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Thursday, March 31, 2011

The Back Porch

I love being outside especially this time of year!  I always daydream about my back porch.  I grew up always eating outside during the spring and summer on my parents' back porch.  I loved it.  It's something I know I definitely want in my next home or when I build a house.  Here are some lovely pictures from my inspiration folders.  (I apologize for the lack of sources.  I normally copy photos into my inspiration folder, but don't always remember where I've found them.)

I love the pink accents!

This is one of my favorites.  I love how there are seating areas plus a place to dine.

This is bliss! 

With a few modifications, this will be perfect!

I love how this kitchen opens up to the porch's eating area.

This is the other side of the porch pictured above.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

At Home Work Out Videos

How do you feel about at home work out videos?  

I didn't ever think they worked, but y'all, I am convinced some of them do!

A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon the workout video aisle in Target and left with a kettle ball and medicine ball.

 GoFit Kettlebells
All I have to say is wow!  These things work!  

I consider myself to be in shape.  I run and workout regularly and am fit, but my goodness, was I sore after the first day of doing the Go Fit Kettle Bell DVD!  I only bought the 10 lb weight to start with since I didn't know what to expect.  My arms have not been sore at all, but my thighs and glutes are sore after every one of these workouts.  

The 25 minute DVD includes a few breaks, but you are working out for most of the length of the DVD.  When I go to the gym, I run, use the weight machines, and work on my abs  In the DVD, about 3/4 of the time you're doing squats and lunges, thus the aching legs.

I've only used this DVD three times.  Once when I bought it, about a week later, and last night.  I feel like I get such a great workout and breathe heavier doing this than I do running 4 or 5 miles.  I am definitely going to be incorporating this into my workout routine. 

I didn't think I'd ever say it, but at home work out videos can work! 

I also love the fact that I feel like I've gotten a work out at home especially after long days when I don't feel like driving to the gym but I want to get in some quick exercise. 

Do you have any at home work out videos that feel comparable to the gym?

Saturday, March 26, 2011

It's Almost My Birthday!

Next Sunday, I'll be 25!  And in honor of that, a wish list of sorts.  Honestly, there's nothing I need, and I am completely content and satisfied with my life, but due to some prodding, here are some things I wouldn't mind having.

Bossy Pants - I love Tina Fey!


Silver ring 14k, pearl, 0,024ct diamond



image description


Capri Blue Jar Candle, Blue



A gratitude journal of some sort - like this

Jersey Lomellina® ruffle bandeau top
This bathing suit.  Small.  I like Dark Slate.
giftcards - mani/pedi, J.Crew, Target



Single Serve Blender - I know this seems odd, but I love smoothies, but hate having to get the whole blender out and dirty.  These blend and go look great to me!

Lilly Breeze perfume


 

A Weekend In

This weekend is the first weekend in I don't know how long that I've been inside and doing nothing.  I owe it all to this nasty little cold that decided to hang out with me for a while.  The weekend is not even half over and I am already stir crazy.  Only problem, I don't feel like doing anything.  I've been drinking lots of fruit juice and taking some cold and sinus medicine like it's nobody's business in hopes that I'd wake up this morning and be all well so I could join PC in Charleston for the weekend.  Instead, I woke up feeling less than stellar and with a still-sore throat.

So what have I been doing with myself?  Last night, I finished reading Black Heels to Tractor Wheels, watched an episode of Jay Leno with Zachary Levi from Chuck, started An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin, and caught up on my DVR which then resulted in flipping through the channels. 

I woke up early this morning - why is it that I can't possibly sleep past 7:30 even on a Saturday? - and stayed in bed and watched some of the Today show, read, and looked up some things for a fall trip.

Breakfast consisted of Eggos while I watched Morning Glory.  Have you seen that movie?  Did you like it? 

I really wanted to see it when it was out in theaters because I love Harrison Ford and Diane Keaton, but we never got around to it.  Honestly, I'm glad.  While it wasn't the worst movie I've ever seen, it wasn't as good as I hoped. 

I sometimes wish I was one of those people who could be totally content without anything to do and could just chill anytime.  I tend to be busy all the time and normally have plans, so having a weekend where I'm forced to just relax is almost crippling to me.  I know that sounds totally absurd.  But in the spirit of this doing nothingness, it's time to cover back up with my Nap blanket, watch some reality tv in the form of The Real Housewives and get some z's.

I hope you're all having a great weekend!  (And if you don't mind, say a quick prayer for PC as he's a day into this round.)

Friday, March 25, 2011

Black Heels to Tractor Wheels: Part 1 Questions

I'm so enjoying reading Black Heels to Tractor Wheels with Book Beginnings and Bookends.



From Rachel:  Has this book brought you back to the beginning of a romantic relationship in your life?

Yes.  I don't think you can read a "love story" without thinking about your life and looking at areas where you and the writer are similar or different.

 From Erin:  What surprised you about Ree? If this was your first time reading about her background, did anything surprise you about her "beginnings?"

I'm a reader of Ree's blog and had already read Part 1 on it, so nothing in this part was surprising.  As it had been some time since I read the beginning of her love story, I enjoyed reading it again.  I can't wait to finish the book!

From Nina:  While reading Part I of Black Heels, did you find yourself comparing your own love life/story to Ree's?

Yes!  Again, I think it's nearly impossible to read a love story without thinking about your own love/life story.


Would you have handled ex-boyfriend (J) the same way or differently than Ree did?

I'm not sure.  I'm not much on second chances, so like Ree, I seriously doubt I would have gone to pick J up from the airport.  But, on the other hand, I think I would have wanted J to know that things were definitely over before I began my cowboy romance (though it appears she dated others before Marlboro Man/J's arrival in her hometown came about).  Also like Ree, I tend to make up my mind and stick to it. 

Have you ever made a life-changing decision based on a guy in your life? And how did it work out for you?

Yes and no.  The one lesson I've learned is you can't change yourself for someone.  You have to be you no matter who you're with.  Because of this, I have made life-changing decisions that have been for my good.  If you can't have/share your hopes and dreams with one person (even if they don't ever come to fruition), you need to stand up for yourself and get out of it.  Better things are on the other side because in a true relationship, your boyfriend/fiance/husband should be just as devoted to you as you are to him.  You can't give 100% if the other person isn't willing to as well.

From Stephanie: How do you think Ree's family felt that she was just going to give up going to Chicago for a guy she had just met?
 
I'm sure they were alarmed, but at the same time, they were very involved with their own problems.  I also think that there comes a time when every parent realizes (or should realize) that even if the decisions their children make may not make sense to them or are opposite of what they would have them do, they have to let go and let them live their own lives.

From Rocky Mountain Wife: If you were Ree and started to question your life plan (leaving Cali, moving to Chicago, being independent for a while)...how would you feel when this sudden romance came into your life at the 'wrong' time?
I'm sure I'd wonder, "why now?"  At the same time, I firmly believe everything happens for a reason so I'd be curious as if it was something to get me "off track" so I wouldn't do what I had always thought I needed to do or if it was something that was meant to have me go a different direction as in Ree's case.


From Meghan:  How do you think the situation with Ree's parents affected her relationship with Marlboro Man? (Or do think it did not affect her?)I'm sure it made her cling to MM more and realize how important relationships are.  I think that we all have things happen that make us see how important our relationships (even non-romantic ones) are, but then we get back to life and don't necessarily always make the time that we need to to spend with our loved ones. 

Have you ever felt an instant connection with someone? How did it turn out?Yes.  So far, so good.  (wink)

What made you relate to Ree? In what ways could you not relate to her?

From Meredith: I love all the details of Ree's cooking for Marlboro Man in the early stages of their relationship. Have you ever made anything for the guy in your life that was just an utter disaster? Did he choke it down anyway?
One word: Yes.  I tend to like many things of the crunchy, crispy variety.  PC won't have anything to do with anything that slightly resembles anything crunchy or burnt.  I think he's eaten a few slightly crispy things of mine, but now that I know his aversion to these, I let him have his not-quite-done (in my opinion) foods while I let mine get crispy!

I can definitely relate to Ree's drive and desire to do something (i.e. her move to Chicago and finding her way there) and I can also relate to the calmness she felt when she visited MM at home.  I grew up in rural SC, and to this day, there's not a more peaceful place to me than being outside in the spring or summer, hearing fire flies, and rocking in a rocking chair or hammock.

Monday, March 21, 2011

A Weekend of Heart


This weekend was one full of heart.  On Saturday, I spent most of the day decorating for our annual Heart Ball. I don't have my camera with me, but if I did, I'd love to share some photos of our tables.  There wasn't a set theme this year, but we used black, red, and white in everything.

Each round table, covered with a black cloth, had a square mirror in the center.  On the mirror was a square short vase with a dozen deep red roses.  Around the vases, we used pearls and three tea lights.  It was understated and so elegant!

After decorating all day, I ran home for a quick shower and changed into my dress as I volunteered for the event.  I decided to wear a red cocktail dress.  No picture of that either, sorry!

The evening went very well!  Everyone seemed to have a great time.  I've also heard that it was one of the best yet!

Along with the event, children from local schools who wanted to participate were asked to draw a picture of what they do to have a healthy heart.  That made me start to think about what I do to keep my heart healthy.


What do you do to keep your heart healthy?

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Thursday's Thoughts

And now for you weekly installment of... dum, dum, dum.... Thursday's Thoughts!


  1. I need to get better about blogging.  Ideally, I'd like to blog four days a week.  It seems like I'm doing good if I blog twice a week.
  2. I'm feeling super energetic today!  Don't you love days where you feel like a ball of energy?
  3. This is the first St. Patty's Day in a few years that has found me remembering to wear green.
  4. I started tweeting today.  A lot.  As in for myself and for my company.
  5. This weekend is the Heart Ball.  I'm on the logistics committee and chair of the volunteers.  There's a lot of work that's already gone into it, and more that will happen this weekend, but it will be so worth it.  I love supporting causes in some way.
  6. Speaking of the Heart Ball, I'm not sure what I'm going to wear yet.  There's not a theme this year, and they're sticking with red, black, and white.  I have tons of LBDs, but I also have a red dress I've only worn once.  Right now, I'm leaning towards it.
  7. I got to have dinner with one of my best friends last night!  It was fun to catch up!
  8. I'm enjoying reading The Pioneer Woman's Black Heels to Tractor Wheels as part of the Book Beginnings and Bookends blogger book club.  

Monday, March 14, 2011

Spring Forward!

It's that time of year when we lose an hour of sleep but gain an hour of sunshine. I love this time of year (not the lose an hour of sleep part - gain an hour of sunshine part)! I'm looking forward to many things this Spring!


Unique cupcakes at Cupcake bakery in Charleston, SC


Disney World 


Easter

Friday, March 11, 2011

Weekly Wrap Up

- I'm so glad it's Friday! I'm looking forward to having hopefully an uneventful weekend!

- Last night, I had the chance to speak for a group of undergraduate students at my alma mater. I enjoyed it!

- Don't forget to spring forward this weekend!

- It's been a slow day at work. I cleaned my office and had a new computer installed. 22" screen - don't mind if I do!

- I'm looking forward to seeing one of my best friends next week!

- I can't wait to have a vacation!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Time and Purpose

As I eluded to yesterday, my preacher's Sunday night sermon really spoke to me.  I thought about it on my five minute drive home and woke up thinking about it Monday morning.  I think that many of us are extremely busy with our jobs, families, friends, and other things, and we live in a society where everyone, particularly women, feel like we are failures if we don't do everything and don't do everything we do perfectly.  This is something I struggle with and I'm sure many of you can relate to it.  If you know how I and many others feel, I encourage you to share your thoughts. I've provided a SimplyLinked at the bottom of this post (this is my first try with this, so if it doesn't work correctly, I'm sorry) if you'd like to share your thoughts.

***

At church Sunday night, something my preacher said in his sermon really hit me.  He was teaching about the Laodiceans (Revelation 3:14-21) and how they were so wrapped up in materialistic things that they were lukewarm for God.  He also said that they were so busy that they didn't take time for God.  While I don't consider myself to be materialistic even though I do like nice things and generally speaking, I spend time with God everyday, I sometimes feel like my time spent with God can get to be more like something on my to do list that I do along with all the other things that keep my schedule jam packed.  I don't like that and it shouldn't be that way. 

With all of that said, I really need to focus on what God has for me to do and the way to do that is to spend time with Him, growing closer to Him, learning more about Him, and listening.  My life is extremely scheduled and I rarely have any real "down time" that I so desperately need.  Work obligations are of course non-negotiable and for the next six weeks or so, I am slammed with events, many of them all day and night events.  But the things that are negotiable are the volunteer time I put in with Junior League and other community organizations.

Growing up, I always said I wanted to do charity work and have a career in cause-related marketing (my honors program thesis in undergrad was actually on cause-related marketing).  Now, I'm almost twenty-five and I definitely have started my career in this field.  I don't want to get burnt out though and I'm scared that all of my other "work" could potentially cause that.  

I love my job and love that I get to do something that I love.  Even on the days when my work doesn't seem to make an impact (I like to see fast results and in my field, results aren't usually seen for 20-24 months), I realize that what I do as far as the marketing/pr/fundraising efforts of my organization are extremely vital in the economic success of this area.  It's a huge deal to me that God has answered my silent prayers and blessed me so early with a career that I love.

But when it all comes down to it, what do I need to let my non-work focus cover?  I think that it's important to think about our passions because I believe God gives us the desire to do certain things and equips us with the tools we need to do those things.  So, what are my passions?  What are the areas where I feel that God wants to use me?

In addition to the whole "charity" thing and of course being a wife and mother (I'll lump these two together as my number one passion that I hope will one day be a reality), my loves are Vacation Bible School and young people, younger (teenage) girls especially.  So how does this all fit in with what I'm supposed to do?  I don't know yet.  I have some ideas and some things I feel like I'd like to do down the road, but right now, I hardly have the time to sit and pull together some of these things.

This post may have made no sense at all to you, but I wanted to share it.  I've felt a little overwhelmed the last few days (and I'm not one who feels overwhelmed very often) thinking about all the things going on in my world from an extremely busy work schedule the next few months to "outside" things like my work with JL, AHA, and other things I'd like to do, plus family, friends, and other concerns I have.

I think what God was telling me Sunday night is that I have to breathe.  It's ok to slow down.  It's important to make the time to take time with God to talk to Him and more important, listen to Him.  I don't want to one day look back (and we all know how I like to evaluate my life!) and see opportunities I've missed or things I should have done but didn't because I was too busy to even know about them.






Monday, March 7, 2011

"Just Go With It"

I hope you all had a great weekend!  Mine was nice, but too short!

On Friday night, PC and I went to dinner and then saw Just Go With It.  I loved the movie!  Of course, I knew what was going to happen, but it was still great.  I love Jennifer Aniston and any and all chick flicks and I hadn't seen one lately, so I really enjoyed myself.


On Saturday, PC and I went to the gym where I lost my keys.  Or thought I did.  I normally leave my things in the locker room but since I drove from my house in my workout clothes, I decided to just keep my keys with me and save myself 10 seconds from walking to the locker room.  Bad idea.  I left them in the cup holder on the treadmill.  When I finished weights, I realized I didn't have them as I was walking to do some abs.  Panic ensued.  I walked over to the treadmill I thought I used.  No keys.  I walked around all the weight stations I'd been to - nothing.  I ran downstairs to the front desk to see if someone had turned them in.  Nada.  I ran back upstairs to see if someone turned them in there.  Nope.  I decided to check the treadmills one more time and guess what?  I found them in the treadmill beside the one I thought I used.  Not funny.  But it really was because PC, who was working out downstairs and who I didn't see when I walked downstairs, wondered what I was asking at the front desk and assumed I thought he'd left.  Ok, maybe it's not as funny as it seemed on Saturday after I found my keys.

I also went to Barnes and Noble and picked up The Pioneer Woman's book, "Black Heels to Tractor Wheels."  I decided to read along with the Book Beginning and Bookends blogging book club this month.  You should join us!


It rained pretty much off and on all day yesterday making it perfect napping weather!  After church, I fell asleep watching SNL from Saturday night (I can rarely make it through the whole thing on Saturday night!).  After my nap, I did a kettle bell video workout (review of that coming soon!).  I am sore today!

Last night, my preacher's sermon really spoke to me and as I've been digesting it, I want to share what I've been feeling, so come back tomorrow to read about that!  For a hint, he preached on Revelation 3:14-21, the Laodiceans.  

Oh, one more big thing that happened this weekend - Disney plans!  PC and I are going to Disney World with his sister, brother-in-law, nephew, brother, and his girlfriend this Spring.  We pretty much finalized plans this weekend and are booking the trip this week.  I am so looking forward to a much needed vacation (this plays a role in the above) in the happiest place on earth!



What did you do this weekend?

Do you have any Disney travel tips?  Are there any things you definitely recommend?  

Friday, March 4, 2011

Thursday's Thoughts... A Day Late

I'm a day late posting what's becoming my regular "Thursday Thoughts," but I wanted to share them anyway.

  1. This has been the busiest week!  I guess it's a good thing I like being busy because the next few weeks look like they're trying to beat this week!
  2. I had lunch with my sweet grandparents today!  They are so precious and mean the world to me!
  3. At Junior League last night, we passed around shamrocks with our names on them and we wrote what we appreciate about each girl on her shamrock.  It was nice.  I think no matter how much you enjoy giving and doing, it's always nice to get a little encouragement.
  4. PC and I are going on a date tonight!  We're going to see Just Go With It (I love Jennifer Aniston!).
  5. I am in the mood for some Spring cleaning.  I was totally ready to clean out my closet this weekend and add some "in between" Winter and Spring clothes in it, but with the temperature in the 30s this morning, I've decided I might just need to hold on to my sweaters and coats a bit longer.
  6. Sometime during football season I purchased some garnet and black pasta from The Gourmet Shop.  I thought it would be great to cook while watching an away game.  That hasn't happened yet and I guess it won't because as I was thinking about cooking it one night earlier this week, I noticed that the color was from some type of fish ink and well, I can't eat fish.  Or their ink.  
  7. I desperately want to finish Decision Points.  Every time I've picked it up lately, I've fallen asleep (I promise it's not the book's fault!), and I'm not very good when it comes to reading more than one book at a time.
  8. I got my hair cut this week.  I kept contemplating about cutting it shorter, not short, but shorter than it is.  The day before, I had a really good hair day (in my opinion) and decided to keep it long, but add some layers.  I like it.
  9. Do you ever feel like you pray and read your Bible, but you just don't exactly "hear" God?  I'm going through that state right now.  I know He's here with me and beside me, but sometimes I wish it was like I could say, "Hey God.  Have a seat and let me see You."  I know it's not me trying not to be close to Him and certainly not Him distancing Himself from me, but I think it's an opportunity to continue to have faith and trust Him completely even though I don't "feel" Him as much as I'd like to.  Does that make sense?  It makes sense in my head, but I don't know if it does on paper!  Sorry!
  10. Speaking of sorry, I have to stop saying that!  I went through a period of time a few years ago when I would constantly say "sorry" because I felt like I was doing something "wrong" when I was expressing myself or I felt bad if someone didn't or possibly didn't want to do something I wanted to do.  I catch myself doing this every now and then (and it's usually when I have a lot going on and get tired) and I need to break myself of it.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

March Madness: Getting Fit Together

This month, I'm joining Brittney on Running In High Heels for March Madness: Getting Fit Together



This week's topic is to introduce yourself and to share you goals and what you want to accomplish.

I am Anna, otherwise known as Sweet, Southern & Sassy.  I'm in my early 20's and live in beautiful SC.  I work in marketing, fundraising and PR.  I love what I do and the challenges I have in my career.  My PC (my boyfriend for those of you who don't know), family and friends mean the world to me!  I love volunteering and serving at my church, in Junior League and various other organizations.  In my free time, I enjoy spending time with PC, my family and friends, reading, shopping, organizing, running, and just enjoying my life. 

My goals for the month:
  1. Run 50 miles
  2. Upper body workouts twice per week (or 10 times during March)
  3. Lower body workouts twice per week (or 10 times during March)
  4. Eat more fruits and vegetables every day

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Yesterday Felt Like a Dress Day

Yesterday, I had a few minutes to kill before picking up something for an out of town reception my office hosted last night, so I stopped by Belk.  They had tons of Spring dresses in and I decided to try on a few:







I'm going tomorrow to pick them up!  I asked the store to hold them because I have some Belkie Bucks I want to use and today, I got a coupon for 20% off my total purchase in the mail.  I'm glad I waited!  I love to wear dresses for work much more than suits (and I work in a male-dominated field) and I haven't bought any "work" clothes lately, so I decided to treat myself.  I'm also hosting two bridal showers in the next two months and I thought a few of these dresses would be good for those.

I meant to write down who they're each by, but forgot.  If you'd like to know, e-mail me: sweetsouthernandsassy@gmail.com.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Running Tips

I love to run.  I haven't talked about it to much on my blog, but it's something that I very much enjoy.  That sounds crazy to some, I know, but running is almost therapeutic to me.  One of my best friends asked me to share some running tips with her last week as she is starting to run so I thought I'd share them all with you.  Here they are in no particular order.

1.  Don't think of running as work.  I think we often think of running and working out as something we have to do and do a certain amount of which can actually be quite stressful.  It's been my personal experience that when I make myself try to run a certain distance in a specific amount of time or if I say I have to work out x number of times per week, I get frustrated with myself if I don't do it (even if my reasons are totally legit - work and volunteer events at night, family or friend things, whatever - you get the point).  Learn to enjoy it.  When you run, think of it as doing something for yourself that's good.  We all know that the standard thirty minutes of walking/running/jogging daily or at least 5 times a week is good for our bodies.  Remember that just like your body needs nutrients it also needs exercise.

2.  Start slow.  If you're not traditionally someone who runs you shouldn't pressure yourself to run a certain distance in a certain amount of time on the first day you lace up your running shoes whether they be Asics (my personal favorite), Nike, Adidas, or Brooks.  I suggest giving yourself a reachable goal of a desired amount of time you want to run on your first day.  Start with something manageable like 15 minutes.  If you start small, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you completed a goal which in turn will give you the motivation you need to continue.

3.  Stretch.  I am preaching to the choir when I say this because I am the world's worst when it comes to stretching.  It's so important to stretch properly both before and after your run.  Stretching helps to prevent injury.

4.  Make sure you have comfortable shoes and wear comfortable clothing.  It goes without saying that wearing good-for-you shoes is vital no matter how much you run.  As a general rule, your running shoes should be replaced every 300-400 miles.  That may seem like a lot, but if you run 50 miles a month (which is really not that hard to do!), you should replace your shoes every 6 months.

What type shoes are best?  This really is dependent upon your personal preference.  I run in Asics.  I used to run only in Nike.  I don't like running in Adidas (I find that the toe is too wide for me) or New Balance (too heavy).  The type runner you are also determines the shoe you need.  Make sure you try on different shoes and walk around in them.  If you don't have the support and comfort you desire while walking, you definitely won't have it while running.  You can also go to a store that specializes in fitting running shoes.  If you're in SC, The Extra Mile (Charleston) and Feet Fleet (Columbia) are good places to start or so I've heard.  I'd like to visit one of those this spring when it's time for me to purchase new shoes.

As far as clothing goes, I like Nike shorts, particularly the Tempo.  I also wear the Nike Dri-Fit sports bra, but I picked up this one at Target a few months ago and liked it so much I've bought several more.  I usually run in a t-shirt and if it's warm out, a tank top.


5.  Have a good playlist.  You will laugh when you find out what music motivates me as I run: Celine Dion, Michael Buble, and even some Sinatra.  Of course, I also have some pump me up songs like "I Gotta Feeling" by the Black Eyed Peas.  Everyone is different.  Some runners need something fast and loud to motivate them, others (like me) are totally fine with music that could put you to sleep.

6.  Set goals.  I like goals.  A lot.  I think setting a goal is a huge motivating factor that will ensure you will work to reach something (even if you don't).  You goal can be to run one mile in 15 minutes, to work up to a 5K in a month, or to run a marathon this year (if that's your goal, you should be sharing your tips with me!).  Whatever it is, having something to work towards will help you.  My goal for this year is to run a half-marathon and for this month, it's to run 50 miles.

7.  Eat right and hydrate.  Ensuring that your body has the nutrients it needs and stays hydrated is essential to running and exercise.  Think about the things you put in your body.  Are they providing energy for hours or immediately which will then make your crash?  Are you eating fruits and vegetables everyday?  Do you eat more "fast food" or home-cooked meals?  Do you drink Pepsi, tea, coffee and energy drinks all day and turn your nose up at water?

I'm not a dietician or even a "health food fanatic", but I do notice a HUGE difference in the way I feel when I eat out several days in a row and neglect to drink water.  For the most part, I only drink water.  I will have sweet tea (that's tea already made with sugar for those of you non-Southerners) when I go out to eat, but I don't ever make it for myself at home.  I also have a love of Dr. Pepper with vanilla from Sonic that I get every now and then (I have to be "careful" with this though because I LOVE Dr. Pepper and if I let myself, I'll go to Sonic for one of these everyday!).  One tip I have on ensuring you drink enough water is to get a Camelbak.  I got one from PC for Christmas and I try to drink at least two bottles a day.  My own observation is that if I have a bottled water on my desk, it gets room temperature before I can drink it all and I don't like room temperature water so I end up drinking maybe a whole bottle all day.  With the Camelbak, your water stays cool longer and I drink it faster.

As far as food goes, I normally have oatmeal (Quaker's Instant Maple and Brown Sugar) or cereal (Basic 4, Fruit and Fiber, some Kashi - I don't like really sweet cereals) for breakfast on weekdays.  If I can get it together in the morning, I'll have a scrambled egg.  If I don't have an event or luncheon, I usually have leftovers from the night before or I pick up something from Chick-fil-A for lunch during the work week.  If I take my lunch to work, I try to take some fruit (mandarin oranges in the individual cups) and eat a salad.  For dinner, it really depends.  I don't think where you eat (out or at home) is necessarily important as long as you're eating healthily and incorporating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet.  I also think anything you eat in moderation is ok.  I LOVE Mexican food and pasta but eating those two things everyday is not good, but I certainly enjoy my fair share.  :)

So, all in all, what should you take away from this or the condensed version?

  • Make running fun.  Lace up your shoes, listen to your iPod, and enjoy yourself.
  • Have a goal.  This can be a goal per run, per week, month, or even something you want to do during the year like run a 5K.
  • Eat right and drink lots of water.
  • Make sure your shoes fit and are comfortable.
  • STRETCH!

Disclaimer: I am not a personal trainer, dietician, former Olympic athlete ;), marathoner, or an expert on running.  Rather, I am someone who enjoys working out, exercising, and making and attaining goals.