Day #6- Topic #24- Goals for the next 30 days

hmmmm.... This is another good one!

My biggest goal is to not gain any weight.  If I happen to lose weight? Fine, I'll take it!  But I'm trying hard to not focus so much on the scale.  If my weight fluctuates a bit, that's OK, just as long as I can bring it back down without a crazy diet and exercise regiment.

Another goal is to get rid of all the paper clutter in my house!! I stare at it everyday and oh man, it's just a huge pain!  I hate deciding what to keep, what to toss.  I also hate taking the time to shred.  No, I don't shred the papers by hand, I just hate shredding in general.  It's similar to my feelings about "doing laundry".  It's not like I have to actually wash the laundry by myself, I just put in the clothes, push a button to start the water, and add soap.  That's. It. I don't know why I make it into a big ordeal but I do.

I also have a couple "hobby" goals, if you will.  I'm trying to beef up my recipe collection.  I like to use recipes to get an idea of how to create a dish, but usually after two attempts of creating the recipe, I tend to veer off the path and try my own ideas.  I would like to spend the next 30 days finding healthy recipes (thanks to those who have left ideas in my comments!!) and building upon them.

I would also like to improve on my running.  I can run a mile now, but I would like to build my base and have a solid foundation, so that I can start training/focusing on pace.  But I'm not in a rush for this, because I know as long as I'm consistent, the change will come, however long it takes.

And I don't like to post without pics, so for your enjoyment, here is a pic from Halloween of my baby brother (pirate), niece (witch?), and nephew (power ranger)...

Day #5- Topic #17- Your highs and lows of this past year

At first when I read this topic, I thought "year" only applied to 2011.  But then realized that it could also apply to 4/28/10-4/28/11.  And boy, has it been a great year!

Let's start with the lows (it can only get better from here, right?)

I only have one...

The low point of my year was when my grandma's sister, Aunt Marian, passed away.  She was the matriarch of our family, the glue that held everyone together.  Growing up I remember trying on all her clothes and makeup.... "helping" her cook breakfast.... and the way she always called me "my princess".  It truly was a very difficult time for me and my family.

The highs of my life?

Well, one of the greatest highs for me is when my husband and I took a trip to Guam and visited my Aunt Marian before she passed.  I'm not sure if she understood our conversations, but I did get a smile and a hand squeeze.  I was able to introduce my husband to my relatives on Guam and share with him the roots of my mother's family.  It was really important for me that he could learn about my culture and heritage, deeper than I could ever describe to him.  We ate a lot, laughed a lot, and cried a lot.  It was a trip we will never forget.

Other great highs?  

Of course when we got married in July 2010.  It took a lot of energy to plan but it was a great day.  I never refer to it as the happiest day in my life because I know that our life together will bring even better days to us!

And our honeymoon was fantastic as well! We went on a cruise in the Mediterranean. It was amazing! We visited ports in Italy, Croatia, Greece, and Turkey.  It was a trip of a lifetime.  We still enjoy talking about all the things we did, sights we've seen, foods we ate... I'm so glad we decided to do a big honeymoon early after the wedding rather than wait.  

How has the past year treated you?  I must say it's been a fantastic year for me!

Random bloggin & Day #4- Topic # 9: How I hope my Future will be like

I've been having SUPER busy days at work lately so I apologize for not getting this post up sooner.

The lady I'm covering for starts again next week, but only part time.  However, I am STOKED.  I constantly feel like I'm playing catch up. So when she returns, hopefully that will mean more time for blogging!!

In other news....

Have you ever been to a chiropractor?  

Last year I went to see one for migraines and upper back pain.  What I thought would just be a quick consultation and adjustment turned into a rehabilitation plan for almost 11 months.

My doctor took X-rays of my neck and spine and the X-rays showed that I had slight Scoliosis.  And my neck? Well the cervical curve was actually going the opposite direction.  Frankly I had the neck of a 65 year old.

My images looked like the one on the far left of this picture.

Scary.

I'm happy to report that after 11 months of rehab, my spine is straight.  My neck however looks like the "6 months" image above.  So now? I have another 6 weeks of intensive (read- tear inducing) rehab.

Rehab isn't just getting your spine adjusted.  I also have to do these exercises/stretches called traction where I lean back on a special chair with a small amount of weight hanging from my head for 15 minutes.  Sound like torture? Well it is.  BUT these exercises have greatly helped my neck return to the natural curve God intended.  

I'm almost there.

The kinda bad news about all this (besides the torturous stretching)?  My beloved running time is now replaced with rehab time.  I still have Wednesday (today, yay!) and the weekends to run, but 4 days a week are now spent in rehab.

*sigh*- It's all for better health so the sacrifice is worth it.  I guess.

Now back to our regular scheduled programming of the 30 day challenge:

How I hope my future will be like.

Well, I hope my near future will involve exercising of some sort.  I plan on hitting the elliptical (still haven't gotten new running shoes) and getting some strength training in this evening.

Distant future? Being that I currently happily married, I hope to have some little ones soon. I grew up with a big family and can't wait to have one of my one.

I hope to find a job that I can see myself retiring at.  I don't really have an urge to change jobs very often, but the way I feel now, I hope to return to school because I really want to get into teaching.  Maybe the future will hold a teaching job for me! I love kids and would really like to teach elementary kids, anywhere between 2nd and 4th grade. 

Yeah, that would be fantastic.  In the future I will still be happily married, with children, teaching at an elementary school, with time to continue running, paddling, and spending time with my family.  My future self would also be living back on Maui =)

ahhhh.... the good life!

Day #3- Topic #22- How have I changed in the past 2 years.

 

Wow.  

I've never really thought about how I've changed over time. Sure, once in awhile I'll turn to my hubbs/cousins/friends and say, "hey! remember when we where at that one place and saw so-and-so and did this and that?"

But to really contemplate how I've changed? Never really crossed my mind. 

Two years ago it was April 25, 2009.

During that time I was working as a Senior Audit Assistant at one of the Big Four accounting firms.  For those not in the accounting world, there are four mega-sized global accounting/professional services firms.  And I worked for one of them.

And I HATED it.  Sure there were some good times, like being assigned to audit a great client, who had clean financial statements, and knew the drill when it came to an audit.  Most of the folks I worked with were great.

But what I didn't like? The loooooong hours.  I remember staying in the office past midnight multiple times.  Some weeks I ate dinner more often with my co-workers than my fiance (now husband).  And that may be fine and dandy for some people, but I just couldn't visualize living the rest of my life like that.

Also during this time two years ago, I was engaged! We decided to not start planning our wedding until a little more than a year out, so in April 2009 we were just enjoying our engagement.  

That's pretty much it.  I didn't have time for anything else, really. I worked and came home. On weekends I spent a lot of time at the beach or updating my resume and applying for new jobs.  I wasn't content with my life, and wanted something better, but I knew if I just stuck it out and paid my dues, it would get better.

And it did! Now two years later, a lot has changed.

I've been working in the Finance Department of a non-profit for over a year now.  And I love it.  Mostly because the hours are so flexible, and the culture is a bit more relaxed and a lot more fun!

I am married now and we will be celebrating our first anniversary this year.

I work out more often, now that I have the time! Even though now, I'm 10 lbs heavier than 2 years ago.  I'm working on it =)

And now, I have a blog!! That has been a huge difference in my life from 2 years ago.  I finally found an outlet for my excitement and frustrations alike.  And I've been able to connect to such great people!

I have definitely grown in the past two years.  Having a tough work experience right out of college was difficult and very draining, but it taught me to value the little things in life, and to appreciate what I have now.

Can't wait to see the exciting changes to come in the next two years!

Happy Easter!

In celebration of this fabulous holiday, I will be taking a day off from the 30 day challenge.

Enjoy this day with your family and friends! Be back on Monday

Day #2-Topic #16 My views on Mainstream Music.

Day number two... and the topic is....

Seriously? #15 AGAIN???

OK... Here we go....

My views on Mainstream Music-(yes, I know it's #16, but we eliminated one yesterday remember? So #16 is now the 15th topic to select from)

Honestly, if it wasn't for mainstream music, I wouldn't know what was cool and whatever. 

Seriously though? I listen to a lot of mainstream music.  The truth is, I just don't know how to find music that isn't mainstream.  I don't know where to look!

I listen to everything... Country, Hip-Hop, R&B, Pop, Rock, Alternative, and of course Hawaiian and Island Style music- like reggae and Contemporary Hawaiian.

Right now I'm loving Britney Spears' "Til The World Ends"

I don't have a problem with mainstream music at all.  In fact, it's where I get most of my tunes.  However, I am open to hearing music that isn't so mainstream.

I'm a music lover.  I don't discriminate.  While some genres are easier on my ears than others, I appreciate all types of music and willing to give any song a chance.

What are some of your favorite bands? Favorite songs? I may need to update my playlist soon and would love the input!

Day #1- Topic 15: My Favorite Bloggers

This is kinda tough.

I follow A LOT of blogs.  You can see all the blogs I follow on the left side of this post, towards the bottom.  I only show the most updated ones, but you can see every blog by clicking "see more".

But my favorites? That's tough.  Here we go...

SHUT UP AND RUN!- Funny lady Beth is a freaking AH-MAZING.  When I first came across her blog she was recovering from an injury.  She blogs about running, farts, pussy-posse, her awesome family, and other stuff but when I think of Beth, those are the first things that comes to mind.  She's even been featured in Runner's World! No, not the cover, but on page 100 something.  She's awesome and you should check her out.

This pic was taken from her blog

SKINNY RUNNER- SR is another funny lady.  She hails from a small Alaskan island but lives in Southern California now.  She's also a fisherwoman 3 months out of the year.  Her blog is also about running, with some fashion show pics, running ensembles, celebrities, and restroom pics thrown in the mix.

This pic was taken from her blog

Tara at Dashing in Pearls- She blogs about cool stuff like visiting wineries, her great boyfriend, living in Texas..... she's a teacher, has cool blog topics, visits wineries, loves cupcakes AND makes pancakes for dinner.  AWESOME.

Again, taken from the blog

Steph at theAlmostRunner- This funny lady cracks me up! Her posts are honest and smart. She posts great pics about the dreaded elliptical, princesses, and cake balls (what!?). What more could a girl ask for?

"Presh"- from her blog

Rose at Eat, Drink, and Be Meiri- This woman is a bad mamma jamma. For real.  She does mud runs AND takes pictures at the same time.  Ms. Rose is also an ultramarthoner.  And always has great workouts! She's witty and fun and could probably beat 99% of the population at arm wrestling.  She's cool like that.

From her blog. duh.

Last but not least is my girl Jenn from JENNSADVENTURES.  This is my bff in real life... we've known each other for almost 18 years!! No matter how long we've been apart, we always pick up right where we left off.  Her blog? Just like it says... Jenn's Adventures- ordinary to extraordinary, not to mention great food recipes!!

Yes, from her blog.  She's lucky I didn't post that pic from elementary school when she cut her own bangs. Just kidding. You looked great in that pic.  But lucky I don't have it anymore =)

And there you have it.

Like I said, check out the other blogs too on the left of this post.  This post features the blogsI always catch up on first.

And I would like to thank them for being so inspiring and motivating, and most of all fun!!

Geeez... MIA much?

First of all I would like to apologize to all my readers for not posting much in awhile.

I have no excuse other than I've been swamped with work and have been avoiding my computer like The Plague.  Seriously, I'm on the computer all day at work and I usually just want to avoid my computer at home by the end of the day.

A small update on my life-

1. I haven't been running yet since I set those goals.  Why? 1) I didn't get a chance to get new shoes and am a huge scaredy cat that my injury is going to come back.  2) I had every intention to run yesterday, but decided to walk and chat/catch up with a friend instead.  It was still exercise, but no running.

2.  I got stung by a bee yesterday.  While walking/chatting.  And it hurt like a mo-fo! I haven't gotten stung by a bee in YEARS.  I usually run a way from bees (which apparently you're not supposed to do) or end up looking like an African Tribal Dancer as I swat it away.

That's not the actual bee by the way....

But yesterday? I didn't stand a chance.  I was just walking along minding my own business and a bee flew between my arm and torso and stung me on the inside of my bicep.  I called my dad (of course) and he joked that I could blog about how to get bigger biceps- no weights required! sheeeeeesh...

Anyway, after a swipe of apple cider vinegar and some tea tree oil ointment, I'm all better.  No itching, swelling, or pain, just some slight redness.

3. Tara at Dashing in Pearls is participating in a 30 day challenge.... and I've really loved all the topics she's written about.  I've seen other 30 day challenges in blog world- picture challenges, song challenges, all about me challenges... but this one seems different.  I like the the topics and Tara has shared some really insightful and personal information.  So I decided to jump on the bandwagon.  Here's a list of the topics that I swiped from Tara:

I know the type is kinda small but bare with me.  Also? I don't like to be confined and do things in order so I'm using a random number generator to pick the topics for me.  First topic chosen?

Oh how fitting.

15. You're Favorite Tumblrs.

Now I assume it isn't referring to my favorite cups but rather to my favorite bloggers. Stay tuned for that one!

Plan for Success, Don't Plan for Failure!

I am a very goal oriented person.

Not just big, mega, 5-year-plan goals, but even small weekly (even daily) goals.  I'm a huge planner and list maker and find great satisfaction from crossing things off my lists.

Which leads me to last week.  Exercise was blatantly absent from my week, having only worked out once, and that did not include running.

This weekend I reflected on why that was and it dawned on me- I didn't set any goals for the week!

The week before I blogged about SMART Goals, and set some pretty attainable goals for myself.  And I reached every target, even going above and beyond on some days.

Why didn't I set up any goals last week? Honestly, I just don't know.  I remember thinking that I should, but just never got around to it.  Next thing I know, the week is OVER!

This week I refuse to set myself up for failure.  Here are my SMART goals for the week:

-Exercise on more days than not (meaning, I must exercise 4 out of 7 days this week.)
-Run for at least 2 of those "exercise days", minimum 2 miles each day.
-Strength train for at least 2 days.

These goals may not be as (S)pecific as my goals the week before, but they are (M)easurable, and as long as I work out 4 days this week, run at least 2 miles twice, and strength train twice, I will have reached my goals. (A)chievable? YES SIR! (R)ealistic? Well, the strength training twice a week thing might be somewhat of a reach for me, but that's what goals are for! and are they (T)imely? YES! I must accomplish this by Saturday night =)

Do you set goals for the week? day? month? If so, how do you set your goals?

Who has a bad case of the Mondays? I do! I do! I do! ugh...is it Friday yet?

AND THE WINNER IS.....

Creative Island Visions!!

Out of 56 comments, 55 were giveaway entries... and I promise up and down and side to side and pinky swear to you that this was the random number picked on the very first random number generator...

Cassie, email me your mailing address at islandstylerunning@gmail.com for your prize!!

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Sorry that this weekend has been pretty slim on the blog posts (AKA zilch, zero, NONE).  I wasn't feeling very well and took some time to relax, get better, and reflect on the previous week.

Thank you to all the new followers and for everyone that participated! Have a great day!

Three Things Thursday

1. Thanks to everyone for entering my GIVEAWAY! It will stay open all weekend (ending Sunday at 6pm, HST- 9pm West Coast Time).  Before I hosted my own giveaway, I participated in quite a few other blog giveaways.  And they always ask us to tell our friends, but it never made sense to me.  I would think, “hello, if I tell all my friends, then my chances of winning get smaller!” but then I had this lightbulb, “ hello, if I tell all my friends, then they will share with me and my chances of winning get bigger!”  So be sure to tell your friends, so you can share the goodies. Or not. You could keep them for yourself.  There is no judgment here =)

2. I haven’t been running in 5 DAYS!! I went running on Saturday and hurt my foot so bad, I’m kinda scared to go running again.  What happened you ask? Well, after a great run at the park, I stretched for a bit and then hopped into my car to drive back home.

The hubbs was at a men’s rally hosted by our church so I had a small window to freshen up before I had to pick him up.  Well, during the drive home, I started to feel a slight pain in my right foot.   Almost like a cramping sensation.  By the time I got to our apartment complex and parked the car, my foot hurt so bad I literally hobbled to the elevator and to our front door.  I was in TREMENDOUS pain, and couldn’t put any weight on my right foot.  It felt like my foot had become this solid crystalized club.

So instead of jumping in the shower right away, I grabbed a bag of frozen green beans, put my foot up, and iced that sucker.  I also grabbed a can of corn and rolled my foot over it to help release the muscle.  It worked, but my foot was still in a little pain through Sunday…

On Monday I decided to lay off the running and get some cross training in.  I worked out on the elliptical for 45 minutes, no pain (well, in my right foot anyway).  Then when I was walking on Tuesday, I felt a little bit of the pain RETURN.  Ugh, I decided it’s best I try to stay off my feet for awhile.

I think I may roll my foot outward when I run because when I look at the bottom of my shoes, the outer sides of the soles are worn.  I did a little research on Runner’s World, but I don’t have high arches (or don’t think so). But after watching this video, I think I definitely am an underpronater. Any advice?



So today I plan on working out on the elliptical again (low impact on my foot) and add in some great strength training moves.  This weekend the hubbs will take me to a running store so I can get my gait analyzed.

3. I’m in a rut, meal wise.  I am definitely a creature of habit.  Example? Every day this week I had Greek yogurt for breakfast and a piece of fruit.

You all know how much I love my Chobani Greek yogurt, but I need some new breakfast ideas. And dinner ideas.  Something easy and fast would be great! And healthy too =)

Do you have any great meal ideas?  Family recipes that make your family worship you? Can ya help me out? I’d love to read through your fave meal ideas/recipes.  If you like, you can even post a link to your favorite recipe in the comments section.

I hope you all are having a fantastic Thursday!! One day closer to the weekend... I know I can't wait =)

Just Meant to Be

Are you ready friends?

Ready for what you ask?

My very first GIVEAWAY!!

I know most bloggers wait until they hit a certain number of followers and then celebrate with a giveaway, but I just couldn't wait.  I've seen a lot of awesomesauce giveaways lately and just had to join in!

And really it's because all your great comments and emails make me feel so great inside! I appreciate all my readers for the motivation, inspiration, and support you all provide.

Also? As I started this post, I had 22 followers.  22 IS MY ALL TIME FAVORITE NUMBER.

So it was just meant to be, I guess!

You ready to see the goods?

Here ya go...

Giveaway includes Royal Kona Hazelnut Coffee, Hawaiian Islands Mango Maui Tea, and Hershey's Kisses with Mauna Loa Macadamia nuts... a small taste of Hawaiian goodies!

AND the winner will also get to choose one of the following travel mugs:

To enter, leave one comment for each entry below:

-Mandatory: Be a follower of my blog (1 entry)

-Optional:
1. Tweet, Facebook, and/or Blog about this giveaway, and leave a comment for each mention (1 entry for each, up to 3 entries)

2. Follow me on Twitter @islestylerun

3. Enter my girl Jenn's giveaway at Jenns Adventures.

4. Check out Jenn's March of Dimes page.  She needs to hit her goal by Saturday.  Give a donation and that counts for another entry! Any amount is very helpful, and you can contact her if you need a tax deductible receipt.  (note- you only have till Friday night to make a donation, so this bonus entry does expire!)

So that's a total of 7 ENTRIES!!! What a coincidence... 7 is my lucky number =)

Be sure to leave a comment for each entry... don't shoot yourself in the foot and put all your entries in one comment.

Contest ends on Sunday evening at 6pm, Hawaii Standard Time (9PM West Coast Time). Winner will be chosen using a random number generator and announced Monday 4/18!

Get Ready People...

Be sure to tune in tomorrow.... I may have a surprise for all of you!

PS. did u know Chobani donates 10% of all profits to charities worldwide? Looks like my Greek Yogurt obsession will heal the world...

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Writer's block turned to a real live blogging post

I'm in a blogging rut.

I have writer's block.  I actually have a few post ideas, but they aren't developing into what I expected/wanted to write about.

So I'm using a tool I learned in college: If you have writer's block, write about having writer's block.

I guess it doesn't help that I have Secret Life of an American Teenager playing in the background. Even though I'm a bit embarrassed to admit it, I heart this show.  It's kinda extreme to me, with all these kids having sex and talking about marriage.  But then I think about when I was in high school... kids were having sex, kids got pregnant, but I don't remember there being that much drama. Maybe because there wasn't a camera around. But still, it's different.  And yet, it continues to pull me in.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

hmmmmm writer's block.... still there? YEP!

I had a great convo with my friend Jenn from JENNSADVENTURES. One of our (many) topics touched upon was the blogging community, specifically, the blogs we follow/read/LOVE. 

What I love most about blogging is being able to connect to people all over the world.  And build friendships based on our commonalities. 

Most of the blogs I follow relate to running or fitness in some way or another... a few are friends from college and high school.... it's nice to build a close community, even if we are separated by either a few hundred miles or a few thousand.

Most blogs are written by total strangers, well, they aren't strangers now, but that's what it felt like when I first came across their page. It was my first encounter in their world.  Yeah, most of us blog about running and fitness, food and fashion, but it's all about our own individual perspective.  And I think that's the best part.

It's our OWN. 

What I've learned most through my own blogging experience is that I can be pretty unsure about myself.  I compare myself to others pretty often, always have and probably always will.  But blogging has helped me "come into my own", so to speak.  I find myself chatting with people I meet throughout my day, my mind is always "on"- looking for the next blog topic, and I'm thinking more than just about myself- I think about my followers, my readers, and how to connect better.

Because for me? That's what it's all about.

Connecting with myself and connecting with you.

Thanks for stopping by and being part of my blog.  Welcome to my world!

Quick Weekend Recap...

I usually don't blog too much on the weekends because I like to reserve that time for the hubbs, but he is watching a bad voice over martial arts movie on the couch.  It's all good.

And this post is also lacking in the pictures department because I really didn't have much time this weekend to upload new pics...

Also? I have a lot of random things on my mind.  And the easiest/most efficient way for me to get it all down is to.... what else? MAKE A LIST!

Here we go....

1.  I went running on Thursday and had a really great time! I went to my usual park and banged out 2.87 miles in about 36 minutes.... About a few weeks ago it would have taken me about 30 minutes to run just 2 miles! I was super happy to be able to increase my mileage... I didn't plan on it, but it just worked out that way.

2.  On that note, I ran this morning at the same park and it was hard.  Again.  I got a side pain/stich about 3 minutes into it.  I tried to run through it but I couldn't handle the pain!! I walked a lot, but pushed myself as well when I could run.  It was tough, and like always, I was proud of myself for pushing through it.  The best part?  I ran 2.56 miles in 33 minutes and 48 seconds.  After all that pain, I was still able to keep up my pace from the other day.

3.  I met my weekly goals! I ran 3 times this week, and each time ran over 2 miles each day.... now it's time to think of some new goals for next week! Gold star for me.

4. Another gold star moment? I'm down 9 pounds as of this morning.  We'll see how long that sticks around, since my weight fluctuates often, but hey, I'll take it!

5. Have you heard of Bethany Hamilton?  She is the teenager from Kaua'i, Hawaii who was attacked by a shark while surfing.  The shark took her left arm.  She survived, and even began surfing again, shortly after the attack. Now? She's a professional surfer!!! Today the hubbs and I watched the movie about her struggle and triumph, Soul Surfer.  It was a really great movie. We found ourselves on the same emtional rollercoaster that she went trhough, of course, in a different reality.  So if you're looking for something to see, check it out.  If it's not playing near you?  Wait to rent it on Netflix... I promise you won't be disappointed!

Last note.... if you like what you read, please "follow" my blog! Just click on "Follow" at the left of this post, and you'll be updated anytime I write a new post.

The real last note... Are you on Twitter? You can follow me there as well @islestylerun.

Hope you all have a great weekend!!

Not a faker, but a runner..

I realize that my post yesterday was a bit negative...

And normally I would apologize for being a "Negative Nancy" but I promised myself that I would be real about my struggles and hard times, accomplishments and easy days. I was going to delete it, but decided against it.  It will serve a purpose later down the road.  I will not let a difficult day go to waste...

Yesterday (Tuesday) was really just one of those days... it just didn't get off to the right foot.  My head was all over the place and I felt like I just couldn't FOCUS.

When I got home after work, I knew I still had to work out, even though I didn't want to at all.  But after all that talk about SMART goals, I didn't want to let you (or myself) down.  I had to push through.

First of all, I broke up with the treadmill a couple weeks ago, with my first run outside which you can read about here.  So my run yesterday, with a goal of 2 miles, started out like an awkward run-in (pun intended) with a dreaded ex.

Straight up? It was as struggle! I wanted to quit after the first half mile.  But I told myself that the first mile is always the hardest.  But it didn't get easier.  After the first mile, I was ready to quit.  Then I realized something... I had the chance to beat my usual 15 min pace by a whole minute! I sprinted as fast as I could just to beat the clock... Then walked a bit after that first mile.

I then decided I was going to push myself through this second mile... I sprinted for about 20 seconds, scaled back the pace for about a minute, and then would walk.  My pace averaged between 12 min/miles-7min/miles, and walking was about 20 min/mile.  And I was able to beat my time!!

*Whoo hoo* party dance right here* oh yeah*

So even though it was tough, I was proud of myself because I stuck with it.  I pushed myself, even though I just wanted to quit.  I felt slow, but I reminded myself:

I'M STILL FASTER THAN ANYONE SITTING ON THE COUCH

Then I started thinking about my other tough days.... like DAY 1. I couldn't even run for a minute, and here I am, able to run for almost 10 minutes.  And even though I have to walk a lot, I can still finish up 2 miles.  My struggle yesterday was nothing compared to the struggle on DAY 1.

So what, I had a bad workout.  It was still a workout.  So what, I thought I'd be a lot faster by now.  I'm still running.

And then it dawned on me.  I AM A RUNNER.  The same struggles that I read about in other blogs (tough workouts, stressful days, slow pace), I was experiencing.  Yeah, it's all relative and some bloggers' "slow pace" is my goal pace, it's sill a personal struggle that we are all working to get through.

As fate would have it, I saw this quote today on Facebook, and of course shared it with my FB and Twitter fam:

"I often hear someone say 'I’m not a real runner.' We are all runners, some just run faster than others. I never met a fake runner".-Bart Yasso

Tomorrow is another day, and I'm going to run.  Because I am a runner.

Today is sooooo not my day!

Left my shoes at home this morning... got too busy to pick them up at lunch.... hubby supposed to drop them off... hubby gets off work late and can't deliver shoes....allergies kicking in super strong... leave work late due to co-workers lack of planning.... left my workout gear at the office.... had to workout at the crappy gym.... beat my time (2 miles in 29:45 YAY ME!)... took a pic of the screen to share with my blog friends.... AND MY STUPID PHONE DIDNT SAVE THE PIC!!.... so frustrated.... can't wait for Friday!

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I'm soooo SMART!

With the start of a new month, I think it's time to re-evaluate my goals...

While ringing in the New Year a few months ago, I thought it would be a grand idea to run a 5K.  Not just participate, but to finish in under 30 minutes.

I created a training schedule based on what I knew of my athletic abilities and what I was able to Google.  Last night I found that training schedule, tucked in the back of my calendar.

As of now, I should be able to run over 3.5 miles in 45 minutes.

As of now, I have yet to run over 3 miles.

As of now, I have 4 weeks and 3 days until my first 5K.

My goal for that race? To run 3.1 miles without stopping.

Since I'm not really running over 3 miles yet, I decided to scrap that training schedule and create a new one for the next 4 weeks.  Basically my goal is to increase my mileage first, then focus on my pace/speed.

When I run during the week, it's usually a little over 2 miles in about 32 minutes. I use the approximate values because when I run, I use this tracker GPS thing on my phone that maps out where I've been and how long it took me.  It's not completely scientific because I waste a few precious seconds trying to get to the application on my phone, but it's good enough for now.


My goals for this week are pretty simple: Run at least 3 times, at least 2 miles each time, with a day off in between. This comes out to a 2 mile run on Tuesday (today), Thursday, and Saturday.

How did I come up with my goals? I make sure that they are S.M.A.R.T.

S- Specific.  Running 2 miles at least 3 times a week is pretty specific.

M-Measurable. I can measure my success by asking myself how many times did I run this week? How far did I go?

A- Achievable. I can definitely run 2 miles.  I may have to push myself to run 3 times this week but hey, that's what training goals are all about!

R- Realistic. Will I have the time to do this?  Is 3 times a week too much? Nah, I don't have any appointments scheduled on Tuesday or Thursday so my time after work is wide open.  And I usually work out on Saturday anyway.

T- Timely.  My deadline? Saturday.  I will need to achieve my specific benchmarks by Saturday in order to achieve my goals.

I was taught this acronym when I was in college earning my accounting degree.  Yes, this was actually on a test.  We had to apply this concept to numerous business strategies.  I also learned it when working for a public accounting firm.  We had to set annual performance goals for ourselves using this concept.  So it's been ingrained into my brain for quite a few years now.  And whaddya know? It still comes in handy!

How to you set your goals?  Do you prefer to set smaller goals or just big goals or both?

Weekend Highlights...(pic intensive!)

My posts were pretty lacking this weekend.  The reason?  I spend all day on a computer M-F, so when the weekend comes, the hubbs and I like to spend it out of the house, going places (or as far as we can on an island), trying new things, and just spending quality time together.  And because of that quality time, I try my darndest to stay off my smart phone (ie, not blogging, not Facebooking, not Twittering, not emailing, etc...) because I believe that as newlyweds, it's extremely important for us to build a solid foundation of "together time".

That being said.... here is my whirlwind recap of our weekend here in Hawaii.  Be forewarned, it is very picture intensive.  But let's be honest, more pictures means less thinking on my part, and for this Monday-phobic gal? It's all right.

WHAT I BOUGHT:

I posted a preview pic on Saturday of my treasure hunting.... a dress by Mossimo from Target and Guess heels from Ross.

Here are the other goodies, all from Ross, except the last tank top which is from Target

WHAT WE ATE:
On Saturday night, we decided to hit up this bar called Amuse.  It is located at the Honolulu Design Center, which also features a restaurant called Stage, a furniture store called Inspiration, and a coffee shop which name escapes me at the moment.


To be honest, Stage is a bit out of my price range. I've only eaten there for business meals and I wasn't picking up the tab.

Amuse on the other hand, has the potential to be as pricey or budget friendly as you wish! It features a self serve wine bar, where you pay by the ounce.  It's a great way to taste wines that you may not want to pay for by the bottle.

Their food is pretty tasty too! We ordered a grilled cheese sandwich (as advised on Yelp) and it was DELISH! Dutch Harvarti cheese with prosciutto...

On Sunday we went for a cruise around the east side of O'ahu, stopping off at Kona Brewing Company in Hawaii Kai.  This was my 2nd time to Kona Brewing Co., the first being the original location in Kona, Hawaii Island.  My review of this restaurant is a little lengthy so I'll just post this pic as a preview, a full review to come!

WHERE WE WENT:

As mentioned above, we spend most of the day on Sunday cruising around the east side... We started with lunch in Hawaii Kai, then drove past Hanauma Bay (famous snorkeling spot!) and the world famous Sandy's beach- known for it's killer (literally) shore break.

We stopped briefly by a scenic lookout (you can find them all over Hawaii!) and took in the scenery, as well as some pics (duh.)

Our cruise ended at Kailua Beach Park... sorry not too many pics here, because I hate bringing my phone to the beach (not just because of the sand, but there are some folks with "sticky fingers" around these parts).  However, I did photograph how to keep your blowout from getting wet: a half ponytail!

It takes me 30+ minutes to straighten my hair... it's such a long and tedious process that I only do it about twice a year.  But when it's complete? LOVE IT! But even though I saved my straightened locks from getting splashed by the salty water, it was pretty moot since I had to shower anyway when we got home... so the curly hair is back in action today!

It was a great weekend.... and we love playing "tourist" and sightseeing... Happy Monday everyone!