Doggie Run!

This is how Gunner actually likes to run. An

insane sprint.

We did it! Gunner and I successfully had a run together this morning.

The secret?

A head harness. For him, not me.

We got the Gentle Leader a few months ago that goes around his snout, and it's super helpful when we run. In case you're wondering why I haven't been running with the dog, it's b/c he's a pain in the arse to run with. Neither Scott nor I like to do it, because he's not properly leash trained. But he and I managed to have a decent time this morning.

We only ran for 10 minutes (one of us is coming back from a 6-month hiatus from running), but Gunner stayed next to me with little pulling. I had to keep a good hold on him, because I know he wanted to sprint off like a maniac.

We walked a little after the run and I figured out that Gunner likes traffic. Let me rephrase that: Gunner loves traffic.

We walked along Van Dorn (which is pretty busy in the morning), and he kept wanting to walk in the right lane of the road. I had to be pretty careful trying to keep him on the sidewalk, but he's like Houdini.

He managed to pounce into the turn lane for our apartment complex and then sat there stubbornly as I pulled on the leash, so I had to snatch him out of the road before some car ran him over.

Overall, a nice short run with the pup. Looking forward to taking him out again tomorrow morning -- on a less populated road route. :)

Taking Steps

Ok, well if you've been following the blog, you know I haven't posted in awhile. And that's b/c I've had nothing to say. You've probably been seeing the slow, downward spiral of athletic digression. And that's ok.

Well, it's not really ok. But it's reality.

I've been researching some races to get me back into the swing of things, but don't want to pay a whole lot since we're wedding budgeting right now. I talked to Scott last night and he said, "whatever gets you back out there."

Today I found a half-marathon in Charlottesville, Va., in late October. I was abbbbooouuuttt to sign up but then stopped myself. I don't want to make a commitment that I will flake out on again, so I kept looking for something smaller.

Then I found the Clarendon 10K in September! Scott said it sounded fun, so we're both signed up for September 22.

Methinks we will schedule our engagement shoot the next day, so we can get photos done when we're in 10K shape. ;)

Well, one of us is already in 10K shape (Scott), but we don't need to name any names (Scott).

Hooray for the thrill of race day training!

Pshaw

Welp, soda wasn't too hard to give up this week. I haven't really craved it or thought about drinking it. There have been two times when I had to remember to order water (or wine) instead. So...that's working.

I've crossfitted three mornings this week. Tuck jumps are...interesting. I'm at the point that there's a lot of slack where there should be muscle. So when I jump and tuck my legs under me there's a lot of...movement. The sheet says I can do back extensions without equipment...which is bullox...so I did supermans instead. Made me feel like I was in high school again.

Anywho, I've had Chipotle and ice cream today, and I'm going to Hard Times Cafe tonight...so it's not the healthiest day ever.

But hey, at least I'm not drinking soda. :)

I'm going to try to sneak out for a run in the morning while Gunner is sleeping. And pray we have pillows when I get back.

Holy Crap We're Getting Married

Welp folks, most of you know by now. Scott proposed. I said yes.

Bada bing, bada boom.

Now it's time to think about the fact that we will both be the stars of a lot of photos over the next year. And I'll be in a dress that shows my arms. Two limbs that have just completely given up on me over the past  few years. They're never something I've had to worry about before, but now there's a touch more jiggle than I'm happy with. And months of not running have resulted in some wiggle in other places as well. It's safe to say I've got some work to do.

So the question is, how am I going to go about this next year? The options are boundless...go on a crazy bride diet consisting of celery and water (no, thanks). Get into a crazy workout mode over the next few months and then get burnt out and spend the winter loafing in hibernation (I did that last year, what else you got?). Binge eat due to planning stress (check please!).

Then there's the option of small changes over time. Baby steps. Increase workouts, make healthy choices, get outside more.

This way I won't be on a crazy crash wedding diet/workout regimen only to pack on 20 or so pounds after the wedding. It's something I'd be able to maintain for years to come, and possibly fit back into my dress in future years.

Now how to go about it...

I've already started gradually running again, and adding in some light weights. This morning I started a beginners crossfit workout paired with some upper body lifting. I'm thinking about signing up for another 10K, possibly a half marathon? I'd love to do a sprint triathlon, but we don't have a bike. I thought about P90X, but it's only three months and that burnt me out SUPER quickly the last time I did it. Maybe a few months before the big day, but I don't know.

I am planning on cutting out sodas (something I gave up during high school and college for running) and limiting processed carbs.


We've started getting a veggie box delivered each week, and the farmer's market opened this weekend. We scored some awesome strawberries that I have packed in a salad for today.

It also happens that we will be budgeting for wedding/honeymoon expenses. Which means eating at home a lot more -- something that's healthy by osmosis.

So there you have it. Healthier choices paired with increased activity. Let the games begin!