Hump day already...

That's the thing about long weekends...the middle of the week arrives much faster.

Hmmmm...what's happened this week? Ran stairs yesterday at lunch, and I can almost run up the entire Crescent Height set (yes, all 167 steps!)...that'll be my goal - to run all the way without have to walk a flight or take a breather...almost there. Stopped and chatted with a fellow stair-fanatic who I haven't seen all summer - she's a teacher, so have been off since the end of June. Again, she went past me a couple of times before realizing it was me...I am soooooo liking this!!!

Got to Boot Camp, where the other ladies actually asked to do stairs! I think Trainer Josh almost fell over from shock! So after our warm-up run, and some push-ups to jog to squat, and repeat 5 times, we grabbed our water and headed down. Did some doubles and then did a version of suicides, I guess. Run up one flight, return to bottom, up two, return, up three, return until you get to the top (7 flights in total)...I made it all the way to 6, but Trainer Josh in his wisdom decided I was done, and had pushed myself enough...oh, okay! Back to the mats for some good core work, and home. Dinner was a very fast Green Monster, as I had an Epicure unit meeting last night. I started selling Epicure after I fell in love with it, and have been selling it now for over 4 years. The Fall/Winter items are AWESOME - quick teasers: Mulling Spices, White Belgium Chocolate, Christmas Tea, Spinach dip blend, Nacho Cheese dip blend, brie bakers...the list goes on!!! You (Canadians, at least) should book your parties now, to get all you can get for FREE! It really pays to be a hostess, and the parties are fun. There...selling done for the night!
Anyway, the meeting is in the far south from my home (22+km away), and wasn't over till close to 9. Then all the way back home, and make lunch. I'm flat on my butt broke this week, so I have to take breakfast/lunch, although I am normally good...just really lazy this week! So I whipped up a couple of tuna burgers, and made a Lemon Dilly mayo to eat with them, and a side green salad. Green Monster for breakfast, an apple and Coconut Pie Larabar for snack, and I was good to go for the day. I didn't take any pictures, as I was either too hungry or didn't have my camera with me. Maybe I ate my camera...
Went to the chiro this afternoon for yet another Laser treatment (my last...it just doesn't work, or at least not that I can see), and ART session. Dr. Jay really went after my sciatica today which felt FREAKING AWESOME (just ignore tears running down my face!) and hopefully will hold out the week. I also made an appointment with the orthotics guy, so I should be relatively pain-free soon. What a concept!!
Walked home from the chiro (after walking at lunch, in deference to the pain in my legs today) and made a quick dinner of tomato sauce with mild Italian sausage meat and whole wheat bowtie pasta. Already set aside tomorrow's lunch portion as well. It was quite good and hit the spot...funny what you think about and then want for supper.
It's ice time and some cuddling on my couch with my kids...my George is doing so much better already, and it's only been a week. Yay insulin!
Later,

Post run...

Ow...ankles are throbbing. Man, I hope I get this fixed soon...I am tired of being in pain all the time. But still happy that I got out there and did the 16k run. Bring on Melissa's - just have to make sure I pack lots of Advil!

Had a chicken breast soaking in a brine all afternoon. Epicure came out with brining ideas and bags, although for one small chicken breast I just used a zip-lock. Into the bag with lukewarm water and Epicure Sea Salt, Tuscan Rub, Focaccia Bread Spices, Rustico blend and Garlic Pepper.

It soaked all afternoon, while H-woman and I ran. Then when I got home, I had to show the to-be-vacated suites to a couple of potential renters...just when things settled down. Oh well... Decided that while the chicken was grilling, I would also grill up some zucchini slices and 'Greek' up the rest of H-woman's potato salad. I added a mini-cucumber, some red pepper, kalamata olives and feta cheese. Once the chicken was done and resting, I topped the zucchini with some crumbled Laughing Cow cheese and Kraft Fig Balsamic dressing.

The chicken was incredibly moist and quite tasty. All in all, a rather delish meal...I am a good cooker too!

Off to pack on some ice, roll on some rollers and try to stay awake till 9! Back to work tomorrow...this was the shortest "long" weekend ever.

Later,

Garmin says...

16km
2:20:03
8:45/km
1101 calories burned
145 bpm or 83% of max heart rate.

8:08 was the fastest km and 9:44 the slowest.

It was a perfect, sunny afternoon...slight breeze that got blustery at times, but for the most part the temperature was perfect. Not sure if I could push out another 6km today, as that's what we're doing in 3 weeks time, but it still felt okay. Hips are good, knees okay, ankles are tight...will pull out the foot roller and the foam roller and try to get rid of some of the lactic acid build-up.
Supper will be a brine soaked chicken breast on the Griddler, along with some grilled zucchini and the rest of the potato salad that H-woman so kindly gave me. She is a good cooker!
Off to forage for food...may post pictures later, or may just inhale...depends on whether or not I can control myself!
Later,

Life in the Big City

Woke up this morning on my own time, rather than with an alarm...glorious and decedent. Of course, that was after both furbabies did some tap-dancing on my head at 5:30am, to remind me it was time to get up and feed them! With George on a schedule (must get his insulin every 12 hours, and I give the shot when I feed him) I relented, and got up and fed them both, making sure I was awake enough to handle a needle first! Went back to bed and woke up at 9, with both furbabies all cuddled in and snoring away. So cute!

Jumped in the shower, and grabbed a Larabar and my go mug and headed over to H-woman's to feed Miss Nermal, H-woman enjoys a much deserved weekend away. Not two blocks away, I was reminded that I live in a big city...crime scene tape, roads closed, police and cars everywhere...oh, and the twenty or so evidence markers scattered all over the road and sidewalks. Found out it was yet another shooting (could be worse...I could live in Abbotsford, Canada's latest murder capital), although police are not saying whether it was gang related. However...black BMW parked outside hip nightclub/restaurant...screams gang.

Anyway, walked around that (guessing Roots and Lululemon aren't open for business today, which sucks that this will affect their business!) and over to H-woman's, which is exactly 1.57km from my house. Garmin's rock! Fed and played with Miss Nermal (dang, she's cute!) and then went over to Starbucks for my morning fix. Me and every other living human being in the city of Calgary, or so it seemed!!! And I do love how they have 5 people taking orders and one person actually making the coffee...yeah, efficiency at it's finest. and then you have the people taking each other's coffees, and fights break out and O.M.G. just give me my freaking latte!!!! Good thing mine is in my very own mug, as no one can mistake it as their own. And I didn't see anyone else brave enough to take on 5-shots of espresso in one sitting! Amateurs!

Walked home, past even more yellow tape (they have since extended the closure area), more cops, the media and the gawkers...come on, people...it's one thing to walk past the scene, it's another to pull up a lawn chair and have a seat!

Have the beginnings of a massive headache, which I had hoped was caffeine deprivation, but the latte isn't shaking it. Ate some breakfast hoping that would help, Kashi squares with Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla, which I love on cereal as it doesn't make the cereal soggy, but sadly, the head still hurts. Time for painkillers, I guess. Speaking of the almond milk, I picked up a 12-pack yesterday at a small organic shop in the far northwest of Calgary for less than $2/litre...huge deal! If it's still on sale next week, I may pick up another.

In fact I did a lot of running around yesterday, putting almost 90km on my car! Post office to pick up the latest Epicure Fall & Winter products, which I am very excited about. Then off to Costco, as I heard they had Larabars for cheap and I'm on my last jar of almond butter Sadly, they were out of Larabars, but I did pick up another 4 jars of almond butter, a huge bag of spinach (for less than a normal bag at the grocery store...) and a huge pack of Laughing Cow cheese. Granted, it's the full fat, not the light, but getting 32 for just over what I normally pay for 8...I'll take the hit on the fat! After Costco, I skirted the city, heading around to the far northwest to find this little organic food store...I'd seen it before, but never really went in. Back in the car with almond milk in hand, I then headed down to Planet Organic, where I picked up the following 'basket' of goodies that I won. Simply dropped my name and number in the draw box, and they called me. Somehow the Kettle chips bad was empty though...not sure how THAT happened!! hehehe... I am excited to try the lentil soup and the Nut-thins. Oh, and the organic 70% dark chocolate!

Also picked up some Larabars, as I was out, and came across a new flavour...for me anyway. Very excited about it too, as it really is my two most favourite tastes together...chocolate and coconut! It wasn't bad - I find that the chocolate isn't as intense, but of course it's without all that pesky sugar and crap we're used to in other bars. Coconut Cream Pie is still my all time go-to bar. Although I am excited to find the Tropical Fruit bar...will have to keep looking.

After Planet, I whipped into the office, because I forgot to email my online journal and exercise trackers home...yes, I live for Excel and have everything I do on spreadsheets...ask anyone. With a three day weekend, I didn't want to risk remembering to jot everything down and 'catch it up' on Monday. It's amazing what one can forget to write down!

It's my dad's 77th birthday today, but in true low-key family style, I'll be heading over with a card and some scratchies and a quick hello. We just don't do the big family thing... And if things go well, I'll park at H-woman's, feed Nermal her dinner and go for a nice short run.

Wow, I rambled today! Hope everyone enjoys their Sunday and their holiday Monday.

Later,

21 to go...

That's it...only 21 pounds and I've reached goal weight! I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and I'm pretty certain it's not a train!!! No falling off the wagon/tracks/or whatever...no excuses...no giving up on myself! I am almost there, and I can taste victory...I've already proven that I'm really, really, really good at maintenance, so that part will be a breeze. It's just hitting goal that's been the challenge. It's definitely Boot Camp and adding weights, I think. I can feel definition in my arms when I move them, and same with my legs...and I'm getting a serious waist. Yooo-whoo!!!

Another successful week at Weight Watchers (could you tell?!)...introduced the group to the PopChips (they were all very excited, especially when they heard the whole bag was 7 points) and discussed our expectations from Weight Watchers. The H-woman and I headed off to meet the rest of our coffee group and discuss the week. I really enjoy our Saturday mornings...I like having the other ladies to sound off on, and we are all diverse enough in backgrounds, education, work, age, etc, that we really get a good mix of conversation and laughter every week. H. and I then took off to the Farmer's Market (didn't need much this week, yet still walked out $20 poorer and with a very heavy bag...but everything is sooooooo good right now!), another weekend ritual that I enjoy. It's crowded and loud (screaming children should be banned) but I do enjoy the 'air' of the place. It'll be interesting to see what it'll be like when it moves, but that's a year away, so no use even thinking about that now.

Home, and trying to decide what to have a quick lunch. Feeling a little growly, although I've had an apple (and low-fat caramel sauce) and some Kashi squares (which are surprisingly good dipped into said caramel sauce!) and my usual 5-shots. I'll head off for a walk or run later, to get the exercise in for the day, and start tackling some of the mess in my house.

That's all I've got for now...maybe something exciting will happen later!

Very tired...

Boot Camp kicked me in the boo-tay tonight! It's been a long week anyway, with year end and dealing with George's diabetes, but as always I look forward to the hour long sweat.

Started the day with my usual Monster, and enjoyed a fabo 5-shot non-fat latte from the 'Bucks. It always amazes that they only put in two shots of espresso in a vente! Please...how do you even taste the coffee??? So, 5 shots for me please...got the day going in the right direction. A snack of apple and almond butter mid morning, before I ran over to my pharmacist's to pick up a prescription (I'm trying Seasonale (Seasonique in the States)...hoping to save some money on feminine protection products, and I like the thought of only going through "the time" once every 3 months)...the drugstore is in Bridgeland, so I ended up doing a 5k loop.

Came back to the office and had the other curried turkey burger with salad and tomatoes. Didn't feel like enough, so grabbed a bowl of vegetable soup downstairs...which was really good...nice and thick broth, but all veggies, so next to nothing in points. That filled me up really good, so I didn't eat an afternoon snack before Boot Camp. That may have been a mistake, as I really didn't feel like I had gas in the tank at the beginning of the class.
Granted, it could also be because we went UP the big-assed hill in Edworthy tonight! Then we came halfway down and ran up again. Good times!!! A nice run across the top, where I took a slight detour to avoid a really steep hill (knee no like steep hills!), before we ran the kilometre down the main road, back to the mats. I love running down those kind of hills! Felt great, but the knee was a tad sore by the time we finished. Did our usual torturous work on shoulders, triceps, biceps, core, legs and other assorted body parts before the class was done. The hour really does fly by.

Dropped off by H-woman, and after changing decided on an easy and light supper of pesto pasta with roasted red peppers and sun-dried tomatoes. The pesto was home-made by moi, and the tomatoes came from the farmer's market, so they are local, fresh and dry-packed, not in oil.

I am ready for the sack! No big plans for the long weekend, other than chillin, and maybe some house work - depends on the weather, really. If it's nice, I think I'll walk to the zoo and wander about...haven't been for a while, despite being an annual pass holder! And it'll be a good walk, as it should be roughly 5k just to get there.

I'm off to find ice packs and comfy spot on the couch...enjoy your night, everyone.

Later,

Wow...where has the week gone?
Had a great run on Monday (5k) - one of the fastest I've done in a while (7.26/km average). Off to the chiro for some laser (which I really think is totally useless, but what do I know?) and some ART. Starting to feel better, which is why I feel I must immediately go outside and run some more! Okay, so I didn't run, but I did walk home from the doctors, which is probably close to 3k.
Went in and finished cleaning up a suite before the new tenant could move in...really, people, where has common sense gone?! If you're moving out, leave the place in the same shape that you would like to move in to...the part of my job I hate the most.
Happy New Year!!! That's what we're shouting at work, at least. Yes, another fiscal year has flown by, so now I am surrounded by a bunch of freaking out accountants...good times! My specific function is not quite so stressed by year end, but I did end up missing my Tuesday workout because of it anyway. Which sucked because I was also missing Boot Camp...
Giorgio Armani and I had to go to the vets to learn how to live with his diabetes. Mommy now gets to stick him with a needle twice a day, but he is such a mellow, calm dude...just looks at me with the face like "whacha doin' back there, Mom?? Whatever..." and then returns to his food dish. Seriously, this is freaking me out more so than him. But we've survived several days and I swear he's already majorly improved. Even got a snuggle on the couch from him (hasn't done that in forever) earlier tonight.
Food wise, I've been hit & miss...I found these PopChips at Shopper's Drug Mart. I've read about them on blogs, and thought I'd try them out...now how on earth I ended up with two empty bags is beyond me...they were good, but I'm not a salty person, so I don't need to worry about them calling my name. Now, if they were cookies...bad news! I also tried a bag of the Guiltless Gourmet, and all I have to say is...BLECH!!!! Really didn't like these at all...they were the hard 'break your teeth' texture that I hate, and the chili was too hot for a chip and not enough lime. The bag went in the trash...sorry.

Last night I did make it to Boot Camp, after an ART session, which may not have been the best of plans! I swear Dr. Jay and Trainer Josh are in cahoots with one another!! You break 'em and I'll fix em! We came down the big-arsed Edworthy park hill (after running, squatting and sprinting up the other side), and by the time we returned to the mats, the pain in my ankle and knee were almost unbearable...but I sucked it up (as I do) and came home and put ice on them both. Granted, that was after I had a Green Monster for supper (didn't feel like cooking, and it was freaking hot here yesterday!) and went out to cut the grass. Unless it's lopped off, spurting or blue, remember?? I can hear my father's voice saying "just walk it off, already!"...felt better this morning, and I actually slept the entire night through without waking up in pain.
Decided to run some stairs at lunch today, since I missed them for the last two weeks...and I was actually able to run the stairs, not just walk up them. Granted, I did feel like hurling at the top, but that soon passed! Chatted with some of the guys (and raked in the compliments...now if only we can get some single guys to notice...), tried some chin-ups from the bars under the stairs...who knows how long those have been there, but it will be a weekly challenge for me to keep trying until I can pump out a decent round of 10 reps.
Picked up H-woman and we both headed off to Boot Camp, where Josh announced that it was a "stairmazing" day! Oy...you'd think I'd learn by now! But we ran stairs (and I maintained a pretty good pace, I think) and some hills, before heading back to our mats for more hills and burpees, v-sit, oblique crunches, shoulder work, triceps work, overall work...I heart Trainer Josh! Beat the wind-storm home (more damage through out the city) and made Curried Turkey burgers for supper...I have one ready for lunch tomorrow, which I will pair up with a salad. Needs a bit more curry next time, but they really are tasty, and easy. And the place smelled awesome with them on the Griddler. Roasted up some baby potatoes with some lemon juice, evoo & Epicure Souvlaki seasoning (they weren't as burnt as they look here, by the way), and some rather large "cherry" tomatoes.

Mmmm...feeling things starting to seize, so that's my cue to shut things down and head for bed.

One more Boot Camp this week, and then it's the long weekend...hope everyone enjoys their Labour Day celebrations and spends the weekend chillin...I know I will be!

Later,