Franken-Toe has a spa day :)

Yep - in all the glory. hehehehe It's getting better. Still haven't attempted any major running on it, but overall, I'm working on patience.

OK... so this week, I managed to do a whole lot o nuthin. No worries ! I've kicked myself in the butt and did major gym stuff this holiday weekend. Although the stairs the other day... seriously needed to use the elevator on the way down !!! Took my poor calves almost 4 days to get back to not screaming at me. Oooops...

Today... the Smith machine. I love that thing. I know that it's not great, I know that

'real' gym rats use a barbell to do this stuff (fyi - pretty sure I'd injure myself somehow doing that). Today, reverse lunges with the bosu ball, plie squats, regular squats + for good measure (not with the Smith rack) some hamstring stiff leg dead lifts and some sit squats with a 20 pound barbell over the shoulders. Oh how I've missed the 'boys' side of the gym. HA ! I only did 25's on each side of the Smith machine ... remembering the good ol' days of 90 on each side... soon ... soon...

I got my Oprah email news letter the other day... and it was 10 ways to shape up outside. Some of these are great.. some I could create havoc with, but overall I liked 'em... and I might just buy a hula hoop !! - my favs:

Walk or Run a 5K
You are never too old to start moving, and there are hundreds of walks and runs you can participate in this summer to jump-start your healthy lifestyle. Women tend to put others first, so sign up for an event that benefits a charity. You'll feel more purpose and drive to do your best.

Hula's Hip
The classic youthful fad—the hula hoop—is back with a new fitness focus. According to the founders of Hoopnotica.com, "hooping" is a great way to burn calories and tighten the core. Creators Gabriella and Melissa started the movement when they needed to lose 50 stubborn pounds of baby weight. The fitness hoops are a little heavier and bigger—though there are portable hoops to take to the park—than the children's hoop you're used to. And a DVD gives you inspiration and basic moves to get lost in the swing of things.

Skip It
No, not the workout...pick up a jump rope! Try jogging in place and just whipping the rope around in a figure-eight pattern. This helps you jump longer without misses. If you like skipping the rope, try different foot combinations like heel-digs, both-feet and high-knees.

OK.... and from Hungry Girl - this is sooooo good... seriously good... however, I'm not a HUGE fan of the Newmans dressing, I love Trader Joes though... and I imagine if you a dressing you like better, it'll work the same, just adjust calories accordingly.

Crunchy Sassy Chinese Slaw

PER SERVING (about 1 cup): 111 calories, 3.5g fat, 375mg sodium, 17.5g carbs, 4g fiber, 10g sugars, 3g protein --

Ingredients:
One 16-oz. package Mann's Broccoli Cole Slaw
1 cup canned water chestnuts, drained and sliced into thin strips
1 cup canned mandarin orange segments packed in water or juice, drained and chopped (and rinsed, if packed in juice)
1 cup chopped scallions
2/3 cup Newman's Own Lighten Up Low Fat Sesame Ginger Dressing
1/4 cup slivered almonds

Directions:
In a large bowl, toss all ingredients together, and mix well. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Stir well before serving. Enjoy!

MAKES 6 SERVINGS

soooooo.... I'm off to see the kid in a day or two and couldn't be more excited. I'll update when I get back.

Buy a Hula Hoop people !

artichokes ? yes please !

Skinny Artichokes With Skinny Garlicky Dip
We can just imagine if you didn’t grow up eating artichokes and you are encountering them for the first time they might appear a little intimidating. But they needn’t be…they’re the best-tasting bud in the thistle family and are very versatile.
The edible parts include a section of the leaves, the heart, and in certain varieties, the stem. From March to May artichokes are plentiful in supermarkets. These nifty powerhouses have 7 grams of fiber, 4.5 grams of protein, 0 fat and 68 calories for a medium-size one. One bite dipped in our fabulous Skinny Garlicky Dip and you’ll know why artichokes have been called "The fruit with a heart of gold."
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40-50 minutes

Ingredients
4 large artichokes
1 lemon
Water
Garlic powder
Fresh ground pepper
Skinny Garlicky Dip, recipe follows

Instructions
Wash artichokes just before using. Make sure to flush out any dirt found between the leaves. Slice off the stem to form a flat base and snap off the tough outer leaves closest to the stem. Trim off about ½ inch of the pointed top. Using scissors, snip off the prickly tips of the outer leaves. Rub all edges with lemon to prevent discoloration.

In a large pot or roaster, fill about 3 inches of water. Place the artichokes in one layer on the bottom. Sprinkle each with garlic powder and pepper.

Bring to a boil, cover, and cook over moderate heat for about 40-50 minutes until a leaf comes off easily. Drain and cool enough to handle.

To remove the center choke, gently spread open the top leaves of each artichoke and using a spoon, remove and discard the fuzzy choke.

Serve warm or cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Serve with our Skinny Garlicky Dip on the side.

Skinny Garlicky Dip
If you love garlic, this is a must-try! This dip is really delicious and can be used in plenty of ways other than a dip. It works great as a salad dressing or drizzled over steamed broccoli and asparagus. Our skinny dip has only 51 calories and 3 grams of fat for two tablespoons. A full-fat recipe, using mayonnaise instead of Nancy’s Skinny Ranch, has about four times the calories, 209, and eight times the fat, 22 grams. It’s so addicting…
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Refrigerator Time: about 1 ½ hours

Ingredients
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons onions, minced
2 cloves fresh garlic, minced (not from a jar)
2 tablespoons sugar
1 cup of Nancy's Skinny Ranch Dressing

Instructions
In a small saucepan, add the vinegar, water, onions, garlic and sugar. Simmer for six minutes.
Pour mixture into a small bowl and place in the freezer for 15-20 minutes until cool. Set the timer so you don’t forget about it!
Stir in the Nancy’s Skinny Ranch Dressing.
Refrigerate for at least one hour to blend flavors (If you need to use it right away, it’s still delicious).
Skinny Garlicky Dip will keep in fridge for seven days.Makes 1 ¼ cups

Food Fact: The artichoke is the edible flower bud of a thistle-like plant and part of the sunflower family. They’ve been adored for some 2000 years and are a stable in Italian, Spanish, French and California cooking. The artichoke made it’s way to America by French and Italian explorers. Now California produces 100 percent of the U.S. commercial artichoke crop. Most are grown in Castroville, known as ‘The Artichoke Capital of the world.’

Healthy Benefit: Artichokes are low in calories, with only 68 calories for one medium-cooked globe. They are naturally fat-free. They’re also a good source of fiber, potassium and magnesium. Garlic promotes circulation and lowers cholesterol. It also contains sulfur compounds that may prevent cancer growth.
Shopping Tip: Look for artichokes that are deep green and heavy for their size. Store them unwashed in a plastic bag in the fridge for up to four days.

Eating Tip: To eat an artichoke, simply pull off each leaf and draw the base of the leaf through your teeth to scrape off the soft portion. Discard the rest of the leaf. As you work your way toward the center, the leaves become more tender, with larger edible portions, until you reach the choke. If the center choke has not been removed yet, use a spoon to remove and discard the “hairy” choke, then dive into the best part known as the heart.
Skinny Facts for One Artichoke and 2 Tablespoons of Skinny Garlicky Dip: 119 calories, 3g fat, 11.5g protein, 20g carbs, 7g fiber, 245mg sodium, 7g sugar

Mid Forties - who me ???

Can that be ? Really ??? 44. Amazing.

Any regrets so far ? Hell no. Each mistake came with a valuable lesson. Some of those lessons sucked, but in general, I'm thankful for them. Each missed opportunity led me through a better door.

Do I wish that when I was 25 or 30 or 35 I knew what I know now ? You bet. I'd be freakin' fantastic !

I'm thankful for my wrinkles. They represent good times in tropical places with amazing people. They represent lots of laughs with the very best family a girl could ask for, and sleepless nights wondering if I was a good parent / wife / friend / daughter / sister

I love having friends that even if I don't call them every week, still know I love them and am so very blessed to have them in my life. I don't have to tell them ... it's just reality.

I'm thankful that I don't wear makeup ('cept mascara !), I'm thankful that I have thick hair, and I'm thankful I don't have to hold a menu 4 feet away to read it :) I love that I still can have Slurpees, but now I know I gotta work for those treats.

I live every day by the words of a dear friend - "someone, some where always looks worse in a bikini than you do" (thanks RC, if only you knew how much those words mean !)

I wish when I was younger I was more fearless than fearful. I hope someday that chicks, no matter what their age or shape or size or ability, will think, and then know, that they can do fantastic feats, like a 5k, or walking into a gym for the first time, or learning how to cook a healthy meal.

I love my enthusiasm and my 'i can do it' attitude - although it drives 99.9 percent of people nutty. I love my impatience and my 'lets go now' thought process. Have I learned (with ,... age) that sometimes those attributes can also be detrimental ? yes...

Do I listen to my words of wisdom ? Sometimes...

Do I try to embrace all the good around me ? You bet

Mostly, after 44 years, I'm thrilled to have the people around me, friends I've had for 30 plus years and friends I've had just a few years, a husband who's stuck around for 17 years and a son who has made every single day worth living for the last 22 years.

Pretty much, you guys ROCK.

xoxoxoxo

Stairs !!

This morning, Rob had the car, so I decided to run the stairs in the Condo :) Sorry neighbors ! At least I didn't sing out loud ! 7 times 13 floors.

The start, the bottom, open that door and you walk out into the alley

up ... up... up...

12th floor... penthouses... I still gotta go up ...

THERE IT IS .... the final stairs... the door to fresh air ! And when I open the door...this is my reward:

Not too shabby. Steady pace, one time doing double stairs up. 7 times up + 7 times down = 37 minutes and 387 calories. NICE ! What'd ya do this morning ??

another adhd post... but there's so much info to share !

OK... first... I'm lame and have done zip zero zilch since Sunday. I'm OK with that. Weight is tolerable, and as much as I'd like to be 112 and in stellar shape for Vegas, that's just not gonna happen. I'll survive :)

OK... so much to share ! First, my fav trainer of all time, Jillian Michaels, has just posted a picture of herself with this caption :

shooting our first reveal for Losing It in Boston and the ass seam of my dress splits open. Life on the road has not been kind to this girl. Lucky for me all the families friends managed to catch the incident on flip cam. Kill me.

And yep - it's a pic of her in a stunning red dress... with tape up the backside. LOVE IT ! Just makes you know that everyone, yes, everyone, has to work hard to be who they want to be, and sometimes, it's OK to mess up. LOVE IT ! That seriously made me smile :)

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From Active.com ... they had an article "13 Keys to a Healthy Diet", and a couple of them were good - basic, but always good reminders !!

Keep your cholesterol intake below 300 milligrams per day.Cholesterol is found only in animal products, such as meats, poultry, dairy products, and egg yolks.

If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. That is one drink a day for women, two a day for men. A drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 4 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof spirits. Excess alcohol consumption leads to a variety of health problems. And alcoholic beverages can add many calories to your diet without supplying nutrients.

Eat plenty of high-fiber foods--that is, fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. These are the "good" carbohydrates--nutritious, filling, and relatively low in calories. They should supply the 20 to 30 grams of dietary fiber you need each day, which slows the absorption of carbohydrates, so there's less effect on insulin and blood sugar, and provides other health benefits as well.

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Active also had a list of the top ten 'destination' races. Which, as we all know, my theory is that i if you sign up for an event someplace else, a) you can't back out and b) it's a vacation !

Check these out ... and whatdaya know ?? My Napa to Sonoma Half is listed !! 2011 peeps, 2011...

www.worksmartplayharder.com 5K / 10k / Half Trail Run North Miami Beach Florida.

This looks like FUN ! Downside - Miami, in June = ouch

www.napa2sonoma.com

Yep - a half marathon with WINE ! Doin' this in 2011

www.metrodash.com

Thru the streets of Boston! With an obstacle course designed by Navy Seals! And you can raise money for the Warrior Fund. Love it !

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Hungry Girl had some match-ups today... and two were against two of my favs, sandwich thins and babybel cheese ! You GOTTA pick up mini BabyBel light :)

The results:

High-Fiber Tortillas vs. Sandwich Thins
The Contenders: La Tortilla Factory Smart & Delicious Low Carb High Fiber Large Tortillas and Arnold Select/Oroweat Sandwich Thins
The Stats:
La Tortilla Factory Smart & Delicious Low Carb High Fiber Large Tortillas
PER SERVING (1 tortilla): 80 calories, 3g fat, 300mg sodium, 18g carbs, 12g fiber, 1g sugars, 8g protein -- POINTS® value 1*

Arnold Select/Oroweat Sandwich Thins
PER SERVING (1 roll): 100 calories, 1g fat, 210 - 230mg sodium, 21 - 23g carbs, 5g fiber, 2g sugars, 4 - 5g protein -- POINTS® value 1*

The Taste: There's a reason why these tortillas and Sandwich Thins are MVPs (Most Valuable Products!) in HG Land: They're both FANTASTICALLY delicious bread substitutes. Looking for something beyond standard wheaty flavor? The smaller 50-calorie tortillas come in Green Onion and Garlic Herb; the Thins areavailable in varieties like Seedless Rye, Honey Wheat, and Whole Grain White. Nice!
Additional Info: While Sandwich Thins are incredible bun swaps for burgers and sandwiches, the possibilities are ENDLESS with tortillas. They've made many a guilt-free recipe possible here at HG:burritos, wraps, quesadillas, pizzas... You name it! And they definitely earn bonus points for containing around twice as much protein and fiber as the Thins.
THE BOTTOM LINE: We love both for their high-fiber, low-cal, bread-replacing superpowers -- but we've gotta hand this one to the tortillas. But don't get us wrong; we love you, Sandwich Thins!

Light String Cheese vs. Mini Babybel Light

The Contenders: Light String Cheese and Mini Babybel Light
The Stats:

Light String Cheese (Average)
PER SERVING (1 stick): 55 calories, 2.5g fat, 190mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars, 7.5g protein -- POINTS® value 1*

Mini Babybel Light
PER SERVING (1 piece): 50 calories, 3g fat, 160mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars, 6g protein -- POINTS® value 1*

The Taste: Since we're here to talk taste and not cuteness, we won't touch on how ADORABLE the Mini Babybel Lights are. (Oops...) With that out of our system, both items are delicious, low-cal snack options. String cheese is a bit softer with a mild mozzarella flavor (since, you know, it is mozzarella!), while Mini Babybel Light has a slightly sharper cheese taste.
Additional Info: Light string cheese is extremely versatile -- itmelts perfectly in recipes, whether you pull it apart by hand or shred/grate it in a blender/food processor. But lately, we like to chop up Mini Babybel Lights and throw 'em into quesadillas for some guilt-free cheesiness. BTW, both are phenomenal snacks when eaten alone... Yummmm!
THE BOTTOM LINE: AAAHHHH -- A TIE! We simply CANNOT choose a winner here. Each is special in its own way.

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OK... I think that's it for now. Sorry for the ADHD stuff again... but sheesh... the info has to be spread right ???

Hey... quit reading this and go for a walk or a jog or something !

GO !

What ?? A run ? Total ADHD post...

That's right ... I tried a run (in the loosest of terms) on Saturday. 3.5 miles along the waterfront. It was tolerable. I did do what the snazzy running Dr. said to do and I ran a bit and walked a bit and ran a bit and walked a bit. Ultimately, Frank did OK... swelled up and turned fiery red, but not a ton of pain. So I'm OK with that. Although, I apparently have misplaced my lungs in the last few months. I need to locate them pronto !! The remainder of Saturday included a mixed leg / arm workout out at Golds, and a basket of sweet potato fries :) YUM

Sunday was a gym day again ... did a decent workout and called it good.

We'll see how 'running' goes in the future ! Frank doesn't like the clip shoes (for the bike)yet, so we'll give it some more time. This weekend was the Bay to Breakers race in San Fran. Everyone says it's a way fun race. I'm putting it on my list :)

AND... 16 days left to Vegas. My goal is less carbs, some type of cardio / weight activity EVERY day and, are you sitting down, no alcohol until Vegas. SPEAKING of alcohol... um, Belvedere Pink Grapefruit... hellllooo...

However, as it is margarita weather, as always, my fav margarita recipe:

Skinny Girl Margarita

2 oz of blanco (clear) tequila

a splash of fresh lime juice

a splash of triple sec or Gran Marnier or Cointreau

shake, pour over ice. YUM !

- regular tequila is usually around 100 calories for a shot (1.5 oz).

- blanco tequila is usually around 70 calories for one ounce. So figure, 140 calories in this drink for the tequila.

Check out what Golds says about what you should be doing at a gym in your 40's :

In Your 40s...

FOCUS ON WEIGHT TRAINING

Why: Lean body mass decreases about 15% between the ages of 30 and 60, which means five to seven pounds of muscle lost each decade. Plus, weight training slows memory loss. In a 2006 study in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, Brandeis University researchers found that strength training increased the participants' memory span. The higher the resistance, the more memory improved.

1. 1. Start with the legs... Doing squats and lunges can help alleviate knee problems that often develop later in life — problems that ultimately may prevent you from leading an active, fend-for-yourself lifestyle.
2. 2. ...but don't ignore the lower back. You've probably been sitting at a computer for decades now, so it's high time to strengthen those weak core muscles in the stomach and lower back.
3. And they include a link to a Core workout although I'm iffy on the 'wheel' thingy. I think you can do the same thing, with better results on a ball. And instead of the 'stability ball back extensions', I use the Roman chair and a 8 pound medicine ball. Easier on the lower back for me.

4. LTIMATE CORE WORKOUT OF 6 ESSENTIAL EXERCISES.

   Start with 10 minutes of cardio, and end with five minutes of stretching. Don't forget to hydrate throughout. Do this routine three times a week, and you'll start to see results within a month.

   STABILITY BALL CRUNCHES

   

   Three sets of 10 reps

   Lie back on a stability ball, with your feet flat on the floor and your body forming a 45-degree angle with the ball. Cross your hands and place them on your upper chest. Contract your abs to lift your torso five to 10 inches off the ball, keeping your feet and neck stable, then slowly lower back down.
   Our expert says: "If you're up for a bigger challenge, curl your left shoulder toward your right knee, alternating sides with each rep."

   STABILITY BALL BACK EXTENSION

   Three sets of 10

   

   Lie facedown on a stability ball, with your feet about hip-distance apart behind and supporting you. Hold your arms out Superman-style and slowly lift yourself up. Drop your chin to the ball, and elevate your upper torso so that your back and rear are in a straight line; be sure not to overextend into a curve.
   Our expert says: "This is an amazing lower-back exercise that also recruits the hamstrings and glutes. For a deeper burn, hold a light weight in each hand as you elevate."

   ELBOW PLANK

   

   Lie on your stomach in a pushup position. Keep your arms bent, with palms and forearms on the floor and legs extended straight out, and be up on your toes. Contract your ab muscles and slowly lift your torso off the floor, keeping your palms, elbows, forearms and toes on the floor. Hold the position for 45 seconds, then slowly drop and recover for 30 seconds.
   Our expert says: "When you feel stronger, increase your hold time up to a minute."

   

   SQUATS

   Three sets of 12

   That's right, squats. This one exercise can have a major impact on your core. Place a stability ball between your mid-back and a wall. Stand with your feet hip-distance apart; keep your back straight and your head up. Bend your knees, drop your torso. Lower your butt toward the floor, the ball rolling with you as you move, as if you were sitting in a chair. As you stand back up, push through the heels of your feet. For more of a challenge, hold a five-pound barbell (or whatever weight works for you) in each hand.
   Our expert says: "This'll work everything — your abs, your glutes and your lower back — plus it helps develop strength and endurance."

   

   SIDE TRUNK RAISE ON HYPEREXTENSION BENCH

   Three sets of 12 on both sides

   Position yourself sideways on the hyperextension bench so that one hip is resting on the large pad, and your feet are hooked under the foot pads, securing you. Let one arm hang down relaxed, the other rested on your hip or behind your head. Slowly exhale, contract your oblique muscles and lower your free arm toward the floor. Keep your neck straight and don't twist your upper body. Inhale as you return to the starting position. Alternate sides between each set.
   Our expert says: "This is a major love-handle buster, since it works the side abdominal muscles. Hold a dumbbell in your free hand to make it more challenging."

   

   THE AB WHEEL

   Three sets of 10

   An ab wheel is a small wheel with a handle on either side. With your knees bent and resting on the floor, contract your core and slightly tilt your pelvis back to prevent arching your lower back. Grab the handles on the wheel with both hands and hold it directly below your shoulders, keeping your arms straight. Roll the wheel straight out in front of you, moving it far enough to work all of your ab muscles. (Trust us, you'll feel it.) Squeeze your abs, use your lower-back muscles, and pull the wheel back toward you.
   Our expert says: "This one will make you sweat. For more of a challenge, push the wheel laterally to work your oblique and intercostal ab muscles."

BOSU

love love love my Bosu Ball. If you don't have one, you should get one. And fortunately, Golds has tons of them, and oddly, the ones on the 'boy side' of the gym are always available :) I do most of the basic arm exercises on the Bosu, shoulder press, front and side raises, etc. And of course... my fav... lunges and squats. In the good ol' days, when I was a gym rat 5 days a week, I'd use the Bosu to do reverse lunges (below) with the Smith rack. woot woot ! I'll get there again :) Great to get your heart rate up too, so you can get some good cardio going while you are doing some weight training. I do the 'step-ups'... only side to side, quick, 3 sets of 20 - 25 reps back and forth (on each leg) So, check it out. And get a Bosu !

Bosu Ball Squats - Bosu Upside Down Bosu ball squats with bosu upside down stability ball exercise with picture and video.

Video Problems?

Bosu Ball Squats - Bosu upside down
This is an advanced exercise. Flip the Bosu upside down. Slowly step on the Bosu with feet should width apart. Contract your core to stabilize the body. Inhale and slowly lower your bottom to the Bosu by bending the knees. Keep all of your body weight centered on the Bosu. Without pausing, slowly exhale as you raise your body by straightening the legs. Do this exercise slowly and try to keep the top of the Bosu stable.

Video Problems?

Bosu Ball Lunges - Foot Behind on Bosu
With eyes looking forward and back straight, place one foot behind you on the center of the Bosu. With feet should width apart, your front foot should be far enough forward so that the knee does not pass the ankle as you are lunging down. Inhale as you bend the front leg and bring the hips towards the ground. Do not lean forward. Your back leg on the Bosu should bend slightly until the knee touches the Bosu. As you bend your front knee, your thigh and lower leg will form a right angle. Do not let the front knee extend over your ankle and foot and be sure to keep your back and neck straight. Before you exhale, pause briefly. Slowly lift the body by straightening the front leg. Complete a full set with one leg and switch legs when the set is completed. You can also add a weight in each hand for an added resistance.

Bosu Ball: Step-up Bosu Ball Step-up stability exercise with picture and video.

Video Problems?

Step-up

This exercise is great for the beginner who is working on core strength or an improvement in balance. Stand directly behind the Bosu with your feet shoulder-width apart. While breathing steadily, step on the Bosu with the right foot, followed by the left foot. Tighten the core for stabilization. Slowly step down with the right foot, followed by the left foot. Repeat but this time start with the other foot. If you have a strong core, complete this exercise quickly. For added resistance, hold a weight in each hand when performing this exercise.

what an excellent suggestion...

I stole this from a Seattle PI blog by a runner chick. I love this idea. And if you don't think you can run a race or a half marathon or a marathon, go watch the finish line sometime. You'll be AMAZED and the variety of people crossing that line, big, small, young, old, tall, short, some in fancy gear, some in just regular gear, but every single one of them will have a smile. It might be a pained, exhausted 'i'm never doing this again' smile, but they'll be smiling :)

Sunday morning I got up at the crack of dawn to volunteer for the Tacoma City Marathon. I made the commitment to do this a couple of weeks ago because I figured I need to see inspiration first hand to stay inspired. It worked.

I worked at the finish line because I figured that would be the most exciting area. The people finishing the 5k were fun enough but the real excitement (for me anyway) came when the half marathoners were crossing the finish line. They were red and sweaty and looked exhausted. It was beautiful. One girl actually collapsed as soon as she crossed the finish. I cried a little bit on a few different occasions. I was green with envy.

I should add, that my job was to remove the timing chips from the runners' ankles. I noted how hard it looked for them to just lift up their ankles onto a crate for me. These people pushed themselves to their absolute limit. I ask you now, what is more exciting than that? I can't think of much.

Then, just when I thought it couldn't get any more interesting, here come the marathoners. I could not believe these animals just ran 26.2 miles. I mean, I talk about doing it myself but these people just did it. The runners looked like they were confident, accomplished and proud when they crossed the finish. No one looked regretful.

I had to cut my time short so I wasn't able to see all of the finishers. It was my daughter's birthday and I had to get home before she woke up. What I took with me from this experience with last me a lifetime, no doubt.

I have heard from non-runners time and time again that we "marathon training folk" are crazy. If you think about it, we are. Who in their right mind can look at complete and utter exhaustion as something exciting? Who in the world can feel butterflies in their stomach and pounding in their chest just from merely talking about crossing a finish line or signing up for a big race? Who with any brain function thinks it's fun to get up at 5 in the morning to put their body through near death experiences?

Runners do. And it's awesome.

If you are reading this, and are thinking about training for a race, or are in the midst of your training for a race, I urge you to volunteer at a finish line. See what it's like. Get a feel for the glory. If nothing else, you will know in your heart if you are made for this. Hell, you might even get a free t-shirt or jacket to take home

"You're impatient"

Today is the start of 7 weeks for Frank-en Toe. It's not looking good. It's not feeling good. And I went to the Dr and he says "You're impatient". It's still amazingly swollen and the joint on top of the foot and on the bottom is painful when I run, which I did for about 10 minutes on a treadmill. The joint pain isn't from the surgery, but probably a by-product of the damn black boot I had to wear for 5 weeks. He says the joint just needs to work back into 'being a joint' and not 'being immobile". "You were very active so the joints were used to moving all the time. In the boot they can't move, be patient" Option one, the anti inflammatory cream. Alrighty then, I'll do that. Rub that on 4 times a day. I go back in 4 weeks. Option two is cortisone shots. Great.

In the meantime, I've been hitting my new stellar Gold's Gym on the weekends. love it !!! And currently cutting calories... including my favorite alcohol calories :(

This was interesting - the calorie count thingy says about me - and I do like they said cut out 500 calories, which in my pea brain is literally, don't eat 500 calories. But eat 200 fewer and burn 300 is a snazzy option !!

Your Results:

You need 1862 calories to maintain your current weight

You need to eliminate 500 calories a day to lose weight. We recommend you do that by a combination of diet and exercise, e.g., eat 200 fewer calories and burn 300 calories through exercise.

Healthy Habit: You Count Calories

The key to weight loss: Take in fewer calories than your body needs to maintain your current weight and you will drop pounds. But only 11% of Americans correctly estimate their ideal daily calorie requirements, according to a recent survey. The rest of us tend to overestimate, says Bonnie Taub-Dix, RD, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, and that's what keeps you from losing weight. Let's say you assume that a target of 2,000 calories per day will allow you to get to your weight goal, but it really takes 1,800: Those extra 200 are enough to keep an additional 20 pounds on your frame.

Do It Better
Determine the right number of calories you need each day — and stick to it

Get Your Max Intake
Go to prevention.com/caloriecalculator and plug in the weight you want to be (as well as your height, age, and activity level) to get your daily calorie allowance.

Divvy it Up
Set limits on your meals and snacks. If 1,800 calories is your max, split it into three 500-calorie meals and one 300-calorie snack.

Create a Custom Meal
If your favorite frozen entre has 500 calories, that's all you get. Find one for 300, however, and you can have some fresh fruit and a small salad with it.