Monday Motivation

I'm finding it a challenge to deal with all the nasty weather we've had.  My motivation seems to be lagging. The RW Run Streak is definitely getting me out the door on days I don't want to run.  It seems like it's been just one and done every day for the last week.  I'm okay with that.  Each mile counts.  Each mile is a victory.

I'm also reading another book on running.  I find motivation and inspiration in the experiences of others.  I need to remember this on snowy, ugly, gray wintry days:

"As humans, on a most basic level, we get hungry, we sleep, we yearn for love, we run.  Just watch small children left to play unsupervised.  They can't stop running.  It is part of what makes us human."

--Running with the Kenyans

My weekend runs can be summed up in two words:  Cold and Wet

 

Today I have plans to meet a friend at the gym.  It will be nice to workout with a buddy.  And I may even enjoy tolerate running on a treadmill for a change.

FroYo Friday

Today's RWRunStreak was just another mile in the cold. 

But I wore my new Fila tank and tights. 

Bright colors make me feel fast (even if I'm not) and that makes me happy. 

Used one of my coupons for some FroYo

Yum!

And this made me laugh. A plea to get shopping 

Just $920 to go to get a $5 coupon. What a deal!?

Oh Happy Day

I worked in the office all day but had the good sense to plan ahead for once. I brought my running clothes with me so I could stop and run my mile before going home. 

It was sooo cold. I definitely need to get some new gloves soon. 

On my way out the path I couldn't help but notice the iced over footprints. I thought they would make a good photo. 

So of course that resulted in a whole lotta picture taking. 

After an inordinate amount of self portraits, I reached around and took the most awesome pic through my legs!  

And my night has just been made, because my pic was featured by Ohio_Runs!!!! 

How could this day get better?  Oh it just did!  I have awesome friends who give me coupons. 

I see new shoes and frozen yogurt in my future!

Happy Slump Day

My work day Wednesday was long. I was back in the cave. On the upside, today there were free donuts and free lunch. 

The chocolate cake was the best part. 

I was really cold today and definitely lacking motivation.  This helped. 

So did my nap. 

Actually, I absolutely did not want to run. I considered going to the gym and hitting the dreadmill but it just seemed too far to go. But....after much delay and complaining I bundled up and headed out. 

Day 14, one and done. 

And I got hooted at by some dudes in a truck. Normally that would irritate me, but I decided they were cheering me on for running in 20 degree temps after dark. 

Two Mile Tuesday

Today got off to a snowy start. Lots of school closings and delays, so I had a late breakfast. 

Fage Peach is hands down my favorite. 

Today's RWRUNSTREAK was cold and snowy but fun. 

I followed in other people's tracks and made some new ones of my own. 

After my run I went to Kohls and cleaned up!!!

 First I just want to say that I love my new coat (from NY&C). It's matches my boots and purse and I'm never that coordinated. Shameless selfie? Check. 

Now here's the good stuff 

Cute tights, 3 long sleeve shirts, 2 tanks and a beanie all for.....drumroll please....$55. I saved over $141 and scored $10 Kohls cash. I heart Fila!

In the Zone

I got an early start today since I was worried there might be slick spots on the road. Thankfully there were none, so I had time to stop at Starbucks.

I'm waaaayyy too addicted to the cinnamon coffee cake. 

Lunch was this bean soup I made last night.

It was my first attempt and it wasn't bad. It probably needs a little more seasoning next time. 

I really like this Monday Motivation from Runners World. I'm hoping I can keep it up for years and that it becomes second nature. 

I did run my one mile after work even though I didn't want to.  My streak continues!  Not because I want too...I have to. 

And here's proof that Mondays can be great:

First, I got my year end gift card.  Timing is great, because I need groceries. 

Second: My highest scoring word in Words with Friends!!!!

I'm in the zone!!!! :)

Napping Running and Rolling

This morning after I got home from work I quickly went to sleep. When my alarm went off an hour later, I really did not want to get up. Knowing I had lunch plans helped. I got up after 9am and managed to be showered, dressed and on the road in about 35 minutes!  So glad I made it. Enjoyed a nice meeting and lunch with friends. 

It was so nice to chat with others that are interested in running. 

After lunch I hurried home to change for my run but I wound up on the couch instead. 

I love napping to sports. When anything exciting happens the commentators excitement wakes me up and I can see the replay and still know what's going on. 

After an hour long nap (I set my alarm so I didn't snooze the day away) I finally went out for Day 11 of the RWRunStreak.

Since there was fresh snow on the ground I decided to bust out my Merrells. I've never run in them before so I wasn't sure how it would go. They kept my feet toasty and were great in the slick stuff, but when I was done I had shin splints. The thing is, I don't know if it was the shoes, the terrain or the fact that I've run 11 days in a row and my legs may just be tired. I imagine its a combination of it all. So after running to the mall, I went to Target and jumped on the bandwagon. 

I'm ready to roll! 

 

Run, Eat, Sleep and Read

With the weather yesterday, work was really slow. About 4am I had a snack.

Caffeine always helps in the middle of the night. Too bad the coffee I made tasted terrible. Thankfully my very sweet coworker brought me Starbucks before I left. The only caveat is that it probably kept me up. 

On Saturday mornings I try to head home and go straight to bed. The goal is to sleep until I wake up. Amazing concept, right?  Ideally that would be 4 or more hours. It doesn't often happen though because I usually wake up to pee.  Oh and I also have a super cute but super loud parakeet. 

I think Squeak should be renamed Shriek cuz that's what he was doing this morning. 

When I finally got up, albeit unwillingly, I still had to run for Day 10 of the RWRunStreak. My legs were sore and I was so tired and it was so cold out but....it was absolutely beautiful! 

Like so many times before, I'm so glad I went. 

When I got home I thought I smelled steak so I had to get one for dinner. 

Yum! 

That's one of the huge challenges of shift work: the disruption of meals. I try not to eat big meals in the middle of the night but it also interferes with the timing of regular meals during the day. Like right now, I would prefer not to try and sleep with a belly full of food but I need to sleep some more before work. It's no wonder so many studies and reports indicate that shift workers tend to be overweight and unhealthy. Sleeping and eating get so messed up.  I'm just glad it's only a few nights for me and not full time. That would be really hard. But at least I have something to look forward to tonight. 

Gonna get my read on!

Wintry Weather

Fridays are always interesting. Since I have to work third shift on Friday nights my day is usually somewhat broken up with naps and eating and running. Since we were under a weather alert I wanted to get my run done before the worst of it arrived. I had a really bad headache this morning so I wound up napping a bit before my run. 

When I went outside to head to the path my car was already iced over! 

I felt hardcore running in the sleet and freezing rain. It felt so good to have the cold air in my face and it was a wonderful cure for my headache. 

2.5 miles for RWRunStreak Day 9

Since I've eaten an entire box of Little Debbie's Snack Cakes I felt a healthier lunch was needed. So I went to one of my favorite hometown places and got a salad. 

The rolls were awesome too. 

I intended to do laundry and clean but I decided on sleeping early today. Good thing, because this weather has me stressed. 

I'm really hoping they get the roads cleared so I can make it to work safely. In the mean time, I'm gonna try and rest a bit more. I'll be getting up earlier than usual to scrape my car and I want to have plenty of extra time for the drive in. I don't mind running in this stuff, I'd just rather not have to drive in it. 

Hills, Heels and Happy Cakes

This morning was so dark and gloomy I just didn't want to get up. When I did I knew I had to have some coffee. I was out of creamer so I had to doctor it up with white and chocolate milk. 

I love my cute owl mug. 

And I LOVE Luna Bars 

So after my super healthy breakfast, I went for my run. I only did 2 miles but I added in a rather large hill. 

It was the first time I ran this stretch and I had to walk some, but it gives me something to gauge my future attempts by. 

After my run, I got a quick hair cut and headed to the mall to use some of my fantastic coupons. First stop was DSW. I had been holding out for my bounce back coupon to go into effect so I could combine it with my certificate and get these babies. 

Guess heels $20 off?  Yes, please!

By this point it was nearly 230pm and I hadn't had any real food so I grabbed a late lunch at Sonic. It was not healthy by any means and the tots were way too salty but the limeade was nice. 

Next I went to Sephora where I got some freebies. A sparkly full size shadow and eyeliner.  Score!!

I won't  even go into the fiasco I went thru at Victorias Secret but let's just say they should take a lesson from DSW and double up on coupons. And the sales associate that called me "Hun" should be glad I'm not a crazed cross fitter and that I didn't knock out one of her perfect pearly whites. 

After successfully changing my wiper blades before the ice and snow hit tonight, I celebrated with one of the things that truly make me happy. 

Technically I guess it's two things but they were fresh and delicious. And, Yes, I have eaten enough of these to be able to discern freshness. 

Better Than Bosu

I worked in the office today. Since its like being stuck in a cave, I thought I'd actually try to look cute by breaking dress code and not wearing my uniform. 

So of course, I spent most of the day Not in the office. Good thing I wasn't called out about my attire. 

Lunch was this super yummy soup:

You can get the vegan recipe here: 

http://happyherbivore.com/recipe/salsa-soup/

I top mine with sour cream and cheese so it's more vegetarian than vegan. 

After work I continued my run streak by running a mile. I wore my cute new ruched capris from Target. 

I'm seriously contemplating getting a full length mirror. Although....balancing on the edge of the couch to take mirror selfies may be a better workout than Bosu. 

Wednesday Work Day

I don't normally work on Wednesdays, but I did today so my workmate could have off.  Working in the office is like being in a cave.  No outside light, no windows, no clue what's going on in the world. I would know....I've been in a cave before:

Oh how I miss crawling around in the mud and the dark.  Such sloppy fun!

Lunch was left over crock pot chicken.  I had to dress it up a little.  I covered it in Garden Fresh Gourmet Sweet Onion Salsa, a little sour cream and shredded cheese.  That Sweet Onion Salsa would make anything delicious.

After work, I headed out to continue my streak. On my way, this happened:

I hope I can rack up as many miles in my lifetime. 

The best part about today's run?  Short sleeves and sunshine!  In December!!!! 

I chose my running spot strategically so I HAD to drive past one of my favorite local markets on the way home.  This was the special today (and every Wednesday) 

I will run for fried chicken. Or chocolate. Or wine or ....I'd even be willing to run for  this

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