Arkansas Greatness and the Laziness That's Followed

I know, I know - it's Saturday and I'm not supposed to post because it's see Sam run's day buttttt I have a feeling she won't be making an appearance today so here I go!

 

Arkansas was BEAUTIFUL ya'll. And we loved every minute of it. We did a little fancy hoteling, a little sightseeing, and a lot of camping and backpacking. And it rocked.

 

Devil's Den State Park

 

 Oh yeah, and we drank a lot of whiskey too. Like, a whole lot.

Let's talk about this whole backpacking thing - WHAT A WORKOUT! This was our first time ever truly backpack camping and we were supposed to have 3 miles to get to our camp buttttttt that was before we made a two mile detour and had to turn around so seven it was!

 Here's a pic of us at the trailhead. I know we look all happy and shit but secretly I'm thinking how in the hell am I going to carry this heavy ass pack for 3 miles?

 

I know I don't often talk about what I do for a living but in general I'll say this: I'm a geologist. And I was literally have special sexy moments with all of these outcrops. Joking. No, not joking.

 

The hardest part? Dropping the boyfriend off at the airport when the trip was over. I turned into an emotional wreck. I know that this sounds so trivial to people in the military who are gone for a year at a time, but being away from home for two weeks straight, well, SUCKS. And as soon as he started packing his bag and checking in for his flight online, I just lost it.

 

And now this week has been dumb. Don't get me wrong - some good things have happened. I've had two really promising job interviews and work has been on the easy side. But I must have left the Healthy Inner Me in Arkansas because I have been SO lazy. I keep blaming my laziness and ridiculous eating habits (I just ate Milano cookies for breakfast) on the fact that I'm going to start my period soon but Aunt Flow hasn't shown up yet to end the streak. Jesus - I need to get it together.

 

And let's not even talk about the pink planner. I went running ONCE this week. For 0.85 miles. And I thought I was going to puke from stomach cramps. Yeah, this is great.

 

But this -ish stops HERE. The gym is open until 3 pm today and I have plans to head out for a run this evening when the sun goes down. I can't just fall off the ladder because I had a great vacation and God invented chocolate.

 

Happy Saturday! What kind of posts would you like to read about? I need some suggestions.

Pink Planner - Week One Update

Alright, my official week one of half training is done. And it's needs to be documented.

The training schedule is in red, what I did is in blue.

Week #1

Monday - 
Stretch & Strength
2 mile run @ 12:00 pace
1 mile speedwork

Tuesday - 
3 mile run
3 mile run @ 11:36 pace

Wednesday - 
2 mile run
Whoops - nothing!

Thursday -
3 mile run
Whoops - nothing again!

Friday -
REST
4 mile run @ 11:41 pace

Saturday - 
30 minute cross train
Ripped in 30 (Week 2) + 2.18 mile run @ 10:20 pace

Sunday - 
4 mile run
3 mile run @11:06 pace + 1 mile speedwork

Total mileage goal: 15
Actual mileage: 16.18

So overall, it was a great week for the pink planner.

Starting Tuesday, the boyfriend and I are going backpacking in Arkansas for the week. So not only will I be absent on HLM (see Sam run will step in and take over) but I will also have some gaps in the pink binder. But I've planned for it and hope to still get some exercise in climbing mountains and roughin' it.

Happy Sunday, kick this week in the ass!

IT'S A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE!

I totes ran a 10 minute mile today. 

Actually, it was 9:59. 

And yeah - that one second does make it more badass.

But you know what SUCKS? Map My Run didn't save it. Ugh! It's almost like it didn't really happen... Except it definitely did.

I don't know what came over me today. I decided to head out for a short 2 mile run this evening and just felt like running fast. Normally, I psych myself out and under-pace myself for fear of cramps, shin splints, or general discomfort but today I hit the road with NO fear. And it felt amazing.

I ran 2.18 miles. Mile 1 was 9:59 and mile 2 was 10:46 and I'm not sure what that last 0.18 was because of STUPID MAP MY RUN.

Anyway - I know today is see Sam run Saturday (speaking of which, where is she? hehe) but I had some major breaking news and even if you don't give a shit about it, I feel great sharing it.

That's gonna go down in the pink planner for sure!

Conversations with Myself

Inner dialogue at 6:00 this morning:

Alarm Clock: Waa! Waa! Waa! Waa! Waa!

Self: WHOA! What's that?!???

Healthy Inner Me: That's your alarm clock, dumbass.

Self: Why is that happening? Who set that alarm?

Healthy Inner Me: I did, last night. Remember? After those three Guinesses, we decided that you needed to run today...

Self: Oh yeah, that's cute. Turn that alarm off now. I'm going back to sleep.

Healthy Inner Me: You have a half-marathon to train for. Remember the pink planner?

Self: I'll take today off and run tomorrow.

Healthy Inner Me: You took the last two days off. Get the freak up.

Self: It's raining outside.

Healthy Inner Me: No it's not, just drizzling.

Self: I'm serious - I feel crappy and I'm not going.

Healthy Inner Me: see Sam run ran four miles the other day... You don't want to get behind in training, do you?

Healthy Inner Me punches Self in face. 

Self fights back and loses. 

Self gets out of bed and gets dressed.... begrudgingly. 

So this happened. Miraculously.
And yes, it was kind of misty outside but running in bad weather adds to the overall badass factor of the run.
#YOLO.

And the pink planner? Yeah, that's this thing.
I'm so old school - I should just trade in my iPhone for one of those rotary deals with the long kitchen chord.

Yes, I did write my favorite inspirational quote on the back. Thanks, Flo Rida!
I swear to God - I would get this tattooed on my body if I wasn't a sane lucid person.

I copied the Hal Higdon's beginner training schedule into this thing.
And writing down my mileage after a run feels good.

I added new songs to my running playlist this morning to help get myself psyched up.
Two observations here.
#1 Even though I think Miley Cyrus kind of sucks, I can't deny the catchiness of this song.
#2 I am slowly developing a slight addiction with Kid Cudi. But don't tell Flo Rida....

And here's some inspirational shit. Because, well, people like this kind of thing.

Mondays and Earning Your Sweat

Today I ventured out to the local college's wellness center. I've been slacking on my half training lately (I'm too tired to go in the morning and I'm sure as hell not running in 110 degrees) and decided that today's the day I'm going to get it together.

The gym here is pretty legit (minus the fact that they don't let you wear tank tops?!??? WTF?) and with my box turtle pace lately, I decided that a little dreadmill running will probably do me some good right now. It's basically the only way I can manually control my pace. So here's what I worked with:

• 2 miles at normal pace (which is totally 12 minutes per mile, ugh!)
• 1 mile speed work (I would walk for two minutes, and then crank up the speed for 1 minute, and then start over)
• Jump squats with 10 lb weight (10)
• Jump lunges with 10 lb weight (10)
• High-low planks (30 seconds)
• Plank (30 seconds)
• Crunches (as many as I could do without puking)
• Jump squats with 10 lb weight (10)
• Jump lunges with 10 lb weight (10)
• Stretch and get the FREAK out!

And afterwards, I rewarded myself with some chocolate almond milk, a little beef jerky, and a golden delicious apple.

I feel great today - which definitely says something because I've been in a S-L-U-M-P lately. But it's a new day and I'm ready to kick some ass!

HAPPY MONDAY. Get yo' sweat on.

see Sam run Saturday: The Life of Sam Told Through a Series of iPhone Pictures

Greetings, readers. I write to you today from the depths of a dark and squashy couch, wrapped in a blanket, wearing a Dead Head shirt and a pair of winter pj pants (that just so happen to match and that makes my OCD heart a little happy) with awesome hangover hair.

Positives: Last  night I burned some major calories twerkin' it (I can't even pull off typing that.)
Negatives: I drank way too much on an empty stomach and now I am in my final hours before death surely carries me away.

PS: I'm completely over dramatic when I feel icky.

Since Healthy Little Me has come back to our little blogging world, she feels the need to remind me to post if I haven't done so before lunch time (oh God, let's not mention food.) 

So what AM I going to post about today? Life. In all it's crazy glory, via iPhone pictures.

**WARNING: YOU'RE ABOUT TO GET AN OVERLOAD OF PICTURES OF RANDOM THINGS THAT MAKE UP MY LIFE**

Have you ever just browsed through your photos on your phone? (assuming you have a camera on your phone and aren't living in a nursing home).  They tell a story. Your story.

The story of where you live...

...and of where you "work" (I mean, really, who can call this 'work'?)...

...the stories of the repercussions of said work (don't forget sunscreen)...

...stories of temptations...

...stories of nights you'll never forget...

...and the ones you wish you could...

...stories of where you came from...

...and how very little has changed...

...and how very much it has...

To quote one of the best movies of all time, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, "life moves pretty fast, if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."

And let's not forget the fitness portion while we're at it. I've logged over 60 miles in bike time since mid July and I've ran twice - I'll get better on the running, I promise.

Healthy Little Me 101

Happy Friday, ya'll. Thought I'd share an idea I stole from another blog today. Presenting - Healthy Little Me 101

21 Facts about HLM

1. I am currently starting to panic with this whole facts thing - am I interesting enough to come up with 21 facts to dazzle you with?

2. I make fun of hipsters but I like to dress like them.

3. I am super socially awkward when I'm hungover.

4. The Price is Right might be (read: definitely is) my favorite show.

5. I want to participate in a flash mob really badly.

6. I am madly in love with coffee. And I drink it black, like cowboys do.

7. I wear fake push up bras all the time. But I'm pretty sure I'm only fooling myself.

8. I fly a lot. And I love making friends on airplanes. Yes - I'm the annoying girl who wants to talk to you on your flight.

9. I really love giving advice - even when you don't want it.

10. Aside from doggy paddling like an idiot, I don't know how to swim. And all of my friends do - which embarrasses me. I need to take lessons but I'm afraid I'll look stupid.

11. I can't chew gum without swallowing it. And the seven year thing is total bullshit - because I would be dead right now from inner-gum clogging if that were true.

12. I have no idea what my blood type is. But I have memorized my social security number, driver's license number, and checking account number.

13. If it were up to me, I would never shave my armpits or legs. But the boyfriend kind of ruins that - something about fur being a turn off? I digress...

14. I have the most diverse family, ever. My brother is a diver in Bulgaria, my sister is a theatre actress in Chicago, the other sister does nothing in Tennessee, and my parents are financial people in Charlotte.

15. I seriously care more about animals than people.

16. I can fix just about anything with a roll of duct tape.

17. I work in a male-dominated industry. It is unusual to be on a job site where there is more than one woman at a time (me).

18. I own one million pairs of sunglasses. And they are all huge. 

19. I am getting more emotional in my old age. I legit cry over the dumbest, sappiest commercials. You know that lip-synching proposal video that was on youtube? The one with the Bruno Mars song? Yeah, I cry just thinking about it.

20. I don't think you can have enough friends. But that being said, I'm kind of snobby when it comes to those in my circle.

21. Remember how I said Price is Right is my favorite show? Yeah, so is Jeopardy. I'm an old woman when it comes to TV.

3 Legitimate Fears

1. Drowning

2. Failure

3. Cockroaches (southerners call them "waterbugs" or "Palmetto bugs" ugh!)

Describe My Relationship with My Significant Other

It's about as perfect as a relationship can be considering the fact that we've been dating for almost five years and I've been gone 75% of the past year for work. He is my best friend and partner. I honestly couldn't have taken the crazy ass leap in career choice that I did if it wasn't for his support. I am totally in love and I'm probably going to marry this one.

He went RUNNING with me last time I was home just because he wanted to spend as much time with me as possible. Anyone who knows the boyfriend knows that this might be the sweetest shit they've ever heard based on the fact that the boy HATES to run.

What would I Tell My 16 Year Old Self

1. Don't cry over breaking up with Ben. He's not that cool.

2. Always look in the rearview mirror before you back out of the driveway or you might (read: definitely will) back into your father's brand new company car.

3. Pay more attention in Algebra II or you'll regret it in college. 

4. Don't use box-Feria to color your hair. Just don't.

5. Give Meagan Clifton her Hollister skirt back.

Things That Make Me Happy

Being home, my boyfriend, my animals, my friends, running, alcohol, Hoda and Kathie Lee, nail polish, new clothes, shoes, business class on planes, and afternoon naps.

July, Schmuly.

Let's be real. Every post I've had in the past few months has started with some drawn out apology/excuse for my extended absence. And I'm kind of tired of it. Life is cray, ya'll. Shit happens. But I finally dug up the courage to return to my roots of Healthy Little Me and get back on my blogin' grind.

The truth is - this past month has taken a lot out of me. I've been handed a nasty deal of cards with regards to work lately and it's drained me more mentally than physically. And I couldn't find anything to post about. This blog is called Here Comes Healthy Little Me, not Here Comes Anxious, Stressed, Frustrated, Bitter Little Me. But I had a come-to-Jesus moment with myself a few days ago and have decided that I'm going to take these lemons and make the most delicious lemonade I've ever tasted with it. And I'm not going to let a little stress get me down or stand in my way of posting.

Anyway, life is going on - happy or not. 

I got sent back to Wyoming for a week. I seriously love that place in the summertime. We were waiting on work to start for the first few days in Casper so I took advantage of the free time and found a cool running trail that follows the Platte River. There are some decent white water rapids at this point in the river and it was fun watching the rafters/kayakers/boogie boarders (yes you heard that last one right) while I ran. 

Speaking of running, this whole I'm registered for a half-marathon thing is really effing with my head. I feel like I've been self-sabotaging myself ever since I committed and running feels like such a chore lately. I think the problem is that I've been only cranking out short distances (2 or 3 miles). The first couple of miles is always the hardest - and I'm not giving myself the distance to really break out and get beyond that mental point. But, I'm determined to turn this thing around. I've got three months before the race and I'm doing it, happy or not. I bought a daily-planner at Wal-Mart the other day and planned out my daily mileage goals for training. It's time to GET WITH IT and I'm ready to bring my A-game. 

Have you ever seen someone give a cat a bath? It's the weirdest most hilarious thing ever. That's really all I've got on that topic. Except for the fact that I probably have the cutest boyfriend in the world. 

Having friends is so important and special in life. And having friends that own boats is even more kickass. Last week when I was home, I got to venture out for a day of boating, drinking, and wading in the intercoastal waterway. Annnnd it was great.

Why yes, my dog does have her own lifejacket. She LOVES to swim and likes to follow everyone to the deep part far out and I don't really trust her physical agility sometimes (I mean she is somewhere between eight and ten years old) so here's my overbearing mother-type solution. Not to mention, look how stylish she is compared to the other dog. 

see Sam run is living in my house right now and it's magical. Although it's short-lived (I'm only home one week out of the month lately and she's only living with me until the end of August), we are having a blast. Friday night we went out for Thai food and then rocked cutoff tank tops while bar hopping. And flexing. She is soooo a part of my wolfpack (Hangover reference) except for the fact that she gets mad when I say YOLO. Oh well, #YOLO. 

Speaking of flexing - we (me, Sam, and boyfriend) decided to venture out on a little bike ride Sunday afternoon. We biked from our house downtown to the beach and back. Only 26 miles - no biggie! And once we got to the beach, we ate and slammed down two pitchers of PBR (sooo classy) before heading back to our house. Drunk exercise is still exercise, right?

Happy Thursday. I'll try to quit being such a shady blogger. 

#YOLO