5 Things Friday

1. Tommy and I spent last weekend in the mountains attending a wedding at the Biltmore. His Uncle came in from Chicago so that we could get away for a couple of days. We left after work on Friday and got back on Sunday night. It was a lot of time in the car, but very nice.

2. One of my favorite things about the trip was the dinner and wine after the ceremony. Seriously the best food I have ever put in my mouth! I knew this was a once in a lifetime, and took advantage of all 7 courses and more than my share of wine. I was up .6 this week at my WI, but it was worth every bite, and Monday I was right back on track.

3. I had planned on getting in some extra exercise in the beauty of the Smoky Mountain National Park, but when I got up at 5:30 (4:30 our time) and dressed quietly so I wouldn't wake Tommy, I had no idea there was a flood pouring down outside! Our Friday night hotel didn't offer a fitness room, but I managed 2.25 miles on the treadmill Sunday morning (ugh after the meal the night before it wasn't pretty.)

4. This weekend will be much more low key than last weekend. Tomorrow morning, I am planning to attempt 5.5 miles. I have never done that distance before in one outing. I am excited and nervous.

5. I *believe* a 10k is in my future. But I gotta get that September 5 miler out of the way first.

:) Have a good weekend!

Since I've Been Gone...

Hi Bloggy Friends-

It has been forever since I have posted, but you all know I love reading your blogs. I have been very encouraged by the return of some of my original blog buddies and have recently discovered some awesome new buddies, too! In the last two weeks, I have had multiple friends ask why I haven't blogged, so I wanted to stop in and say "hey!"

I also wanted to catch you up on what has been going on since my last post in January. I have been RUNNING!!! :) Yep, even though I haven't been around here, I have had my most successful year of running so far. In fact, I hit a new PR during my 4th of July race! I was stoked! My Goal at the beginning of the year was to participate in a 5k every month...and I have (except Feb. when my race was cancelled because of icy weather) and even did a 7k during the spring!

This year's Runs :)

January

Run for Cookies Virtual 5k

February-

March-

Circle K March of Dimes 5k w/Kelly

Super Hero Dash 5k- 42:46

Diabetes Dash - First in Age Group! 40:42

April-

Little Red School House 5k w/Kelly-42:07

Kiwanis River Run 7k- 58:55  7k PR

May-

Wise “Yes We Can” 5k- 41:36:53

Jeff Dropo 5k- 41:10:54

June-

Walk for Justice- Not timed

Firecracker Chase 5k-41:11

July-

Sacred Heart Independence Day 5k   -PR 38:52

St. Jude Making Tracks (walk w/Erin)-53:09

I am definitely not a speed demon, but I have learned to really enjoy running and that is what is most important for me right now. 

I also joined Weight Watchers in March. Can you believe I had never been a Weight Watcher?? My friend Kelly had joined last year and had been successful, and the more I talked to her about it the more intrigued I was by the program. I joined the last week in March and so far I have lost 25lbs! This is HUGE for me. I started by following the Simple Start plan and transitioned into Simply Filling. Basically I follow a list of foods to eat by...fruits, veggies, lean meats, Whole wheat pastas,  Fat Free dairy (I honestly don't do much dairy these days) and then I get points for indulgences. Some of my indulgences come in the form of higher calorie meals such as an occasional dinner of pizza once in a blue moon, but usually I use my indulgence points for avocado or PB2. 
This has worked for me, and I am very excited to find something that works for me. I have toyed with the idea of trying the points program, but since SF is working for me, I am going to just stick with it.

So yeah, a ton of great things have happened since my last post, but life hasn't been all rainbows and unicorns. This spring, my Mother In Law was diagnosed with lung cancer. It has been a difficult time in that regards. So if you have any extra prayers, please send them her way.

Well, it was nice touching base, and I will try not to let months pass by without another check in, who knows,you may even see me around here more often :)