Oh my goodness it's finally Friday! My weekend is packed to the gills and I still feel like there is a lot I need to do to prepare for it!
So yesterday was one of my best runs ever. I had very minimal aching in my knees! Usually I notice a little pain during the first mile or so which eventually tapers off and comes back whenever I'm going slightly down hill. My legs were a little heavy yesterday but were weightless about 3 miles in. AND I can walk today!
I've never been a long distance runner but I've always wanted to be one. Terrible idea as both my parents have terrible knees as well. But I've always loved the little bit of running I would do. Anytime I didn't have access to a gym, I knew I could strap on some sneakers and run around the neighborhood.
Over the past year, I've been more committed to working out on a regular basis and as the weather turned cold and snowy I had to bring the running part of my workout inside. These killed my knees, I would be in so much pain before, during and after the treadmill. Though for some reason I felt the elliptical was the wussy way out. I had discovered a love for speedy intervals which kept my attention better.
I've been a regular follower of Caitlin for about 6 months now, and after some questions and reading through her own knee problems I tweaked my own running habits. Some things I've learned:
*Glucosamine Chondroitin - I've been taking this pretty steadily for several months now. Caitlin explained that it does take a little while before you notice its affects on your system. So I just kept on taking them and I finally got to the point where they do make me feel good. I just buy the Target brand.
*Knee Sleeves - I also read up on these through Caitlin's blog. When I went in for new shoes I asked about these and decided to try them out. I guess I assumed they'd be sold in pairs so I bought one package. So now I have one knee sleeve. I've been wearing it on my left knee and has totally helped the aching I would feel while running. I will eventually buy one for my right one soon as I'm adding more distance!
*Minutes over Miles - I used to run to achieve a certain mileage. I would be on the treadmill and say "okay, let's do 3 today!" But the treadmill gets so boring and blah blah, I'd crank up the speed so I could get through 3 or however many miles I put myself to through. Too many times I was hauling it (my next point) but not helping my body train through endurance. After my own running hiatus when I finally got back on the treadmill, I would say okay just run for 20 minutes, 30 minutes. I can appreciate a mile more, but I can appreciate my body for being able to run for 60 minutes more so... also to go with this...
*Slow the eff down! Between my race to a certain mileage and what become an abusive relationship with speed intervals, I was pushing my body to crazy speedwork. Intervals DO help combat boredom on the treadmill but my knees couldn't keep up to the levels I was pushing it through. Sprinting intervals at 8.7 on a treadmill HURT. Running a 6 min mile on a treadmill HURTS. As my legs get stronger, these workouts will get better but only on occasion. Not to be an everyday thing - ugh. So as boring as it was I brought the treadmill speed down to 6.5, sometimes throw some 6.2 or 6.8 in there. I started pacing myself on outdoor runs. Your legs really do acclimate to running certain speeds and it took a little bit to get my natural running motion to slow down. But now when I'm outside I'm at a steady 9:13 pace which is what the 6.5 works out to be usually.
I like to map my runs out with mapmyrun.com and remember where the mile markers are and check my watch as I go through them. I also love mapmyrun for when I'm back home and it also helps determine how many calories burned and also with pace. I never take calories literally, I usually round the number down. If I burned more than I'm estimating then bonus, but I'm not getting my expectations up (same with on machines, I like having the numbers there but I usually round down or lop off 50-100 in my head).
*Ice and stretch! I try to stretch for 15-20 minutes after a workout and then I throw on the ice packs - one for each knee plus a little bootie for my ankle (Achilles problems... something else that hindered my running for a month). 20 min on, 20 min off.
*Low Impact workouts - I realized the elliptical isn't wussy. I can't push myself to run 4-5 days a week. But I want to workout 4-5 days a week to reach my goals. I'm a big fan of the stairmaster but when my knees are tender that's out of the question. So a day or two I will use the elliptical and I am starting to like it. No pain and I can make it either a really good glute work out or just zone for an hour watching a Gilmore Girls repeat (new gym with personal tv stations at each machine... aaawesome!)
*Aleve - I pop one or two of these like 30-60 min before a run and then take one more before I'm about to head out. This helps in the pain I would get during runs. I have gone down from 3 to 2 as my legs get stronger. I just always have it on hand anyways as my go-to pain reliever. It's nice when you're hungover and you don't need to scramble around for something - I have 4 bottles floating around somewhere!
So now I just work on building my distance at a slower rate and only run 2 (maybe 3) days a week and work other things in the rest of the week. I'm excited because I want to partake in more races and eventually work myself up to a half marathon. A full marathon might be a little much but we'll see down the line!
Friday, April 24
Thursday, April 23
Yes!
I figured out how to work the Comments!
And here I thought I was pretty tech-savvy... oh well.
I just mapped out a 5 miler - only a couple runs left at this address. I will miss this neighborhood. But I'm moving to the coast so I probably won't miss it for very long ; )
And here I thought I was pretty tech-savvy... oh well.
I just mapped out a 5 miler - only a couple runs left at this address. I will miss this neighborhood. But I'm moving to the coast so I probably won't miss it for very long ; )
okay okay okay!
So I had a steady run, a longer hiatus and now I'm back!
Actually I've literally been working my ass off. I set a goal 3 weeks ago to lose 5 lbs by the end of the month and I am there - just in time for my dress fitting on Sunday for my friend's wedding. I still plan on losing some more, but mostly by toning up (Helloooo, strapless dress!)
So my eating habits were pretty routine and on the boring side. Think yogurt/shredded wheat/berry mixtures for breakfast, Turkey/Hummus wraps for lunch and crazy salads for dinner! Holler.
But I want to keep this up and really do want to be more involved with this blogging community. Especially after the mention of the summit! I'd love to be able to attend and already "know" everybody besides the few who I've met and understand that I'm a LURKER hahaha and not a regular commenter or blogger.
Posting will still be haphazard as I'm in the process of moving and my apt I'm leaving does not have a working oven (hence the move and wrap/salad meals!) If I had planned better I could have attempted the Raw diet without missing hot food since it's not an option anyways... haha.
Anyways, I'm excited. I love keeping up with all you bloggin' ladies. Now if only I could figure out how to work this damn thing!
- Ryane
Actually I've literally been working my ass off. I set a goal 3 weeks ago to lose 5 lbs by the end of the month and I am there - just in time for my dress fitting on Sunday for my friend's wedding. I still plan on losing some more, but mostly by toning up (Helloooo, strapless dress!)
So my eating habits were pretty routine and on the boring side. Think yogurt/shredded wheat/berry mixtures for breakfast, Turkey/Hummus wraps for lunch and crazy salads for dinner! Holler.
But I want to keep this up and really do want to be more involved with this blogging community. Especially after the mention of the summit! I'd love to be able to attend and already "know" everybody besides the few who I've met and understand that I'm a LURKER hahaha and not a regular commenter or blogger.
Posting will still be haphazard as I'm in the process of moving and my apt I'm leaving does not have a working oven (hence the move and wrap/salad meals!) If I had planned better I could have attempted the Raw diet without missing hot food since it's not an option anyways... haha.
Anyways, I'm excited. I love keeping up with all you bloggin' ladies. Now if only I could figure out how to work this damn thing!
- Ryane
Wednesday, April 8
Mmmm Some Favorites
The rest of my Tuesday ended up a bit differently than I had planned!
I got caught up in a project and then realized it had been 3 hours and I was hungry! So I put off the gym trip a little longer and had a mini lunch. I loooove turkey meat, especially sandwich style! There was nothing to this but some turkey on a light whole wheat english muffin, but it was toasted and delish. Plus an orange, and you can never go wrong with those!
After some quality time with an elliptical and stairmaster at the gym, I stopped by whole foods for a couple items aaaand some hot bar. I went to a location that I don't go to very often, but have had amazing hot bar experiences at. Yesterday's was a little disappointing. There were a crazy amount of roasted veggie medleys, but only one tofu option and nothing indian. I was a little bummed. I have fallen in love with this soba noodle dish that's been very present lately, so not a complete loss - also the fun groceries I got!
I kept my portions pretty small still with this as I thought the evening's plan was my usual Tuesday night activity: trivia night with friends. I usually have a beer or two and they have these amazing sweet potato fries with a curry dipping sauce. Oooh yes. So I wanted to save room!
Whole lotta random things happened and plans changed. I had put together an awesome cookie dough to sit over night. My intention for these cookies is for this bakery position I'm longing for... no details yet, still very in the works!
But, helloooo Mr. Oven! He would not light and I needed these babies baked! I grabbed all my materials and headed to my friend Serene's house. She surprised me with a lovely wine, cheese and cracker spread. She's so cute.
We joked we were getting our antioxidant dance on with the red wine and 60% percent cacao dark chocolate chips. Those huge mounds of cookie dough became large, thin and chewy pieces of heaven. Oh snap!
And obviously I am still having trouble with formatting. I tried to get ahead of myself and now don't feel like going back and fixing it.
Too bad I can't figure out comments either!
Ahhh.
Oh well, yesterday resulted in very yummy food plus quality girl time! We watch The House Bunny later on... silly, definitely but it had some really funny moments - esp with a wine buzz going on!
I got caught up in a project and then realized it had been 3 hours and I was hungry! So I put off the gym trip a little longer and had a mini lunch. I loooove turkey meat, especially sandwich style! There was nothing to this but some turkey on a light whole wheat english muffin, but it was toasted and delish. Plus an orange, and you can never go wrong with those!
After some quality time with an elliptical and stairmaster at the gym, I stopped by whole foods for a couple items aaaand some hot bar. I went to a location that I don't go to very often, but have had amazing hot bar experiences at. Yesterday's was a little disappointing. There were a crazy amount of roasted veggie medleys, but only one tofu option and nothing indian. I was a little bummed. I have fallen in love with this soba noodle dish that's been very present lately, so not a complete loss - also the fun groceries I got!
I kept my portions pretty small still with this as I thought the evening's plan was my usual Tuesday night activity: trivia night with friends. I usually have a beer or two and they have these amazing sweet potato fries with a curry dipping sauce. Oooh yes. So I wanted to save room!
Whole lotta random things happened and plans changed. I had put together an awesome cookie dough to sit over night. My intention for these cookies is for this bakery position I'm longing for... no details yet, still very in the works!
But, helloooo Mr. Oven! He would not light and I needed these babies baked! I grabbed all my materials and headed to my friend Serene's house. She surprised me with a lovely wine, cheese and cracker spread. She's so cute.
We joked we were getting our antioxidant dance on with the red wine and 60% percent cacao dark chocolate chips. Those huge mounds of cookie dough became large, thin and chewy pieces of heaven. Oh snap!
And obviously I am still having trouble with formatting. I tried to get ahead of myself and now don't feel like going back and fixing it.
Too bad I can't figure out comments either!
Ahhh.
Oh well, yesterday resulted in very yummy food plus quality girl time! We watch The House Bunny later on... silly, definitely but it had some really funny moments - esp with a wine buzz going on!
Tuesday, April 7
Excellent start to the week
So Monday wasn't the greatest of days... in typical Monday fashion right!
First I woke up and had a banana with some Naturally More PB (so nutty, I'm in love!). I turned on my computer to read some blogs while I drank water and digested for a bit before my run. Of course the internet is down, and not just in a "reset the connection" way. It was flashing the "forbidden" message it does when my roommate is late on paying the cable. I thought she ran out of here really fast in the morning... ugh. We're moving in May, separately. Nice girl but maaajorly flighty! She lived here first so everything's in her name and I just pay her half of what anything is, so I'm pissed because I paid her for everything and she has yet to turn around and do the same.
So much for trying to become a regular blogger!
I played with my itunes and made a new running playlist - and then it began to pour. It was already gray out but this was in intense. I was already planning on going to the gym later on in the evening to meet a friend for some strength training and wasn't going to head there twice in one day (I recently joined Planet Fitness, which I love but is about 20 minutes away from me. However, when I move, there will be one only 5 minutes away!)
I pulled out my yoga mat and did some poses/stretching/abs/push ups with a Friends DVD on (no cable = no Ellen!).
Showered and prepped myself for a day at the doctors. Nothing crazy but I ended up being there forever!
I had this yummy, toasty wrap before I left.
I make these pretty much everyday. Today was the first time I tried throwing it on the panini grill - great for melting the cheese but didn't love the wilty spinach effect... or next time I'll make sure to add more spinach.
Multi grain flat out with garlic lovers hummus, turkey, mexican cheddar, spinach and carrot shreds.
Aaaand my glucosamine chondroitin tabs - bad knees, baby!
I had planned on rewarding myself with Whole Foods hotbar after my hours at the Doctor's office but by then it was 5, still pouring and getting grayer and I was south of boston at rush hour and I live north of boston. I started getting emotional as well when I found out how much all my tests/prescriptions were going to end up costing.
Starving when I got home, I threw some sweet potato fries (McCains - not great for you, but not terrible either), asparagus and chicken in the oven. While those cooked I poured myself some shiraz!
I was starrrrving like I said and what I thought was enough asparagus to have leftovers for lunch too all wound up on my plate. The emotional eater in me loved the SP fries.
I threw half that chicken breast on an english muffin with some avocado and shredded mozz. Ohhh it was tasty.
I decided I wasn't in the mood to go to the gym and my friend suggested coming over for a movie instead. At his house, his parents offered me some cheesecake which I could not deny. Oh, it was heavenly with a raspberry layer. You'd lick the screen if I had a picture of it!
Woke up this morning and the internet was back on.
I was crazy indecisive when it came to breakfast and finally just nuked a 1/4 cup of oats with some milk and strawberries. I added some plain yogurt, more strawberries, coconut and PB once it was cooked.
Plus some cranberry pomegranate green tea!
I'm off to the gym soon and then I most likely see a hummus wrap in my future. Obsessed!
Just realized it's TUESDAY. I like tuesdays because that's when all the new music comes out. I love playing on iTunes sampling (and buying) fun songs.
First I woke up and had a banana with some Naturally More PB (so nutty, I'm in love!). I turned on my computer to read some blogs while I drank water and digested for a bit before my run. Of course the internet is down, and not just in a "reset the connection" way. It was flashing the "forbidden" message it does when my roommate is late on paying the cable. I thought she ran out of here really fast in the morning... ugh. We're moving in May, separately. Nice girl but maaajorly flighty! She lived here first so everything's in her name and I just pay her half of what anything is, so I'm pissed because I paid her for everything and she has yet to turn around and do the same.
So much for trying to become a regular blogger!
I played with my itunes and made a new running playlist - and then it began to pour. It was already gray out but this was in intense. I was already planning on going to the gym later on in the evening to meet a friend for some strength training and wasn't going to head there twice in one day (I recently joined Planet Fitness, which I love but is about 20 minutes away from me. However, when I move, there will be one only 5 minutes away!)
I pulled out my yoga mat and did some poses/stretching/abs/push ups with a Friends DVD on (no cable = no Ellen!).
Showered and prepped myself for a day at the doctors. Nothing crazy but I ended up being there forever!
I had this yummy, toasty wrap before I left.
I make these pretty much everyday. Today was the first time I tried throwing it on the panini grill - great for melting the cheese but didn't love the wilty spinach effect... or next time I'll make sure to add more spinach.
Multi grain flat out with garlic lovers hummus, turkey, mexican cheddar, spinach and carrot shreds.
Aaaand my glucosamine chondroitin tabs - bad knees, baby!
I had planned on rewarding myself with Whole Foods hotbar after my hours at the Doctor's office but by then it was 5, still pouring and getting grayer and I was south of boston at rush hour and I live north of boston. I started getting emotional as well when I found out how much all my tests/prescriptions were going to end up costing.
Starving when I got home, I threw some sweet potato fries (McCains - not great for you, but not terrible either), asparagus and chicken in the oven. While those cooked I poured myself some shiraz!
I was starrrrving like I said and what I thought was enough asparagus to have leftovers for lunch too all wound up on my plate. The emotional eater in me loved the SP fries.
I threw half that chicken breast on an english muffin with some avocado and shredded mozz. Ohhh it was tasty.
I decided I wasn't in the mood to go to the gym and my friend suggested coming over for a movie instead. At his house, his parents offered me some cheesecake which I could not deny. Oh, it was heavenly with a raspberry layer. You'd lick the screen if I had a picture of it!
Woke up this morning and the internet was back on.
I was crazy indecisive when it came to breakfast and finally just nuked a 1/4 cup of oats with some milk and strawberries. I added some plain yogurt, more strawberries, coconut and PB once it was cooked.Plus some cranberry pomegranate green tea!
I'm off to the gym soon and then I most likely see a hummus wrap in my future. Obsessed!
Just realized it's TUESDAY. I like tuesdays because that's when all the new music comes out. I love playing on iTunes sampling (and buying) fun songs.
Sunday, April 5
Longest Hiatus Everrr???
I once posted on this blog for a steady... week or so back in September.
That was fun.
Times since then have gotten funner - in fact this blog could've been crazy interesting!
I've been meaning to start up again and putting it off but I've got real motivation now - more than before.
My best friend is getting married in 2 months! I'm the MOH and our dress fitting is in 3 weeks!
I am content with my body for the most part, but I do want to tone up a little bit and just be comfortable... not to mention I'm moving to the beach in a month! I know - awesome right?
I have TONS of pictures of food saved now as I procrastinated getting back to this blog. I'm not completely thrilled with the camera I have right now, so bear with me for a little bit until I replace it!
***HELP!***
When I look at my posts, I don't see any places where one could click to leave a comment. Is it just me? Or is there something special I need to turn on? I already have Reader Comments, Allow checked...? Any help is appreciated - email me at getrealryane@gmail.com
Regular posting commences TOMORROW!
I included some photos I've taken... apparently I'm really good at remembering the breakfast photos and so-so with lunch, spotty with snacks and rarely do dinner shots... It'll be a fun challenge for sure!
Monday, September 22
KETCHUP
Oh heyyyy, I'm back!
I am willing to accept anybody to email me - you know, give me a nudge, whatever, reminding me to post.
Haha. I've taken a couple photos but it's been spotty.
I decided a month ago I really wanted to do something special for my mom for Christmas as she's getting a hysterectomy 2.5 weeks before hand, and also because she is my amazing mother ; ) Anyways. I got us (and my sister) very good tickets to see Billy Elliott - The Musical the day before Christmas (I don't plan on giving my mother this link.... is that weird?).
Soooo funds were low for a bit, so meals were quite creative... maybe I should've taken pictures! Haha, I think I ate a lot of lean pockets and cereal... Oops.
Anyways. I was going through my fall clothes the other day and I wasn't exactly appreciating the way things were fitting. So that was a wake up call that I really do need to reign in my eating/work out habits.
So the pictures I do have...
One of my good friends growing up recently moved back to NH this month. She came to hang out last Tuesday and we went downtown for dinner.
Bread of course with a yummy herb butter. My drink was what they described as a margarita meets mojito. It was yummy!
For my meal, I ordered the grilled chicken sandwich with sweet potato fries. Mmm, I had wanted this chicken ravioli in pesto sauce dish, but Kristen ordered it and I didn't want to do a repeat... hate that.
Last wednesday was a little company party. I'm on the events committee, so it's my duty to plan these events and participate... I'm reeeally good at that part. Oops ; )
My work bff got us this to split as a birthday present to me. This night... let's just say that margarita kicked off the theme of the evening. But we wound up at a karaoke place and that's all that matters.
Saturday I went apple picking! Yummy!!!! I'm going to bake apple crisp tomorrow, I went through a couple recipes on cookinglight.com, I'm excited!
Decided to hit up Trader Joe's for some groceries... I'm excited to try the Multi-Grain hot cereal stuff - a mix of barley, wheat, oats...and rye I think? I tend to mix oats in oatmeal and let it sit overnight or for a few hours... this says "hot cereal" will it still work the same way?
OH by the way. I had run out of rolled oats last week. So for my fave yogurt parfait-things, I was using steel cut oats. Soaking in the yogurt for several hours makes them SUPER chewy, it was a very fun revelation!
Decided to try Peanut Butter Puffins. I'm in love! I am also in love with Peanut Butter Cookie Larabars! Oh man. The dates add just the right touch of sweetness... and even just half of one is such a nice, filling treat. Now I just need to try the coconut ones!
Oh gosh. I have more, but was just reminded that Heroes is new tonight. I forgot tv shows could be new... I don't think I've watched much at all in like 6 months. Good thing my friend has DVR!
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