So, not only did I get back in my groove and go for a run today, I ran a 5K at an average pace of 8:40 which for me is pretty good!! As I mentioned in my previous article:
http://walkruninspired.com/2014/03/31/goals-im-committed-to/
I want to start running regularly at an average pace of under 9 minute miles… Today’s run means that I’m well on my way!
Now, if I can only extend the length of my runs at this pace…. 😉
I am really grateful for having had such a fun and active weekend but, to be honest, Monday and Tuesday evenings were rough!
I usually change my clothes the minute I come home from work and prepare to go out for either a run or a bike ride. But on Monday when I walked through the door of my house, the only thing I could think to do was EAT. I was so hungry and fatigued that I ate dinner at 4:30 pm. I told myself that I would give myself an hour to digest my food then go for a run at 5:30…. 5:30 rolled around and I was on the couch spooning with my dog Max, fast asleep.
Tuesday evening was similar. I had all the good intentions in the world to go for a quick run before I went out to see a Panthers Hockey Game… That only resulted in yet another early dinner and cuddle session with my yorki-poo.
Plan for Wed… bring a bigger lunch so I’m not so hungry when I get home and don’t think so much about whether or not I want to run when I get home. Just get dressed AND GO!
This weekend has been filled with some great adventures and beautiful weather. The bonus is that I’ve gotten some practice in with my new bike as well!!!
Saturday we visited Everglades National park and took our bikes on a nice 13 mile ride along side a very gator-saturated canal. We lost count but are pretty sure we saw upwards of 40+ gators that day. The park was filled with families and tourists but it was well worth the amazing ride and beautiful weather. Check out some of the amazing wild-life we saw:
We were also privileged to see a two Kites (the birds not the toys) fly over head. All in all, a beautiful trip.
We ended our evening with a dinner out on the town. Time outdoors, nature, a little sun and cocktails to top it all off… Pretty much describes a perfect day if you ask me. 🙂
I’m happy to say that both of my doggies are with me once again. My older dog, Charlie (in the back), spent a few months living with my mom but has been returned to me for good.
He and Max are so happy to be together again that they don’t stop playing and wrestling all day. My little Charlie Brown has been with me for 8 years through thick and thin. So happy to have him home. xoxox
Translation: The problem with the recipe for happiness is that, you need a lot of “balls” (the word huevos literally means “eggs” in Spanish but it is also a crass way of saying “balls”)
Hmmm, do I have the “huevos” to pursue my happiness? Am I truly committed to my goals and what I want out of life? To be honest, I’m not quite sure if I’m 100% brave enough yet. Certainly makes you think… and giggle, lol.
Today was hectic both during and after work… by the time it was 5pm I was so hungry and tired, all I could think to do was eat dinner. I had nothing prepared so when my mom asked me to join her for some lentil soup at her place, I agreed. After a bowl of that fiber- protein-iron-rich-goodness, I felt like a sluggish bump on a log.
As I sat with mom on the patio after dinner, though, all I could think of was going for a run. I was so restless that my mind was going 100 miles an hour thinking about lacing up and hitting the pavement…. I wouldn’t feel right until I did it.
I gave myself a couple hours to digest and headed out just before it got dark. Fastest run in a few months and well under 9 minute miles which is one of the goals I shared being committed to achieving! I’m well on my way 🙂
To get to the canal on the other side! So cute I had to get out of the car and take this pic. :)(Totally worth the woman in the car behind me thinking I was a nut, lol)
Today, I went to the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens to enjoy their Hatsume festival. There were art vendors, drum performances and other exhibits. The weather was perfect, the grounds were amazing and it made for a wonderful end to my Spring Break. Check out the sites!
Afterwards, we got a little crafty and decided to try our hand at painting! I painted the coy above, inspired by the gardens we had just enjoyed. Fun way to spend an afternoon.
Today i started my morning by making my first-ever batch of blueberry pancakes. While they weren’t the best pancakes I’ve ever eaten, they certainly weren’t the worst. And, they were beautiful if I don’t say so myself… 🙂
After breakfast, I got a SURGE of energy and was on a mission to do gardening and housework before the end of my weekend… Work starts again on Monday! I started in the garden by cleaning up some fallen palm fronds and finding some bulbs in the bushes… One of the bulbs had sprouted some serious roots despite not being in the soil and the other was just beginning to grow. I decided to tie one to a palm and plant the other…. Lets see what they become! LOL
I also managed to salvage the last of my Aunt’s orchid. She sprouted three babies that were beginning to wilt because the mother plant has died and begun to dry out. I cut the babies off the mother plant and tied them to palms in my yard as well. Next year my yard is going to be VERY colorful. Can’t wait!
Somewhere out there, poor Ken is hopping around, aimlessly searching for his missing right foot…..
Honestly, though, there was far too much garbage on the beach today! A seagull could have choked on that. At least i got to enjoy a little warmth and sunshine after all these cloudy days. 🙂
Little Miss Sunshine State 