Whoa, I had a lot to say

So, I finally start this blog and then I don't post for days! I have a good reason - I got a job! More on that in a minute.

The purpose of this blog is to share with you what I am doing to be healthy – again.

About 8 weeks ago I got my treadmill back (stuff has been in storage at in-laws until we moved into a bigger place). I am so freaking pumped! I have designated one of our rooms as the exercise room. Hubs even put a shelf for the iPad and speakers. I love it. So after a 40-min run/walk last night, I foam rolled and stretched in the comfort of my home. Before I continue, I want to say that I did a couple of 30-sec segments of 8mph – I almost fell off.  


 The shelf is ugly (was free), but so cool!


With this being my second post, I thought I would share some stuff:

While hubs and I were in grad school, we were pretty healthy. It was easy to live this way because our friends were just as active and health conscience. Part of this was because hubs was studying to become a Chiropractor. It was during this time I became interested in running. Sadly, we all parted after graduation. And, coupled with no clue how we were going to start a business in the crappy economy, I lost my motivation and coped by eating comfort food. This past summer hubs and I vowed to get back to being healthy.

A year-ish later, along came a friend and we somehow talked each other into running a half marathon. I started to gain back some of my cardio health, but I forgot to eat healthy. After our long runs, I would stop at Wendy’s to grab some fries and a cheeseburger – very counterproductive.  Running my first half was amazing minus the freaking hills and I am so happy I had a great friend to share the experience.

Danielle and me after our 1st Half. She kicked butt! I met my goal, but was DUN!

I had some aches and pains during training and the race, but didn’t think much of it. Shortly after the race, my hip started hurting and all of the sudden I couldn’t walk! My hip flexor was done. I iced and hubs did some muscle work, but the verdict was still no running for 3 months. I couldn’t do any exercise or drive the jeep (it was a straight drive). All health had been lost. It has been a struggle to make running a habit again or even to get myself out the door. I am happy to report that in December, I will begin training for my second half marathon – one year after completing my first half.

I made Cauliflower Crust Pizza the other day – delightfully delicious and I will be sharing that with you later this week.


So about the new job… 

During the day, I am a classically-trained musician (flutist to be exact). I freelance in the Charlotte area as well as play with a couple of the local orchestras, and I also teach privately during the afternoon. Most of my rehearsals and gigs are in the evenings or Sunday mornings. I really love what I do, but there is no myth to the stereotype of a 'starving musician' no matter what genre! I am fortunate to have an awesome husband that takes care of me, but it is nice to have some extra cash for frozen yogurt, clothes, boots and races. Until I land my dream job (teaching on the college level), I have set my sights on the YMCA.  Not only will I have a free membership, but hubs’ membership will be discounted and I work at a gym! I won’t have any excuses to not workout. Plus, extra money for clothes and races!

Can't leave without one picture of Backster from Halloween