Hi everyone!

As a semi-new-runner, I want to share something I’ve been thinking about for awhile: my new found LOVE for running and how to achieve that love. Trust me, if I can do it anyone can. Growing up, I could barely run around this small field near my elementary school. I didn’t believe in myself. Now, I find myself having chats with Julianne about how frustrated we both are that we can’t run in this horrid winter weather mess!

When I first moved to DC, I became roommates with this girl, M and the first thing I learned about her was she just completed her first triathlon the previous summer. She raved and raved about the athletic task and explained that by using the Couch to 5K program, she was able to complete her running goals.

Immediately, I Googled Couch to 5K and started on my journey running 60-seconds at a time with a 90-second walking break for 20-minutes. I could see my fitness improving after about a week.

Still though, I hadn’t yet experienced the “runners-high” my mother always claimed that existed. Where was it? Was it the same high I felt after normal exercise on, let’s say, the elliptical?

Then, one week it just hit me. My runners high didn’t actually occur on a run but rather at work. I’ll never forget this: I was working retail at the time when all I could think about was my next run. I thought about it like it was some hot rendezvous in a hotel room somewhere. The next day, I knew I was hooked because I wanted to run and it was no longer a chore (at the time, any exercise was a chore).

The reason I’m writing this post is to send a message to new runners. You will, eventually, love it as much as I do and others do. Sticking with it is the goal! I highly recommend the Couch to 5K program (even if you’re fit from other exercise). It starts off so simple and you move up in weeks when you feel ready. Check it out!

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Happy post-Valentine’s day!

**I’m going to be honest with you. I’m trying to make this post sound as happy and optimistic as possible, but it’s hard. Today as I was driving home from DC, I got in an accident on the highway. I complete did a 180 on a patch of ice. It was terrifying and I’m still shaking from the experience. As you’ve read before, I don’t do well with car accidents. Luckily, I’m okay, but my car has some damage. Thanks so much to my Twitter friends for your support today. And, to everyone driving out there – especially on the east coast – please be careful.**

Anyways… on to the good stuff

All week and weekend, Dan kept saying, “You have to do everything I tell you to do on Sunday.” Clearly, I had no control and was very excited for what he had planned!

Sunday morning, we woke up and Dan gave me a beautiful rose to start the day off Nothing more romantic than a single red rose, yes?

Then we had a little debate conversation back and forth. He told me that after my run, I wasn’t allowed to shower and that I had to pack up all my things.

Um… what?! No shower after a 4-mile run (which was awesome btw… after almost 3-weeks on treadmill only running, I was needing an outdoor run!)? I was going to be a smelly/sweaty mess! However, after debating back and forth, I finally listened and did what he said.

We got in the car around 3 pm and he told me to close my eyes during the car ride. Ummm… okay, fine. When I was allowed to open them, we were at a hotel to escape from the night. We went in and he told me that our first order of business was to GO ICE SKATING! YES! I thought that was a great idea (and even guessed it!) because it’s something active and romantic all at the same time. We went to an outdoor rink where I showed off all my moves Haha… well, not really although I used to have moves. Growing up, I figure skated and it was a blast. Here are some iPhone photos:

Dan

Me in no mascara and no shower Notice my backwards skating skillz…

After ice skating (which was an awesome workout for my shins!), we went back to the hotel. My next surprise? A Lush bubble bath. Oh yes, my friends. Dan drove out to Tyson’s and picked out not one, but TWO bath bombs for my surprise bath which he set up. Um… I think I died and went to girlfriend heaven. I’m glad I didn’t shower after my run!

He got blueberry and lavender. I picked blueberry for my bath and saved the lavender for a bath this week

Bath bombs are the coolest things ever! Like a 4th grade science project or something. Sooo relaxing

After my relaxing bath and catching up on the most recent Glamour magazine, I got ready for dinner. Dan planned for us to dine at our favorite sushi restaurant which, sadly, closed. It sucked – we arrived all excited and there was a foreclosure notice on the door. REALLY?! So, quickly, we decided on another sushi joint on a whim. Luckily, it was tasty! When I first had sushi, I loved it for about a month. Then I had a bad experience and despised it for a long time. I wanted to like it so badly so I weaned myself back in by only eating vegetable sushi and only recently sushi with fish.

My favorite part about sushi restaurants, besides the sushi itself, is definitely the seaweed salad!

Yum… I love it for its texture, taste, and health benefits (look at all the green goodness!). I didn’t get a picture of our sushi because we inhaled it so fast. Dan order a Mexican style sushi and the way I would describe it would be if a taco decided to dress up as sushi for Halloween, that is what it would taste like. Dan laughed at my analogy for a good 10-minutes.

Before we left, the sushi chef presented me with a Valentine’s Day box full of chocolates… how sweet?! I love when restaurants give an extra special touch.

After dinner, we attempted Cold Stone but it was taking forever. It seems that the sales people wanted to talk with each other more than serve their customers. Cold Stone FAIL.

Then we went to see Up In the Air…

When the movie ended, Dan and I kinda looked at each other like, “Huh?” It was okay which is hard for me to admit because many people have said they loved it. While I liked some parts, there was too much of the movie I didn’t like which I didn’t see as oscar worthy. I thought Anna Kendrick did an excellent job though.

Finally, we went back to the hotel where Dan had a couple more surprises He pulled out a Lush massage bar and gave me a massage! LOVE!

I am unbelievably touched and happy that Dan went out of his way for me this weekend. This was the best Valentine’s Day yet and I can’t wait for many, many more.

How was your Valentine’s Day? What did you do?

Cheers!

Julie

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Hello, hello!

Greetings from my igloo!

Ha, ha, I wish I was joking.

Lots has happened since my last post, but really, the main thing is that Pittsburgh got completely snowed upon this past weekend. The same weekend my little sister decided to stop by my little apartment to visit for the weekend. It was SO nice to see her and we had an exceptionally great time just chillin’ out. It was nice to have someone snowed in with! I took no pictures because, frankly, neither of us were picture ready in our hobo clothes while watching movies all day.

She left on Sunday (and safely made it back to school) and I was left on my own. School was canceled and I was getting stir crazy. Once I figured out that school would be canceled for the rest of the week, I made a run for DC in the break of the weather. You see, storm number 2 was on it’s way and there was no way that I wanted to be stuck in my apartment alone so I hightailed it to DC to visit Dan. I made it just in time because we had a freakin’ blizzard here yesterday – oh me, oh my.

The best part was shoveling yesterday afternoon. I love a good cardio workout yet one that is useful (not like the dreadmill where I run and run and go no where except enhance my fitness). We also made it a point to shovel the driveway of the old man across the street because he always waves and says “Hello” whenever we see him. Such a nice man and now he has a clear driveway and walkway!

I have been doing a lot of thinking lately about this blog. I know I’ve always dabbled with the thought of changing the name and the focus and soon, I may do just that. I’ve changed a lot since this little blog started and I may want to go with my life changes. We’ll see.

Also… today is February 11, 2010 and my mom’s birthday! Yipeeee! Mom, if you’re reading, have a happy, happy birthday!

Hope you’re having a safe and warm week! Oh, and if you live in Florida, wanna switch homes for a little?! I’m looking at you…

Julie

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Hi everyone!

So… I’m not even sure if I blogged about this (I sure did Twitter about it!) but guess whaaaat?! I passed my Praxis certification test! I’m now well on my way to becoming a school psych*logist!!!!

It’s crazy because I honestly thought I didn’t pass. I did not feel confident when I was through so when I saw the scores today, I literally jumped out of my seat!

Thanks for all your support thus far, especially all the Twitter comments and the comments on my previous posts. Things are finally looking up for me in many areas of my life.

Julie

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