I'm a Member!!!

Sorry I have been MIA. So much as been going on this past week. I went and met with my running group this past Saturday. It had been a few months since I went. When I first started with the group, Jen and I hit it off right away. Since my very first run with the group, we would always run together and even met up to get in a mid week run. Unfortunately, Jen suffered an injury a few months ago and she has not been able to run. I have kept up my running but really missed the group. Once again, I was nervous to get myself out there. Worried about finding someone else in the group with my pace. Determined I showed up bright and early Saturday morning.

Once everyone was there we got in a big circle and everyone discussed their plans. What distance were you running?? What pace?? Right away I paired up with two women who were doing a loop that was about 5 miles. Their paces were just a little faster then mine, but I hoped to keep up. I heard others comment on it being a "hilly" loop. The women assured me that it would not be that bad. So off we went..................Guess what? These women LIED!!!!!!! I honestly have never run such a hilly course before. My legs were burning before we even hit the first mile. Like hills that went straight up!!!!!! I need to load my Garmin onto my laptop just to show you the elevation. 

I kept up for a few short miles, but for most of the run, I only saw the backs of the two women that I set off with. I made it back to the parking lot where most of the other runners had returned to. My legs were like jello. The hills kept coming one after another. It was an awesome workout. So glad I had the courage to get back to the group. Solo running can get lonely!!

Taylor, Baby Ty, Kaitlyn, Jennifer & Me. Kelsey did not want to pose!

Sunday we had everyone over to watch the Redskins!! We had plenty of football food and I totally overindulged! Hey, when was the last time the Redskins made it this far?? I enjoyed myself!

We once again took the dogs hiking on Sunday. It is a 3 mile hike and John and I have really enjoyed it, so have the dogs. Hopefully, this will continue to be a weekly thing!!!

I JOINED A GYM today!!! I ended up touring 7 locals gyms, one being a new CrossFit studio that opened up. I love my yoga class that I go to once a week, but for the money I wanted something more. I ruled out the CrossFit due to the cost. Could not justify taking that much money away from the household for myself. Plus, it was for two classes a week. I know that this is the latest and greatest thing, but my husband works too hard for me to spend that kind of money. The other gyms I visited were the same distance from my house just opposite directions. When I considered the gas I would be spending, I narrowed it down to 3 gyms before settling on one!!! Located only 2 miles from my office. 

I am super excited!!! Check it out!!

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Just one of the group exercise rooms.

Spin Room.

Pool.

After my workout! I ran for 30 minutes on the treadmill. The most amazing treadmill ever!!! Then I did another 30 minutes on the elliptical. I wanted to take a picture of the main gym where all the cardio/free weights are located, but I did not want to take pictures of others working out. Trust me, its awesome.

I spied these in a room off the main cardio room and I had to give them a try!!!

Have you seen these on the Biggest Loser?? They are heavy and FUN!! So nice to have a stop watch up on the wall that buzzes every 60 seconds with a 20 second rest. I did this for several minutes, then resting for 20 seconds. Besides being fun they were also loud making you feel super strong!! I had a blast.

 There is still so much for me to explore there and apparently, the time I will be going to the gym happens to be their slowest! Woohoo. I am really excited to try out the classes they have to offer. Tomorrow, spin!!!!!!

Been reading this every night. So inspirational. 

Weighing in tomorrow. I have been all over my running but not so great with eating. My portions have been way too big. Trying to scale things back and make better choices. Not expecting a loss tomorrow, but you never know. 

I heard today that only 7% of the people that make a New Year's Resolution actually keep them!! My word is "Consistent" for 2013. To be consistent in healthy living.

How are you doing????