Calorie Counter

Late last night we got home from our 11 day road trip. 

We had a blast! We headed to Las Vegas for a few days so I could compete in a tri,

then we were off to Disneyland!

Over the next few days I will be posting about all of my good finds

and things that helped to make our vaction so fun!!!

Along with having so much fun we ate a lot of junk.

in fact I gained a few pounds that I am not so happy about

(eating ice cream 2 times a day didn't help)

A few weeks ago a friend of mine introduced me to

 My Fitness Pal .com

So, today I'm starting to count my calories, again. 

It is so easy to use and, best of all, it's FREE!!!  To start, all you do is plug in your weight, height, goal, etc., and it helps you to reach your goal while eating regular foods.  It counts your calories for you.  It will also store your own recipes, so no more guessing on the calories of your homemade meals.  So, back to eating better.  If I'm good, I can still have my ice cream once in a while!!!

Well I'm off to put everything away.

I'll see you tomorrow with more pics!

Rewards!!!

When you do something really good do you reward yourself?  I do - it is the only way to get through the pain sometimes.  Well this is crazy but I am a
HUGE McDonald's, VANILLA ICE CREAM CONE LOVER.
When I drive past it it calls my name and the drive through makes it is so convenient.  While running around it is a great snack and it is low fat!!! Even better.  I often find myself driving through even when my girls are asleep in the back seat and treating myself to a little pleasure. 

Well...I have gone 15 days ice cream free. 

I tried to stop last night, on my way to scrapbook with some friends,
but I took to much time at Target and by the time I got done
I didn't have time to run to Mickey D's. 

Have you given up something that you love?  Way to go!!!
It is hard I hope this is worth it. 

*I am hoping that it will help me in my races this summer.

How many days have you gone?  I would love to hear your success.
Leave a comment on what you are doing to better your health. 
Together we can learn from each other!

Need New Running Shoes?

Do you HATE paying a lot for running shoes?  I do!  My sister called me last week and said that she found a website that has great deals on running shoes, clothes, etc.  It also has FREE SHIPPING! 
So I ordered a new pair. 

I got them in 2 days!!!

SO CUTE, RIGHT?

runningwarehouse.com

I got these for $84.95 (no tax) vs. $110 (plus tax) locally.

Also, make sure when checking out to scroll to the bottom of the screen.

They have great deals that you qualify for!

*If you don't know what shoe to get, go to your local running store and ask if they do a foot analysis and then go from there.  Every time I need new shoes I order the exact same pair (just a newer model) because I know they work for me!

Vegas Baby!

IRON GIRL...

Launched in 2004 with just two events, the Iron Girl brand has grown to now include 13 events nationwide, varying in distance from 5K to duathlon and triathlon. In addition, Iron Girl will introduce a
1/2 marathon running series with a kick off in Clearwater with a 1/2 marathon in 2011 and see growth in 2012.  The 1/2 is the ‘it’ distance and Iron Girl will provide an unmatched event experience.

Iron Girl's mission is to empower women toward a healthy lifestyle. The Iron Girl event experience provides women with a competitive platform and amenities such as: a post-race catered Breakfast Café,
performance shirts sized just for women, professional timing, personalized race bibs, custom finisher medals, post-race giveaways and much more. The Web site is filled with training tips, guest columnists and nutrition information. Iron Girl has also furthered its offerings with the addition of IronGirlshop.com with items such as hydration and nutrition products, jewelry and sports bags.

*be careful it is addictive!

I participated in Iron Girl - Las Vegas last year for the first time and absolutely loved it so I'm doing it again this year!  I can't wait.  It is so much fun.  One of the funnest things about it is that, as the name implies, it is just for the GIRLS!  Iron Girl 2010 was my first open water tri and I panicked a bit at first but got into a rhythm and finished the swimming leg just fine.  This year I should do a lot better with the swim because I have been training a lot more in the pool.  This is a sprint tri which includes an 800 meter swim, a 30K bike ride, and a 5K run.

Iron Girl - Las Vegas is so beautiful.
It takes place at the Loew's resort at Lake Las Vegas. 

If you want to sign up too use code CCIGTRIAP to save $25.00. 

Hope to see you there!

My New Ride

Four years ago a few friends and I wanted to do a duathlon.  I didn't have a road bike so I borrowed (and then bought) this black bike from my sister-in-law.  I love riding.  It was tricky at first because the tires are so skinny and getting used to clips was painful, but I loved the bike.  Little did I know that bikes are sized according to your height.  The black bike is a size 52 and I need a 48.  It is a great bike but I felt like it was a bit too big for me.  I mentioned to a friend that I really want a new bike, not anything fancy, just one that fits me.  She said that she had a friend that had a bike that is too small for her.  I was finally able to get together with her and switched bikes.  It is pretty much the same bike bit is is a much better fit.  I love the color - it will be much easier to find at triathlons.  

Bring on the warm weather so we can get out and ride! 

Old    vs.    New

Of course, I couldn't just leave the bike alone.

I added some pink to it!

President's Day!

I am so GRATEFUL for good K teachers.  E has a good one.  She came home on Friday with a darling George Washington hat and told me all about President's Day (like who were the 1st and 16th Presidents).  I would have never even thought about telling her about President's Day.  I am just so excited the Mr. doesn't have to work that day!

After a few days of being sick it was so good to finally get out!

I started my day by with meeting with my personal trainer OK it was FREE when I signed up for my gym membership.  She is not mine it just sounds cool!

When I talked to her earlier this week she asked what my goals were.  I told her that I need some help on nutrition and I hope that that will help me lose the last few pounds that I've been having trouble with.
I'm not saying I have a lot of weight to lose.  I am just frustrated that I exercise a lot but I'm not looking the way I think I should. 

So here is what I found out...

I need to add GOOD proteins to my diet and fewer carbs! Also I need to really count my calories.

I'm turning into my husband

Total Daily intake

40% Carbs

30% Protein

30% Good Fats

That should be easy, right?!

I have got to change a few things and I'll let you know any good finds

I encounter along the way.

We headed to Gateway to get our shopping on - The Mr. had to go to work so while he worked we spent his money!

First stop, a must.- Build A Bear (just for an outfit).

E told me that her bear needed a summer outfit.

We are all ready for some warmer weather.

The Girls were so tired when we got home that they couldn't even walk up the stairs to get ready for bed!!!

What a Great Day!

Stuffy Nose?

I have found my Neti Pot to be the best thing to clear out my sinuses.  It is crazy how it cleans them out and makes it easier to breathe.  It also helps with the dry air in winter by keeping the sinuses moist.  The Neti Pot helps during allergy season as well.

It's a little weird getting used to it, but it feels so good once the mucus is flushed out! 
I have also found that Advil Cold and Sinus is WONDERFUL for treating colds!
(The generic brand doesn't work as well)

Want To Run?

Try this book Beginner's Guide to Long Distance Running by Sean Fishpool .  I actually haven't read this book but my friend, Jen, found this book and loved it.  Two years ago she emailed me the training schedule and this how I started back into running.  It is the best way to not get discouraged. 

Happy Running!