Playing catch-up: Dec. 10-16th

As Christmas approaches, school gets busier and busier.  After my conference in St. Pete, the grading and school work piled up.  I also committed to lots of after-school things last week, which pushed blogging to the end of the to-do list.

Here's a quick recap of last week (Dec. 10-16)

Monday 12/10
Got caught up at school, then went to Bodypump afterward.  I usually run to the gym for Bodypump, but the weather was a bit threatening, so I drove!  I come home to some delicious chili that Joe made, and he used ground turkey to do so.  Ground turkey is so much more lean, and the chili was quite tasty, too!

Tuesday 12/11
I agreed to lead a workshop after school about encouraging students to complete their homework.  I was incredibly nervous for this, but luckily it went very well!  I had some chicken cooking in the crock pot, so Joe and I were eatin' good when I got home once again.

Wednesday 12/12
I went straight to the gym after school, and I ran 2 miles and did a strength training workout (these moves for the HBBC workout of the week, plus some bicep and hammer curls and another core exercise).  My weights even matched my outfit:

Blurry cell phone pic

Afterward, Joe and I tried a new restaurant called The Garlic in New Smyrna Beach, which was DELICIOUS.  As the name suggests, the smell of garlic hits you right when you walk in the door. They bring a roasted garlic with the bread and pour oil and balsamic vinegar on it.  We were stuffed when we got home, and we had a great time socializing with some of Joe's classmates.

Thursday 12/13
To be quite honest, I can't even remember what I did on Thursday.  I think it was an evening spent on the couch, since I do recall watching some Grey's Anatomy.

Friday 12/14
After school on Friday, I took about 10 students to the Embry-Riddle basketball game as a part of the club I sponsor for under-privileged kids.  Before the game, Steve Lochte, swimmer Ryan Lochte's dad, spoke to the group about achieving your dreams and hard work.  Good message, and the kids really enjoyed asking him questions about Ryan, since he graduated from the high school they go to!  We had a great time at the basketball game, and although it made for a really long day, I'm glad we went.  I came home and Joe and I watched a movie and just relaxed.  Great Friday!

Saturday 12/15
I attempted to run a great trail nearby, but the sand didn't make for an easy go.  After I got back, Joe and I got ready and went over to another couple's house to make pizza!  We made barbeque chicken pizzas and had some delicious appetizers of salad and apples with marshmallow fluff.  It was a great time with good friend and great food.

Sunday 12/16
Church in the morning was just what I needed to get in the Christmas spirit!  This being my first Christmas in Florida, I haven't been able to get in the mood for the holiday because it still feels like summer.   But, after the service, I was reminded what this season is all about, and I didn't need it to be cold outside to feel the love!  After getting ready for the school week, I attempted my 8-mile run.  I made a route plan and told Joe to come find me if I wasn't back in an hour and 45 minutes.

8.01 miles in 1:24:42!  Average pace: 10:35

Well, I did it, and had 20 minutes to spare!! I almost gave up around miles 4.5, but I kept on going, and I'm really glad I did.  I felt so accomplished afterward!  I definitely need to get some gels or something during my long runs, because I was running out of energy around mile 6.5.  Getting on that this weekend.

Overall, a pretty good week!  I need to make exercise more of a priority, but hopefully after the holiday busy-ness and traveling I can get more in to a schedule.  I'm working on it.

I owe y'all a recap of THIS week, which I will take care of tomorrow or Saturday :)  I'm traveling tomorrow, so it just might happen on Saturday.  Have a great end of the week, and I'll see you in a little bit!