love and be loved

Hi everyone! Benn set me up with a running blog of my own so I hope to be checking in here sometimes.

My sister, Liana, wanted to workout tonight because she is starting to try to get in better shape, as she is moving to California in 2 months (without me!). I know she needs the motivation, so I thought we could use each other for support. We have an elliptical and treadmill set up right next to each other in my basement, so she jogged while I "ellipticized". I worked out for 30 minutes on the elliptical at 5-6/10 resistance. I stretched before and afterwards I like to take the time to do a lot of good stretching and some free weight lifting.

Today I met Benn on his break at work to chit chat and look at some cool travel books. Once he got out of work at 3pm, we headed up to Spa Park in Saratoga do try out some running with my recovering ankle.

We arrived in the parking lot and took a good 5 minutes of so changing into our layers of warm running clothes in our cramped cars. After that, we stretched and did a 2.32 mile loop in 26:07. It was extremely icy out and FREEZING.. I feel bad Benn has to put up with my doofyness as my shoe came untied, we had to trade gloves while running, and he had to give me his hat. We enjoyed watching all the xc skiiers and ice skaters. We passed 2 other runners and it was nice to see them braving the cold weather, too. We finished with some nice cool down stretches.

First day back at work at the Berkshire Center after the Holiday break. Booooo. Actually, it's not that bad - I'm excited to watch my students grow and progress through the semester. So, I got back tonight, stretched, and jumped on the elliptical. My injured ankle is a little swollen again, so I think I need to back off and ease back into running when it feels a bit better. I am going to elevate and ice it after I finish this entry.

I did 3 miles mostly at 6/10 resistance with a couple short (2-3 minute) intervals at 5/10 resistance to mix it up. Afterwards, I did my stretching routine and lifted free weights.

** I want to thank you all for welcoming me here with open arms. What I have learned from Benn and from your messages is that you are fun, friendly, and truly have each other's best interests at heart. Benn has been persuading me to join for quite a while, so I'm glad the time has come. Thanks all and thanks Benn! **

Stretched and went on the elliptical in my basement while my sister jogged on the treadmill. After 12 minutes at 5/10 resistance, we decided to swap machines. I ran at 6.0 speed with intervals at 5.8 for 20 minutes. Then I did a cool down at 4.0speed for a few minutes. Afterward, I did my stretching routine along with leg lifts and squats.

My sister and I took turns hauling in piles of wood for our woodstove for a good 10 minutes or so. After filling up the stove, I went back to free weight lifting and my fat cat, Ruby, came down to keep me company. Finished with arm stretches and tried to get the cat to walk on the treadmill.... it didn't work out so well. 

I did stretches in the basement and then went on the treadmill. I watched "Clean House" on tv and before I knew it I had run 4.1 miles! Then I did stretches, some free weights and leg lifts. 

Stretched. Benn and I decided to switch it up, so I ran on the treadmill while he tried out the elliptical. For some reason I sweat a lot more than I usually do during this workout. I think it probably has to do with me getting back to running after a long break and only using the elliptical. The woodstove in the basement + Benn's crazy body heat right next to me were probably a big factor, too! It was fun though and  afterward we did our usual stretching.

Had a conference call this morning at 10:00. When I was finished I heard the treadmill blasting away downstairs so I scurried into my workout clothes and jumped on the elliptical next to Benn. It sucks that my basement is so hot with the woodstove in the winter. OYE! It was a good workout though and we stretched and soaked off with paper towels afterward. I'm glad Benn is here. He is a good motivation to get my butt downstairs first thing in the morning instead of delaying a workout. It feels so much better to know I started my day off in a positive way and it sets me up nicely for the rest of the day. :)

Stretched. Ran on the treadmill at speed 6 for a 5K and did a short walk for a cool down. Did my stretching routine and leg lifts. Lifted free weights (only 5-lb.ers) and did some simple arm stretches. Then went upstairs to make breakfast and tea! :)

Stretched. Ran on the treadmill (stuck at 2% incline) for 3.5 miles. I began my run at 6mph and gradually increased until I got to 6.5mph. I ran the remaining 12 minutes at the 6.5mph. Afterward, I did the usual stretches, leg lifts, and (5lb) free-weight lifting. Right after that, my sister came home from her friend's house and we had to haul in tons of wood from outside for the woodstove. Nice workout!

Stretched and jumped on Benn's treadmill while he braved the outdoors. Ran a gradual 6.0 - 6.4 mph for 4 miles. I tried to put the treadmill on an incline, but when I tried it started making a funky noise... so I put it back down to 0%. Did a cooldown walk and gradually decreased speed from 4.0 - 3.8mph. Did good stretching afterward.

Lost my work schedule. Can't find it anywhere. I have no idea who I am teaching today or what I am going to teach them. Getting snowed in and definitely don't want to shovel. Got woken up by my cat at 6am this morning wanting to be fed. She is relentless. Got up and made breakfast for the two of us. Worked on some lawyer stuff and checked my email. Then went for a run.

Stretched and got on the treadmill at 6mph for 15 minutes. I began feeling queezy so I reduced speed to 5.8 and then to 5.4 and eventually 5.0mph. Then gradually worked my way back up to 6mph. Repeated these intervals a couple of times until I hit 3.2 miles. Felt throwy-upy so decided to call it a day. Took a few drinks of ice cold water from the faucet and felt a bit better. Stretched and lifted free weights while watching morning television.

I feel better now. :)

Asked my sister to be my workout buddy today. She agreed and we did a good mega workout! We did Power 90 (Cardio 1-2) which is an instructional exercise video that brings you through segments of lots of stretching, power yoga (Oye!), and bunch of cardio stuff like kickboxing, etc. We did 10 different-positioned crunches for a total of 140 or so. The video runs for 45 minutes and then we jumped on the exercis equiptment. My sister ran on the treadmill and I did the eliptical at level 5 resistance for 3.4 miles. At the end we were sweating bullets! We stretched again, got cleaned off, and I made smoothies. MMMMMmmmmmmm!

My sister and I had another workout "session" today. It's good that we are bonding now and she is really getting into physical exercise again. I think part of her motivation is from her moving to California in less than 2 months... but I like to think I had a little persuasive impact on her, too! hehe

We did Power 90 (Cardio 1-2) again today. Usually I would switch up the workout to do the Power 90 (Sculpt 1-2), but I missed it yesterday and didn't want to screw up my sister's schedule. Again, we did stretching, power yoga , cardio (kickboxing, etc). I did 10 different-positioned crunches for a total of about 137 I think. My muscles were burning! After the video, I ran on the treadmill while my sister went on the elliptical. I ran at 6mph for 1.25 miles and then worked gradually from 5.5 to 5mph and then back up until I finished 2.5 miles. Did a short 4mph cool down. Stretched.

Did another workout with my sister today. We stretched and did Power 90 Sculpt 1-2. This video is a little shorter (I think 38-40 minutes) but packed with lunges, squats, weight-lifting, and push-ups. It was a really good workout and incorporated a number of different free-weight exercises I don't typically do. After that, my sister left but I ran on the treadmill for 2 miles at 6.2mph. I got good n' sweaty and decided to call it quits after 'House' was over. (There is a Sunday 'House' marathon on today!). Unfortunately, it has been a very busy week with a lot more work to do. Maybe I will put it on in the background, though. ;)

I guess this week was travel week for my family, so i was left home alone for a few days. I don't like not having a workout date for Power 90, so I just stretched and ran on the treadmill. I did 3.5 miles at 6.0-6.2mph with incline at 2%. Then I did a 0.5 or so mile cool-down at 5.0-4.6mph. Finished up by stretching and doing a bunch of leg lifts.

My sister cam back from her travels last night, so I planned a workout date with her for today. It was a Power 90 Cardio day. Stretched before and after and did about 167 or so crunches. I felt the burn today, because I skipped 2 days while my sister was away. Unfortunately I have a lot to do today, so I didn't get time to jump on the treadmill afterward. I hope to make up for this loss in miles sometime later this week and weekend.

Did a run before work today. Stretched and jumped on the treadmill at 2% incline for 3.2 miles at 6.0-6.2mph.  Then slowed to 4.2-4.0mph for a 0.2 mile cool down. Stretched and made a cup of tea and some breakfast. I will be doing some tap dancing instruction at work today, so i might burn a couple calories that way. If I'm not too tired when I get home from work tonight, I might lift free weights or do Power 90 Sculpt. 

Stretched and did Power90 Sculpt with my sister, Liana. It is tons of weight lifting, squats, dips, and the dreaded push-ups.Then stretched and "ellipticized" for 3 miles at 5.0 and 6.0 resistances. Liana ran on the treadmill. About a bucket of sweat later, we did some good stretching and called it a day!

Stretched and had a workout "date" with my sister. We did Power90 Cardio. I can really feel the power yoga working on my arms, chest, neck, and legs. Whooh! The crunches really burned today, too. Did around 168 of 'em. After that, I did some niiiice stretching and jumped on the treadmill. I did a 4 minute warm up at 6.0mph. Then I did several one-minute intervals of 7mph and one at 8mph (a little too fast for my liking) until I hit 3.2 miles. Then I did a cooldown of 6.0mph-4.8mph for the final 0.3 mile. Stretched again and lifted free weights for about 10 minutes. Did my final stretches, making sure to include my arms and neck.

 :)

Sooo tired. Had to force myself awake to get up and run before work. Stretched and did 3.1 miles on the treadmill with 2% incline at 6mph. then did a 0.2 mile cool down at 5mph then quickly down to a brisk 4mph walk. Stretched again (with Skyler, the 2-year-old I help babysit) and lifted free weights. Stretched my arms and ran upstairs to make breakfast and hop in the shower.

Really windy and crappy day out today. Got back from a doctor appointment a little after noon, stretched, and did a workout with my sister. We did Power90 Cardio w/ the usual amount of crunches. After that, I ran a 5K on the treadmill at 6.0mph with 2% incline. Finished with leg lifts and more stretching.

Today, my sister and I did Power90 Sculpt and then I hopped on the elliptical while my sister used the treadmill. Up to 2/3 of the way through the workout, My sister kept saying "I don't wanna do this anymore" but I kept pushing her and she stayed through the whole workout. I "ellipticised" at resistance 5 for 3.2 miles. Got a big drink of cold water and did final stretches.

Today, Benn is over so I just did Power90 Cardio w/ around 200 crunches (I did a few extra crunches with Benn afterward). He and my sister, Liana, got going on the exercise machines. We all worked up a good sweat! Its is hot in my basement!

OLE BAJEESH! Just finished an extreme 48 minute cardio workout. I think my quads exploded. My sister and I tried to mix it up by finding a workout on Exercise TV on Demand (free on the television menu). We did an 8 minute booty workout (I forget the name, but I am sure I laughed at it) and another 8 minute core exercise workout. Both SUCKED for my legs, on top of them already being a bit fatigued from Power Yoga yesterday (even though I didn't run/ellipticise afterward like I typically do). Finally, we went to the "New Year, New You" menu and chose Cindy Whitmarsh's "Less is More Calorie-Burning Cardio." I have no idea why they stuck 'less' in the title, because it was all 'more, More, MORE.' I think with the combined routines from the 3 videos, we worked EVERY MUSCLE in our bodies. We were yelling at the tv when we could catch a few breaths and calling the woman obscene names.

It was a good bonding experience and a KILLER workout. I'm glad I kept pushing myself toward the end because I love that little feeling of accomplishment. Plus I needed to work off the extra calories from the weekend with Benn. I always eat more when he comes here because my Italian genes kick in and have to almost constantly offer food to any visitor.

 :)

Woke up this morning and went right down to the treadmill. I planned on running after I got out of work at 9 last night, but the half hour commute, tiredness, and hunger kicked in when I was about 15 minutes from home. LOL my body knows when I am nearing home. I still planned on going, but to my surprise both my sister and mom were there! They usually get out of work at 10pm and 12am, so I really wanted to see them (because I rarely get to see them during the day). Also, my sister had a new Netflix tv series on dvd that we could watch together. So we all snuggled up on the couches and watched the first episode and realized we couldn't watch any of the next 3 on the disk. Our dvd remote is long gone & lost forever, so we had no way of clicking the little arrow over on the screen. Darn!! After my sister fiddled with the tv remote and instructions on how to use it for dvds... we gave up. 

Anywho... back to today!

I stretched and ran 3.1 miles at 6.0-6.2mph at 2% incline. Then I alternated the remaining mile between 6mph, 5mph, 4.2mph, and 4mph. Finished up with leg lifts, a few squats, stretches, and free weight lifting. Afterward I hauled tons of wood stacked on one end of my driveway to the other. We are supposed to get lots of rain, etc. this week and the wood would have gotten all drenched and frozen. After all of that, I picked up branches from my backyard (that had blown off in the wind storm last week) and added it to the bonfire pile. Finally, I shoveled off our trampolin ethat was bowing from the huge thick, heavy layer of ice and snow covering it. That was a mini workout in and of itself because the ice was so thick it was nearly unbudgeable. I had to hack away at it and then heave it to the side and over the edge of he trampoline. Wheph!!

 Now- time for work! blaaahhh :(

Really busy day and worked really hard. Took a break at 9pm and took a run on the treadmill. I did 3.1 miles at 6.0-6.2mph at 2% incline. Then did the last 0.5 miles as a cool down at 4.1mph. Stretched a bunch and went back upstairs to work some more!

Knew I needed to make up for lost time this week and weekend for runs. After this entry I am packing to go to Boston for the weekend to visit my big sister and my old college roommate. I know they won't allow me to exercise while I'm visiting, so I woke up this morning, ate eggwhites, veggies, and some rice krispies for breakfast then stretched and jumped on the treadmill. I did 5.o miles at 6.0-6.2mph and 2% incline. After that, I did a cool down at 4.2mph for the remaining 0.2 miles. Next, I stretched and did some lower ab crunches. Finished off with a bunch of free weight lifting and more stretching.

At around 11am, stretched and got on treadmill. Ran 3.2 miles at 6.0-6.3mph and 2% incline. Then did a 4.1mph cool down for 0.3 miles. Then did lower ab crunches and then the 2-yr-old boy my family babysits for showed up. He wanted to play on my yoga mat, so I taught him all kinds of stretches and he did (his version) of them along with me. So cute! Then carried him upstairs for breakfast :)

Had breakfast and a bunch of water this morning. Then at 11am, I stretched and went on the treadmill. I ran 3.5 miles at 6.1mph and 2% incline. Then I did a cool down for 0.5 miles at 4.1mph. Stretched again, did some neck stretches because it was a little sore, and lifted free weights. While I was running I noticed some focused pain in my upper right shin (about a half of a hand's length down from my knee). Nothing too serious feeling, but noticeable.

Stretched. Ran on the treadmill at 6.0-6.3mph and 2% incline for 4.1 miles. Then hopped on the elliptical for 1.2 miles. Then stretched and did lowed ab crunches. Also lifted a bunch of free weights.

Stretched. Ran 3.1 miles at 6.0-6.3mph and 2% incline. Did a 0.1 mile cool down at 4.0mph. Stretched, did leg lifts and lower ab crunches.

Donnnn't want to work today. Is it Spring Break yet? Woke up and changed right into my workout clothes. Stretched and did intervals of resistance 5 and 6 on the elliptical for 1.5 miles. Then switched over to the treadmill for 1.9 miles at 6mph and 2% incline. Stretched and did lots of free weight lifting. Stretched and then had eggplant for breakfast! YUMMM..

Felt kinda crumby today. I think I got a sinus headache from the weather. Took some medicine and about an hour or so later, got ready for a run. Stretched and ran 6 miles at 2% incline and 6.2-6.5mph. Did a few intervals (only 3 or 4) at 7mph for 1 minute at a time. Then did a cool down for 0.2 miles at 4.1mph. Stretched. Did leg lifts(25 or so each), 220 or so crunches (11 different kinds, 20-ish each), 2 sets of squats (close-legged and open-legged, 25 each) and lifted a bunch of free weights (many different styles, but didn't keep count). Stretched arms and legs again.

My mom came in and woke me up this morning and told me to get on the treadmill first thing! I was surprised at first but I am glad she did this. I was kind of complaining to her last night about all the things I have to do for tomorrow (now today) etc. etc.. and she knows how upset I feel when I don't find a chance to exercise. So, I got into my workout clothes before the pillow creases had a chance to fade from my face. Stretched and ran 6.2 miles at 6.0-6.2mph and 2% incline. Then did a cool down of 0.2 miles at 4.0mph. Stretched well and now I've got to continue my busy, busy day!

Woke up, stretched, and got on the treadmill. Did 3.3 miles at 6.3-6.4mph and 2% incline. Then did a 0.2 mile cool down at 4.0mph. Stretched and did leg lifts, lower ab crunches, and a bunch of free weight lifting. Did final stretching and headed upstairs to do work and have breakfast.

Stretched and did the killer whole-body workout from Exercise TV with my sister. It was 30 minutes and now I am so sore!!!

My calves, especially, are wicked sore fom yesterday's workout. Stretched and ran on the treadmill for 3.1 miles at 6.0mph and 2% incline. Then did a cool down at 4.0mph for 0.4 miles. Stretched again and lifted free weights. Finished with lower ab exercises. Then had eggplant again for breakfast! My favorite!!

Stretched and ran 3.6 miles on the treadmill at 6.1mph and 2% incline. Then did a 0.2 mile cool down at 4.0mph and stretched. Had to get stuff ready for a party today so didn't have time for anything else :(

Got a bit of exercise this morning running around and around and around the deck playing "soccer" with Skyler (2-yr.old). Later, I got changed, stretched, and ran on the treadmill for 3.2 miles at 6.1mph and 2% incline. Then did a 1.3 mile cool down at 4.0mph. Next I stretched, did leg lifts, squats, and lower ab crunches. Finished up with lots of free weight lifting.

I've been feeling kind of 'eh' and lazy lately. I did a bit of jogging

around and yard work yesterday, but I couldn't input that into milages

or anything. So, today, I stretched and ran on the treadmill for 6.3

miles on 2% incline. I started out at 6.0mph then after 11 minutes or

so, I bumped down to 5.8mph for the bulk of the run. Then, toward the

end, I ran at 6.1 and 6.2mph. Next I did a cool down at 4mph and Skyler

(2-yr.old) joined me in he basement and copied "running on the

treadmill" by running in place on top of my black yoga mat. What a

clever boy! After my cool down, Skyler seemed very interested in trying

out the real thing, so I stuck the treadmill into 1.0mph and held him

under he armpits as he "jogged." He was SO HAPPY. Then I began

stretching and Skyler likes to copy this, too. He did all sorts of

stretches with me and I helped him along. SO CUTE!

At Benn's and ram 3.2 miles on his treadmill at 6.2-6.3mph, with the last 5 minutes of the run at 6.5mph. Did a cool down @4mph for 0.2 miles. Stretched and lifted free weights.

My best friend, Missy, was house/pet sitting for a coworker and invited me to hang out and spend the night. We went on a 30-40 minute walk with the dog, but I don't know what that would be mile-wise (plus the dog would stop every now and again.. for obvious reasons.. haha). Then we got steamed vegetable takeout and fell asleep on the couch to Myth Busters. Woke up around midnight to let the dog out once more for the night, brush our teeth, and hop into bed.

Woke up and went out in the breezy cold for another 30-40 minute walk with the dog. We passed a farm with sheep and found a cool old stone bridge and a hiking trail. I would like to go back and explore that when the weather gets nicer!!

Woke up, stretched, and ran on the treadmill for 4.2 miles at 6.2-6.3mph and 2% incline. The did a cool down of 0.4 miles at 4.1 mph. Stretched and did leg lifts, lower ab crunches, and lifted free weights. Then cooked a spinach and broccoli eggwhite omlette for breakfast and some chunks of mango. MMMMMmmmmmm :)

Woke up and was chilly! Stretched and ran for 3.3 miles at 6.3-6.6mph and 2% incline. Then did a 0.8 mile cool down at 4.1-5.0mph and 2.5% incline. Then stretched and lifted free weights. I cut it short today because I really wanted to call and talk to Benn about his morning!

 
Drove to work and got to do a 10 minute walk in Lee before my first meeting. I dunno how far it was but I found an uncratched Bingo-style scatch ticket on my journey!! I put it in my car for later tonight. I'll let you know if I win anything!!! :D hehe

This afternoon, I stretched and ran 5.5 miles at 5.8-6.1mph and 2% incline. Then, did a 1.5 mile cool down at 4.1 mph and talked to Benn on the phone. Finished and stretched again. Next, I did lunges, 3 different sets of squats, and leg lifts. Ended with weight lifting and stretching again.

After I work on some stuff for work, I would like to do crunches tonight before bed, too!

: )

Woke up, stretched, and ran on the treadmill for 3.2 miles at 6.0-6.2mph and 2% incline. Then I did a cool down of 0.9 miles at 4.0-4.1mph. After, I stretched and did lunges and 3 different types of squats. When I was finishing up leg lifts, I could start to feel it burning in the side of my butt!! haha yAoW! Then I did free weight lifting and about 191 or so crunches (10 different types). I try to keep count but sometimes I alternate between 15 to 25 each, so it is hard to tell.

Stretched then ran upstairs to play with my 1-yr-old neice, Jane!!

After being up for a little bit, I stretched and went downstairs on the treadmill. I stretched and ran 3.3 miles at 6.1mph and 2% incline. During my run, Benn called me to make a biking date for Sunday. We are going to bike the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail in Lanesboro, MA (15 minutes or so from my house). As far as the weather goes right now, it is supposed to be nice and sunny out. I am so excited for Sunday! Anyway, after running, I did a cool down for 0.8 miles at 4.1mph. Then I stretched and headed upstairs to play with the kiddos (Jane & Skyler) and then get ready for work. I also have to get my belongings out of my car (not much.. I think just a small blanket and my first aid kit) so that my big brother and sister can pack it up with their uggage. They are moving to California and are beginning their trip cross-country on Thursday!!

Woke up constantly last night to Jane crying. She is still getting over a cold and still was not feeling well. I finally decided to get up at 7am and get changed for a run. I stretched and ran 4.0 miles at 6.2mph and 2% incline. Then I did a cool down of 0.5 miles at 4.1mph and the same incline. As I was doing my lunges, squats, and leg lifts, my brother brought Jane down to the basement and experimented with Jane on the treadmill. She absolutely loved it! Her face was priceless and she is a god little runner! (being held up by my brother, of course). We want to dress up up like a little runner with a sweatband and long socks and take a video so that I can show Benn. I finished up with free-weights and stretches.

Stretched. Ran 3.6 miles at 6.2-6.6mph and 2% incline. Then did a cool down for 0.5 miles at 4.1mph and 2% incline. Stretched and spent the entire day cleaning house and moving furniture!

Spent a phenomenal day hiking Monument Mountain with my Benn. Since Benn captured the events of the day so well, I suggest you read his blog for today to find out more. I can't compete with THAT articulation!  :)

Stretched and ran 3.2 miles on the treadmill at 6.2mph and 2% incline. Then did a cool down for 1.3 miles at 4.1mph and 2% incline. (By the way, all my cool downs have been at the % grade, unless specified otherwise). Next, I did several lunges and 3 sets of different squats. Then I lifted free weights, doing 8 different exercises, for a total of 220 repetitions. (Skyler was with me, and I gave him 2-lb.ers to "grow muscles" too). Stretched my arms and moved on to crunches. Skyler insisted on sharing the yoga mat with me, which led him to inadvertently kicking me in the head while he also did his "crunches." So, I took it easy with 8 different positions for a total of 185 crunches. Finished of with 80 leg lifts (40 on each side) and whole body stretching.

Stretched and ran 3.2 miles on the treadmill at 6.1-6.2mph and 2% incline. Then did a cool down for 2.3 miles at 4.1-4.2mph and 2% incline. Next, I stretched and did a few lunges and 3 sets of different squats. Then I lifted a bunch of free weights, targeting different areas. I Stretched my arms and did lower ab crunches on the yoga mat. I would like to do some chair dips next time I work out, but I didn't feel like it today. Lastly, I did leg lifts and more stretching.

SOO looking forward to going to Benn's this weekend!

Woke up with my stomach growling and hungry, so I made breakfast and tea. I played with Ruby & Oola (the two cats) for a little while to let everything digest. Then stretched and went on the elliptical at resistances 5 & 6 for 3.1 miles. My right achilles tendon has been hurting on and off for the past couple of days and, the other night after work, I noticed that my right ankle was swollen again. That was the ankle I sprained back in late November. I wanted exercise with less impact today, which is why I chose to work out on the elliptical. Plus, I know it is good to mix up the routine. After I "ellipticised," I hopped over to the treadmill and walked at 4.1mph and 2% incline for 1.1 miles. Afterwards, I did leg lifts and a couple of squats. I finished up with some full body stretches. I also noticed that my right tricept is really sore, especially when i touch it. I think it is definitely from when I pushed myself with weightlifting about 2 days ago.

Later, I am goingto my grandfather's house to see him, my mom, dad, and out-of-town aunt and uncle. Then I have errands to run at a lot of different stores and then need to come back home, pack, and drive to Benn's house for Easter weekend! :)

Wore the ankle support for exercising today. Stretched and ran 3.2 miles on the treadmill at 6.2-6.3mph and 2% incline. Then did a cool down of 0.8 miles at 4.1-4.2mph and 2% incline. Did stretching afterward but ran out of time to do anything else. Had to go babysit Skyler before work!

Woke up and made a big breakfast of yogurt, a veggie eggwhite omlete, and tea. Chilled with the cats and did some research online for wedding venues while I digested. Then went downstairs, stretched, and ran 3.3 miles at 6.2mph and 2% incline. Then, it was so cute- my mom came home and came donstairs with her breakfast and coffee to sit on the couch and watch tv with me while I was on the treadmill. I did a 1.2 mile cool down at 4.2mph and 2% incline while I watched tv and chatted with my mom. Next, I stretched and did a bunch of weight lifting, 90 leg lifts (45 each), lunges, and squats. Stretched good again, making sure to relax my neck, shoulders, and back, too.

Got up this morning around 6:45 and went for a drive to Canaan, NY. I brought my camera because I liked the look of the sun shining its first rays onto the day. There is a fantastic lookout on the way, but after I pulled over, got out of the car, and found a good shot... my camera read "Charge the Batteries." DOH! I did that as soon as I got home. Then I decided it was a good day to give Ruby (my cat) a bath. I figured it was warm and sunny enough for her to dry out comfortably afterwards. After her bath, I brushed her with a pet comb for at LEAST a half hour and was shocked and apalled by the amount of excess fur that kept coming off of her( mind you, she is a short-hair)! And I still don't think I got it all. Next, I did a bunch of yard work and raking today. It was beautiful outside. Skyler "helped" me a lot carrying sticks and brush. I found a bouncy Batman ball that Skyler has thrown off the carport in the winter. It must have gotten embedded in a snow bank and has finally surfaced! I also found a baseball in the woods that I cleaned of so Skyler could throw it around the yard. I made a new friend, too, while I was spending time in my backyard - a collarless cat that I see frequently in the far back of the yard and in the woods around my house and the neighbors' yards. It is a sweet cat and has similar color and markings to my cat, Ruby. I know it must belong to somebody because it it clean and is very friendly with people. I sat down in the grass and it trotted up to me and immediately started rubbing on my hand, my legs and my shoes. It plopped on my lap and laid there for several minutes while I pet it. Then, it just got up and walked off. I saw it later in the woods with a mouse in its mouth. Yuck! Later tonight, I decided to get on the treadmill and take it easy while I watched an hour-long show. During the show, I walked at 4.2mph and 2% incline. For every commercial break, I ran at 6.2mph and 2% incline. I did these intervals through the entire show and walked a cooldown after the show was over, for a total of 5.1 miles. THE END :)

Stretched and ran on the treadmill for 3.2 miles at 6.1-6.2mph and 2% incline. Then did a cool down of 0.8 miles at 4.1mph and 2% incline. Did stretching, leg lifts, free weights, and more stretching. Had to hurry up because I had to meet some friends afterward. Had a great time, got home and hung up some laundry, then Benn showed up! YAY 8-D

Benn and I started a GINORMOUS bonfire in my backyard on Saturday morning around 10am. We lugged armfulls upon armfulls of sticks and branches from the back of my yard up to the fire to burn. We spent the morning doing this but took a break around noon for some lunch. Then spent HOURS more until we had cleared the area of brush that we wanted to clear. I know we must have burned a ton of calories!! And, it was a lot of fun!

Woke up this morning- cold and gray. Changed and went straight downstairs to stretch and get on the treadmill. Ran 3.2 miles at 6.2mph and 2% incline. Then did a cool down for 0.9 miles at 4.1mph and 2% incline. Didn't get a chance to do a complete workout (lunges, leg lifts, squats, crunches, free weights) because my mom told me she had to go to work early and that I needed to babysit Skyler. So I strecthed and had breakfast with him - Light N' Fit pomegranate yogurt with fresh sliced strawberries and Rice Crispies on top. Skyler was so thrilled.. you should have heard him saying "Yuuummmmm, MMmmmmMMM" over and over again. It was so adorable. Then I got him all dressed (which took quite a bit of time and a lot of giggling) and we went out on the carport to play soccer and shoot hoops.

At work tonight, I used my break to walk to Dunkin' Donuts because I heard that it was 50 cent iced coffee day! So I walked 0.6 miles from work to DD  for the coffee goodness and ate my salad I made for lunch on the benches there before making the 0.6 mile walk back (for a total of 1.2 miles). It was still gray outside but nice and mild. My hair didn't like it so much, though - very frizzy! ;-p

Feeling weird today and not much time to do a full workout before work. Strecthed and  decided to switch it up and do fast walking for 3.2 miles at 4.4 - 5.7mph and 2% incline while using 2 pound free weights the whole time. Did cool down stretches on the carport with Skyler and the kitties in the sunshine :)

Woke up, stretched, and ran on the treadmill for 3.2 miles at 6.2mph and 2% incline. Did a cool down for 1 miles at 4.1mph and 2% incline. Then did more stretching, leg lifts, squats, lunges, and free weights.

Having a great time at Benn's house. The weather is actually HOT and the sun is shining. Did some stretching and ran on the treadmill for 3.3 miles at 6.3mph. Then did a cool down of 1.7 miles at 4.1mph. Meanwhile, Benn was biking on his wind trainer - A nice exercise date :-)

Really hot again today. Stretched and jumped on the treadmill for 1 mile at 6.3mph and 2% incline. Was already starting to sweat 5 or 6 minutes in and had a stitch on the left right under my rib cage. Deep breathing helped but I think it could have to do with the fact that I had yogurt and milk with cereal for breakfast haha. Decided to lower the page to 4.1-4.2mph with 2% incline and do fast walking for 3.1 miles. During the last 0.6 miles, I remembered to use the 2 lb. free weights while I walked to get my arms pumping. When I was finished, I went upstairs and stretched outside on the carport with Skyler. He had a bucket of water and was scooping it up and splashing it on me with a measuring cup. I actually felt quite nice!! Then I finished up with free weight lifting.

Really busy day today and did not get a chance to get a workout in before work. I counted my work route I take to walk to my students' in-apartment sessions. I had to calculate on Google directions: walking but it ended up being over a mile, which I thought was cool. I do this a few times per week for work but had never actually counted it. I guess it does add up!

Woke up and talked to Benn before he went in to work. Then had breakfast and paperwork (blahh). Afterward, stretched and ran on the treadmill for 3.3 miles at 6.3mph and 2% incline. Then did a cool down with 2-lb. free weights for 1.8 miles at 4.2-4.3mph and 2% incline. I spent the last few minutes of the cool down using the weights in a rowing motion to really feel a little burn. I haven't had much time (barely any!) to do my free weight lifting routine and am feeling cruddy about that. I am really excited for Benn's century ride tomorrow. I'm really proud of him and the dedication he has to truly understand and enjoy what he does.

Did biking and some walking up my (mountain of a) street. Took about a 1.3 mile ride out trying to to catch Benn finishing his century ride. I finally caught him and rode back to the bottom of my street. Handed the bike of to Benn's little brother and walked up the street with Benn's mom. We had a great day!

 (I don't know if I can enter bike miles into this, so just yell at me if it messes something up on the running blog and I can remove it!)

Dunno how far I went, but I spent a good half hour or so mowing the front, side, and back yards. The back yard has a gradual hill which I took the oppertunity to jog up every time I passed over it with the lawn mower. It made me feel good seeing my neighbor across the street (with a smaller yard than mine) using their riding mower. 

Woke up this morning to hungry cats batting at my face. Sat with them for a while and then changed and fed them their breakfast. Stretched and hopped on the treadmill and ran for 3.2 miles at 6.3mph and 2% incline. Then did a bunch of fast walking as a cool down for 2 miles at 4.1-4.2mph and 2% incline. I used 3-lb weights for some of the time to get my arms working. Stretched afterward and did squats and lunges. Then more stretching and then off to do dishes, laundy, and make breakfast for myself.

I went to the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail with Benn today after we ran errands together. Got my ring looked and and we put down payments on our wedding bands! So exciting!!! There were clouds today and the temperature was in the mid 60s. A few people out on the bike trail. Benn wanted to run so we started off slowly. He stopped after the 5k mark and said he was going to walk a bit before finishing, so I kept running and then turned around at the end of the trail and went back and met him. Then we ran the last bit back to the cars. I did 4.75 miles of jogging today in 45:00 for average pace of 9:28 a mile.

Didn't get the miles in last week as I had hoped. Spent the weekend at Benn's but, besides running from their massive dog, didn't get to do much active exercise. Drove home from Benn's this morning and got in a run before work. Stretched and did 3.2 miles at 6.3mph and 2% incline and did a cool down of 2.05 miles at 4.3mph and 2% incline. Stretched and did a lot of free weight lifting outside on the carport. Then went inside to do leg lifts and pet Ruby (my fat cat) at the same time. Stretched again and went to take a shower!

1.1 miles of continual (and hill) walking at work during a break.

Stretched and ran 3.3 miles on the treadmill at 6.2-6.3mph and 2% incline. Then did a brisk cool down walk of 2.0 miles at 4.2-4.3mph and 2% incline. Stretched out on the carport with Skyler and lifted a lot of free weights (many different exercises). Then did leg lifts and 3 different sets of quats. Soon, I would like to fit in more time for crunches.

 At work, got to walk 1 mile total to student apartments for Social Mentoring sessions. It was a gorgeous day, but got a little bit chillier/windier as the evening rolled in.

Ran a bunch of errands and had to go to the mall to get an ink tag removed from a dress I bought for my students' convocation tomorrow. I'm glad I took the dress out of the bag and noticed ahead of time! While I was at the mall, I tried to find some clothes for the summer (or just in general!) but 4 stores down and no luck. Oye. The only good thing was that I got plenty of exercise walking from end to end and all around the mall. Decided to go home and forget about it!

Got a little exercise mowing the front lawn with the push lawnmower. Went to do the big backyard but then I went to restart the mower, I heard a big pop and a red spark flew from near the front right wheel. Was scared I might blow up but tried to start it again. No good. Looks like it is broken for now. Same with the clothes washer. Did laundry one day last week and I went to take my clothes out and the water was still inside! So I ran it again and the water drained a little more but there was still some in the bottom. It took me a long time to ring out my clothes and put them on the clotheslines. Even then there was still enough water in them to leave puddles all over the floor. So I have been washing my clothes by hand and bringing them to my dad's house to wash. No matter how hard I try, it seems like everything I touch turns bad.

Stretched and went for a run on the treadmill. Did 3.2 miles at 6.2mph and 2% incline. Then slowed to fast walking for 2.3mph at 4.1mph and 2% incline with 2lb free-weights. Sped back up for a 0.5 mile run at 6.2mph and 2% incline with 2lb free-weights. Did a cool down for 1.12 miles at 4.1mph and 2% incline with 2lb free-weights.  Got off the treadmill and did stretching and free-weight lifting routine. Finished with leg lifts, squats, lunges, and more stretching.

 Been really down lately but went to Galway to spend time with Benn. Found out that......

Sorry I haven't blogged in a very long time. Been very busy and emotionally drained. Loss of the majority of my savings, job interview, doctor's appointment, relatives visiting, two days of tag sales & moving around, a death & funeral, bad news about the job, had to file for unemployment, sad memorial day memories, babysitting, bad nausea and exhaustion from new medication. Couldn't find the time to run. When I did, I felt too sick to do so. I;ve called the doctor to see what I can do. Also time to call and make a dentist appointment but need to get my files transferred first. Even though I love my old dentist, my new insurance doesn't cover them so I have to seek out a new office. Feeling cruddy about myself and lack of exercise although my mom and aunt have said I have lost weight. I don't see it. If so, it is probably just from sickness and lack of appetite.. not loss in a healthy way like through exercise. Anyway, I hope to get back into he running scene soon!

Happy Birthday, Benn!!!!!!!!

Stretched and ran on benn's treadmill for 3.21 miles at 6.2mph and did a cool down (fast walking) for 1.32 miles at 4.2mph. Then stretched and did leg lifts, lifted free weights, and 3 different sets of squats.

At Benn's and did 4.5 miles on his treadmill while he went off to class. Stretched and ran 3.25 miles at 6.2mph and 1% incline. Then did a cool down of 1.25 miles at 4.3mph and 1% incline. Took a shower and ran errands with Benn's mom and Aggie (the saint bernard). Nice day today but looks like clouds might roll in. Have to wait and see, but I hope Benn and I can go for a walk together later today.

Went for a bike ride with Benn this evening. Got the new road bike! All snazzed up!!! It was fun. We biked to the school and back in 47 minutes. Did 9.4 miles. by the way...

QUESTION: DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW I CAN CHANGE MY BLOG TO THE TRIATHLON TEMPLATE THAT BENN HAS? WE CAN'T FIGURE IT OUT! THANKS! :)

Did an easy bike loop with Benn and his mom from the school and back. I was glad there wasn't any bad hills today! LOVE the new bike!!

Stretched and ran 3.61 miles on the treadmill at 6.2-6.3mph with 2% incline. Then did fast oaced walking cool down for 3 miles at 4.3-4.5mph with 2% incline. Stretched again and did free weight lifting routine.

Walked 1.055 miles for work in Lee, MA. I walked from the Berkshire Center at 18 Park St. over to the far side of the 33 Park St. plaza where I now meet with some students for the summer semester. Then had to meet a student for their individual Social Mentoring session at their apartment at 85 Housatonic St. Next, we walked to the convenience store on Housatonic St. and then to the grocery store on West park St. Next, I walked back to the 33 plaza from the grocery store to meet with my next student of the day. After, I walked back up to the Center at 18 Park St. to do paperwork and get a key, and then back down to the 33 plaza to do more paperwork and lock up. I google mapped all of my trips and used the walking trip option to calculate/estimate my mileage. 

So far today, I decided to walk to the bank and back to deposit a check. I walked 0.5 miles each way (with the way back being all uphill).

Tonight, I stretched and ran on the treadmill for 3.6 miles at 6.3-6.4mph with 2% incline. Then did fast paced walking cool down for  1.4 miles at 4.3-4.4mph with 2% incline. Stretched with Ruby (my cat) sprawling out and taking over more than her share of the yoga mat :)

Stretched and ran with Benn at Spa Park. Stretched and drove to the grocery store to buy ingredients to cook Indian food! Yummy chicken saag and jasmine rice :D

Did a warm up run for 0.55 miles at 6.2mph and 2% incline. Then stretched and continued running for 4.13 miles at the same pace and incline. Did a cool down of 1.361 miles at 4.2mph and2% incline. Finished up with more stretching, a few lunges, 3 different sets of squats, and free weight lifting.

Benn drove to my house after school today and we got ready to go for a jog. I looked up trails in Great Barrington and found one called the Housatonic River Walk. I thought it sounded nice so we decided to go! On our travels a baby fox, a black & orange cat, a chipmunk, and a bunch of birds crossed our path (much to Benn's dislike because of his recent biking accident). On our way through Lenox and Stockbridge, we noticed whiteness all along the sides of the roads and on people's lawns. I said I think it is SNOW and Benn said NO WAY, it must be pollen. Finally, I told him to pull over to really check it out. It was crazy hail piles everywhere about half a foot deep!!!!! We were stunned and Benn took a few pictures with his cell phone. When we got to Great Barrington, we found the entrance to the River Walk, stretched, and read the sign. Under 'Prohibited,' it listed the usual biking, skateboarding, yada yada and... RUNNING! Whaaat? Well, we said that we were okay because we would "jog" (hehehe) only to find out that the entire trail was maybe a half mile long!!! Urg! So... we just kept running through back roads and main streets (which was actually quite fun) and looped back around to our car to stretch. Arrived Back home and made some wheat pasta, green beans, corn, and salad with apples and beans for dinner. Excellent!

My oldest sister came home for a week and I asked her if she wanted to go hiking with me today. First, we went to Olovia's Lookout, which is somewhere near the Richmond/Lenox, MA border. The hike was was a 3.2 mile loop but offered no view at the top or anything. Next, we drove to Kennedy Park in Lenox and took several trails that passed by a cold spring, streams, a reservoir, some building ruins, and a "balance rock" (boulders piled in a glacier pass). It was pretty muddy on the trails and buggy (mosquitos!) in many parts of Kennedy Park. But, it was a good, fun hike and I got to take some nice nature pictures!

Woke up this morning to talk to Benn on his way to work. Then had breakfast and tea. After that, I stretched and ran on the treadmill for 3.24 miles at 6.2mph and 2% incline. But, during the last 4 minutes of my run, I had to take a call for my doctor. So, I had to finish the 4 or 5 minutes of running after I got off the phone. Then I did a cool down of 0.96 miles at 4.2mph and 2% incline. (I wish I knew to do another 0.04 miles to have my cool down = 1 mile. But, oh well, I know I can get that done at work for sure). Stretched and had to get in the shower to get ready for work.

At work, my first student was a now show for our session and my second student called to tell me she is not attending today because she is sick. So, after doing some needed work, I hit to the streets and walked 0.712 miles around Lee, MA. It was not so comfortable wearing my work clothes (jeans, tank top with a button-up corduroy jacket). When I left my home this morning it was gray and rainy, but the sky opened up and it was quite hot out! After I got back to the office and calculated how far I went, it made my total 4.912 for the day. I want to do the remaining .088 before the day is done to at least make a complete 5 miles!

Walked another 0.5 miles at work before heading home.. Up to 5.412 miles now. Woohoo!

Benn came to my house after school and we ran 4.2 miles on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. I was feeling really tired and blah, and the run helped quite a bit (even though the weather was super windy, gray and ominous)! Toward the end, I was ready to just finish up the 5k and do some nice fast cool down walking, but Benn pushed me to run out another mile. I was not happy about it at the time (sorry Benn!), but I am now. 

Benn brought my bike to my house this week so that I could use it for a biking date on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. Despite all of the lousy weather, today turned out to be sunny and very humid... also mega windy! We biked the trail and it was lovely outside and inside, because my heart was so glad to be spending this time with Benn. Once we got to the end of the trail in Adams, MA, we wanted to keep going to a cafe (BrewHaHa) in North Adams. We biked most of the way there but it was becomming a cruddy experience (bad traffic on the highway, tons of wind and sand getting blown in my eyes, lots of noise... yuck)! So, we turned around and headed back to a cafe (The Grind) in Adams, only to realize that it was a sit-down restaurant/cafe and we forgot to bring the bike lock. We didn't really want anything much anyway, so we each sat under a tree and ate an apple and drank water. Then headed back on the trail... my tricepts (especially my right one) started becomming really sore, and then the soreness moved to my shoulder then to my neck and upper shoulderblade. Benn helped me bike it out the last 9 miles or with the soreness & weakness. Finally, we made it and I am glad he helped push me through the entire thing :)

After dinner, I did some weight lifting and leg lifts.

Was feeling worse and worse the longer I postponed myself from running. I am hoping to get back into the "morning run" routine, which was working well for me before. I would also like to start incorporating my Cardio tape (power yoga, kickboxing, crunches, etc.), Strength tape (pushups, free weights, dips, etc.) and of course biking into my weekly exercises. I think I should be trying to mix up my workouts more. 

Anyway, for today, I stretched and ran 3.3 miles on the treadmill at 6.1-6.2mph and 2% incline. Then went a little slower for 2.0 miles from 5.6-5.2mph and 2%incline, carrying 2-lb free weights for one of those miles. Got a call from Benn and talked while I started a cool down of another 2.0 miles from 4.2-4.2mph and 2% incline. Stretched afterward.

Right now I have several things to do around the house and then I hope to do some squats, lunges, leg lifts, free weight lifting, maybe crunches, and moooore stretchiiinnng. We'll see!

Woke up this morning, stretched, and ran on the treadmill for 3.3 miles from 6.2-6.1mph and 2% incline. Then did a cool down for 1.021 miles at 4.3mph and 2% incline. Stretched again and got a call from my big sister telling me about how she just made the BEST whole grain low sugar blueberry banana muffins. So, she gave me the recipe and I just finished making them. They are delicious!

Woke up early this morning to do gardening with my mom before she had to leave at noon. We dug up plants, I moved large rocks, shoveled, raked, and mulched in the front yard. Later tonight, I stretched and did a 35 minute Power 90: Cardio 1-2 video (power yoga, kickboxing, etc..) Finished up with lots of leg lifts, 230 crunches (11 different styles), and more stretching. Then did some weight lifting but got sidetracked by my sister, Liana, in California wanting to video chat with me on the computer and finally show me her new house there!

Called Benn just in time to wish his first 5K race this year. Stretched and wanted to run at the same time as him, so got on the treadmill and ran 4.25 miles at 6.2mph and 2% incline. Then did a cool down of 1.3 miles from 4.3-4.1mph and 2% incline. Did more stretching, squats, lunges, and leg lifts. My arms are kind of sore when I move them around from the power yoga and free weighting yesterday. But, I might lift a little later tonight. I noticed that my total mileage is 5.55 (all are Benn's favorite number- 5)! Is was completely unintended so I am hoping that is a good sign- I can't wait to hear from Benn and find out how the race went!

I am at Benn's house today. We went to the track and went running. We did a 5k on the track and then he did hills. I did 2 hills but that was enough for me! Then we cooled down on the nature trail together, stretched and headed home.

Went to the track today in the rain with Benn. Stretched and ran for a while and Benn did some trail running. I was too afraid to slip so I stayed on the track. My head wasn't in the right frame of mind and needed to yake a quick 2 minute nreak after 2.5 miles break to get past it. Then returned to running and completed 4.51 miles. Did some mini stretching and did a 0.52 miles cool down walk. Met up with Benn to stretch and go home :)

Hung out at Benn's house and then convinced his brother, Jonny, to go to Saratoga with me. We planned to stop at Borders to visit Benn at work and then spend the time waiting for him to get out of work by walking down to Congress Park. I looked online for 4th of July events in Saratoga and read that there was supposed to be live music, car show, food, face painting.... It sounded like fun! So Jonny and I walked down to Congress park but it ended up being boring. It was kind of windy out and the live music consisted of a middle-aged woman's chorus that we could barely hear. The car show consisted of 3 or 4 cars, and the 2 Benn & Jerry's tents were looking desolate. So... we decided that, unfortunately, Borders was more exciting than this. We headed back up for Benn's last hour in the cafe where Jonny and I sat and talked and people watched. Finally when Benn was out of work, we drove to Spa Park, stretched, and ran 2 loops on a trail to total 3.5 miles. Stretced and then I hitched a ride with Benn to Pittsfield to bring me home and watch fireworks :)

Stretched and ran on the treadmill for 3.3 miles at 6.2mph and 2% incline (with the last 6 minutes of this phase at 7.0mph and 2% incline). Then did a short "cool down" of 0.3 miles at 4.2 to 4.7 mph. Then sped back up to run another 1.6 miles at 6.0mph and 2% incline. Went upstairs to set up for Skyler (he was sleeping over) and did stretches with him. When he settled down, I lifted free weights.

Got up early and my mom, Skyler, and I drove back home from my aunt's house in Harvard, MA (2.5 hours away). Benn was staying at my house so I met him and had to babysit until noon. Then Benn and I went hiking at Bash Bish Falls State Park. We tried a few trails for an estimated 4 miles and hung out at the beautiful waterfall. Afterward, we stopped at Flavours restaurant for dinner on the way home. We thought it sounded good because they serve Malasian cuisine and we had never been there before. We both got small salads with a fantastic ginger soy dressing and some bread. Benn ordered chicken satay skewers with peanut sauce and white/jasmine rice. I ordered grilled vegetables and tofu with brown rice. Everything tasted great and the waitor was fun and talkative. It was a great day!

Made breakfast for Benn, Skyler, and my mom this morning. Made wheat flour and blueberry waffles and a side of scrambled eggwhites with fat free cheese. Yummyyy :) Then I took a shower and a small nap on Benn's lap. Woke up and went for a walk on pretty residential streets in Pittsifield for approximately 2.5-3.0 miles. It was a gorgeous day and I had a lot of fun! I brought my camera to take pictures of the nice views but forgot the batteries! Doh!

Stretched and ran 5.11 miles at 6.2mph and 2% incline. Then slowed it down to 5.1-5.2mph and 2% incline for 3.02 miles. Stretched and lifted free weights.

Many students weren't showing up today and others informed me that they couldn't make it to their session tonight because they have permission to go home for the weekend. So, I took advantage of some free time by doing work and write-ups. Once I did all I wanted to do with that, I went for a walk around Lee. Ended up doing about 2.587 miles according to the walking option on Google Maps. I walked at a moderate steady pace to get some aerobic benefit and did 45 minutes of walking.

Today, I woke up early to go to a meeting I had scheduled with an event planner at Copake Country Club in New York (almost an hour from my house). I asked my aunt to come with me, and my two cousings came along too. We decided to make a day of it! We were at Copake CC for about 2 hours and it was such a blast! We all loved it and the people there are so casual and friendly- It was a really great experience and felt so comfortable there. The place and the views are perfect and just in me and Benn's taste. I'm positive he would have loved it if he could have been there. After leaving the Club, we traveled to Bash Bish Falls (a big waterfall near the NY/MA border) and walked 1.5 miles there. We spent some time taking in the falls and then drove to Great Barrington, MA. We walked up and down Main Street and tucked in and out of shoppes. Very expensive but nice to look at and get inspired. We grabbed lunch at a little diner on Maine Street and then drove to Stockbridge, MA and walked around some more. Next, we took a route back to my home through Lenox, Ma and stopped at Olivia's Overlook for a nice scenic view of Stockbridge Bowl (lake) before the storm. Returned home just before it began to downpour and made homemade mushroom & spinach pizza for dinner. Yummm!

 Dunno how much I walked total, so I am just inputting the known mileage I did at Bash Bish Falls.

Went running at the track with Benn today. We did a run through the woods for about 20 minutes and then ran at the track and stretched. Afterwards I ran with Benn and he showed me striders. I did an extra 2 after him. The sunset was so pretty! It was pink and purple and really nice running, though it was kind of cold!!

Went Canoeing with Benn, Jonny (his brother), "momma Griff" (Benn's mom) and Aggie (their St. Bernard). It was really fun but pretty windy and chilly at times. Aggie took a nose dive off the dock into the lake = hilarious!!

Really windy again today, but played some tennis for about an hour or so with Benn, Jonny (his brother), "Momma Griff" (Benn's mom), and Aggie (their St. Bernard). For me, playing tennis consists of anxiously awaiting the ball to come near me and the hitting it off at some obscene direction, many times over the fence. Hah.

Hamstrings were pretty tight so took Benn's advice by warming up before stretching out my muscles. Warmed up for 1.1 miles at 5.2mph then took a good amount of time to stretch thoroughly. Then ran 2.12 miles at 6.2 to 6.1mph. Slowed to a "warm down" for 1.1 at miles at 6.0 to 5.8mph. Then continued for  1.24 miles at 5.1 to 4.5mph. At that point, my mom stopped in and had about an hour and a half before she had to go to work. I haven't been able to see her or spend a little bit of time with her in quite a while, so I got off the treadmill and stretched while I talked to her. We made some iced coffee together and did some newspaper jumbles (something we always like to do together). Once she went off to work, I checked my email and did some researching on various things I had wanted to do. So... after about a 3 hour break, I returned to running. I got back on the treadmill and ran 2.55 miles at 6.2mph. Then did a cool down of 1.036 miles at 4.5mph. Then did a lot of stretching on the yoga mat with Ruby (my cat- she LOVES the yoga mat and I have no idea why). Then finished up the night with some leg lifts and more leg stretches.

Benn drove to my house early this morning to go for a hike with me. We headed out to Adams in the morning in order to hopefully miss the storm that weather.com has been daunting us with. We hiked the Cheshire Harbor Trail to the peak of Mount Greylock. It was a good, tiring 3.5 mile hike to the top. It ended up becoming more and more gorgeous out as we went along, and actually quite hot (which is a big change for the month overall). While at the top, we admired a glistening reservoir (and its wildlife), sat and admired the views, and walked up a long spiral staircase to the top of the war memorial at the summit. After that, we filled up our water bottle, emptied our bladders, and trekked the 3.5 miles back down to the car. We stretched and headed to North Adams to to find some food for lunch and ended up in a cute little cafe for salad and a sandwich. It was another great day with Benn!

Been feeling noticibly tired lately and dispirited for the past two days. Decided a run would make me feel better. Stretched and ran 4.1 miles at 6.2 to 6.0mph at 2% incline. Then did a cool down of 1.1 miles at 5.0 to 4.1mph and 2% incline. Did more stretching, free-weight lifting, leg lifts, squats, and lunges. 

Stretched and ran on the treadmills for 3.21 miles @ 6.0 to 6.1mph and 2% incline. Then did a cool down of 1 mile at 4.5 to 4.0mph and 2% incline (with the last 10 minutes or so using 2-lb. free weights). Stretched some more and then upstairs to balance my checkbook and wash a ton of dishes :( Booooo.

Did a nice run with Benn today on the Ashuwillticook Trail and Benn got to try out his new 5 finger shoes. They look comfortable and really cool! He had a good conversation with a woman in the parking lot about them and about running, biking, and strengthening. There is so much knowledge and personal experience behind everything he says. I am envious at how brilliant he is about this stuff.

Stretched and ran about 3 miles with a 1 mile cooldown (with Benn wearing his new shoes). It was a fun date, but very humid outside!

Decided to do Power 90 Cardio 1-2 today.  It includes things like power yoga, lateral leg work, kickboxing, jumping jacks, running in place, etc. The did 10 sets of 30 crunches each for a total of 300. Then did 30 leg lifts on each side. Of course, lots of stretching, too!

Went for a run at the track and nature trail with Benn and his sister, Su. It got pretty mosquito-ey towards the end of the run after the sun went down. But, I liked that I got to see a couple bats zooming through the treetops. Stretched and then went back to Benn's house to stretch becasue it was too buggy outdoors. Poor Benn's calves were sore at the track and he had to ice his knee and hip tonight :(

Spent a couple of days at Benn's house over the weekend into Monday. We got to go see Harry Potter 6 with his brother, Jonny, and then out to dinner on Sunday. I love spending time with the Griffins- it was another fun day! I had to go back home tonight but got to go to Benn's race beforehand at Camp Saratoga. He raced with two of his friends from work. I did a warm up with them and then did a brisk 0.8 mile walk on Scout Rd. to Edee Rd. intersection near Camp Saratoga. It's really lovely in this part of NY and I felt quite peaceful there. There were tons of wild flowers that I was tempted to pick, but instead just enjoyed them exactly where they were :) Walking back, I checked the time and decided to take a run back to the finish line to catch some of the first finishers and so on. So, I did a 0.6 mile run and, on the way, saw some racers running across the road section of the trail. Not knowing many details of the race, I didn't know that they had to cross a road during it and was in the right place at the right time to see Benn striding by. I gave him a yell of encouragement and I kept on jogging my way to the finishing area. I cheered on the finishers and got to watch Benn and his friends finish. Then I went for a cool down with Benn going to other way on Scout Rd. A humid but beautiful day :)

Came back from a doctor's appointment and zonked out for about an hour. My mom said I was a bit feverish and I was kind of out of it. The nap made me feel better and around 3:00 I did Power 90 Cardio 1-2. It includes things like power yoga, lateral leg work, kickboxing, jumping jacks, running in place, etc. I am going to make some tea and do leg lifts, squats, and lunges. I might do free weight lifting later, too!

Feel good to get exercising again! Did a warm up for 15 minutes on the treadmill at 6.0mph and 2% incline. Then got a good stretch and continued to 4.3 miles at 5.9mph. Got some water and did another 1.95 miles of cool down at 5.0-4.5mph and 2% incline. Stretched again and jumped in the shower! SOOO humid and hot today.

Feeling very tired and devoid of all energy or motivation during the day times. I am beginning to think that something is just not right. I eat healthfully and I do force myself to exercise. I am diagnosed with depression and generalized anxiety disorder, but I have been dealing with it for almost 2.5 years. Hmmm.. I hope something changes soon.

In the meantime, I started off today by doing a 3.3 mile interval training (all at 2% incline)--

warm up: minutes 0-5 at 4.5-5.5mph

brisk pace: minutes 5-8 at 5.5-6.0mph

moderate pace: minutes 8-10 at 6.0-6.2mph

fast pace: minutes 10-12 at 7.0mph

moderate pace: minutes 12-14 at 6.0-6.2mph

fast pace: minutes 14-16 at 7.0mph

moderate pace: minutes 16-18 at 6.0-6.2mph

fast pace: minutes 18-20 at 7.0mph

moderate pace: minutes 20-22 at 6.0-6.2mph

fast pace: minutes 22-25at 7.0mph

moderate pace: minutes 25-32ish? at 6.0mph

Next, I ran another 2 miles at 6.0 mph and 2% incline. Then finished up with a 1 mile cool down at 6.0-5.0 mph. Stretched and got a call from my Benn :-)

Could not sleep more than 3 hours last night. I finally dosed off around 12:30am and woke up at 3:30am. I don't know what is wrong with me, but I am basically lethargic during the daytime and restless at night. My mom suggested that I begin taking iron supplements for energy. Her doctor recommended it to her because she also has depression and has insomnia. I have been taking the iron pills for about 3 days and already feel a bit more energy during the day. (Although, I don't know if this is just a placebo effect). Other than that, I haven't had a real problem sleeping until now. It has always taken me quite a while to fall asleep, so that is nothing new. During and since college, I began having bouts of a few days where I have nightmares, but not the gruesome or really scary kind. Instead, they are the sort of dreams that instill uneasiness, discomfort, confusion, emotional turmoil, or embarrassment. I don't feel like I am too much more stressed than usual. The responsibilities of my new job starting at the end of the month frighten me because I have so much to do and learn before then, but it is kind of like the stresses of being a high-achieving college student..

So, anyway, I ran today to try to tucker myself out more so that hopefully I can get to sleep tonight. Did 4.3 miles at 6.2mph and 2% incline. Did the remaining 1.82 mile cool down at 6.0 to 4.7mph and 2% incline. Then did some good stretching and made some salad and soup for dinner. MMm..

After dinner, did free weight lifting, lunges, and 3 types of squats.

Spent the ENTIRE day working and only did 80 lower ab crunches for the night! Oyee.

Woke up this morning to the cat meowing incessantly at the door. Let her in and played with her with a rubber band I had on my wrist. She loved it. Then jumped out of bed and changed to run on the treadmill to do some by interval training (all at 2% incline)--

warm up: minutes 0-5 at 5.5mph

brisk pace: minutes 5-8 at 6.0mph

moderate pace: minutes 8-10 at 6.2mph

fast pace: minutes 10-12 at 7.0mph

moderate pace: minutes 12-14 at 6.0mph

fast pace: minutes 14-16 at 7.0mph

moderate pace: minutes 16-18 at 6.0mph

fast pace: minutes 18-20 at 7.0mph

moderate pace: minutes 20-22 at 6.0mph

fast pace: minutes 22-24at 7.0mph

moderate pace: minutes 24-26 at 6.3mph

brisk pace: minutes 26-28 at 6.0mph

cool down: minutes 28-30 at 5.5mph

Interval training totaled 3.1 miles. Then continued the cool down for another 1.01 miles at 5.5 to 4.0mph. SO humid I had to towel off multiple times during the run. Uck! Stretched and went upstairs for water and breakfast!

Woke up and Benn had made me tea this morning to sit and drink with him ( - I love it!) Then we got changes and headed out to the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail for a run. Stretched and did 5 miles and saw ducks and a bunny along side the trail. I love running with Benn because even when I feel like procrastinating a run or don't want to go, I go because he is going and I want to be with him. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't get half the runs in that I do. He is a fantastic motivation. After the run, we stopped to do some quick stretching and go to the bathroom. Then we headed back out for a half mile cool down. My legs were a little tired but it felt really good out. It was overcast from a stormy night and had just the right amount of breeze. After getting back to the car and stretching, we drove to local diner to have a breakfast date. What a perfect start to a day!

Staying at my oldest sister's apartment just outside of Boston for the weekend with my best friend, Missy. EXTREMELY hot and humid today but stuck around the apartment while Missy went to do some job training this morning. I used my sister's Everlast boxing gloves and bag to do kickboxing. OYE... I had to break in the beginning to hook up a fan that helped a tiny bit. But after all the kicking and punching, my the inside of the gloves was pure sweat. Then I did yoga ball side and front crunches, squats, lunges, and leg lifts. Finished up with nice stretching - my left quad is tight for some reason.

Plan to walk around Boston the rest of the weekend with some friends. I hope we do not melt or burn out there! It's torture!

.... We ended up heading to the Boston Common and walked a lot around the Common & up and down Newbury Street. Missy and I actually ran into comedian Colin Quinn, who was walking out of a shop as we were entering and held the door for us. But me, being the televisionarily oblivious person that I am, didn't have the faintest idea who is was at the time. It was after we walked through the door and said our "thank you"s did Missy turn around to me with her face of excitement and told me who we just encountered. Anywho, had a lot of fun walking and taking in the sights. Prices are ridiculous, of course, so I didn't buy anything but trying things on was fun before I looked at the pice tags! Got back to the apartment almost around 10pm, hopped into our pajamas and had a bowl of cereal for dinner. Slept like a rock!

Missy and I met up with our friends Kara and Todd at the Watertown apartment around 10:30 or 11:00am. Kara learned a new card game that can be played with multiple players called "Eqyptian Rat Screw." I heard her wrong and thought the game was "Egyptian Rat Squirrel," which I like the sound of better anyway. Usually I am just turned-off to having to get instructed in learning new games, but it was actually really fun! We all got into it and it is very fast and competitive! Afterward, we all went out to lunch (Indian, of course) at Punjab Palace in Allston, MA. The food there was phenominal and, unknown to us until we saw our meals, you get at least 2 times the amount of food than other places for the same price. I have been a big fan of House of India in Pittsfield, but I have to say that this place tops the cake. Not only was the food delicious and inexpensive, but the wait staff and host were so kind and funny! And an Indian soap opera was playing in the background which also set a fun and friendly mood. It was Todd's (23rd) birthday today, so we all chipped in to cover his meal and had a great time!

Woke up and went kayaking with my olderst sister, Lindsay, on Onota Lake in Pittsfield. She has spotted bald eagles (2 adults and 2 young) there on many occasions so we thought we would scope it out. The lake's surface was as smooth as glass today.We set off and paddled down and out of the cove and were kayaking down the middle length of the lake. Suddenly, we saw an adult bald eagle soaring in circles nearer and nearer to the lake's surface. With our front row seats, we watched it scoop the water to catch a fish. It was so amazing to be in that spot at that exact moment. That's when I started thinking about my day and how if we had left a minute earlier or a minute later, we would have missed this. The adult eagle flew behind us to what my sister called its favorite tree, because she always sees it perched there. Next, one of the baby eagles mimmicked the adult by circling the lake's surface but did not scoop and flew over with its parent in the tree. We think it was teaching the young how to catch fish. We turned and paddled over to the tree and were able to get extremely close. We stayed there for quite a while watching and taking pictures of the two eagles. The baby was very talkative and  and did a lot of calling, to which we could hear an eagle calling back from the opposite width of the lake. We decided to kayak over to the other side of the lake to check it out, because that is where the nest is known to be. The nest was giant and actually sits high in a tree in yard of a lakefront house. It must be so cool to be those homeowners - I'm sure they have fabulous pictures! There, we sighted the 2nd baby, who was still calling across the lake to its sibling. It was getting extremely hot out on the lake, so after all the sightseeing, we paddled around and under tree limbs for fun and shade. We kayaked for an hour (not including the stopping and picture taking)!

Today, Benn came over around 5pm and we went to a performance at Jacob's Pillow in Becket, MA (about 40 minutes from my house). Jacob's Pillow puts on a series of dance performances at 6:30pm on their Inside/Out Stage. The stage is outdoors and is just lovely to look at alone, as its backdrop is the breathtaking Berkshire Hills. The audience can sit on wooden benches, a hammock, picnic tables, folding chairs, or several large rocks that skirt the perimeter of the seating area. There was quite a big audience when we arrived, so we sat on one of the tall rocks. The temperature was perfect- not too hot because of a rain storm that had just gone through and yielded a beautiful, calm sky with not too much worry of mosquitoes. 

We saw three dances which, together, lasted around 45 minutes in total with a Q&A segment afterward. The type of dances, called Bharatanatyam, were performed by Dr. Janaki Rangarajan. She had begun studying the dance style, which used to be exclusively performed by female Indian temple dancers, since she was 4 years old. She has trained during several apprenticeships and has also been an instructor herself. Now, the dance form has opened up to include male dancers as well. Pupils of this discipline train very hard and typically also have to train in voice work/singing (I forget the name of it, though).

Superficially, I looooved the way Janaki looked, with her long dark braided hair, accessories, and complete Indian garb. I liked her bell-clad anklets that she was trained to make chime to the beat of the music. More profoundly, I was fascinated by the information provided in her introduction and answers to audience questions. Dr. Janaki Rangaranjan choreographs many of her own performances and I had a blast watching them! Her movements are almost constant, as nothing- not even her hands- stays in the same position for more than 10 seconds or so. In Bharatanatyam, even the muscles in the face are used extensively - the mouth, the eyes, forehead, etc. These instances were one of my favorites throughout the performances, which Benn and I dubbed "face dancing!" I thought it was interesting when Janaki explained and demonstrated how all of her movements have different meanings or significances-- each dance tells a story.

We both had a bunch of fun and oh yeah! Benn's blog will probably tell about the two kids we encountered- it was so cool and weird!!!

After Jacob's Pillow, Benn and I drove to my new office (which was on the way) so that I could drop stuff off and pick stuff up! I got to show Benn where I will be working so that he knows where to find me. I also got 4 recycling bins for the floor so I can take care of that, because nobody really recycled last semester. On Fridays, I used to sift through the little trash bins with a plastic bag and collect paper and cans/bottles/plastic/glass. I know it sounds gross but it wasn't bad like REAL garbage- it was just office and student trash like papers and drink containers. In the office, we played music while Benn helped me hang my calendar and pictures. That turned out being kind of fun, too :)

Benn asked me to go to the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail with him today for a run. It is sunny and hot and humid and I was kind of in an "eh" mood. But I actually had fun, even though we both sweat buckets! (Ok, so I sweat a cup and Benn sweat a bucket! Hehehe) We ran 3 miles with 2 small breaks for stretches. Then ran 3 miles back to the car. During our run, we saw tons of bikers and 1 or 2 runners.

Animals spotted: Just geese & ducks today.

Finally got a reply email this morning from my boss, as I had sent his several questions regarding the new position & scheduling. Unfortunately, he was not able to answer ANY of my questions but did send me 3 powerpoints (around 25 slides each) and told me to read through them and try to get a grasp on the material, as I am to present them and have an open Q & A discussion about then at the Center's Staff Training days. YIKES!!!!!!!! This on top of all the other stuff I have yet to do is really stressing me out! (Might I add that it is really not helping my complexion, either, which is more to fuel the fire!) Oye.....

Decided i needed to get a run in today. Did 4.1 miles of interval training at 6.0/6.2mph & 7.0mph, which warm up and cool down at 5.0-5.5mph. 

Was going to go running but both of my sports bras are in the wash. So, instead,stretched and did 45 minutes of Power90 Cardio 3-4 (power yoga, cardio work, kickboxing, jumping jacks, etc. etc.) I feel like I messed up my right shoulder blade a little while doing right arm hooks, but I stretched really well afterward, so I am hoping that helps it. Also did leg lifts and some crunches, but would like to finish up doing more crunches and free weights tonight. I'm just antsy thinking about all the work I have to do today and just wanted to get it started asap.

Worked and worked and worked all day long! Finally at 8:30pm I couldn't take it anymore and needed to go for a run or get some sort of physical exercise! Did intervals ranging from 5.5-7.0mph and did about a mile cool down at 6.0-4.4mph. Stretched.

Benn went to the track to do his workout while I ran on the treadmill. Ran 4.11 miles at 6.0-6.2mph with intervals at 7.0mph, all at 2% incline. I've been really bummed about the lack of weekly miles I have been getting in lately. Work has been crazy and has messed up any schedule I could have tried to make. I Wanted to run more today but had to sacrifice my time to take a shower, pack lunch for me & Benn, and get everything ready for the James Taylor concert. I was great and I loved spending the day with Benn!!!

Had plans to go for a 5-6 mile run today with Benn on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. But, i must have been tired because I didn't wake up until around 10am- and Benn had to leave around noon for school. I feel bad because Benn was probably up around 8am but didn't want to wake me up. So he let me sleep but I don't mind waking up early when I get to spend the morning with Benn. I think he is slowly converting me into a morning person :)

So, I packed a little lunch for Benn because he will be at school in Albany all day today. Later, I ran on the treadmill today. Did a 5 minute warm-up at 4.5mph then jumped to 6.0mph for 15 minutes. Next, I did interval training, alternating between 6.0mph and 7.0mph for around 13 minutes. Then I did a cool-down at 5.0mph to 4.5mph for 18 minutes. Total of 6.1 miles all at 2% incline.

Beyond horrible day at work. Ran at 6.5mph and 2% incline for 10 minutes or so, and then did stretching. Got back on the treadmill and ran the rest of 3.5 miles at the same pace with just one or two intervals at 7.0mph. Lastly, did a 1.1 mile cool down  at 5.5mph-4.7mph at 2% incline. Stretched again.

Just really upset and at a loss as of what to do. The run helped me a little bit, but my mind was rolling the whole time :(

:(

Drove to Saratoga to visit Benn after work. Went for a run at Spa Park and got to do a lot of people watching. Saw two weddings and tons of people having picnics & parties. It was a lot of fun except that I was staaaarving, so even though I wanted to go for a long run, I am glad we had to stop early because Benn's ankle was hurting him. I don't think I would have made it much longer without having some food! Went back to Benn's house and got to meet the puppy! HOW ADORABLE!!!!

So stressed out. Ran on the treadmill on 2% incline at 6.3mph for 12 minutes and then stretched. Hopped back on and continued 3.2 miles at the same pace. Did a cool down for .05 miles at 6.3-5.5mph. Tons of work to do :*(

A pretty tough and emotional week for me. Didn't get much time for running in. Benn picked me up and brought me back to his house for the weekend. In the evening, we went to the track and I'm guessing I did a 5k or so while Benn did speed work.

Drove to Spa Park with Benn and ran 5 miles on the trails. Finally a gorgeous day, sunny, and hot once we get running. Afterward, did fast-paced walking (dunno how far) and ended up meeting with Benn on his last leg of a loop. So, I ran with him until the end, did a 0.6mile cool down and stretched.

Went jogging at night on the treadmill. Did 7.0mph pace with multiple intervals at 6.2mph (all at 2% incline) for 3.6 miles. Stretched.

Today I got up around 7am to put out the recycles and trash. Got changed and did Power 90 Cardio 3-4. (45 minutes of fast paced sets of power yoga, cardio arm work & leg work, kickboxing, jumping jacks, body blows, etc.). Then did 10 different sets of crunches @ 35 reps for a total of 350 crunches. Next I did leg lifts (35 on each side), lunges (set of16 total), and 3 different sets of squats. Stretched and wanted to do some free weight lifting but instead had to chase after my cat because my mom & grandfather accidently let her out!

In the afternoon, washed  two loads of laundry at my grandfather's house and ran around with a soccer ball outside in his field waiting for the laundry to finish.  Then hung both loads of laundry and helped my grandfather fix an electric hedge trimmer I was having trouble with. Got that fixed so I loaded the still damp clothes into my car and drove back to my house to hang them for a second time. Then got outside and trimmed all the hedges on the front and side of my house. After that, I went out into the back yard and did a lot of weeding, adding the dried branches, etc. to the fire pile. Finished up just in time for it to start raining. Woohoo!

Woke up, had a snack for breakfast & talked to Benn on the phone, then got changed and went for a run on the treadmill. Ran at 6.0-6.2mph for 10 minutes to warm up and then took a few minutes to stretch. Then jumped back on the treadmill an completed 3.62 miles total at 7.0mph with a few intervals at 6.2mph (all at 2% incline). Felt good and would have liked to keep running, but I have to jump in the shower because people are coming to deliver my mom's new mattress, so I have to take care of that! I want to do squats, lunges, leg lifts, and possible free weights a little later on!

Went for a run on the treadmill today for 3.5 miles at 6.2mph. Then did a cool down of 0.5 miles at 4.9mph. (All at 2% incline). I made sure to do a warm-up stretch at a little over a mile in and then stretched after the run. I also rearranged my basement and cleaned out the pantry! woohoo

Such a beautiful day, I decided to go for a bike ride on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. I set my new bike rack on my car and supplied myself with sunscreen, sunglasses, water, and bug spray. Noticed that my tires were very low on air, but I really had the feeling like I needed to go anway. So I did. I biked a 10 mile round trip from Lanesboro to Cheshire and back. It was lovely and I passed a lot of happy people with their children, other family members, friends, or dogs. Even though I was enjoying the time, I did miss Benn a lot. This was my first time biking alone in years and years and years. But he has studet teaching and school and work so I can't see him until he gets his work done :( I feel bad that he is so busy, and I'm sad that I have a lot going on, too, and can't see each other more. I hope that can change soon after this horrible semester is over.

Went on trip to Northampton, MA with a best friend and roomate in college that I hadn't seen in quite a while. We walked and walked and walked the streets, peeked in shops, and had tons of fun!

Ran on the treadmill this morning. Did a 1 mile warm up at 6.2-6.5mph then stretched. Jumped back on for 2.1 miles at 7.0mph with 2 or 3 intervals at 6.4mph. Then did a cool down run of 1 mile with 1 pound free weights at 6.5mph (all at 2% incline). Strecthed again and did multiple lunges and a few reps of 3 different types of squats, all with the free weights. Finished up with a little more stretching. Drank lots of water this morning.

My best friend was in town for the day and we made plans to go to our favorite apple orchard, Bartlett's, and then walk to the nearby pond (Richmond Pond). We had a good time looking at all the cool home-made goodies at Bartlett's and we both bought a baggie or dired mangoes. Missy bought a bag of Gala apples, also. Then we took a nice walk down to the pond and back. We got to talk and catch up, enjoy the sunshine, and make plans to visit each other again of course!

Went for a run on the treadmill tonight. Did the first mile warm up at 6.2mph and then took a break to stretch. Hopped back on for another 2.1 miles at 7.0 mph with intervals at 6.5mph. Then began a cool down of 1 mile at 6.5mph to 6.2mph. All at 2% inline. Did when I was stretching when I was done and then did a bunch of free weight lifting.

Did Power90 Cardio/Sweat 3-4 this morning. (Power yoga, kickboxing, jumping jacks, running, punching..full body workout)! Afterwards, did lunges and three different sets of squats. Stretched a lot but I'll probably feel it tomorrow! Total about 1 hour including stretches.

Benn and I hiked Monument Mountain today. It was a bit rainy, but that just helped power great memories from last year's The views and breeze at the top were misty and wonderful. I had a ton of fun on the hike - it was probably somewhere around 3 miles total.

Did a lot today, but caught a bit of time before bed to do leg lifts and free weight lifting. Only did a total of 6 different sets at 45 reps each (with one set at 100 reps)- Mind you, these are only 5 pound weights. I would have liked to complete my sets (I have about 8 different sets total I think, but I was tired). I want to move up to maybe 8 or 10 pounds soon, but I haven't wanted to go to the store and buy them!

Went on the elliptical today. Did a warm up at 4 resistance for 6 minutes or so. Then did another 45 minutes at 5 and 6 resistance. After that, did cool down stretches and did leg lifts and 3 different sets of squats. I finished up with 11 different sets of crunches at 25 reps each (total 275). Stretched again and jumped in the shower.

Worked out on the elliptical for 51 minutes total. Did a 6 minute warm up at resistance 4 and then did 45 minutes at resistance 5. Afterward, I did a cool down stretch and 11 different types for a total of 210. Did more stretching to finish up.

Stretched and did Power90 Cardio/Sweat 3-4 this evening. (Power yoga, kickboxing, jumping jacks, running, punching..full body workout)! Afterwards, did leg lifts, lunges, and three different sets of squats. Stretched again and did 11 different sets of crunches at either 35 or 40 reps. I did 400 crunches total and did final stretching. Now getting in the tub to shave because all that stretching made me realize how stubbly my legs are! haha

Went with Benn to a trail race in Monroe, MA today. Agreed to run the 2 miler there, though I haven't entered a race in 2 years and have never done a trail race before. Did a 1 mile warm up wih Benn. The race was cool but I was stuck behind two people on the single track trail for the first mile. Found a tiny clearing on the urnaround and booked it past them. Flew down the hill and hoped that I wouldn't catapult myself into the abyss. Hahaha. Ended up being the only one in my age group and placed. 8th out or 17 with a time of 20:51. Did a cool down and stretched. Lots more took place today, but Benn already wrote a play-by-play of the day's events.. check out his blog for more :)

Ran on the treadmill today. Did a 1 mile warm up at 6.2mph and then stretched. Got back on for another 3.52 miles at 6.2-6.3mph. Then began a 1 mile cool down at 6.0 mph for a total of 5.52 miles, all at 2% incline.  Stretched again and got into the shower before bed. It's FREEZING here! So unlike a typical October :(

Ran on the treadmill for 3.6 miles at 6.1-6.3mph and 2% incline. Did warm up stretching at 6 minutes in and again afterward.

Spent 3 or so hours stacking and wheelbarreling firewood from my driveway all the way out into the backyard. Also raked a ton and got a great workout!!

Surprised Benn at student teaching today and then headed up to Spa Park to go running together. I did 5 miles with Benn on the trails and then Benn went off to do another 2 miles. Beautiful day out today!

Bummed about last week's miles. I have had a very busy week FULL of driving and traveling. Stayed at lots of people's houses and did not fit in the time for jogs or workouts. Still had a lot of fun doing other things, though. I spent almost 6 hours at the Boston Museum of Science and went to a great Halloween costume party. I got to see friends I hadn't seen in a long time. :)

Finally my first morning home and went for a 5 mile run on the treadmill at 6.2-6.3mph and 2% incline. I did stretching at 10 minutes in and then did cool down stretches also. Finished with leg lifts and would like to do squats, lunges, and crunches tonight. Maybe weight lifting too if I feel very motivated haha.

Ran 5.3 miles on the treadmill tonight at 6.2-6.5mph with 2% incline. Stretched at 15 minutes into the run and then afterward. Made a date with my mom to watch a movie at 9:45 woot!

Today I did a 40 minute Power90 Cardio Sweat 3-4 workout. I began with stretching warm up and finished with cool down stretching. Then did a few sets of lunges, squats, and leg lifts. Stretched quickly again and did 300 crunches (10 different sets of 30). Stretched again and finished just in time to get a call from my sister in California :)

Benn & I drove to the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail today. Since Benn's ankle won't allow him to go for a run, we went for just shy of an hour walk. (3.1 miles in 58:00). It was a beautiful walk and actually not too chilly out. At our turn-around point, we stopped for a moment to admire the autumn leaves dancing under the water's surface at a small waterfall. Toward the end of our walk, my right heel started getting sore and I could feel  a blister forming because I wore boots with fur on the inside and no socks. Bad idea haha. Benn's ankle started to bother him, too, but even with all of that we had a fun time! After the walk we drove to Dottie's Coffee Lounge on North Street in Pittsfield and sat in the cafe together for a bit.

Went for a hike around 2:30 today with my big sister, Lindsay, who drove in from Boston today. Started out nice but once we approached the top, it began to sprinkle and hail on us. Lindsay had cruddy sneakers with little traction and she slipped on a boulder. She hurt her back sliding down the rock, scratched up her arm, and dislocated her thumb. OUCH. It hurt but she wanted to continue going before the weather got worse. So we set off again but we had to go slower and stop for a minute or two because she said she was feeling dizzy (fainty) and needed to sit and catch some air for a minute. He thumb was hurting badly and is pretty swolen, but she said her back pain was gone. We finally made it off the summit and the weather cleared up as we made the rest of our way down the mountain.

I gave her some water when we got back to the car and I drove us home. Now she is icing her hand with a bag of frozen peas hehe. She just hopes her hand is okay for Saturday because she has a volleyball tournament. We'll see!...

Stretched and did Power90 Cardio/Sweat 3-4 this morning. (Power yoga, kickboxing, jumping jacks, running, punching..full body workout)! Afterwards, did leg lifts, lunges, and three different sets of squats. Stretched again and did 11 different sets of crunches at either 30-35reps each. Stretched again and was happy to start the day off right :)

Ran on the treadmill for 3.2 miles at 6.4-6.5mph and 2% incline. Stretched afterward.

Played with Skyler on the trampoline today and then ran on the treadmill this evening. Did 3.55 miles @ 6.5-6.7mph and 2%incline. Then did some quick stretching and continued for a 0.6 miles cool down at 5.0-4.8mph and 2% incline. Stretched to finish up!

Ran 6.3 miles on the treadmill while watching Supernanny on tv haha. All at 2% incline, I ran the first 6.1 miles at 6.2mph with 4-5 intervals (of 5-7 minutes each) at 7.0mph. Afterward, did a 0.2 mile cool down at 5.0-4.9mph and stretched. Lastly, I finished up with leg lifts and 3 different sets of squats.

Ran on the treadmill this morning. Benn signed me up for the Troy Turkey Trot again this year, so I can't be lazy! All at 2% incline, I did a 15 minute warm up at 6.2-6.4mph. Stretched and hopped back on and ran at 6.3-7.0mph until I hit the 4 mile mark. Then did a 0.5 mile cool down at 5.0-4.9 mph. Stretched again and did bunches of squats and leg-lifts. Just did some house cleaning and now off to take a shower and run errands. I'm meeting up tonight with one of my best friends from college and her boyfriend. I wish Benn could be here, too, but he will be at work. Bummer... I'm not sure if they actually think he exists. Haha!

Only ran about a mile on the track with Benn. So glad to get the time to spend a little time with Benn.

Ran on the treadmill tonight at 7pm. All at 2% incline, did a 2 mile warm up at 6.3-6.4mph then did stretching (while I talked to Benn on the phone). Said bye to Benn and hopped back on for another 2 miles at 7.0mph. I'm glad to realize that I can run at this more rapid pace for longer now. Finished up with a cool down of 1.15 miles at 6.4-6.2mph. Stretched again and also did my leg lifts, 3 different sets of squats, and lunges. Woohoo!

Ran on the treadmill tonight again at 7pm. All at 2% incline, did the first 2 miles at 6.3-6.5mph. Did warm up stretches and got back on for another 0.5 or so miles at 7.0-7.4mph. Then continued right into a cool down for the remainder at 6.2-4.9mph. Did more stretching and also did different sets of free weight lifting. Finished with leg lifts, a few lunges, and much more stretching :)

Ran on the treadmill tonight for just 3.2 miles. All at 2% incline, I did the first 13 minutes at 6.6-6.6mph then did stretching. Ran the rest of the way at 6.4mph to a steady 7.0mph. Stretched again and called it a night! Maybe I'll do some squats and lunges before bed... we'll see!

All at 2% incline, ran on the treadmill at 6.4mph to a steady 7.0mph. Did warm up and cool down stretches.

Turkey Trot 2009: Benn and I got to Troy but couldn't find any parking so we had to run a mile or so to find the new race regsitration building, which made us miss the start of the race by like 3 minutes. So we ran through some spectators to catch up to the end of the pack and then just budged past many, many runners. It was a fun race and I think Benn said we ended up running sub 8 minute miles for the majority or the race though. Not bad!

I placed 1769 of  4529 finishers, meaning I passed all but 1768 runners. Not bad! Chip time was 25:39 for the 5k which equates to a 7:56 PACE PER MILE for the race! I'll take it!

Benn & I went to Dublin Road passing through Richmond/ Hancock, MA. On the way down we walked an easy pace and came across horse stables, so we stopped and looked at a few horses. Of course I had to pet and talk to them... especially one I adored named Fergie.  We also saw two very young foals.. it was cute to see their long stick legs and big furry bellies! Continued and looped back at a quickened pace. Finished 3.1 miles in 50 minutes.

FINALLY back to exercise! 4 days can feel like foreverrrrr. Back home after a few days of travel and appointments in Boston. Back home and got up this morning to stretch and do Power90 Cardio Sweat 3-4 (Power yoga, jumping jacks, running, kickboxing, etc!). Stretched after the workout and did a total of 330 crunches. Here is the breakdown:

45 standard crunches

35 left side crunches

35 right side crunches

40 knee up crunches

35 leg reach crunches

35 bent leg lower ab crunches

30 legs lift crunches

45 hip rock crunches

30 lower ab crunches

50 scissor crunches (2 "kicks" = 1 crunch)

45 full body crunches

Stretched again and did 65 lunges each, 3 sets of 30 squats, and 20 leg lifts on both sides. Then did a lot of squats and more stretching. My left knee has been kind of hurting a little and popping. Hmmm..

It snowed today! Drove to Monument Mountain with Benn for a hiking date. We saw lots of hikers today despite the cold! Always think of the proposal at the top and how lucky I am to have Benn in my life.

Ran on the treadmill this afternoon. All at 2% incline, started out with the first mile at 6.0mph. Stretched and did the next mile at 6.5mph. Finished up the last 1.31 miles at 7.0mph. Stretched again.

Snow storm and movie day today :) Shoveled and shoveled and shoveled outside for an hour.

All at 2% incline, ran the 1.5 miles on the treadmill at 6.5mph. Stretched and did the next 2 miles at 7.0mph. Stretched again and now on the phone with my baby niece, Jane!

Benn's last day of student teaching today! I'm sure it is bitter-sweet for him, but I am so happy for him!!

Ran on the treadmill today. All at 2% incline, did the first 1.2 miles at 6.4mph. Then stretched and ran to t3.4 miles at 7.0mph. Started a cool down at 5.0-4.2mph to finish up at 4.21 miles. Stretched again and did squats and lunges later in the day.

All at 2% incline, ran on the treadmill tonight. Did the first 1.5 miles at 6.4-6.5mph and then did warm up stretching. Jumped back on the treadmill for another 2.1 miles at 7.0mph. Finished up with a 1.01 mile cool down at 6.5mph. Did more stretching along with 3 different sets of squats, leg lifts, and lunges.

HATE HOW HARD IT IS TO FIND THE TIME TO RUN. CAN'T WAIT TO GET BACK WITH IT!

Did Power 90 Cardio 3-4 (kickboxing, arm work, leg work, jumping jacks, running, etc..) all the way up to the crunches, but had to stop because we had company over for dinner. 

NEEDED to run. Popped in a movie (The Edukators) and started on the treadmillat 6.1mph. About 2 miles in, I did some warm up stretching and then hopped back on for the rest at 6.2 and 6.3mph. Finished up with lots of stretching. Took a shower because, again, we are having family over for dinner. But now I want to finish the movie! hehe maybe later..

Had an exercise date with Benn today. I did Power 90 Cardio 3-4 while benn ran his butt off on the treadmill. I also did squats, lunges, and leg lifts. Lots of strecthing!

Ran on the treadmill for the first 15 minutes at 6.4-6.5mph. Then increased the speed to 7.0mph for up until the 3.2 mile mark. Did a 0.2 mile cool down at 4.9-4.8mph. All at 2% incline.

 Thanks for the motivation to get movin' today, Benn. I love you!