Weekly Weigh In- The Final Countdown

Are you sitting down? What I am about to say will shock you. I'm still letting all this shenanigans process in rick racktey "It's Friday It's Friday Gotta Get Down on Friday" scatter brained thoughts.

I had my 6 week weigh in this morning at Personally Fit. At 5am I stepped on that scale after a 2 week long hiatus. I had lost zero pounds. SAY WHAT!? I wasn't all that surprised. I knew these last 7 pounds were going to be the biggest bitch nasty I'd ever encountered in my life and so far I have not been disappointed.

But this is what really shocked me.

I lost another 8 inches and another percent of body fat. Last time I lost 8 inches I also lost 7 pounds. So what's the deal yo? My body fat and muscle mass are starting to meet in the middle. I feel about 10 pounds thinner than I did this time six weeks ago, but I'm not. I am 110% ok with this.

When I set out to lose weight, I just wanted to feel good about myself again to stop hating what I saw in the mirror, once that started to happen, I wanted to go down in clothing sizes, now that I'm smaller than I have ever been in my entire adult life, let's face it since puberty, buying size fours and sixes (INSANE) something else crazy is happening. I am one body fat percentage away from "Fitness/Athletic" body type. SAY WHAT!? When I started, I was in the obese range. I never dreamed about muscle definition, I dreamed about buying a 12 and maybe a medium size shirt if my ass was lucky. Now I am a solid size small, I can see my abs, I have muscle definition in my arms shoulders legs, and everything is getting smaller.

All that said, I could care less what the scale had to say. The trainer was in such shock about the inches around my mid section that she measured it three times before she told me the AWESOME news. I know I'll get rid of these last 7 pounds eventually, because it is there. I carry most of fat on my hips and I always have, fingers crossed half marathon training will take care of that!

The weigh in this morning also opened up another conversation with my trainer. Is my goal attainable and realistic? What is a healthy weight for my body type? Found this on Pinterest yesterday.... Pinteresting....

My goal is healthy and attainable, however, it's at the lower end of my height range, so it will take me awhile to get there. That's A-OK. Once I hit this goal, I'm going to focus on my body fat percentage and not so much with the scale. I am happy with my body at present, I don't mean to ever come across as I'm not happy with where I am, because I have never loved my body more. Taylor Swift style like Ever.

That said, I want MORE. Now that I know what I'm capable of, I want to test myself, to push my physical limitations and shatter previous barriers that only existed in my mind. I've always been capable, now I am willing. I want a tight mid section. I want to run the half marathon in 2:15:00. I want to train for a Full Marathon next. I'm going to reach my goal weight and then I want to set new goals, I want to reach higher.I want to prove to myself that I can do anything I set my mind to, and I will. I believe in myself.

Ahhh enough mushy mushy self revelation. Let's talk injuries.

Last night I met with a running specialist at Personally Fit. I got some answers in regards to my injuries and how to make myself a stronger runner. I take a larger stride that necessary, power and speed comes from the back foot not the front, interesting, so I'm wasting some energy there. What I found super intriguing was the conversation we had about my IT band issues. When I run my arms are crossing in front of my body, over the belly button, which is causing my entire body to shift putting stress on my hips. This wasn't all that surprising to me because my husband loves making jokes about my girl run. He even said to me, "You move those arms like your chasing a cheetah but moving as fast as a Zebra" to which I said "Mind your own bees wax bro!". The specialist also told me to walk bare foot as much as possible, that this will help with Plantar Fasciitis, and to stay away from my high heals. I'm being a good little girl and wearing flats today.

My four miler is still on the agenda for Saturday morning. Nursing my lil injuries this week has been successful. Now to stop the zebra like arm swing.

Happy freaking Friday my people! We made it!

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Daily Motivator

Ticket, Hotel, Party Pants- Check Check Check!

Good morning! It's Thursday so slap a smile on that face- it's a great day! I've got so much going on at my house right now. The usual work out stuff, nursing my boss lady injuries, prepping for a big holiday party, and the biggest of all.... Our alma mater- Louisiana's Ragin Cajun's- have secured an invitation to the NOLA Bowl. My man and I could not be more excited. You see, last year they played in their first bowl game in forty plus years and we had to miss the game for a company Christmas Party, even though everyone at the party ended up huddled around a TV instead of talking to one another, when they were invited again this year, we knew there was no way we wouldn't be there! We've got our tickets, hotel room booked, and I'm already plotting my outfits and skinny drinks! You will hear the Ragin of the Cajuns!

In honor of TBT Instagram style- Cajuns Tailgating 2011. My face is so much thinner now!

The only problem is the weekend in NOLA directly interferes with Half Marathon Training. Every Saturday for the next 12 weeks, I'll have a long run to complete. It's true, sometimes life gets in the way of working out- GASP- I'll make up that run the Friday we leave for NOLA. No excuses. It's only a little six mile run I'll be missing so it will be easy peasy for me to make that up. I am going to follow Hal Higdon's Novice 2 half training program.

Speaking of half training, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little worried with these injuries I'm nursing. I have a minor case of Plantar Fasciitis in my left foot which I told ya'll about on Tuesday, I also have ongoing IT Band Issues. I'm stretching and babying my foot and hip, but last night in Butts and Guts I was forced to admit to myself that I need to take it way down if I hope to be running long distances again Saturday morning. I ran to the gym .75 miles from my house. I felt like I couldn't quite catch my full stride, but my foot and hip were not hurting. I got to the gym and foam rolled my hip and foot. In class however, there were several exercises that I found extremely painful. Jogging in place is a big one, hopping on either leg, and I did a low curtsy lunge that almost knocked me off my feet (how embarrassing!), but I perserved. I thought several times about quitting in class, but I am a stubborn ox. I finish what I start. Anywho, because all these things happened, I had Mr. Noel swoop me up after class and I skipped my Thursday morning weight lifting class.

I'm meeting with the running specialist tonight- must. get. answers.

Injuries suck.

Big time.

I was feeling sad about not completing my work out, so Mr. Noel grilled me a steak and we made cauliflower mashed potatoes. My mood can always be improved with good food :)

This is my fourth no carb day in a row. I'm prepping for my weigh in tomorrow morning. Finally. I'm getting bored with every single day no carbs, but I want the results. I know it will pay off, besides this coming Saturday might as well be called Faturday because I am going to do it BIG! I'll tell ya'll more about that later.

Heading into work this morning, my second most favorite day of the week! Thursday!

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No Carb Day & Eating Out

Good morning Elle Noelers! It's time for some weekly housekeeping! Have you found me on Facebook and Instagram @ellenoelfitness yet? You need to, I love shamelessly bragging on myself over sharing my fit life.

Last night, I went out with two of my closest BFFs Madeline and her sister Michelle to dinner and a movie. Yes, I'm that super loser who saw TWSBDP2 twice. I went for the company :)

Yesterday was a no carb day for me, I'm trying to avoid carbs altogether since I have a big weigh in Friday. I'm going into the weigh in completely blind. I want to be surprised. I haven't weighed myself since November 16th. I have not set one foot on that scale. It's been  liberating, but it's time to face the music. That said- I can't ever remember feeling lighter, and I'm getting a lot of "You look so much thinner" comments lately, so I'm going to assume the scale has some good things to say. *Fingers Crossed*

Ok so no carb day at a restaurant. Womp Womp Womp you say. It's tricky but not impossible. It is always possible to make good choices when dining out. You have to majorly flex that wll power muscle but like anything else, the more often you do it, the easier it gets!

I passed on the cocktails, because let's face, I had more than my fair share over the holidays and I really try not to drink during the week. At all. Period. I may have had three diet cokes instead.

We ordered edamame as an appetizer

Michelle and I split the Pesto Crusted Trout, I had mine with a side of Broccoli

This was delicious.  I normally would order a salad and be the annoying girl who says, "Can I have the spinach salad, no feta, no pecans, no croutons, no cheese, dressing on the side, add grilled shrimp" but I did not want salad. Most often, I find salad's at restaurants to be packing more calories and fat than the above. There's a lot hiding in all those extras added to your leafy greens. Thankfully, Michelle wanted to split. Holler!

Then we went to the movie and I just couldn't resist. I had to have some popcorn. It's my weakness. I ordered a kids pack (only $5.75 in contrast a small popcorn alone is $6- movie theatre rip off) and yes I ate every last one of those gummy bears too!

Back on the no carb train today. Thank you all for the feed back yesterday. My Plantar Fasciitis  is feeling the best it has in over a week. I'm presently rolling it on a can of Lysol. I can not wait to sweat like a crazy lady at the gym tonight :)  Does anyone know where I can buy Walk Fit shoe inserts? Thank you so much Liveandlovethree for this suggestion! There's a bunch of you set up to "noreply" blogger, so I can't respond to you via email :( If you change this setting we can chat!

Finally got me a new pair of black work slacks. Thank you Limited for those half off holiday sales!

I hope you hit this day over the fence and out of the park! Happy Wednesday!

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Plantar Fasciitis - say whatttt????

Good morning and Happy Tuesday! I really like Tuesday. For one it's not Monday for two is matinee movie prices all day at the movie theatre. Holla for a dolla! I'm rearranging my work out schedule today, but I got in my morning sweaty session.

45 Minutes Elliptical Trainer
20 Minutes Forward
20 Minutes Backwards
5 Minute Blast it out Combo

Abs, butt, & leg work. Ooochie wa-waaaaa!

True Confession time- I have to take it easier this week.

I have a minor case of Plantar Fasciitis in my left foot.

Saayyyy what a whata?

In basic English, it means I ran too much too fast, and my foot said whoa biotch hold the boss up. Also, it turns out that pushing your speed up to quickly can cause injuries. AWESOME. Plantar Fasciitis is the most common of running injuries. Why me? Because I have super flat feet which effects my form, which is directly related to my knees, hips, and feet. It's nice to have some answers so that I can deal with this injury. I knew it was really bad last night when I was having trouble hopping or doing jumping jacks with that foot.

Ffff my fit life. 

You can read about it here- Planters Fasciitis. I have to take it down a notch or I won't be doing any running anytime soon and I refuse to stop running. Half Marathon training starts Saturday morning, and I'm meeting with a running specialist on Thursday. Hopefully he can give me some more answers. For now I'll be bffs with my foam roller and stretch arm strong my foot til the Saints come marching in.

I'm going to take out my work out this evening and go spend some time with my gurl friends. Hence, Tuesday excitement over matinee movie prices, but no popcorn for me. Weigh in/ measurement Friday! Plus I have a whopper of a weekend on the horizon- calorie city, what what?! I'm pretty sure it will be calorie city every weekend through the end of the year. Every last weekend in December is slammer jammed for me. I'm not complaining, I am a social butterfly, and I need to fly baybay!

Heading into work- ignore the fact that I so desperately need a spray tan- what do we think of the over sized sweater and skinny belt? Yay, nay,gurl what were you thinking?!

Sweater came from Target. I love that place!

Any tips on dealing with Plantar Fasciitis?

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Routine- Oh how I love thee

A lot can happen in four days. I've got a new 5K Personal Record, I've only had two bad meals, and I've finally dealt with some long standing personal demons. It's been pretty freaking exhausting. I'm so ready for my routine.

The 5K Gleaux Run last Wednesday night was FUN! I set a new PR time, 28:45, my previous time was 30:33, I was so happy with this time. However, I hurt my stinking foot so I now I have to rest and take it easy with the running.

The foot is getting better everyday. I should be just fine for the start of half marathon training on Saturday!

Last night I made one of my favorite fatty meals for lunch/dinner. It's basically all I ate yesterday, and because I felt like such a basket case after finally dealing with my emotions, AND I rode my bike for 15 plus miles. I thought what the heck. I'm doing it. WARNING- Nothing Skinny about these dishes!! Calorie Count is unknown as somethings in life should remain a mystery :)

Cheesy Garlic Spinach Bread

Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

Oh all my gees this was so amazing. Thankfully it's almost all gone and Mr. Noel will tear it up for lunch. I didn't weigh myself Friday, because I was scurred. I can't hide forever though, I've got my 6 week weigh in/measurements at the gym on Friday.

We all need days/ weekends/ holidays to not stress about the dreaded C words : calories & carbs. I should be good for quite sometime now.

Monday-

RIPPED

No Carb Day

Tuesday-

Two- A- Day Cross Training

No Carb Day

Wednesday-

Butts & Guts

No Carb Day

Thursday-

AM Weight Lifting Class

PM Cross Training

No Carb Day

Friday-

AM Cross Training

6 Week Weigh In

No Carb Day

Saturday-

4 Mile Run- Half Marathon Training Week One

Carb Day

How was your long holiday weekend? Are you ready for your routine?

Work Work Work!

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Let it GO

Epic Fail. I've done well with my dieting and excerise the last few days but not so much with my drinking. Something about the holidays makes me want to drink. A lot. Maybe it's because I don't have to wake up and go to work. Anywho, this is a judgement free zone people. Today I want to talk about something people don't really like to talk about. Conflicts and resolutions. I'm trying this new thing where I'm just open and honest about everything, it's been working really well, so here goes nothing.

Weight loss has changed how I view other people, people I thought I would never want to get along with again, and really that's all I want. All I'm asking for, to get along. I wish we could have a dance off or fight it out over a game of shuffle board, but it just doesn't work that way. People can be mad, for a long long time, but I can't. I hate that someone out there hates me. I hate it. It eats me up inside. Especially since I do not hate anyone. Those of you who don't know me have no idea where I'm going with this, I'm sorry, but I have to get this out. It's eating me up inside. I have to pull a Nancy Clue and suck out the poison. 

When you lose a lot of weight, and your body changes, a lot of other things change too. You find yourself happier and looking for resolutions of old wounds. When your body changes, people just see the outward appearance, but they can't see what happens inside. Losing all this weight has changed me. Being happy with myself, has made it easy for me to be happy with others. It's made it easier to let go of things that once made me so mad, I couldn't see straight. I couldn't see the big picture. Last November, I had someone that I was incredibly close with say to me "You will not achieve your goal. You don't have that body type." And well, it pissed me off. It made me so mad I thought about it every single damn day at the gym. Just an FYI- it's never a good idea to say this to someone who is trying to change their life, but really I guess I should thank her. My anger fuelled me. For months.

Looking back, I think she was trying to tell me that she thought I looked good as I was, that she liked me as I was, that I didn't need for my fitness and weight loss goals to consume my life. I think she was trying to be comforting and it back fired, because I was so unhappy with myself.  That simple phrase consumed my thoughts. It ate apart our relationship. We are no longer friends, and the conflict rolled around and it kept getting worse and worse and it blew up, "it" has become out of control. Big time. I don't think I can fix it, but I need to heal. I need to forgive myself. All of you readers have encouraged me to "keep it real" and this is real. As real as it gets. You want to know about weight loss. Here it is, all of it.

Weight loss is something that's incredibly personal to me. I can not emphasise enough just how personally invested I am in my weight loss. It's an emotional journey I've been on, "finding myself" if you will. Anyone who has lost a lot of weight, will tell you that. Changing your body will change your life. Not everyone will like the new you, not everyone will be supportive. We're all dealing with our own insecurities, each and every one of us, and for me, this journey if you will, has really brought it all out. It is what it is. This weight loss journey has cost me some friends. I've done things I'm not proud of. Never intentionally or maliciously, but I hurt some people that I really care about. I can't avoid them and just move on because we swim in the same circle of friends. EVERYONE knows about it, everyone asks me about it, (I have to just call the conflict "it" because I don't want to make anyone more mad) Every time they're around this air of awkward swarms around me. I've been avoiding social situations in which they will be there, because I know myself. I'm a talker. When I drink, it just gets worse, because I so desperately want resolution. A conclusion. Something. Anything. Silence is deafening.

I hate avoiding someone I was once so close with. It's beyond ridiculous to me. I do get it though, just because I'm in resolution mode, doesn't mean everyone else is. The conflict drawer has been rattling away in the back of brain every single day. Sometimes you just have to say what you've got to say. I can't be mad forever. I just can't. Well last night, I fell into the awkward. I just embraced it. It wasn't welcomed, because well, I really hurt these people, but I sucked up my pride, and flew my awkward flag. It didn't feel good, I'm not sure I feel good about it now, but I kicked open a door. I am flying my peace flag. I feel like laying my soul bare. Just scrubbing the shit out of it and getting it over with.

If you just happen to be reading this, and you know who YOU are.

I love you. I'm sorry.

Shit that was scary. Back to your regularly scheduled programming tomorrow.

Now I'm going to go ride my bicycle and talk to Jesus. Therapy is expensive.

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Give Thanks! It's a great day!

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you are surrounded by your loved ones, stuffing your face, and thanking your lucky stars for this beautiful life you've been blessed with. In these times when there's so much to complain about, we have this day to ground us, to remind us what is really important.

I'm thankful for my Mom. I love you Mom. Thank you for always supporting me, for giving me so much more than I could have ever deserved, for loving me so unconditionally it's hard for me to wrap my brain around. I'm thankful for the work ethic you've instilled in me, for teaching me how important it is to stand on your own lady feet. Thank you for making me believe I really can accomplish anything I set my mind to. Thank you for forcing me to study, thank you for working so hard to make sure I got that college education. Thank you for not wanting to kill me when I drunkenly broke your beloved monkey lamp in college. I love you so much it hurts. Me and you chick, we can do it all.

I'm thankful for my husband. I'm thankful for his unwavering support in all of my crazy lady ventures. I'm thankful that he's making good on his promise to always love me, in good times and in bad. I'm thankful that he loves me and tells me I'm gorgeous no matter what the tag on the inside of my pants says. I am so thankful to have someone who genuinely gives a hoot if I had a good or bad day. Thank you for letting me hog the bed and use all the hot water. Thank you for letting me jam out to my girl music in the car. Thank you for not being pissed at me for putting up the Christmas tree on November 11th. Thank you for laughing at my bad jokes. I'm thankful for his giant heart and the way he cares about people, his desire to help everyone he comes across. I'm so happy we choose each other to walk with through life.  I love you muffin.

I'm thankful for family. The people who have to love you, even if you eat more than your share of the mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving dinner. I am thankful for their love, laughter, and support. I'm thankful for the many places I can go and feel at home, because of you, I never have to feel alone. The family I was born into, the one I married into, and the friends I've chosen for myself to love like family. I'm so lucky to have such a solid support system.  I'm thankful for each and every one of you.

I'm thankful for my friends aka family. Thank you for always having my back, thank you for listening to me when I really need to vent, thank you for accepting me as I am without any expectations, thank you for showing up to help me move on a Saturday, thank you for not tagging embarrassing drunk pictures of me on Facebook, thank you for listening to my endless string of repeat stories like it's the first time you've ever heard it, thank you for calming me down when my Type A nerves are standing on end, thank you for genuinely caring what outfit I decide to wear after texting you 18 different options, thank you for not being upset when I then show up at your house and ask to borrow something of yours because I clearly have no options, thank you for endlessly listening to me cry when I HATED my body, when I felt so low I had no self esteem left, thank you for being so happy for me in my present success, thank you for loving and accepting me as I am. I hope I give back to you every bit of happiness you give to me. Thank you for being my friend.

I'm thankful for everyone who reads my little blog. I'm thankful for those of you who comment, who cheer me on, who share their stories, and have become my friends. I am so thankful to have come into contact with each and everyone of you. All of you put a smile on my face every single day. Thank you for believing in me when I don't always believe in myself. Thank you for cheering me on, thank you for supporting me, thank you, thank you, endlessly thank you.

I am most thankful for people. I really love all people. People who love me, people who don't like me (it's true, they're out there) people who support me, people who don't, people I'm related to, people I'm not related to, the people I've met, the people I've yet to meet, people in timbuckto, and people who live in my neighborhood. I'm thankful for all people. To me, that's what life is all about, people. Without all of those people, I don't have a thing. There's so much to learn and give to one another on this crazy little journey called life, and I thank my lucky stars for each and every day I'm able to get up and grab the day by the horns, that in itself is a blessing.

What are you most Thankful for?

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Drankin the Positive Patty Kool-Aid

GOOD MORNING!!! It's my FRIDAY! I am SO happy! Lot's of fun stuff coming in the next few days, and four whole days off work in a row?! Oh pinch me. I'm going to squeeze as much fun stuff in there as humanly possible including getting my massage reward from my October 30 Day Challenge. I'm going to need it after I go all boss lady up on some Black Friday Sales, Holllaaaa for a Dolllaaa!!!

To all of you who have been inflating my ego on Instagram, I love you. Seriously. Ya'll make me feel so amazing about myself for sharing all of these shameless self shots. I just want to multiply the feeling and give it all back to you, times ten times infinity. I don't know how many that is, I was never good with the maths.

Tuesday evening's work out was supposed to include a speed training session on the treadmill however, I am having some IT band issues again, this time in my right hip, joy! I've been stretching that bad boy out and it felt amazing this morning. I think this may be an injury that I will struggle with constantly and that's ok, now that I know how to handle that IT Band I'm gonna be just fine.

Tuesday Evening Sweaty Session:
30 Minutes Stair Master- Fat Burner Plus Level 4
1-12 Normal Step Up
12-17 Double Step with extended leg lift
18-21 Double Step
21-24 Side Step Left
24-27 Side Step Right
27-30 Backwards Walk

30 Minutes Aerobics High Impact (Elle Noel Invention)

Feeling like a complete Boss after my work out- Check out my Lady Guns! I swear those shoulders showed up over night!

Wednesday AM Work Out-

45 Minutes Elliptical Trainer

20 Minutes Forward

20 Minutes Backwards

5 Minutes Blast it Out Combo (Get Crazay!)

Pinterest Challenge

Tank Top Arms (10lbs weights)

Tone It Up Beautiful Booty

Elle Noel Ab Invention

Tonight, I've got the 5k Gleaux Run benefiting Miles Perret Cancer Services. I'm running with a few of my most favorite people on planet Earth. We're just a tad excited for this run too. Prolly cause it's fancy and they there's a timing chip in the race bib. Princess Consuela Banana Hammock and I started the running day smack talk early this morning too.

 I LOVE a good pep talk! It may seem ridiculous but it helps you to get super excited and amped up pre-race. Kassie can attest to my extreme race day excitement. I'll either annoy you to death or it will rub off on you. Holla!!!

Happy Thanksgiving to each and everyone of you. Look for a cheesy things I'm Thankful for post tomorrow. I just can't help myself :)

Happy Turkey Day Eve, safe travels, and thank you! Thank you for all of your positive feedback, ya'll are motivating me!

FYI- I wore a Limited "Perfect Tee" everyday this week. I may have a problem : /

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Tuesday is the New Thursday

Happy Tuesday which is now my Thursday! Today I am Thankful for three day work weeks and four days to spend with the person that I am so thankful for, Mr. Noel. If you don't follow me Instagram @ellenoelfitness, then you don't know Mr. Noel won this sweet T-Shirt via an Instagram competition last week. Those awesome people at Luna sent him a T-Shirt that he's still wearing today as an undershirt to work. He's going to make me pay for that over share I'm sure.

They also sent a few of my favorite bars The Chocolate Raspberry, thanks ya'll! If you like the Chocolate Raspberry you need to stock up now! They broke it to me last week that the flavor has been discontinued and that's why we can't find it in stores anymore. I was really upset. I cried, stomped my feet, and had a full on virtual hiss fit. (Sarcasm People) so they took pity on my broken heart and sent me some temporary Luna tattoos and a stick of Chap stick too. Along with four Chocolate Raspberry bars that I will stock pile for days when I really really need a fix. Seriously though, the people at Luna were fun to work with and get to know. Do you eat Luna? Does your man eat Luna? Note- It's too early in the morning for Sexual Innuendo, but there's a good one hiding there.

Last night's work out was painful. After a really fun weekend a Monday back at the gym can suck it big time, but I am so happy I got there and put in my sweaty session. Treating my body like vanilla vodka trashcan Saturday was fun, but I had to pay the piper. Disclaimer- I'm about to brag on my man- Mr. Noel even took pity on me and prepared dinner while I was at the gym. I walked in the door and everything was done. Dinner, laundry, the floors I'd been putting off cleaning. Make my day baybay! Weight Watcher's Bubble Up Enchiladas- A Noel family favorite.

I'm finally feeling like myself again today. Phew. Tonight I have Speed training on the schedule, and tomorrow I have the 5k Gleaux Run! I'm really looking forward to it as a bunch of my gal-friends are participating with me. Holler!

Are you working a short week this week? What are you most thankful for?

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Turkey Trot Link Up- A Spastastic Vlogg for your Viewing Pleasure

Today I am participating in Holly & Erin's Turkey Trot Link Up! I look forward to reading all of your posts and learning about every one's different traditions :) Special thanks to Holly for yet again organizing another fun link up partay! I decided to answer my questions via Vlogg. One of these days, I'll do a Vlogg where I'm not in gym cloths. I promise. I had about five minutes to fit this into my day yesterday between work and the gym so I'm a little spastic, but that's why ya'll love me right?! RIGHT?! Crickets? *chirmp chirmp*

This blogging community puts a smile on my face each and every day and I'm so thankful to have stumbled onto this incredible group of ladies. Gobble Gobble and Happy Thanksgiving!

1. What do you look forward to more: the food, football or parades?
2. What is your favorite non-traditional Thanksgiving Day dish?
3. After dinner, is it football or a nap?
4. Do you watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? Which is your favorite float?
5. Where do you go to celebrate and eat your big meal? Who is there (family, friends)?
6. What is your favorite turkey day dessert?

Thankful for a Plan- Combating the Holiday Bulge

After my wild weekend in NOLA, it's back to reality for me. However, it is only a three day work week, and that makes me crazy happy! This week will be challenging (huge understatement) for weight loss. In the past, I've made chunky girl jokes jokes about "Gobble till ya Wobble" because Turkey coma's are so much fun, but I'm not going to do it this year. Over eating never leaves me feeling like a champ. I've already dug myself into a whole with this previous weekend, and it was worth every last drink and that big greasy slice of pizza. If you have no idea what I'm talking about you can read about my weekend of pretending to be a 21 year old undergraduate student here. Oh and did I mention that I literally ate a medium bag of movie theatre popcorn for dinner last night?

Kate and I went to see the final Twilight installment. I've read all of the books and been a fan from the beginning, however I've found all of the movies to be underwhelming. The last movie really gets it though. I didn't have high expectations, and I was floored. It was a great movie. That's all I'm gonna say, I don't want to spoil anything for those of you who haven't seen it yet. Easily my favorite movie of the entire franchise.

I need a survival plan for the week. Not gaining weight over the Holidays. It's my mission to prove it is not the impossible task. I'm lining up my no carb days in a funny way, I need to make sure I can have some carbs on Thanksgiving. Let's be somewhat realistic. I probably won't be able to resist a mountain of cool whip with a slice of pumpkin pie. Mrs. Fields does bake it just for our family, she be tight with my Maw Maw.

Boss Lady Plan for surviving Thanksgiving-

Monday-
R.I.P.P.E.D.
Carb Day

Tuesday-
Speed Training
Ab & Butt Work
No Carb Day

Wednesday-
AM Cross Training
PM 5k Gleaux Run
No Carb Day

Thursday-
7 Mile Run
Carb Day

Friday-
Cross Training
Pinterest Challenge
No Carb Day

Saturday-
7.5 Mile Run
Carb Day

Sunday-
Rest
No Carb Day

I feel and look like a hot mess this morning. I woke up LATE, I forgot to pack breakfast, so I had to make an unplanned stop at Subway. I wanted today to be a no carb day but I have to reroute that plan as this happened.

Mehhh, I've made worse decisions in my day.
English Muffin, Egg White, Ham, Bell Pepper, Onion, American Cheese, Black Pepper- 150 Calories

Heading into work. My hair is up because it's dirty, dry shampoo and a pony tail to the rescue. Oh Monday- you are always willing to deliver.

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Color Run & Good times in NOLA

Saturday Saturday! What a DAY! Mr. Noel and I headed down to New Orleans after work on Friday afternoon to spend the weekend with Susannah and her boyfriend Frank (All of my friends choose their own "blog name" I do this to protect their anonymity). It's about a 2 and half hour drive to New Orleans from our casa. We got to their house in Uptown New Orleans around 9 o'clock. I ended up drinking a few glasses of wine- three if you really want to know, and heading to bed around eleven. Susannah and I signed up to do the Color Run, and this was her FIRST race. Sus is a natural runner. The girl is just good at it. She definitely drank the race day kool aid and now wants to run races. I KNEW she was going to love it, and be a total rock star running racer. This was her first outdoor run, (she runs on the treadmill a lot) she easily kept pace with me. If this girl trained for a race, I can't even wrap my brain around how fast she'd be. 

If you're thinking about getting into running, or trying a race, the Color Run is for you. The Color Run is not a competitive run and it's a no pressure situation. It was very high energy, fun music, family friendly event.There's a ton of people out running this thing too- 12,000 if you're counting. There's a festival of sorts afterwards, where everyone is dancing, singing, coloring each other (geez that sounds bad), and being uber happy. It's an infectious feeling. I freaking loved it!

We got the guys to drop us off early so that we could be in the first group of runners. This was a smart idea. We ended up waiting in the start chute for about 40 minutes, but it went by really quickly. They are constantly entertaining you and giving away loads of free bees too. You know we gots to holla for a dolla!

The highlight? I got to meet an Elle Noel reader -Hey girl Hey!- I definitely hugged her too, so that makes us "real life" friends now right?! Yap, I'm a hugger :)

We were there at the very start in the first heat, 1,000 runners per heat. Susannah and I may have taken the Color Run a little to seriously. We ran this thing fast, and not many other people were doing this, as it's not a competitive race, but it just felt so good! When I was rounding the corner to finish the line to "Start" the race was blocking part of the course. Woopsies. We totally looked like "those people" that other people make fun of, but F it, we got all the color attention. We finished in the top 50 easily, but since there is no clock, and they don't track your race bib, we have no idea exactly what our time, and finishing position was. Throughout the route there are different stations with groups of people lining the road and they throw color on you. It goes in stages from Orange, Blue, Yellow, Pink etc. We were literally running through the color people alone, which was fun, because we got all the color! The Color thrown is more of a chalky consistency not so much paint and it will not ruin your shoes or your cloths. We were really worried about this so we wore old shoes, etc. but this isn't necessary it came out of all of our cloths. FYI- The blue is a biotch to get off your skin.

Color Run Playlist-

Allouette- The Delta Rythm Boys (French Song from Target Commercial)
I Do!!- Toya (Thanks for this tip Victoria!)
Killin' It- Krewella
Blown Away- Carrie Underwood
Raise Your Glass- Pink
Scream- Usher
Eye of the Tiger- Survivor

All proud of ourselves after the run! All those people in white you see behind us are still waiting to START. The amount of people is insane in the membrane.

We hung around for about 30 minutes after the race, then we took off to meet the guys. We were hungry, and our group had plans for the day. Day drinking, lunching, and shopping. Oh yeahs. Perfect Saturday!

We showered and got dressed for lunch right after the race because we were starving. Oh the drama. We walked to Maple Street, an area Uptown with lots of cafes, shops, and bars. Basically a lot of fun stuff to do. I did really well with my eating, this weekend, well up until the end of the night, but we'll get there shorty.

Appetizer

 Lunch- Grilled Shrimp Salad with cranberries and a vinaigrette

 Group Shot- Mr. Noel, Susannah, Frank, and Elle Noel

Next Susannah and I walked into a few shops while the guys headed to a bar to post up and watch some football.

 Susannah and I joined them about one thirty and the day drinking began. I drank vanilla vodka and diet coke, all day long. It's going to be my new go to drink. We hung out at Bruno's for about four hours. Susannah and I annoyed the men with lots of running talk. I made up for it by taking someone up on a dare. Winning.

Then we walked back to their house for a quick outfit change before heading downtown for the night. I know,I know.... diva status says heyyyy.

We hopped on the street car, and went for a cruise, well, one of us may have played conductor.

We were those people aggravating drunk people you hate when you're sober singing Rebecca Black's Friday, except we changed the words all up and made it our own. I bet just reading this story is annoying you."It's Saturday, Saturday, gotta get drunky on Saturday"

We got off the street car and first things first, hit up the Daiquiri shop on the corner of Bourbon an Royal for a Skinny Jester.

Now I don't know just how skinny this drink is, but it's delicious. 

We meandered on down to Pat O'Brien's for dinner. Most famous for their hurricanes, and rocking piano bar.

I didn't get a hurricane because all of the sugar hurts my stomach and I was trying to be good. So I drank my Skinny Jester and vanilla vodka and diet coke :)

Alligator Bites- Appetizer

Dinner- Grilled Mahi Mahi, seasoned rice, and grilled vegetables

After dinner we bounced around to a bunch of different bars. I danced like a crazy lady at Cat's Meow to Like a Virgin, like it was the first time I'd ever heard the dang song in my life, I convinced a professional piano player to let me play his piano- in front of a live audience, I ran into one of my oldest friends (extreme drunk excitement), and I had the time of my life.

Before heading home for the night, I did something that I always do on Bourbon Street. Always. I ate a slice of greasy Bourbon Street bar pizza.

It was amazing. Like it had been baked in heaven and topped by angels. It was worth every single last bite. Thanks Susannah for this awesome action shot. Even the picture looks drunk. Hot damn that was some good pizza.

We all need weekends like this from time to time, to just have fun and live life. I'm back at it today with no regrets :) Phew, I didn't feel bad at all this morning but reading back all about that epically amazing day makes me feel like I need a nap!

Hope you're having great weekend! I'm soaking up every single second of this gorgeous Sunday- next up, Saint's Game! Who Dat!?

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