It was great seeing everyone this past week. Our run on Saturday was a great jump start to working out...again. I did road work last night, only about 2.5 miles. Today after work I plan on going to the gym and hitting up the elliptical and some weights. I trying to look hot, hot, hot for new years eve. Speaking of - I'm sure excited about Dallas - but - I can't seem to find very many peeps who will be out and about. Those that are staying in Dallas want to spend money out the rear and I figured since I'm toting around two college co-eds, spending like we are $40,000 millionaires isn't really an option...

Hope you are finding SOMETHING fun to do. I will call Megan later in the week. Good luck with everything. Running. dieting. life. Well back to work before I go to work ;). Love you.

Giddy Up!! (I couldn't think of anything other cowboy related title)

I'm trying to catch up... maybe I should make this post into thousands to keep up with Stef.

Here's my low dow.. lost 5 lbs since Thanksgiving! WOOHOO! I'm back on track with eating. I am not being super dooper strict with it b/c everytime I do all or nothing, I end up lasting a week. So I give myself wiggle room, cookies and fatty foods. But not as much and I feel full more often. I haven't been running, just walking, yoga, stretching (which helps alot) and little squat jumps/crunches/5lb weight stuff... yall get the point.

I got a 30 min yoga video (on sale!) to do before class. I find its a great way to start the day. And it gets me focused on what I need to do that day. Life is starting to make sense again, I am learning to find time to do what I like to do, and what makes me happy. I just got done baking 80+ sugar cookies last night for my neighbors. I really love helping out/serving/being neighborly and its what's keeping me happy.

I'm so ready for Christmas break! One more week! And always~ I love yall sooooo much

Back in the saddle again

I like the cowboy theme :) Anywho, thought you should know that I began a food journal (yes, again). And so far 2 days down and 50 billion left to go. But really, I think this is the longest I've ever made it. I've also realized that I eat a whole lot--probably enough for two people. So the goal for the next week is to keep up with the food journal and slowly cut back. The ultimate goal is to start counting calorie...but baby steps, right?

Oh, and I came across this quote that I found pretty empowering: One meal is just one meal and one day is just one day. I know that the two of you find self-discipline less of an issue, but I thought it would be nice to share.

As far as working out goes: the toe is all better and I ran two miles yesterday (it almost killed me) and then walked at a good pace at a crazy incline (now my butt is killing me) for 10 mins. Today is yoga again and then I want to get 30 mins of running in. I'm planning on starting the 10 week 1/2 marathon workout on Monday! Happy Training :)

Pancho and Lone Ranger?

STEF! You are no longer the lone ranger. I have been reading the posts, just not adding any insight. I did join the gym about two weeks ago and have already been a few times. I'm having a hard time fitting it into my crazy schedule. With all the traveling and long hours, I can't find time to make it to the gym. But I've been 7 times in the last two weeks. Not too bad if I do say so myself. I might even go tomorrow at 5...

Sis, I'm glad you went to the yoga class. I know we've already talked about it but - I'm hoping to find one too.

As far as the 1/2 marathon goes...I think we should try it again. What do y'all think? We'll talk over Thanksgiving, but EVERYONE bring your running shoes. At this point we should all be about the same "out-of-shape-ness". I'm trying to talk BJ into training with me...I need a partner to run the long runs. I have my doubts that BJ will really do it, but it's worth a try, right?

I love both of you...and Cam we are all still waiting on, oh what, like your second post...

The Danger Zone

Sorry, I just watched Top Gun and couldn't think of a less lame title. But I did go a little outside of my comfort zone today and went to a beginner's yoga class. And I'm hooked. There were no cheesy oohmms or Enya, but there were people who were elegantly thin and incredibly flexible. I decided I wanted to be more like that. And of course, the added bonus was the way it made me feel. My back and neck have never felt so fabulous and I'm already missing the warm, loose, relaxed feeling. It wasn't nearly as easy as I thought it would be either: my legs, arms, and back muscles burned as I sweated just because I was holding my body in a certain (and awkward) position. I'm not saying I would want to do it every day or even as my main workout. (I still lov...I mean appreciate a good heart-pumping cardio that make me sweat buckets and makes my limbs feel like they are going to fall off.) But it was a nice change up that I'm pretty sure I'll make as part of my new routine! :)

Just thought I would tell everyone who doesn't care anymore (yes, that would be you: Erika and Cameron) that I have started the Shape Fitness Plan. I wanted to put it out there in the open so everyone could see and that maybe it would help me stick to it. I'm getting tired of my so-called support group not being very supportive. Nice to know you're there for me.

Aaaallll by myself

Yep, just like the Celine Dion song.  I know it has been ages, but guess what? My muscles are still there!!  I'm guessing they are much smaller/weaker with a good amount of added adipose tissue (aka fat for all of those non-sciencey people).  But good news: I think I might actually have a little self-motivation swimming around somewhere deep, very deep, down inside. Erika, that means I went to work out without anyone asking/hinting/dragging me.  Although my roommates swear they will one day, I'm on my own when it comes to hitting the gym.  We've started a little competition, and I'm bound and determined to not be fat/win (I would love to be the hot roommate).  I'm tired of being that girl that is cute but could be beautiful if she lost 20 pounds.  Yesterday I weighed in at...169. And yes, I winced.  But I've decided that I want certain things by the time I'm 23 and I better start now or none of them will come about.  (I have just under 6 months.)

First things first, gym time is no longer an option--like class.  I wouldn't skip class, so why would I skip something that benefits me even more?  Plus, I've notice that there are quite a few cute guys at the gym and I haven't been seeing any wedding bands... I'm just sayin' so stop judging! A girl's got to do all she can when she's constantly surrounded by 80 other girls all week!!  Well, I'm off to go study for my mrs, I mean class.  So if any of my sisters want to chime in anytime soon, it would be great to hear from you.

Chronoimpaired

I'm beginning to wonder why God didn't create 36 hour days.  Everything seems to be flying around me at warp speed while I'm tripping over the first stumbling block.  Stepping into a new city, at a new school, with a new schedule is a little more overwhelming than I thought it would be. (Moi? Underestimating my responsibilities? I know, completely uncharacteristic!)  And even though it's the end of week three, I still don't have a routine and the school continues changing things up.  

I'm hoping that this next week will truly set the stage for the next couple of years.  We are finally getting to go to the hospital and we are also having our first set of tests.  I'm trying not to freak out too much so that I can do what I can to plan and study ahead while still keeping an ounce of sanity.  But seriously, if God had created a 36 hour day I could be super-student and get 12 hours of sleep. Oh yeah, and run... 

Speaking of running, since that's what the blog is supposed to be about. I did run yesterday.  I think it was 5 miles but I'm not sure.  A whole bona-fide-city and I can't seem to find a single place marked for runners.  Yes I'm about to have a mini-bf.  I went to the White Rock Lake Park couldn't find road marks, a map, nothing.  And this is supposed to be a running park!! I ended up just running for 70 mins because I didn't know where I was going or how far.  I guess it was only next to miserable.  Good news: I passed a few people walking and felt far superior (and slightly skinnier).  

Sorry it's not much of an update, somethings better than nothing though, right?

Kumbaya My Lord

So my worries have come to fruition. Week one = 2 runs. Between a new job, moving and trying to get a pampered "granddog" back on a schedule has been a bit much. Stef - super stoked about your new find. Hope the park works out well. As for love at first sight... oh you will find someone, they might just be a tall skinny red head that is read faced too with tape on the nose piece of his glass. But, you can take one for the team, right? Especially if he is that rich doctor. Hopefully some successful surgeon. Then he will be gone so much you will probably have to hire a super sexy cabana boy just to pass the time.

Running option around my complex are scarce. I'm trying to find a place to walk Terre and that's not going to happen, I'm afraid, without a car ride. And, dog hair in the new car...I'm a bit hesitant to pull the trigger. Lufkin is in no means home, but seems very friendly and almost pleasantville-esque. Sometimes I expect a 115 lb. Stepford wife to short out as dabs the sweet from her forehead during her evening walk (no lie, they live out this way). I'm really enjoying my job and in the short time here haven't found any time to explore. My apt is coming together but I'm still living among a few boxes. Speaking of moving in - Sis your apt looks super cute! I'm very jealous. You and Cass did a great job. Of course I fell in love with the pink accents in the bathroom. 

Alright sweet girls, I'm headed off to tackle my closet and then off to the office to grab some work. Hopefully, a run will follow suit. Much Love. E

The Big D

I am officially all moved in! Soooo, I thought I would share some pictures from my new room.  Oh yeah, the diet and workout is right on track.  Ran 3 miles on the treadmill and almost died, but I did run it is 28 minutes. But I'm pretty sure I sweated off five pounds. Anyways, without further adieu:
    

Pictures of us! And yes, I'm vain enough to want myself in every one.  Also, I am showing off my alcoholic ways...but at least it's cute, right?
   

Now for the rest of my stuff, plus a picture of Cassidy's.  I didn't have enough stuff apparently.

     

Lastly, our bathroom with a wonderful picture for further motivation.

on your mark, get set, go...

There. I did it.  I just finished running a certifiable three miles with all three dogs in tow.  I think it was just as hard on them as it was me.  At one point Terre stopped and laid down in the grass, and unfortunately for her we still had about half a mile to go!

I know what you're thinking, but it was not fun and it certainly did not feel good while I was in the midst.  But now that it's over, I'm excited about what we'll be accomplishing in just three months.  Did you know that if we hold to the schedule we have planned we'll have ran 195.1 miles?!?! And that is if we don't run at all on the rest days! I hope you ladies have a good run today!

Love 

- S

WooHoo...

First I must tell all of our readers--haha, readers, riiiight-- Erika did not kick me out of bed to go run. Laziness-1, Erika-0. But I will be true to my word and start kicking it into gear tomorrow (our scheduled first day). Second, Cameron, I am so glad you picked up my memoir to read this summer. Third, I don't want to be berated for not writing on the blog anymore. If we wanted to make that a competition too someone should have clued me in. ;) Now on with my post:

So today we are all now officially have separate residences! Although I am excited that we are adultish (okay, Cam and I are at least 1/3 of the way there), I'm a little worried that we've overestimated the prospect of the blog replacing the physical accountability and underestimated our upcoming stress levels. I was hoping if anything, that not only running the same workouts but also writing to one another about it would bring us closer though we are miles apart....now let's all join virtual hands and sing kumbaya.

Okay, but seriously, I do have good news: as I was driving around the other day I did find a park near the hospital and some apartments I wish I was living in. It seemed clean and safe, and there were plenty of cute people. Now I just need to find out which ones are the doctors. The only downside is that whoever sees me run will also see the lovely red face and awkward running (shall we say) style? I'm guessing that will lessen my chances of love at first sight.

I'm raising my glass to you both and wishing you the best of luck for tomorrow!

I love you! - S

Oh the fun of being female...

I miss yall too! And I'm sure you can find a trail around a park near by... hopefully, crossing my fingers for you. I'm in full swing on my training minus a minor setback earlier this week. On a 3 mile run I swear I almost died... I had tears running down my face and had to stop running because cramps got the best of me. Didn't realize they could be that bad. But I ended up walking the rest, so now I'm a day behind. If I get my ass in gear it won't be hard to catch up.

I know this blog is suppose to make me feel like I have people running with me, but it's still hard for me to have enough will power to push myself as had as I should during my run. My friend Kat gave me a great idea (maybe this can help Stef or when BJ is with you Rikki)... She said since Matt hates running so much, he should just bike the three miles when I run. That way I have someone pushing me, and he still has a workout for the day. Just food for thought. I know Cass doesn't workout much anymore so I thought it would be nice for you Stef to invite her.

I must be on my way. I've been a lazy bum this whole day and its been cloudy all day... I'm pretty sure it's a sign that I need to get off my ass. Oh, started a new book. Call "The Smart One and the Pretty One". It's a good read so far. Much LOVE! C

Putting my neck on the line...

So, I'm not going to lie - brand new move, brand new career, meaning brand new job AND brand spankin' new town - I'm a bit apprehensive about starting up this new workout schedule. But have no fear sisters, I will be true to my word - I will make sure I kick your pretty little butts! I'm getting pretty excited actually, this training together and "blogging" together should be pretty fun. A sport in and of itself. I've been running some little 2 mile stuff but Monday I will start off rockin it, aka a legit training schedule. 

Having moved Sis to Dallas today, I'm scared she won't be able to find any place for "road work". I fear the same thing will happen to me. We aren't all blessed (Cam) to live in such a "go green" environment. And PS (to Cam) - I wish you were here. I'm gonna kick Sis out of bed at - brace yourself - 7 AM, and we are going to run a couple of miles. As we all know that will be a feat all its own!

Much love.