Taking the Plunge

For years I have admired Roni for only drinking water…I mean who does that??? How do you do that?… Just over a year ago I decided to stop drinking soda after reading the book “Skinny Bitch.” They made it sound so awful calling soda liquid Satan. I felt like I owed it to my body not to drink it. I remember how hard it was to stop and how surprised I was that I was actually addicted to the caffeine. But eventually, it became habit and now I can easily say “I don’t drink soda.” The best thing about no longer drinking liquid Satan is my knee.  I always used to complain about my bad knee and had to wear a knee brace almost every time I worked out.  Now I rarely use it, because my knee and ankle just don’t hurt like they used to. I put on the knee brace before my half-marathon “just in case” and took it off during the race, because I simply didn’t need it. The point of all this blabbing is that I saw enough positive results to make me not want to go back to drinking soda. Which bring me to my most recent decision… I’ve decided to only drink water, all day every day, with the exception of the occasional adult cocktail. Of course if I’m sick, I’ll drink some orange juice or tea and an energy drink if I’m exhausted. But, generally about 90% of the time I’m drinking water.  This is my 4th day of water only. I think these annoying little pimples on my face are clearing up already. Unlike Meatless Monday, that lasted for about 2 weeks; I’m pretty sure I can stick to this. I’m good at eliminating unhealthy foods and drinks when I really want to.  I stopped eating pork a few years ago and I have never turned back.  After about the 3rd day of being pork-free I felt great. Now, without hesistation I can easily tell anybody “I don’t eat bacon, sausage, ham, pork chops, pepperoni etc.” Hopefully, instead of having  juice with breakfast or high fructose corn syrup lemonade with lunch, I can save the calories and just drink water. So, I’m making the declaration and taking the plunge, by saying “I would like a water please.”
 Apparently, I have inspired my maintenance guy who is nearly old enough to be my dad, to stop drinking and complete a half marathon. So, he wanted to go and workout with me today. That seemed kind of strange, but I can’t say no to anyone that wants to go and workout with me. It was a perfect day outside, sunny low 70′s with a cool breeze. I told him that I would take him to the pretty part of the Park near the fountain and Art Hill. He walked Nyah while I ran to Week 2 of my couch to 5K podcasts.  After the third 90 second run interval, my podcast was starting to feel like cruel and unusual punishment. My calves really burned even though they looked so good as I ran.  A few minutes later I heard my own voice say it was time for the last run. I was so excited to finish, knowing that even though the distance gets longer, running gets easier as the weeks progress.  In addition to running a 10k this summer, I plan on running (jogging) the St. Louis Rock ‘n Roll half marathon in October. I used my Team in Training calendar to make up a new training schedule. I’m going to complete the Couch to 5K and then the Bridge to 10K and then continue with the half marathon training up until October.

Getting Out of Vacation Mode

I have been in vacation mode ever since I got back from Mexico.  Yesterday was the first day that I didn’t feel lazy.  I had every intention to get in a workout but one of the partners from my law firm gave away his season pass tickets to the St. Louis Cardinals baseball game.  The seats were so good I couldn’t pass it up.  Me, my little sister, my best friend, and my gym cousin went to the game.  It was fun, but freezing cold.  Far too cold for a May night in St. Louis.  We were wrapped in Snuggies, gloves and coats as we braved low 40 degree weather.  But, at least we won the game.

 I decided that I want to run a 10k this summer.   I know that training is something that cannot be rushed.  I printed out some calendars today so that I can make up my training schedule.  I was so inspired by your stories that you shared in my Roll Call post.  You guys are amazing!  You’ve lost so much weight, overcome so many obstacles and become healthier.  I was so inspired that I thought I would go out today and run to week 3 of my podcast.  I called my Little Sister and she said “Come Swoop,” which I figured translates from cool 16-year-old language into regular English as “pick me up on your way.”  She always says I’m “old” when I have her translate things.  Anyway, it’s been so long since I’ve run, that I forgot that week 3 had three minute runs.  I might be able to walk 13 miles  but I certainly could not run for three minutes.  I think next time I will run with week 2.  It sort of feels like starting over, but I guess that’s because I am.  I’ve started over many times, so it’s not really a big deal.  Once I realized that I couldn’t really run the full three minutes, I ran up the giant hill and back down.  That was enough to make me sweat.  After a quick 30 minute workout, I was happy to be moving again in getting back acclimated to real life.

What Did Carli Eat Today? (Not the best, not the worst)

B- Burnt Bagel (don’t go pee while the bagel is in the toaster oven)

L- Deli sandwich on wheat with cheddar cheese, Doritos, corn

S- Caramel Brownie

D- Tilapia Sandwich and broccoli and cauliflower with cheese

Little Sister’s Junior Prom

My Little Sister went to Junior Prom!  She was beautiful.  I told her she looked like a Princess.  My Mama handmade her beautiful dress, my Big Little Sister styled her fabulous hair, and yours truly Ms. Carli, did her fierce make up.  The baby thought she was helping too.

Mommy I Cut Paper

Hey friends!  Check out my Niece’s latest master piece.  I think this is funnier than the Vaseline catastrophe….  Lesson Learned: Next time your 2 year old says, “Mommy I cut paper” Be sure you stop and look.  LOL!

Back to the Studio

I think I’m still in vacation mode.  Feeling pretty lazy.  But, I did make a trip to the recording studio today.  I recorded the vocals for Week 3 of the Bridge to 10K podcasts months ago, but didn’t have the music together.  I get emails daily, asking when I’m going to finish, so I decided that I should give you an update.  I have several other creative outlets that I want to pursue, but  I need to finish what I started.  When I first created my 5K podcasts, I had a vision of creating a 10K training podcast for the dedicated runners who want to take it up a level.  So, many of you will be glad to know that it has moved up towards the top of my to do list.  Additionally, I plan on running a 10 K this summer, so I will be training with you. I have to run with the new recording, and make sure everything sounds good, and then send it back for editing.  Once everything sounds smooth, I will post the final version.  Later!