-1 Point for Florida

Yesterday morning (Saturday) I got up around 7am, and Pumpkin and I started out on our run. I have started taking her around the block (1 mile), then dropping her off at home and doing another few miles alone. Partly because I get such better runs without having her stop and pee on everything, but also because she's a quitter after 2-3 miles and I'm trying to work on distance.


So we did the first mile quickly at a good pace, dropped her off and set out to do another 2-3. O.M.G. It was SO hot. And SO humid. It got up to 93 yesterday. Really?! 93?!
I want it to be fall! Needless to say, I had to take 4 or 5 20-second walk breaks. I think I did about 35 minutes, but that included walking and dropping off Pumpkin. During this run, I also found a fly infested dead snake, and an armadillow skeleton right next to the sidewalk.
I miss my baby deer and squirrels on the trail in Indiana!!! Negative 1 point for Florida.
So, I'd file that one in the 'craptastic runs' category. I told my dad about it last night, and he said he might have to up my odds in the T-day race.
That's not happening.
PS - Good luck to my dad and sister who are running the Cleveland Towpath Half Marathon right now!!!


Now this morning, I decided to try again. I knew what I was in for, so I tried to get in a good mindset. I knew where to avoid the dead animals, I knew it would be hot and humid, I was ready to go.
Well I put in a good, solid 48 minutes of running, probably a little over 4 miles. Only 1 walk break because I got an awful side cramp. I used the techniques Athletic Trainer JJ told me, and stretched a little and breathed in really deep, then pushed it out as hard as I could. It worked! I felt great the rest of the run.
I was a little cooler, overcast, but still humid today... so this one is definitely a success!


Now on to the fun things!
Here are some photos of my family at the OSU/IU game last weekend. So sad I missed it, but they did take a photo of them calling me to ask directions to the stadium once they were on 3rd St!
PS - I miss hoodies.


And onto a serious matter.
Only 3 weeks until Halloween. JJ and I have an annual pumpkin carve-off. He won the first year with his IU, but there were mixed feelings on the second year.
He said I shouldn't use paint on a pumpkin (I painted on the black bats), but I think he had an unfair advantage because he printed off a template AND used his cavader kit for accuracy.

Sooooo any ideas of what I should carve this year? I need to win in a big way. It will also be the first year of pumpkins at the new house, so I want to impress the neighbors! haha

Puppy Update:

My mom said some people have looked at photos on the blog and it looks like the twins are Pumpkin's size.

The girls, Charlotte Brie and Belle Scarlet are 10 lbs., Pumpkin is 21. So they are half her size, see below (it wasn't possible to get a photo of them all looking.... believe me, I tried!)

And now for the CUTEST PHOTO EVER IN THE WORLD - Belle hugging Charlotte and spooning.

And if you LOVE their cupcake collars, check out www.codyscreations.etsy.com

Kerrie handmakes the collars and leashes, I got a cupcake collar for Pumpkin in May for her birthday and love it, so I went back to her for the twins collars and leashes. Now all my girls decked out in cupcakes!

Well I'm off to church, the farmer's market, and then HOPEFULLY I can improve my fantasy football record to 1-4, I'm at 0-4 now and I blame it ALL on ROMO!

Then Leah and Jay are coming over for Jay's birthday dinner :)

Always good for a laugh...

If you're a long time Ash is Fit reader, you've heard me talk about my Marathon running dad, Half Marathon running older sister, Triathlon participant younger sister, and former Phys Ed Teacher and Volleyball/Gymnastics coach Mom.
Let's just say my parents are slightly competive.
It kind of rubbed off onto us girls. And my sister and I married somewhat competitive guys.
So this year's 100th running of the Cincinnati Thanksgiving 10k is going to be a big one.

Here are my results from last year, this year I'm shooting for <65

Every year my dad likes to pretend it's a horse race, and he emails out odds for the race.
He usually does one in the beginning of October, and another a week or two before the race.
This morning when I checked my email, sure enough, there it was.
So it's kind of long, but pretty amusing.
And my dad will be oh so happy to see his writing published on my blog.
**Note: Last year we had a problem with cheating. JJ had a bad ankle, so JJ, Dan and my mom took a bathroom break at a hotel, then turned around and walked back, completing maybe 2-3 miles. They finished about 10 minutes after me. I was bummed that they walked and were so close to me. We later found out they were liars.
We also decided to have a battle of the sexes, so the matchup at the bottom clearly shows my sisters, mom and I coming out on top!

CALLING ALL PONIES!!!

There is a chill in the Cincinnati air...so it must be time to announce the opening line for the Thanksgiving Day Race. This year, for the 100th running, we will have two separate competitions; the individual running and walking division and the men vs. women team division. Some training reports have made there way to headquarters and our spies are combing the country investigating the training (or lack thereof) of other competitors.

So here is the opening line:
Individual Running Division
1:50 Henry/Dad (Gray Stallion) - the Stallion remains the favorite, as in every other year. He is undefeated and determined to remain that way. However, other ponies have been training and sqawking that they will steal the crown this year. His odds have come down dramatically from last year's laughable 1:1000. The target is on his back...and he will keep the target in view of all competitors for the entire race. If you are looking to make big money, it won't happen with the odds still set high on the Stallion.

10:1 (Green) Kristine/Older Sister - this pony is training and schmacking. She promises to beat the Stallion in the Thanksgiving Preliminary (a.k.a., Towpath Half Marathon) this Sunday. If lightning strikes and she does, watch out, all hell will break out on Thanksgiving morning. This pony is looking good and has cut weight since last year's running, but apparently none in her tongue!

15:1 Rebecca/younger sister (The Maryland Turtle) (err, turtle isn't a good nickname for a race horse or one with such international experience, so we'll give her a second name - Swiss Cheese) - this pony missed last year's running as she was training (or drinking) out of the country. She is well travelled and has picked up international training. She has completed a triathalon (drinking beer, wine and moonshine in one event) which bodes well for her, but she has a knee issue which could be to her disadvantage.

16:1 Chim (Go Navy)/Uncle Jim - this horse has great determination. He has given up all of the fun in his life training for this event; smoking, drinking and eating. He has cut massive weight, training for this event and has even schmacked The Stallion. We'll see! He trains on the flat fields of Virginia Beach, so the mountains of Cincinnati may work against him. He is somwhat of an unknown but the spies are checking him more closely for a better review in our next posting.

25:1 Ashlee (I'm Fit and I have Groupies) Wetherington - this horse has made strides that none of us could ever have anticipated. She has set PR's throughout the past year and is now training in the warm environs of Jacksonville. With three dogs to chase, her fitness could improve further. A possible dark horse!

26:1 Donna/Aunt (The Gecko) - another new entry from the fields of Virginia Beach. This horse has fully recovered from a neck injury that held her out of last year's competition. She claims to run five miles, twice each day. However, she has never run outdoors or reached the six point two mile distance of this race, so her endurance could be a question mark. Like Go Navy, she too has lost weight and is looking fit for this race.

50:1 JJ/Husband (Lazy Chief) - this pony has great genes and a stellar past. However, he has taken to the couch (and cursing the Noles) in recent years. While he works as a trainer, he has not applied his skills to himself. Leg injuries make him a question mark. This pony has major potential but must first extricate himself from the couch.

Individual Walking Division
1:1 - Cindy/Mom (Oxygenated) - this pony is very nicked up but has great desire. We have all heard of altitude training; well, this pony has invented depth training. Her lastest training ploy is a bit unorthodox; she has given up the distance in exchange for training in the oxygen chamber. Only time will tell; will fresh legs prevail? If this training proves successful we are sure to see Lazy Chief and BK follow for next year's event.

1.5:1 - Dan/Brother-in-law (D Lion) - another pony with great genes. This pony is working through knee and ankle issues. Can his gimpy gate hold out for six point two seems to be the major question with this pony. We know that at 10,000 calories per day, he will have plenty of fuel to burn for this event. This pony may be a year away from making a more significant impact.

2:1 Ken/Family friend, cookbook cover photo kitchen owner (BK Couch Potato) - this pony has been saying he would start training for a whole year. He even stopped working to have time to train. Thus far, no results. His only training has been walking behind a lawn mower at church once a week; not nearly enough distance to endure six point two. Will this pony be able to get off the couch seems to be the big question.

Team Division
Match Up: Favorite

Gray Stallion vs. Green - Guys team
Go Navy vs. Swiss Miss, Turtle - Girls team
Lazy Chief vs. I'm Fit - Girls team (amazing to say it!)
D Lion vs. Gecko - Girls team
BK Couch Potato vs. Oxygenated - Girls team

Final result: Girls 4 to Guys 1

I love being on vacation so I can do such important things!
-The Stallion


Wait a second, "amazing to say it" ?!!? I'm going to kick JJ's butt.

More Belle and Charlotte...

To appease my friends and family who have been asking for more photos of the puppies, here you go! I even included a video of them playing. They're so funny... and Pumpkin hides under the futon, occasionally barking at them.

Here's another one of the three girls

I found this one in the digital camera, JJ must have taken it last night when I was at book club. You can see his toes and Pumpkin's paws...

Belle!

Charlotte!

Twins!

As you all know, I love love love Pumpkin, and all dogs in fact!
When JJ and I got married and started talking about the future, we both decided kids would be a long way away if ever. Dogs, however, were what we had to negotiate about. I've always wanted lots and lots of dogs. I love them so much. He had to be on board.
Lucky me, he said he could agree to 3-4, but only if we had a house with a nice yard for them. I adopted Pumpkin from the Humane Society in Hickory my senior year of college. JJ told me that one was ok, but no more until we got a house. I agreed. He wanted to get labs, 40-50 lb. dogs, 'guy dogs.' Pumpkin was ok because she looked like a fox, but no girly-dogs.

Well, we're 3 weeks away from closing on our house (!!!!), so I started looking on petfinder.com
I have ALWAYS wanted a dachshund because of the book Pretzel that I loved as a child. It was about a dog that was so long he wound himself into a pretzel. No one liked him because he was so long, but when his secret crush fell into the sewer, Pretzel was long enough to pull her out. He saved the day! Well our family got a beagle mix when I was 12 and we named her Pretzel even though she wasn't a dachshund.


Anyway... I found 10 month old miniature dachshund girls on petfinder. A breeder was overcrowded and couldn't sell them because they weren't puppies, so he dumped them at the pound. The rescue picked them up and a woman had been fostering them for a month. They wanted to adopt the girls out together since they're so close and hate being separated. We had talked about getting twins because from volunteering at the shelter, I knew that it was hard to adopt out pairs. So I visited the dogs at an adoption day at Petco on Saturday. On Sunday, they called to see if they could bring the girls over to meet Pumpkin.


Pumpkin did pretty well with them. She wants to play with them, but she's not sure yet.
So after the home visit went well, the adoption lady just said ok, they're yours!


What a whirlwind weekend!


So, I'm so happy to announce our new little girls, Belle and Charlotte! Belle has a little black on her back and a white spot on her chest (which is how we tell them apart, Belle in Beauty and the Beast has a white apron, so the white spot is for Belle). She's the lover, she lays in my cubby and wants the most attention. She's the follower, more timid than Charlotte.
Charlotte is the leader, she's always in front. She's more playful, the instigator of the wrestling matches. She'll go over to Pumpkin and try to get her to play, too.
They had a great first night, they sleep together in a cage. Pumpkin was in our bed with us, and they were in the family room and cried, so we put their cage in the room with us and they slept great all night. Love them!
As much as I love my Pumpkin Spice, she was a bit of a terror when we got her at 16 months, and these girls are so much easier at 10 months.


So anyway, now between the job and a half, new house, 3 dogs and 3 blogs, I've added HALF MARATHON TRAINING! Woohoo!
I promise I'll still be blogging on here, but I think this blog might evolve into more of a blog about balancing those things listed above. I want my friends and family to be able to see the house, dogs, etc. so Ash is Fit might be more about being well-rounded than just physically fit.
I'll still try to keep fitness in the forefront, but I don't want to create a 4th blog for house/dogs/life. I'm lazy... haha.


So JJ, if you read this, I promise, in a few years, dog #4 can be whatever you choose!

Disappointment.

For the past few years, I've looked to Jillian Michaels for advice, inspiration, fitness tips, and overall health infomation. I have also been a big supporter of The Biggest Loser since the very first season. I was there, I know how they feel, I know what they're going through.


This all changed over the past week.


First we'll start with The Biggest Loser (contains spoiler from Tuesday's episode!):
This season is about second chances. I was totally on board. Knowing Bob and Jillian would train together seemed cool! Seeing Bob with fitness and Jill with nutrition was great. I've always hated the product placement, but whatever, they need sponsors. I know it's a TV show, and the line between reality and reality tv is so blurred. I used to think it was all real, raw emotion. Now, I think so much of it is written. Story lines are set in motion, and I just don't believe so much of what happens.
First, I read a blog by Kai, a contestant from the 2007 season with the 50 states contenders. She was from Alaska, short hair, kids at home, remember her? Well according to Kai (who was under a gag order from BL for 2 years), things on the ranch aren't what they seem. She said often at weigh-ins, people are dehydrated and aren't properly fueling. This doesn't surprise me.
Have you noticed the progression of contestants over the years? They just keep getting bigger and bigger. While I totally support helping 300+ lb. people, there are many people who are 100 lbs. overweight at 250, and that's serious! It's almost like someone at 250 isn't big enough for BL, they need results, they need huge numbers, they need shock value. Yes, it's a reality TV show, but this is more real because it's impacting people's health - unless you count the # of STD's people probably get on others.
Anyway... I just find it hard to believe and it makes me sad now. I almost feel like contestants are exploited. I don't really think purple girl wanted to take the temptation and eat the cupcakes and the 2 lb. pass for no trainers, but they need drama, right? They need Bob and Jillian to yell at her and be tough.
It is a TV show though, with prize money, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised. I don't know if I'll be watching anymore... the 2 hours (even with DVR) are taxing. If I want to watch a game show, I'll watch Jeopardy so I can actually learn something :)


Now onto Jillian:
I have been listening to her radio show for close to a year. I feel like she's raw and truthful on there. She hates artifical sweeteners, cleanses, and 'fake crap'. I think CRAP is her favorite word for anything one eat's that isn't 100% clean and organic.
At first when I saw her advertising things on BL like sugar free gum, SF jello, and other artifical 'crap', I dismissed it because I'm sure she has to because of her contract with BL.
Last week, my sister sent me a link to new Jillian products she found: http://www.jillianweightloss.com/products.html
It's full of words like 'rapid weight-loss' and 'cleanse and detox'
Is this the same Jillian who spews out hate for products like that on her radio show???
Truly, I'm disappointed. Why would she put her face on that? All for money? Whatever, call it 'natural' and say it's safe, but you have people call in and you repeat 'cut calories, increase exercise. you don't need supplements and quick fixes.'


What do you think? Is she a sell-out? Is Biggest Loser losing it's novelty on you too? Am I just jaded?

Running Buddy

Can tomorrow really be October 1?? You know what that means? Time to crack down and get my mileage up for the T-day 10k!
What better way to start than go for a nice 3 mile run after work in the 70ish degree weather!


I didn't plan on going for a run, but when Devon (who is training for a half marathon) asked me to run with her, I couldn't say no. Between the beautiful weather and my need to get things going for the 10k, it was meant to be! Here's a little pre-run photo. It was really blurry and orange, I tried to edit it but I'm not so good at that. Oh well!

Devon has a Garmin, which was so fun! She could tell me how far we'd gone, our pace, and her heart rate (but she didn't wear the monitor for the run). I have a feeling I'll be getting one of them in the near future! I was never the running accessory type before (just an ipod) but now that i'll be doing more neighborhood and road running (instead of trails with mile markers), I think it would really benefit me.

In other health and fitness news... things have been going well. Diet has been ok. It's so strange to me how some days when I get home from work I'm starving, but then some days I will work out first and then eat around 7:30. I have the same breakfast and lunch, so it doesn't exactly make sense.

My sister floated the idea by me of running a half marathon here in Jacksonville in February. I'm still contemplating it... I like running, and I had thought about attempting a half, but not until 2011. I was intending to do the 15k this March and then decide if I'm 1/2 marathon material. But the more I think about it, the more I want to do it. I guess if Kristine commits to it (and Devon already said she's in!) then I'll do it. I found a local training group, so I think I can do it. I definitely feel like half marathon training would really help me get the last 20 lbs. off, so that's a huge bonus! Hmm.... opinions? encouragement?

This is a test...

If you're reading this, you re-subscribed correctly to my fit blog!
Good job :)


That's all for now (I'm at work, can't blog!)

Another week in...

So it's been a week since I posted last. Things change so quickly in a week!


Where to start... how about health and fitness?
Well 2 weeks ago I posted that I had a really bad off week, and I was having trouble finding motivation to get myself together. Well, somehow I dug deep inside myself and said get over yourself, and go for a run. For me, the no-nonsense, cut the crap approach has proven to be the way to go. It may not work for everyone, but the hardass technique works for me!
I'm 100% sure that having a job and a schedule has helped, but at the same time, it's complicated things. I haven't had food sitting in front of me all day, but I have been really busy and workouts have been cut short or dropped. I'm trying to stay with a 5x per week for close to an hour each day. I'm keeping my calories in the 1600-1800 range. It's going well.


As I said 2 weeks ago, I can tell when I'm gaining weight because it goes right to my stomach. Well my stomach has gone back down and nothing was added to my hips like it does if I don't work it all off quickly. I'm proud of myself for that!
We've been eating out a bit more because we're running from place to place after work and I just don't have time, so that's new. I have been going online during the day and looking up nutritional information though, so I know I'm making smart choices.


So now onto the big news - our offer was accepted on the house! Our inspection was today, and there were no problems. Sooooooo we're closing on October 23! JJ and I are both so excited. My job is going great, as is his. Everything just seems to be moving right along. How can it already be mid-September? I have to start upping my mileage October 1 for the 10k...and it's still 87-89 degrees at 4pm!


Well with all of those good things, one bad thing must be noted. JJ got me sick :( He's around athletes and students all day long in the nasty training room and on the field, so of course he picked up some sort of cold/flu bug and gave it to me! Last night I did the first 5 circuits of No More Trouble Zones, and I was literally shaking. I pushed it too much, so I'm taking tonight off, hoping to finally rid myself of this nasty bug!


Hope you're all enjoying your fall weather, I'm jealous :)

Exhausted.

How did I so quickly forget how exhausting it is to work full time, keep the house clean and in order, take care of the dog, cook dinner, pack/prep lunches, etc.?!
Things are a little different, and I'm sure they'll calm down eventually, but I've never had a 40 minute commute before, so that's a big change. Also, I've never bought a house, so this is new as well. As I adjust to my new job, the stress will subside, but I still have my commute and we're putting an offer on the house Thursday (meeting with the realtor tomorrow to sign paperwork). So the house stress will still be here, but hopefully the process will go smoothly.
I've always been good about getting to bed around 10:30-11 to get in my 8 hours, but last night we were watching the FSU/Miama game until after midnight, so that also took something out of me today. Sleep is so important. I love sleep.
I know already that keeping up with workouts is going to be tough after a long day at work, but I need to do it as soon as I get home so I can then relax for the night.


How do you hold yourself accountable to working out after a long day at work? Do you do it right away, or wait until after dinner?


I think I'd have more energy at night after dinner, but I'm more likely to just do it as soon as I get home. Hmmm

Clearing my mind...

On Friday night, I was exhausted after a long day of looking at houses. Since JJ was out of town, I had to go alone. It was fun, but I was sad he wasn't there with me. I didn't want to cook for just myself, and my head was still spinning, so I grabbed some Chinese take-out. When I cracked open my fortune cookie, this is what I found:

It says, "You lose nothing by asking, and there is a chance to gain something lasting."
It was the most perfect fortune for me.
Two years ago, I was not the person I am today. I was not self confident at all, I was ashamed of myself, my appearance, and what people thought of me. I know there are people who are confident in who they are while they're overweight, but I wasn't. I couldn't find real, true happiness because I didn't believe I was worth it.


Since losing 80 lbs., I have felt so powerful and self confident. I had many of the same abilities as I did then, but I didn't value them like I do now. I also have added many abilities, like running and other various sports and feeling more comfortable in social situations.


As I said in an earlier post, I approached all of the newspapers and magazines in Jacksonville to see if we could begin a relationship over food and blogging. Folio Weekly responded to my letter, and now I have this amazing opportunity that I'm working so hard on to make into something really special. I know that Ash from 2 years ago never would have done that. I didn't even start telling people about my food blog until a few months in, and now my face is going to be in the paper each week with a piece about what I'm writing and what I think is great food.


As exciting as it all is, I'm starting to get a little nervous. I start my new job tomorrow. It's always scary going into a new job even though I think this is a perfect fit for me. I don't want to disappoint, but I need to be confident in my abilities!
Also, JJ is going over to see THE house tonight. I took his parents and my cousin and her husband on Saturday, and they all loved it as well. JJ's mom said "it's perfect" when JJ asked what she thought, and Jay said it's really homey...so hopefully we'll be putting in an offer. At the same time though, buying a house is a huge thing, and it's a little scary too!


I'm trying not to worry, get too excited or scared, but geez, it's a lot to take in. I'm glad I can get it all out here. And I'm glad that it was ONLY 74 DEGREES ON MY RUN THIS MORNING!!! I was still hot and sweaty, and Pumpkin quit on me 2 times, but seriously, 74 with a light breeze is like heaven compared to last week's 80 with 90% humidity. I try to clear my mind while running, but I get distracted running along roads. I miss my trail so much :( Hopefully I'll find something soon that's more trail like where I'm not so worried about traffic.


Well I hope you all have a great Labor Day. I'll try to get a post in if the house status changes and to let you know how my first day went, but I know it's going to be hectic. After work I'm going to profile a honey tasting at a local organic grocery store for the bite club blog! Super excited about that!

Running is Exhausting... just ask Pumpkin!

This morning Pumpkin and I set out for our run around 8am. It was pretty warm, about 80-ish, but not terrible. I decided to take a longer route this morning, a full 3 miles.

We did pretty well for the first mile and a half, but then Pumpkin did the mule, you know, where she stops, put her front paws down and will.not.move.

She's a stubborn little fox! I couldn't get her to budge, so I picked her up and tried to run with her, but that wasn't happening, so we took a minute walk break. Then I set her down, and we repeated the process in 3 minute intervals of running for 3 minutes while I kept telling her 'we're going home!', 'we'll get a treat at home!', and 'we'll go in the car!'

It kept her going, but not for longer than 3 minutes... so we did about 3 miles, but in 36 minutes. We were both pooped at the end, but we made it.

Tomorrow morning I'm going to try to do the same route, but get out a bit earlier so we can beat the sun.

In other news, I think I found THE HOUSE. JJ's in SC until Sunday night, so he'll go see it Tuesday. This afternoon, my cousin and mother-in-law are going over to see it with me. It's so wonderful, cross your fingers for me :)

Pandora's box has opened - WIDE!

Up until 3 days ago, this was me. Lounging by the pool, reading, and hanging out. Of course I was also unpacking, cleaning, cooking, exercising and blogging, but for the most part, had plenty of time on my hands.


How quickly things can change.

On Tuesday, I got a job.

On Wednesday, I completed a home mortgage pre-approval application.

Thursday (today), I nailed down my future plans with Folio Weekly.

Tomorrow, I'm going to look at houses with a realtor.

Tuesday I begin my job.

Next week, I launch the Bite Club Blog

By the beginning of October, we need to put an offer on a house and have it accepted to get approved in time for the 8k tax credit which ends November 30.

In December, the Bite Club events begin.

Seriously, all you need is a week for your life to go from tanning at the pool to full time job, part time job, 3 blogs, and house search. Just.like.that.
And to be totally honest, I am SO HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I mean, I'm totally freaked out, but I thrive on schedules, lists, plans and organization.


The only small, little bit of this that worries me is now that I'm so busy and a restaurant profile blogger, I'll be eating out more and I'll have less free time to exercise. However, I'm going to write it in my schedule and exercise so matter what.


So the Bite Club.... I don't want to get into the details of it too much on here now, but I will definitely post and link on this and my cooking blog when it's up and ready.
Basically, 6-8 times a month I'll be doing Restaurant Profiles (not reviews), as well as food and wine events, beer and wine tastings and brewery tours, and then in December, the Bite Club, a once a month foodie dining club will begin. I'm going to be the face of the club, the culinary brains if you will. I'm so excited for it! I envision myself as a Padma... always looking hot and put together, slim and sexy, but still eating. How will I do this? Small bites and portions, lots of exercise, and healthy choices! Of course I won't always get to choose what I eat, but I can control how much I eat and drink. This will be a true test of will, but I know I can do it! And now that I'm going to be the face of the club and I'll be a public figure, I especially want to lose a little more weight, get my running amped back up (to really, REALLY burn calories) and really practice portion control.


I am so excited, a little scared, but I feel like I've worked so hard so I'm going to enojy this. All of it! I'm so excited about the new accounting job... and a house is just so wonderful..... and the blogging and Bite Club are really just fun hobbies and passions turned into amazing semi-careers!


Ok, I'm just going to say it once... and don't tell anyone... I'm really happy we moved to Jacksonville :)

GOT IT!!!

YAY!!!!!!!!!!! JJ and I officially both have grown up jobs and we're both making salary. HOLY CRAP!!! I GOT THE JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JJ's got night practice all week, and travelling ALL weekend, so we can't formally celebrate until next weekend, so we broke into his giant Yuengling tonight when he got home.
Florida gets 1 point for having Yuengling. Something we couldn't get in Indiana!

So let's see... the job! The company is a plywood and cabinet company. I'll be doing all of the accounting, bookkeeping type stuff, plus some HR work. I'll get my own office!!! with an attached bathroom!!! I've been talking to the owner's wife because she's in HR and recruiting, and she's so nice, and the owner, her husband, is great. Best part - their son works for them, and he has a chocolate lab named Lily, who I met today, and who is also a regular at the office! YAY!

I am SO happy to have this job for so many reasons. Not only so we can BUY A HOUSE, but also because I absolutely need a schedule. I need to plan things. I need to work all day, come home and make dinner, work out, watch TV and relax. Then my weekends are long runs, food shopping and errands, church, and friend time. I'm so happy. So so so happy!

So I have 5 days of unemployment left. I'm going to meet with the food blogger magazine people this week, and maybe do a little new job clothes shopping, but mostly get moving on the house search!

Thank you all for your best wishes and positive thinking. It really means so much to me!

Next up for Ash - scoping out some 5k's for October to get me back in race mode. Then some longer races hopefully around Jan/Feb to get me ready for the 15k in March.

Can you believe it's already September?!?!?! I'm so happy, I NEED for the weather to cool down...

180 - and what would you like to see?

Yesterday was a great day, a 180 from the Ash last week. I didn't get up and go on a run, which is bad, but I did do Banish Fat/Boost Metabolism, which is a 45 minute cardio beat down, so I don't feel too bad. My eating was great, and even though I was at a social gathering with tons of great food, I didn't over-do it.


On the job front, I went and took a series of skills tests for a potential employer, and they said my scores were off the charts! The tests weren't very hard, but they were timed, 5 minutes for 30 questions, so you had to book it. I still feel proud of myself for that because for the past month, I haven't had to think... haha.


The tests were for the accounting professional, so the first was vocabulary, the second was coding, next was following directions and last was math. I got 2 100%'s and the woman said she can count on one had the number of people who have finished the math test in 10 years, so I guess being an accountant matches my skills (but I didn't get a 100% on that) or vocab, I left 3 blank.


Today I have what I hope is a final interview with them at 3pm, so send me good luck thoughts! I really think the job will be a good fit for me!


Yesterday I had a long talk with my older sister, who is definitely one of my best friends. We're very much alike in our thinking and priorities in life. She was in Cincinnati for a wedding and stayed with my parents, and my grandparents are also there. She told me that they all were talking about how they all think I've adjusted so well to moving here because it was a huge step for JJ and me. I mean, I had my sob fests, but I think after a week I kind of got over it. I don't know if that's the norm or if maybe I am taking it like a trooper, but I just feel like I'm doing what I have to do. Did I want to move here, of course not! But I did. And why make myself upset and stay in a negative mindset (like I did the whole first year of Bloomington). Instead, I've tried to fill my calendar and social life with hanging out with JJ's family his friends, making new friends myself, joining in activities and going to JJ's. I also found a church and have been going there regularly, and have been working on ways to get myself invested in the city (the magazine possibility).... so maybe I am doing a good job at adjusting myself to living here, but is there really any other way?


I am hoping to start blogging more. It FOR SURE helps me stay on track. Do you guys want my blog to be updated more? Would it be good to blog my 3 daily meals? Take more photos of my day? Do more posts on food and fitness? More exercise reviews? Healthy product reviews? Nutritional info on meals? I'm kind of just wondering what everyone wants to see on here. I'd love to do it all, but I don't know if that makes things less interesting?

Honesty is the best policy

It's been a rough week for me. Last Sunday, I gave blood. As much as I hate it, I feel like it's something that I should do to help people. It literally saves people's lives. I'm a people pleaser. I have this guilt complex that takes over.
However, when I give blood, I physically am sick for at least a week. I get very dizzy when I stand up, I am tired, short of breath when I exercise, and sore. It almost feels like I have the flu.
So I took the week off exercising. A whole week. I tried on Wednesday and Friday to do the shred, but as soon as I got to the first cardio circut in each, I got so out of breath and dizzy, it scared me.
This also means I haven't been on a run in a week. Tomorrow morning, I'm going to do it. I have to.


I have always noticed that if I don't exercise or half-ass my eating, I see the weight gain in my stomach first. If I don't get hardcore and try to work off the 3-4 lbs. in the next week, it gravitates to my hips. So, it's been a week, and I've noticed my stomach is fatter. I need to work it off before it goes to my hips. Not that I like it in either place, but it's more permanent when it's on my hips I've noticed. And seemingly harder to get rid of. I'm glad I know my body well enough to see the "warning, weight gain ahead" signs, but that doesn't always mean I listen.
So there's my truth.
And maybe I gave blood so I could have an excuse to take a week off subconsciously. But there's no reason to because as long as I don't have a job, exercising needs to be priority #2 (after looking for jobs!!!)


All I know is that I need to find a job - SOON! JJ's going to start travelling again with work every other weekend, and I need something to keep me busy and keep me from sitting at home alone, with the tendency to emotionally eat. I am proud of myself for how well I've done since moving here (it will be a month tomorrow), and if you don't count the past week, I've done awesome so far!
I do have a good feeling about a job I've interviewed on the phone for twice, I'm going in for a final, sit down interview this week. I also met with the editor of a magazine down here and have some big plans for the future with food and restaurant blogging, but when I know more details I'll fill everyone in.
In a month, I'm going to start ramping up my running from 3 miles, 3-4 times a week to 3 miles 2x per week and 1 or 2 longer runs, bumping it up 1/2 mile each week to take my back to 10k distance since Thanksgiving is only 3 months away. Then I'll take it easy in December and then start preparing for the 15k in March.
So I've got a plan, I've got some promising possibilities in the near future... that should be a good motivator!


So if you're still with me, any ways you help get yourself out of a week long 'funk' where you don't exercise and eat just ok? I told JJ about it and he said he'd try to encourage me to get back on track if he remembers... sounds promising, right?
I'm trying to think of ways I've pulled myself out of it in the past, but with nothing to look forward to and no big plans coming up, I feel like I have no goal and nothing motivating me.

Nothing new...

So I haven't blogged here in a few days. Basically nothing new. Running is getting easier, but I still hate the heat. Eating is going well. Tomorrow is JJ's birthday party, I'm cooking up a big Mexican feast, but I'll have some healthy options of course, so I'm not too worried.
Over the weekend I visited JJ's grandparents with my brother in law. Granddaddy took me out back to show me how the fruit is coming along. Their grapefruit tree is enormous. Right now it has hundreds of green, baseball sized fruit. He said they'll be ready in October. The orange tree looks good too, the lemon tree is having an off year, not too many. I can't wait to pick them this fall!
On Sunday I'm giving blood at the church blood drive, so Monday might be an off day, I'll run Sunday morning before church. Last time I gave blood it took me longer than normal to recover, so hopefully this time will be better!


Sorry for the rambling... I'll get my thoughts together soon!

A girl with a plan makes fewer mistakes...

So I'm sure tonight I'll be busy or forget to blog and since I didn't write yesterday, I'll double up!


The past few days have been ok. I met with the recuriter on Wednesday and they seemed to be excited about me and possible jobs so we'll see how that goes!
I think I did some sort of DVD on Wednesday... Biggest Loser cardio max maybe on demand...


Yesterday I did Banish Fat/Boost Metabolism. I was ready for a butt kicking, but it was easier than I remembered. Still hard, don't get me wrong, but I didn't feel like I was going to fall over and die.


This morning I ran 28 minutes. My speed is definitely picking up. I'm hoping to just keep it around 3 miles 3-4x per week for the next few months then I'll start adding the distance back on in October to get ready for Thasnkgiving's 10k. Last year my time was 69 minutes, so this year I'm hoping for 64.


Now here's the plan: Tonight we're going out to eat with JJ's cousin and her husband to PF Changs. Now sometimes asian food seems healthy because of the amount of vegetables, but when it's stir-fried and covered in sauce, it's not.
If you look at PF Changs nut. info, it doens't look awful, but many dishes are for 2+ portions! Tricky!
So what I ALWAYS do when I go out is look at the menu online so I know what I'm getting myself into. Tonight's plan is for JJ and I to split the tofu lettuce wraps (270 calories) and I'll get Ma Po Tofu (260 calories for 2/5 of the dish), so I'll eat half or steamed Buddha's Feast (161 for 2/5) with brown rice (109 calories).
Now if I get a beer or wine, I'll go for Buddha's Fest. If I do water, I'll get Ma Po Tofu. Simple as that! It also helps that I tell JJ what my intentions are and then he helps me stay in line. Sometimes I'll even tell him what I want and have him order for me so I don't have the chance to change my mind and get something else.
I'm not so good with making decisions and sticking with them... if you haven't noticed ;)


So anway, I've had a few questions emailed, commented or asked lately. Some of them a few times... so here it goes!


What is the temp/time you run?
Here in FL I run around 7am (sunrise is at 6:50am or so, I don't want to run in the dark) and at 7am it is 78 degrees, feels like 83 with 85% humidity. Ew.
And to follow up, I saw the puppy today in someone's screened in porch, so it got back to it's owner!


What did you do with your big clothes?
I haven't kept a single item of clothing that I've undergrown with the exception of my wedding gown. I think if I kept anything it would be a safety net, and I don't want that. I now prefer to buy cute clothes on sale in a smaller size to keep me motivated.
What do I do with it? I donated it to Goodwill, Amvets, and my mom gave some to people at church. It's a sticky situation because I don't want people to feel bad about themselves for taking my 'fat clothes' so I try to stay removed from it.


Is your name really spelled Ashlee? Why is your name spelled that way?
Yes, Ashlee is how my name has always been spelled. My parents both liked the name but they couldn't agree on Ashley or Ashleigh, so they created their own fun way to spell it.
Sometimes I like having a run of the mill name switched up by the spelling, but it sucks when I want to buy personalized things and can't ever find them.
And don't feel bad if you spell it wrong ever, my Popie, Grandpa and Aunt all do/did.
My favorite was when Popie sent me a card that was addressed to Ashley Weatherton - not even close! Taking on Wetherington complicated my spelling/name even more. Boo, JJ!

Sabotage! and so much more...

Today started out like any other. Around 7am Pumpkin and I headed out for our 3 mile run. We got out of the neighborhood and about 1/4 of a mile into it when I noticed something coming towards us. It was a small black animal. We kept running thinking it would leave us alone, but then Pumpkin stopped to pee. The little animal caught up to us and it was....
a freaking Boston Terrier PUPPY!!!
Boston Terrier's are by far my most favorite breed of dogs judged on looks alone. I have no idea why, but I seriously have always wanted a Boston. It was probably 3-4 pounds, brindle black fur with little white paws, the cutest puppy EVER! It came over and got into a crouch like it was going to launch at Pumpkin and barked a tiny little sound. Pumpkin just kind of looked at it like... I'm on a run, go away...
So it had no collar but it had to be someone's puppy... I didn't know what to do! I thought about skipping my run and bringing it home, but I didn't know what I'd do with it at home. I decided Pumpkin and I would go on our run and if it was still there I'd take it home and email the apartment office but when we got back, he was gone.
I'm not going to lie, I was a little bummed about that! But seriously, if I could give up playing with and looking for the owner of a Boston puppy, I should get a medal.


So anyway, the run was good. I did the same loop but finished 2 minutes faster than the last time, so at least I'm getting quicker! Some people have asked, it's about 80 degrees when I run. I'm sure the humidity is 110% I think it takes me 2 hours to stop sweating... not fun!


So moving along, tomorrow I have an interview/meeting thing with an accounting placement/recruiting firm. I'm excited about the prospect of getting a job. The woman I spoke with said they're always looking to place staff accountants, so hopefully I'll get to be a little selective and choose the kind of place and location I want to work.
I'm not really nervous because it's more of a meeting and also now that we're here for good, I want to and need to be selective and not take the first job offered. I want to make sure it's something I really want.
I hope I have the patience to be selective, though!


There's been a lot of buzz about the movie Food, Inc. As much as I'd like to see it, I have a feeling I already know a good deal of the information presented in it, and I just can't watch the scenes where they show the bad things that happen to animals.
If you'd like to read a review, check our Angie's blog.
Like Angie, I try to focus on shopping at Farmer's Markets, but sometimes don't want to make extra trips. However I am going to try to make a habit of going there first. I also always buy organic when possible, and highly encourage the industry.
Many people (including myself) are discouraged from buying organic because of the cost difference. If you think about it from the business sense though, it's simply supply and demand. If everyone started buying organics, more farmers would produce organic goods and the cost would go down. So as much as it sucks to spend an extra $20 per week on organics, I do it because I feel like it's the right thing for the Earth and most importantly my body.



Lastly, I recieved a comment from Kristina of Stonyfield Farm. She said that my beloved Oikos is not in jeopardy of being discontinued (and sorry if I started some kind of rumor, I think my new grocery story store just doesn't sell lots of organic dairy because my milk is also expiring really fast). She also said that they're launching an Oikos muli-pack (yay!!!) and that their coupons are available to print monthly. So if you're a coupon shopper like me, you can print off your Stonyfield Farm coupons each month.
Thanks for the great information, Kristina!

Today's stats are....

Exericse - Run 3 miles and give up a Boston Terrier puppy

Eats - Breakfast - oats, raspberries, coffee

Lunch - yogurt with a peach, cucumber, carrots and zucchini a scapece, cherries

Dinner - vegetarian chili mac and cheese, vegetables

Dessert - Italian ice

And one final comment - Happy 29th Anniversary to my wonderful Mom and Dad! You are wonderful role models for JJ and I :) I love you! ....and sorry I'm a day late on that, your card is in the mail!

Good days!

The weekend was full of fun times and shopping. We're slowly getting everything in order, changed over and taken care of here. Food and exercise were pretty good, I didn't get any runs in but instead did DVDs. Food consumption was very good though!We got a kitchen table and chairs (plus 2 extra) from World Market. Boy do I love that store, I could spend a LOT of money there!Here's the final product:
I have missed not having a dinner table. I love to fix dinner and eat at the table instead of in front of the TV. Especially now that JJ's at work all day, it gives us some time to talk and enjoy eachother's company. I also focus on my food and not anything else, so I have food recognition.

Today I tried out some on demand fit tv shows, The Biggest Loser Boot Camp and a Morning Yoga, about an hour of exercise total. It was a nice change from the shred or other Jillian workouts. I'll probably do a few more during the next few days.
Tomorrow I'm going to get up early and run, hopefully 30 minutes.

I formally announced today that I'm taking orders for my cookbook
I'm so excited about it, it's so cool to see everything I've written and photographed in print!

Today's Exercise - Biggest Loser Bootcamp, Morning Yoga

Today's Eats- Breakfast - oats, raspberries, milk, coffee
Lunch - yogurt with peach, cucumber and carrots
snack - cherries
dinner - salad, eggplant calzone
i think there's a chance i'll have an italian ice or get some sorbet for dessert soon...

I'm a trooper! and a Stonyfield Farm open letter

Sometimes people ask me how I do what I'm doing, how I just keep going and basically, I like to cut the crap, face the facts, and push through. When I was going through reconstructive jaw surgery 8 years ago, my mom said I took it like a trooper! I try to keep that mindset when I'm running and working out.
Of course I have my breakdown moments, but for the most part I try push through weight loss like a trooper. I don't need to be babied, I don't need a gentle push, I like the cold hard facts and the blatent truth when it comes to health and fitness.
That being said, Pumpkin is nothing like her mom... Since we moved here, she's pretty much been hiding under the couch and table.

So anyway, today was a great day. It was sort of an off day, but an off day still in check.

I had tons of errands to run and we had a dinner party, so I took the day off from exercise and I ate a little more than normal.

Breakfast: Oats, raspberries, milk - no coffee!!! (i'm trying to cut caffeine way down/out)

Lunch: Oikos Honey, Peach

Dinner: Salad, Zucchini and Carrots Scapece (see blog), Fresh pasta marinara and a brownie with vanilla ice cream....oh, and about a bottle of red wine

And to close, an open letter to Stonyfield Farm!

Dear Stonyfield Farm:

When you contacted me a few months ago about trying Oikos fat-free organic greek yogurt, I was really excited. When you sent the reusuable bag as well, I was elated. I'm definitely a fan and consumer for life.

However, it has come to my attention that Oikos Honey seems to always be on sale and not clearing off the shelves because the expiration date is always soon when I buy it. This scares me. I'd give my right arm for honey oikos every day. Even though I'm currently unemployed because I moved, I forego Starbucks 2x per week so I can have Oikos Honey Yogurt.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't discontinue it. Please.

And if you do, please tell me how you make the honey mixture at the bottom.

Love and happy cows,

Ashlee Wetherington

P.S. I signed up to get e-coupons, but have only ever gotten 1... do I need to sign up every week to get a 50 cents off 1 oikos coupon?

We're not in Indiana anymore, Pumpkin....

Sometimes I feel like I'm living on another planet now.
In Indiana on my runs, I'd run into deer, groundhogs, geese and squirrels.
Today I witnessed my first armadillo. There are a million little lizards all over, I saw a turtle on the sidewalk, and the seagulls are everywhere... it's weird.
Pumpkin had no clue how to react to the armadillo we ran past today... it was entertaining!


Well, JJ and I just finish putting together our new dining table and 6 chairs, my fingers and back hurt, so this is going to be short and sweet!


Today was great as far as exercise and food goes...
Exercise - 30 minute run
Eats - breakfast - oatmeal, blueberries, coffee
lunch - tomato soup, yogurt with a peach, carrots, cucumber
snack - cherries
dinner - vegetarian burrito
dessert - Italian ice

I thew away my scale...

Yep, I threw it out.


Here's the thing, I don't save stuff. If I don't want/use/need something, I throw it out. When we were moving, JJ pulled my scale out and asked where to pack it. I said um... throw it out.
It had been a while since I'd weighed myself anyway, and I had been thinking about it for a while... why should I weight myself every morning and obsesses over the number? I used to let it rule my day. I'd wake up feeling great, then weigh myself, see no loss, and be bummed.
The truth of the matter is you don't need a scale to tell you how you're doing... you can feel it. The way your clothes fit, the definition in your arms, stomach, legs, etc. You know if you're doing well in your diet and fitness, you don't need a scale to justify that!


So I decided to let it go.
I'm sure I'll weigh myself at some point... but for now, I'd rather focus on hitting the next pants size and going on runs because I want to, not because I'm half a pound up from yesterday or need to lose two by Friday.
I feel free :)


However, I was planning on blowing up my scale... or burning it... or something like that when I hit my -100 lb. mark. Maybe I'll just go to goodwill and buy one to do that! I know I'm doing well, I can feel it, I can see it.... which brings me to this....

my new pantry is 2 full length mirrored doors. Everytime I step into the kitchen, I have to first look at my body in it's entirety.
Scary! but effective.
When I want to reach for a spoonful of peanut butter, I see myself... and then I change my mind!
It's actually pretty amazing at how well it works.


So today was a pretty good day. I bought some stuff to make a light box for my food blog, and I spent a long time wandering around the grocery store. I'm probably going to do part of my shopping at Publix and part at Whole Foods. I'd love to shop solely at Whole Foods, but it's so expensive for some things... but then so cheap for some. Luckily I know my grocery prices well, so I know what to get at each store.
The Publix is nice, new, and carries tons of their Greenwise products (organic, natural, etc.) so I'm pretty happy with that. It's interesting to see what is more expensive here vs. Indiana... like some produce is quite a bit more expensive here - I don't get it! But then my King Arthur whole wheat flour was $5.99 in Indiana and only $3.89 here! Yay!


Let's get to the recap from today...
Exercise - Shred Level 2.
I had intended on running 30 minutes, but when I woke up, I had such a sore throat and felt like I was underwater... I'm thinking I have a sinus infection. It was pretty unfortunate timing for this because when I walked Pumpkin at 7am, it was really cool out. Oh well, tomorrow will hopefully be 30 minutes of running and shred 3.


Eats - Todaywas a good day!
Breakfast - Oats, blueberries, milk and coffee
Lunch - Yogurt with a peach, carrot sticks and 1/2 english cucumber, tomato soup
Dinner - Salad, Grilled Ratatouille Pizza
Dessert - Italian ice and probably some cherries later


JJ gets in tonight at 9:30, everything went well with the thesis! This weekend we're going to look for a new kitchen table - yay!
And I had 2 people follow up with job things this afternoon - yay!

Rough day...

Today was pretty rough. I had to take JJ to the airport at 6am, so I was pretty tired today. Since we just moved in and he had to leave for a night already, I've done a little stress/emotional eating.


Exercise: No more trouble zones DVD


Eats:
Breakfast - oats, milk, blueberries, coffee
Lunch - Yogurt, peach, banana, cucumber, tomato soup
Dinner - 2 Boca patties, 2 servings of Mustard Glazed Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts
Dessert - Cherries, way too many...
Throughout the day - 2 spoonfuls of peanut butter (sorry, JJ), a bowl of cereal, a few more spoonfuls of yogurt


I applied to 5 more jobs, keep your fingers crossed that I get something! Sitting home all day is not good for my mental state :(
Hopefully I can get up to 30 minutes running tomorrow!

Slip-up

Today was really hard on me. As the days go by and I haven't found a job, I get more and more worried and depressed. I hate not working! I try to keep busy, but mostly I just watch TV and look for jobs online. So far I've not fallen into the trap of eating out of boredom, but today I sort of did.
As many of you know, I'm publishing a cookbook, which is in the editing stages. My lovely editor (and sister) tried one of my recipes and said it didn't come out right, so I got right into the kitchen and tested it. Well that lovely recipe was chocolate chip scones... granted they're a lighter version of scones, but still... I had to taste test one...
Anything to get my cookbook perfect :)


So here's the stats for today


Exercise - 25 minute run (about 2.5 miles)


Eats - Breakfast: 1/4 c. steel cut oats, 1 c. water, 1/4 c. blueberries, splash of milk, coffee
Lunch: 1 c. organic tomato soup, 1/2 english cucumber, 1 c. plain yogurt and a chopped peach
Snack: Chocolate chip scone
Dinner: Provencal Stuffed Portabello, Baked Arancini di Riso
Dessert: Cherries

How I spent my Monday...

The apartment JJ and I moved into is in a pretty congested area of Jacksonville, so I was worried about running around home. Luckily we're attached to a business park that has sidewalks! I found a 3 mile route around home that I'll most likely be running until it cools down and I'm more inclined to take longer runs.
The first run I did here was at 11am, and it was already 90 degrees. It was the worst run ever, not only was it hot, but SO humid! I did about 15 minutes, and was dying. I also haven't been running as much, so it wasn't a shock that I crapped out so fast.
On Saturday, I ran around 6:30am, it was around 80 degrees, and I did 19 minutes before I felt like I was going to die. The worst part is when I breathe I feel like I'm in the hot shower, and not in a good way!
This morning, I did a 22 minute run around 7am. It was still pretty hard, but it's getting easier. Pumpkin is doing ok with it, but I can tell when I'm ready to stop, so is she!
When I got home, I did the shred level 3. Though it wasn't one of my hardest workouts, it was a challenge. It's definitely going to take some time to get used to this weather... and luckily it will get cooloer eventually.


As of right now, if I can make it, the plan is to run a 15k in March. It's in downtown Jacksonville, and it's the biggest 15k in the country! I'm really excited about it, I'll have ample time to train and the winters here will be perfect running weather. And the Thanksgiving Day 10k will be a good beginning to working up to 15k. I know I can do it, it's just getting my long runs in, but I'll have some time to start finding good places to run in the next few months.


Today was a great eating day!
Breakfast: 1/4 c. steel cut oats in 1 c. water, splash of organic 1% milk and handful of blueberries, coffee with milk and 1 tsp. organic cane sugar
Lunch: 1 c. plain organic yogurt with a chopped up peach and 1 tbsp. wheat germ, 12 baby carrots and 1/2 english cucumber with asian ginger dressing
Snack: Iced grande soy latte from Starbucks
Dinner: Roasted Moroccan Veggies with Sundried Tomato Cous Cous
Dessert: 25 cherries


Daily Activities:
Run 22 minutes
30 Day Shred Level 3
Walk on the beach.... first time I've been since I moved here!

I'm baaaaaaack!!!

So it's been about 6 weeks since I stopped blogging. I've done a lot of thinking and soul seraching to decide if and how I'd carry on.

I received so many heartfelt comments, emails, and so much encouragement from you!

As the day approaches that was supposed to be the end of the 20/20 Challenge, I've been really sad and a little embarassed. At times I feel like I let the group down, but it really just got to be too big and too hard to track. As many of you know, I was going through a move and some big changes in life during the challenge time. So it turns out it works much better for me to do things on my own. I thought I needed a big group to help support me through the last 20 lbs., but instead it was intimidating and stressful! I kind of went from being everyone's cheerleader to leaving the blog and hiding.

So now I'm in a scary, new, but good place in life. I moved 1000 miles away to Jacksonville, FL. I'm going to a new church, looking for a new job, meeting new people, and I'm feeling really free and refreshed. I feel like I'm prepared to be on my own again and lose the last 20-ish pounds.

It's going to be especially hard because it's HOT here, and running is much more difficult for me, so I'm going to have to focus more on other forms of exercise and keeping my food in check. I've also at this time decided to go back to vegetarianism. It's something I've been struggling with for a long, long time. If I was single and on my own, I would be. If you're a year in the kitchen reader, you'll still see some meaty meals because I'll make it for JJ and company.

So the plan is to hopefully get daily posts up with my food intake and exercise. Maybe I'll get some more fitness and health information in too! It just depends on how crazy things get when I start a new job and such. We'll see!

I hope you all welcome me back with open arms, I have missed blogging SO much on this and my food blog...

And to start this new adventure, I chopped off 10 inches of hair.... eek!

So to wrap this up, I was tagged by Meredith, and now I must list 6 of my favorite things... so here we go!

1. My husband, JJ! I don't really think I need to elaborate on how awesome he is and how much
I love him. 2. Pumpkin Spice! Again, everyone knows how much I love her :)3. My family. My family is wonderful... so supportive, loving and fantastic! 4. Ohio State Buckeyes Football!!! Thank goodness our all inclusive Comcast package in Florida carries the Big 10 Network!!! I was worried I'd only catch a couple games this season. Watching the Buckeyes makes me feel like I'm not so far from home :) 5. Food Shopping! It is probably the thing I look forward to the most. On Saturday mornings, I get out of bed so early because I can't wait to go food shopping. I love menu planning and getting there when it opens so it's empty and I have the whole store to myself. I wander down each aisle and spend about 2 hours doing my weekly food shop!6. Reading, especially Twilight :) I cannot wait for November 20 :) :) :) I'm looking forward to a long afternoon at the pool tomorrow reading my newest book, Chasing Harry Winston!

Update

I've had a good amount of emails and comments lately asking if i really, really and quitting this blog. I don't know... it's up in the air.


In other news, I'm moving to Jacksonville, FL. I announced it on my cooking blog about a week ago, but I realize not everyone reads that. We're headed down 2 weeks from today, and it's all so surreal. At first I was excited, but now that I actually have to leave my job, pack my house, and be super far from my family, I'm less than excited.
I know there will be great new opportunity for me down there, but I'm really happy here and I like to take the 'if it's not broke don't fix it' approach. Surprise, surprise - I don't do change!


So anyway, my biggest concerns about moving are sitting at home all day alone until I find a job and being bored which leads to eating for me. Also, the summers are awfully hot, so running is going to be hard... but on the bright side, I can run on the beach! And all of the apartment complexes have pools (not lap pools, but I can lounge with books there)


Anyone live in the Jacksonville area and know of some good running trails or parks?


So to wrap this up, right now I'm not really in a motivate the masses kind of mood... more of a poor me kind of mood... I freakin hate moving... like the physical act of moving, packing, having no cable for a few days, driving 14 hours.... ugh. So perhaps when I get to Florida and things are going well, I'll feel like blogging and being inspirational again... I've got a few ideas and goals and such that I'm going to start working on :)


And also, I normally don't call out other blogs because I really do read all of yours, but if you're looking for a similar blog with tons of inspiration about an awesome girl, check out www.balanceformere.blogspot.com, she started running just this year, is kicking butt, is super fit, healthy, motivational, and an all around nice and wonderful girl!
Meredith- hope you don't mind me linking you, I know you'll probably read this :)

Taking a break...

While it may seem obvious to some people, I've been taking a break from blogging.
There are a few reasons for this - lack of time, stress, lack of motivation, laziness, etc.


Health and fitness is still absolutely important to me and central in my life, but my blog just isn't fitting in right now. I hope to continue blogging, but who knows?
I feel like the reason for this blog was to motivate people to start and continue a healthy life journey, and I think I accomplished that.
My interests in health and fitness have now branched off into more specific areas that I don't think appeal to the masses (like my superfoods posts didn't get a big reader response). While I still continue to learn and put the things I learn into practice, I realize that it's not what everyone wants to read about, if they did, they could pick up a book and read it rather than read what I paraphrase.


Perhaps after we move and I get settled into whatever it is I'm doing, I'll find more inspriation to write, but journaling my life online just isn't something I really feel comfortable doing.
Thanks to everyone who has read my posts and I hope that you've found my random thoughts and insight amusing and informative. My cooking blog will live on for sure, at least for a while, so you can always reach me there, and who knows, maybe I'll be back!

playing catch-up

tomorrow marks a huge day for me, my 1sy runniversary!
(the anniversary from my first ever 5k)
this weekend i'm actually at home, playing catch up. it the first weekend with JJ home and no baseball, since January.
he doesn't know, but we're going to clean the house, run errands, and start packing :)
much more to come this weekend...
i promise i haven't forgotten this blog :)

Another weekend, another challenge...

This weekend I'll be travelling to Louisville for the IU Baseball Regionals. I'm very excited to go as this is only the second time in school history that they've made it to regionals!
Having lived in Cincinnati for so long, my family often took weekend trips to Louisville. We've been to many Bats games and seen the sights, so I'm pretty comfortable with travelling there. Luckily this weekend we're much closer to IU than last, so some of JJ's friends/classmates/Athletic Trainers, and my psrents and sister will be able to attend the games! (and I won't have to sit alone! yay)


I'm really excited to get out of town for another weekend, but at the same time, I'm not good with switching up my normal weekend schedule. Usually I do 5 mile runs on Saturday and Sunday, get in my good, long workouts, maybe indulge a little with food, but my exercise makes up for it. Since I'm going to be out of town, food is always sketchy as well as exercise. However, I've been planning ahead for the weekend. Last night I went to Kroger and stocked up on some fruit, veggies, hummus, yogurt, and oatmeal. I know that for breakfast and lunch I can stick with my normal routine, so that's comforting. Luckily JJ eats with the team so I don't have to go somewhere with him and try to find something healthy, and I don't spend any money!


As far as exercise goes, Louisville has a really nice running loop that is being built around the entire city. We're staying at the Galt House, which has great access to the Riverwalk area so I know I'll be able to get in 2 good, long runs on Saturday and Sunday. I'll probably bring the shred with me so I can do that in the hotel room quickly for some extra strength training.


Now what takes this from working weekend trip to borderline vacation??
THIS!

Yes, my friends, that is a ROOFTOP POOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And it is where I plan to spend my Saturday and Sunday as long as the games aren't going on. I know it's a stretch calling a pool a vacation, but I haven't had a real vacation in 4 years... so I'll take anything!!


So I'm feeling really good about making great choices during the day and getting my exercise in, the only point I'm worried about is nighttime, after the games, going out (and hopefully celebrating!


So one more time, wish us luck, they might make school history! GO HOOSIERS!!!!!!!!!

Life in fast forward...

When JJ and I first moved to Bloomington, I hated my job, had no friends, and knew we would only be here for 2 years or so, do I didn't want to get invested.

What a horrible way to live life. And I am so sad I wasted a whole year of my life like that.

Last summer, I found a new job that I LOVE, met new people and established relationships, and got a little more involved in the community. It has been one of the best years of my life. I'm pretty shocked that during that year I was able to lose as much weight as I did because I was unhappy, but at the same time, I totally isolated myself and working out and eating right was my main focus. I've finally learned that there is balance between health, fitness, life, friends, love, family, fun times and money.

Well let me tell you, I am not happy about moving, but I'm not sad. I don't want to leave my friends, job, home, running trail, grocery stores, etc., but at the same time I'm excited for a new start. I wish it didn't take me 1/4 of my life to realize these things, but it's better that never, right?

I think the mindset change is most evident in the past 2 weeks. Work has been SO hectic, it was my birthday, and IU went on to win the Big 10 Tourney in baseball. It was a struggle, but I kept the balance and had the most wonderful 2 weeks of my life, and it is probably the perfect way to end our life in Bloomington (we still have 2 months until we move though).

So here is a photo of JJ and I at my birthday dinner. The team played Michigan State in baseball earlier in the day, I went to the game and they won! Then we went out with a few of the other trainers. I had such a fun night!

On my desk at work for my birthday was this: A bunch of bananas with a candle. My wonderful boss and co-workers know that I'm trying to be healthy and lose a little more weight, so rather than get the normal birthday cake, they brought in a fruit/veggie platter and this!

It seriously made my day!

JJ's gifts for me were a flower arrangement sent to my office and then this knife sharpener and a new santoku knife. He likes to tell me that he only ever says my cooking is 'ok' so I don't get a big head and so I keep trying new and better things... haha. I love him so much.

This brings me to the past weekend. WHAT A WEEKEND! I was having such a hard time deciding if I should drive up to Columbus, OH for the Big 10 Baseball Tourney. IU was the #3 seed, but we knew they were going to do really well. Money is super tight for us right now, and I had to stay at the hotel where the team was if I wanted JJ to stay in my room, plus I had to do something with Pumpkin for the weekend, and it was a 5 hour drive... I was so torn about going or not.

JJ and I decided that if they made it to the championship game, I'd just go to that and stay one night at the hotel. My mom, who is so awesome and I love so much, offered to meet me in Dayton and pick up Pumpkin so I wouldn't have to drive an hour out of the way and drop her off in Cincinnati. Plans worked out perfectly. The game was wonderful, and they WON!!!!!

IU seriously was just unstoppable, they outscored their opponents 47-9 in 4 games, had a .414 batting average for the team, and their pitching was amazing. They totally deserved it, and I am so happy I was there to witness it.
(JJ is kneeling in the bottom right, wearing khaki shorts)

Sometimes I struggle with going out of town and letting food get the best of me. This weekend I was determined to NOT let that happen. I was feeling skinny on Friday morning, and I weighed in at 171.5, and I'm so so so so determined to make it into the 160's by June 1, so I let that thought sit in my mind all weekend. I packed the cooler with fruit, yogurt (Oikos Honey is my new OBSESSION, it's SO GOOD!), and some other good food.

On Saturday, JJ and I went to Mongolian BBQ for lunch. I love going there because you go through a bar and pick out what you want and they cook it on the flat top in front of you. I filled a giant bowl with tofu, broccoli, snap peas, water chestnuts, peppers and bean sprouts. It was the most delicious meal I've had out in a long time, it was so healthy, and I felt so good getting that many veggies in at lunch because I knew all night I'd be at the ballpark and my choices would be limited.

Here comes the shocker of the night... Usually when I'm emotional, I eat. Happy/sad/nervous/mad, no matter the emotion, I eat. I did not get a single thing at the ballpark even though I was so nervous and happy and excited. I had a diet coke, water, and a banana that I snuck in. Seriously, I'm so proud of myself. Sometimes when people say do you worry the weight will come back on, I say HELL NO! And here's why, weight loss and healthy lifestyles are 90% mental and 10% physical in my opinion. I've got it in my brain what's right and wrong, what's healthy and not, and now I can control my emotional ties to food. I can be sensible and think through cravings. For 2 years now I've been living this way, and I'm not going back. I'm too happy and too set in my ways to go back.

On Sunday morning, I went down to the hotel's fitness room. I got on a treadmill, hoping to do 30 minutes. After 5, I was bored to death. I didn't want to run around the city, but the arena district is actually really safe and nice, so I decided to go run around there. I found a cute little park that had a .5 mile loop, so I ran that a few times and then looped around the ball park and area, I ran about 30 minutes. Then I found a Starbucks and read the paper. I'm an early riser, this was around 7:30 am, no way JJ was going to be getting out of bed anytime soon...

It was a wonderful morning, wonderful weekend, wonderful birthday, etc.

Hope you all have a fantastic Memorial Day weekend!

Next Monday my little Pumpkin Spice turns 4!

Happy Birthday ME! (And a 5 Year Photo Recap)

Happy 24th Birthday to me!
I absolutely LOVE birthdays, mine and everyone else's! I love celebrating them, making cakes, and living it up! This year, I am so excited about my birthday for so many reasons.
I don't like to look at many old photos of myself because I'm embarassed, sad, and angry, but I decided to look at the past 5 years of birthdays to do a little LOOK AT ME NOW!


So let's take a little looksie! I tried to find every photo of me with my traditional Pumpkin Pie (birthday cake) but I couldn't find them digitally already on the computer.

24 Years YOUNG: 173 lbs

and looking good in horizontal stripes, something I avoided when overweight!

23 Years: 195 lbs., had been only focused on cardio, since last year at this time I started doing strength training. My arms have really toned up since then!

(Note: Those are NOT my onion rings!)

22 Years: 238 lbs., 2 months into my weight loss journey, down 15 lbs!

21 Years: 230-ish , had just lost 10 lbs. for my sister's wedding, thought I looked great. Did not.

20 Years: 245-ish, College = where I gained so much weight

So there ya have it. I don't have more than 5 years back on the computer, and photos are at my parents house.

This year I feel better than any other birthday. Things are really hard for us right now, so I'm so thankful that I'm healthy and in a great mind-set otherwise.

I'm so thankful to my wonderful husband for his continued support, and especially my parents and sisters who have always been the best.

Feeling Guilty...and group chat tonight!

I know, I've been really bad about posting, but I did warn that I'd be BUSY!!!


Over the weekend was graduation/Mother's Day. It was a great, fun weekend with both sets of parents here, but it was BUSY and I'm exhausted. I feel like all I did was cook and clean, and on Saturday I got some kind of stomach bug and did not feel well the rest of the weekend.


Surprisingly even though I took off workouts on Sat. and Sun., and ate a little more than usual, I don't feel like I gained more than a pound or two. I haven't stepped on the scale though... I'll wait until Friday.
I know it's going to be hard though, because my BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK!!!! and I love celebrating my birthday... and I have a few celebrations planned with lots of dinner and cakes and such... but I'll try so hard!


Things should die down here pretty soon for a month or two (then we move) so I'll try to get some more health, fitness and diet info in here, I still need to recap my superfoods month, and hit up the library...


Anyway, group chat is TONIGHT AT 8PM EST (during the biggest loser finale)
See you there! www.chatroll.com/ashisfit

Group Chat Moved....and Week 7

Hi Everyone! Since Mother's Day is Sunday, I'm going to postpone group chat to
TUESDAY, MAY 12 @ 8pm EST (during The Biggest Loser Finale!)


As always, group and non-group members are welcome.


Week 7 stats...
Loss: -.5lbs
Cumulative: -1.5lbs
Eh, I'm apathetic towards it. Stressful work week and eating out have not helped. Also I'm having some serious knee pain, I'm going to have JJ take a look at it tonight.
This weekend will be rough food-wise, hopefully I'll get a long run in on Sunday...
Have a nice mom's day, all!


Hopefully Pumpkin ::cough::JJ::cough:: will do something nice for me ;)

PFP Results!

Please go report your weight-loss at the Pound For Pound Challenge website by TOMORROW!
And also, please comment here with how much you've lost and pledged, I'd love to know how our group did!


Thanks!!!

Week 6 Weigh-In!

Week 6: -.5lb
Cumulative: -1lb


Not a great week :( I gave blood on Monday, and the rest of the week my exercise was HARD. I had to take off Monday and then when I started BFBM on Tues, I was so winded and lightheaded I had to stop. Even this weekend, my long runs were really hard. I've heard that giving blood makes you feel winded easily for a week, and this time I feel like I had the side-effects more than any other time.
I'm guessing stress+blood donation+heat=bad workouts.


However, I'm feeling great today! I CLEANED THE CRAP out of my house this weekend. I threw away all the clutter and scrubbed on my hands and knees, and somehow cleaning like that almost cleaned all the emotional crap out, too. I'm feeling much, much better about everything. Taking it one day at a time, not stressing about the stuff I can't change, etc.


Also, JJ's traveling during weekends with baseball (except for the Big 10 tourney) is over, so it will be nice having hime home for dinner :)


Now, no one was at the group chat last night (or if you popped in but didn't say anything, I didn't see you) but I left the window up and checked in and out from 7:45 - 9:00.
I'm totally not mad about it, I understand everyone is busy, but I was kind of bummed. Also, how is everyone doing? Are people less motivated now that I don't post weights and things? I'm a little worried that a lot of people have dropped it or aren't going to finish. We're only on week 6! I know I haven't been the most wonderful leader, but I'm ready to step it up.
I want to really kick it into gear now. I'm not going to re-start the group, but if you're still motivated and working hard for it, please TELL ME!!! In the beginning I had tons of emails and such and now it's died down so much.
Talk to me, ladies!

Reminder!

Group Chat tonight, 8pm EST - www.chatroll.com/ashisfit


Please come and bring some topics!