Oreos

Man, I could really go for some Oreos right now.  They call to me from the kitchen pantry.  It is a siren song of chocolate cookie, cream, and milk.  How does food hold this much temptation?  

I ate Oreos for breakfast one day last weekend before a run (from Zombies).  Ugh, what a horrible mistake. I'm resisting the urge by holding myself to my run this morning.  Wish me luck!

On a side note, I googled images for Oreos.  No wonder we are a nation struggling with weight.  People created beautiful and terrifying works of Oreo.  

Zombies, run!

Zombies, Run! is an app for both Android and iOS phones.  In a future zombie apocalypse, it narrates a developing story as you run.  As Runner 5, you help the town of Abel by completing missions and avoiding the occasional undead.  The commentary breaks in between my regular playlist.  It helps me focus on smaller tasks as opposed to one long run.  

Strongly recommended.  I'll head out later today to complete another training session for the 5k app.  

Miles are good.

In the last two weeks, I covered over fifteen miles jogging.  Six runs completed.

I have conflicting emotions over this.  On one hand, I pride myself in the distance and the effort.  It's further than I have run consecutively in probably six months.  I pushed through the initial discomfort (understatement) to start gaining a sense of accomplishment.  Ah, the sweet spread of endorphins from exercise.

On the other hand, I struggle to keep perspective on the speeds and distances.  Having completed previous runs at faster or farther distances, I'm impatient to improve.  My body remembers the motions.  It stretches back to the challenges I demand faster than ever.  Despite this, I find blemishes in my performance.  Maybe this is the addiction of exercise?  These accomplishments only entice my hunger for more.  

Regardless, it feels great.  I feel great.  Yay!

Time for health!

Okay - I know people say they are too busy to work out, but I really was!  Nate and I spent the past two weeks preparing to move.  In between work, packing, and saying goodbye, we had little time for anything else. 

Now, the drama is over.  I started the day with a protein smoothie and an hour and fifteen minutes of weight lifting class at the gym.  Ahh.  I'm trying to convey how happy I am to be back on track.  Happy and sore!

Eating while traveling - yum!

The photo above does NOT depict the food of Malaysia or Vietnam.  Instead of produce, most corners had dishes with an assortment of fresh seafood.  

I ate to my heart's and stomach's content while traveling.  I couldn't justify guilt or restriction amid such interesting food.  I doubt I will ever eat better spring rolls.  I tried other foods like Bun Cha and some amazing satay.  Even despite my dislike of seafood, I gained a few pounds while traveling.  

Now home, I have refocused on the life and lifestyle I want.  

Home.

I have been to the other side of the world, literally.  What an adventure!  Nate and I visited Malaysia and Vietnam.  It was thrilling and exhausting.  

We biked on a remote island of Vietnam and kayaked in both Bai Tu Long Bay and Ha Long Bay.  I found that these activities helped me see more of the world in such a quiet, pristine way.  We got to places that you couldn't have seen without investing physical effort.  

One of my favorite places was in Ha Long Bay.  We kayaked to a remote lagoon where gibbons were playing through the trees and rocks.  Amazing!

I can't imagine missing those sights and experiences.  It inspires me to work harder and plan for future outings.  

Medical advice

Bam - how easy it is to get distracted.

Everything is changing.  Nate officially gave his notice at work.  I'm accepting the offer on our future condo.  I even interviewed this week.  And, we leave for Asia soon.

That's right, folks!  Hopefully, my interview will mean I'm ER bound again.

Going back to the hospital will be greatly helpful in the effort to stay fit and healthy.  Stereotypes exist of floor nurses with very large behinds.  I assure you that in a trauma center this does not hold true.  In my experience, ER employees tend to be more health conscious.  This change of environment should positively impact my overall weight and fitness.  It increases my activity at work and decreases my number of catered lunches.  What a win-win, yay!

One should not be so excited about packed meals and odd work hours, but I am.  We will crash at my sister's which gives me free, unlimited access to her treadmill and a housemate for a running partner.  

Change is terrifying and cathartic.  Here we go!