South Street Bridge New Years Eve Run!

Had a great run today!  Took a new route down Spruce St. and over the South Street Bridge for the first time.  Every time I've driven on it lately I keep thinking to myself, this would be a great route to run.  Made it all the way down to 18th street and back up to University City.  4 miles in 47 minutes, and that time is including lights and one tricky last mile (all uphill).

Snapped a few iphone pictures on the bridge.

my city <3

Awkward head tilting shot.  Hello!

Sun setting on the way over it on the way down

Sun Setting on the way back - beautiful sunset reflection on the water

The first song to come on the iphone when I hit shuffle was "A Long December" by The Counting Crows.  Kind of ironic for a New Years Eve run huh?  

Since mid-October when I started running, I feel like I have accomplished so much.  I am regularly running 4 miles without stopping which is a far way from having to stop every few minutes when I first started running.  I look forward to all the progress I have ahead of me.  With a little hard work and determination, I can do anything.  I mean, I'll never know what I am capable of unless I try, right?  

I never thought that in just 2.5 months my feet would take me 206 miles.  That's the equivalent of going from Philadelphia to New York City and back.  I think that's fairly impressive for a newbie runner.   I can't wait to start logging miles towards my 1,000 mile in 2011 goal.  (maybe even 1,111 in 2011.  11:11 is my favorite time of day.)

Have a safe New Years everyone!  Don't drink and drive!  The cost of a cab is always less than the cost of a life!  See you in 2011. :-)

"You know what they say?"

"The way you spend your New Years Eve with is the way you'll spend the rest of the year." - The OC

Just like every child of the millennium, I watched the OC religiously.  The clip below was one of my favorite episodes!

Breakfast - Egg whites with ham, reduced fat cheese, and salsa, a Thomas' Everything Bagel Thin with light butter, grapes, and Morningstar farms veggie sausage patties.  

It was delicious.  I don't know if I would buy the Morningstar farms veggie sausage patties again. They were ok, but I prefer Jimmy Dean Turkey Sausage patties.

Who else worshiped The OC and watched it every week back in the day?

Snacks and a Movie

Well, I planned to go to a running club meeting downtown.  When I got there, I found out that it was canceled due to the holiday.  I did not know December 30th was a holiday, but I guess now I do.

Instead I ran by myself.  I was meeting Joe downtown for a movie anyways, so I ran from center city to old city.  3 miles with no headphones in about 37 minutes.  I did not stop my watch at any stop lights.  City running in traffic is always slower because of that...I swear I'm faster than that these days..haha.

I met Joe at 2nd and Market and we had a "snack" at Continental.  (Yes, I was sweaty and in my running clothes, I'm not ashamed.)  I had never been there before, but it was pretty good.  Definitely a little expensive, it is a Steven Starr restaurant after all, but it would be nice to go back and try entrees.  It's decorated like a really upscale modern diner with a bar.  Joe and I split two orders of different kinds of dumplings that were on the "snack menu".  Steamed chicken dumplings with a sweet soy dipping sauce and french onion dumplings with gruyere cheese.  Both were delish.  I had never had anything like the french onion soup dumplings, they literally tasted JUST like french onion soup!

Olives for overhead lamps!

After our snacks, we went to the movies at Ritz East to see Black Swan.  My idea...Joe doesn't really care for the thrillers.  I really like it though.  I also like most movies that I go to see; therefore, I am not the best critic.  It was definitely an interesting film.  Plus the Ritz is a really cute theater and I felt like a grown up going there.  It was crazy crowded considering that this movie has been in theaters for the last month.  We actually had to wait in a line outside the theater to get in and pay.  Pros about the Ritz - student discounts and they had calories on the concession menu.  We split a diet coke and small popcorn (150-170 calories each...not too shabby). 

After the movie, we finished up dinner with a small buffalo chicken salad back at home.  Mixed greens, grilled chicken tossed in hot sauce, a sprinkle of shredded mixed reduced fat cheeses, wasabi crispies, and ranch yogurt dressing.  Very delicious.  Then I had a few Christmas leftover chocolate covered oreos...can't let them go to waste right?  haha.  Everything in moderation!  These oreos are just too delish to pass up!

I'm loving this winter break.  So much time to do fun stuff, plus I get to sleep a ton and workout every day.  I also have some fun plans for break during January which I am really looking forward to.  Can't believe that tomorrow is New Years Eve already!!!  Where does the time go?  

What are you guys doing for New Years Eve?

When the cat's away the mouse will play!

That mouse is me!  Last night I had a wonderfully boring night alone while the boyfriend was out of town with some of his friends.  What did I do?  Four loads of laundry, a nice run, cleaned the apartment, and watched 3 chick flicks that I had never seen before.  You know those movies that you see on demand all the time, but you know a guy would never want to watch?  I watched those! 

Lunch today - Salad - romaine lettuce, honey mustard yogurt dressing, wasabi crispies, and grilled chicken.

Goals for December Revisited:

1) Lose 2 pounds:

       - I did...but then the holidays hit.  I ended up gaining a pound.  My weight is always fluctuating, but I am really going to step up my game in January.  Goal not met.

2) Continue my daily exercise routines 

       - success!

3) Work on my distances in running: goal is to run 4 miles without stopping by the new year.  

       - I ran 4 miles without stopping twice already! 

January Goals 

- Run up to 5 miles without stopping

- Run up to 6 miles without stopping

- Lose 8 pounds by Valentines Day - hefty goal, but doable if I put my mind to it.  I"m giving myself 6 weeks to do it too.

I just signed up for another triathlon, because I haven't done anything worth while on a whim lately. haha.  I hope that adding another race to my plans will energize me and help motivate me to keep training hard through the New Year. 

I registered for the SheROX all women's triathlon that will take place on august 7th!  I'm really excited.  This would have ideally been a great first triathlon if it was earlier in the spring or summer because over half of the participants are first timers, and the all women environment is really relaxed and encouraging.  Unfortunately, it isn't till the end of the summer so it will be my second triathlon. 

Anyone else like to sign up for races on whims?  I feel like it pumps me up and gives me extra boosts of energy to keep training!

Night running on Kelly Drive

Tonight I went on a chilly night run on Kelly Drive with Kate from one of the running clubs I've been running with!  We had a good run, and I did 4 miles for the second time.  I always feel super accomplished when I finish a new "far" distance for me without stopping.  4 miles in 46 minutes isn't half bad.

 

Lots and lot of layers

Pre-run photo shoot

Yup, I know what you're thinking, and I probably should wash my hair tonight...

Kelly Drive

Time!

I ended up driving to Kelly.  It was the first time I've ever driven to a run, but I sort of liked it.  Usually I walk or bike to this area, but it's 5 miles round trip.  So in addition to my 4, that's a lot of time out in the cold.  I think driving to some of my running venues may get me through these long cold winter months.

Today, Katherine left me a comment asking what cold weather gear I use to run outside in the winter.  Here are some things I recommend, but I am in no way an expert!!

1) Base Layer - for this I have been wearing cold gear "under-armour."  I use that term loosely because the past few runs I've been wearing the Nike equivalent.  It's usually just as good and cheaper.  It's nice and warm, yet moisture wicking for when you sweat.

2) Running jacket - I got a mizuno running jacket early in the fall and definitely was wearing it pretty early in the season (probably unnecessarily).  My jacket protects against the wind, and is light yet insulating to keep you warm but not feel bulky while running.  While searching for a picture online I saw it really cheap at 6pm.com.  Get it while it's hot haha.

Mizuno Elixer Women's Running Jacket

3) Gloves - I just bought a pair of under-armour running gloves off amazon.  They weren't that expensive, and they are kind of like liners.  Thin and soft.  They do the trick though and sometimes towards the ends of my runs I even take them off.  They also have little grippies on the hand part which sometimes but not always work with my iphone which usually needs skin contact.  That might be a pro for some of you.

4) Ear protection - Originally I bought a North Face headband at a running store.  It's nice...but it is a tiny too big.  I feel like it puffs out around my ears, while I would prefer a tight headband for maximum warmth around the ears.  Today I rocked my Burberry ear muffs over the headband.  I wear these babies to death in the winter, and they are my favorite winter accessory.  I just don't wear them to bars because I'm afraid I'll lose them when I take them off.  I got mine at a Burberry outlet for a good deal and am seriously thinking about getting another pair in case anything happens to these.  Also Charlotte wears them while running in Sex and the City.  Therefore it's a must.

5) Leggings - I have 2 pairs of under-armour cold gear leggings that I run in.  Occasionally, I have a pair of looser fitting Nike running pants that I can put on top of the leggings for extra warmth.  It's usually just for my peace of mind though.  I hate the cold so much that I'm always worried about being cold and wear too many layers.  I guess I'd rather be safe than sorry.  

6) Neck warmer - I just got this from Santa, but I really wanted it!  He always knows best.  It's the best option for covering your neck without being bulky and long like a scarf.  Mine came with a nice hood that was extra creepy when I put it on.  If I wear the hood low and the neck warmer high, I can basically have everything covered but my eyes.

such a nerd.

So those are my tips.  I've been sporting a vest lately too, but I don't actually need it and tend to overheat towards the end.  I would just always rather be hot than cold and miserable so I err on the side of caution.  Hope this helps!

Anyone else have any tips for cold weather running apparel?

Life Should be Delicious

Lunch - Cosi!  Joe and I split a Chicken TBM light sandwich on a multi-grain flat-bread and a pesto chicken and sun dried tomato on a multi-grain flat-bread. 

napkin! haha

Chicken TMB (tomato mozzarella basil) Light

Pesto Chicken, Lettuce, and sun dried tomatoes

My halves after doing a splitzie!

Yummmm

Lookin good...and a little like a dear in headlights...

After lunch I went on a quick power shop.  I went to Modells to spend a gift certificate I received as a Christmas gift in my family's polyanna.  I hoped to buy a bathing suit for my triathlon training which is going to start next week, but they didn't have any.  I got a nice pair of cold gear leggings and two cold gear tops to run in this winter.  Hopefully the warm clothing will motivate me to run outdoors a lot.  I even have a run planned for this evening.  

As I was checking out at Modells, I asked where I might be able to get a bathing suit this time of year.  The woman at the register recommended city sports which was right around the corner.  I was able to get two bathing suits, and the store was awesome.  I wish I had more time to shop around, but I drove down and only had an hour on the meter.  I got 2 bathing suits and a swim cap before calling it a day.  The good news?  I signed up for a rewards card that gives you 5% back on everything you spend.  PLUS if you are a student there is a 10% off student discount which I thought was pretty awesome.   

Gonna go get ready to go on a run.  Anyone else braving the cold today?

E-A-G-L-E-S- Eagles!

Yesterday was a really fun day all around!!  We went to the eagles game and it was pretty chilly but still a lot of fun! 

First, I made an early dinner at home.  We had BBQ chicken personal pizzas (with reduced fat mozzarella) and soy sauce green beans!  Extra delicious dinner.

Creepy excited face that I can finally cut the pizzas with a pizza slicer (new)

perfection!

Tailgating!

Brr it's cold

great view from my parent's seats!

Split these with Joe!  Extra delicious...not so healthy.

Unfortunately the eagles lost the game, but after the game a bunch of Joe's friends met up with us at Mac's Tavern which was a lot of fun too!  

We split some sweet potato fries which I didn't get to snap a picture of.  We had a pretty heated discussion if sweet potatoes are the same as yams.  The answer is yes in case anyone was wondering.  The orange sweet potatoes are often called yams, but they do have yellow sweet potatoes as well, which are not yams.  Interesting bar talk huh?  

Yankee Doodle went to town!

Today is a fun packed day.  

First things first...lunch

- side salad with romaine, wasabi crispies, reduced fat feta, and light salsa ranch dressing

- a roasted red pepper hummus and tomato sandwich on an Arnold's multi-grain sandwich thin.

Got the idea from Gabriela and it was really good

After consuming some fuel, Joe and I went downtown to Go Vertical to go rock climbing!  It's something that I had been wanting to do for a while, and we had a ton of fun.

At the top!

Tired and happy!

Since we were in the area, we drove over to the PAWS shelter on 2nd and Arch and took one of the pups out on a nice walk!  Today we took out Yankee Doodle and he's was super loveable.  He was about 2 years old and really strong!  We had a great walk for the most part, until on the way back he got a little excited when seeing an american bull dog...I think the dog was taunting my baby, but I'm a little biased :-)

Yankee Doodle went to town, riding on a pony, stuck a feather in his cap and called it macaroni!

Yup I sang that the whole time...he liked it!

We were going to walk over the Ben Franklin Bridge, but it was closed because of all the snow that had not been shoveled.  Instead we walked around old city on whatever side walks were around.  If you are interested in adopting this adorable puppy, go visit him at PAWS.

Ben Franklin Bridge was a bust

Now I am home in the warmth, and enjoying a nice snack.  Half of a chicken and cheese sandwich and a white cheddar rice cake.  Making pizza for dinner tonight before the Eagles game!  It's gonna be a cold one!

Chicken, slender American cheese, honey mustard yogurt dressings, lettuce on a Thomas' everything bagel thin