Sunday, May 5, 2013

I'm irritated...

 with myself.  My blog title might be a bit strange, but I am very irritated with myself.  And I'm writing about it to hold myself accountable.  The first weekend in May for the last six years, I have participated in an event at Cincinnati's Flying Pig Marathon.  It started with my first ever 5K, then a 10K, then the marathon relay, my first half marathon, another relay and my second half marathon.  But this year, I didn't do anything.  I'm so frustrated with myself.  To give perspective, up until six years ago, I had never run anything in my life and really would not consider myself a regular exerciser.  I had changed that habit up until the last six months.  I told myself I didn't have time to run the half marathon.  It is a huge commitment and there are reasons I made that decision, but I'm posting today to hold myself to not making that choice again.  I've gain about 6 pounds since the beginning of the year and I'd really like to be about 16 pounds lighter than I am today.  So to hold myself accountable, I'm changing my habits today:
  • I have to run at least three times per week.  I started today with a walk/run of 2.3 miles (after loading the MapMyRun app onto my phone) at a pace of 12.02 min/mile.  Not fast, but I ran more than I did the last few times I was out there...steady progress is my goal.
  • I have to drink a ton more water and a lot less diet coke. I'm sitting here with my water now.
  • I have to eat more protein and a ton less carbs.
Soon...I'm going to set a goal.  Not sure which race I'm going to run in, but I will come up with a goal.  To hold myself more accountable I'm going to post on my Friday posts how much I've run for the week.   And if you've made it through my rant :), I'm sharing two cards with you today.   

When I saw the MUSE card last week, I wanted to play with the yellow/blue color combo, but I ran out of time.  Then I saw the current Dynamic Duos color combo and decided to play along.  I tried to add blue buttons/gems to the card below, but I liked it without the blue.  This card is going to my co-worker who just had her knee replaced.


But I stilled wanted to make a card with the color combo...so I pulled out my new PTI set to play along!  And I noticed that I used Pool Party instead of Baja Breeze...woops!
Hope you all are having a fabulous weekend!   And thanks always for listening!


32 comments:

~amy~ said...

Oh Lynn, don't be so hard on yourself...but good for you for turning things around and changing this up for your health.

Your cards are super wonderful...there's something about the color yellow that just screams happy.

Tracey McNeely said...

Lynn my goodness don't be so hard on yourself! I am right there with you. I am supposed to be cycling every single day to keep my mobility which I am slowly losing because of my MS. I have not rode in months and I can feel it! You are inspiring me--starting tomorrow I ride again!!

I love both of your cards, the soft yellow flowers and the beautiful banner for DD. Thank you so much for sharing with us this week at Dynamic Duos!

Virginia L. said...

Oh...Lynn! I had been in the similar situation (not a hard core runner, but I do run)! If fact, I need to hold myself accountable, too! Thanks for sharing your struggle with the run and balance it all. If anything, your post also reminded me how much I have neglected with my run! (it used to be 2-3 times a week and now? If it's once a week, that's not bad!). Love both of your cards. The first one is darling, I bet your friend will appreciate it. The stamping on the 2nd is SUPERB! Hope I get to run today :)

Aimes said...

I rant is good for the mind, Lynn - it's much better to vent it out than keep it in!
I love your targets. I cut Coke and Diet Coke out of my diet a few years ago (still have a sneaky coke as a treat). Had a sip of Diet Coke the other day and...eurgh! Tasted horrid! Seriously gross!
As for carbs...well that's my downfall too! ;D
And now on to your cards. My what beauties! That first one is beyond beautiful and so very, very cheery! Love the way you can rock a one-layer card too!
Hugs!
x

sandie said...

I hadn't realised you weren't running as much, I guess I will need to nag more!! I will be checking your Friday post from now on to be that little voice across the ocean!
Those big rossettes are perfect and I think right with no blue. Great stamping on your second card x

Caryn said...

Wow Lynn - cant believe you're being so hard on yourself!! Look how far you've come - don't beat yourself up over a little hiccup in your plan!
Oh, and both your cards are yummy - I do particularly love the first one - that big ribbon bloom is stunning!!!
Hugs,
Caryn xxx

Hannelie said...

Hi Lynn!
I think it helps when one shares the things you struggle with. I struggle with that but I believe it's true!
I just want to tell you that you are the one blogger I admire most... being a working mom with 4 boys, you are always up early... making cards, commenting, and now you tell me that you run too! Even more reason to take my hat off for you!
BTW,,, Love your cards... as always!
HAve a great week!

obee said...

As a "newbie" cardmaker, I have just recently discovered and started to follow your blog... your post is why! I can't tell you how much your post made me want to commit to feel better about myself. It is just deciding I want to be more... small steps within reach of a doable goal. Thanks!

Janet a.k.a. swanlady21 said...

Thanks for sharing your goals and struggles to keep healthy and fit ... it's encouraging for us as we're all in the same boat. I need to hold myself accountable too ... am supposed to give up wheat, dairy ...etc. Was good for 10 days then fell off the wagon. Need to set myself some goals too. I have never been a runner - I walk. But I have been toying with the idea of trying to get to run 5k.
Love your blog and creations - it's in my top 10!

Romaine said...

Lynn, I am not a runner, but have been using the elliptical at least 5 days a week and really upped eating fruits and veggies and have worked on snacking less. I do not have a scale, but I have definitely lost weight, as my clothes are much looser! I sometimes do my gf's boot camp after scool and man, she works all those muscles! I am almost always sore after, but feel great! Good luck with the goal! I got back to really putting in some time for exercise when I wanted to tone up for our trip to Mexico (in March) and the way I have felt has kept me motivated.
I totally LOVE your first card and am seriously planning to CASE it for my mom! Take care, dear girl!

Jinny Newlin said...

You go, girl! You can do it, and take it easy on yourself, hun. One day at a time ;). Cute cards, too! Really love all the happy yellow!

Unknown said...

Love both of your gorgeous cards!!! Don't get too frustrated with yourself....I say as I shovel m&m's in my mouth, lol!

Barb said...

Exercising can be a tough thing to keep up with when you've got a family, a full time job and a hobby you love - so try not to be too hard on yourself, Lynn. I do admire you though - for your courage at writing this post to keep yourself from not exercising - good for you!

I adore your cards! That first one with all the pretty yellow is beautiful - fabulous flowers! And wonderful stamping on your second card! Sending hugs to you! :)

Ardyth said...

I gave up a 20+ year Diet Coke (mostly 4 a day) last year by switching to fizzy water (not club soda, which has a ton of sodium, but if you find low-sodium, it would work). I had headaches at first (caffeine withdrawal), but I still got the 'burn' of the fizz in my throat, which was the other component of the DC that kept me from just giving it up and drinking straight water. I bought a sodastream machine and I fizzify my water and then just add a bit of lime juice for some flavour. Try it! As for your cards - they're both stunning and I'm sorry you didn't make it in time for the Muse challenge, but I can see its influence here, so thanks for playing along, sort of!

Unknown said...

You are not alone, we all have moments of feeling as though we have let ourselves down! But I agree with the lovely ladies who posted above me, time to cut yourself some slack. You are on the right track and I am sure you will get back to where you want to me soon :) Now onto your lovely cards, fabulous job this week with our colours. I love the soft, simplistic look of them both! Thanks so much for joining us at Dynamic Duos, we hope to see you back again soon :)

Erin (Homemade Cards by Erin) said...

Look at your pep squad here... wow. While I'm not a Diet Coke girl, I did give up wine for a week, and whined my way through it :) Exercise is good, I think you'll be a better balanced person, and if you make one less card a week and do one less thing at home, it'll all be okay. (This comes from the person who took a month off from the gym to go on vacation and while I did walk and run almost every day, my return to the gym workouts have left me very, very sore, can't lift my arms!).

Susie W. said...

Wow Lynn...both cards are beautiful! I'm so glad that you played along with us at Dynamic Duos :)

It sounds like you are getting right back on track with your workout and eating plans. Don't be too hard on yourself; you've just taken a huge step by sharing all of this with us. I can tell that you're determined and will succeed!

Chunyuan said...

It is hard to work and take care of kids, and hobbies. Don't be so harsh on yourself. I know you are a goal oriented lady. I have a lot things I would love to change but.... Beautiful cards as always.

Anita Rex said...

Good for you for sharing and posting this! I've recently been changing things over here too. I stopped drinking any soda at home, only if I am out and I still avoid it. I did that two years ago and it was hard but worth it. I just bought a cup that has a lid and straw I think you know what kind. It's 22 ounces, which is a lot. Recently I've found out that you need to drink half your weight in ounces! With this cup it's so much easier plus it's easy take and if I drop it when paper crafting it doesn't leak. And I've stopped eating after dinner. The hardest thing! But I found I just ate junk! If I Ned something I drink a loose tea! That helps a lot! Oh and I got an elliptical trainer! Been using that too! Can't wait to see you post more!

Love your cards! I love the yellow, the flowers are so pretty and. Like the grafic nature of the second card!

Marisa said...

Darling cards. Love the yellow and white one :) I hear you re: the working out. So easy to let things get in the way when you are a busy mom... know that well...need to make it a priority (speaking to myself here) and keep at it! Well done taking the first small steps toward rectifying the situation ((hugs))!!

Lisa Elton said...

I'm rooting for you Lynn, small steps, one day at a time! Sweet cars today, pretty and CAS ;)

Alicia Weiman said...

Lynn....funny you should post this today. I'm getting back on the band wagon tomorrow. I'm going to watch what I eat and I'd love to lose about 15 to 20 pounds myself. ...wish we lived closer to motivate each other. You can do it. I'm no runner and my kids ages hold me back some but I'm going to get excercise in at least 3 times this week as well. Thanks for motivating me even more.

Jenny said...

I'm sure you had your valid reasons at the time Lynn, don't be hard on yourself!! Great idea to set another goal to work towards :0)
Beautiful cards, love the frame on the first... Great take on the Muse card :0)
Jenny x

Maureen Merritt said...

Good luck Lynn, I admire you for putting it all out there. You are an inspiration!

Kim H. said...

Good luck! I know you will do it! You have accomplished so much -- this can be done too! :) My goal is to run the half marathon next year for the PIG. I have run the relay several times but stopped running a few years ago... I am back in the saddle again too. Good luck!

Maureen said...

ah, sweetie, good for you for some self reflection...and to recommit! Time is a tricky thing and sometimes we just need to bring important things back into focus. I will be cheering you on each week! You are delighting us again with 2 cards. I have to laugh because I saw my bloomers in my trim drawer and remembered how much I love the soft look of them :) Love them in yellow, sure to cheer your friend! ox hang in there!

Judith said...

Pool Party or Baya Breeze - to me it doesn't matter. I love the summery colour combination!
Also I like the bright yellow card for your co worker!
Today the sun is shining. I had to work this morning, but now I will enjoy the sun at the back yard.
So, I will say good bye for now (-:

Chrissy Larson said...

Boy do I know exactly how you feel! I'm in the same boat and I'm trying to get the jolt I need to get going. You've set a goal and have something to work for so you are doing great! The cards are AWESOME, as always!

Unknown said...

Oh girl, I so feel you! I was never a regular exerciser until about three years ago, then I made a commitment to do it, and while I've been good at working out I just haven't pushed myself. I have the opposite problem where I'm doing my first mini triathlon in less than a month and I am SO not ready! Did a disastrous 5K yesterday.... :( Love your goals, I'm there with you, similar things I'm trying to do. Let me know if you want an accountability buddy! xo

Sue Lelli said...

I like pool party better anyhow! LOVE the one with the yellow flowers! GORGEOUS! And I feel you rant because i am sitting here on my computer instead of going to the gym! YIKES!

Michelle said...

Lynn, both of your cards are gorgeous! I love them equally for different reasons!

Have you been for another run yet this week? Good luck on reaching your new running goals. :-)

Christina said...

Good for you on recommitting to your fitness goals, Lynn! I'm trying to do the same, though it seems like every time I start exercising again I get sick. But summer days are coming and that always helps to motivate me. Hope it's going well for you so far!