Flawed and Focused

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This little saying here is exactly the way I feel about my workouts at the moment. Well, always I guess. I'm not perfect, I'm definitely not the best, but I do work as hard as I possibly can to get to my goals.

There was a point in my life where I was in really, really good shape. I worked out six days a week. Always. I usually got one week off over Christmas, that was it. I actually had a purpose for those work outs though so I was in the kind of shape that is useable. It wasn't the "I work out at the gym for 2 hours a day and have crazy big biceps but can't play a sport to save my life" kind of shape either. I may not have that same reasoning for getting in shape now, but I'm making it a point to have a purpose for the strength training and conditioning that I do.

Right now my running is so that I can crush a half marathon with a friend in early May. After that I'm hopefully going to do a few other races this Summer but right now my focus is on this half marathon. It will be my first ever. I've actually only ever run one other race in my life so I'm pretty psyched that my second will be one of this length. Anyone who already does these things is pretty cool in my book so it's awesome to think that in two months I'll have joined the ranks of these people. These are my good intentions.

My flaws? Whew. Right now, if you're one of my awesome Twitter followers you'll have noticed that I'm in pain...a lot lately. After running the race I did this past year I lost a toenail. I wasn't in a ton of pain from it but this time is different. I'm about to lose that same nail as well as one on the other foot. And this time it HURTS! Friday I ran 10k (6.25 miles) for a long run and felt like I needed to tip toe around. More like tip heel around? Today I tried an easy 8k (5 miles) and was literally having trouble walking after. Thank the Lord for stretching after runs. I needed to get off my feet. And quick.

But the whole point is that I'm getting there. Right now my furthest is about half the distance I will eventually run. Not bad for two months out. An injury here and there will happen. I'm not going to let it get my way, or let it stop me completely. I'm training to be fit, healthy, and do kick ass in May!

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Be Happy. Workout.

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Why is it that no one ever regrets a workout? It's definitely not only because you feel like you're transforming your body, you're mind is changing too. It's pretty common knowledge that a great sweat session sends endorphins out into your body like five year old kids swarming the puck when they're first learning to play hockey. It's your body's way of saying Hey, this fun! Keep going!

Best advice for a Monday? Get out there. Even for 30 minutes. Do something. Your body and mind will thank you. I spent about two hours in the gym today and was so happy with what I was able to accomplish on a day where I originally thought I'd do a bit of cardio and head back home. I also feel awesome getting back into the gym and lifting. I know, some girls don't like to bulk ... me either. I like to tone. That's why I lift. And run. And do yoga. And eat healthy. I can feel myself getting stronger even after only a few days back at it. But that's what this girl needs. Have to work on my assets before I hit my quarter-life-crisis tomorrow. Eek!

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'Cause Today It Just Goes With The Fashion {Aerosmith}

I find myself in a bit of a conundrum. Have you been seeing the runways for Spring 2012? They are engulfed in pink. All shades of it. From stilettos to pants, handbags to scarves, tanks to tees. Pink has always been one of those few things in life that makes me cringe. It's so girly, and baby-ish -- though I do totally understand it on a baby girl. See the connection? But on grown women it is just sometimes way too much. Too "I'm trying hard to regain my youth", too "Women stay home and do the dishes while men go out into the world and work". It's just not me. Never has been. Maybe never will?

Or maybe I can embrace it a bit and choose my own kind of pink. Say, dusty rose rather than bubble gum. Maybe a thulian pink over magenta.

Basically what I'm trying to say is what I've seen on the runways are not my cup of tea. I highly doubt I will take part in much of the pink trend this Spring. It's just not my thing. Like these pieces, nice, but too much pink! They even love that middle skirt so much they put it up twice. Sheesh.

I must say, the two dresses featured on the right, I'd wear both of those in a heart beat. In gray, blue, black, even an olive green, white, anything other than pink!

If you're the fashionista-type, and you like keeping up with the trends, but are not digging the pink either, here are a few alternatives. These are all things that I would not even think twice about owning. Actually, I'd be happy with my selection.

All of these items can be found on Amazon.com

lululemon.com

Victoria's Secret -- The Original

Now these are some pinks that I can live with. Anything exercise inspired and I'm on it. I've always loved the PINK line from VS too. So many options and it's actually not all pink. That's the way to do it.

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Death by Consumption

We long for it all year and talk about the most memorable ones we've ever had. Our taste buds can't wait for what's about to come. The drinks, the feasts, the desserts. It's one big meal after another and it's one of the highlights of the holidays.

Yesterday marked the beginning of Hanukkah and my best guess is that your Christmas festivities are starting in the next day or two. This means over indulgence and a mess of wide, happy and forced smiles. Oh, the holidays. Isn't it exciting?

This year instead of completely derailing your diet and exercise plans in just one fell swoop, do a little pre-feast planning. You don't have to wait until the New Year to start with those resolutions of watching your portion sizes, sticking to just one bottle glass of vino, and making time for your workouts. Do it now. You'll feel better after the holidays, not worse. I promise.

Now, by no means am I suggesting your forgo your favorite buttery side dish altogether, or skimp out on that pumpkin pie. Heck no. Just watch how much of it you eat, of course. Portion sizes. I mentioned it before. Go for it. Or better yet - my advice - kick your butt into gear beforehand so that you're not second guessing taking that piece of pie.

Before you start the day with family and friends, wake up with a little work out. Get your heart rate going. If you're really into it, hit up the gym anytime. If you have guests and can't sneak away for an hour, try this in the morning:

via Pinterest

I also highly recommend some A.M. yoga! Stretch out your muscles and steady your breathing right from the start. A few Sun Salutations are all it takes to tighten your core, build strength in your arms and legs, and center your balance and breathing.

There you have it. A few early morning calories burned before you do anything else. Ten minutes is all it takes to get you started out on the right foot. Throw in these sequences a few times a day when you get a break and you're laughing.

Prep yourself with good food leading up to your get-togethers too. A few days in advance, more carefully, watch what you're eating. Cut down on carbs because you know there will be a bread basket at your grandma's. Skip dessert one night because of course the pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and cheesecake will be much better on Christmas Eve at your mom's. Even the Latkes at your mother-in-laws will be better than that extra heap of mashed potatoes you scarf down tonight.

Snack well too. It will keep you from over eating now and during the days when you have that big meal at night. Drink lots of water. Let's be honest with each other ... You need to stay hydrated in the tough Winter months anyway. Why not add an extra glass a day in before you take your first helping of the Who Roast Beast?

Why feel like a big, fat mess after this weekend, only to feel like a bigger crap, mess after you drink one too many on New Year's Eve?! Why should we always start the new year out on a good foot when you could go into the new year being amazing already? Enjoy your holidays because you've worked for it, earned it, and totally deserve it.

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You Are Committed to What You Confess {Edwin Louis Cole}

1. Today I got my Christmas present. Matt says I'm not allowed to open it until it's actually Christmas though and that makes me really mad! I know what it is, I need it now, and I just plain want it!

It may or may not look exactly like this.

2. I already gave Matt is Christmas present for fear of him not liking it and needing to send it back home with my mom to return. However, he loves it {like I knew he would} and we're getting it sized tomorrow! I'm wayyy more excited for his gift than mine. I love that he likes it so much and that I did a good job going out on a limb and getting him something without talking to him about it first.

His new watch!

3. I have been looking up "self-help" books for my Kindle. I don't think something is wrong with me, or my relationship, I just find them interesting. There's always a lesson in there somewhere. For everyone. But looking through these books I found something that I can't wait to read. Has anyone read it yet? What did you think?

4. How freaking true is this statement?

   So, since my mom came to visit I haven't worked out in a week. Tonight I decided to jump a little rope just to get my heart rate going and feel a bit better about my lack of dedication lately. I have made a new #1.

5. Pinterest is disappointing me with "re-runs". Let's start pinning new things instead of always re-pinning!

6. Run With Me and The Healthy Change are two of my new favorite blogs. The Healthy Change is just a lot of inspiration while Run With Me is more about the blogger's life. I find her to be gorgeous, probably lots of fun, and a bit of a running inspiration. Check 'em out!

7. I didn't clean my house while my mom was here. I swept one time. I'm living in filth and it disgusts me. I seriously have a problem with semi-dirty homes.

8.

I did enjoy my visit to Florence with my mom. I just wish she didn't want to eat at the same restaurant twice. Although it was good, I wanted to try more things! To be totally honest, I still think Rome is the coolest place we've been yet.

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Great Weekends Make for a Fabulous Monday

I did it. I did not go on Pinterest one time this weekend - after I wrote that post, that is. I'm not saying I didn't talk about it, a lot, but I refrained from pinning and it felt good. Or at least I felt like a normal person again.

Saturday Matty had another home game and it didn't go as well as we had planned. They lost in overtime taking their record to a horrendous 3-3-2-1. For those of you who don't know that's 3 wins, 3 losses, 2 over-time losses, and 1 shoot-out loss. Don't you worry, I had to ask Matt to explain it to me before I even wrote that. That's not the way we saw this year going. Not. At. All.

Despite the loss we spent some time with great friends, burnt hot dogs, beer and wine, baby kicking, and the girls going to bed "early" until the boys decided it was time to part ways. Early the next morning. It happens.

Yesterday we had a delicious breakfast straight from the "Marriotte" buffet line that consisted of omelettes, sausage and potatoes. Also a little Jersey Shore Reunion watching. If this was Twitter ... #yummm!

We walked around town, did a little window shopping, grabbed some pizza and tiramisu, and I finished off the weekend reading 10% of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. I say 10% because my Kindle only goes by percentage, not pages. Which means that I never know how much further until I finish a chapter. This makes it very difficult to say Just give me 2 minutes and I'll watch that show with you, honey.

But this is where I come to my next problem. Kindle. I love it. It's probably the best investment (aside from my computer) that I've made on this European vacation we're on. Lugging multiple books over here each year takes up weight in my checked luggage, space in my carry-on, and then I finish them in one month and have nothing else the rest of the year.

Kindle = Life Saver. That doesn't sound like a problem? Here's the problem:

The new, bottom of the line, Kindle for only $79, Kindle Touch for a measly $99, and Kindle Fire (which could {sort of} rival the iPad) for only $199. Are you kidding me? I contemplated my Kindle purchase for a year. Then three months later this? UGH!

Thanks for ruining my life Amazon. Thanks. -- Too much? Okay.

At least today I got to experience my friend Mindi's favorite bakery here in Asiago. I got a donut filled with cream. It was so good that I had to go for a four and a half mile run afterward. Still in the bag? One of those sugar donuts that I believe also has something oozing in the middle. Tomorrow I'll conquer that pastry. Then run again.

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Let's Get It Started

Today marks the first regular season game for Asiago! Let's go ... SUPERMERCATI!! Actually I don't have a clue what our team mascot or name is. I know that we're HC Asiago and we're yellow. Well, sometimes we're yellow. I'm not sure what other color we are yet. But I'll find out soon! I won't be in the dark for much longer. I apologize.

Based on this logo I bet we're the lions. HC Asiago Lions. Rawr.
Oh, and we're red. But I found this logo after I wrote that first paragraph.

I've been here for just under a week now and I'm finally starting to get my bearings. I'm finding my way around town without a guide, our internet is (obviously) working, Lucy has gone right back to her playful self (yes, Cincinnati was way too hot for her this summer), and after kicking most of this cold I woke up decently early and went for my first run in a week.

Last year I got sick and did everything I could to push through the pain and still workout. I found this to be a very bad idea. For me. Or at least for that specific sickness. If you're not quite sick yet, a good sweat could get all of that bad bacteria out of you, if you're already sick you will probably just wear yourself down even more. That's what I did. So from that point I have tried to let my body, and immune system, rest while I'm sick and not push myself too hard. Today was the perfect day to get back into it.

I went for about 25 minutes. I'm not sure how far but I kept it at a decent pace and just wound my way through the streets of town. I figured if I got lost it would just add a bit of distance. I found the closest recycling bins to our place, I now know at least three different ways to get to our street and a quicker way to get to our friends' apartment. I can find all four Euro Stores on my own now (it's their dollar store!) and can get to the arena all by myself. I feel accomplished.

Add some abs and lunges into the end of that little run and I'm definitely doing something good on this Saturday morning. I even got a relaxing bath afterward. Considering that's all you're able to take in this place.

Yep. This is our tub and slanted ceiling!

It's pre-game though right now and Matty is settling in. Most hockey players have their rituals. Some are ridiculous about the order in which things must be done on game day: what exactly they eat, whether they nap at 1 p.m. or 2 p.m., and if that nap lasts only 32 minutes or one hour and 30 minutes.

I'm lucky. Matty isn't quite like that. Of course he likes pasta and meat to get his carbs and protein in for the day. You can't work as hard, and sweat as much, as they do without prepping your body with the right food. But it can be whatever he feels like, or what we happen to have in the house. Yes, he does like to nap, but I'm totally allowed to nap with him (which I've come to find is a rare occasion). He even lets Lucy join. He doesn't mind. His day isn't down to the minute with rituals. It's just supposed to be relaxing so he's not tired when game time rolls around.

I feel bad for the women who have to deal with an overzealous pre-game player. I applaud you on your patience. It's something that, I'm sure, you've dealt with forever and think of as just another day. Maybe it's good I came around the hockey world when I did. If Matt made me creep around the house all day so as not to disturb him, or leave the house entirely, I would have told him to beat it! But maybe that's what he gets for being with an American.

Yep. I'll pull that card.

I don't think Carrie got to nap with Mike on this day.

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It's an Affair

Although I intended to spend a relaxing three weeks at home - visiting friends, hanging out with family, prettying myself (and my wardrobe) for the upcoming season in Italy - it turns out plans never go quite as expected. Who knew? I didn't know.

Tomorrow I run my first 14k. I trained for a long time for this. When this week rolled around I was in my third week of boot camp, my third week of being home, and my third week of legitimate running around to the point that I think I could implode at any moment. I am exhausted. I haven't run in three days. I sleep for a solid 10 hours a night and still feel tired during the day. I am ready for this all to slow down, hop on the next plane, and cuddle up on the couch next to my new husband.

Maybe Lucy will join us. Sometimes my kitty loves to cuddle!

This weekend, beginning tonight, entails exactly what I stayed back for. One of my high school best friend's wedding. I've spent a bit of time with her over the last few days discussing the wedding plans and this is what I'm envisioning ...

Of course that's not the dress. How dare I spoil the fun? This could be way off as well, but I guess it's sort of what I could see her doing. Either way, it's going to be fun. There will be great people, good music, fabulous friends, and I actually get to enjoy the dinner! Bonus.

However, this all comes after the dreaded run I have to do in the morning. Wish me luck, everyone! I'm going to need it.

Let's hope after all the festivities I make it to the airport on time!

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