my last post here

I wanted to thank you all for following me during my adventures in finding my skinny self.  It's been an up and down year or so but probably nothing you haven't experienced for yourself over time.

I have decided to start a new blog and have posted my first blog there today.  Feel free to follow along in with my new frame of mind here at  the "now" mandyb.  Hope to see you there :)

Thanks for everything and I wish you good luck on your journey.

Sincerely,
MandyB

W5R2: HOT HOT HOT

WOW was it hot and humid out there tonight!  I was toying with the idea of hitting the hamster with the heat today but I saw enough people out there on my way home making the decision to hit the track easier. 

I lapped the track 7 times tonight giving me a perfect 4km route.  I walked a little bit tonight but not much really and when I was checking my heart rate it was the highest it has been in a while but I am guessing it was due to the running in the heat and humidity. 

I wore my older pair of lulu crops and had them folded up my thigh to help keep me cool.  I was seriously considering cutting them at the knee when I got home but I haven't pulled out the scissors just yet.

not much else going on tonight...

W5R1: Furthest LSD so far

I had set my alarm for 6 am as I wanted to get out there before it got too hot for my run this morning.  Well, even though it wasn't that late when I was getting ready for bed last night I set my alarm for 6pm instead. I ended up waking up naturally around 7, it could have been the result of a cat but I really don't remember.  I got up, made some breakfast and puttered in the kitchen for a bit.  I ended up heading out around 9am and made my way to the lift bridge. 

I figured based on where I start along the path if I went to the 5000m marker and turned back that would give me the 9km I was looking for today.  I was also hoping the lake would have provided a nice cool breeze to help keep me going. There first half went pretty well and I was keeping my heart rate above 160.  I think with the heat it's that much harder to push myself in keeping the hr in and around 170.  I continued on with the 10/1 strategy and was very happy to see my half way marker.  I turned around and started heading back and it was then I noticed the burn in my quads.  I guess it was a bit more uphill starting off the return and I was beginning to feel it.  I also think the running surface of the pavement compared to the track makes a big difference.

I took a few more walking breaks on my return trip where I would grab a sip of my ever warming Gatorade.  I was getting closer and closer and happier to see the distance markers declining.  I made it back to my starting point at the restroom by the bridge, chugged the last of the warm Gatorade and refilled from the fountain...that was one of the drinks of water I have had in a long time!

W4R5: That's what friends are for...

6:51 this morning my alarm started singing to me, it's set to 104.5 because it comes in clear.  The stations I really want, don't so it's that or 99.9 or 102.9 neither of which I can stand.  As usual when my alarm first goes off I rolled over and hit the snooze button.  9 minutes later the alarm was alive again filling my bedroom with music.  It was 7:00 on the dot and my phone started singing to me too.  It was my friend Ali!  We had briefly talked about going for a run this morning as I had initially planned to run, go to yoga then go to my massage appointment not wanting to work out afterwards.  Well, it was 7, the alarm was singing and Ali was in the driveway! 

I got up wiping the sleep from my eyes, got ready and off we went.  We went to the track as there wasn't much pre-planning involved and we lapped the track 7 times returning at 4 km completed.  I walked there and back as I have a 9km run tomorrow to start Week 5.

There was a slight breeze and it was quite comfortable in the shade, the little bit there at the track.  When we left the house it was still a little cool but the temperature quickly rose once we got into the sunshine.

We completed the run and I quickly realized I was trying to fit too much in to the precious morning hours.  We stretched, Ali left (props to her for going running on the first morning of her vacation!) and I made myself some tex-mex scrambled eggs, an english muffin and coffee.  What a perfect way to start the weekend. 

W4R4: NEW SHOES!!!

You may or may not know this but I have a small shoe problem...and by that I mean I LOVE shoes and yes that includes running shoes, actually it includes ALL shoes.  Some people may make fun of me for believing this, but I totally believe that I can run faster in new shoes and I bet secretly so do you. 

I went down to foot tools today because they are having a sidewalk sale ( in case you live in the area and need a new pair) even if you don't NEED a new pair you may want to go anyway.  I had found the adidas supernova model I had a few years ago online this week and was keeping my fingers crossed that they had a pair in stock (and on sale) and they did!  I picked up a couple new pairs of socks and a new hat as well since my old one was getting pretty nasty...the down side of a white hate is how much the sweat stains show. 

I laced up my shoes and Ali and I made our way over to the track.  It was really busy there tonight but the weather was great with a slight breeze and the temperature really dropped making it really comfortable. I couldn't believe the difference I felt in my knees with the new shoes on and wondered why I had waited so long to replace the old asics.   Once my feet hit the track surface I picked up my pace a little bit and off I went.  I really enjoyed the run tonight and am looking forward to the short run Saturday and the long run Sunday now.  Near the end of my last lap around the track I decided to go all out and just see how the new kicks felt and it was great! I was pounding down on my feet but it never hurt and I never felt a strain, what a difference new shoes made!

W4 R3: 3 runs in 4 days

Well, it seems I am sticking to my full training schedule this week.  I just finished my third run in the past four days.  I am debating if I really want to go to my running night tomorrow because I don't want to be the last person again. I know it's dumb and it really doesn't matter but I guess the thought of it just bothers me right now.  I am not looking for an excuse to not run, I just don't feel like I belong in that group of people.  That's enough pity party for one night...back to my run.

I took the same route as last night but some how on my programme it came up a bit short for distance (only by .09 of a km) but could running on the other side of the road make this much difference?  I found it a bit hard to get my heard rate in the higher 160's for some reason but I manage to keep it up and it definitely was spiking on the last leg as it's mostly up hill.

I still didn't take any pictures of the course tonight. I think I am just going to have to snap a bunch over the weekend and save them :)

I found a picture of the shoes I want to replace...I had these a pair ago and I LOVED them and hope to find a new pair this weekend.  These are the supernova glide.  

Alright...that's all I got...goodnight!

W4 R2: The full schedule

For the past three weeks I have been slacking a little and not running the full five days on my schedule.  I know I could do another form of exercise instead of the fifth day running but I haven't done that either.  This week I am committed to the full five days though. 


Ali joined me on my trek last night for company and realized how slow my slow pace is...see, I was serious...it's slow but that's okay cause I just keep putting one foot in front of the other.  We did one of my three km loops down the road across the bike path and back up to the house.  I walked the last km or so back but I figured with doing the five days this week and this only being day two, that I would pace myself and save my legs.

I didn't stretch enough and today I am feeling it but as a friend told me...motion is lotion so look out legs I am going back out tonight!

W4 R1: didn't think I would finish

If you live in and around the GTA then you know how hot and humid it was yesterday (and today) which was perfect for the family pool party that we had.  Once a year (we are trying to make this an annual event) we gather in my parents backyard and have some fun in the sun.  We got there around 1pm and were back home around 7:30 after a day spent in the pool and catching up over some yummy food.

Thanks my DH influence we got home and got ready to go.   Since it was sticky and hot out I dug out my lulu shorts instead of the usual crops I run in hoping it would help keep my temperature down a bit.  This was a very bad idea after the first 10 laps...two words...heat rash.  I started whining and told DH I didn't know if I would finish but he just kinda ignore me and continued on his way and really I am glad he did because I just tried to ignore what felt like sandpaper on my thighs and just push through.  Near the end I found a little extra gas in the tank and did a few short speed bursts to get the last lap completed as fast as possible.  I felt like I really couldn't run any faster than I was going, but it was fun to just "open it up" and go.  I ended up walking back most of the way after we left the track, but that was fine considering I don't think I took the proper 10/1 walking breaks.

We decided we would just stick to the track and take it easy on our ankles and knees. Along with the distance there and back I completed 15 laps around the track for a total of 7.21 km.  And I thought 3km around the track was a bunch of scribbles...here is 15 what looks like.

And here is what my speed and altitude looked like.

I tend to have my blackberry tucked away in the arm strap so that's why I don't usually have pics from the trips, that and it's usually the last thing on my mind when I am huffing and puffing my way through the run but I will try to remember to snap some from time to time.

W3 R4: 3km...That's easy

Or so I thought last night when I checked my training schedule last night before I went to bed.  I set the alarm for 7 AM so I could get out there before the sun was too high in the sky.  My husbands alarm went of at 6 AM and I tossed and turned for a bit before drifting off to sleep again.  Before I knew it the alarm clock was alive with music and instinctively my hand slapped the snooze button.  I did this at least one or two more times before I dragged myself out of bed.  I made a light breakfast and did a little recipe hunting online before getting ready to head out the door.

I trotted down the driveway and made my way over to the track.  I decided last minute to go with the track rather than just the usual 3 km route down to the bike path.  I figured with the shoes I was wearing the track surface would offer more grace on my knees.

I entered the track and field area at the school and continued to lap the track five times.  This plus the distance there and back to my house is another perfect 3km route.  I found it really hard to run today and average heart rate proved it 161 and the max was 170 today.  I did manage to burn 320 calories so that was the upside, well that and I went out and ran.  At least I was consistent.  I guess I probably needed more sleep to recharge the batteries.  This week we were on a bit of an emotional roller coaster so I really shouldn't be too surprised I was dragging my feet the whole way.

In order to make my runs possible, there are a number of tools I use regularly that  I strap on, tie up and attach to myself in one way or another.  I also use my blackberry for both music and the runtastic software that keeps track of my distance, speed altitude etc.  Without these tools I would be in bad shape out there as the heart rate monitor keeps me focused on my pace based on my heart rate.  I have the Polar F6 which has been running well and really I don't know what I would have done without. 

W3R3: making the effort

I went for a run last night after work and the schedule had me down for another run today so I went out this morning.  It was already 21 by 7:30am.  I didn't have tons of time and I was pretty sore from the run last night so I did a shortened loop down to the bike path and back.  It was a bit of a hard run today I think just because I had run about 12 hours prior...I think I will need to make sure I have 24 hours in between runs next time.

I have tomorrow off and I will be back on the horse Saturday morning.  Here is where I went this morning along with the altitude and speed plotted below.

Week 3: so far so good

W2 R1: another long haul

Sunday brought along my second Long Slow Run.  I still find this hilarious as ALL my runs a slow.  Anyway, we headed out after 6pm in hopes the temperature would have been a bit cooler than compared to earlier in the day.  No such luck, it was still hitting around 30 I think by the time we left the house.

In preparation for this run I decide to revamp my music selection and created a new "running" play list.  It worked well and I had a variety of music that was different than my usual "workout" play list.

I wanted to plan the route so that I wasn't running uphill on the way back home, I don't like doing that especially in this heat.  We started out heading east along uppermiddle almost going to walkers line, turned back and did five laps around the track.  I couldn't believe the difference the surface type made after going that far.  The little trip back home from the track was brutal and I walked probably half way home from there.  I continued following the 10/1 method of running to walking ratio and it seems to be working well.


W3 R3: A community affair

We hummed and haaaed before deciding to go for a run tonight.  It's amazing how one tiny seed of doubt can go so quickly lol.  The decision was made and I got ready to go. 

There was tons of activity already going on at the track when we arrived.  There were boys having a soccer practice in the middle of the field, off to the side it looked like a boot camp was going on with girls doing "suicides" I hated those drills in gym class but actually grew to like them in booty camp (sick I know!)  There were a couple families there two, one training to teach the young girl how to ride a bike and I am not really sure what the other group was doing.  Then there were all the individual walkers and runners completing their laps. 

The schedule for tonight called for a 3km but since I didn't make it out last night (under the orders of my massage therapist ;o) What...I'm serious) and was supposed to do 4km we did 3.82 tonight.  My average heart rate was 166 and the max at 179.  I felt like I could run a little faster tonight too while staying within my HRZ.


I plan to do a quick 3k tomorrow morning before we have to head out for the day's events.  I guess I like to think that by saying it here for you to read that will make me accountable and I will actually have to do it then :)

W2 R4: mid day run

I slept in on yesterday but, I guess I needed the sleep.  I got up made some coffee and plotted out my course for the 3km run.  By the time we headed out it was mid day and the sun was high in the sky.  The temperature was pretty hot and it was quite humid out.  Not the best time to head out for a run, but I am just happy I went.

My average heart rate was 172 with the max at 182.  The route was exactly 3km according to Google Maps, I guess I didn't hit "start" properly on runtastic so I didn't get my pace info or the exact distance based on that program.  The time to complete was 26:35 so it looks like my speed is improving a bit already.  I was surprised at the time to complete actually considering the temperature and humidity.
I still need to plot out my course for today but I think I will wait and go in the evening when it's a bit cooler out (I hope).  The training schedule calls for 7km today.  While I want to stay in the shade for this, I am not too sure about where I can go for that, maybe I can do the back half of the lake front train in Hamilton.  We were fishing for a little while yesterday at a park on Northshore and it was gorgeous with the breeze off the lake which would help a lot in keeping my temp down. 

***

I am going to make my mango black bean salad for lunch this week and I think I will make it with some coconut quinoa.    For dinner tonight I am trying a new recipe for Grilled Ginger Peanut Pork Tenderloin.  It is similar to a dish we ate while on vacation in Europe. We went two days in a row because it was that good so I thought about recreating it.  I think I will make a broccoli coleslaw to serve with the pork, I just can't bring myself to prepare a hot side dish right now with it being summer time.

Time to plot my course for later today then head to fortinos and get on with the day.  I have to say having the long weekend has been excellent, wish every weekend in the summer was a long weekend!

W2 R3: Running Room Night

Tonight was my "running room" night where we had the 20 minute seminar then headed out for the steady run.  It also happened to be "bring a friend" night so Tony tagged in for the evening as well.    During the seminar we learned about the importance of a proper fitting shoe etc.  I pretty much knew this as I have been buying my running shoes from running room type stores for the past couple years now but it was good for Tony to hear...helps legitimize my shoes budget...well not my ENTIRE shoe budget ;o)

Brian had an option for a 3km as well as a 5km route this evening, I of course did the three which was fine by me.  My average heart rate was 173 with the max at 182.  They said it was a steady run but I figured staying in my heart rate zone is still for me the best practice and probably will be for quite a while yet. 

I mapped out the route we took and it ended up being 3.6 km after all so I was pretty happy about that since it took 30m 44s.  I was still at the very back of the pack tonight but this time I ran at my pace and didn't bother trying to keep up with everyone else.  I didn't stop for walking breaks so in my opinion, this was a big improvement from last week.  Oh and I didn't feel like I was going to throw up everywhere tonight when I got back to the store!
By the time I got home last night and we had dinner it was pretty late so I didn't end up doing any activity but I figure tomorrow can make up for it. I am just not sure yet what it will be.
One thing I do know I am going to do is watch some fireworks! 
HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!

W2 R2: round and round we go

Rest day yesterday was a nice break especially since it was Monday.  I always found Monday's to be one of the hardest days to workout on so it was nice to not have to force myself.  When I got home from work my husband was in casual clothes and asked if I was running today.  He almost seemed a little disappointed when I told him it was my "off" day as he was planning to go with me.   I was a little surprised as he is not a big fan of just "running" but I appreciated the offer and having him for company.

When I got home we had the steak we planned on having Sunday, caught up on one of our favorite TV show then headed over to the track.  We live near a high school that has a great track with a fairly new surface that was meant for running on.  It is like running on a cloud compared to concrete sidewalks.

The sun was behind a bunch of angry looking clouds and the windy was blowing pretty hard but it was nice to get out there. 

I ran the 3km distance steady which felt really great to do!  I kept my heart rate in the prime zone between 160 and 175 going into the high 170s but it felt good and I just kept breathing through my nose to keep my heart rate below 180.

Ever wonder what it looks like when you just run a around a track a bunch of times...yup, you guessed it, it looks like a bunch of scribbles.  

W2 R1: Going the distance

My legs were still pretty sore from my last two runs but the schedule had me down for a 7km long slow run today. 

I decided to venture down to the beach path in Hamilton on the other side of the lift bridge.  The weather was perfect and the path wasn't too busy.  

From my Runtastic stats it looks like my 5th km was the best one based on time. I wasn't able to run the entire time and walked back most of the way after the halfway mark. I know with time and practice I will be able to run for longer distances so I am not sweating this, I am just happy I went the distance! 

I also took at least one stretching break along the way, again this session today is to begin getting into the habit of the longer runs and speed is the not main concern. 

The sun came out from time to time and the breeze was perfect.  Tomorrow is a rest day and I think my legs will be thankful for that.

I burned over 700 calories today so I know I am really going to enjoy my steak dinner tonight! 

W1 R2: Well THAT was better

I mapped out a 3km route before I left the house this morning for my solo run to continue with week 1 training.  I put my ear buds in, clipped on the belt for my water bottle holder (which I never used so I doubt I will bother with that again for the shorter runs) strapped on the chest strap and watch for my heart rate monitor, laced up the runners and out I went.  

I kept a close eye on my heart rate and practiced the run 10 walk 1 method.  Now, when I say "run" I what I really mean is a fast walk in a running motion, I am not really "running", I guess for me when I think about "running" it means ALL OUT, heart thumping and my lungs and legs burning.  As I continued down my street I noticed immediately that I was able to run for longer distances and I could actually breath through my nose which was helping my keep my heart rate down.  Thursday when I went out with the group I got caught up in "keeping up" with the others and maxed out my heart rate within the first few minutes and by doing that my body was freaking out and trying to tell me to slow down. 

I felt good on my route this morning, I felt in control of my breath and only stopped an extra time as I was climbing a slight hill and wanted to keep my heart rate under 175.  I surprised myself a little too in being able to maintain my pace and I guess with time my speed will improve as I get my level cardio up and I get my running legs back.  I was just really glad to see that there was some running memory there, I just need to remember that I need to go at my own pace.

Tomorrow is the long slow run which I find hilarious cause that's all I do is a slow run, tomorrow will just be more than twice as long.  I guess though, this is part of the mental training needed for the race. I remember reading some advice posted on Adena's blog, he said the first few weeks were actually more important as you were training your brain not your body (or something to that effect).  So for now, I will not worry about speed or pace, I will just focus on getting out there and going the distance. 

Week 1: Run 1 (if you can call it that)

Or What the %$&@ was I thinking?
Or "back of the pack".

Or "Oh my god I am going to throw-up in the store".

All of the above easily could have been the title for this blog but I I thought I would keep it short and sweet and to the point.  Tonight marked my first training run for the 1/2 marathon I signed up for, you know the one I have been talking about and of burying my head in the sand when I thought it about for the past 3 months.  I ended up signing up for the program offered at the running room to gear up for the race as I have NEVER completed any kind of running race before and after a talk with Adena one night, ended up registering for this run...why...how...how did I let this happen?  Oh well, my registration was submitted a LONG time ago and they already have my money so no turning back now! (Or so I am trying to tell myself). 

Anyway, besides this being my first training run for this race, this was actually my first real run outside, kinda ever.  Ya okay in booty camp last summer we did 20 minuets of cardio twice a week but this is totally different.  Plus I was in fairly good shape last summer after working out all winter long.
When I first arrived at the store there were already a lot of people there and most of whom looked like runners.  I noticed a few ladies that didn't look like typical runners, they were talking up at the front of the room and just assumed there were there for the running group.  I thought to myself, well okay if they are here no problem I can do this.  No sooner did this thought come to me did they get up and head out for their walk, I guess I should have looked at their t-shirt and noticed "walking room" not "running room".  The instructors went up to the front, did introductions etc and then to get an idea of what types of runners they had in the group they asked everyone who had already completed a 5km race to stand up.  I think there was one other person sitting and that's when I got nervous and figured I was going to be the last to make it back.

We made our way out the back door of the store and people where standing around for a minute and then everyone just sort of took off running.  We went down Cumberland, cut across the bike path (which is paved now and much better than the gravel that use to be there) went up Woodview and east on Rexway to Thornwood then I don't remember the next street that took us back to Woodview to connect back to Fairview back to the store.  It was a whopping 3km and it took me 26:16 and I burned 337 calories.  My max heart rate was 190 (which may have explained why I tasted metal in my mouth after and seriously thought I was going to throw up in the store in front of the 10 people that were still there) and according to my hrm I  was at 94% on average at 179.  I really have to slow that down.

Besides all the negative self talk I was giving to myself along the way I also had a couple more positive thoughts.  I figured there was one benefit to being at the back of the pack and when I say I was at the back of the pack I am by NO way exaggerating...I was last.  I realized that I have no where to go but up so to speak.  I also figured that tonight was a great night to take on this challenge as today is the last day I am 30 so I figured it will be the last day I spend out of shape.  I know magically over night I won't become some svelte model, but I am one run closer to getting back on my workout wagon.   I ended up walking quite a bit, I don't know if it was half though but it really doesn't matter.

I finally made my way back to the store and grabbed a copy of the training schedule.  I found Rick, the assistant store manager who I registered for this course with on the weekend and asked him quite frankly if it took me this amount of time to finish, is it REALLY possible to be able to run 21km in 16 weeks?!?  He was very kind and said that if I wanted to change my goal I should decide by weeks 4-6.  But he did say it is possible to run it, as long as I do the work.  I know doing the work is not the issue I can do the work, I proved that to myself last year. 
I got home and asked my husband "when I said I was signing up for a half marathon, why didn't you wheel me away from the computer?" I held back the tears (what can I say, I'm a "cryer") and I told him I could change to a 10 km program if I felt the 21 wasn't going to be possible.   But really, I think if I wimped out and reduced to the 10km now without really making the effort for the 21 I won't be satisfied with that.  He gave me a pep talk and told me he was proud of me for signing up and taking the course and sometimes that little extra motivation or support can really make the difference, especially when you're at the back of the pack.

who's that girl?

I KNOW I am not this girl anymore...                         But I don't feel like this girl anymore either...

 

I feel like I need to figure out who THIS girl is...and what makes her tick (and what will keep me committed to my healthy lifestyle)!

I think it's time for me to focus on activities that I enjoy doing because I really enjoy doing them, not because I "should" do them... it is time to break out the rollerblades ladies and gentlemen!

I also cancelled (again) my account with MFD since I really haven't used it in months.  The money is better spent at yoga.





getting back on track

I was away for about a week and half at the end of May, we travelled to Europe and I walked and walked and walked some more!  During my vacation I enjoyed myself and didn't worry too much about what we ate and drank, we also didn't go overboard so there wasn't anything to worry about.

As I didn't sign up for booty camp again, nor did my friend and fellow former recruit Ali so we decided we would begin working out together but on our terms and schedule.  We went last week and went again yesterday starting out with walking.  Last night we went about 3.5 km in about 40 minutes.  We both know this is not great, but we will improve with every walk.  

I found an app call Runtastic that tracks calories, time, distance pace, speed etc.  It is free and pretty cool so we can track and see the stats as we progress.

I really have to kick it into gear and hope my body remembers what it is like to run as I had been off due to an medical issue last month and basically had to stop ALL activity.  This was hard for me as I have never had to stop due to an issue with my body, usually when I stopped it was because I feel off the wagon, never because I "couldn't" work out.  I was supposed to run my first race on May 8 but wasn't able to and am just getting back to working out what will be my first face on June 18th.  It is a walk/run and will probably walk more than I would have but I am looking forward to the experience.

I have to start training for the 1/2 marathon that will be here before I know it! OMG

To get my eating back on track I whipped up the mango black bean salad for lunch this week. I love how good I feel when I am eating less animal protein and more vegetarian meals...bring on the beans!

has it really been this long

since I last posted?  A few things had been keeping me busy over the past month and a half. The Easter long weekend took us to Pennsylvania where I have family on my mother's side.  We drove down Thursday after work and got into town around 11:30.  Friday we took off to Virginia to attack the Cabela's store which was about an hour a fifteen from where we were staying.  I think this was the first time he has ever out shopped me.

Saturday we made our way into downtown Pittsburgh.  I recently became a big fan of the Penns while watching the HBO 24/7 Special they ran for the build up of the Winter Classic, which is the outdoor hockey game they play on New Year's Day.  I figured since we were going to be so close by it was the perfect opportunity to go and buy something from the Arena.  On Friday we learned the Penns were playing Game 5 of the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs at HOME at NOON! 

We made our way into the city through the tunnel and parked across from the arena.  The vibe was awesome with so much excitement in the air.  We didn't have tickets but thought it would be great just to be there during the playoffs.  I ended up getting Marc-Andre Fleury's jersey.  For those of you who don't know, he is their main goalie and happens to be Canadian (along with about 50% of the rest of their guys lol).  The game was about to start in 10 minutes so we thought we would just walk around as far in the arena as we could get without tickets, just to check out the place.  We passed an older lady working in front of the ticket booths and she asked us if we had tickets we just laughed, being from Toronto where the tickets are hundreds and hundreds of dollars a piece to see the Leafs and none are ever available we just assumed they were sold out.  She said to us "you're right here, why don't you just ask and see?" and we were SO glad we did!  We ended up getting two tickets in the lower bowl in section 110. 

It was incredible, we just laughed and laughed that we actually got two tickets together for a playoff game when we knew that NEVER would happened back home.  It was extra special for me, since it was the first time I had been to an NHL game and it was for my new favorite team, during the playoffs in their new house!   I was like a kid in a candy store running to my seat as I could hear the intro music the Penns start every game with.  Unfortunately they lost the game but all in all, an amazing day.




***

Since the beginning of May, I have not been able to work out but I am pretty much good to go now and look forward to getting back on the work-out wagon. 

I just got back from spending my 5th anniversary in Europe where we walked and walked and walked and walked but it was an amazing trip with lots of sight seeing and lots of just experiencing life overseas.  It was our first time making the trip across the pond and I loved every minute of it.  Today and yesterday has just been time spent getting rebalanced with the time change, but tomorrow will bring exercise back to the forefront.