I’m not a big one for resolutions. Something about the word rubs me the wrong way and makes it feel like it can be tossed aside, since so many people do that come February 1. On that note, I usually make goals so that I can stick to them and watch my progress. Here are a few I’ve made for 2012. I’ve already started on most of these and I’m looking forward to seeing how they go as the year progresses. 

Touch my toes - I have never been able to do this. I am a shameful foot away from actually touching my toes. A trainer last year showed me some moves to help but I fell off on doing them. I’m thinking now I could try doing them in the morning at work while my tea steeps. We’ll see how this goes.

Record my workouts - I started doing this last year but fell off. Fortunately dailymile now has an unofficial app so I’m using it to help. This is a great way to stay accountable as well as a way to see if I’ve ignored certain workouts.

Make workout dates with friends - all of my friends workout. Though they may not all love it, they all do it. We usually get together for food or drinks but I think we could kill two birds with one stone (and save money) by getting together for workouts. 

Order from seamless less - This has become a crutch for B and me. Whenever we are hungry we fire up the computer and order dinner from seamless. It’s an expensive habit and even if we order healthy foods, we can’t be sure of the amount of salt or butter they are putting on the food. For financial and health reasons, we’ll be cooking food more and ordering from seamless less. (allowing ourselves once a week)

Try a new class every season - There are a few classes at Equinox I’ve been hoping to try but can’t get up the courage. This is the year! To keep this goal more attainable so I don’t get frustrated, I’ve challenged myself to do one class in winter, spring, summer and fall. This way, if I try more than 4 classes,  I’ll be ahead of the game!

Try new seasonal fruits and vegetables - I have my staples of fruits and vegetables I love, but why not try new ones? To try them at their tastiest and save the environment, I’m only going to try new fruits and vegetables when they are in season.

Do yoga and spinning at least once each week - Keeping these classes on my schedule will force me to cross-train while also keeping me in top condition for them.

I was in Amsterdam for work for a few days and made sure to pack my sneakers. With the early morning call times, long work days and late nights out with the clients, it was hard to fit in a lot of workouts but I was able to get down to the gym one rainy morning. I was confused initially to see the Dutch words on the elliptical and bike but it was pretty easy to guess what they meant. The only real issue was translating KM to miles which I promptly gave up and just focused on time. 20 minutes on the elliptical, 20 on the bike and I was ready for a long day at the studio. So glad I got in the workout because sitting around most of the day tends to make you feel pretty lethargic. 

I was that girl today. 

While running out of my apt this morning, I decided to grab a work outfit so I could shower at the gym and not get in the way of my roommate who is taking the NY bar today (good luck D!). After a nice sweaty sess on the bike and some strength training, I showered and was ready to go. Only then did I realize I hadn’t tossed sandals in my bag. Oops. Also, I wasn’t just wearing a regular outfit, I was wearing a coral, frilly, girly dress. Let me tell you, when I laced on my sneakers, I looked awesome. It was pretty comical actually and it reminded me of my mother in the 80s (sorry Mum!) Now, I don’t care what other people wear to work, and I am certainly not on the cool-shoe train, usually reaching for sandals, boat shoes, slip on converse or flat boots, but I try to keep my running shoes with my running outfits. It’s NYC and there are ladies out there in sky high heels, I just don’t want to stand out too much.

So anyway, I scooted home, hoping I wouldn’t run into anyone I knew while I set my awesome fashion statement. Luck was on my side and I didn’t! Note to self - next time make sure you have other shoes. ;-)

The weather has kept my sister and me in most of our mini staycation down the cape. However, today whenever there was a bit of sun we scooted to the beach to take advantage of it. One trip involved some light reading in beach chairs while the other lead us on a long walk down the beach. It was surprising to feel soreness in different muscles the next day, the sand made us move in ways we’re not used to. Either way, getting in a bit of exercise, enjoying the scenery and each other’s company made for a wonderful afternoon.

After a wonderful Memorial Day weekend that included much too much eating and drinking and not enough exercising, I did a killer workout at the gym this evening. I mixed it up with 20 minutes on the bike, 10 on the stairmaster, 15 walking at the highest treadmill incline and then did one of the Nike Training Club App’s workout. I really liked the variety of my cardio and with the strength training I chose tonight, my whole body was feeling it or that could just be my lobster colored sunburn, whoops. (note, if you’re used to wearing 70, dropping to 30, even when constantly reapplied, is a terrible idea)

In light of Memorial Day I’d like to extend my thanks to everyone who has served or is serving our country. We are forever grateful for what you do and the freedoms it allows us. Thank you.

Since I slept in yesterday morning I was determined to both go to spinning and get in my run today. Fortunately my running schedule only called for three miles, so I knew I’d have enough time. While warming up in spinning, one of the front desk attendants came up to tell us the instructor would be 5-10 minutes late. It amused me to see that people either a. stayed on their bikes and continued to warmup or b. went to another part of the gym to continue a different part of their workout. I was reminded of high school or college when a professor was late and everyone would do the “if they’re not here in 5 minutes we’re leaving” group decision. I found in my advertising classes which most people loved, this was never the case, people wanted to stay in the hopes that we would still have class and they’d continue to grow in a subject they loved. The same was true this morning. Just because the instructor was a bit behind schedule (and haven’t we all with NYC transportation?) that doesn’t mean we’re going to let it derail our fitness goals. I was very impressed with the determination of our class. Our patience was rewarded when he got there and lead us through a great workout. 

Side note, how beautiful is the new Frank Gehry building at sunrise? I mean, it’s gorgeous o matter what, but with the pinks and purples reflecting off the twisted metallic surfaces it’s just stunning. 

Amsterdam Adidas Ads. I get the concept, but I’m not a fan of it (or the art direction). They did, however, remind me of an article in the WSJ the other day about exercise getting in the way of relationships. (Credit to Ben Waldman for tweeting about it) The article talked about various couples in which one person is a hard core exerciser (let’s just say runner, because exerciser sounds weird). Arguments sprung from the runner being away from the family for hours, falling asleep before the kids, being too strict with their diets and going away for races. It was a pretty interesting article, I could see both sides of the story. On one hand, I would hope that my spouse would not only be happy that I am leading a healthy life, but also that the would join me! Even if they’re not a runner, we could find fun, healthy things for all of us to do together. On the other hand, I would never let my running or physical goals get in the way of my family. Putting others’ needs before your own is one of those things I think you learn as you get married and have children (or so I’m told, haha). There were some sad parts of the article, in which one spouse stopped being attracted to the other after they became healthier. 

Soo yeah, that’s what I was thinking about as I dragged my bum out of bed for 6:30 spinning. Class went well, I was dripping sweat. Stretched out and did some abs later. Great start to the day, long before any of my friends or family are awake, so there was no neglecting them. ;-)

What are your thoughts on how running and relationships affect each other?

This morning was a slippery six miles. I set out to go over the Brooklyn Bridge and come back over the Manhattan bridge. I completely forgot that the BK bridge is a lot of wood which was covered in slush. With mounds of snow on both sides it was a narrow run. The Manhattan bridge a bit better just because of the concrete surface. Once I got back over to Manhattan I foolishly ran west across Canal Street. It was swamped. With people and slush. But once I got over to the west side it was a more enjoyable run. I made it to the gym for three miles on the bike and some stretching.