Category Archives: Uncategorized

Warm weather updates

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I hope you will join me in laughing at the ridiculousness of the above Instagram “selfie.” I decided I wanted a photo for this post that demonstrated that I did my first run today in shorts AND a T-shirt since last fall … so I promptly stood up and snapped this headless masterpiece in front of my unmade bed. Don’t hate me because I’m so creative. Focus on the shorts and the T-shirt – it’s finally spring!

Anyway – long time no talk! I’m going to be honest, I’m very much enjoying my life as a non-blogger. After four years of writing fairly regularly at various blogs, it was definitely time to let it go. However, the weather lately has inspired me to check in and update on how life has been for me lately.

It happens every year, but I am still always so surprised at what the arrival of warm weather does for my soul. We had an extra long winter this year and this past week was the first full week of acceptable weather since last October. And now I don’t have to worry about the cold or snow for another six months, at least.

We are actually less than six months out from the wedding now. As soon as we hit that milestone time seemed to start flying. I was in a bit of a slump with wedding planning and pretty much wanted nothing to do with it for a while there, but last weekend we got a lot done and actually started DIYing a bit.

(P.S. Burlap really stinks. I did not know that before we made this jar for our centrepieces.)Image

I really feel like I have so much to look forward to in the next few months. Now that it has warmed up I’m pledging to explore Saint John more, since we just moved here last fall. This week I did a five-miler that took me into Rockwood Park. We finished our half-marathon there at the entrance but I had never run inside. It was lovely and I didn’t get attacked while running alone. Win-win!

Next weekend is my sister’s graduation party for medical school and then she’s moving to start her new life as a resident in Kingston, Ont. And then in three weeks I’ll be heading up Ontario way for Ottawa Race Weekend!

As preparation for the 10K, I’ve only been running three times a week. I am so over running exclusively while doing no other type of exercise. When I was training for the HM I ran five times a week and got burnt out after the February race. I did hardly anything throughout March and then joined the gym and started switching up my workouts. So far I’ve done a few group swimming practices, spin class, treadmill and weight workouts.

Now that the Bikini Series at toneitup.com has launched, I’ve been following along and doing some of those workouts. Today after my run I did Under The Sea and Sunkissed Abs.

I went out for a 10K this morning (in my shorts and a T-shirt) and really enjoyed it. I always try to talk myself out of going for a run, thinking I’ll be bored, but I was happy at the end of this one. Today’s run was two minutes slower than my PR. I’ve accepted that I’m not going to PR in Ottawa, and I’m OK with it. I just want to enjoy my weekend and take in the sights and sounds of my first “big” race.

That being said, wouldn’t it be great if I came from behind and beat the elites? :)

Also on the docket for this summer are my first sprint-distance triathlon at the end of June, a full week of vacation at the lake in early August along with my bridal shower, then my bachelorette on Labour Day weekend (just got the word that it will be in Montreal!). Then before we know it, it will be wedding time!

I have no other way to describe my excitement about this stuff other than “I want to vomit all over everything!” Sorry if that’s graphic, but my stomach gets upset when I’m excited. And I am SUPER excited!

Semi-retirement.

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Aloha! It occurred to me that I made a very important decision in my head a couple of weeks ago, but forgot to blog about it.

The “training for my first half marathon” phase of my life lasted four months, one third of a year, and now it is over. But there’s another phase of my life that is also about to come to a close.

When it comes to this blog, I am officially going into semi-retirement. I used to blog five times a week, and then took it down to about three times a week if I was lucky. Now I plan to just blog when I feel like it. It will most likely be only for the more important things, like race recaps, every few months. I still want to document things like that, and this is as good a place as any.

When I started this blog I was at the tail-end of my weight loss journey and was full of ideas, thoughts and excitement about my new healthy lifestyle. I used to have another blog for about three years where I just generally talked about my life, but I felt I was getting a little too old for it and wanted to have a more narrow focus. Once I got more accustomed to my lifestyle and it just became a regular, not-newsworthy, boring ol’ life, I struggled with ideas.

While writing A Fresh Start For Molly I’ve branched out and talked about more than just healthy living; I’ve written about moving, getting engaged, spending time with my family, my mental health, and planning my wedding.

After a while, I guess I just couldn’t figure out what I wanted to write about. I got tired of posting about running all the time (even though that’s really all I do that’s remotely newsworthy), felt awkward taking pictures of my food (it just ain’t my thing), and really didn’t want to share anything too personal. And I definitely was never into promoting myself to gain more readers (even though I appreciate all the ones I have!).

Writing about my life on a public platform has always been super awkward for me, but the feedback I’ve received from readers has always made it worth it. I have rarely posted about my blog on Facebook or Twitter, and I hate when people that know me in real life find out I blog. Isn’t that strange, since I put it all out there for strangers to read?

Also, I don’t have a lot of time in the day to devote to blog entries, so a lot of them are rushed and I don’t take the time to proofread. That may sound fine, but I’m a copy editor by day and finding errors when I did take the time to go through old entries was driving me insane. Case in point: I almost spelled entries wrong in both of the previous sentences.

It wasn’t until recently that I decided I could just write for me, when I feel like it, and I’d be completely fine with that.

I am looking forward to stopping by the blog when I have something I really want to say. By spending less time posting for the sake of posting, I’ll be able to crafty meaty blog posts that make me happy, and hopefully have less spelling and grammar errors :)

If you want to still read when I do decide to pop in, I’d recommend subscribing by email (you can do so in the sidebar to the right) or adding me to your Google Reader.

Thanks for reading!

An Ode To Ice Cream.

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Sweets are not really my thing. I mean obviously they’re great and all, but I will choose a second helping of mashed potatoes over dessert any day. Yes, I’m a carbs girl. Fo’ lyfe.

Ice cream is included in that sentiment. I like eating it once and awhile, but I’m not the type to go to the ice cream shop very often in the summer. I’m aware that I prefer McFlurrys over DQ Blizzards, but I rarely eat them. Until a few weeks ago, this was how things went for me.

All of a sudden, I have been majorly craving ice cream. I actually go to the store for the sole purpose of buying it. I’ve never been the type to venture down the grocery store aisle for ice cream. If I ever bought ice cream before, maybe for a recipe, I’d have a few bites and it would sit in the freezer until Daniel finished it off. Now I actually go to the store to see if Ben & Jerry’s is on sale. Last night it was, so I obviously freaked out and texted/tweeted about it.

I usually only need a few bites to satisfy my craving, which is good because my body hates dairy, and it also means I haven’t gained any weight as a result of this crazy craving.

I’m just wondering what brought this on so suddenly. Is it because my running mileage has increased? Do I need the calcium? Am I trying to bring summer back?

Maybe we’ll never know.

What’s your favourite type of ice cream? I’m loving Ben & Jerry’s Half Baked.

Molly Reads Books: I Got This by Jennifer Hudson

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Hello, and welcome to another edition of Molly Reads Books.

Just joking! Molly Reads Books is not actually a thing. But maybe it will be now! It’s true that I do read books from time to time, and I thought you might be interested in hearing what I have to say about them.

Not too long after I lost my iPod last June, my Kobo broke. I was devastated because I absolutely loved having an E-Reader. It even has 100 free books on it that I can read when I don’t feel like downloading a new one. Plus, e-books are cheaper than buying new releases in dead-tree-form from Chapters.

I looked into buying a new one, but couldn’t justify the cost. That’s when I re-discovered the library, which I think I’ve mentioned before. I stopped by the good ol’ bibliotheque (that’s French!) this week to pick up a few reads. I didn’t know what I wanted, but Jennifer Hudson’s new book was on a display shelf so I grabbed it.

I have mad love for J.Hud because she’s a fellow Weight Watchers member. I’m not exactly your typical Weight Watchers-type, but it’s still the program I’m most familiar with so I thought I’d enjoy the book. I also wanted to learn a bit more about Jennifer Hudson’s life and thought she might write about the tragedy when her mother, brother and nephew were shot to death.

The book is called I Got This: How I Changed My Ways And Lost What Weighed Me Down.

And yes, I’ve spent most of this week walking around the house saying “I GOT THIS” and snapping my fingers sassily.

Overall, I’d say the book was just OK. It only took me two days to read, so I don’t think it would be worth buying. As it turns out, she didn’t talk at all about her family’s murder, but she did talk about things I didn’t know, like the fact that she got pregnant unexpectedly, and that she was still relatively unknown (besides coming seventh in American Idol) when she landed the the role of Effie in Dream Girls, for which she won an Oscar.

If you didn’t see that movie, at least watch this goosebump-provoking scene (now with Spanish subtitles!):

I liked when she talked about Weight Watchers in the book, because her opinions on the program are all things I agree with: it’s just a matter of controlling the portions of what you eat, while still being able to eat the foods you want. And she was totally right about one of her main points – you have to be ready to lose weight. People will keep making excuses that keep them from being successful before they finally make up their minds and just commit to it.

All these opinions were great and everything, but she didn’t say anything groundbreaking. I also found it surprising that she said she was completely fine and happy at her heavier size, and only lost weight so she could be healthier for her son. That is completely different than my story, because I’ve always struggled with self-esteem, no matter what my size.

In short, here’s my expert literary opinion:  if you’re a Weight Watchers member, I’d say give it a read, but don’t spend your money on it. Long live the library!

This One’s For The Ladies…

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**In anticipation of going shopping for a sports bra tonight (oh joy!), I thought I’d share with you a piece of writing from my old blog about the importance of bra fittings. If you take only one piece of advice away from everything I’ve ever written, let it be: GET YOUR TA TAS PROPERLY SIZED. Also, eat your veggies.**

Let me tell you a story. Yes, it’s about my boobs.

Like most women, I have never worn the right bra size. However, unlike most women, I’ve always been completely aware of this. Still…for whatever reason… I couldn’t ever figure out what size I should wear. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve bought a new bra and been like, yes! Finally! This is the one! and two days later it’s misshapen and I’m falling out of it or i’m picking my breasts up off the ground because there’s no support.

I’ve also always known that bra fittings are supposedly life changing. Oprah taught me that (OPRAH NEVER LIES), and after watching that memorable episode I took my sister to get the proper fitting bra and it really did change her life. I know this, because she told me many times and still talks about it. Recently we went back in to get her sized again because she was due for an updated size. And it changed her life all over again!

I was too self conscious to get a proper bra fitting until about a year ago, before I started trying to lose weight, when I finally got a fitting at a plus size store. I was a 40 DD, they said. I wore those bras until the fall, when I started losing weight, and went for another bra fitting, this time at Sears. NEVER GET A BRA FITTING AT SEARS. They really suck at it. I was a 38 DD, they said. None of the bras I bought in that size, however, felt right.

Fast forward to April (when I originally wrote this). I’d lost 50 pounds in 8 months and I felt like I deserved to wear things that fit me. Yes, I’ve lost weight, but i’m still giving Joan on Mad Men a run for her money. That is to say the weight did not come from my bust, unfortunately. I am in the minority of women who do not want to look like Joan from Mad Men.

So, I sought out the meanest, most no-nonsense bra fitting lady in town. She threw me in a fitting room and threw her measuring tape around my bust. There was no going back. Then she started handing me bras, and I showed her what they looked like because this time I was not. messing. around.

And neither was she.

In the end we found my size: 36G.

I should have wanted to cry, but I didn’t, because now I am absolutely certain I own a proper fitting bra. Regardless of the letter of the cup, or the astronomical price I had to pay for a specialty undergarment, wearing the right size actually makes you look better and usually smaller (if you’re into that sort of thing). I wear a bigger cup than I did at 50 pounds heavier, but I have been told I look smaller and I can’t even convince people I need a breast reduction.

In short: the right bra size will change your life. Just like Oprah said.

Regardless of your size, I urge you to run to the nearest bra fitter. Locals: I went to Lilianne in the Regent Mall. If I had to take a guess, you are probably smaller around and bigger in the cup size than you think you are. if you’re still confused, i suggest reading this blog post called what most people don’t know about bra sizes.

I’ve been immortalized…

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with an image quote!

I felt silly when I first saw it…usually you see Ghandi or Audrey Hepburn’s name at the end of those things!

You all know the lovely Janetha of meals & moves – right? I first found her blog because of the incredible fundraiser she did when a fellow New Brunswicker, Susan of The Great Balancing Act, was diagnosed with cancer. I think yesterday was my first time leaving a comment for Janetha though, and it was really something that just popped into my head…I think I was heading out for lunch when I typed it in with my Blackberry.

Janetha asked a really great question – When was the last time you felt proud of yourself? - and the above quote was my honest answer. She surprised me today by including the image in her most recent post.  Pride doesn’t always have to come from something big. I can be proud of myself for sticking it out through my workout instead of cutting it short…for looking in the mirror and saying something positive instead of negative…for choosing to make dinner instead of eating out. The journey to changing your lifestyle can be discouraging, so I think it’s important to work hard so you can be proud of yourself every single day.

I’d love to hear what you guys think of Janetha’s question: When was the last time you felt proud of yourself?

Friday: Busy. Happy. Karaoke.

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Last week on my Friday post I was still in a bit of a funk but I think I finally shook it this week. My When I Feel My Best list definitely helped me feel more positive than negative. If you haven’t already looked at that post, you should go back and leave me your own list.

Here are a few positives from this week:

Our new town house! Daniel and I had been stressin’ about where to move in September since deciding we were so.over. our current place. The only problem was we couldn’t find the type of place we wanted in the downtown area, which is kinda important for us because we are downtown dwellers through and through, and only have one car (I sold mine last year in favour of biking, walking and hitchin’ rides). This week we saw one of the only available town houses in the downtown and they called the next day to say we got it! We still haven’t signed the lease, so nothing’s official yet, but we are pumped and so relieved.

Karaoke! Here’s a little story for you: Once upon a time, I frequently went to Thursday karaoke night at a local bar with someone who was originally a colleague and turned into a best friend (mostly due to our mutual love for karaoke). Eventually we stopped attending because we, you know, had responsibilities and stuff. So that friend – Alex – is moving cities and we decided to make our triumphant return to karaoke last night. Here we are singing Baby One More Time (one of our favourite duets). For my solo, I sang Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger”.

My sister! She is arriving in my stomping grounds tonight. I haven’t seen her since Christmas, which is a super long time in our family. On the agenda: yoga, cupcakes, wine, brunch. She is only here for the weekend, but next weekend I’ll be going to see her in Halifax, so yay for that!

Triathlon training camp! I’m attending with my mom this evening and tomorrow. I am a beginner and my race will be much shorter than the other athletes there, but I am anticipating learning more about the ins and outs of the sport, and more specifically: transitions. I haven’t been doing any really specific training other than running, swimming and biking, all on separate days, so it will be good to get some first-hand experience of what the race will be like.

Book Club is tonight! I’ll save all the details for another post though (even though the first rule of Book Club is we don’t talk about Book Club).

 

P.S. And if you’re wondering, yesterday was pay day, not today :)

**first image via Pinterest

Friday: Failing to Fuel

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One of my great joys in life is grocery shopping. I am drawing a complete blank on why it’s so fun to me, but it is – maybe because I love food, and a full fridge is a great thing. This week my fridge was empty, which is an anomaly. I don’t really know how it happened, but the week was so hectic that I never made it to the grocery store, and instead spent a lot of time moaning about how tired I was. My meals suffered because of it.

I usually pack my lunches for work (and sometimes breakfast if I don’t feel like eating before I leave) but I didn’t do that once this week. Instead I ate a pre-packaged spinach and goat cheese salad four times. At $4.50 a pop, that is way too much money to spend on a mixture of leaves. I don’t remember what I ate the other day. Things are hazy. Did anyone feel like this week felt like a month? This is how my Wednesday went: breakfast from Tim Horton’s, lunch out with coworkers, and that evening I woke up insanely groggy from an unplanned after-work nap and somehow agreed to go to A&W with Daniel (In hindsight, this was not a mistake. Their veggie burger is delish). What I’m trying to say is I spent way too much money on food this week. And I didn’t follow the nutrition side of Bikini Boot Camp religiously (although a lot of my meals were still healthy and I still fit in my workouts).

Another by-product of my empty fridge was that I didn’t fuel enough for my workouts. Tuesday at Triathlon Club would have gone better if I’d eaten more that day. On Wednesday night my legs were dragging in the pool like they had weights on them, and last night was an extreme exercise in will power just to complete my 5K. Seriously, this was my thought process the whole time: “Just run to the stop sign and then you can turn around. OK just go to the beginning of the bridge. Just try running to the end of the bridge and then you can go home. OK now try just putting one foot in front of the other.” Having to mentally cheerlead myself like that was exhausting.

Tonight I’m heading to the grocery store (even thought Fridays are apparently the worst day to go). Tomorrow we’ll pick up some produce from the farmer’s market, and hopefully I’ll feel refuelled for next week, and my wallet won’t suffer as much. Other plans for this weekend include a long bike ride with a picnic lunch, and getting into the habit of taking photos for this blog. Happy weekend!