So as of tomorrow, I will not accept any invitations for a burger date;). My friend and trainer, Tara, asked me and several others to join her in an experiment to go Vegetarian for a month. So since I have agreed to do many insane things lately, I thought why not.
Since I am the grocery shopper and meal planner of our household, I answered for my whole family too. The Entire Verdicchio family with be zvegetwrian for one month effective tomorrow. Everyone was okay with it to an extent. Anthony, our self proclaimed carnivore, is a little reluctant. I bought him veggie bacon and veggie sausage, but he is still withholding judgment. Sophia (2) and Gabi (6 on Thursday) really have no idea what that means. They aren't the craziest about having meat with meals either though, so I don't think they will give too much trouble. I tell Bella that I think she was born a Vegetarian. She has always loved veggies and fruits.
We have decided to be Vegetarians, not Vegans(which is nothing but veggies; we can eat cheese and eggs) and not Pescetarian(which eat fish and the like). We thought we should try it without the fish first and we could always add it back in. We have also given the kids the option that if there is something they really want we won't make them suffer. However, Anthony could live off Bean Burritos or Pizza, and the girls could live off cupcakes ;).
I am looking forward to learning a lot of different recipes, as well as, the way to incorporate different proteins into my diet. I grew up with the mindset that you should have meat as your protein, a veggie and a starch. It is challenging to think outside of that. We have found some great recipes. If you have an awesome Vegetarian one that you don't mind sharing we'd love to have it. We are certainly learning a lot. We planted our garden again in hopes that we will get some veggies to eat. We also purchased a Mushroom Kit to grow mushrooms.
Tomorrow's menu is:
Oatmeal for pre-breakast(really pre-workout at 515am),
Peach and Greek Yogurt parfait for Breakfast
Fresh Strawberry, Peanut Butter Pita Pocket with Sunflower Seeds for Lunch
Baked Pasta with Spinach, Lemon, and Cheese for Dinner
Sounds good to me. So tomorrow we wake up Vegetarians!!!!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
What Was I Thinking?
So this one definitely falls within the category "What was I thinking?". We were coerced(not really) about two months ago to do a Triathalon. To be more specific it will be our FIRST one. I think we knew from the get go that it was certainly going to be a challenge.
Both Joe and I, were not swimmers. We knew how to get to the edge of the pool and could rescue our kids if need be, but swimming a consecutive 750 meters in open waters is another story. Oh I didn't mention the open waters part did I...at least it will be in a lake. The swimming has been challenging but we are getting better every day. We have done laps equalling over 1300 meters, but that is with a few breaks. I just keep reminding myself that when I began running I could barely run for a quarter of a mile. Everyone has to start somewhere, right?
As for the biking, the clips have been the hardest part for me. Being strapped to a bike can be a little scarey. Even more so is riding next to cars on busy roads. I certainly have a new appreciation for people biking on the roads. I used to view them as a little bit of an annoyance(sorry to all the people that have been biking for years). They honestly aggravated me when I got stuck behind them; kind of like a tractor. Anyway, if you see me please don't get frustrated and certainly don't run me over ;). I am not worried about the 14 miles in the Tri though. They are supposedly on a flat course and the only traffic will be other speedy bikers. Besides I will probably be grinning from ear to ear after I complete the swim.
The running part is the easiest of the three for me. It has really been the focus of most of my exercising for the last two years and the biggest help for me on my quest to be a size 0. Wishful thinking after 4 kids. I will say it is certainly different running after riding on a bike for even just 10 miles.
Today we did our first brick. We rode 10 miles, then changed our shoes and ran for 3 miles. After which we treated ourselves to a coffee and walked the mile home chatting. It wasn't too bad. The coffee was great.
So we have over two months more to train. The main thing we both have to practice is our swimming. Its not that I cant doggie paddle, but I am certainly a perfectionist when it comes to myself. I also want to complete the tri. I dont want to drown. Its just so hard to fit it all in though. I have no idea how people train for Ironman races. It's just insane.
c
We are also not doing this to get any particular time. We are just planning on completing it. Period. So we are stepping out of our comfort zone and trying a tri. Funny huh? So try to step out of your comfort zone a little. Maybe even do a fundraiser race. The are so many 5k's out there and they are for such great causes. You don't have to run them either.
So what was I thinking? I was thinking you only live once. And who knows how long I will be able physically and mentally to do all this. Oh and we haven't forgotten about NYC. The biking and swimming are only helping my running. Thank goodness.
Both Joe and I, were not swimmers. We knew how to get to the edge of the pool and could rescue our kids if need be, but swimming a consecutive 750 meters in open waters is another story. Oh I didn't mention the open waters part did I...at least it will be in a lake. The swimming has been challenging but we are getting better every day. We have done laps equalling over 1300 meters, but that is with a few breaks. I just keep reminding myself that when I began running I could barely run for a quarter of a mile. Everyone has to start somewhere, right?
As for the biking, the clips have been the hardest part for me. Being strapped to a bike can be a little scarey. Even more so is riding next to cars on busy roads. I certainly have a new appreciation for people biking on the roads. I used to view them as a little bit of an annoyance(sorry to all the people that have been biking for years). They honestly aggravated me when I got stuck behind them; kind of like a tractor. Anyway, if you see me please don't get frustrated and certainly don't run me over ;). I am not worried about the 14 miles in the Tri though. They are supposedly on a flat course and the only traffic will be other speedy bikers. Besides I will probably be grinning from ear to ear after I complete the swim.
The running part is the easiest of the three for me. It has really been the focus of most of my exercising for the last two years and the biggest help for me on my quest to be a size 0. Wishful thinking after 4 kids. I will say it is certainly different running after riding on a bike for even just 10 miles.
Today we did our first brick. We rode 10 miles, then changed our shoes and ran for 3 miles. After which we treated ourselves to a coffee and walked the mile home chatting. It wasn't too bad. The coffee was great.
So we have over two months more to train. The main thing we both have to practice is our swimming. Its not that I cant doggie paddle, but I am certainly a perfectionist when it comes to myself. I also want to complete the tri. I dont want to drown. Its just so hard to fit it all in though. I have no idea how people train for Ironman races. It's just insane.
c
We are also not doing this to get any particular time. We are just planning on completing it. Period. So we are stepping out of our comfort zone and trying a tri. Funny huh? So try to step out of your comfort zone a little. Maybe even do a fundraiser race. The are so many 5k's out there and they are for such great causes. You don't have to run them either.
So what was I thinking? I was thinking you only live once. And who knows how long I will be able physically and mentally to do all this. Oh and we haven't forgotten about NYC. The biking and swimming are only helping my running. Thank goodness.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Running the Myrtle Beach Half-Marathon
First, I want to say thank you to all who have already contributed to TFK in our name through donations or through our cupcake sale. We are truly grateful. The final final tally for the cupcake sale was $475!!! Not bad huh?
This weekend was the MB Half-Marathon. It was so much fun. I spent a lot of the time laughing, which was exactly what I was hoping for. I wanted to have fun. I certainly did. I ate a lot too though. I kept rationalizing it with the fact that I burned 1365 calories on my run.
We left early Friday afternoon after Tara taught Core class that I attended. I need all the abs help I can get. We arrived about dinner time and went for pizza/carbs at The Mellow Mushroom down in MB. Then off to bed after prepping our stuff for the early wake up for the race. We set our alarms for 415am to leave about 540am for the 630 am start. It was still dark when the race started which was cool. The temperature to start was @52 degrees. Not only was the company fun, but the weather was perfect. It was a little windy at times but not hot or cold.
I am very proud of my time. I think I will always want better. However, there are things that happen during races at are out of your control. Some races have pace groups. This one only had it for the full Marthoners, so we spent a lot of the first part weaving in and out. It was interesting in the end because all the weaving made the race end up being 13.2 on the Garmin for me. It amazing too how there are highs and lows in a race that long. You'll start cruising along then come upon a water stop or someone will cramp up and stop in front of you. It's not like you just run straight and flat for the whole race. That would be nice though.
I did meet some interesting people too. There was one lady that was making me insane too. She sang the same song while listening to her iPod for 3 miles(that's about 27 minutes straight). I was joking with some ladies that I was wondering if there would be a band. I was so close to changing her ipod or tossing it in the ocean when I finally lost her. It did make me run faster though;). There were some torturous things too. Like passing Krispy Kreme while they had their "Hot" light on. And another was passing Ihop @7am when they were cooking bacon. It smelled so yummy.
I will tell you if you have never gone to watch a Half-Marathon or Marathon you should try to do so. There we're so many different types of people. One of the cutesy things I saw was a husband running along the spectator part with his wife(both were about 75 years old) carrying flowers for here. They both had the most amazing smiles on their face. Another cute thing was an 8 year old boy finishing the race with his mom! Watching the girls we went with was amazing too. They have such drive. I am not sure where they get it from but it's amazing. There times in a full marathon out mine to shame. Maybe someday I'll get a little close to their abilities, but for now I just live awestruck. I am a little scared watching them complete 26.2 miles and thinking there is about 258 days before I will be attempting that.
For myself, I beat my goal. I know a few of you out there are waiting for me to tell you the time, but that only really matters to me. I had a goal of a few minutes better than my last half and I beat that by over 2 more minutes. I know in some ways that may not seem like much but to put it in perspective, on average I cut over 25 second off per mile. I am super happy with that. My hard work paid off. I am proud of myself.
If you didn't see, I found a temporary mantra during the half of "Courage to start. Balls to finish.". Its not bad. Not quite right, but it did give me a little push on Saturday. Thanks for all of you that sent the "speedy vibes". They certainly helped. Hope you had a great weekend!
This weekend was the MB Half-Marathon. It was so much fun. I spent a lot of the time laughing, which was exactly what I was hoping for. I wanted to have fun. I certainly did. I ate a lot too though. I kept rationalizing it with the fact that I burned 1365 calories on my run.
We left early Friday afternoon after Tara taught Core class that I attended. I need all the abs help I can get. We arrived about dinner time and went for pizza/carbs at The Mellow Mushroom down in MB. Then off to bed after prepping our stuff for the early wake up for the race. We set our alarms for 415am to leave about 540am for the 630 am start. It was still dark when the race started which was cool. The temperature to start was @52 degrees. Not only was the company fun, but the weather was perfect. It was a little windy at times but not hot or cold.
I am very proud of my time. I think I will always want better. However, there are things that happen during races at are out of your control. Some races have pace groups. This one only had it for the full Marthoners, so we spent a lot of the first part weaving in and out. It was interesting in the end because all the weaving made the race end up being 13.2 on the Garmin for me. It amazing too how there are highs and lows in a race that long. You'll start cruising along then come upon a water stop or someone will cramp up and stop in front of you. It's not like you just run straight and flat for the whole race. That would be nice though.
I did meet some interesting people too. There was one lady that was making me insane too. She sang the same song while listening to her iPod for 3 miles(that's about 27 minutes straight). I was joking with some ladies that I was wondering if there would be a band. I was so close to changing her ipod or tossing it in the ocean when I finally lost her. It did make me run faster though;). There were some torturous things too. Like passing Krispy Kreme while they had their "Hot" light on. And another was passing Ihop @7am when they were cooking bacon. It smelled so yummy.
I will tell you if you have never gone to watch a Half-Marathon or Marathon you should try to do so. There we're so many different types of people. One of the cutesy things I saw was a husband running along the spectator part with his wife(both were about 75 years old) carrying flowers for here. They both had the most amazing smiles on their face. Another cute thing was an 8 year old boy finishing the race with his mom! Watching the girls we went with was amazing too. They have such drive. I am not sure where they get it from but it's amazing. There times in a full marathon out mine to shame. Maybe someday I'll get a little close to their abilities, but for now I just live awestruck. I am a little scared watching them complete 26.2 miles and thinking there is about 258 days before I will be attempting that.
For myself, I beat my goal. I know a few of you out there are waiting for me to tell you the time, but that only really matters to me. I had a goal of a few minutes better than my last half and I beat that by over 2 more minutes. I know in some ways that may not seem like much but to put it in perspective, on average I cut over 25 second off per mile. I am super happy with that. My hard work paid off. I am proud of myself.
If you didn't see, I found a temporary mantra during the half of "Courage to start. Balls to finish.". Its not bad. Not quite right, but it did give me a little push on Saturday. Thanks for all of you that sent the "speedy vibes". They certainly helped. Hope you had a great weekend!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
I Love the Biggest Loser
I truly enjoy watching the Biggest Loser show. I find it so inspiring. The people on the show have to overcome so many obstacles. And they are not all physical either. Through my running I have discovered many things about myself. One major thing is that I can actually run. I was the dancer, growing up. I was certainly not the runner/athlete. I am becoming one though.
In watching the BL show, I see people like myself. They are taking the steps to become active. They are learning all about running, working out and nutrition as I am. I am learning when the right times to eat are. What things I can eat that make me feel more energetic during my runs. I have also become more aware of what I need to try to avoid.
I started on my journey seriously, after I had my fourth child. I had gained a decent amount of weight and was just surviving. At the time of our fourth childs birth and my second c-section nonetheless, Joe was a District Manager for The Home Depot in Richmond, Virginia. He worked Monday-Friday in Virginia. I found the easiest thing to feed the kids and myself for dinner. Usually no though was put into the healthyside of it. I had a new baby, a preschooler, an elementary schooler and a middle schooler. There was little to no time for myself, but I had to change that for all of us.
The exercise and running has made me a better person. I am so much more compassionate. It is a struggle and will always be. However, I truly believe that if I can do all that i am doing anyone can. I know there are some self-centered people that live by that in relation to me. However, I feel that we all have it in us. Don't get me wrong there are hard days. I strive to be a better athlete. I know this is a lifelong decision process. Rome wasn't built in one day ;).
There are so many people that inspire me like the BL people. There are Marathoners like the ones I am running with this weekend. The halfers I'm running with this weekend that are willing to run through snow. There are Ironmen like my friends husband. My husband who stuck with me during my last two halfs even though he runs a lot faster than me(Even though he was yelling at me for stopping and taking pictures.). They all have such drive. I feed off all that. I look at it kind of like what our moms used to say when we didn't want to eat our vegetables..."There are starving people in Africa that would kill for that brussel sprout." I have the physical and mental ability to run right now. I have no obstacles. As long as I do this properly, I too can run. I can run the New York City Marathon, but first I'm off to the Myrtle Beach Half-Marathon this weekend. Have a great weekend. Send me happy running vibes!
In watching the BL show, I see people like myself. They are taking the steps to become active. They are learning all about running, working out and nutrition as I am. I am learning when the right times to eat are. What things I can eat that make me feel more energetic during my runs. I have also become more aware of what I need to try to avoid.
I started on my journey seriously, after I had my fourth child. I had gained a decent amount of weight and was just surviving. At the time of our fourth childs birth and my second c-section nonetheless, Joe was a District Manager for The Home Depot in Richmond, Virginia. He worked Monday-Friday in Virginia. I found the easiest thing to feed the kids and myself for dinner. Usually no though was put into the healthyside of it. I had a new baby, a preschooler, an elementary schooler and a middle schooler. There was little to no time for myself, but I had to change that for all of us.
The exercise and running has made me a better person. I am so much more compassionate. It is a struggle and will always be. However, I truly believe that if I can do all that i am doing anyone can. I know there are some self-centered people that live by that in relation to me. However, I feel that we all have it in us. Don't get me wrong there are hard days. I strive to be a better athlete. I know this is a lifelong decision process. Rome wasn't built in one day ;).
There are so many people that inspire me like the BL people. There are Marathoners like the ones I am running with this weekend. The halfers I'm running with this weekend that are willing to run through snow. There are Ironmen like my friends husband. My husband who stuck with me during my last two halfs even though he runs a lot faster than me(Even though he was yelling at me for stopping and taking pictures.). They all have such drive. I feed off all that. I look at it kind of like what our moms used to say when we didn't want to eat our vegetables..."There are starving people in Africa that would kill for that brussel sprout." I have the physical and mental ability to run right now. I have no obstacles. As long as I do this properly, I too can run. I can run the New York City Marathon, but first I'm off to the Myrtle Beach Half-Marathon this weekend. Have a great weekend. Send me happy running vibes!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Thank you for supporting the Cupcake Sale
So I've decided not to go into the cupcake business. I love to bake, but baking 162 cupcakes with four children and Joe...was an insane idea. I am happy to report that so many wonderful people bought our cupcakes and supported us! We made a total donation amount of $400 which was our goal!!!! So many of you donated more than the recommended price for the cupcakes! That was such a nice surprise! Thank you all for your continued support.
Our donations have now reached $1260! How awesome is that!!!! We are about 1/4 of the way to our goal!! Thank you!
So by now you've seen my hair. I have now washed and styled it myself twice. I think I'm doing it okay. I do really like it though. I actually put a lot of shampoo in my hand today forgetting that I only need like a dime sized amount now. I am saving money :). I am so grateful for all the compliments too. It's such a huge change that its nice to hear. Some peoople that didn't know I was doing it have stopped in shock. It's kind of funny.
As for working out, this week is taper week. I am not a big fan of taper week. I feel more tired and frustrated because I am not doing anything. If your not familiar with what taper week is, it's the week before a big race where you give your legs a rest so that you can run on fresh legs. You kind of end up feeling like a caged cheetah by the end of the week though. At least I do. I am going to try to catch up on my house though. We are also having amazing weather, 70 degrees here today, so I spent some time outside with Sophia. She is like the rest of us Verdichhio's and loves to be outside. I am so ready for some Vitamin D. Its amazing how some Vitamin D can give you energy.
Tomorrow I have work, my kids classes. Yes, I have a kids Fitness and Crafts business too. So this week will be a busy one.
Thanks again for showing the love to us with donations! I hope you are being shown the love on Valentine's Day! Happy Valentine's Day!!!!
Our donations have now reached $1260! How awesome is that!!!! We are about 1/4 of the way to our goal!! Thank you!
So by now you've seen my hair. I have now washed and styled it myself twice. I think I'm doing it okay. I do really like it though. I actually put a lot of shampoo in my hand today forgetting that I only need like a dime sized amount now. I am saving money :). I am so grateful for all the compliments too. It's such a huge change that its nice to hear. Some peoople that didn't know I was doing it have stopped in shock. It's kind of funny.
As for working out, this week is taper week. I am not a big fan of taper week. I feel more tired and frustrated because I am not doing anything. If your not familiar with what taper week is, it's the week before a big race where you give your legs a rest so that you can run on fresh legs. You kind of end up feeling like a caged cheetah by the end of the week though. At least I do. I am going to try to catch up on my house though. We are also having amazing weather, 70 degrees here today, so I spent some time outside with Sophia. She is like the rest of us Verdichhio's and loves to be outside. I am so ready for some Vitamin D. Its amazing how some Vitamin D can give you energy.
Tomorrow I have work, my kids classes. Yes, I have a kids Fitness and Crafts business too. So this week will be a busy one.
Thanks again for showing the love to us with donations! I hope you are being shown the love on Valentine's Day! Happy Valentine's Day!!!!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
The Hair is ALL Gone!
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| The New DO! |
I had a nice easy run today...ended at 7.5 miles. Great conversation with great friends on the run. And as one of my friends put it the last run with "Rapunzel" and for me the last post-run knot removal with conditioner for a while. I have to admit I was super nervous. The last time I did "Locks of Love" was almost three years ago. I did not like the cut or the way I looked. I was actually shaking when he was cutting the big ponytail part. I wasn't going to back out, but was certainly anxious. I went in with pretty basic ideas, except for the picture of Heidi Klum in short hair. I told him I wanted her body and face too...didn't happen :). I gave pretty basic requests: Four kids, no time, easy maintenance, be able to pull away from face and not old grumpy looking.
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| Over 12 Inches to donate |
I love it!!! Jay was recommended by my friend Tara. He was awesome! I am so pleased with the end result.
The fund raiser part kind of tanked though. I thought it would draw more interest and possibly a super-large donation, but that's okay. I am very happy I did it. I think I am 12 pounds lighter too...maybe that will may me have super speedy next Saturday in the Myrtle Beach Half-Marathon. Either way who cares my husband thinks I'm hot!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Exercising While Away From Home
Sorry I haven't written much this past week. We started the week delivering flyers and geering up for the cupcake sale. If you didn't get a flyer(and live locally) you can print one, I can drop one off or you can just email us your order too. For all the details, visit the "Fundraising" page.
This past week we had a lst minute opportunity to join Joe on a business trip to Florida. We went very willingly. Anything to get to warmer weather. Joe was very busy the first three days so the kids, Grammie and myself enjoyed some time together. Having a workout plan and somewhat of a compulsiveness to working out now, it was a rather difficult week. I normally workout everyday except Sunday. This week being away from my normal gym and schedule, I was only able to squeeze in three. That was kind of torture. I was just too tired to do more. Don't get me wrong we swam, walked and were busy. However, it is so different than the gym. I did get in my long run too of 10 miles. Joe and I ran together in the Downtown Disney area.
You would think since Disney has several Half-marathons and a Full that they would have great areas to run a 10 miler. That would be wrong. We had no problem finding 2-2.5 mile loops but over that didn't exist. There aren't many sidewalks to link their many hotels so you can't keep going, so we did 4 loops around Downtown Disney, Pleasure Island and Saratoga Springs. It was cool because it was so empty. I've never seen a Disney area that empty. We then added the extra through the golf course to Old Key West.
It was an interesting run. It was hard running the paths with so many turns. I also had a little bit of muscle fatigue because I had done my interval run just the day before. Not the best planning. So this week should be interesting. I have less than two weeks until the Myrtle Beach Half-marathon. I need to do alot to make up for lazy week and slacking off. I am honestly more exhausted than when I left. Traveling with four kids in not a vacation. I think anyting that takes us out of our normal routine makes it harder to workout. I will say that running is one of the easier things to do on vacation as far as accessibility, however any exercise is difficult when away from your norml element.
I hope you find time in your "normal" element to take time for yourself. Whether that be exercise or something else, take some time for you!
And dont forget to order your cupcakes! Our goal is 40 half dozens...that will be $400 more for TFK!
This past week we had a lst minute opportunity to join Joe on a business trip to Florida. We went very willingly. Anything to get to warmer weather. Joe was very busy the first three days so the kids, Grammie and myself enjoyed some time together. Having a workout plan and somewhat of a compulsiveness to working out now, it was a rather difficult week. I normally workout everyday except Sunday. This week being away from my normal gym and schedule, I was only able to squeeze in three. That was kind of torture. I was just too tired to do more. Don't get me wrong we swam, walked and were busy. However, it is so different than the gym. I did get in my long run too of 10 miles. Joe and I ran together in the Downtown Disney area.
You would think since Disney has several Half-marathons and a Full that they would have great areas to run a 10 miler. That would be wrong. We had no problem finding 2-2.5 mile loops but over that didn't exist. There aren't many sidewalks to link their many hotels so you can't keep going, so we did 4 loops around Downtown Disney, Pleasure Island and Saratoga Springs. It was cool because it was so empty. I've never seen a Disney area that empty. We then added the extra through the golf course to Old Key West.
It was an interesting run. It was hard running the paths with so many turns. I also had a little bit of muscle fatigue because I had done my interval run just the day before. Not the best planning. So this week should be interesting. I have less than two weeks until the Myrtle Beach Half-marathon. I need to do alot to make up for lazy week and slacking off. I am honestly more exhausted than when I left. Traveling with four kids in not a vacation. I think anyting that takes us out of our normal routine makes it harder to workout. I will say that running is one of the easier things to do on vacation as far as accessibility, however any exercise is difficult when away from your norml element.
I hope you find time in your "normal" element to take time for yourself. Whether that be exercise or something else, take some time for you!
And dont forget to order your cupcakes! Our goal is 40 half dozens...that will be $400 more for TFK!
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