When did 3 miles become so hard to run?

I went out for a run last night. I realize that I was doing the C25K program to get back into running and it worked well for me. Last night though I just wanted to go for a run (and I had finished the 9 week program). I ran the entire time, but it just seemed more challenging than I remember it. I do need new shoes, I can tell because I feel like I'm getting shin splints. I kept going though and it felt better...sometimes I think it's just my body's way of warming up.

At the end of the run I felt very winded and tired...not my normal reaction to a run. I'm so glad that I went out there, but it was a bit discouraging...guess I should find motivation instead of discouragement though. Why you ask? I was able to run the 3 miles, but I'm no where near where I was in the past. I can get back there though, and I can build up my miles...I just need to be motivated to do so.

Another positive is my pants are finally fitting more back to normal! After a few weeks of odd fitting pants, things seem to be leveling out. I'm guessing it's the combination of increased activity, increased salads, decreased carbs, my (small glass of ) green smoothie in the morning, and the bc pill working it's way out of my system. it's nice to feel as though I'm losing weight during the holiday season rather than putting it on!

So here we go...depending on how I feel this evening it will either be another run or some yoga to balance me out.

Ow! My abs!

Last night I went for a run...it was 30 degrees and a slight breeze...I missed that. I used to love running when it was slightly chilly out because it reminded me of being a kid and playing outside in the snow. When I was done with my 3 mile run, I got home and realized how cold my core was. Now after doing yoga on Monday and running in the cold on Tuesday, I didn't realize how sore my core could be.

After taking a hot shower and warming up...I turned into my nesting self and sat (well it was more stretched out than sitting) on the couch to knit. That was my mistake. When I went to get up, my entire core was sore and achy. I guess a tough Monday morning workout on my core, followed by a run (which does use the core a bit) in the cold = soreness.

This morning it's much better, and I'm thinking about going for another run after work tonight versus a DVD...but we'll see how the core feels.

Yoga IS a workout

Whoever says that yoga isn't a workout obviously has never gone to a vinyasa class. I am so sore today! I miss this sore feeling. I'm looking forward to going to class again on Friday and I even purchased a few classes yesterday to motivate me to go at least once a week for the next month or two. I am not a fan of going to classes in January (or to the gym in January) with all the "resolution" people...I tend to workout at home for the month.

The short of this is, I'm sore. My arms, my shoulder blades, my shoulders, my obliques...all sore. After work today I plan on going for a run so I'll add legs being sore tomorrow to my list.

In other news...BC side effect updates. I'm emotional. It's difficult to have mood swings in my career since I need to remain level and calm. I did the best I could last night. I find that I get irritable very easily and need to calm myself down. That's another reason I opted to go back to yoga in a studio instead of just at home. I need to remain centered. Physical side effects have not come back in terms of the pain I felt on Thursday...but I'm wondering how much of that was just over-indulgence that I assumed was related to coming off the pill. Regardless, it hasn't come back yet. My face however, that's an entire different story. I have the lovely under the skin bumps...so my face isn't red, it's just bumpy. I'm making sure that I clean it well and I think I'm going to be trying all sorts of new products to see what works...but yes...skin is not very happy at the moment.

Overall though, I'm really positive and happy...so long as I don't get irritated :)

Return to yoga

After a weekend full of wonderful times, food and wine...and luckily a run on Thanksgiving, it was time to detox a bit today. Oh and watching this video helped inspire me too:

So I went to my favorite yoga studio TruHarmony Yoga for some morning flow. Jenny was the instructor and Hillary was working the front desk, and then there was me. I have to admit that was a wonderful class this morning. Jenny was trying to give both Hillary and me what we wanted which was the total opposite of each other. I wanted to ease back into the hot vinyasa class and Hillary wanted a tough vinyasa flow...we settled in the middle.

I feel great and I need to remember how great I feel after a practice in a class. I love practicing yoga and do it on my own frequently, but there's something about doing it in a studio (especially a heated studio) that just pushes me farther.

My goal for the rest of this week (birthday week at that) is to incorporate yoga or meditation into my day all week...the days that I run I will do meditation or short yoga practice...and the days I do not run I will either go to the studio or do a DVD of yoga. I think that is a great birthday gift to myself.

Giving thanks

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. We left the city last night and drove 6 hours northeast to theUP of Michigan. I'm thankful we are able to do that and spend time with my in-laws. I am also thankful that my husband, sil and I went for a run this morning. We followed the c25K program since I am on week 8...even if I have run 2 5ks already. I want to run again tomorrow but we shall see.

I also experienced my first mood swings, hot flashes, pain in my side, and pimple breakout today from coming off the pill. I totally jinxed myself too...but dealing and honestly thankful that I decided to stop my pill. Yes my timing sucked but it needed to be done. I just thought I would share. Day 11/12 of my cycle since coming off the pill and my body is reacting. Add too much food and booze to the mix...and you get me right now.

Another experience that I will look back on and say, "well I made it through that..."

So many other things that I am thankful for...but writing this entry on my phone is slow :)

More energy, now with less hormones!

I posted recently that I had made a decision to come off of the pill. I realize it has hardly been anytime at all (less than 2 weeks) but I already feel different, in a good way. I have so much energy.

This morning when I was thinking about it I realized this spike came in the past 2 weeks. To be fair, I have increased my vitamins and have been taking them every day, but I started that when I was sick 3 weeks ago so I think it's coming off of the pill that has a greater effect on me.

I think that's why I was so inspired to run the race on Sunday and why I just want to be moving around.

I did a google search and found this blog entry that I felt was very relevant. I want to start following her blog because I feel as though I can relate and learn a lot. Besides that though, finally a positive experience about coming off of the pill.

This of course gets me into conspiracy theory mode regarding the pharmaceutical company wanting us to be on pills and they have the money so they control the internet so it's harder to find more the things that say, "coming off of pills is good for you". Again, conspiracy theory here.

I realize that there may be some downsides to coming off the pill after 17/18 years, but if having more energy is a side-effect, I'm all for it!

I'm curious as to what else may happen...but the positive things, I'm going to post. Speaking of positive, I do feel more positive...not super emotional (yet). Hopefully my experience will be really positive and give my conspiracy theory even more weight :)

5k, take 2

After my 5k last week, I wanted a do over. I decided to run one of my favorite 5k runs...the Lincolnwood Turkey Trot. This year I did it on my own, well the running part. My husband came and was my personal photographer :) I wore a turkey hat and just had a bunch of fun.

This time, I ran the entire race...and had a 10:14 pace. I'm getting so much closer to where I used to run at. That made me happy, really happy.

As is tradition, post race was breakfast at Pauline's. The waitress said I was spoiled because I got everything I wanted. Corned beef hash, basted eggs, and a banana pancake...there was also raisin toast involved...way too much food, but super yum.

I am happy...yay running!

C25K - week 7

Well we are now into all running mode. 5 minute warm up and cool down, but then just running. This week is 25 minutes, next week 28 and then 30.

After last weekend race I was looking forward to running better...and yesterday was that day. I did my scheduled workout of 25 minutes of running, and after my cool down I picked my dog up from daycare and he wanted to run! So we ran together for another 5 minutes or so.

I'm debating about running a race on Sunday. I want to makeup for my poor performance last weekend, and this is my favorite race that I've done almost every year since 2005. I think I missed one or two years in there, but usually I'm there.

In addition to increasing my running, I've increased my healthy eating and decreased my bad habits. It's amazing the correlation between doing good things for yourself. The more I run and workout, the more I want to be healthier in general, and the easier it seems to be...now to keep it going.

Training with Nike on Soldier Field

I'm going to take a break from my running posts to give you some stories and images from last night.

A friend of mine is a Nike Ambassador and she let me know about this event last night. "NTC at Soldier Field" with a "Train with Us" theme. It was a free event that stated you were going to workout on Soldier Field and then there would be a fashion show afterwards.

I quickly signed up for the event and even though I have been fighting being sick for over a week, I knew I was going to go to this. My warm-up was walking from the el to the stadium, a good mile and a half. Then finding gate 0 was difficult for me as well as the 10 other women I found circling the stadium. I was lucky enough to meet this lovely woman (Clarissa you are awesome) and we stuck together until the workout.

After circling the stadium, we found the entrance and checked in. We got there about 6:20, 5 minutes after things opened up. I love a free t-shirt, and a good free t-shirt (dri-fit) makes me even happier. What was a bit odd was waiting around for 45 minutes in the concourse area...with the wind coming in making it colder (I'd say high 30s without the wind, low 30s with). Clarissa and I walked around a bit, and she knew some people there but I was solo.

I got really excited to see WGN's Frank Holland, but didn't want to be "that girl" who asked for his photo...but then the people who knew Clarissa, the more I think about it, looked familiar too...so maybe I just don't know my Chicago celebs very well.

Fast forward to 7pm when we were able to run onto the field...with a fog machine going! Who was in front of me running? You guessed it, Mr. Frank Holland (I swear I was not stalking you).

 (Here we are about to run onto the field) 

(Running onto the field)

 (Getting the jumbo-tron and Frank Holland in a picture with me)

 After getting onto the field we were working out. A warm up, lots of plyo, and fast feet. It was difficult to hear and see from where I was, and there were a bunch of people around me who were not working up, just taking up space on the field...and I admit there were a few moments that I stopped working out to take some of these pictures, but overall I liked the workout. I felt good and no longer sick.

(Brittney Payton was our MC)

 (On the 30 yard line)

 (Where I was working out)

(Post workout "glow")

(Post workout glow, showing my new free t-shirt off)

After the workout we had a surprise guest...Earl Bennett! #80 for the Chicago Bears came out and chatted with us.

We were then asked to leave the field and head up to the United Club for the fashion show. I was ready to go so I tried to find my way out. Funny thing was, they were not expecting people wanting to leave (there was free food and booze, I can understand why). So I asked for help and got multiple directions. Eventually I went down the elevator and when it opened I was in a fancy suite area! I asked the security lady for help and she thought I was "so cute" since I really didn't want to get into trouble. Have you ever been into the hidden areas of Soldier Field? It's pretty freaking awesome and posh.

I was directed to go through a bunch of different doorways and eventually I'd be back at gear check. I did as I was told and ran into some people who looked like VIPs and just smiled and said hello. I really could have played around back there, but the last thing I wanted was to get in trouble and get banned from Soldier Field or something crazy...so I found my way back to gear check and was on my way.

This was a really awesome event and I feel really lucky to have been a part of it. There must have been only 150-200 people max. I'm really lucky to not only live in a city as awesome as Chicago, but to be able to participate in these types of events and actually participate in them is amazing.

Going solo reminded me that I'm able to do pretty much anything...and that every once and a while you need to go at something solo...you can meet some really interesting people that way, and I got that feeling of independence that feels really great.

(I am a very happy lady)

First real 5k of 2012

I'm a bit late posting this, but I did run a 5k this past weekend. Mostly ran. I've been sick since last week so I wasn't even sure if I was going to run. I was feeling better on Saturday morning so my husband and I went out to the suburbs for this race. The problem was it was colder in the suburbs, and we had to wait over an hour since they got a late start. By the time we started running, I was feeling sick again.

We went off and after a mile and a half or so, I needed to walk. I wasn't able to breath anymore so we walked for 1-2 minutes and ran again. That happened another 2 times and I was beating myself up for not being able to run the entire race. My husband is amazing and kept reminding me to get out of my head...I was sick. Then we found out we only had a half mile to go...that's all we needed to run the rest of the way.

My husband grabbed my hand and we increased our pace to the finish line. We finished in 32 minutes...even with the walking. Not bad for a sick return to racing...now to keep it up!

C25K - week 5 day 3

I am all over the place with this C25K program. I could have jumped ahead to week 6 but I really wanted the 20 minute run today (no intervals) and I'm really glad I did it. I was slow (10:47/mile) but it didn't matter, I did it. I haven't run 20 minutes without a walk break in a long time...like I think 2011...mind you I ran a half marathon about a year ago, but still.

I'm excited to be running again and that was the main reason I did this C25K program, to find my passion with running again! I will admit that my shins started to be sore and I think I need to invest in a new pair of shoes, but overall it was great. My 5k is this weekend and even though I may end up walking a bit of it, I'm going to be in much better shape for it than I thought.

Even after my 5k this weekend I think I'm going to finish out the C25K program because it's motivating. I like hearing the little computer voice tell me good things. I think I might even do the 10k program since, well, I've got my mojo back baby, yeah!

Grown up decisions and fears - female perspective

Warning to those that follow this blog, I'm going to be sharing some personal information and potentially some graphic girl stuff that you may not want to read. Also, please don't make assumptions about other decisions that may or may not be happening in my life because of what I'm about to talk about.

With that being said...after 17/18 years (ugh is it really that long) I have decided to come off of the birth control pill. In about a week. It has been a decision that my husband and I have discussed and I'm just ready to be off of it.

When you take a medication for more than half of your life though, I'm finding that there is some separation anxiety. I mean I was a teenager when I started all those years ago. I don't even remember what my cycle was like back then. I went on it to help regulate and because, well, I was a responsible teenager to a point.

I've been reading all sorts of blogs and message boards about how women adjust to going off of the pill and I"m nervous, I'm not going to lie. Initially I was nervous about the change in routine, but now I"m nervous about becoming an emotional freak of nature (more so than I already am).

So while I won't share all of the details on here, I think it's important that there be as much information out there as possible for other women going through this situation. You are not alone. It's scary and weird and exciting and nerve wracking and all of it...but it is a decision that I have made, and I'm excited about it. I also figure if I really miss taking a pill at night, I'll just take a vitamin.

There is a part of me though that can't believe I'm a grown up who is making a decision like this...I also can't believe I have been on that medication for more of my life than I was not on it...and I'm not a big fan of medication!

Binder full of women costume - finalized

After playing around with a few other ideas, and my husbands suggestions, a few last minute things have been added.

I had some black card stock paper and created pockets inside of the foam board and put paper with a name and an image of a woman on it in the pocket. I also added some weight to the front part of the pocket to help balance out the weight.

My husband suggested that we use the 3 ring part of a binder and attach it to me and then add more papers that have women's pictures on it.

I don't have a picture of me in it yet (I'll add that later) but here are some more pictures of the final product.

 Here is the 3 ring binder that will be attached.

I added more ribbon and glued it to the back of the binder so that can be wrapped around me.

This shows the pocket with the paper on it, I also had images to the binder itself.

Here's the final product.

Here is a picture of me with my husband as Tugg Romney, the bad Mormon who drinks...the black sheep of the family.

Photo credit to Dennis Kytasaari

I hope you have enjoyed this DIY project with me.

C25K - Week 4, day 2

After being sick last week and then traveling...I took a bit over a week off from running. I did hike a beautiful mountain called Camels Hump in Vermont...and we went the long way around which included some pretty intense climbing for people who don't climb.

Here I am climbing on the edge over a few rocks with the view behind me.

This is the payoff at the top...loving that I can take panoramic shots now.

After my trip I did P90 with my husband and did lots of walking...so no running but was keeping active.

Since I was keeping active, I saw no reason to back track on my C25K program, so I skipped Week 3 day 3 and Week 4 day 1 and jumped right ahead as though I hadn't missed any training.

It was warm yesterday in Chicagoland...78 degrees or so when I started my run. I was not running very fast in light of this since I really prefer the 40s-60s for running at least right now.

The run was the 5 minutes warm up followed by 3 minutes running, 90 seconds walking, 5 minutes running and I believe 90 seconds walking again and then repeat. Yes I was running closer to my normal running pace (which is slowed down to 10 minute miles) but it felt good to hold the pace. I really have been thinking about jumping ahead in this program since my 5k is two weeks away, but I think I'll stick to this program until the 5k. I'll be able to run the entire 5k the way I'm feeling now, so long as it's not 90 degrees out.

Updates on how to make a "Binders full of Women" costume

I have been working on my binders full of women costume. I ended up getting 3 pieces of black foam board, some black ribbon, duct tape, needle and thread and some wire.

I opted to make the binder as though it were vertical, like if you were taking it out of a bookshelf.

For now I'm using duct tape to put the pieces together. For now the are all still the same size, however, I think I am going to make the back piece smaller so that it is closer to the width of my body.

To help it stay up, I taped some ribbon on and then sewed the ribbon into place so that I can wear the ribbon. Right now it's too long but it can be adjusted.

Tape before sewing.

Sewed on the straps

First attempt done

I do plan on hiking the binder up and trying to make the backside smaller. I plan to wear a black dress underneath to hide the straps a bit. Also will use a marker to label it "binder full of women".

I still have some wire that I am going to try to use to create the "rings" inside the binder and then fill that with paper that has images of women on it.

So far, so good.

Week 3, day 2 C25K

Sorry for the delay on today's run, the Presidential debates took over tonight!

My husband and I ran together today. He pushes me hard, always has. When we first started dating I remember going on a run with him and if it was a race, it would have been a PR. He runs much faster than I do (but somehow I beat him in a 10k we did together). So on the run today, it was my fastest run portion since starting.

Funny thing about running with my husband, I don't give directions well. He knew to walk but I never said brisk walk, so walking was slower and running was faster. If we run together tomorrow we're skipping to week 4 since the husband didn't really like the walk/run style...I admit I'm getting a little tired of it and want to start running more, but I'm going to give myself a break and keep it up just a bit longer.

I have signed up for 1 5k and will be signing up for one more the week after...both are about a month away so I need to keep this up, but add more runs to my training so that I can run the full 5k both times.

"Binder Full of Women" costume

It's two weeks before Halloween, and thanks to the Presidential Debates tonight, I have my costume idea...a binder full of women!

Now how to make it.

I am not very crafty, so my initial thought was to get some big cardboard boxes, paint them, put some huge pieces of paper in it with bios and pictures on women...or maybe get a group of my friends to join me in the cardboard box.

Another friend suggested foamcore. I haven't really worked with that before, but it can't be that hard.

In my mind I'm seeing a trapper keeper, I'm guessing that's because of the tumblr page. Since that is my image though, velcro would need to be involved as well.

Any other suggestions as to how to make this thing in 2 weeks with limited crafting experience? I really think it'll be cardboard.

**added 10:12pm CST**
After researching a bit more, I think that I will use the foamcore board.
2 large pieces of foamcore board
1 piece of fabric (to open and close the binder with)
velcro (to keep the fabric on the board)
large pieces of paper with images of women
tights (in the same color of the foam core board)
markers (to title the binder full of women)

I think I have it!

Week 3, day 1 - C25K

After a fun weekend with lots of playing outside in the rain and hanging out in the suburbs, it's back to reality. Monday's are my late day at work so I was able to get my run in this morning. I was a little nervous about this morning since I did enjoy a bit of wine over the weekend, but the run made me feel lots better.

Week 3 is a bit odd. The same normal 5 minute warm-up, but then it's a mixture with the run/walk. 90 second run, 90 second walk, 3 minute run, 3 minute walk and repeat. It seemed too short today, I wanted to go further and longer. My mileage was a bit shorter so I know that it was shorter in general. I think that's a good feeling though, that I want to keep going.

My plan for the week is to complete Week 3 and start on Week 4, but that might be pushing it a little bit since I'm traveling on Friday and will be hiking in VT...but we'll see what I can do.

After my C25K run I came home and lifted weights for another 20 minutes so I felt as though I had a complete workout this morning.

Now though...time to go to work!

C25K - end of week 2

I had a rough day today at work...and I kept telling myself, "just make it home and go for a run". I can't even TELL you the last time that happened to me. It was such a great feeling!

After work I did go pick up half a case of wine BUT I didn't open it (right away).

I came home, took the dog for a walk, and went for a run. It was very refreshing. I started my run/walk off slower than I had 2 days before. After I was into my second cycle (I think that's what you call it...you do 6 sets or cycles or whatever) I found my grove. Yes I followed the walk/run guidelines...but instead of 90 seconds running, 120 seconds walking...it turned more into the opposite. That made my really happy.

Knowing what I'm capable of, I think I will end up skipping ahead a little bit...but I'll follow the guidelines mostly...but maybe I'll just start week 3 tomorrow :)

Back on the running path

October 10, 2012 - day 2 in a row of running...well walk/running but 2 days in a row.

That used to be normal. I used to run 4-5 days a week. I was almost always training, and I loved always being in half marathon shape.

Then it happened, I lost my running mojo. It started off slowly, and I don't even know if I remember the exact date. The longer the mojo was missing, the harder it was to get it back. I kept racing, but it seemed more like a chore than a passion. With the exception of the Warrior Dash in June, the last actual race (just running no obstacles) was Thanksgiving, 2011. That is ridiculous! 

I tried to get the running bug back but it's not something that can be forced.

50 degrees...that's what did it.

I love the fall, and the bug came back a week ago, full on.

Rather than jumping back up to serious mileage, I read about getting back out there. There are tons of couch to 5k programs (C25K) out there, all following similar patterns. Start out with more walking than running to get you out there. I know that I could run more than I am, but right now, I want the routine back...the distance will come, the speed will come, I just need to get out there.

I did notice that besides the C25K programs, there was not much else out there about getting back on the path, so here we go.

I have run every distance from 5k to marathon, and I've completed sprint triathlons and 2 Warrior Dashes...and then nothingness. I want to follow through on my commitments. I want to be accountable...so guess what world, here comes the blog.

Summer nights

Though the official start of summer, aka the solstice, is still a few days away, tonight is a perfect summer evening. The type of evening that brings back memories. It's after 9, but it's still 80+ degrees, with a breeze...the fireflies are lighting the grass...there are so many smells in the air...and all you want to do is be outside.

It's the reason I bought a (few) bottles of white wine...to sit out on my deck and just enjoy. I have no desire to go to sleep...unless I was out in a tent, with some marshmallows and other friends in the woods.

Nights like this I don't feel my age...I feel 5, 10, 15 maybe 21 or 22...but that's the reason why I bought the wine.

I love summer

Wedding Welcome Letters and RSVPs

We are getting down to the final days...3 weeks from tomorrow is my wedding day. I must admit that I don't like it when people ask me how many days, or when people tell me how many days. I still have 8 work days left and I need to make it through that before I can finish up the little details here and there. I feel like a total "B" to my Mother (sorry Mom) because she is the worst offender...but we both understand that she's excited and just wishes that she was here.

The RSVP due date is tomorrow...and there are still a handful of people that we are waiting to hear from. There are some family members that I just put down as "no" since they are way out of town and haven't booked a hotel room, so it's a safe bet that they are not coming. There are other family members that I will have to call, and I don't know why but I feel awkward about it. My cousin for example, he called me the day he received his invitation and said he would be here...but never sent me an official RSVP. He's known for making promises that he can't always keep, so I'm going to have to call and just check...but it feels weird. What if he tells me no or avoids me because he doesn't want to disappoint me? Or his brother, he hasn't said a word to me, but has told my Aunt (his Mother) that he has until the 15th to make up his mind. Technically, you had until the 13th or so because the mail needs a few days to get to me. I guess I'll be calling him this weekend too.

It's funny though, how some people are holding off to see how their relationships are with other people. Seems odd if you ask me. For example. some friends are at odds with one another and are waiting until the last minute to decide if they make up with each other before the wedding. Oh well.

Finishing up this post is the Welcome Letters. I think we've gotten those done. We've welcomed people, told them the timing of events, and given them lots of options for things to do while they are in Chicago. We broke it up into two pages. Page 1 the wedding welcome and details, Page 2, everything we could think of to do in Chicago that fits on one page. And here is that information...let me know if I'm missing anything:

"What is there to do in Chicago?Museums, Beaches, Flowers, Famous Buildings

• Lincoln Park Zoo (free admission): 2001 N. Clark Street
• Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum: 2430 N. Cannon Drive
• Museum of Contemporary Art: 220 E. Chicago Avenue
• The Art Institute of Chicago: 111 S. Michigan Avenue
• Shedd Aquarium: 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive
• Field Museum: 1410 S. Museum Campus
• Adler Planetarium: 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive
• Museum of Science and Industry: 1 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive
• Wrigley Field (where the Cubs play): 1060 W. Addison Street
• US Cellular Field (where the White Sox play): 333 W. 35th Street
• Lincoln Park Conservatory (free admission): 2391 N. Stockton Drive
• North Ave Beach: 1600 N. Lake Shore Drive
• Garfield Park Conservatory: 300 N. Central Park Avenue
• Promontory Point: 5491 S. South Shore Drive
• Millennium Park: 201 E. Randolph Street
• Grant Park: 337 E. Randolph Street
• Buckingham Fountain
• Navy Pier: 600 E. Grand Avenue
• Magnificent Mile: Michigan Avenue
• Hancock Building (and the Signature Room): 875 N. Michigan Avenue
• Willis (formerly Sears) Tower: 233 S. Wacker Drive

Classic Chicago Food (and Booze)

• Billy Goat Tavern (multiple locations, this is closest to hotels): 430 N. Michigan Avenue
• Weiner Circle: 2622 N. Clark Street
• Portillo's (multiple locations): 100 W. Ontario Street
• Garrett’s Popcorn (multiple locations): 625 N. Michigan Avenue
• Pizzeria Uno or Due: 29 E. Ohio/619 N. Wabash Avenue
• Mr. Beef: 666 N. Orleans Street
• The Berghoff: 17 W. Adams Street
• The Green Door Tavern: 678 N. Orleans Street
• The Green Mill: 4802 N. Broadway Street

Tours

• Architecture Tour (walking or boating): 112 E. Wacker Drive, 312-922-8687
• Untouchables Tour: 600 N. Clark Street, 773-881-1195
• Pizza Tour: 27 N. Wacker Drive, 800-979-3370
• Chicago Ghost Tours: 610 N. Clark Street, 888-446-7891

Festivals

• Rock Around the Block - Lincoln and Belmont Avenue
• West Fest - Chicago Avenue, between Damen and Wood
• Chicago Folk & Roots Festival - 4400 N. Lincoln Ave.
• Opening weekend of Bristol Renaissance Faire - IL/WI border"

Chicago Wedding Welcome bags

I've been so busy with all the wedding planning that I have completely neglected my blog! I've been doing tons of searches on what to put in "Wedding Welcome Bags" that I thought I would make a blog entry about what's going into ours.

I'm still on the fence on a few things, but decided that we wanted to welcome our friends and family with fun things as well as necessities.

A keepsake is a magnet with our names and the date of our wedding...but the magnet is the Chicago Flag. It's quite awesome

In the blue is where our names and the date go, in white. We're thinking of including the story of the Chicago flag in our welcome letter (a future blog will include whatever I end up writing in the letter).

So in addition to the magnet, we realize that people are going to want some bottled water, so each person will get a bottle of water.

For a sweet snack we made up some personalized chocolates. Dark hershey kisses and miniature peanut butter cups that have our initials and the date on them.

For a salty snack we decided to be lazy and just go to Costco and get the variety pack of chips.

For the hangover cure, we found individual Pepto Bismo and Advil packages, so those are in there too.

We were able to get a brochure about Chicago, but we're also including a homemade map for people, in addition to the timeline on the map for them. We'll also print out some of the suggestions on "what to do" from the wedding website since some people are making a vacation out of this visit.

We wanted to do lots more, but we figured people would rather have more food and booze available to them at the reception, so that's where the money is going.

Now...if only people would book their rooms before the reservation date is up!

Starting another 40 day routine

After reviewing my blog posts from last year, I think what I need, mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically is to complete another 40 day journey. I was already planning on going to a yoga studio for 3 weeks, I might as well start incorporating the journey this weekend and add a few extra yoga sessions into my routine early.

For the past 60 days or so, my fiance and I have been doing the P90 workout. Since it is two dvds for the first 6 weeks (we did a month) and two dvds for the second 6 weeks (we did a month) it becomes boring fast. We have decided to end it up tomorrow and take a month off from the P90 and P90X plan. I am going to reintroduce myself to more yoga classes (and home practice), running, and some other DVDs that we have. I think that completing the 40 day yoga practice again may help me destress and focus on me.

I doubt that I will blog as much as I did last year, but I do hope to have my blogging be a part of the experience again.

Wedding stress - for non-traditional weddings

My wedding is a little over 5 months away. Yesterday and today I have become a huge stress ball over everything. I'm looking up "proper wording" for invitations. I'm happy that my Matron of Honor got her dress ordered, but now I'm worried that my Maid of Honor isn't ordering hers for 2 more weeks...and will that be early enough? Plus, has she called the place that she wants to order it from to see if they'll even order it or do I need to bring her to the place I originally found?

I mean, come on...these are grown women. My Maid of Honor knows how to do these things, so why am I stressed about it? As for the invitations, I'm inviting mostly family and a few friends (unfortunately not everyone that I wish that I could, but budget and size of venue, etc) so no matter what the wording, no one is going to be insulted or shocked or anything...so why (again) am I so worried that I need to word it perfectly?

I know that I have a tendency of being a perfectionist, but I've really been working on that for a while and I really had hoped that I wouldn't be paranoid about little things like wording...but I am.

Part of why I am writing this is in hope that in the future, someone else who is in this situation in the future will find the work I have done and not have to go through it herself.

Concern 1 - just inviting a limited group of people to a reception - not the ceremony...do you include that?

After going back and forth on this, I think no...we just say we want them to celebrate with us, but don't mention that there is a "private ceremony"...some people might be bothered by not getting invited, even though no one really is...so I say just go for the "you're invited to the party" or something much more elegant that says the same thing.

Concern 2 - heavy passed hors'dourves not a sit-down dinner

Now I will admit that there is no way anyone in their right mind will leave this party hungry, but I have been told to give people a heads up that there is no sit-down dinner. This is already listed on the website that we made, however, my Matron of Honor reminded me today she keeps forgetting that we have a website. Therefore, I can't just think that other people will remember to check the website.

Remember, you will invite family members (most likely) and some will be older. Just because you and your friends understand the concept of the internet and non-traditional things...make the assumption that no one does...even your friends.

The other thing, no matter how close you are with your friends, this wedding is not as important to them as it is to you. I keep having to remind myself that it's my fiance and I that are planning this and need to be happy with the decisions. My best friend is not remembering every little detail nor should I expect her to...just because she's my Maid of Honor doesn't mean that she should drop everything (5 months before the wedding...but the day before the wedding I think it could be acceptable).

This is where I am at right now. Hopefully some of my ranting will help someone else in the future. It has helped me for now.

Staying motivated

We are starting week 3 of P90, and it's starting to get a little boring, so we're figuring out ways to keep motivated. By the two of us working out together each day that helps, and adding some Wii tennis afterwards helps.

Knowing that I keep moving towards the direction I want helps, but, there needs to be more. Why is it that we start to make changes in our life, stick with it for a while, and then we have a hard time sticking with this new lifestyle? It's why resolutions "fail" right? What is it that we get "tired of?" I enjoy eating right, and I love working out, yet I seem to have problems sticking with it past January or February, then I go back around April, and it just goes up and down.

Why are we this way? That is what I am going to ponder for a while.

Detox days 5-7

I totally forgot to blog recently! I apologize...I will summarize.

Day 5

I started to feel really good and refreshed. I felt light and that my skin looked great. I worked out (P90 cardio) in the morning and then did yoga (Candlelight restorative) in the evening. I had enough energy for sure.

I switched over to banana for the morning shake and berries in the evening. I also got to switch to almond milk which I liked better, it wasn't as sweet (even though I had unsweetend for both).

Lunch was a never ending salad. 2 cups of lettuce/spinach mixture, 4 oz of baked chicken (with garlic, lime juice and cayenne pepper), 1/2 cup of quinoa, and 1/4 of an avocado

Day 6

Still feeling good, but wanting to just call it done. I think a bunch of that had to do with us ice skating outside and I really wanted some hot chocolate...tea wasn't cutting it 100%. Workout in the morning was P90 strength (as well as some cleaning of the apartment AND carrying the Christmas tree to the car over my head...we recycled our tree to be turned into mulch). We also (as I mentioned above) went ice skating for about an hour down at Millennium Park...so much fun.

Lunch for today was 3 ounces of chicken, 1/2 cup of lentils, 1/2 cup of quinoa, and a cup of sauteed/steamed kale (with onions and garlic). I added Braggs because I really am in need of taste. I also added the rest of the no sodium chicken broth.

I drank so much tea...I couldn't stop peeing at times! Oh and I did take the second epsom salt bath, which felt amazing (especially after being outside skating for so long...even though it wasn't really cold out, it was in the 40s).

Day 7 (thank goodness)

I am getting bored of this I think is the biggest problem. That and I'm just hungry. After 7 days of detoxing it's not surprising. My skin looks good, I feel good overall, just tired...drained. Again, I think it's because of the lack of calories and my normal working out (this morning was an hour of yogalates).

Lunch was eaten because I was so hungry, but it was not really appetizing. I was trying to use up what we had, and it tasted fine, but I think that was a bunch of mental pressure on my taste buds. I'm almost embarrassed to write it. 2 hard boiled eggs (eaten on their own), 1/2 cup of lentils, 1/2 cup of quinoa, 1 cup green beans, some sea salt, no salt beef bouillon , braggs on top. Really don't recommend that one, unless that's all you have on hand.

Now I'm just going to take some time to reflect on this (and plan to write about my reflection on here). We are going to take some pictures (since I'm viewing the end of the detox to be the beginning of my "diet"), and I'm going to enjoy some more tea.

I have decided that I am going to bring back black and green tea beginning tomorrow, and hold off on the coffee for a bit. Tomorrow is also going to be a vegetarian day. We have decided to have at least one vegetarian day a week, and a few other vegan and vegetarian meals throughout the week. It should be a good transition and I'm looking forward to the next steps of this adventure.

Detox day 4

This morning started off as an emotional disaster. I cried on my way to work, I was short with the first few students that I saw, but they turned me around.

Overall, aside from being hungry and slightly emotional, I feel pretty amazing. My skin looks good, I feel rested, I feel strong, I feel well circulated (is that a word or phrase that actually exists?). I'm wondering if I do have a gluten or dairy issue, because I feel so amazing and it's been 4 days without those foods. Of course it could be a number of things...since I have no dairy, wheat, red meat, gluten, sugar, processed food, table salt, alcohol, caffeine, nicotine...you know pretty much everything :)

4 down, 3 to go

Day 3 - detox

So far my headache has gone away. Woke up this morning feeling refreshed, it was nice. Followed waking up with putting too much pepper in the water...it's ok, it happens.

The pup wanted to go on a short walk this morning, which was a nice surprise, thought it wasn't as cold as it had been. After the walk it was P90 time! My calves are hurting after day 3, but it's a good hurt. Nothing else is really sore so I feel like I need to push it more...but waiting until after this detox is done.

"Breakfast" was made by my fiance and he did a great job. Lunch was prepared last night and unfortunately I did have to use a microwave today, but I knew just a salad wasn't going to cut it for me. Today for lunch was 4oz chicken (coated in cayenne pepper), over 1.5 cups of lettuce with 1/4 of an avocado and 1/2 cup brown rice and the rest of the roasted brussel sprouts heated up.

When I was telling my sister-in-law about how wonderful yesterday's lunch was, and then while eating today she told me I must be starving for that stuff to taste so good. I think she's right. Nothing on my salad was really bland, but it tasted so dang good!

My co-worker keeps asking me how the detox is going, she asked me last night if I was emotional yet. I wasn't, until this morning. Totally over-reacting to emails, short fuse with people at work today, just a big ol' mess. I am thinking no more double shifts until next week when I am done with the detox. I need to keep my job :)

I do think that this evening, I want to make my smoothie, take a bath, and call it a day...that might help let out some of this emotion as well.

I am interested to see what tomorrow brings.

Detox - day 2

Ugh, the headache has arrived!

You would think that with the detoxes I do I would remember that cutting out caffeine gives me a crazy headache and withdrawal symptoms...you would also think that would be enough incentive NOT to go back to drinking the caffeine!

Today is more difficult than yesterday...I am back at work. Apparently when I'm at work, I graze on food a bit...not happening here. I also ate my lunch in my car in the parking lot since I was a late day today. Tomorrow will be different and it will be a cold lunch.

One thing that the detox talks about is not heating foods in the microwave...so when I'm at work the rest of the week, salads with protein it is! Saturday and Sunday will be hot food.

I will state that the meal I ate today was delicious. I cooked up 2 TBSP of onion with 2 oz of chicken and 1/2 a lime (juice) plus a splash of cayenne pepper. Add to that 1 cup of black beans and a bit of sodium free chicken broth. Oh garlic, can't forget the garlic. I also added 2 cups of fresh spinach and 1/2 cup of cooked brown rice and let that all cook together for a bit (I did add a bit of cumin which the detox says spices are ok, but I think they are supposed to be fresh spices....whoops). When it was time to eat, I added 1/4 of an avocado. OMG yum! I think that will be a nice meal to add into my regular diet!

Also, did P90 strength this morning. Still doing well there, and tomorrow morning before work I will do the P90 cardio again.

My complaint right now is my headache...I'm getting crabby because of that (and because the system that allows us to do our job is down making for very PO'd people). Oh well.

Day 2 almost done, getting tougher.

Day 1 of Aster RAW Detox

I really think that calling this RAW is misleading. It is not a raw detox, since I just ate my one healthy meal and it was cooked, but moving on...

This morning I had my detox drops in water, which I could not taste at all. That was followed by my cup of hot water with 1/4 of a lemon and a dash of cayenne pepper. That wasn't so bad, but the pepper hit my throat in a weird way. It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be.

I was drinking that out on the walk with the puppy in the snow...that might have influenced the throat a bit (breathing in the snow and all).

Next was the morning smoothie and that tasted really good. 1/2 cup of rice milk, 1/2 cup of water, 2 scoops of the detox powder and 1/2 a cup of frozen berries.

Since I have today off I took advantage and did laundry, that way I'm getting out and doing stuff and not thinking about how I haven't "eaten" anything. Post laundry brought on workout time. My fiance and I started P90 today, cardio for day 1. I'm hoping that we can make it all 90 days and then move to P90X, but one day at a time right now. Anyway, that was about 40 minutes of warming up, cardio and ab work.

Next up, more detox drops in water, again, flavorless.

Shower, doing the hydrotherapy. That I need to find a better way to do...I made the water too cold I think. I was only able to do 2 cycles, but I will try again.

Lunchtime was delicious. I roasted up some kale and some brussel sprouts. I added a bit of sea salt and cayenne pepper and some fresh garlic. Next up, chicken! Lime juice, dill and chicken cooked up in the oven. Also 1/2 a cup of brown rice with some braggs on it, and a tsp of olive oil. All of that with a cup of herbal tea...it was yummy.

More drops to come and then another shake for dinner...I'm also going to have a cup of no sodium broth I can tell.

I think tomorrow or possibly Wednesday will be the toughest days, but I will make it through and provide you with all of the fun withdraw symptoms.

I've been drinking lots of water today, so increase in running to the restroom for sure.

Detox of 2012

This year I have decided to go for a shorter detox, just one week.

I believe it was a few months ago I purchased a detox (RAW by Aster) through one of those coupon sites out there (lifebooker). I had wanted to do it in 2011 but as that year quickly came to a close, I opted to start of 2012 with this detox.

It is set up as a 10 day detox, but I have a bunch of tastings coming up for my wedding so 7 days worked better than 10 days. I took out the first 3 days which were a prep phase (eating mostly fruits and veggies). Beginning in the morning I'm just diving head first.

This detox starts off with some hot water with lemon & cayenne, then a shake, a healthy lunch (4oz protein, tiny bit of fat, 2 cups raw or 1 cup cooked veggies, and a 1/2 cup of specific grains), then more shake for dinner...with LOTS of water. Also there is epsom bath requirements and hydrotherapy requirements...and skin brushing.

I'm excited to see how this goes.

In addition to this detox, my fiance and I are starting up the P90 workout for the next 90 days. At the end of that we hope to move up to P90X...we shall see.

Follow me along on this journey if you like!