Ups and Downes

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Getting (back) into the Groove July 18, 2011

Filed under: Fitness,RUNN,Uncategorized — jessdownes @ 4:08 pm

UGH Motivation Gods, please help me!!!! I do not know what the problem is lately but I have been seriously lacking in motivation lately; not just with my workouts, but with life tasks in general.  (think:  house looks like a monsoon came through it)  I do not know if it is my various injuries or what, BUT per my stated plans, I MUST start my Half Mary training today…NO exceptions. I am hoping to get the the gym to bang through a four miler on the treadmill.  Philadelphia heat is definitely NOT cooperating with outside running plans…


I am going to be relying a LOT on the following:

- The latest US Weekly Mags

- My new ipad for entertainment

 

- My mantra:  Pain is temporary, PRIDE is forever.

Do you have a mantra you use for exercise?  For life in general?

 

TOP TEN INSTALLMENT 1: Ways a hotel staffer knows a Disney Runner has Occupied the Room March 16, 2011

Filed under: RUNN,TOP TEN LIST INSTALLMENT — jessdownes @ 5:01 pm

Hello!  I been prepping this post for a while now, actually since I ran Disney!  So, in true upsanddownes fashion, I have decided to rock my keen knack for making up dumb clever top ten lists, just like my Dad…

There I am next to my dad- the physical and mental resemblance is uncanny! ;) LOL

OK, so here it goes, TOP TEN LIST INSTALLMENT ONE:

THE TOP TEN Ways a hotel staffer knows a Disney Runner has Occupied the Room:

10.  There are leftover Gatorade bottles in the fridge, on the floor, or wherever one might’ve “stopped, dropped and drank.”

9.  There are bandaid wrappers (blister busters, I call ‘em) scattered about (along with a possible smelly sock that got left).  EW.  No pic needed; that visual was enough for me even!

8.  There are empty plastic bags with various “trashed” race flyers, coupons, etc.

Race Expos are ALWAYS good for that!

7.  Combining the empty wrappers from sport products (GU, sport beans, etc.) could easily re-create the waste of an entire aisle of ________ (insert favorite neighborhood running store here).

6.  CORDS CORDS EVERYWHERE- oh, we’ve all left a random camera or Garmin charger (lesser-known to hotel employees usually and can be contrued as a torture device) in the socket…or not

5.  The empty pizza box…yup carb loading is BEST when combined with cheesey goodness (that’s only my expert opinion)

4.  The safety pins…Runners, need I say more?!?!

3.  Random post-race garb such as the lone compression sleeve, recovery sock or ace bandage…

I, for one, have had to say goodbye to many a shin sleeve post-race (sometimes due to my shoddy memory)

2. The glitter, bobby pins and everything else princess-y used to get princess-a-fied

AND THE NUMBER ONE WAY A HOTEL STAFFER WOULD KNOW A DISNEY RUNNER HAS OCCUPIED THE ROOM IS…

1.  The random tutu left on the floor (kinda gives it away)

HAHAH I crack myself up!  Do I crack YOU up?!?! :)   Add your own to my list!

 

Running with a Friend April 13, 2010

Filed under: Doggies,Fitness,Friends,Pictures,RUNN — jessdownes @ 2:51 pm

So, I’ll start out this post with a question (I usually hit ya with it at the end)… Do you enjoy/like/prefer exercising with a friend????

Not to be sounding like a self-centered Debbie Downer (Downeser hehe) but I generally like to exercise ALONE…especially when it comes to RUNNING.  I really take the time when running to be by myself.  It is my “ME TIME.”  I get to sing think, reflect, or not.  BUT, yesterday I went it with a friend, and I realized that my reasons for running solo aren’t always great.  For example, running with a friend can be extremely motivating and way less boring.  Yesterday I went for a run with my friend Kristin.  She is SOOO great and in wonderful shape.  I was even getting butterflies in my belly, nervous that I would have to chase her the entire run and thinking I would burn out quickly. We planned to run from School over to the local park, do two loops there and run back. It is a 5-mile course that is filled with hills (in the park).  Well, I must say- we did great!  I don’t know if she was humoring me, but Kristin’s pace was LOVELY and I actually enjoyed the run AND the company!  So there was a final hill that I am pretty sure I would have ditched (aka walked up it) but because I was with a friend, I PUSHED…like hard.  And it was great.  SOOOO maybe my aversion to running with others is sort of a cop-out in ways.  Therefore, I am going to make it a goal to run with a partner at least once a week.  It can be really fun and encouraging!  So, thanks, Kris!

Kristin is the beautiful lady on the left :-)

Moving on to today’s Oscar cuteness…We found out that Oscar’s Dog School (cute, right?) is closed all week for repairs, so the lovely Eamon filled in to help us out.  He is SOOO cool because he sent me some serious cuteness…Oskie waiting patiently for his treat :-)

Happy Tuesday!  Toodles!

 

6:30 Makes a Way Better Dinner Time! April 8, 2010

Filed under: Eating,Family,Fitness,RUNN — jessdownes @ 2:00 pm

Yup, 6:30.  And while we NEVER eat by then, I must say that 6:30 would make a MUCH better dinner time then…(drumroll please)

A MARATHON PACE!?!??!?

Yes, you heard that right…a MARATHON pace!  My father-in-law (Dad #2) used to run marathons and is VERY supportive of and excited about my running hobby.  He told me this weekend at Easter that his pace for marathons was a 6:30!  Holy cow! I can’t even run ONE mile at a 6:30!  Gooooooo Dad!

Anywhooooo, yesterday was certainly NOT going to be the day to break any speed records for me.  I had a terrible run!  Don’t you hate when that happens?  Here is what was getting me on my outdoor 4-mile River run…

1.  My stomach was KILLING me- I don’t know what didn’t settle right OR if the 90 degree heat just got to me, but I had to crouch over and walk the last quarter mile.  Bummer.  It was painful.

2.  I swallowed a bug.  Gross.

3.  I was HOOOOOOOOOT (90 degree weather)

4.  My legs were sore- I was still wearing in my new sneakers- wonder if this is why?!?!  Dunno.

OK, that is just 4 reasons.  I just wasn’t feeling it.  After my run I went to Aqua fit, and like always, it was a hit!

So, when I got home I needed some SERIOUS fuel.  This is what I have been ALL about lately…

YUM YUM!

Have you guys ever had this stuff?  It is soooo good and has a whopping 6 grams of protein per serving for staying power! It is quite caloric, but I think the protein balances it out.  Yay for Bear Naked!  Yum!  All together with some Yoplait Light (I’m digging the blueberry with this granola but also LOVE the apple turnover with yummy real apple bites throughout)…

The perfect combo (with diet Chick-Fil-A Lemonade, of course-my fave!)

OK, moving on…Last night for dinner, we had a return of Shake-N-Bake, except I think I baked for too long- it was TOUGH. 

Oh well.  The mashed potatoes were also gritty so I wasn’t digging those either, BUT the frozen brussel sprouts in butter sauce were DELISH!  I was delighted to see that “frozen veggies are just as nutritious as fresh” as I buy frozen due to poor “food timing” (aka stuff going bad before I remember my purchase).

Anyway, question for today—-what is your opinion on frozen vs. fresh veggies?  Pros and cons?

 

A “Sneak” Peak April 7, 2010

Filed under: Eating,RUNN — jessdownes @ 12:17 am

Hello all!  As promised, I wanted to review my new Brooks sneakers as soon as I could!  I wore them for an hour on the Cybex to wear them in and plan on taking these babies on a short outdoor run tomorrow (before aqua fit).

As you can see, the shoe is called Glycerin.  I love them so far!  You can also see that they are a size 8.  This was interesting to me because I usually wear a 7 and a half at the most.  But, I wear orthodics which take up a lot of room, and feet swell while running so it’s better to give them more space.  Anyway, go Brooks!  I will update you on how my sneaks handle my lil’ run tomorrow.

PS:  I have been craving Chick Fil-A so intensly and frequently lately!  I buy gallons of the diet lemonade which is ABSURDLY delish!  I STRONGLY recommend it!  It has real citrus in it.  YUM!  I am also craving the chicken, of course.  SO, question- do you consider Chick-Fil-A fast food?  Check out the nutritional information- it’s not bad.  ;-)

YUP.

 

When Life Gets in the Way April 6, 2010

Filed under: Beauty-ful,Family,Fitness,RUNN — jessdownes @ 4:53 pm

Well, hello there, Blog World!  I’m baaaaack!  Oh, how I’ve missed you!  ;-)   SO the title pretty much explains my absence; life got in the way.  A craxy hectic time was my spring break.  Anyway, here are some of the notable (and blog-appropriate :-) ) events of the past week…

Last weekend, we went to Cincinnatti to meet our niece, Caitlin.  She is beautiful!  Just perfect! 

While we were in Cincy, Ian and I were able to spend some time together…

We ate ice cream at an awesome place called Graeter’s in the center of the cute little town.

Look at the hidden Easter candy room inside Graeter's!

 We grabbed a drink and sat outside while sipping it in the sun at a cute little Bistro also in the center of town. 

We also worked out.

Anyway, it was a loovely trip.

I also got a Keratin treatment for my hair.  Sorry, I did not remember to take before and after shots. 

According to http://www.keratincomplex.com,

This therapy is the foundation of Keratin Complex – the original, in-salon service that infuses natural keratin deep into hair’s cuticle. This revolutionary therapy eliminates up to 95% of frizz and curl and instantly adds amazing shine, silkiness and condition to the hair. The results are astounding. Clients rave that “this is a life-changing experience”. Hair is more manageable, smoother and easier to style than ever before. It is perfect on all types of hair – including color treated and chemically processed hair!

So far so good.  The process itself was a bit intense though;

First they wash your hair three times to rid of any excess product.

Then, they dry your hair.

The Keratin is then applied (combed through)

Then they blow dry the hair with the keratin in it (no, it’s actually not that greasy).

Then they flat iron the Keratin into the hair.

Phew!  It’s a good think I like my hairdresser!

Anyway, the blowdrying time is now like a quarter of what it used to be, and my hair soooo silky and soft!  Good stuff!  There was also a special on it at my salon during March so that made it more affordable.  The only thing that was HALF annoying was that after the flat ironing was done, I could not wash my hair (not such a biggie) or pull it back at all (BIG BIGGIE) for 3 days.  If you know me, you know I live with my hair back and LOVE to pin back my bangs.  Oh well.  All’s well that ends well, right?

I also went to Florida for a couple days.  It was a very quick but fun trip.  Again, no pictures, sorry.  The trip was pretty uneventful, except my sister and I did manage a trip to South Beach for a few fun hours ;-)

We then went to New York for Easter (Saturday morning through Sunday evening).  Boo, no pics, I know!  But it was a great time!

So yesterday was my actual ONLY vacation day out of the entire vacay!  I was able to get a TON done, including a 7-mile FUN RUN (dubbed this after my father-in-law begged me to leave the Garmin at home and just have fun) and the purchase of NEW AND SPECTACULAR Brooks running sneakers!  Woot woot!  Word up!  I will be filling you in on these babies a little later. 

In other fun news, I have secured a lil’ part-time (PT) gig as instructor at a WONDERFUL College around here and am VERY excited for this!  More on that later.

SOOOOO…how about you?  What have you been up to?  Today’s question…

I am excited to wear my new sneakers in.  What is your method for doing so????  Happy Tuesday!  Toodles!

 

A runner’s dream playlist! JANUARY January 13, 2010

Filed under: Fitness,Music,RUNN,Uncategorized — jessdownes @ 5:19 pm

Finally!  The post you all I have been waiting for!  Luckily, I heard three of my faves in a row in the car on the way to work which pumped me up for my run later…Do you Remember (Jay Sean), Hard (Rihanna), and ironically, Transform Ya (Chris Brown).  So, here are a few of my FAVE playlists!  By the way, I will be doing a new one each month that will feature new songs added to the “runner’s dream playlist” (not necessarily new on the radio, but new to “the mix”).

HIPPIE MUSIC

Marley- Three Little Birds

The Who- Baba O-Riley

ROCK

Bruce (Springsteen duh)- Radio Nowhere, Darlington County, Badlands

Rush- Working Man, Subdivisions

RAP/R&B

Chris Brown-Transform Ya

Rihanna- Hard

Beyonce- Single Ladies

Alicia Keys/Jay-Z- Empire State of Mind

Gaga- Bad Romance

Wyclef- Dollar Bill

Jay Sean- Do you Remember

HARDER MUSIC

Disturbed- Down with the Sickness, Violence Fettish

The Casting Out- For Tonight

OTHER

Owl city- Fireflies

Krishna Das (typically yoga music, but this song gets me going!  I have NO idea what he is saying but Oscar and I BOTH like ths song!- Township Krishna

Kris Allen- Live Like We’re Dyin’ (you KNOW I love this song!)

Darude- Sandstorm (lol- this does actually get me going!)

MIND GAMES I PLAY- So what I have been doing lately is playing a bit of “mind games” with myself.  I am the kind of person who gets OBSESSED with a particular song and I like to rock out to it at LEAST 3-4 times in a row (hey, it helps with the lyric-learning so I can belt along!). SO, I have been picking a “song-per-mile” and rocking out to that song on repeat until the next mile (and song) comes!  It seriously works to take your mind off of things and helps you achieve mileage goals…I think.  Try it- let me know what you think!  At least you can memorize lyrics so that you can belt it out with the best of them!

Hahah!

 

The words “I can’t” have officially been eliminated today! PRs for distance and speed! WootWoot! December 19, 2009

Filed under: Eating,Family,RUNN,Uncategorized — jessdownes @ 4:06 am

Yup, you read right!  I had an AWESOME run tonight…In SWEAR it was fueled by the awesomeness of Husband’s “Friday Treat.” (each Friday, Husband leaves a treat in my car :-)   he is too cute, although it is always quite an indulgence)  Love it!

SUCH a yumyum!

Anyway, I decided to run indoors, and yes, Lindsay (www.goodiesgalore.wordpress.com) I DID have good reading material ;-) I was feeling SOOOO good though that I didn’t even look at it!  SO I DID A 6 AT 6 IN 60 AT 6.0  heehee- 6 miles, at 6pm less than an hour time ;-) , running mostly on 6.0!  I know, I’m a dork.  But it was AWESOME!  I feel like I ran a lotta bad nonsense, into a way clearer place- did that make any sense?  Anyway, YAY!  What was the last accomplishment you had?  Share!

Toodles!

 

Planning my run for tomorrow December 18, 2009

Filed under: RUNN,Uncategorized — jessdownes @ 4:22 am

So I am mentally preparing for my run tomrrow (a long one for me-5 or maybe even 6 miler!)  because I felt so defeated after the last one (http://upsanddownes.wordpress.com/2009/12/17/bummer-run/) …and I am doing so while scarfing down salty tortilla chips (so clearly the physical prep thing hasn’t come yet.  Heehee).  Anyway, THIS time I am planning to…

1. Charge my iPod so it doesn’t run out of batteries like last time…I had even downloaded some tunes last time before it crashed. Oh well, you live and learn!   

2.  Use the new Bose headphones Husband got me…’cause they’re AWESOME!

3.  Decide whether I want to do an indoor run- way easier to prep for- or an outside run- scary but I get to wear my fun new gear again…

Dunno, it will be a game-time decision.  I’ll let you guys know… :-)

Seeyalata!

 

Help! Drowning in holiday madness! December 17, 2009

Filed under: Doggies,Family,Fitness,HOLI-daze,RUNN,Uncategorized — jessdownes @ 5:48 pm

OK, so workout will NOT be happening today especially after last night’s shenanagans, click here for more http://upsanddownes.wordpress.com/2009/12/17/bummer-run/ 

Shins are killer!  By the way, I ordered the Zensah compression sleeves for my lower legs which have NOT been faring well through my runs…

(…as well as a running skirt that was wicked cheap and wanted forever)

…and Compression Capris

www.zensah.com

OK moving on!

Some of my favorite bloggy buddies (see Lindsay at www.goodiesgalore.wordpress.com) have been posting their holiday schedules and it is contagious, so here I go…(ps:  i also find this to be very cathartic and helpful to my control-freak scheduled personality)

TODAY  12- 17—> Work, go to Verizon store to get my phone fixed YET again (it will just decide to stop getting emails now every so often) even though I was just there less than a week ago with the same problem, go to kofp mall to grab last-minute neglected gifts, Dollar Store if possible to secure some last-minute partay items and stuff for schoolkids, attend an event at school(work) at 7:15, arrive home to an un-fed Husband empty house (Husband has a weirdo movie thing he is going to-Nerd.) hopefully by 9 to resume wrapping and pass out.

FRIDAY 12-18—> Work (only the morning thought becuase I have a dr. appt.), 12:30 Dr. Appointment, long run (a 5-er but haven’t decided inside or if I am ready to brave outside again), gift wrap ALL presents for the family we sponsored this holiday through my job and any remaining to put under the tree for the BIG ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY (Saturday 12-19), make collection bin (in silver theme) for donations for said holiday party (we collect toys for children in need at our annual holiday party-year 5 by the way!), finalize said holiday party menu which so far looks like this (and shop for party groceries):

1.  Chic-fil-A nugget trays (2) with dipping sauces- they go like HOT CAKES- really think this is why most people come

2.  Philly soft pretzel nugget trays with dipping sauces

3.  Crudite BLAAAAAAH

4.  Baked Ziti-a new addition, homemade by yours truly!

5.  Chips and Dip

6.  Hummus/Veg tray

7.  DESSERT- I can’t even DISCUSS until Husband and I discuss becuase he will get MAAAAAAD!  He is SUCH a dessert guy!

8.  DRINKS-

           – SIGNATURE DRINK THIS YEAR TO GO WITH SILVER COLOR SCHEME:  peppermint-tini!

           -WINE

           -BEER

           -OTHER?

OMG how is this list making me more stressed!??!?!?

Saturday 12-19—> PARTY NIGHT!!!!!  Wootwoot!  Prepare!  This list will have to be a separate post beucase I am getting anxious as we speak- check back later…

Sunday 12-20—> RECOOP!  Long run (another 5-er hopefully), veg, FalalalaLifetime!  Slow-cooker Sunday TBD!

Monday 12-21—> Work-field trip at school :-) , Dr. Appointment (weekly one), gym (strength/cross training, 45 minutes on elliptical at 7 intensity), Philadelphia Runner 1st trip (remember Husband got me that awesome gift certificate for Hanukah, click  here   http://upsanddownes.wordpress.com/2009/12/13/x-mas-came-early-in-the-form-of-hanukah-heehee-kidding/) as I am planning on logging miles while away over Christmas and want to make sure I am prepared for ANYTHING!  I also need to do the “new running shoe” thing, so check back Monday for the post about this experience!

Tuesday 12-22—> Work, Group at Renfrew (from 5-6:30), Pack for Cincinnatti (our Christmas destination- we are visiting Ian’s brother and his wife, plus Mama and Papa Downes), Get all work-related gifts together as Wednesday is the last work day and LOAD INTO CAR the night before (I am a complete and total morning-flake!), Check into our next-day flight to Cincy!

Wednesday 12-23—> Last WORK day before BREAK :-) , luncheon at work, party for da kids :-) , pack carry-on for trip, head to the airport at about 8:00 PM four our 10:00 PM flight, and land in Cincy sometime that evening (or maybe early the next morning depending on how much air-traffic control hates us.  Sounds like an awesome day, no?  Tired thinking about it!

Thursday 12-24—> Christmas Eve Day!  Yippeeee!  We will be in Cincy!

Friday 12-25—> Christmas Day!  PS:  I WILL be blogging about out adventures in the “mid-west” while there, so check back for updates!

Saturday 12-26—> We leave Cincy at about noon and will return to Philly in the afternoon, at which time I will spend a MINIMUM of an hour cuddling my baby-boy :-)

Sunday 12-27-Monday 1-4 ARE ALLLLL MIIIIINE!  heehee Winter break, here I come, baby!  :-)

Toodles! 

PS:  soooo stressed now! hahahah

 

 
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