Thursday, June 3, 2010

I'm starting to get the hang of this...

Today Lindsay and I went out to Keisel again and did the 2 1/4 mile trail. I actually was able to run 3/4 of a mile without my ankle giving out, so that was an improvement over my last 2 tries!
Because I ran so much at the beginning, I wasnt able to do as much of the trail as I would have wanted, but I still did about 1 3/4 mile in about 30 min. This is definitely an improvement for me. I already feel stronger and leaner and lighter. Im excited about this new direction in my life-stay tuned for tonight's dinner review-garlic thyme burgers with beefsteak tomatoes! Im also going to apply for a job at Provinos where my friend Lindsay works...so wish me luck!

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Publix Date with Lindsay

Today the Publix in Auburn opened, and my friend Lindsay and I had a grocery date to shop for some new ingredients.
It was PACKED. We ended up parking in East BFE, but hey, we got some exercise in, right?
I picked up ingredients for a few recipes I found, and came home and picked which one I wanted to make for the night.
I settled on Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breast, and it was SO GOOD I had to write a post about it.

It was a simple 5 ingredient recipe- it called for chicken breast, kalimata olives, feta cheese, fresh basil, and oven-roasted red bell peppers.

I'm amazing myself now at the things I can do when I set my mind to it. The food was so good, and I'm sticking to this whole running thing, so now I just have to transfer this motivation to the rest of my life!

My day off...

Today is an off day in the training schedule, so I thought that I would finish a blog that I started last summer: The Top 6 Reasons Why I Hate Auburn Summer.
I'm going to repost the 1st blog in case anyone missed it, and add to it on my off days.
Seeing as how Camp War Eagle just started, I also thought it was appropriate to repost that particular blog as a reminder to Auburn's incoming Freshman class.

The Top Six Reasons Why I Hate Auburn Summers

1. Camp War Eagle
2. Cheer Camps
3. TV
4. No Football
5. Heat
6. Class

Reason 1: Camp War Eagle

Dear Freshmen,
Here is a list for you!

Five Surefire Ways to Make Upperclassmen Hate You

1. Dress up for class everyday.
Sure, a cute outfit every once in a while is appreciated. But no one wants to see you with pounds of makeup on your face, your hair curled, and perfectly coordinated outfits topped off with four inch heels everyday. Don't be surprised if you ever hear the following question: "Are you a model? Then why are you dressed up for class?" So go stock up on soffee or nike shorts and tee-shirts now-you're going to need them.

2. Never move out of the way when someone is moving in your direction.
If you continue to stand there like a deer in headlights, you WILL be run over. I know this not only because I was run over a few times as a freshman, but also because I have knocked a few out of my way on the way to class. Auburn is kind of like New York in that way-you just learn to move out of the way or you WILL get hit. So the moral of this story is: MOVE. Not only will you keep yourself and belongings intact, but you will also learn your way around campus faster.

3. Talk loudly on your cell-phone loudly on the 4th floor of the library.
Did you not learn how to read in high school? There are signs all over the 4th floor that say "Quiet Study." This in no way translates to "Loud, raucous, screaming at your boyfriend on your phone study." It means what it says. So shut up!

4.Talk loudly with your friends about how fat you are while nibbling on your salad or working out.
Yes, we all know you are thin. We also know we are not. But no worries. We will be the first to make fun of you when you blow up like a blimp by sophomore year.

5. Go to skybar underage and be the super annoying drunk girls who fall over on EVERYONE because you are too drunk to stand up in your four inch heels.
I PROMISE you do not look cool. So either dont drink underage (that would be my pick) or learn how to handle your liquor. Because no one WANTS to beat up the drunk chick who tries to fight YOU after SHE stepped on YOUR feet with her stupid super skinny heels, but somehow, it always happens.

So Freshmen, take this advice and you will be well on your way to being the most annoying freshman in Auburn!


Reason 2: Cheer Camps

Much in the same grain as the freshman, cheerleaders seem to make it their life's work to annoy those around them. I say this with love since I too once attended dance camp here at Auburn. But I have to think...we weren't this annoying, were we?
So here are the reasons why the uber peppy make my summers worse.

1. They are loud. ALL THE TIME.
Nothing makes 8am classes worse than walking to them with a herd of overly energetic cheerleaders. Not only am I still asleep, but I probably have a headache from being woken up so early. I try to put up with it by turning on my iPod, but if I can hear you over the music, you are TOO LOUD. I don't care if you are vying for the world's greatest cheerleading squad or the spirit stick or baton or whatever. I dont want to hear you over my music so early in the morning. So please be quiet!

2. Much like the Freshman, cheerleaders seem to find themselves incapable of moving out of the way, especially while on crosswalks. My friends and I (many of them theatre majors, as the cheerleaders camp out in the dorms by our second home) like to make up a game about who can hit the most. Ok not really, but I'm sure we've all thought about it. I have, however, "accidentally" knocked a few out of my way a time or two. When they protest I keep on walking...maybe that'll teach them to move out of the way. Or not. But hey, a girl can dream!

3. I don't really have a number three but I felt I needed one. They aren't all bad. Sure they're loud and annoying first thing in the morning, but I still get a little thrill out of watching their (sometimes) amazing gymnastic abilities!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Day 2...SORE

Today I went to Keisel park to do the 2 1/4 mile trail. I didnt think it would be that bad since I did 3 ish miles with Courtney yesterday, but I guess since I was doing it alone, it felt like it took longer.
I was really sore this morning when I woke up, which I half expected, but I didnt expect to be sore in all the places that I was, like my back and core. But I got up and went to run because I knew if I didnt go, Id never finish this.
I got to the trail and couldnt figure out where to go at first, but I saw some runner types coming out from this area to the right, so I went that way.
The trail was more beautiful than I expected. There were tons of trees and little bird houses along the way, and little markers to tell how much of the trail you'd done. Along the trail I saw 3 cardinals and a blue jay. Its the little things, I tell you, that make the morning runs enjoyable. Whether its doing it with a friend, or accompanied by great tunes (today it was my favorite, Sister Hazel), Im finding that if I can find something fun to do while running (or really walking in my case...haha), it makes the time that much more enjoyable.
Lindsay and I decided today that we are going to do this half-marathon relay in Disney in October. Its a night run, so that should be much better for me, since I hate the heat, and the at the end you are rewarded with a night of wine and dining...basically, you run and are rewarded with a big party! We are working on getting another team to go along with us, so if you want to go, let me know!
Today I did 2 1/4 miles in 40 minutes. It almost feels like a step back from yesterday, but I guess I didnt run as much.
Im trying to come up with a reward for myself if I stick to my plan and dont break it. At this point, Im thinking its going to be new running shoes, as mine are old and not holding up very well at the moment!
Wish me luck as I take on this endeavor...Im going to need it!