What Being Sick has Taught Me

I decided to change things up and add a new layout for the blog for a limited time.  I have been blogging since 2009 and wanted all of you to see how this blog has progressed from a life/reflection blog to running and healthy living.
Things I have learned over the past week:

I haven't been able to run 5 days in a row due to sickness and I know its going to be a challenge to get back into it but these words are encouraging to me!  (Thank you Pinterest!)

I can't wait to get out there again!  Maybe this Friday if my body feels up for it :-)  I recently was diagnosed with Gastroenteritis (stomach flu) and have been enduring the symptoms since Sunday morning.  Its hard to not be able to go for a run and be clammed up in the house but I know its what my body needs right now.   I have always looked to running as my time to clear my head, but being sick, I realized that just a breath of fresh outdoor air and a good nap sometimes can have the same effect. Today was the first day I had an appetite :-)

This sickness has taught me to be aware of what I am putting in and not putting in my body.  When I first became sick, I didn't eat for almost 48 hours and Bryan helped me to realize that this was not good.  Even if I didn't have an appetite, I needed to get something in my stomach to help absorb the virus and nourish my body back to health.  He was so supportive and brought me Publix subs and visited me every day after work.

Sometimes I lose sight of what's important in life.  Sometimes my views are skewed about my body, and my fitness.  I have thoughts that my exercise is one of the few things that will allow me to be truly happy and confident.  I realized that this is wrong thinking.  I feel confident even without running.  I do LOVE the sport, but when I can't run that's okay too.  It was good to re-assess my thoughts and realize that my thinking about exercise was skewed.  I feel like being sick helped me to rationalize my thinking about exercise again and lighten up on myself if I miss a workout every once in a while.

Sometimes when everything in my life seems to be spiraling out of control, I get a tendency to want to control something in my life - usually my body and my exercise habits.  Usually I start to feel great... at first.  I start eating healthy, exercising every single day, getting my weight under control but before I know it: these things are controlling me.  I start dropping weight, losing sleep, and thinking irrationally.  Before I know it, I am too thin, and treating my body unhealthily.  I am determined not to let this happen again as it did in the past.

Have a great Wednesday!

The Weekend!

Its been forever since I have posted.  Life has been crazy these past few weeks but things are coming around again. 

I have learned a lot about myself and had to keep my hope in God during tough times for my family but life is good!  My family is just experiencing a rough patch in the road and I want to be as supportive as I can be!  They are the world to me.

This weekend is just flying by! Last night we went to Guanabanas, a seafood bar and grill along the waterway in Jupiter.

 It was so nice to relax with friends and be outside!

 We ended up staying for 4 hours, just talking and catching up about our week.

I love being able to sleep in on the weekends and relax a bit.  I have really been focusing on relaxing and letting my body recover from workouts every few days.  Hopefully I can get in a long run tomorrow morning  ;-)

Hope you are having a great weekend!

No-Bake Cheesecake Mini's

We got invited to couple's house for dinner last night.  I was, of-course ;-) , in charge of dessert!  I knew I wanted something light, decedant, and involving fruit.  After searching and thinking, I decided on:

No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Mini's

They were super easy and everyone loved them!

No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Mini's
(adapted from cooks.com)

6 ready made graham cracker crusts
1 (8 oz.) light cream cheese
1/2 c. raw organic sugar
1 (8 oz.) Light Cool Whip
1 TB Vanilla
2 TB Sour Cream

Blend cream cheese, sour cream, and sugar together in food processor until smooth. Add Vanilla and blend.  Fold in Cool Whip. Again, blend until smooth. Pour mixture into ready made crust and top with desired fruit. Chill at least 2 hours.

The rest of the night flew by!  We talked for hours.  Its so nice to talk with another couple that shares similar views and values.  I love getting to know people on a closer level and there is no better way than over delicious food and dessert! ;-)

A Serene Night, The Place We Met

Bryan and I met 16 months ago through a mutual friend of ours.  The night we met, we ended up taking a walk to the docks in West Palm Beach and talking for hours.  I felt so comfortable telling him things- I was amazed by how well he listened.  We started dating a few days later!

16 months later, we decided to take a walk to the place we first met, the place we had our first kiss. "Our" dock. 

It was a perfect evening.  Breezy winds, textured skies, and across the waterway we could see a wedding party setting up for pictures.  It was so beautiful!  But I think the pictures do a better job showing the beauty than I can!

 Bryan sporting his Banana Republic ;-) He's so handsome!!

 View of Palm Beach Island

Today's Workout:
I woke up extra early (6am) to get a run in today and went 5 miles at 8:02pace.  I felt pretty good except I had a little discomfort in my upper right abdomen. 

Health News:
The reason I woke up early was to go see a doctor about this stomach issue.  Remember how I told you a few weeks ago my mom had gallbladder surgery?  Well, I seem to be having the same symptoms.  I need to make some major diet modifications including no chocolate, no ice cream, no gluten.  Hopefully I can find out whats wrong with me.


Question:
Has anyone ever had a gallbladder disease?  What did you do, eat?

What was something memorable about your weekend?

I just needed a little beach in my day!

First of all, I am loving this short work week so far!  Tuesday flew by and just 2 more days til another weekend!  I enjoy my job too which helps! 

This past Labor Day included 3 BBQ back to back to back.  I now officially need to do Spin class for 10 hours!

At the BBQs, we had all sorts of goodies including:

Bacon Wrapped Beef Dogs

Fresh Fruit galore :)

Yummy Leafy Greens Salad

But perhaps my favorite part of the weekend was .....

The BEACH!!!!   Living in S Florida, one would think I would be at the beach all the time, right?!?

I get so caught up in the other things in life that I forget how relaxing and enjoyable it is to walk along the coast.

I think I am going to try to make it a priority to come here more often.  I have lived several other places in my life: MN, TX, Mexico, Orlando- and the beach hasn't always been an option. (I had other things I loved about those places though).  But now I have the opportunity to soak up the beach while I'm here. 

While there, we even had company :-)  (Thanks Kris for dog-sitting again so we can have all the joy of pretending to be dog-owners for a few hours)

Question:
What is something you love about where you live now? 

Spartans Victory Party + Pinwheels

Sorry I haven't blogged in a few days!  I have lots to catch up on :-)
First off, Friday night we went to a friend's place in Fort Lauderdale to watch the MSU Spartans Football game.  I love college football!  Having gone to a college with no team and meeting Bryan (a fourth generation Spartan) I decided to adopt the Spartans as my team ;-)

..
And the best part of football parties?!?

Cute decorated desserts and a fantastic arrangement of food! 

Keeping in line with the Green and White theme, our friends made brownies decorated green and white icing. 

Bryan and I decided to make Spinach Tortilla Turkey Wrap Pinwheels with Pepper Jack.  They were a hit!  (pictured below in the back right)

Turkey Pinwheels:
Ingredients-
Spinach Tortillas
Hummas
Deli Turkey
Green Peppers
Leaf Lettice
Sprouts
Pepper Jack cheese

Prepare wraps, wrap into tight rolls, cut into 4-5 sections each.

And Enjoy! ;-)
My Morning Workout:
I ran 4 miles in the morning so I could enjoy all the deliciousness without a tinge of guilt.
I also did 15 minutes of the elliptical.  (I wish I didn't get so bored on that machine!  I know its good for me).

Question:
What are your favorite cross-training machines/ exercises?

I like the elliptical in concept.  It is a great machine to keep a runner toned, but I get so bored.  I guess I should bring a magazine next time!

The rest of the weekend will be posted soon ;-) Hope you are having a great Tuesday!

One Hour Treadmill + a Sweet Day!

Thank you Kim, Kloe, and Kourtney!  Thanks to my guilty pleasure of watching you on E!, I ran a total of 7 miles :-)

Earlier today I had the privilege of having the Miami Rep join me on my marketing route!  I always love having company and the best part is we always find a great place for lunch! 

Today we went to a cute little cafe in Jupiter called Too Bizaar.  It was very uniquely and whimsically decorated with tons of antique chandlers and vintage style furniture and couches.  Definitely my kind of place!  I ordered a salmon sushi hand roll, ginger salad, and hot green tea.

Sadly, my phone camera doesn't have flash- but you get the gist. 

The Miami Rep and I both have to get our daily Starbucks fix!  And.... we both like:

Dessert!  Starbucks thinks of everything don't they?

Today's Exercise:

After a great day, I decided to get in a longer workout. 

After eating a few dried figs and a (few) handfull(s) of dark chocolate chips I made my way to the gym on the first floor of my condo.  I was going to just do a 5 mile run on the treadmill but when I saw the Kardashians were on, I was motivated to stay longer.

Question:

Do you usually watch TV when working out at the gym?  What TV shows motivate you the most?

I usually watch E! TV or I like to watch ESPN while listening to music.  Seeing athletes motivates me to keep going.