11 in 2011: Favorite Healthy Snacks

1. One of my favorite healthy snacks is hummus. You can eat hummus with pretty much anything, my favorite snack is to eat it with carrots (but you can eat it with any vegetables or even those delicious pita chips!)

2. A very simple snack, but cheese and crackers is always a good, healthy snack. It would be best if the crackers were multigrain. I prefer sharp cheddar cheese!

4. Tostito's Multigrain chips and salsa! YUM!

4. Very classic, very simple- apples! I love to bite into a good apple, but this snack has only recently become a favorite of mine.

I am really looking forward to reading other people's responses to this post because I am always looking for something healthy to snack on!

11 in 2011: Favorite Work-Out Tips

I just recently tried to make exercise a regular part of my life. I tried a few times throughout my time in college to go to the gym, but I really started to "get into it" in August with the Couch to 5k program. I didn't actually COMPLETE the Couch to 5k program due to illness, school, and other unforseen circumstances, but I really did enjoy doing what I DID do of the program!

At the beginning of December, my family joined SNAP Fitness and I LOVE my gym membership! I love the flexibility of a membership at Snap and how I can go where I want, when I want!

Without further ado, here are my favorite work out tips:

* Keep it hydrated!!!!- I have found that keeping myself hydrated is the key to a good workout. If I dont have the proper amount of hydration, I find it really hard to get through the workout and keep myself motivated.

* Keep it fun (fun playlists all the way!)- I am always searching for fun songs and playlists to work out to. If I have the right music, I will definitely last longer!

* Keep it social- since my whole family joined Snap, we like to get together to work out. Whether it is the accountability or a little bit of a sense of competition, keeping it social really helps!

* Have a goal!- One of the reasons I really enjoyed the Couch to 5k program was because it had an attainable end goal. I do plan to re-start the Couch to 5k program on the treadmill at the gym to prep for warmer weather and being able to run outside again!

Couch to 5k: Week 7, Day 3

Today's run was really hard and I can't say that I was exactly successful in completing today's schedule. There were a few times where I had to stop my timer on the app that I use to help me through my runs so that I could walk or stretch for a few seconds. I am not sure what the deal was today but I just wasnt into it, even though I needed to go out today. I have six more runs before I am a Couch to 5k graduate, SIX more! There are only 9 days till race day but I think in preparation for the race I will complete all six before, or at least five before and make the 6th one the run from the day of the program? I dont know, I guess we'll see!

I have figured out that I really need to focus on hydrating my body more. I have never been a big hydrater (even though I really know that I should be), but now that I am physically active several times a week I definitely should be making more of a conscientious effort to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! I think that is one of my main problems and why my legs are cramping up so much during my runs, and the cramping in my runs is causing the lead ball effect in my feet.... so basically I fix the hydration problem and I fix most of my issues with running!

Couch to 5k: Week 7, Day 2

I was very grateful for the cooler weather today when I took my run. It was nice to go out and to not be completely miserable because of the heat. I can see improvements in my speed lately so that is always a good thing as race day is creeping closer. Only 12 more days till the big day, and pretty soon I will be a C25k graduate! I am really looking into doing the Bridge to 10k program but I cant decide if I want to start that right away or if I want to wait awhile and just run 5k lengths for a few weeks before beginning another training program. The only thing I am afraid of if I dont do another training program is getting out of this new habit of mine. As evidenced in how long it has taken me to finish this program, even with the accountability of the program it is sometimes hard to stick with it. I guess we will just cross that bridge when we come to it!

Couch to 5k: Week 7, Day 1

I finally got out to run today after almost a week of being not able to due to the rain. It felt awesome to get out and run and actually accomplish something. Today I did another 25 minute run and it went really well. My feet only felt like lead balls for the last 7 minutes or so (as opposed to the 9ish from the last run). Meredith and I covered about 2.5 miles total today. I am hoping that these longer runs will help me to build up some speed now that I have worked up the endurance part of it. I am thinking that I need to join a local gym so that I can still exercise when it rains because I dont want to have to go that long without running again!

This weekend I will be busy babysitting, working on homework, lesson planning, and hopefully I will get the chance to hang out with some friends and go to the Seafood Festival!

Couch to 5k: Week 6, Day 3

I ran for 25 minutes straight today! When my run first started this morning, I thought that it would be impossible. Today was the first day that I kept incessantly checking the time on the C25k app, seeing how much time I would have left of this torture. For the first 15 minutes or so my calves hurt... a lot! Then just about the time that my calves worked through the pain, my feet turned into lead balls. I felt like I was running on stumps and that I had no more feet left. It was a very weird sensation, but I pushed through. I am not sure what happened, but when I only had about two minutes left in my run, I just cut loose. I ran- hard! Even with the heat, my extremely dry mouth, and my feet feeling all kinds of crazy, I just pushed myself.

I felt like a real bonafide runner today, it was amazing. My uncle was talking about how a 5k would seem like a warm up to me later and I thought to myself "how could THIS feel like a warm up, this is pure torture that I am invoking on myself" but sure enough, it finally clicked. I probably would have run longer had my feet actually felt like real feet, but I thought it would be best to get my feet back to feeling normal again before pushing it. I probably looked a TAD ridiculous when I finished because I threw my hands up in the air and I yelled excitedly for my accomplishment. I am ok with looking ridiculous if it means that I have accomplished something big. I even made Meredith sit and give me a high five when I was done :) I know for sure now that I can do this, I AM signing up for that 5k on October 16th! I WILL run a half marathon someday in the future and get that little 13.1 sticker for my car. I WILL be a runner :)

Couch to 5k: Week 6, Day 2

Today I finished with the interval training! From here on out, it will be solid 25-30 minute runs and I am not so sure how I feel about that! Pretty soon you will stop getting my ridiculous couch to 5k updates, and I am sure you will be thankful for that. My purpose in writing every day after my run is so that I can keep a record of how it felt after each run (so that I can later encourage others or encourage myself when I start another training program), not because I think that my running updates are all that fascinating and compelling to read!

This morning I went out for an early run (and of course Meredith came with me). We went out before either of us had any breakfast and I was HUNGRY by the time I finished! The schedule for today's run was 5 minute warm up, 10 minute run, 3 minute recovery, 10 minute run, and a 5 minute cool down. Today's run was not as bad as Saturdays in that it wasnt quite as hard, but my calves were really hurting at the end of the first run (about five minutes in) and at the end of the second run (again, about five minutes in).

The frustrating thing is that I am not seeing a whole lot of difference in my weight, and that was definitely something I was looking forward to. Even with the new medicine the doctor put me on, and my efforts in eating right (but I can admittedly do better here), and the increased exercise, I am not dropping the weight as I would have hoped to have done. I am hoping that as I get into this new phase of the program where I am doing prolonged runs, actually running in a 5k race, and then starting the Bridge to 10k program that I will see those results! On the plus side though, I am noticing that even though I am not DROPPING weight like I would like to, I am definitely toning up and that is evidenced mainly in my legs and thighs, but I think to some degree in my core as well. I can feel muscle definition in my lower thighs and I love it :)

26 days till my first 5k, and an estimated 21 miles on my shoes....

Couch to 5k: Week 6, Day 1

I didnt get to post this morning after my run, but this morning I completed week 6, day 1 of the Couch to 5k Challenge. I have to say that I was surprised at how had it seemed to complete my run, especially after my victory over the 20 minute run earlier this week. I managed to complete the run, but I am not sure if my heart just wasn't in it today or if today was just particularly challenging for some other reason. Today's run was 5 minute warm up, 5 minute run, 3 minute walk, 8 minute run, 3 minute walk, 5 minute run, 5 minute recovery. It was less time running overall than my last run, but I just seemed to struggle.

However, today I did enjoy a nice breeze while I was running that made it all that much more enjoyable. Hopefully my next run will go a little easier... 2 10 minute runs with a 3 minute break in between. After that run, there are no more intervals left and its solid 25-30 minute runs from here on out! I have also found a program for after I finish the Couch to 5k program called Bridge to 10k so I am thinking about using that program to get my mileage up there and push me closer to my (long term) goal of a half marathon.... (I WILL have one of those 13.1 stickers on my car!!!!)

Estimated 18 miles on my shoes :)

Couch to 5k: Week 5, Day 3

Today I feel very, very accomplished. I did something today that I have never been able to do in my life, I ran for 20 minutes NON STOP! It was amazing. The mere idea of doing this was very daunting and it seemed like I wasn't going to be able to make it through, but I did! The last five minutes I had to keep telling myself "just keep putting one foot in front of the other" and that was how I managed to get through it. It was hot, Meredith got wore out (she is currently passed out in the middle of my floor, unmoving even when I go in and out of the room- VERY unusual), but I feel fantastic now. I have three weeks left in the program, and I KNOW that I can finish it now.

I am actually very excited because I considering entering my very first race, the Neuse River Bridge Run. They have a half-marathon, a 10k, and a 5k. I, of course, will be entering the 5k portion. It is on October 16th, so I have 4.5 weeks left to get my butt ready to run run run! I think this is a totally achievable goal and I am feeling very good about this :)

Couch to 5k: Week 5, Day 2

Today I did something I have never done before, I ran for 8 minutes straight... and I did it twice! Actually, I did better than that, but more on that in a minute. Remember, we are looking at this program as a "baby steps" program. I am slowly working myself towards a 5k and I hope to be able to enter one maybe at the end of October or the beginning of November. So, I need to start researching!

Today's program was: 5 minute warm up, 8 minute run, 5 minute recovery, 8 minute run, 5 minute cool down. That in and of itself looked intimidating enough to me because I had only run as much as 5 minutes at a time previously. The first run went really well and I kept up a good pace throughout the whole thing. Meredith didn't even really slow me down today, which was such a good thing because if she had, I am not sure I would have completed today's run successfully. I was sure glad when the timer went off and told me to go ahead and take my 5 minute recovery! On my second 8 minute run, I attempted to skip a song and I ended up pausing my timer (unknowingly), which caused me to run for a total of 12 minutes for my second run- making my total for the day 20 minutes. This will probably end up being a good thing when I do my run tomorrow because tomorrow I am supposed to run for 20 minutes non stop!

And because I am going to make running a lifelong habit- I need to track the amount of miles on my shoes. Today I am going to guess that so far, my shoes have about 12 miles on them.

Couch to 5k: Week 5, Day 1

Say what? Hilary was up before the sun? And she was doing WHAT?!?! That's right! This morning I got up at 6 AM to do my couch to 5k for the day! I knew I had to work this morning (hence this will be a super quick post) and I am going to church tonight, so I only had one option- get up super duper early, because not doing it is NOT an option anymore! I even had a blister on my heel from those blasted heels I wore to my internship yesterday and I STILL ran! Go me, Go me! Now I know that hardcore runners do this shenanigans all the time, but I think of myself as a baby runner, and any perceived obstacle could still get in my way.

The run this morning wasnt as bad as I thought, 3 5 minute runs? I thought that it would be hard, but I am guessing that this whole new running shoe thing is making a bigger difference than I thought. Now my next run, on the other hand, is going to be intimidating. We are looking at I think 2 8 minute runs and something else worth of a run, I am not sure and I don't really have time to check right now. So have a great day everyone! I will check in later!

Labor Day and Couch to 5k: Week 4, Day 3

What an absolutely BEAUTIFUL day it has been! Actually, its been a pretty wonderful weekend all around to be honest. I didn't go to class on Thursday night because I was afraid of the "hurricane," what a laugh! It barely did anything and now I kind of feel bad for not going to class, but since I had an hour plus to drive each way, I suppose that it is always better to be safe than sorry (as the saying goes).

Friday, I spent the day running errands. I watched Jon in the morning, then I went to the DMV (oh the horror!) with my Dad so we could get my car in my name (yay Graduation present!). The trip to the DMV led to the need to go and get my car inspected and another trip the DMV because they wouldn't give me a license plate because I didn't have a current (read, within the last 90 days) inspection on the car and there was NO WAY that I was driving around all of labor day weekend with no license plate on my car. I got stopped literally within 5 minutes of leaving the DMV the first time. No joke. I also managed to squeeze some time in to get to footlocker and get some sweet new running shoes. They are Brooks, if that means anything? That night I watched Where the Red Fern Grows with my grandparents. Meredith watched it with us. so.stinkin.cute! She actually WATCHED the movie and was cocking her head from side to side when the dogs were barking.

Saturday I spent the day helping Cassandra move to her new house (adorable, btw!) and Meredith had a play date with Penny. She was pretty wore out when we got home and basically went to bed soon after we got home. Sunday I got a lot accomplished. I worked in the morning at a church nursery and then I came home and cleaned my room! I have been trying to figure out what to do with the 20+ books that I have for this semester so I had to do some re-arranging on my bookshelves. I also rearranged my desk, did a ton of laundry, and cleaned the sheets on my bed. Whew!

Today was gorgeous weather. Uncle Dave made breakfast and I spent a good chunk of the morning outside doing some homework. Mere and I took a lovely nap this afternoon and then completed Couch to 5k: Week 4, Day 3.

The run went surprisingly well. It was the inauguration of my new running shoes, which I could immediately tell a difference with. My shins were not the least bit sore today and my calves only tightened up towards the end. Meredith was a much better running partner today than she has been in the past, with the exception of the need to run after cars that pass us and nearly getting hit by cars. I actually had a much better pace today and I think that I did about three miles overall from warm up to cool down. I hope that I keep improving and sticking with this. It has taken me much longer than it should have as I haven't been very consistent with it. I should be within 2 weeks of finishing it by now and I actually have 5 left now. I think the running shoes will help and I think I need to set a consistent time to get up on those days of the week to do it.

Couch to 5k: Week 4, Day 2

Even though it looked like the sky was about to fall out on me this morning, I went for my run today. I took Meredith with me because she gets so darn excited when I get her leash out, it really is very hard to resist. I mean here she is, bouncing all around like a mexican jumping bean, and who am I to deny that kind of excitement? Today's run was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be. Now don't get me wrong, I am not saying that it was easy by any stretch of the imagination, but I didn't have as hard of a time with it as I had anticipated after not running for a week and a half. I only had to stop during my run once, and that was due to Meredith, not because of my inability to run for that long. I think what I am going to have to do is really start walking/running every day and taking Meredith on my non-C25k times, because when I am trying to meet certain goals, I need to be able to do them without the added annoyance of trying to keep her out from under my feet.

The one thing that I really did notice today is that I desperately need new running shoes and that is my top priority this weekend. The inside padding in my shoes has been rubbed away and I have rubbed the side of one of my toes raw (even though I was wearing socks... odd). I also think I need to get at least one more sports bra and a couple of pairs of running pants/shorts that are meant for running so I am not worried about my shorts riding up all the time.

In other news, you can definitely tell that hurricane Earl is making his way in. The river is super choppy, the winds are picking up, and the clouds look like they will pour down any minute! Stay safe!

Couch to 5k- Week 4: Day 1

I DID IT!

Today scared the crap out of me. I ran on Thursday like I said that I would, doing week 3's routine an extra time; however, I did walk the 2nd 1.5 minute run. I didn't run Friday again, and I obviously didn't start week 4 on Saturday. I know it is a lame excuse, but my sister called me on Saturday morning (Happy 25gth birthday, Cassandra!) and she was able to get her sweet puppy Penny early. Being the dog expert I am, she wanted me to go to get dog supplies with her before she picked Penny up. We already had plans to hang out that night so I just spent the day at my parent's house with Cassandra playing with her puppy, so there was no time for me to run on Saturday.

Anyways, I guess why I didn't run isn't as important as the fact that I did run this evening. I was scared of this week's routine (5 minute walk, 3 minute run, 1.5 minute walk, 5 minute run, 2.5 minute walk, 3 minute run, 1.5 minute walk, 5 minute run, 7.5 minute walk) because I was not doing so hot with the three minute runs already and if I wasn't doing so well with 3 minute runs, how on earth was I going to do a 5 minute run? I am very proud of myself for doing this, which probably seems like such a small accomplishment, but I have to give myself credit. It really looked like it might pour down on me today when I went out, but then I just told myself that if it rained, it would be like getting a free cool down :) The podcast for this week was put together really well. It was all very upbeat music that kept you moving. Some of the other weeks had songs that we a little lower tempo and it was hard to keep moving when you weren't aided by the music, but I really liked this week's podcast.

Of course there were times that I felt like I wasn't going to make it. During the first three minute run I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to complete the schedule today because my chest felt very heavy and it was hard to breathe- like the air was thick or something. Then of course, the 5 minute runs felt like they would NEVER end. During the last run, my right foot got all numb like it did a few weeks ago and that made running pretty uncomfortable, but I pushed through and I successfully did this week's routine. Go me!

Couch to 5k- Week3: Day 3

This morning I did actually make myself get up and run! It was hot, and very humid, but I did it. I felt bad because it really seemed like Meredith wanted to go with me, so I did bring her along, but I don't think she will be joining any more of my future C25k runs. She is just so darn curious about everything around her, and I love that, but I don't love having to jerk her away from whatever it is she is exploring so that I can keep going. I am doing this program for me, and I need to be able to do it to where I am satisfied with myself and the progress that I have made. In all honesty, she just slows me down and is more of a burden. What I really need to do is take up our long 2-3 mile walks again and let her explore during that time. I know I said I was going to do this, but I have yet to do so.

I decided after this morning's run that I am going to do the week 3 schedule tomorrow and Friday and start week 4 on Saturday. I need to get more comfortable with these 3 minute runs before I attempt to tackle two 5 minute runs (in addition to two 3 minute runs). So keep me accountable, expect updates about things both tomorrow and Friday for a continuation of week 3 and then on Saturday for the beginning of week 4.

On the bright side, I will be getting new running shoes soon! I want the Reebok Runtones. I have been eying the Reebok easytones, but I don't really wear sneakers around everyday, so I think the runtones will be nice to have :)

Couch to 5k- Week3: Day 2

So my Aunt asked me to watch the boys this morning so that she could go to the doctor, and of course, I agreed. I knew that if I didn't set my alarm to go for my run this morning, there was no way that I was going to go tonight. Its still cool enough to run, cool being a relative term of course, in the wee hours in the morning, but it doesn't cool down fast enough while it is still light enough to run in the evening. So I woke up, got all ready to go for my run, and went to turn on my ipod and it was d.e.a.d. I can't do my run without my ipod, not for the music's sake, but because my ipod also serves as my timer for when to run and when to walk. I don't have a watch or other timing instrument, so my ipod is pretty vital to this whole process. Luckily, I woke up an hour before I had to watch the boys so that I could have some "cool down" time after my run (instead of the 35 minutes before like I had planned last night- 5 minutes to get ready, 30 minutes to run) so I could charge my ipod for a few minutes before heading out.

It was very humid this morning. By the end of my first three minute run, I was dripping with both sweat and humidity- more humidity than sweat because there was no way that I was sweating THAT hard after a 90 second run and a 3 minute run. During the first 3 min run, I really found my stride. I found out it was easier for me to run "all out" than my wimpy feet shuffling that I had been doing. I guess I was afraid that if I ran all out, I wouldn't be able to doing for a very sustainable length of time. I still don't know if that's true because all I am running right now is 3 minute increments, but we will see as I continue through this program I guess.

Anyways, sorry for the long post I guess I just feel chatty this morning!

Doctor's Appointment

Yesterday, I went to the doctor. Now this wasn't really a FUN doctor's visit per se, (I mean really, are any of them really fun?) But I do feel hopeful afterwords because I think I might have been given the solution to solve one of my biggest problems- my weight.

Since the new year (i.e. January 1st), I have really tried to live a healthier lifestyle and place a greater emphasis on exercise. When I lived in my apartment, I would try to get to the gym several times a week and even make a little game out of it. I lost some weight, things were good. I didn't place a great emphasis on the things I was eating until later in the year.

Recently, as we all know, I have started the Couch to 5k program as a way to attain one of my goals- to run a half marathon. This idea of running a half marathon came about for several reasons; 1. to help promote my healthy lifestyle 2. for a long term goal 3. to have something to work towards. This is something that I am completely doing for ME, for once in my life. Something that I want to do and that is fueling me to keep at it. No exterior motives allowed.
I have also recently started trying to make much better health-conscious choices about what I am eating. Now I am not saying that I am a health fanatic by any means, but I am in fact trying to be healthier.

Much to my dismay, I am actually GAINING weight through this process of running and eating healthier rather than LOSING weight. What's up with that?!?

So yesterday, I went to the er... ahem... Lady Doctor. She asked me what was going on with my life, more specifically my weight, because she has noticed that I have in fact gained weight. (It always feels so good to have outside sources confirm this, no?) Several years ago, after my freshman year in college, I was diagnosed with PCOS (poly cystic ovarian syndrome). No big deal- pop some birth control and regulate things a little and all is well... Recently the symptoms of PCOS have manifested themselves more and I am now going to have to do more than just pop a few birth control. She has met set up to do some labs at the end of next week so hopefully I can get on some medicine to help this issue a little bit more.

But what I am REALLY excited about is this book she recommended for me: The Insulin Resistance Diet. I came home and read up on it yesterday and then proceeded to order it. I can't wait for it to get here tomorrow and start putting some of this stuff into practice. Maybe, just maybe, I will have some success in this area soon.

Couch to 5k- Week 3: Day 1

So I have been a bad runner lately and I took a little time off from it. The last time I ran was last Wednesday, so I took almost a week off of running. I think I needed some time to let my calves heal a little bit because I have been pushing them a lot these past few weeks and I really think it made the difference.

Today's running schedule was: 5 minute warm up, 90 second run, 9o second walk, 3 minute run, 3 minute walk, 90 second run, 90 second walk, 3 minute run, 8 minute walk (3 for the interval, 5 for a cool down).

I was very intimidated this morning seeing that I would have to run for a full three minutes without stopping. I know that this doesn't really sound like a lot, but for someone who literally hasnt run for almost 8 years, its a big deal. I realized though that it was not that I was running MORE this week than I did last week, it was that I was running longer intervals. So I just kept telling myself to keep going, it wasn't that I was running a whole lot more. The first three minute interval wasn't as bad as I had thought it would be and I felt so accomplished when I finished it. I ran the full three minutes, at a pretty decent pace!

My calves didn't hurt at all today except during the last 3 minute interval but they stopped hurting when it was over. I surprisingly had a bit more trouble with my shins today than with my calves, I hope that I don't get shin splints! But they aren't in serious pain, it doesn't feel like someone is stabbing them or anything, it was more of a dull ache.

Anyways, I did it! Go me!

I am almost done with my newest book Eat, Pray, Love so expect a review probably tomorrow. I also have some pictures that I have been waiting to upload, so those will come soon as well!

Couch to 5k- Week 2: Day 3

Today I ran week 2 day 3 and I can't say that I am happy with it. I ended up walking half of running interval 5 and some of my other runs were rather pathetic. I decided to go ahead and re-do w2d3 on Friday and take the weekend off of running. One thing that I do love about this program is the flexibility of it. I like that I can feel like I should go ahead and re-do a day and not feel bad about doing so. Afterall, it is all about living a healthier lifestyle. I don't want to over do it, and I definitely don't want to go into week 3 unprepared!

Unfortunately, I think when I do re-do w2d3 on Friday, Meredith will not be joining me. I love having my dog on my runs with me but today she was a real hindrance to me from the start. On my very first run of the day she just stopped dead in her tracks right in front of me! I almost tripped over her (and that definitely wouldn't have been a pretty site). Now I am not saying that she won't join me on any of my future runs, I just think I am going to take a day off of the dog company.

Couch to 5k- Week 2:Day 2

I just completed W2D2! I am finding the running parts get easier and easier as I go through the program; however, my calves are getting worse. If I could figure out what the heck was going on with my calves and a way of fixing it, I think I would be doing a LOT better with the program. I am running all of my runs by today's run 3 was absolutely pitiful. I am not even sure if I could call it running it was so pathetic. My calves were so tight and hurt so bad it was all I could do to keep my legs moving. I don't have issues with my breathing, which was what I used to have problems with, so now if I could solve this calf mystery all will be right in the running world.

I also had something weird happen in my 6th run today, my right foot (and then my left foot) got extremely tingly. It was like the kind of tingly that you get when you sit indian style and your foot looses blood supply. Is this normal? I guess I will have to do some research to that effect and find out!

** after reading up on my calf pain, I have found out a few things

- I need to be hydrating more, both BEFORE and AFTER my run

- I need to be stretching more, both BEFORE and AFTER my run

- I probably should be taking some sort of multi vitamin

- icing will help :)