Couch to 5k

I haven't been nearly as good about exercise since Chris left for his internship; I think it's just been hard for me to keep my habits of stress-eating and depressed-eating at bay. Plus, I've been quite busy!

Anyways, I think part of it is that I've been in need of a new routine or direction. I thought about doing all 30 days of the Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred DVD... but, honestly, I have done that workout DVD SO MANY times that I think I'll be too bored to really get through the whole thing. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love that DVD, and I think it's incredibly effective. I just don't want to do it for 30 days straight.

So, I decided that I'm going to try a Couch to 5k program. It's a running/walking program that starts off very slowly and builds up to a 3-mile run. And it's supposed to be done 3 days per week, which is totally doable. I've never really enjoyed running, but I think that has to do with the fact that I always try to run too fast right off the bat. Plus, I have a knee that has some issues, so I just need to take things slowly and build up to running quickly.

I recently did my first day of the program, and I felt AWESOME afterwards. It was 25 minutes total, with a warmup walk, and then alternating between jogging and walking. Of course, when I did it, it was like 90 degrees outside, but I'd like to think that some of the sweat had to do with the hard work :)

So, hopefully the fact that I decided to tell the blogosphere about my plan will keep me accountable. I'm hoping to incorporate some of the Jillian Michaels DVDs into my week on the non-couch-to-5k days, so we'll see how that goes.

What are you all doing to keep fit? Do you have any tips for me to help me get used to running? Has anyone else tried the Couch to 5k program?

Happy Anniversary to Me!

Today is my one-year anniversary at Greenlight Biofuels! I know that something like a work anniversary probably doesn't seem like a big deal to most people, but honestly, I'm pretty excited. A year ago, before I got hired, I was unemployed, scared, and slowly becoming broke. I never dreamed of finding such a cool job.

Here are some Sad-Unemployed-Broke-Girl posts:

A Day in the Life

Confessions

You Say You Want a Resolution


Anyways, I have a couple people in my life who are seeking employment opportunities (and I know there are many more of you out there who are doing the same), so I'd like to say this: Hang in there, stick with it, and don't sell yourself short. You deserve a good job. Don't be afraid to ask people for help, work hard on your resume, cover letters, etc and do your homework before interviews. In fact, while I'm thinking about this, here's my Unemployed Survial Tips List:

1. Do something active EVERY single day. Seriously guys, it's important to keep those endorphins flowing so you can deal with daily rejection without going completely mental. Also, it will keep you showering regularly...

2. Change out of your pajamas. Even if it's just to put on your comfy jeans and a sweatshirt. Oh, and brush your hair, mmmmk?

3. Eat a good breakfast. It's not like you don't have time, am I right? Hell, I had pancakes and bacon and eggs like three times a week when I was unemployed. Plus, it will give your body and mind the energy they need for a long day of scouring craigslist.

4. Let people take care of you every once in a while. This is hard. It's easy to feel embarrassed that you can't afford to go out and have a drink with your friends. But, I say, if your besty offers to buy you a beer, let him or her (but don't take advantage). You need to get your ass outta the house every so often, seriously.

5. Keep busy. Do all the projects around the house that need done when you're taking breaks from staring at the classifieds and drooling. It will give you that sense of accomplishment you desperately need right now.

6. Every single article I've read about unemployment says to wake up at the same time of day that you would if you were going to work. I say this is bull patuckey. When else in your post-college adult life are you going to be able to go to bed at 3 AM and wake up at noon? It's great, I loved it, and I miss it. That's the schedule I slowly, but surely, revert to when I don't have a schedule to follow. Yeah, it makes it harder to get back on schedule when you do get a job (which you will!), but whatever.

So, there. Here's to feeling grateful and hopeful!

Recent Accomplishments

1. I got my hair fixed! It's quite short (a bob!), but I like it. We'll see if it can survive the Virginia humidity this spring and summer though...Pics to follow. You will not get pics of the horrible bob-mullet I was given before though. Sorry... NOT!

2. I played an electric guitar solo at band practice yesterday that I thought didn't suck.

3. I finished a very large stack of contracts here at work. Finally!

4. My band was on the radio! You can listen to the interview and performance here: http://www.wnrn.org/2011/03/rock-river-gypsies-at-wnrn/

5. I finished both articles I needed to get written this week. One is about music, and one is about beer.

6. I changed the strings on both of my guitars.

7. I started Hawaii by James Michener.

8. I vacuumed the bottom floor of the house.

9. I drank 10 cups of coffee this week.

10. I've gone to bed past midnight almost every night this week.

11. My band now has an album that you can hold in your hand and put in your CD player. It exists, finally! More info about obtaining a copy of one (if you're interested) later.


I think that's enough for now!