12.31.2008
Jumping on the Bandwagon
Miles Run in 2008: 99.4
Miles Biked in 2008: 297.43
Miles Swam in 2008: 6.67
Total Number of Workouts since May 21st: 161
Notes: I know, I KNOW... I missed the running mark by .6 miles. How pathetic is that? However, when I was looking back through my training log, I noticed that for the first month of my training, I didn't keep mileage... just times. So, in the grand scheme, I'm sure I ended up running more than 100 miles.
Phase 3 of my Weight Loss Challenge covers the month of January. It's the final month (25 days) to reach my goal of 149 lbs.
For January, I will:
- Not eat meals standing up or sitting on my couch. I'm much more aware of what goes into my mouth when I'm sitting at my dining table.
- Workout 4 times a week.
- Cut my calories to 1700 per day.
- Not eat snacks straight out of the bag/box.
I have lost 11 lbs since November 2nd, and I have only 4 more to go.
Now that all those formalities are out of the way, we can get onto the big one...
Goals for 2009:
- Get my 5K time below 27 minutes (my current PR is 29:04).
- Get my Sprint Triathlon time below 1:35 (my current PR is 1:44).
- Weigh less at the end of the year than I do at the beginning.
- Run more than 170 miles.
I hope everyone has a great New Years Eve. I have to work (of course), but I'm ready to go out afterwards (I'm even wearing a dress!).
12.30.2008
This is What I'm Dealing With
Suddenly, at 7:15, a bunch of strange men came busting through my front door. They were loud and scary and carried weapons.
And do you know what they did?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
... They stole my windows.
Alright, fine. So I was EXPECTING them. That doesn't make this story any less horrifying.
To prepare for their arrival, I had to move everything at least 6 feet away from the windows in my living room.
Picture me crouched on the floor DRAGGING my TV stand across the carpet. This was fun.
After that, I had to cover all my furniture with sheets. If you were around for the bedroom window installation, then you recall there was a problem with dust.
So this time, I was prepared.



They started working at 7:30am, and I didn't have to leave for work until 1:30pm. That is quite a few hours to waste.
What did I do?
- I went to the Y and ran 2.1 miles. As usual, I found myself disturbed by the amount of careless nudity in the locker room (is it just me? I don't want to see that!)
- I dropped off some shoes at the repair shop. I know it's weird, but I love going there. I always feel like I'm helping out the "little guy."
- I picked up a new camera at Best Buy. I had ordered it online and had to wait in line with all the crazies returning stuff.
- I got Jimmy John's. I hope all of you have a Jimmy John's in your state, because they are the BEST sandwiches (I dream about that bread).
- I got my oil changed. They tried to sell me a new air filter, a transmission tune-up, and 80 other things, but I stood strong.
I finally headed home around noon, hoping they would be finishing up.
Instead, I opened my apartment door to find I had a large gaping hole in my wall. It was COLD.
So I bunkered down in my bedroom with the heat blasting and the TV on (but not audible over the construction noise).
When I left for work at 1:30, they were still there.
But I woke this morning to brand new windows...

I'm SOOOO glad this is over. And if they ever come and ask me to install more things in my apartment, I'm throwing them through those brand new windows.
12.27.2008
I'm Totally Not Slacking
Let me correct: Just because I havn't been writing about it, doesn't mean it hasn't been happening.
Part of my Phase 2 (December) plan was to get in 3 workouts per week. So, other than the week Ryan was here, I have done a fabulous job with this.
I love having my new trainer because I can make a decision to workout, and 3 minutes later, I'll be doing it.
Plus, with 10 1/2 lbs down, I am currently in SECOND place for the Throughth3Wall Weight Loss Challenge. Go me!
So who wants to tell me that I'm slacking, NOW? Eh? EHHH?!
... That's right. Shut your mouths.
Phase 3 (January) is in the developmental process. It will be up and running by New Years day.
12.26.2008
TGIF Photo Friday

(theme courtesy nikemom)
I hope everyone had a GREAT Christmas! I am super sad it's over (and I really hate the thought of having to take down all my decorations).
12.25.2008
So, I Hear it's Christmas
I'm already back at work. I hope everyone is enjoying their day.
12.23.2008
The Upside to Dieting
I've kept track of almost every calorie that has gone into my body since November 2nd. Naturally, this has made me a little bit crazy. After every meal, I run to the nearest computer and log my numbers. By now, I have the nutritional information of all of my favorite foods memorized.
Basically, I've been trying to view my daily calorie intake as a budget. I have 1800 calories at the beginning of the day, and I have to divide it in a way that will last all day.
This has caused a surprising bonus for my eating habits...
I'm enjoying my food SO much more.
Just this evening, I was calculating out the day's total, and I came up with 1670. Don't get me wrong-- there is nothing wrong with coming up short (it's quite good, actually!), but I really wanted something else.
So I thought about it for quite a while and weighed my options. I only had 130 calories, so I had to make it worth it.
I finally decided on half a bottle of coke.
And as I sat there drinking my ice cold deliciousness, I thought to myself, "this is totally worth it." I was extremely happy with my decision.
Because I am so particular about my calories now, I have really learned to enjoy the foods I eat and learn which foods are worth their weight in calories (baked potatoes, beer, goldfish crackers), and which foods aren't (pizza, bread, cheese).
My weight loss is going well... I am 10 lbs down as of today.
_____________________________________
I will be heading to my parents house tomorrow night after work (11pm), just so I can spend Christmas morning with them (and then have to drive back for work by 2pm). I hope everyone has a fantastic holiday!
12.21.2008
My First Christmas
Ryan flew in on Monday and probably gagged when he saw how festive my apartment was.
But that feeling was most likely replaced with joy when he saw all the presents under my tree, and a stocking with his (metaphorical) name on it.

We had 2 days filled with holiday activities.
First, we decorated a gingerbread house while listening to Christmas music.
All that candy...
Whenever I made a mistake, I ate it. (*Foreshadowing*)
Ryan was a very meticulous worker.
The gingerbread construction company even nominated him as union president.
Our house turned out super cute, of course.
It even had a little Ryan and Kelly peeking out the windows...
That night, we watched "Charlie Brown" and exchanged gifts. He got a travel organizer, the Office Season 2, and framed photos from D.C. I got 2 seasons of the Simpsons, Fight Club, and a Weezer CD.
We went to dinner at Applebees. (*foreshadowing*)
On Tuesday, we cooked our holiday feast (I really liked the word "feast" last week).
My mom had bought us a turkey breast as the main dish.
Except, she had accidentally bought one that was cajun-flavored.
Oh well.
We had potatoes that were boiled and mashed...

We had a strawberry cheesecake for dessert...
Our timing was a little off. The turkey was done before we had started the rolls or the corn.

But finally it was time to eat.
And eat we did! (*foreshadowing*)

The next morning, I woke up and had gained 2 pounds. Ouch.
Not that two pounds is a LOT, but I had finally passed my 10-pound mark, and would've liked to stay there.
But you know what? It wasn't my fault. It was CHRISTMAS'S fault. Because Christmas forced delicious mashed potatoes and gravy and cheesecake and candy and wine and rolls down my throat. FORCED, I tell you.
So I start up again tomorrow. I have 5 1/2 pounds left until I reach my goal, so I need to start stepping up my game. I will do some sort of workout tomorrow (I still have 2.7 miles to run for this year, but with THESE temperatures,
I'm lucky if I even get out of bed in the morning.)
12.19.2008
TGIF Photo Friday
So instead, here is a picture from January 1st, 2008 when I was moving out of my apartment in Rhinelander, Wisconsin.
(Theme courtesy NikeMom.)
12.18.2008
12.14.2008
If the Survivor Cast was Made up of Triathletes
So what if every member of the Survivor cast was a triathlete?
Hmm...
-There would be some serious competition in the physical challenges.
-There might be some struggle in the puzzle challenges (unless the puzzle challenges involved changing a bike flat or swapping clothes really fast).
-Before the 39 days was up, four of them would have swam off the continent and found civilization.
-There would be a bucket sitting down by the beach for them to wash their feet off in.
-They would know exactly how many miles there were in between the camp, the water hole, and the tribal council.
-They would spend their afternoons chasing wildlife... not to catch it... just to see if they could run faster than a cheetah.
-There would be a strict fish and rice nutrition schedule with every calorie, gram of fat, and carbohydrate accounted for.
And lastly,
-They would have spent their afternoons etching the day's events into their "blog"... the side of a rock.
I hope everyone had a good weekend. My boyfriend will be in town for the next 4 days, so I might be scare.
12.12.2008
I Totally Forgot
Me...
Finished in 31:23.2
10:07 pace
11/26 in my AG (F 20-24)
315/562 overall
My mom...
Finished in 35:56.4
11:35 pace
6/12 in her AG
413/562 overall
So congratulations to her! (And yay for her hanging out with me today and tomorrow.)
TGIF Photo Friday
I pretty much just went to my pictures and opened the first folder I saw.
This is what I got...

It's me last year up in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. That is Rhinelander's town mascot... the Hodag. The Hodag is a mythical creature that those crazy people are obsessed with (it's even their High School's mascot! (which is not as bad as one of the schools up there that are the "Midgets"!)).
Happy Weekend everyone! (I still have a few days.)
12.11.2008
Spreading Christmas Cheer
All (but two) of the Christmas cards are mailed.
All the Christmas movies are DVRed and waiting.
Tomorrow, my mom will be visiting. She bears tidings of happiness and presents.
On monday, the boyfriend will be visiting. We are having a holiday extravaganza! This includes (but is not limited to): turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn, rolls, presents, Christmas movies, and Christmas music. By the time he returns home, he's going to be SO sick of this holiday.
I love Christmas!!
PS: Ryan is awesome because he graduates on Sunday, and already landed TWO jobs!
PPS: Our entire editing system crashed at work today. How do you put on 3 newscasts without video? I'm trying not to think about it.
12.10.2008
Holiday Party
The Argument:
Holiday parties are on their way out.
The Evidence:
a) At my last job, we were supposed to have a holiday party. We were going to rent out a restaurant and have dinner and an open bar. This was the plan until there was an incident. Let's call the incident "Reporter Drives Drunk and Gets in an Accident." The party was canceled.
b) At my current job, we are having our party next Wednesday. Except it's at 12:30pm, so I'd have to come into work early to make it. Plus, apparently Holiday Party means Slumber Party, because we're having "pizza, pop, and fun!"
The Conclusion:
Maybe it's just my workplace (it's hard to throw a party when someone has to be manning the station 24/7), but it really seems like this might be a fleeting trend. I would love to work at one of those companies where we all dress up, drink cocktails, and hang out with our +1's... or at least exchange hand-knitted oven mits.
12.08.2008
Freezing What?
So, I have no time to write. I have errands that need to be run before I'm trapped in my apartment due to icy roads.
But, in case you're wondering, I ran 1.2 miles this morning. It's not much, but it's been over 3 weeks since I've done any running, so my legs weren't expecting it. Now I only have 2.7 miles until I reach a year-end total of 100.
Oh, and I'm officially 9 pounds down, which means only 6 more to go! So far, I've been surprised at how easy this is. Something must be off. I keep thinking maybe I'm just reading the scale wrong... maybe I'm really 165. Knowing my eating habits, gaining 1 pound sounds more realistic than losing 9.
12.06.2008
Woahhh
I just got 46 hits to my blog in the past HOUR.
Ummm... Anyone care to fill me in?
Christmas is Officially Here
Because I got my first Christmas card! (Don't worry, this is not what yesterday's post was in regards to... keep reading.)
I was so excited to open it and see who it was from!
Oh.
A financial group. Yay.
Well, despite my crappy card (I still set it out on my bookshelf), it is now officially Christmas because I recieved my first Christmas gift!
I know you have all been just dying to find out what it is, and I loved all your guesses.
VOILA!

My new Travel Trac Century Fluid Trainer!!!
Despite the fact that the box was mildly dilapidated, I had high hopes.
Step 1: Open box. Remove parts.
Check.
Step 2: Remove plastic.

Check.
Step 3: Use mini wrench to attach Thing A to Thing D.
... Huh?
Ohhh I get it.

Check.
Step 4: Attach grill-like thing to black panel thing.

Check.
Step 5: Mentally prepare Reagan for what she's about to go through.
Check.
She said she was nervous (but also told me she's thrilled to be in my bedroom (she gets to sleep next to me now)).
Step 6: Attach Reagan's rear wheel to the trainer.

Check!
Step 7: Test ride (don't bother changing out of your jeans or putting on your shoes).
Check.
So, that's my very first Christmas gift of 2008. I picked it out, but it's actually from my parents.
Thank you, parents!
12.05.2008
Early Christmas Gift
What COULD it be????
(wink wink)
Pictures to follow....
(yes, I like being mysterious)
12.04.2008
Quick Update
My boyfriend pointed out this morning that I am officially halfway to my goal (149 by January 25th). And by our calculations, I am on track to weigh LESS than my goal. If I keep this up, I just might make it down to 145!
Ooo! I havn't been that skinny in a few years, so that's very exciting.
I did stairs again today (it's VERY hard to drag myself out in the snow to go to the Y). They are quick, rewarding, and I usually feel like I'm going to die afterwards (backwards every other step are the absolute worst!).
I hope everyone is having a good week. Only 21 days til Christmas!!!
12.02.2008
La La La Days Off
So much free time!
What am I doing with my days off? Spending all my money on Christmas gifts, groceries, and the laundry machines; cursing in the general direction of the construction men outside my window; catching up on all my trashy TV shows; and...
working out!
Yeah, you heard me right. I was so impressed with my results from Sunday that I did stairs again yesterday. I took today off, but only ate 1700 calories.
I'm officially 7 pounds down with only 8 more to go. Look at that line!
Everyone has been talking about year-end totals recently. So I signed onto my training log and my grand total for running is...
::pathetic drumroll::
96.1
Okay, so it's nowhere near the numbers that other people are pulling, but this was my first year, and I didn't even start running until June. Considering all that, I'm pretty happy. Who knew that I could run that much?
And I decided that I will lift my temporary ban on running (this was a secret I-hate-running-on-treadmills ban), and finish off my 3.9 miles to make it an even 100 for 2008.
That will make me and my compulsiveness happy.
