Training Mode

I've been bad with my diet, especially in the last several months.  My most recent efforts to get into shape has not been successful.  The only way I know how to get back into shape is to put myself onto a training schedule.  So, I'm in training mode.  Beast mode, as my brothers would say.

Today, I'm putting myself on a 10-week half marathon training schedule.  I'm actually using this schedule. Even though the schedule has "beginner" in its title, I think it assumes that the person person following the schedule has been a consistent jogger/runner.  Otherwise, I wouldn't recommend this training schedule for a newbie that has never run a 5k.  I'm really hoping that the longer days will only work in my favor as I try to get back into shape.

Here's to a fitter me in 10 weeks.  How are your diet and exercise regiment?

1 - 2 - (Winter) Punch

The warm weather of the last several weeks was too good to be true.  Mother Nature decided to remind Minnesotans (especially those living in the southern portion of the State) that winter is not yet over.  So yesterday, Mother Nature decided to give us a 1 - 2- punch in the face by dropping over 10 inches of snow in southern Minnesota, a couple of inches in the Twin Cities, and a dusting of snow in my neck of the woods.

More snow (along with sleet) is expected tomorrow.  I'm hoping for something tame.  This year, I am really tired of the snow and cold.  I'm ready to spring forth and escape my cocoon.  Unlike last year, this year I'm ready for my warm and sunny adventures.  No more cold adventures (I've had enough).

Has Mother Nature given you a weather surprise?

Traditions

Tuesday's Tune: If I Could Change Your Mind

Haim, a band comprised of three sisters, had a breakout year in 2014.  I first heard of them when they appeared on Saturday Night Live in 2014.  Their music has such an 80's and 90's feel, and takes me back to my youth.

Today, I wanted to share their song, "If I Could Change Your Mind."  I can't seem to get this song out of my head.  This song really has an 80's vibe and I love the lyrics.  This song makes me think of all my wildest times, when I was young and didn't give a care.  Now, whether I would go back and try to change someone's mind (even my own), I don't know.  I guess life happens in its own mysterious way and I'm okay with just letting the past be the past.

Go buy Haim's album, Days Are Gone, and let me know what you think of this song.

Spring-Like Weather

This past week have been wonderful.  I don't even need a jacket to step outside during the lunch hour (early mornings and evenings are a different story).  Today was just as wonderful.  The skies were so blue, the light breezes kept the air cool, and the sun felt great on my skin.  There is no sign of snow and the lake is thawing out.  If you have great weather in your neck of the woods, go and enjoy it.  I got in a quick walk today and I might take another one this evening, but that will depend on me catching up with all of my chores (life has been hectic).

Now, this is Minnesota and anything can happen from now until June.  I'm hoping for continued spring-like weather and a long growing season.  I'm so excited for this garden season because I'm actually looking forward to growing things in my garden again.

Are you excited that it's finally spring?

Friday's Quote: Mary Oliver

I'm going to continue to live my life.  That's what I'm going to do with my one wild and precious life.  I've lived it so far, yet, I feel as if I've been putting it on hold too.  I guess I was just trying to decide which path in life to take.  I think I've found it.  So, I'm going to keep living my life.

I'm not going to put it on hold.

I'm not going to wait for Love to come find me.

I'm not going to be afraid or too scared to just even see what possibilities there may be.

I'm going to take life by the reins and steer it where ever I want to take it.  Of course, I might stick around to see where life decides to take me too, but if I don't like it, I'll rein it in again.  Yes, I'm just going to live my life.  

Now, you tell me, what do you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?

Tuesday's Tune: I Choose You

When this song first same out, it was not a favorite.  I didn't even know that "I Choose You" was a modern day wedding song.  Yet, as I finally started listening to this song, it eventually grew on me, and I now really like this song.

There are bits and pieces of this song that I find to be a bit sappy, but there are also bits and pieces of this song that really resonate with me.  My favorite lyric from this song:  Tell the world that we finally got it all right. Seriously, it's about time I tell that world that I finally got it right.  :)

What do you think of this song?