Tomorrow

Tomorrow at 10 a.m., the forecast for Minneapolis is about 26°F (while is feels like 12°F), wind/flurries, 22+ MPH winds (I've heard between 25-50 MPH) and it is already snowing...

Tomorrow at 10 a.m., I will be running my first race of 2012.

Tomorrow at 10 a.m., I will be running the 2012 Polar Dash 5k.

Tomorrow at 10 a.m., I will be wearing a newpiece of gear for a race…a piece that I have never run with before (and we know that new running items on race day are a big no-no from THIS experience).

Tomorrow at 10 a.m., I will be garbed in this outfit (plus a few items, like my pink zip-up or black windbreaker and may earmuffs).

Tomorrow I wear Polar Dash 5k Bib 1165.

Tomorrow is the start of 2012.

Tomorrow is the start of a year of big things.

Tomorrow is the start of MY year.

The One Benefit of the Treadmill

I just took a 2 mile walk since my knee has been acting up (back to running {hopefully} tomorrow) on the treadmill.  I READ while walking on the treadmill, which was really nice!  I can't read while I run on the tread (too wobbly), but reading while I was walking on an incline (ranging between 4-6) worked out!  I have the Polar Dash 5kon Sunday, so I have to be gentle with my knee.  I think I may go pick up a new brace on the way out tonight...

Drinks tonight with Lee and Kali and Sean (and who knows who else?!?) for my belated birthday.  SUPER EXCITED!  This mama has to unwind!

XOXO

Weigh-In Wednesday 12.28

Yes, I gained again this week.

No, I do not have anything to say about it other than stress eating is a bad idea.

Especially in the evening.

Especially when you think it is Monday and not Tuesday.

*sigh*

Next weigh in is on Sunday, January 1, 2012.  I'm hoping I'll be at 150 by then.

Water.  Water.  Water.

Flush out some of this sodium!

XOXO

Merry Christmas 2011

I love Christmas.  I love spending time with family and Christmas is one of the best opportunities for that.

Christmas Eve is when we have always celebrated with my immediate family.  Hanging out with the siblings and the grandmas, Uncle Harold whining worse than us kids about wanting to open presents, football (if applicable), dinner, presents and more hanging out before sleeping to await Santa's arrival.

The cast has changed a bit with some departures and some new arrivals, but the game is pretty much the same.

Hang out.  Snacks.  Football.  Dinner.  Presents.

Did I mention that I love Christmas?

This year was a little different for me.  It was a bit more active than the usual "sit-like-a-lump-and-snack-while-waiting-for-dinner-and-presents"

• Last minute grocery/Christmas shopping with Mom
• Bake pretzel rolls
• 2.5 mile run with Jason
• Bake pumpkin pie for Ty
• Attempt to get two 2-year-olds to sit still for a picture
• Open presents/Help a 2-year-old open presents
• Put together a giant play kitchen

It was great.  It always is.  My run was great, as well.  It was the first time I did a longer run with someone (not an official race) and held a conversation the whole time.  I felt great until afterward when I realized I had done something to one of my toes...*sigh*...still hurts.

Christmas morning we headed to GB for the day.  Visited with family, Lilly got to play with Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle Dan and Uncle Pat (and some cousins!) and then headed back the next day.  It was a short trip, but Lee had to work today, so there wasn't much of an option.

Plan for the week?

• Clean here and there
• Run a few times
• Read my book
• Relax a bit
• Go out to celebrate my birthday
• ???

I didn't do much for myself last week...it was more about prepping for the holiday.  This week will be about me!  Oh, some cleaning and stuff, too, I guess.

XOXO

Let It Snow!

We sure had the snow coming down this morning despite the weatherman saying it would be a brown Christmas.    I am THRILLED because I love the snow!!!  You cannot have a Minnesota Christmas without snow.  Anyway, I've been slacking on the running thing lately, so I made myself go today.  I took a shot of the road...

Makes Sense Why I Had NO Traction...

Well, it was probably the best run I have ever had.  I felt great once I hit the road where I usually come back (around 2.5 miles), so I just kept going (up a big hill).  I have never been on a run before and not thought "WHEN THE HELL IS THIS TORTURE GOING TO END?!?!?"  I have never been on a run before and thought, "I feel pretty good...let's keep going!"  It was a great feeling :)  I ran a little loop and then ran to the end or our street (dead end).  40:03 was how long I ran (with crappy traction in the snow).  I tracked my route when I got back...3.93 miles!  I was .07 miles short of 4 miles!!!  That is still the longest I have ever run at one time.  And I had a realization...

I can totally run a half marathon...

Birthday dinner tonight with Lee and then Christmas Eve with the family tomorrow (and perhaps a morning run).  I might try my hand at making pretzel rolls tomorrow!!!

XOXO

Weigh-In Wednesday 12.21

I ate like crap the last week...no denying it.  I can't say I'm surprised.  I knew being home would cause trouble.  And baking delicious treats?!?  *sigh*

I gained 2.0 pounds this week.  Sad, but true (though, again, not surprising...)

On a positive note, I had a nice 2.5 mile run yesterday.  However, after all of my runs lately, I've had a pain in my right ankle.  Not terrible, but strange.

XOXO

What Did Katie Do Yesterday?

  

Here are the treats I made yesterday in my baking furry: White Bread, Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti, Chocolate-Dipped Brownies, Peanut Butter Blossoms, Holiday Pretzel Delights, Chocolate-Dipped Marshmallows.

I was nervous about the bread, since it was my first shot at making any sort of yeast bread, but it turned out okay.  I might make some more today or tomorrow.  I am making a bunch of banana bread tomorrow.  Anybody want some banana bread?  

Lee said he wanted some biscotti and brownies to bring to work, so I made the treats and sent him with a tray today:  I am anxious to see how it goes over...

Lee's Work Treat Tray (All of the above...minus the bread)

So, I know this isn't about yesterday's baking adventure, but Lilly was helping put up stockings and playing with Christmas hats.  She is such a doll...

Laundry is in and who knows what else is on the agenda today.  Most def some gift wrapping...gotta get going on that!  We shall see...maybe some running since my ankle is feeling better...???

XOXO