all month long.

Fall - I don't remember what we did this fall.  Mostly we just were busy.  Tim's job has been swamped.  The kids were busy with soccer and swimming and life.  I started running again and remembered how much I love it.  I started going to the temple with some good friends every other week.  I had a girls weekend in Salt Lake in November.

Christmas was great.  My parents surprised us with a trip to DisneyWorld in January.  The kids are thrilled.  Christmas afternoon I started with the flu and was literally in bed for 5 days.  Not the best way to end the year, but hey, at least it's over and done with.

So, while I totally sucked at achieving my goals this year, I did accomplish quite a bit.  I'll take it and be glad to have a new start tomorrow.

Happy New Year!

Popovers

Last time I made pancakes, I discovered a recipe in my Cooking Light cookbook for "popovers" that looked delicious and I've been meaning to try it and finally found time today.  The picture in the book looks scrumptious and I was hoping that I could pull off something similar.  I was especially excited to see that there was no yeast involved since yeast and I don't really work so great together.  I had never had a popover, but I will say that they definitely worked out and this is a repeat recipe.  I think they would be really great with soup.

Ingredients:
1 c. flour
1/2 t. salt
1 c. milk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 T. butter, melted
cooking spray
1 t. canola oil

Directions:
1. Combine flour and salt, stirring with a whisk. Combine milk and eggs in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk until blended; let stand 30 minutes.  Gradually add flour mixture, stirring well with a whisk.  Stir in butter.
2. Preheat oven to 375.
3. Coat muffin tin with cooking spray.  (The recipe said to brush canola oil evenly in cups to coat, but I didn't do this and mine worked great.) Place muffin tin in a 375 oven for 5 minutes. Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups.  Bake at 357 for 35 minutes.  Serve immediately.
**Don't open the oven door to peak at popovers, use the oven light.  Opening the door may cause them to deflate.**

 

My popovers rose great.  They taste pretty good.  I should mention that they're TOTALLY hollow inside...just in case you were expecting a flaky biscuit/roll texture.  I will definitely make them again, especially when we have soup.

Kona's Valentines Day Party

We have the very best vet/dog school EVER!  Last Thursday, Kona had a Valentines/Birthday party at Mountain View Vet.  As you can see, he got to wear a birthday hat and he actually did wear it.  There was doggy ice cream, pupcakes, and even games.  He did awesome with the other dogs and I think he had fun.  He sure did love the pupcakes and the ice cream, but I think that his favorite part was watching the other dogs play...oh and greeting the other dogs.  I think its pretty amusing when the other dogs walk under him to check under the hood.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentines Day at our house was kinda fun and definitely interesting this year.  When we woke up, I gave Tim a card and reminded him that I didn't get him a gift.  He's SO hard to buy for because he always buys what he wants when he wants and I've tried doing the "cutesy" gifts and he just thinks they're lame, so this year I decided he could get a card.

However, he surprised me with some really great gifts!   I got this super cute workout shirt, which fits GREAT!  He said he thought I might want a new running shirt for the 1/2 marathon in May.

I also got this awesome North Face jacket.  I tried this jacket on weeks ago and really liked it, but couldn't justify buying it when I already have several jackets.  So, when I opened the box and found the jacket inside, I was totally surprised!  The jacket is warm and I love it!

After Tim pulled off a great Valentines gift, I felt like I needed to do something for him...more than a card.  I decided to make him a delicious dinner.  I hit Maceys and ended up with what I thought would be a great Valentines dinner. 

We started the evening off with a bottle of sparkling apple-blueberry juice.  I'm not a huge fan of sparkling grape or apple juice, but I have to say that the blueberries were amazing.  I even broke out our fancy glasses.

While the potatoes were cooking and the grill was warming up, I made our salad.  We were supposed to have everything ready at once, but we ran into some problems.  Our salad ended up being an appetizer.

At Maceys, I picked up some "chicken grillers" from the meat counter.  I asked one of the butchers how to cook them and he said, "Grill them for 15-20 minutes."  I asked if you flipped them and he said, "Yes."  So, while the mashed potatoes were cooking, Tim fired up the grill.  However, the grill didn't get warm.  He realized that the propane tank was empty, so he swapped that out.  Round 2...we put the chicken on the grill, waited 10 minutes, and then flipped them.  I should probably mention that a chicken griller consists of a bacon wrapped chicken breast stuffed with wild rice, mushrooms, and something else that I can't remember right now.  We pulled them off the grill and this is what they looked like...

Until I cut mine open and realized that there was raw chicken on the inside.  Round 3 on the grill...we cooked the chicken for another 15 minutes or so and then checked the inside with our meat thermometer.  Of course, my piece (because I cut it in half) was totally overdone.  Tim's was good, but also a little overcooked.

So, my nice romantic dinner was a complete disaster.  We would buy the chicken grillers again, but I think I would definitely check with a different butcher on the actual cooking method/time.  Oh, and I've pretty much decided that since I'm not doing so hot in the Valentines/romantic department, I'll just let Tim spoil me on Valentines Day.  :)

Downward Dog

For the past 4 weeks, I've been doing yoga at least once a week.  Sometimes, I even "get" to do it twice a week.  I'm learning to tolerate it and maybe even enjoy it, but I've learned that its WAY better to do yoga with friends.  Or Tim.  Or Kona.
 ,
Except that Kona thinks its really fun to bother me while I'm doing yoga.  I'm guessing its because I'm down on his level.  He licks me and tries to tip me over.  He tries to run under my legs and he has even laid down underneath me when I'm in a plank position.  He's a total clown, and I will admit that he does make me laugh while I'm trying to hold a half moon pose while he's leaning on me.  Anyone ever tried a half moon pose with a 120lb great dane leaning on them?

Anyways, the other night after my yoga workout, Kona decided he needed to lay on the yoga mat.  I should also mention that he does this often.  I guess its cushier than the carpet.  I thought that maybe I could get a picture of him doing "downward dog". 

Apparently, my camera is too slow, but this is what I came up with.

 

 So, if anyone is interested in a good, giant yoga buddy let me know.  I'll let you borrow him.  :)

 

P.S. Yes, Kona is as long as the yoga mat.   

Learning to Love the Treadmill

If someone would have asked me a month ago if I thought I might learn to enjoy a treadmill run, I'm pretty sure the answer would have been "NO WAY!" However, over the past month, I've learned to really enjoy my treadmill runs.  In fact, I've chosen to run on the treadmill instead of running outside multiple times.  That is something I never thought I would do.  Today, while I was running 7 miles on the treadmill in a really hot room, I started thinking about why I'm learning to LOVE the treadmill.

In the last couple of months, I've read a couple of articles in different magazines and online about the benefits of treadmill running.  The articles talk about improving form and cadence.  They also talk about monitoring effort and output and intensity.  I've thought about those articles and really, mostly I just thought they were relevant to professional athletes.  However, I think they may be right.  In fact, I'm pretty sure that they are right.

Here's what I've learned about loving the treadmill...

I push myself HARD on the treadmill.  I haven't had such great runs in years...literally years.  I'm fatter than I've been and I'm running faster than I have in years!  Today, my entire t-shirt was soaked...there wasn't a dry spot on it.  I'm pretty sure I could have wrung a cup of sweat out of that shirt.  I was running at puke pace with a smile on my face!  It feels SO good to push myself SO hard.

I can mentally challenge myself better on the treadmill.  I love the positive self-talk that rolls through my head when I'm pushing myself through some hard intervals. I love banking those hard runs and I'm certain that these mental challenges will absolutely pay off in my races.

I love the intervals I can do. There is something seriously cool and dare I say fun about bumping up the speed and pushing myself.  I think it's hard to run "a little bit faster" when I'm running outside.  I'm really loving the intervals.

I'm really getting into the numbers.  It's been great to see legitimate improvements in my runs and to especially see those improvements through actual data.  I'm running faster and my HR is staying the same, so I know my fitness is improving.  The numbers are definitely working for me.

How great is it that Tim and I can go running "together" and run at our own paces.  Tim and I do not run at the same speed, so running outside means that one of us has to run faster or slower to stay together.  When we're on the treadmill, we can run next to each other and do our own workouts.  Oh and Tim totally cheers me on and pushes me by reminding me of my goals, and yelling things out like "Bikini!"

When I'm running on the treadmill, I can totally focus on my running.  I don't have to think about dogs running out of yards or cars driving past me or stop signs and crosswalks.  I can totally get inside my head and pull things out of myself that I'm not sure I would pull out if I were running outside.

Mostly though, what I'm loving about these treadmill runs is that I'm running faster and harder than I have in a long time.  I'm totally feeling like a RUNNER again and I'm LOVING the feeling!

February Workouts

February 1 - KenpoX. 59:00. Burned 376 calories. Max HR 156. Avg HR 118.
CardioX. 41:57. Burned 284 calories. Max HR 155. Avg HR 122.
One of the complaints I have about P90X is that the "cardio" workouts do not burn enough calories, except for Plyometrics.  I would rather go run or cycle because I feel like I get a much better burn, plus I'm doing something that is specific to the sports I enjoy.  Kicking and punching...yeah...its just not something I see myself doing.

February 2 - Treadmill Run. 4.0 miles. 39:24. Burned 466 calories. Max HR 180. Avg HR 163.
5 min @ 5.7 mph
5 min @ 5.8 mph
1 min @ 6.5 mph - I realized I should be going faster so I bumped it up on the next set.
2 min @ 5.7 mph
1 min @ 6.7 mph
2 min @ 5.7 mph
1 min @ 6.7 mph
2 min @ 5.7 mph
1 min @ 6.7 mph
2 min @ 5.7 mph
1 min @ 6.7 mph
2 min @ 5.7 mph
1 min @ 6.7 mph
2 min @ 5.7 mph
1 min @ 6.7 mph
2 min @ 5.7 mph - I also realized that I probably should have been recovering at 6.0 mph.
1 min @ 6.7 mph
2 min @ 6.0 mph
1 min @ 6.2 mph
1 min @ 6.4 mph
1 min @ 6.6 mph
1 min @ 6.8 mph
I'm feeling really good about my running lately.  I think my speed is definitely improving.  I'm able to go faster without my HR going up.  I'm recovering quickly.  I'm really loving these high intensity workouts.
StretchX. 57:01. Burned 239 calories. Max HR 135. Avg HR 101.

February 3 - Core Synergistics. 57:59 Burned 370 calories. Max HR 159. Avg HR 118.  Used 5, 8, and 10 lb dumbbells.
This was one of those days when I waited for Tim to workout with me and he decided to have a rest day.  I thought about adding another workout to this one, but I also knew that I had a run workout on Saturday, so I just took it as a great core workout.


February 4 - Treadmill Run. 7.0 miles. 1:09:43. Burned 845 calories. Max HR 186. Avg HR 166.
5 min @ 5.7 mph
5 min @ 6.1 mph
5 min @ 5.7 mph
4 min @ 6.3 mph
4 min @ 5.7 mph
3 min @ 6.5 mph
3 min @ 5.7 mph
2 min @ 6.7 mph
2 min @ 5.7 mph
1 min @ 7.0 mph
5 min @ 5.7 mph
5 min @ 6.1 mph
5 min @ 5.7 mph
4 min @ 6.3 mph
4 min @ 5.7 mph
3 min @ 6.5 mph
3 min @ 5.7 mph
2 min @ 6.7 mph
2 min @ 5.7 mph
1 min @ 7.0 mph
45 sec @ 6.0 mph
15 sec @ 6.1 mph
15 sec @ 6.2 mph
15 sec @ 6.3 mph
15 sec @ 6.4 mph
15 sec @ 6.5 mph
This was an AWESOME run!  I can't remember the last time I ran 7 miles and I especially can't remember when I ran 7 miles in under 10 min/mile pace.  I did have to talk myself through this workout.  I didn't want to run but once I got going, I mentally talked through each mile.  There was not a dry spot on my t-shirt when I finished and I have forgotten how my legs feel when I run long and hard, but I feel great.  It's nice to know I still have some speed left in me.

February 5 - Rest.

February 6 - Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps. 1:01:52. Burned 327 calories. Max HR 143. Avg HR 109. Used 3, 5, 8, 10, 15, and 20 lb dumbbells.  I'm hoping that I'll like this workout better next week.  I worked hard, but I sometimes think I need to do a workout once or twice before I can really know how hard I need to work.
Trainer Ride. 32:00. Burned 212 calories. Max HR 139. Avg HR 119. Since I signed up for Little Red, I need to get back on Oscar.  Apparently, I have lost my saddle calluses.  That means I need to spend lots more time on the bike before June.

February 7 - Jari Love Get Extremely Ripped 1000. 1:23:46. Burned 744 calories Max HR 188. Avg HR 139. Used 5,8,10 lb dumbbells.
Treadmill Run. 29:32. Burned 311 calories. Max HR 178. Avg HR 160.

February 8 - Back and Biceps. 24:39. Burned 128 calories. Max HR 149. Avg HR 109. Used 10 and 15 lb dumbbells.  Tim and I didn't get to finish this workout, so we finished it the next day.
Ultimate Calorie Blaster. 45:59. Burned 367 calories. Max HR 165. Avg HR 131. Used 8 lb dumbbells.

February 9 - Back and Biceps. 45:35. Burned 237 calories. Max HR 158. Avg HR 108. Used 10 and 15 lb dumbbells.

February 10 - Rest.

February 11 - Treadmill Run. 59:51. 6 miles. Burned 645 calories. Max HR 175. Avg HR 155.
5 min @ 5.7 mph
5 min @ 6.0 mph
5 min @ 5.7 mph
4 min @ 6.2 mph
4 min @ 5.7 mph
3 min @ 6.5 mph
3 min @ 5.7 mph
2 min @ 6.7 mph
2 min @ 5.7 mph
1 min @ 7.0 mph
1 min @ 5.7 mph
4 min @ 5.8 mph
5 min @ 6.1 mph
5 min @ 5.8 mph
4 min @ 6.3 mph
4 min @ 5.8 mph
3 min @ 6.5 mph

February 12 - Rest.

February 13 - Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps. 57:09. Burned 390 calories. Max HR 148. Avg HR 122. Used 5, 8, 10, 15 lb dumbbells.
Legs and Back. 58:19. Burned 486 calories. Max HR 166. Avg HR 135. Used 10, 15 lb dumbbells.

February 14 - Jari Love - Get Ripped Slim and Lean. 1:06:34. Burned 411 calories. Max HR 159. Avg HR 116. Used 5,8,10, 15 lb dumbbells.

February 15 - Rest.

February 16- Back and Biceps. 53:06. Burned 356 calories. Avg HR 163. Avg HR 121. Used 10,15,20 lb dumbbells.

February 17 - Treadmill Run. 3.1 miles. 30:52. Burned 380 calories. Max HR 181. Avg HR 167.
5 min @ 5.7 mph
5 min @ 5.8 mph
5 min @ 5.9 mph
5 min @ 6.0 mph
2 min @ 6.1 mph
2 min @ 6.2 mph
2 min @ 6.3 mph
2 min @ 6.4 mph
2 min @ 6.5 mph

February 18 - Rest.

February 19 - Rest.

February 20 - Legs and Back. 1:00:48. Burned 511 calories. Max HR 167. Avg HR 136. Used 10, 15 lb dumbbells. I felt so pukey and tired during this workout. 

2012 Races

Earlier this year, I was talking with Tim about how I was missing doing races.  Last year, I think I only did a few events and I realized that I really miss racing and training.  So, because he's such an awesome hubby, he's been encouraging me to sign up for races and making sure that we have the $$$ in the budget so I can race like I like to.

I haven't really come up with my race schedule for the year, but I am registered for 3 big events.  Here they are!

May 19 - Ogden 1/2 Marathon

June 2 - Little Red Riding Hood Century Ride

September 8 - Bear Lake Brawl 1/2 Ironman

Like I said, I haven't decided what else I would like to do, but I'm kind of toying with doing the Top of Utah 1/2 Marathon, but I think it's just a week or two before the 1/2 IM, so that probably won't happen.  However, there are lots of other options.  I'm just excited to get back into racing.

January Results

Since it's the first day of February, it was time for Tim and I to weigh in and do our measurements.  We're on week 4 of P90X.  We didn't take any pictures, but we did do our stats.  Tim is doing awesome and is losing and gaining in all of the right spots.

I've been feeling a bit discouraged because the scale doesn't seem to be moving much for me.  However, today, I'm down 7 lbs since January 1 and I have lost 9 inches!  I lost 2 1/2 inches off my hips!  I'll definitely take that.  Oh and I'm looking forward to all of the February workouts to see how much more we can lose!

January Workouts

January 1 -  X Stretch - 57 min.  I didn't wear my HR monitor for this workout.  Mostly I just wanted to do something to start the new year off on a good note.  The stretching felt good, although my lower back was SUPER tight when I finished.

January 2 - Treadmill Run. 33:41.  3.2 miles.  Burned 369 calories.  Avg HR 164.  Max HR 184.
5 min @ 5.2 mph
5 min @ 5.7 mph
5 min @ 5.5 mph
4 min @ 6 mph
4 min @ 5.5 mph
3 min @ 6.3 mph
3 min @ 5.5 mph
2 min @ 6.7 mph
2 min @ 5.5 mph
1 min @ 7.0 mph
I should have done a cooldown after this run, but I figured my cooldown could be my walk home and a strength training workout.  However, my HR was too high and my strength training workout didn't go so great.
Super Body Sculpt. 14:29.  Burned 130 calories.  Avg HR 148. Max HR 159. 5, 8, 10, 15lb dumbbells.

January 3 - Jari Love Get Extremely Ripped 1000. 1:25:57.  Burned 752 calories.  Max HR 178. Avg HR 144.  5, 8, 10 lb dumbbells.  This workout was tough today.  My legs must be tired from my run yesterday.  I'm hoping tomorrow's hill workout will go ok with tired legs.

January 4 - Treadmill Run.  41:13. Burned 487 calories.  Avg HR 171.  Max HR 184.
5 min @ 5.3 mph
5 min @ 5.5 mph
30 sec @ 5% incline @ 5.5 mph. 2:30 recovery @ 5.5 mph.
30 sec @ 6% incline @ 5.5 mph. 2:30 recovery @ 5.5 mph.
30 sec @ 7% incline @ 5.5 mph. 2:30 recovery @ 5.5 mph.
30 sec @ 6% incline @ 5.3 mph. 2:30 recovery @ 5.3 mph.
30 sec @ 7% incline @ 5.3 mph. 2:30 recovery @ 5.3 mph.
30 sec @ 8% incline @ 5.3 mph. 2:30 recovery @ 5.3 mph.
30 sec @ 7% incline @ 5.3 mph. 2:30 recovery @ 5.0 mph.
30 sec @ 8% incline @ 5.3 mph. 2:30 recovery @ 5.0 mph.
30 sec @ 9% incline @ 5.3 mph. 2:30 recovery @ 5.0 mph.
3 min @ 5.5 mph
The fitness room was blazing hot today so I think that's why my HR was SO elevated today.  It was a great run and I even talked myself through the tough parts.  I was going to do a strength training workout, but we have somewhere to be tonight.  Oh and I think I'm catching Tim's cold.  :(

January 5 - Body Sculpt.  51:31. Burned 428 calories.  Avg HR 140. Max HR 168. 5,8,10,15 lb dumbbells.  I talked Tim into working out with me and made him throw up and get dizzy.  Probably I won't win the "best wife ever" award today.

January 6 - Treadmill Run. 42.47.  4.0 miles.  Burned 493 calories.  Avg HR 164.  Max HR 184.
5 min @ 5.2 mph
5 min @ 5.7 mph
5 min @ 5.5 mph
4 min @ 6 mph
4 min @ 5.5 mph
3 min @ 6.3 mph
3 min @ 5.5 mph
2 min @ 6.7 mph
2 min @ 5.5 mph
1 min @ 7.0 mph
1 min @ 5.3 mph
1 min @ 5.4 mph
1 min @ 5.5 mph
1 min @ 5.6 mph
1 min @ 5.8 mph
2 min @ 6.0 mph
1 min @ 6.5 mph
I have a full blown cold, including loss of voice.  I did get my run done though and Tim even ran on the treadmill next to me.  Once again, not winning the best wife award today because we had to cancel his birthday party...

January 9 - Chest and Back.  56:28. Burned 336 calories.  Max HR 158. Avg HR 120.  Used 10, 15 lb dumbbells.  Day 1 of P90X was hard, but not as hard as I thought.  I think our new pull up machine will definitely be helpful.
Ab Ripper X. 16.09. Burned 89 calories. Max HR 139. Avg HR 116.  I hate this workout.  It's really hard and it kills my hip flexors.  Tim cheered me on though and I did my best to get through it.

January 10 - Treadmill Run.  30:40. 3.01 miles. Burned 355 calories.  Max HR 186. Avg HR. 168.
5 min @ 5.2 mph
5 min @ 5.7 mph
11 min @ 6.0 mph
1 min @ 6.1mph
1 min @ 6.2 mph
2 min @ 6.3 mph
2 min @ 6.4 mph
2 min @ 6.0 mph
1 min @ 6.0 mph
For P90X we were supposed to do "Plyometrics" but since we're training for the Ogden 1/2 marathon, we're doing running for our cardio.  I may try to add in Plyo next week, but we'll see how it goes.

January 11 - Shoulders and Arms.  50:52. Burned 346 calories. Max HR 159. Avg HR120. Used 8, 10, 15lb dumbbells.  Apparently, I don't work hard enough during these workouts...although, I feel like I'm working as hard as I can.  I'm always bummed about the calories burned and I feel like I need to do more.  So, maybe I'll start adding in an extra cardio workout on my strength training days.
Ab Ripper X. 16.09. Burned 89 calories. Max HR 139. Avg HR 116.  This workout went better today than on Monday.  I still don't love it, but maybe it will come?

January 12 - YogaX. 90 min.  I didn't wear my HR monitor for this workout because it frustrates me when I don't burn alot of calories, so I skipped it today and just focused on doing my best and getting through the whole 90 min.
Treadmill Run - Tim wanted to run, which surprised me so we went over to the clubhouse to use the treadmills.  I wasn't really feeling much like running until we started running and then I had a fantastic workout. I ended up running 4 miles in 43:17.  I burned 509 calories.  My max HR 12 186 and my avg HR was 170.
10 min @ 5.5 mph
30 sec @ 6% incline @ 5.5 mph, 2:30 recovery @ 5.5 mph
30 sec @ 7% incline @ 5.5 mph, 2:30 recovery @ 5.5 mph
30 sec @ 8% incline @ 5.5 mph, 2:30 recovery @ 5.5 mph
30 sec @ 7% incline @ 5.5 mph, 2:30 recovery @ 5.5 mph
30 sec @ 8% incline @ 5.5 mph, 2:30 recovery @ 5.5 mph
30 sec @ 9% incline @ 5.5 mph, 2:30 recovery @ 5.5 mph
30 sec @ 8% incline @ 5.5 mph, 2:30 recovery @ 5.5 mph
30 sec @ 9% incline @ 5.5 mph, 2:30 recovery @ 5.5 mph
30 sec @ 10% incline @ 5.5 mph, 2:30 recovery @ 5.5 mph
1 min @ 5.5 mph
1 min @ 5.6 mph
1 min @ 5.7 mph
1 min @ 5.8 mph
30 sec @ 6.0 mph
30 sec @ 6.2 mph
Finished 4 miles at 6.7 mph


January 13 - Legs and Back. 1:07:02. Burned 515 calories.  Max HR 171.  Avg HR 134.  I used 10 and 15 lb dumbbells.  This is maybe my fav P90X workout.  I think it's because I feel like I really get a great workout.  My legs are trashed...I was feeling them when I was carrying groceries up the stairs.  Tomorrow is a long run (5 miles) so I'm hoping that will go okay with tired legs.

January 14 - Treadmill Run. 52:28. 5.0 miles. Burned 606 calories. Max HR 189. Avg HR 169.  My legs were tired today...probably from the Legs and Back workout yesterday.  I was planning on doing 5 miles today, but around mile 2 I was thinking maybe I should just cut it back to 4.  However, Tim, who was on the treadmill next to me kept saying "Go wifey!" or "Bikini" or "Keep running until I finish my 4 miles."  So, I did 5 miles.  It felt great.
5 min @ 5.3 mph
5 min @ 5.4 mph
5 min @ 5.5 mph
5 min @ 5.6 mph
5 min @ 5.7 mph
5 min @ 5.8 mph
5 min @ 5.9 mph
5 min @ 6.0 mph
5 min @ 5.8 mph
0.25 miles @ 6.0 mph
0.25 miles @ 6.2 mph
0.25 miles @ 6.5 mph

January 15 - REST.  Tim and I planned on doing StretchX today, but we didn't fit it in before church or after church or before bed, so it turned into a complete rest day.

January 16 - Chest and Back.  52+ min.  Tim and I did this workout this morning.  He wore the HR monitor so I don't have any data for me, but he burned a whopping 716 calories for this workout.  He also killed it...especially compared to last week.  I never burn that many calories for this workout, but I did work hard.
Ab Ripper X.  I'm really not enjoying this ab workout so I may start switching in a different ab workout.  I just feel like my hip flexors get trashed during the workout and my abs are NEVER sore.  I'll see how Wednesday goes.

January 17 - Treadmill Run. 4.0 miles. 40:41. Burned 518 calories. Max HR 184. Avg HR 170.
5 min @ 5.5 mph
5 min @ 6.0 mph
5 min @ 5.5 mph
4 min @ 6.3 mph
4 min @ 5.5 mph
3 min @ 6.5 mph
3 min @ 5.5 mph
2 min @ 6.7 mph
2 min @ 5.5 mph
1 min @ 7.0 mph
1 min @ 5.5 mph
1 min @ 5.6 mph
1 min @ 5.7 mph
1 min @ 5.8 mph
30 sec @ 5.9 mph
30 sec @ 6.0 mph
30 sec @ 6.1 mph
30 sec @ 6.2 mph
Tim and I did this workout after YW on Tuesday night.  We watched the tail end of the Biggest Loser and I really pushed myself...not because I was particularly motivated by the fat people weighing in on tv...but mostly because I was feeling super great.

January 18 -  Calorie Killer. 40:26. Burned 323 calories. Max HR 158. Avg HR 132.  I did this workout while I was waiting for Tim to get off work.
Shoulders and Arms.  1:01:51.  Burned 419 calories. Max HR 155. Avg HR 120.  Used 15,10,8lb dumbbells.

January 19 - Plyometrics. 58:40. Burned 590 calories. Max HR 175. Avg HR 149.  Tim and I were planning on running but by the time he got off work, he was done for the day, so I figured I would get this workout done and out of the way.

January 20 - Treadmill Run. 50:55. 5.0 miles. Burned 628 calories. Max HR 184. Avg HR 167.
5 min @ 5.5 mph
5 min @ 5.6 mph
5 min @ 5.7 mph
5 min @ 5.8 mph
5 min @ 5.9 mph
8 min @ 6.0 mph
3 min @ 5.9 mph
3 min @ 5.8 mph
3 min @ 5.7 mph
2:30 min @ 6.0 mph
2:30 min @ 6.1 mph
2:30 min @ 6.2 mph
This was a hard run but mostly because my legs were toasted from Plyometrics last night.  However, I pushed through.  Mostly though I was totally impressed with Tim's mental toughness.  He REALLY didn't want to run today, but he pushed through it. 

January 21 - Legs and Back. 59:51. Burned 446 calories.  Max HR 160. Avg HR 127.  I used 10lb dumbbells.  I had good intentions of adding on YogaX to this workout, but I was done.  I think my legs are just tired and worn out and trashed.  I also didn't get enough sleep last night and was hungry.  So, we'll take it as a lesson and move on.  I think I was missing my workout partner too.  He's snowboarding with the kids today.

January 22 - Rest.

January 23 - Chest and Back. 55:29. Burned 329 calories. Max HR 155. Avg HR 114. I used 10, 15, and 20 lb dumbbells.


January 24 - Treadmill Run. 4.0 miles. 40:33. Burned 479 calories. Max HR 177. Avg HR 161.
5 min @ 5.5 mph
5 min @ 6.0 mph
5 min @ 5.5 mph
4 min @ 6.2 mph
4 min @ 5.5 mph
3 min @ 6.5 mph
3 min @ 5.5 mph
2 min @ 6.7 mph
2 min @ 5.5 mph
1 min @ 7.0 mph
1 min @ 5.5 mph
1 min @ 5.6 mph
1 min @ 5.7 mph
30 sec @ 5.8 mph
30 sec @ 5.9 mph
30 sec @ 6.0 mph
30 sec @ 6.2 mph
30 sec @ 6.3 mph
30 sec @ 6.4 mph
30 sec @ 6.5 mph

January 25 - Shoulders and Arms. 1:03:32. Burned 395 calories. Max HR 151. Avg HR 116. I used 8, 10, and 15 lb dumbbells.

January 26 - Treadmill Run. 3.0 miles. 30:57. Burned 361 calories. Max HR 180. Avg HR 162.
5 min @ 5.5 mph
5 min @ 5.7 mph
30 sec @ 6% @ 5.7 mph
2:30 recovery @ 5.7 mph
30 sec @ 7% @ 5.7 mph
2:30 recovery @ 5.7 mph 
30 sec @ 8% @ 5.7 mph
2:30 recovery @ 5.7 mph 
30 sec @ 7% @ 5.7 mph
2:30 recovery @ 5.7 mph 
30 sec @ 8% @ 5.7 mph
2:30 recovery @ 5.7 mph 
30 sec @ 9% @ 5.7 mph
2:30 recovery @ 5.7 mph
1 min @ 5.7 mph
1 min @ 5.8 mph
1 min @ 5.9 mph
1 min @ 6.0 mph
0.25 miles @ 7.0 mph
This workout got cut short due to people waiting on the treadmill.
YogaX. 75 min. I've decided this workout is super painful to do alone.

January 27 - KenpoX. 55:35. Burned 399 calories. Max HR 160. Avg HR 125. I wanted to get in an extra cardio workout today since we have our Biggest Loser weigh-in tomorrow morning.
Legs and Back. 1:07:18. burned 502 calories. Max HR 165. Avg HR 127. I used 10 and 15 lb dumbbells for this workout.

January 28 - Treadmill Run. 6 miles. 1:02:34.  Burned 766 calories. Max HR 183. Avg HR 166.
5 min @ 5.5 mph
5 min @ 5.6 mph
5 min @ 5.7 mph
5 min @ 5.8 mph
3 min @ 5.5 mph
3 min @ 6.3 mph
3 min @ 5.5 mph
3 min @ 6.0 mph
3 min @ 5.5 mph
3 min @ 6.0 mph
3 min @ 5.5 mph
3 min @ 6.0 mph
3 min @ 5.5 mph
3 min @ 6.0 mph
2 min @ 5.5 mph
1 min @ 5.6 mph
1 min @ 5.7 mph
1 min @ 5.8 mph
1 min @ 5.9 mph
1 min @ 6.0 mph
1 min @ 5.9 mph
1 min @ 5.8 mph
1 min @ 6.0 mph
1 min @ 6.1 mph
1 min @ 6.2 mph

January 29 - Rest

January 30 - Rest

January 31 - Treadmill Run. 4.0 miles. 39:06. Burned 454 calories. Max HR 179. Avg HR 162.
5 min @ 5.7 mph
5 min @ 6.2 mph
5 min @ 5.7 mph
4 min @ 6.5 mph
4 min @ 5.7 mph
3 min @ 6.7 mph
3 min @ 5.7 mph
2 min @ 7.0 mph
2 min @ 5.7 mph
1 min @ 7.5 mph
1 min @ 6.0 mph
1 min @ 6.1 mph
1 min @ 6.2 mph
1 min @ 6.3 mph
1 min @ 6.4 mph
This was a phenomenal run for me.  I decided to challenge myself and bump up my speeds for the "treading" workout.  It worked and I felt great.  Apparently, I need to keep going at these speeds for February.
Core Synergistics. 58:16. Burned 458 calories. Max HR 164. Avg HR 130. I used 5 and 8 lb dumbbells.

What's for Dinner?

Tonight, I tried another new recipe from Cooking Light.  I made it and ate it and am waiting to hear Tim's opinion of it.  I think it needs LOTS more flavor...so if you have any suggestions, please pass them along.

Enchilada Casserole
Ingredients:
1 pound lean ground beef
1 c. chopped onion
1 T. butter
1 T. minced garlic
1 1/2 T. flour
1 c. beef broth (I used the whole can)
1 T. taco seasoning mix (I used the whole package)
1 8 oz can of tomato sauce (I used a 15oz can)
4 (8 in) whole wheat flour tortillas (I used corn tortillas)
1/3 c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese (I used fiesta blend cheese)

Directions:
1.  Heat a large nonstick skillet over med-high heat.  Add beef and onion to pan; cook 6 min, stirring to crumble.
2.  Preheat oven to 400.
3.  Melt butter in a medium saucepan over med-high heat.  Add garlic; saute 1 min. Sprinkle with flour; cook 30 sec, stirring constantly.  Add broth, taco seasoning, and tomato sauce to pan.  Bring to a boil; cook 2 min, stirring occasionally.  Add 1 1/2 c. tomato mixture to beef mixture; reserve 1/2 c. tomato mixture.
4.  Place 1 tortilla in a 9-inch pie plate.  Top with 1 c. beef mixture.  Repeat layers, ending with tortilla.  Spread reserved tomato mixture over tortilla.  Top with cheese.  Bake at 400 for 10 minutes or until cheese melts.  Cool slightly.  Cut into 4 wedges.

***I added a T. of cheese between each layer.  I also cooked the dish for about 25 min to melt the cheese. 

Please see nutritional information HERE.

So, like I said, I feel like it needs a BIG flavor boost.  If you have any suggestions, please comment!  I think this recipe is a keeper...I just need to tweak it a bit.

I Need Some Sunshine!

Kona LOVES the sunshine 

and will go around the house trying to find the best places
to lay in the sun.  

This afternoon, 

the only place he could find the sunshine was on the back of the couch.  

Apparently, my sweet giant dog thinks its okay to rest on the armrest of the couch

to catch the final rays of the day!

P.S. At least he laid his head on his toy instead of sliming the couch...

What's for Dinner?

Dinner tonight was a SMASHING success!  Tim couldn't stop talking about how yummy it was.  He even said the recipe was blog-worthy...so here you go!  The recipe is called "Cheesy Potato Soup" and I found it in my Cooking Light magazine.

Ingredients:
1 T. butter
1 c. chopped onion
2 1/2 T. flour
3 c. chopped red potatoes (Tim said he wished the potatoes were in smaller chunks.)
1 1/4 c. 1% milk (I used 1/2 c. of 2% milk and 3/4 c. skim milk.)
3/4 c. chicken broth
1/2 c. water
1/2 c. shredded reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese (I used a cup of reduced fat fiesta blend cheese...because I love cheese.)
1/8 t. ground red pepper
2 T. chopped green onions

Directions:
1. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.  Add onion to pan; saute 5 minutes or until onion is tender.  Sprinkle with flour; cook 1 minute, stirring onion mixture constantly. Add potato, milk, broth, and water to pan; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes.  Add 1/2 c. cheese and ground red pepper; cook 2 minutes or until cheese melts, stirring frequently.  Top each serving evenly with green onions. (I added some cheese.)

**Tim said he would add some sort of meat...I would recommend bacon bits, but since we're trying to eat healthier, we just added some chopped up turkey I had leftover from dinner the other night.

You can find nutritional information from Cooking Light HERE.

Week 1 of P90X

On Saturday, we had our weigh in for the Biggest Loser: Hansen edition.  I've lost 6+ lbs since January 1.  I'll take it!  :)  Now, I just need to keep that going for the next few months.  Tim and I also finished our first week of modified P90X.  We did all of the strength workouts last week, including YogaX.  Tim pushed himself through the workouts.  We also ran 3 times last week (in place of Plyometrics and Kenpo) so our 1/2 marathon training is going great as well. 

Week 2 started today and we pressed play and brought it.  Tomorrow is a running day, but I may try to add in Plyometrics. 

Day 1 of P90X

Last Friday, our pull up bar arrived and we put it together on Saturday afternoon.  It was only missing one part, which was easily remedied by a quick trip to the hardware store.  Last night, we practiced pull ups using the weight bench for help.  I've never been able to do a pull up in my whole life, but maybe in 3 months I'll be able to? 


Today was day 1 of P90X.  I woke Tim up around 8:20am and we headed downstairs for our workout.  It was the "Chest and Back" dvd, as well as the Ab Ripper X workout. Tim and I alternated the exercises, so while I was doing push ups, he was doing pull ups and vice versa.  It was a tough workout, but we finished...although I'm not sure we were smiling.  I think we're going to be sore tomorrow, but I also think we get to have hot tub time tonight, so I'll take it.

Tomorrow is "Plyometrics", but since we're training for the 1/2 marathon in May, we're going to run instead, although I may try to fit in another workout, just to get some extra calories burned since we have a weigh in coming up on Saturday morning.

Winter Weather

The weather this winter has been SO weird!  We have no snow on the ground.  It's 40 degrees or so outside.  Its warm enough to wear chacos and for Kona to be out lying in the sunshine.  He's loving it!

I, on the other hand, have mixed emotions about this.  It's supposed to be cold and snowy.  There is supposed to be enough snow up at Beaver Mountain so that Tim and the kids can go snowboarding.  Its supposed to be dreary and grey and cloudy.  But, it's not...and I'm not sure how to deal with it.

Oh...funny thing...apparently lots of people in the valley have made the resolution to run/walk/bike whatever because this week there have been SO many people outside!  It was just something I noticed while we were out yesterday.

Anyways, the weather is weird.  I'm struggling with the winter blues and it's not really even winter.  Bizarre...

Also, because I think Kona is super cute, we'll end on a good note.  He got a giant Cat in the Hat for Christmas and apparently loves it enough to snuggle it.

The Biggest Loser: Hansen Edition

Before Christmas, Tim and I were over at my Mom and Dad's house with my brother Eric and my sister-in-law Karen.  We were sitting around talking and my Mom asked us if we would be interested in doing a Biggest Loser challenge.  My Dad said he even had a prize.

Tim and I talked about it and decided we were in.  We would both like to lose some poundage and thought this might be a fun way to do it.  Then, we found out the prize.

My Dad is giving the winning couple 2 free airline ticket vouchers.  I don't remember how much they're worth, but 2 free airline tickets.  We're definitely in!

Yesterday was the initial weigh in.  We all (except for Tim because he's been sick) met at Eric and Karen's house and weighed in. Tim and I were the "smallest" couple...not my much.  We will weigh in again in 2 weeks on January 14.  Then, we will continue to weigh in every 2 weeks.  The couple who loses the highest percentage of weight wins the airline tickets. 

Here's hoping it's us because we could really use a vacation.  I will say this though...I would rather just lose the weight, regardless of whether we win or not.  I'm ready to get moving on this challenge!

FHE Treat

Yes, I did start a Biggest Loser competition today and yes, I've been craving something sweet all day.  I've been thinking about how I can make a "healthy" cookie and here's what I came up with...oatmeal pumpkin chocolate chips.  Then, I found the recipe.


Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup quick cooking rolled oats, uncooked
1 teaspoon baking Soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, slightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

 

Preheat oven to 350F. Grease baking sheets. Combine flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; set aside. Beat together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mix. Alternate additions of dry ingredients and pumpkin, mixing well after each addition. Stir in chocolate pieces. For each cookie, drop 1/4 cup of dough onto prepared baking sheet. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until firm and lightly browned.

**I made smaller cookies and baked them for 12 minutes.  We like soft cookies at our house...no dunkers.  

Oh and in an effort to be control our intake, I only made one batch and froze the rest of the dough.  I'm pretty sure we don't need 5 dozen of any kind of cookies sitting around.  I also realize that these cookies are not healthy, but hey...they do have a vegetable in them. 

Happy New Year: Goals for 2012

For about a week now, I've been thinking about what goals I want to set for myself this year.  I looked back over my goals from 2011 and even evaluated them to see how well I did and I didn't do so hot.  I've been thinking that maybe I should work on some 3 month goals and then move forward so that I don't lose steam and so that I feel a sense of accomplishment sooner.  I've debated on what exactly I want to work on this year.  Tim and I have discussed some things we want to work on.  In spite of all of this thinking, I still don't have a final list, but I'm hoping that maybe if I list a few things here now, that I'll have some more concrete ideas come into my head.  So, here goes...

1.  Lose 40+ lbs.

My family is doing a Biggest Loser contest and we started today.  I'll post more about that tomorrow.  I'm hoping that will kick the weight loss off to a good start and get me motivated.  Tim and I are starting P90X next week to go along with that, so I think we have a good plan in place to see some results.  So, I think I'll see how the next 3 months go with P90X and the Biggest Loser and then I'll go from there and re-evaluate how this goal is going.

2.  Temple Attendance

Last night, Tim and I were talking about goals and he mentioned that maybe we ought to set a goal to attend as many temples in Utah as we can this year.  We have several temples pretty close to us so I think this is doable.  We just need to make the effort to plan instead of just saying, "hey, we should try to go to the temple this week."

3.  PR at the 1/2 IM distance.

Yes, this has been a goal of mine for the past few years and I haven't done much about it.  I've already looked at races this year and I'm planning on registering for the Bear Lake Brawl 1/2 Ironman in September.  I feel like that race will give me time to get a headstart on the weight loss and start my training when I can actually train outside.  Tim is on board for this goal and I'm hoping that my summer will allow me to really train the way I would like to in order to achieve this goal.

4. Learn to mountain bike.

Tim loves to mountain bike and he's pretty good at it.  I on the other hand can climb like a champ and will climb all day long on my mountain bike.  The problem for me is going downhill.  It scares me and I don't like it at all.  So, I told Tim the other night that I would like to learn to mountain bike.  I won't be able to start on this goal until the spring and summer, so I'm going to keep it off the radar until then, but I did want to write it down so that I can remember.

Those are the goals I have for myself so far.  I really do think that if I focus on shorter goals, like 3 month goals that I might actually feel better about my accomplishments and feel like I'm making progress instead of having them sit out there, sort of forgotten.

Happy New Year!

May 2012 be even better than 2011!