My Summer Fitness Bucket List:Walk to the End of the Country Road

Last night, I decided I would try to complete an item on my Summer Bucket List this morning. I would try to walk to the end of the Country Road behind my house. Last spring I ran on this road quite a bit, and occasionally take Humphrey for a walk on it. They say country miles are the longest, and I have always felt like this road goes on forever even when I would drive it.  I got up early this morning in an attempt to beat the heat...our high today is supposed to be in the mid 90s. I had planned to walk alone,because I didn't know if Humphrey could manage the distance...his record was 4 miles as of this morning. As soon as I put on my shoes he started getting excited. I told him that he couldn't go today...then when we went outside he jumped into the car,as I was pulling out my ipod. Then, as I started walking down the driveway, he started to wimper...he knew I was going for a walk without him...and it broke my heart. I went back in the house and grabbed his leash and my phone (in case he..or I couldn't make it I could call T), and the two of us headed out. Well, 20+ unleashed dogs, many cows, chickens, horses, a duck, a herd or llamas, miniature ponies, and a Zebra (yes...I said Zebra in a nowhere Alabama country town) we had walked a little under 10 miles. I also found 21 cents :) 
Humphrey was exhausted...and has pretty much slept since we got home. He tried to lay down around mile 6, but kept at it, and was a real champ. Tommy ran me a cold bath to sit in, and other than some blisters on the bottoms of my feet, and one toe bothering me, I feel awesome. One day, I want to RUN this same route.

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Everybody Reads a Lot

Three Things Thursday

1. I have been pretty lucky in the blog world lately! I won a Road ID in the Jelly Bean Virtual Race from Run with Jess, a cute hair clip from Amy, and last weekend a magazine subscription from Alissa. (THANK YOU SO MUCH LADIES.) My husband commented about how lucky I had been, and I told him it was so Exciting and that I would LOVE to win Jen's latest giveaway. (Back story...I love Justin's Nut Butter, and have even talked about it on my blog...but I generally just call it peanut butter when chatting with the hubby...) He asked about the giveaway and told him it was for some nut butter. His eyes got really huge and he said," What the hell is she giving away!?! " LOL I totally cracked up, then he was laughing, and well...it was a really hilarious afternoon. ( I know we were acting like a bunch of teenage boys!!!, and I hope I didn't offend anyone by sharing this story, but even typing this I have been cracking up again!)

2. Today I starred in a music video :) (I hope to share it with you guys soon! ) PS...I can't carry a tune to save my life...but I will do anything to get kids excited about reading....even rewriting a Ke$ha song!

3. When I got home this afternoon and started catching up on blogs, I was THRILLED to see that Amy had chosen me for the Honest and Real Blogger Award. I literally squealed and clapped my hands causing Humphrey and Tommy to wonder what was going on...so I read them the sweet things Amy had said about my blog. I know most of you know Amy, but if you don't head over to her blog...she has some awesome things going on in her life now...including starting a running program! I can't wait to continue to see the cool changes she is making to make this HER YEAR!!!

I want to pass this award on to Joy at Nuggets of Truth. Joy is completely honest about the ups and downs of her journey...and I love her mantra "STAY FOCUSED!" She is working hard and she needs all the encouragement we can give her!

My Summer Fitness Bucket List

Yesterday I mentioned wanting to create a Summer Fitness Bucket List. I spent the last two days jotting down ideas for my list, and thought I would share it with you guys. Some of these will be harder than others...some are hard simply because I will have to plan and make arrangements to complete them because they will consist of a bit of travel. I think they will all be fun, and something fun to work towards this summer!

My 2011 Summer Fitness Bucket List

1. "Play Tennis"  This will probably just consist of me and T spending an afternoon hitting tennis balls around at the tennis court because I am horrible at actually playing tennis...as a kid my Dad was a local tennis champ...I did not gain his skills LOL

2. Walk to the end of the "Country Road."  Honestly I have no idea the length of the country road behind my house...probably about 7 miles. I use the road for running on occasion and have always wanted to make it to the end.

3. Run at least one mile outside every week. I'll be honest, when it is hot in Bama in July I hate to run outside...honestly, I hate to do anything outside once the temps get about 100, but this will motivate me to wake up early to get in an outdoor run once a week.

4. Try Hot Yoga  Several of you have mentioned your love of hot yoga. There is a new Hot Yoga studio opening in Huntsville (about an hour away) so I am going to try to make it over one Saturday morning and give it a try.

5. Run 26.1 miles in one week. I am in such awe of those of you running marathons this summer. This will be my version of a marathon...and one of my hard items I think.

6. Take a water aerobics class. I took water aerobics a couple of years ago and loved it. Hopefully, I will be able to find one to take this summer.

7.Spend the Day at the Zoo. Tommy and I love going to zoos and having this on my bucket list will ensure that we take the time to visit one this summer. Plus a day at the zoo usually means lots of walking and hills.

8. Play Wiffleball with friends. I am going to invite a bunch of friends over and Have some fun :)

9.  Meet my Mom for a walk in the park. I have tried to talk my Mom into joining my gym, but had no success so far. Maybe if I can get her to walking with me, in the fall she will join the gym and be my workout buddy :)

10. Go skating.  I haven't been in years, but I think it would be so much fun.

11.Rent a paddle boat for the afternoon and spend the day on the water. I did this with friends in college and had a blast! 

12. Hike in 2 State Parks.

13. Swim in the Creek. When Tommy and I were dating we went to the creek every weekend, but I haven't been in years.

14. Spend the afternoon on the Slip N Slide.  I may be 31, but I can still tear it up on the Slip N Slide

15. Try a Zumba class

16. Participate in a charity event. I usually do 5k in the Spring and Fall because I hate running in the Alabama heat, but maybe I will just walk one.

17. Bike with a friend...(Don't have a bike, but I will worry about the details later...I really want to bike)

18. Take 10 Spinning classes

19. Walk Humphrey is 5 different parks.  (I tend to walk him in the same park all the time. I think he wants so variety.)

20. Run 2 miles in 24 minutes. ( I know you guys are sick of reading this as a goal for me, but I refuse to give up!)

* This bucket list will begin this weekend (Memorial Day Weekend) and end Labor Day Weekend!

Summer Fitness Bucket List

A picture from last summer!

I have to be honest. My motivation is a bit down. I am still hanging in there... logging my miles, strength training, etc. But there is something missing. When I get off work, I am not as excited to get to the gym. I haven't stopped going...I haven't even missed any days (except post tornado), but the excitement isn't there. I have been trying to think of something that would get me motivated as we move into summer. Then today, Joy over at Nuggets of Truth mentioned making a Summer Bucket list, and I got to thinking about a Summer Fitness Bucket List. And that has me excited! Now I am asking you guys to give me a few ideas. I know of a few things...try a Zumba class, swim in the creek, bike ride with a friend (I'll have to get a bike lol). Anyway...I thought this would be fun...so give me some ideas, or start your own Summer Fitness Bucket List :)

Duck on the Run

Head over to Duck on the Run's blog today! She is doing a intro post on me :) Maybe you will learn something new about me :) And become a follower of her blog, too!

Spring Fever Challenge Update

This week's positive picture...

 

 

 

Humphrey didn't want to take a picture...he wanted to go on his adventure :)

1. What have you done this week to help achieve your goals?

Goal 1- Face and Floss- Skipped more days on the flossing than I'd like to admit.
Goal 2- 150 feet miles- I am at 81 miles
Goal 3- Fitness Class -Got it!
Goal 4- Fitness Adventures with Humphrey- We actually had three adventures last week!!! We went to the park on Wednesday, Joe Wheeler State Park on Saturday, and a long walk on country roads Sunday. In total, Humphrey walked 8+ miles this week!!!
Goal 5- Vitamins and Supplements- Got it!
Goal 6- Strength Training- Got in 2/3!
2. What did you do to feel good about yourself?  Much needed eyebrow wax, unfortunately the wax was a bit too hot and burnt my eyelid eek! Not pretty.

3. How do you measure success of your goals? If I am putting forth a good effort, it is a success...even if I don't achieve exactly what I was working towards.  It is the journey more than the destination.

4. What is failure to you when it comes to goals? Giving up permanently.

Fun Question: If you could hop on a plane to anywhere right now, where would you go?
I would grab the hubby and take him to the Marlins game in San Francisco!!!  

TGIF

I am so glad today is Friday...and looking forward to a great weekend. Nothing big planned...I spent the afternoon today doing yard work and a bit of strength training. I have runs scheduled for both Saturday and Sunday. Hopefully they will both be better that yesterday's run.

Today a co-worked snapped this picture of me modeling the pop top bracelet we are making with the teens this summer for one of our programs about recycling. I thought it was a fun picture!

What are your plans for the weekend? I'm still hoping to pull out that kiddie pool as some point this weekend :)

Three Things Thursday

1. I had a horrible run tonight. I got about 1.75 in and started having horrible stomach issues, and ended up spending about ten minutes in the gym restroom before heading home.UGH! I think part of us was lack of hydration during the day.

2. I could really use a trip to the beach...but until Summer Reading at the library is over, Saturday afternoons in my plastic kiddie pool will have to do :)

3. Red wine vinegar has become one of my favorite kitchen staples. I put it on everything! So Yummy! My favorite is tomatoes with red wine vinegar and crushed black pepper.

Morning Workouts

I start my Summer Reading Program at the library in two weeks. This is always my busiest time of year. It is non-stop from the moment I arrive until time to leave...and most days I don't get out on time. I am thinking about changing a couple of my workouts a week to mornings during the summer. If I workout in the morning, I get it out of the way and won't talk myself into "skipping just one night." I usually workout in the mornings a few times a month because of evening programs at the library, and I enjoy working out in the morning. What I don't enjoy is leaving my house so early in the morning and showering at the gym. (I never feel clean after I shower at the gym.) My Mom doesn't live far from my gym so I could go to her house once school gets out for summer, but that is a bit of a hassle too. I guess what I need from you guys is tips and advise on motivating myself for these morning workouts :)

Spring Fever Challenge Update

Positive Picture of the Week...

At Relay for Life event on Friday. Mom has a funny face because she just took a bite of a pickle :)

This week's Questions...

What have you done this past week to help achieve your goals?

Goal 1- Face and Floss- Doing Great! ( I had a dentist appointment last week,and have a good check-up :)
Goal 2- 150 feet miles- I am at 63.75
Goal 3- Fitness Class -I did two classes last week...both strength training classes.
Goal 4- Fitness Adventures with Humphrey- We had a great time last week on our adventure!
Goal 5- Vitamins and Supplements- Got it!
Goal 6- Strength Training- Got in 2/3!

What did you do this past week to make you feel good about yourself?
Participated in the Relay for Life event with my extended family. 


When you go away on vacation or business do your goals get put on hold/pause or do you continue to work on them while away?
I try to stay on track the best I can...sometime food choices are limited...and sometimes I make a decision to allow a treat that I don't eat on a regular basis. I always keep up my activity level by running on the hotel treadmill, or finding a sister gym.

Do you have friends/family members that you work on a goal(s) with? Do you find working towards a goal with someone easier or more challenging?
I don't really have someone is my daily life that I work on goals with....but I would Love to have that kind of support.


Fun Question: What is your favourite magazine to read?
I like All You Magazine...mostly for the coupons :) A friend gave me a subscription to Health for my birthday last year, and I enjoyed reading it.

Back in the Groove

The last two days I have been getting back in the groove of going to the gym. Yesterday I did my muscles class at the gym and some stretching. Today I ran 2 miles using 6/2 intervals (running 6 minutes/walk 2). I did a walking warm up and cool down for a total of 2.5 mile and then did some more stretching. It was a gorgeous day and I had done my gym workout this morning, so after dinner Humphrey and I went to the park for a walk. It has been two weeks since we have been to the park and he was soo excited. He got even more excited when we got there and they were doing team photos with the local little leagues. He made lots of new friends today! Here are a couple of fun pictures :)

So excited!

Mom...stop taking pictures and let's go!!

Are we there yet?

That was fun!

We walked a full mile and he was worn out. I had forgotten to bring water for him, but will remember next time. I think if he could have had a water break he could have gone a little longer :)

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Getting Back in the Groove

I took all of last week off from the gym. I honestly can't remember the last time I took an entire week off,and now I am itching to get back into my workout routine. Today my plan is to do the muscles class and stretching...and maybe a slow mile.
I am not doing a SFC update, because there is not much to update, but I will have one next week :)

Have a great week! I'll be checking back in soon :)

Dark Cloud

I feel like a dark cloud has been following me this week, and I am not sure why. In fact, I almost feel guilty for feeling this way because of all the tornado victims that lost everything. I feel like this week, I should be especially thankful. But I feel blah. I didn't post my Spring Fever update because I just didn't want to...and I had worked hard to stay on top of my goals last week.
I haven't been to the gym since Sunday...I have just been so exhausted each night. I know a run would make me feel better, but I just don't want to go. I just want to go home to my husband and puppy. I feel a bit clingy with them this week. I want us all together whenever possible. The devastation on the television is on around the clock...I want to stop watching, but I can't. We have done a couple of donation runs to neighboring towns, and the library is taking up donations currently.
Just say another prayer for Alabama...and me.