In the Spirit of Halloween...

This is the team I manage at work.  My coworker has a sign saying "No More OEM Gingers."  I will stab him for this.

I might have felt like a big dork posing for pictures!

Happy Halloween!!

Bring It ON...

It. Is. ON!  Yes!  We are OFFICIALLY signed up for the race.  We ended up easily finding 12 runners that were crazy enough to not only run a 185-mile relay race, but also to pay airfare across the country to do it!  Awesome!  Training begins tonight...

Past vs. Present

I saw this article today and I thought it was so bizarre that I had to share the pictures.  As a society, we have DEFINITELY got the "super-size" thing down pat.  For example:

1950s ad for soda

In the 1950s, a 12 oz. can of soda was considered "King-Size" and was worthy of "two full glasses."  That is the size of soda can currently sold in vending machines.  I don't think I could find one person who would consider that king-sized and more than one serving.  That's because today our medium-size is this:

32 oz.

That is 3X larger than the two-serving can of the past.  Eesh.  But what about our largest offering?...

Double Gulp.  Two Pounds of Soda...

Doesn't that look a bit freakish in her grip?  The amount that this soda size would stretch your stomach is terrifying.  I'm totally a soda addict and in high school my friends and I would always visit the local gas station and get a 44 oz soda for 44 cents.  I don't even want to think about the calorie content!

I thought this was interesting and wanted to pass the photos along.  I think I am going to make a better effort to eat portions the 1950s way...

UPDATED: Wednesday Weigh-In!

UPDATE:  I added the correct measurements this morning.  These are now accurate!  :)

Confession--I left my measurements at home this morning so these are coming from memory.  If you knew me in person you would soon realize my short term memory is less than stellar so with that in mind, here are (what I think to be) my measurements for the week!

As you might remember, I weighed in at 151.8 lbs last week (I am sure you remembered that down to the decimal point!).  However, last week that weight loss was mostly attributed to the lovely bout of the stomach flu I encountered.  Nothing like practicing bulimia for a few days to drop the pounds!  Eesh.  After being sick I took the rest of the week off from working out to let my body recover and rest, so this weigh in is after a week and a half of purposeful inactivity.  It is also that magical time of the month that causes us ladies to gain a bit of weight.  :)  That being said, I am really happy with what the scale is showing.  I cannot WAIT to break into the 140s.  I think I might have to throw a big celebration once that happens.

I've really been enjoying being at this weight.  When I look in the mirror, I am proud of how my body is beginning to look and I am finally feeling sexy again.  My husband noted the other day that I am noticeably a lot more comfortable with my body.  I asked him what made him say that and he mentioned that in the past I would get out of the shower in my towel and rush to put on my underwear/clothes; I would never be naked and exposed for more than .2 seconds.  Apparently now I am taking my time getting ready and not rushing to put my clothes on.  I would've never noticed, but he definitely did!

As for the Florida Relay Race...we are trying to come up with a team of 12 runners by this Thursday.  Hopefully we can find enough interested people to run it!  I think it would be so fun.  I must admit--I'm craving another race.  My husband wants to run a half marathon either this weekend or next weekend, and I nearly signed up for it with him.  I must be insane, but you knew that already.  :)

Happy Wednesday!

The Disconnect

Before I ever started this blog I was working out with a coworker/friend after work each day (this was at the beginning of this year).  To keep ourselves motivated, we came up with a list of goals and rewards.  While searching through some documents the other day, I came across the spreadsheet we put together and couldn't help but open it up to see if I had accomplished any of the goals I had set for myself.  

I can't believe how far I've come!

• Goal #1: Run 1 mile at 10 minute pace
• I can run at least 2 miles at a 10 minute pace now!
• Goal #2: Run 30 minutes straight on a treadmill
• I can do that, but I can also run for 75 minutes straight outside
• Goal #3: Run a 5K
• I ran a 10K!!
• Goal #4: Hike Lake Blanche
• I hiked Lake Blanche (and can't wait to do it again) and then climbed Mt. Timpanogos!

There were other goals on there (lose 10 lbs, 20 lbs, etc.) but all of the actual "challenge" goals were met and exceeded.  This was such an NSV for me.  I forget how far I've come sometimes.  For example...

...Last night I was struggling (and I mean STRUGGLING) on the treadmill trying to finish up a 3.5 mile run.  I had a side ache that I couldn't get rid of and the pain was intense.  For whatever reason, it made me MAD.  I was so frustrated at myself that I couldn't finish the run.  

I walked/ran a total of 2.5 miles before calling it in.  Disappointed, I stepped off the treadmill to go enter the run into dailymile.com and myfitnesspal (and to pout).  However, when I entered the mileage and time into dailymile, I saw something interesting--I had a pace for the entire workout of 11:11.  I've been steadily trying to beat my standard pace of 12:00, and even with the walking I did I had gotten my timing well below that.  Instead of being frustrated at myself, I should've been proud of myself for running that first mile and a half so fast.  (I also probably should've slowed down on that first mile because I clearly overworked myself resulting in having to quit early...oops).  More importantly, I ran the first mile and a half without walking or stopping, which is something I couldn't do 3-4 months ago.  

So why was I so mad at myself?  I had no right to be, and I feel like I owe my body an apology for being frustrated with it.  It put up with years of overeating and neglect, and here I was expecting it to perform like a Ferrari after only a couple months of tune-ups.  That's unreasonable to expect of it, and bad for me both physically and mentally.  

Do you ever get frustrated during a workout and forget how far you've come?  How do you balance the disconnect between where you think you should be and where you actually are?

Hee hee

Guess what I woke up to this morning?

Photo by aubreyguynn

That's right...the first snow of the season!  All of our beautiful mountains outside are covered in their first dusting of snow.  It is time to put away the summer clothes and break out the winter boots and sweaters.  It's a bit sad--I've always been a bigger fan of summer and fall than winter, but all good things must come to an end.  Now I just need to invest in some good running clothes for running outside in snow!  That doesn't sound desirable at all right now, but that is probably because I don't have the right gear!

Last week was a bit of a relaxed week.  You'll notice I kind of disappeared for a few days on blogger...oops?  I didn't mean to be a slacker.  Work was just very busy and since I normally blog at work, I ended up not being able to post.  Also, because of the flu I didn't go on any runs last week and let my body catch up to itself and heal properly.  I'm feeling great now!

Speaking of running...my husband ran the Las Vegas Ragnar Relay Race this weekend.  It's a nearly 200 mile relay race throughout the Las Vegas area.  He also ran the Wasatch Back Ragnar Relay Race earlier in the year, so he got a special medal that says he ran Ragnar from "heaven to hell."  After finishing the race, he called me up and said, "We should run the Florida Keys race!"  It is in the beginning of January and starts in Miami and finishes up in the Florida Keys.  I must admit--I am awfully tempted for a few reasons:

1. The race is at sea level with limited elevation gain.  As someone who runs nearly daily at 4500 feet, sea level would feel amazing!  
2. I need a race to keep me motivated before the big half marathon.  
3. It's Florida!  Hello beaches and nicer weather than Utah!
4. It would be a LOT of fun to run a race together with my husband.

It will come down to finances...I'll keep you updated!  We are going to check flights out and see how much money it would be.  Fingers crossed we can get a good deal!  I think that would be a lot of fun!

How was everyone's weekend?  I may have indulged in some sweets...such as cookie dough and ice cream.  It's been a while since I've had true sweets!  I kept it in check though and didn't feel too bad about the quantity I ate.  Progress!

The American Stereotype

I work in a job that is heavily involved with international clients.  Frequently, these clients will fly in from their country for a visit to our site.  Sometimes, I will fly to their country for an installation.  All in all, it's given me an opportunity to see things from a different perspective.

A couple of years ago we received a visit from one of our partners in the Netherlands.  It was her first visit to the US and we decided to show her around Salt Lake City.  You probably don't know it, but Salt Lake was recently voted the fittest city in the US.  Our access to the mountains and beautiful parks keeps our population fit and healthy.  However, when I asked this associate what her thoughts on America were, she hesitated for a while before being brave enough to speak the truth:

"Everything they say about America is true...big roads, big buildings, big vehicles, big food portions, BIG PEOPLE..."


I looked around at my beautiful city with the eye of an outsider and realized that she was absolutely correct.  Our roads are much wider than European roads, our four-wheel drive vehicles that can drive through the snow are huge compared to the compact smart cars, and our gigantic food portions lead to big people.  I didn't know what to stay to her other than a very professional "yep...".  


As I've traveled more I have thought about the differences in our culture that perpetuate the obesity problem.  When you order food and drink in a restaurant in Sweden or Italy, the portion sizes are much smaller than what you will find in the US.  Doggie bags don't exist because there is no extra food to take home.  If you order a coke?  Well, you will get a can of coke with no refills.  Can you imagine how much of a difference this would make to our society?  No refills?  How many calories do you think the average American consumes in soda alone during a meal?  


Unfortunately, our society is not following the example set by Europe or anywhere else.  In fact, in speaking with various contacts around the world I have been told countless times that more and more restaurants are trying to follow the American example of larger portions, more fried food, and unlimited soda.  How terrifying is this thought?  I know that America is the champion of the Obesity epidemic, but how awful is it that we are spreading this to the rest of the world? 


I want it to stop.  I want us to break the cycle.  We as individuals deserve more.  We deserve the right to a long healthy life filled with smart food and exercise choices.  We deserve the right to raise our kids in a society where healthy is the norm, not the exception.  Did you know that in Mississippi 22% of our children are OBESE?  Not overweight, but obese.  I can't imagine how much pain and suffering those kids are going through because of being heavy.  My heart breaks for them.  I don't want my kids to have to suffer through the pain and humiliation that comes with being overweight.  For a society that is filled with heavy people, we have no tolerance for it. 


This is partly why I started my weight loss journey.  I want a better world for my future children.  If I don't make the right choices and learn to eat healthy and make exercise a part of my daily life, my children won't.  I can stop the cycle and give the next generation a fighting chance by doing my part.


Will you join me? 

Please check out this article released in June of this year that breaks down obesity rates by state.  It is eye-opening and worth spending some time reviewing.  Let's change the American Stereotype into something different and better.


For any of my international readers--what are your thoughts on this?  Have you noticed it as well?

Be Careful What You Wish For...

Pepto-Bismol could not save me...

Monday morning I woke up and stepped on the scale.  I can't remember the exact number, but it read somewhere around 157.  I was frustrated.  Even though I had done everything to the tee that week (including running a kick-A 7 miles) it looked like I was set to stay around the same weight as last week.  I distinctly remember thinking, "Man...I wish there was something that could get me through this plateau.  I am desperate!"

Flash forward a few hours later and I am puking my guts out with the worst case of stomach flu I have ever had. And I mean this--I hadn't thrown up since third grade.  I was so proud of that record, but now I can only say I haven't thrown up since...yesterday.  Not nearly as impressive.

But, I guess I got my wish because this morning I weighed in at a shocking 151.8.  Gotta love the flu for weight loss.  I'm sure that this won't last because it definitely wasn't achieved in a healthy manner, but I am going to enjoy it while it lasts!  :)  This is the lowest I have weighed in over 4 years.  I guess the flu gave me something to celebrate!

That being said, it's time for the Wednesday Weigh-In!

I've gotta say--the flu took a toll on me.  I lost more than an inch on a few places.  I lost 2 inches on my waist, an inch and a half on my hips...Eesh!  I wish this weight-loss plan on no one!  Once I am able to eat again, I am sure that it will level out.  However, I am going to do my best to keep the inches gone.  What's the point in going through the suffering if you can't take advantage of the benefits?  :)

Either way, I will be taking it easy this week.  I don't feel up to working out, and I'm really not going to push my body too much as I am still feeling pretty weak.  I hope that I'll be able to get a run in this weekend, but I doubt I will go for a big run.  I'm just going to listen to my body and see how it is handling things.  Wish me luck!

7 miles...

I ran 7 miles this weekend.  I NEVER thought I would be saying those words.  Even crazier to me is that I enjoyed it.  It was one of those runs that people talk about and you don't believe them.  I didn't get the runner's high, but I definitely was enjoying being outside on a beautiful trail running with a best friend.  My legs were strong and carried me the whole way without much protest.  My breathing rhythm (which I REALLY struggle with) was actually calm and rhythmical.  Usually I just gasp.  A lot.  Gotta love asthma.  But this time it was different--smooth and in control.  I was only supposed to run 6 miles, but ended up adding an extra mile on at the end because it felt so good.

I can't wait to have another run like this.  I could be a runner if all runs felt like this.  I wish I would've taken pictures of the trail we ran, but it definitely made the run easier.  It started at the mouth of Ogden Canyon (and is actually part of the half marathon I will be running) and it meanders through beautiful parks with gorgeous fall foliage all right next to the Ogden river.  Perfect!  I wish it was closer to me and I would run there every day!

A few weeks ago, Jen from PriorFatGirl wrote a post about running 6 miles and how she couldn't believe her body was actually capable of running that far.  Her post, called Power of Progression really hit home with me when I first read it:

"...Amazed at what my body can do if I just challenge it a little. And impressed with the POWER OF PROGRESSION. Most training programs capitalize on it–this power of progression. One small step at a time. If you would have told me, 5 weeks ago, that I would be able to run 6 miles without stopping, I’d probably have laughed and said “not possible.” Yet here I am….reflecting on a 6 mile run."

She is 100% correct.  It is that power of progression that delivers amazing results.  We all know that running is HARD.  It uses all our major muscle groups and makes our lungs SCREAM.  But if you can push through that pain for just a little bit longer than you think you are capable of, you will be amazed at the results.

Jen went on to run 10-miles a few weeks later.  She rocked her race and delivered a performance she could/should be proud of.  In a few weeks, my training program will have me running ten miles.  Right now, that amount seems insurmountable.  But, I know I can do it because my body can handle the challenge.

I am thankful for the Power of Progression.  How will you use it this week?

Hi!

Looks identical, no?

Thank you for checking me out.  I promise to make it worth your while!  :)

Weekends are Scary

Oh that's right...I torched all the progress I made earlier in the week by mindlessly eating!

Does anyone else dread the temptation of the weekend?  I look forward to weekends pretty much the entire week, but I definitely do not look forward to the ample amounts of spare time where I am not able to properly distract myself from the food in my fridge.  Also, since my husband and I are social creatures, we tend to go out with friends for dinner on the weekends.  Unfortunately, being on a 1200 calorie diet does not allow for much eating out especially when I have no idea how to calculate the calorie content in Indian food (which I am having tonight with friends).  There is also that whole "doing what my peers do" thing where my stupid mind says "Well, she's eating that much food and she looks phenomenal so I can too...."  BAD MIND!  Does anyone else struggle with this?

Confession--I love lolcats.

I feel like I am perfect at calorie counting and exercising throughout the week, but when Friday hits it all goes out the window.  You could look at my food diary on My Fitness Pal for confirmation of this.  The 3 days of the weekend completely undue any hard work I did Monday through Thursday.  This is exactly why I have been maintaining my weight for the last month rather than finally breaking into the healthy BMI range.  

HELP!  I can already see it is going to happen this weekend.  I have dinner plans tonight and dinner plans tomorrow.  How do I participate in these activities and still keep the eating in control?  I've thought about skipping lunch but that always backfires because then by the time I hit dinner I am STARVING and think I should eat everything on the table.  I don't drink alcohol so that's in my favor, but calories still sneak up on me.  

Basically, I need advice...What gets you through the weekends?

We Meet Again, Jillian...

About two years ago I decided it was time to do something about the scale. At that point in my life it was hovering around 178-180 which is the most I had ever weighed. Being a fan of the Biggest Loser, I chose Jillian Michaels to help me out with this.  I went to the store and bought a couple of her books.  I chose this one to start with:

She has a program in there that is very similar to her 30 Day Shred video, except that it isn't the same workout every day (she switches up the muscle groups so you don't over train the same muscles) and instead of being a 20 minute work out, it ends up being about 60-80 minutes.  Basically, it rocks your socks off.  It was probably the hardest workout I've ever done.  I followed the plan for 8 weeks and lost about 25 lbs.  The only reason I stopped the workout was because my local gym was overcrowded and it drove me crazy.  Okay, admittedly that's more of an excuse than a reason but it is what it is.  This particular program of hers (unlike the Shred) requires access to a gym and equipment.  

I haven't worked out with Jillian since.  I hovered comfortable around 155 lbs after those 8 weeks, went to Hawaii to celebrate my workout success, and got complacent.  I thought I could stay at 155 lbs and stop working out and counting calories without gaining weight.  I thought I knew portion size and calorie content in items to be able to continue making the correct choices so that the weight would stay off.

I was very wrong.

Flash forward to July.  The portion sizes I was eating had increased along with my backside.  I found myself once again looking at the 170s and wondering how I had gotten there after all my hard work.  So the process began again, although this time without a gym membership.  Running has always been the fastest (and most hated) way for me to trim up so I decided that I wanted to begin there.  I have asthma so running for me is difficult--every breath sometimes feels like I'm suffocating.  This is a big reason why I want to run.  Strange...but let me explain.  The more I run, the less I struggle with asthma.  If I can push through and get the mileage in, my asthma fades to the background and doesn't bother me as much.  That in itself is a HUGE reward for me.  So I chose running over Jillian.

But now I am training for a half marathon and as part of the training program I am on, I need to do some strength training 1-2 times a week.  So last night after a 3.75 mile run, I busted out my dusty old 30 Day Shred video and caught up with my friend Jillian.

I think I might hate her.  :)

I am happy to say that it wasn't as difficult for me as it was the first time I did the video.  I distinctly remember not being able to walk for a week and wondering how 20 minutes could possibly make someone so sore.  I was pleasantly surprised that the things I dreaded in the training program in the past (butt kicks, etc.) weren't nearly as difficult as they were before.  I was not surprised by how hard the ab workout was for me.  Helloooo neglected muscles.  Either way, I will definitely be adding this video to my go-to exercises because for being only 20 minutes long, it most assuredly gets the sweat going.  

A lot of you are doing Sly's Challenge of doing the Shred every day in October.  To you brave (and perhaps crazy? :) ) souls...I salute you.  Jillian doesn't mess around and she makes you work for results.  I can't wait to see your progress at the end of this challenge!

Also, I want to say hello to my new followers!  Thank you for checking me out!  I can't wait to get to know you!

Two Posts in a Row! Wednesday Weigh In!

I almost forgot the weekly weigh-in!  Forgive me!  :)


This week was a slow mover for me.  As you know, I was sick from Wednesday-Sunday of last week.  That meant little exercise for me (although I did get that awesome 1 miler in with my dad!).  Also, I've mentioned in the past how well stocked my dad's house is with everything you shouldn't eat and nothing that you should.  However, I tried my best to abstain from these bad items.  I did have (2) mountain dews and a box of junior mints, but other than that I was pretty good.  Yay for progress.


With that said...I lost a bit of weight!  Yay!  I'm hoping this continues throughout October.  I've got goals, baby, and I want to meet them!  

Since I've been doing this for 11 weeks (!!) this chart was getting a bit lengthy and hard to read so I have cut out the in-between weeks for these posts.  You can still see my week-to-week progress in the Stats section of my blog.  You'll have to let me know which way you like better!


Also, I want to extend a thank you to my readers and followers.  You don't have any clue how much you help me out.  How do I know this?  Well, because I'm on week 11 of my journey and I show no signs of stopping.  I hate to admit this, but in the past all my other attempts stopped around week 8.  Somehow I lost all my motivation around that time and would just quit.  This time?  It feels different.  It IS different.  The proof is in the progress.  With your support and encouraging words I have finally broken the cycle.


THANK YOU!

Muscles (pronounced Musk-les...just because its fun)...

:)

As you all know, I've been struggling with a self-inflicted weight plateau as of late.  Anyone that has experienced that knows how frustrating it can be, as well as dangerously discouraging.  However, thanks to the support of this wonderful community and some new-found willpower (yay!) I have kept going without letting the hurdles stop my progress.  But you know what else has kept me going?

Muscles.

Awww yeah.

I can't even remember what I was doing, but sometime within the last two weeks I felt my leg and was shocked. Instead of being soft and squishy, there was a serious muscle hanging out on my thighs.  Rock solid even.  Does it still have a layer of fat covering up its definition?  Sure.  But do my leg muscles feel awesome before, during, and after a run?  Heck yes they do!  It was such a huge NSV for me!

Yay for musk-les!

My calves have changed a bunch too, even though they haven't lost any inches.  They are showing tone and definition!  Before I wouldn't consider wearing shorts or skirts because I was embarrassed of my unshapely legs.  Now I might just have to add those to my wardrobe!  Just in time for it to snow...hahahaha!

I would like to give a big thanks to running.  You make me feel strong and sexy.



What makes you feel strong and sexy?

It's the Little Things

Today I am super excited for the packed lunch I made for myself.  Usually, I eat leftovers that I cooked on Sunday or I go out to a close food joint for my lunch hour at work.  But today I woke up and decided I wanted to bring my own lunch that was packed especially for my food today.

Yes, I realize that this is pretty standard for almost everyone losing weight out there but somehow I hadn't really added this to my program.  Oops!  :)

Anyway, I am super excited to eat my lunch!  It isn't anything special, but I know that I will be getting a balanced meal that will be filling AND delicious.  I know that when I am done eating I will be satisfied and can walk away from my meal guilt-free, which is something I've been striving for lately.

So...what did I make for myself?

• A turkey sandwich on a whole-wheat English Muffin with a little bit of miracle whip, some colby jack cheese, and some sweet pickles.
• A 1/2 cup of applesauce
• Several fresh-from-the-garden carrots

It will be delicious!  And low-calorie!  Just perfect for getting back on track to see some weight loss in October.  

I have no idea what this picture has to do with applesauce other than the caption...but I like it.

So in the interest of adding new menu items to my new "Get It Guilt-Free" lunch special, I would like to know what you pack for lunch to keep it healthy but maintain the variety.  

Tell me--what foods do you pack for lunch? 

Week in Photos!

Two of my cute nephews.  I love the skin color difference!  Both are so cute!

My adorable niece who got jealous I was taking photos of her brothers rather than her, so we had a photo shoot.

We had a going away dinner for my Grandpa.  He moved to Texas the next day.  He's in poor health, so I don't know if I'll get to see him again.  Sad!

My mom and my Aunt.

My sister with her little boy.

I loved this tree branch I saw in my dad's yard--it was like a rainbow of colors!

I got rained out of harvest, but that didn't stop us from taking pictures!

This is my dad's sad face about the rain--love this man!

I know it's bad, but this makes me laugh.  Every. Time.

There's a story behind this one...

So the highlight of my Idaho trip was probably getting my dad to run a mile with me.  He is always giving people crap about eating healthier and needing to work out more, but he never eats healthy or works out himself.  So, I decided to give him a taste of what a workout feels like.  I was pretty sick (NO voice and a nice cough to boot), but I wasn't about to let that stop me from participating in a challenge with my dad.  So I lent him some workout clothes, and off we went.  He was actually able to keep up with my slow pace!  He wanted to stop about a quarter mile into the run, but pride kept him going to the end.  I was proud of him!

His final thoughts on the run?  "That running's a lot harder than I thought...I have a newfound appreciation for what you runners do."  TOTALLY worth it!

Plus Size Models

I saw this article today regarding a "plus size" model walking in some fashion shows:

http://stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com/2010/10/05/crystal-renn-walks-in-paris-fashion-week/



I don't know about you, but there is nothing "plus size" about this model.  Look at her collarbones and neck line!  She's got a gorgeous figure.  The article is positive saying that more "plus size" models are getting jobs with regular models, but I still have an issue with a size 6 or 8 woman being referred to as "plus size".  She definitely isn't shopping in plus size stores!  I hope the modeling industry starts making more changes to help women find healthier role models and body types to identify with, and I think one of the first steps they need to make is getting rid of that label.

*Steps off of soap box*

Anyway....enough about that!  It's Wednesday which means we are half way through the week.  Hallelujah!  For the last week I've been fighting a cold of sorts, and today is the first day where I've thought about skipping a workout to give my body time to rest.  We shall see if I end up doing that or not.  It all depends on how I feel once I get to Idaho!

How are your goals coming along this week?  What challenges have you experienced?  What victories have you had?

Lake Powell Goodness...

I love the reflections on the water

Braving the stand-up jet skis!

Lake Powell was a MUCH needed vacation.  Work has been crazy busy lately and it was nice to get away and have some fun.  I even tried out the stand-up jet skis for the first time!  In July I was too nervous about my weight to attempt them, but this time I went for it and was able to actually stand up and ride the dang things.  I have a lot of bruises to show for it too!  :)

While in Powell we had an abundance of really good food and in large quantities.  For whatever reason, I was still REALLY hungry while down there.  So I ate.  And ate.  And ate.  GAH!  My level of frustration towards my eating habits these last two weeks is through the roof!  Guess what?  I paid for it...

Hard to read but there were NO inches lost this last week--only gains.  I weigh more exiting September than I did entering it.  Am I disappointed?  You better believe it.  Do I know what caused it?  Yes.  Am I motivated more than ever to make October a month I can be proud of?  YES!  If I'm going to go through the pain of running and exercising, I definitely don't want to make it in vain.  I just need to get a handle on my calories in.  I don't think I am adding enough fruit and veggies to my diet.  Too many of my calories come from breads that don't supply too many nutrients but have a ton of calories.  Time to switch it up!

I'm taking some more vacation this week.  I'm going up to Idaho for my favorite event of the year.  That's right--spud harvest!  I LOVE my farm and it's my dad's last year driving tractor so I've got to get up there and hang out with everyone.  If I don't blog much towards the end of the week, you can know that is it because I am doing this:

Ummm...hopefully not much of this...

But lots of riding around with my dad and wearing his awesome hats

and checking out the spuds

and posing for pics with my best friend aka my dad!

Don't be fooled...I do not actually know how to drive one of these!

But I did drive one of these for a couple of years...

I can't wait!  I leave on Wednesday and will stay up there until Sunday.  It should be a good time.  And wish me luck because on Saturday I have to get a 6 mile run in for my half marathon training.  Fun stuff!