WWNPP - "N"otebook

About two weeks ago I pulled out a pair of shorts that I hadn't worn since last summer and thought they would look really cute to wear to a cookout. As I buttoned the top button I thought to myself, “man, these shorts must have shrunk in the dryer.” Then I remember that I had not worn them since last summer… and that I have not been running as much lately or eating healthy. So I apologized to my dryer and then went and had a long talk with my treadmill (yes, I talk to my appliances. no, I am not crazy).

I’ll skip the long conversation and just sum it up for you: 

I’m going to run more. 

I’m going to record my runs.

 I’m going to buy new running clothes.

In 2011 & 2012 I kept a running log. I wrote down my workout every day. My distance, my time, mile splits, the conditions, how I felt, etc. The log hung on my refrigerator. I looked at it every day, multiple times a day. It reminded me that I was one step closer to my goal every day, whatever the goal was that week/month/year. It reminded me that I was continually improving my time, distance, and weekly mileage. It reminded me that the hard days were few and far between and that even the hard days were good running days.

I actually started logging my runs in high school. NOTEBOOK is the “N” in WWNPP. My Cross Country coach taught me the importance of logging runs many years ago; I just forgot how important it was for a few years in college and then for a few months after moving to Pittsburgh.

SO: I’m going to start a log again. I actually started it two weeks ago but I haven’t had time to blog about it. The 8 miles on the log that first week didn’t look like much, but is was a start. This week the goal is 10 miles, and it will increase every week after that.

I've also developed a new way to keep myself motivated (besides the obvious motivation of being healthy and fit). For every day I complete a workout, I’m putting a sticker on the log. For every 15 stickers, I’m buying a new running shirt…or shorts...or sports bra. Given how obsessed I am with new running clothes, I think this is a BRILLIANT idea. Added benefit: by the end of the summer, I won’t have to suck it in when I wear my non-elastic shorts :)

Did you miss the W’s? Check them out by clicking the links below and stay tuned for the P’s!

Water

Watch

For more reading, check out these two links on Runners World:

Running Log Power

What Should I Record in my Training Log

Time Traveling

Seriously – how is it already the end of July? I must have jumped in a time travel machine and gone forward a month. It’s a good thing I have photo documentation or else I might be crazy enough to think that was true! Instead of a 30 page blog post, I’ll just give you the highlights of the last month :)

Took a trip to Kings Island trip with the Huber family: I found a keychain that said, "I love Justin" and got way too excited about it. 

Discovered my apartment doesn't have central air: This cool kid literally slept with ice packs when the thermostat said 92. 

Took my first ride in the Super Shuttle & got to the airport to find out that my flight was delayed…surprise, surprise.

My mom hosted a Huber/Roush family cookout. We had hamburgers and I beat everyone (aka was dead last) at all of the lawn games.

JUSTIN ASKED ME TO MARRY HIM!!! (this is my favorite thing on this list!)

My beautiful cousin Shelby got married ...and I started taking notes :)

I ran with some members of my old Cross Country team and realized how out of shape I am!

Finally got to go back to Chuy's & enjoyed Mexican food with my Hot Dog (the person not the food).

Spent time with the Knox family on 4^th of July.

Figured out that Justin will never take me to an outlet mall again. Good thing we don't have a wedding to plan or anything because I went a little nuts :)

Sorted through a bazillion boxes after my basement flooded...not a good day! 

Justin installed a window air unit. THANK GOODNESS - no more sleeping with ice packs!

Went to the Pirate’s Game & visited with Justin's friends who were in from Baltimore.

Justin went back to Knoxville to spend time with his other fiance (his 3^rd Year Paper).

Claire (my college roommate) & Sean got married! I know I have a picture of us somewhere...in the meantime, I stole this one from Facebook.

Took a tour of the old stomping grounds with Jess. Don't worry, we're not total creepers - the apt was empty for the summer. It is crazy how much I miss Butler and the city of Indianapolis. 

Attended the 1^st Annual Huber Family BBQ Cook-off and ate insane amounts of food. 

Attended my LAST summer class! After tonight - I am 1/3 finished with my MBA :)

PS (Promise Section) - I promise I tried to keep this post short but there are just so many important things to tell you all about. I also promise that I will write another post dedicated to getting engaged for those of you asking for the details. Finally, I promise that I will blog more regularly now that I have a break from class and more time on my hands.