Combing her "Hair" :)

Haircut again :)

Sudha's hair was getting too long, and it was curling awkwardly. She has been refusing to tie back her hair and the hair over her eyes has annoyed me. So haircut time it was. This time, I took her to my studio instead of the kids place. And my stylist did a much nicer job.

Sudha loves her haircut. "All my hair is gone", she said.

This is after returning from the stylist. I have no idea how she'll look like after washing and running out of the door :)

The Future Nadia Comaneci?

At the park with new friends

Its amazing how kids will get to know each other without a moments delay and play together!
We met Jayashree's kids at the East Cobb park and they all played like they had know each other forever. Very heartwarming to watch.

Focusing on the positives

I've been sooo much dwelling on how bad I am (in my training for the ING half). Guru got a little mad at me for harping on it - Obsessed, he called me. So I'm going to focus on the positives of my journey.

• I've been consistantly running (3-4 days a week) only since Christmas. And I could not run even half a mile. Now, I can do 6miles with just a short 5min water/walk break.
• In ONE month, I've achieved so much distance. My body is telling me that in another 2 it will go a lot longer. I just need to listen to my body.
• I had hit a plateau in my weight loss, the running has helped it move a little.
  
• When I'm done with my run, I feel so invigorated. That runners high.
  
• Its made me much more cheerful in other areas.
• Its giving me a goal to focus on, an achievement I want all for myself.

I might be a little obsessed, thinking about it & researching about it every awake hour. But I do so because I'm nervous and anxious.
So yes, I need to learn to let go a little and step back a little. Success or failure at this is not the end of the world. This is just the beginning of the journey. I do my part, and the Universe (aka The Lord) will take care of the rest.

Assailed by Self-Doubts

I've been feeling pretty good about myself, my goals and my efforts these days. But when I start to compare or look around, I get assailed by doubts.

After the high I had from finishing my hilly labor day 10k, I signed up for the ING half-marathon in March. I shy away from running. I hate it. But I have been sticking to it and following a training program religiously out of respect for the distance (13.1miles = 21km).

I'm making good progress, but - my pace is horribly slow. A "decent" pace is 11-12 (11minutes/mile-12minutes/mile). Mine is around 14+min/mile. And thats at HALF the 13.1 distance. So I'm assuming my pace will be around 15+ at the full distance. And that ... is way way too slow! The cut off pace is 15:15 !!!

Same with swimming. I'm doing good, and laps are easier now. I can swim for one whole hour with just a few minutes break in between (other than the micro mini breaks at the turns). So that translates to about 550yds in 25-30min. Again - toooo slow !!!! The "average" swim time is 550 yds in 15 minutes.

I know that these are things that get better with time. After all, 3 months back I could neither swim 500 yds(8 laps - back and forth together is a lap) nor run 3miles. But its been so disappointing to me.

What is disappointing in it, Guru asks? You've been doing this (run and swim) consistently only for a short while (zumba for 3 days/week for 6 months and 30lbs down doesn't count, I suppose.) How can you expect to be a whiz at it after being stagnant for so long, he says?

Mmmm... I know he's right. But I don't want him to be right. I want a miracle answer that will strengthen me overnight. It is so difficult to have the patience to see that in another 2 months, my body would have adapted to the longer distances and my mind/body will allow me to honorably finish.

So - I wallow in self pity ....

Blueberry Cream Pie

I've been craving sweet (and fried!) food. Made this blueberry cream pie from a WW recipe.
It was yummy!!! Really good!! And since I have no idea how the full-fat version is supposed to taste like, mine was just perfect.

Recipe:
Reduced fat Graham cracker pie crust
Fat free cool whip
Fresh blueberries
Fat free blueberry yogurt

Mix all of the above together, and pour into the pie crust. Refrigerate.
Yes, its that easy :)

Biker chic? Body builder?

All thats missing are some tatoos on her arms :)

Children's Museum

Brinda loved the colored balls.

Meeting Curious George for the first time

She tried to walk up the slide and would slide down on her belly.

Ain't I Pretty? :)

First Time in the Park

A rare sunny day and Brinda had her first experience on the swing.

Resolution Run 5k

A 5k run in the cold and wind to start off my fitness resolutions for the year.
3.1miles/5k: 41 min 48 sec

So - how has this resolution been working out for me?
So far, so good. I've been running 3-4 days a week. I've officially started training for my half-marathon on March 21st.
I've put in 10 miles last week of december/first week of Jan, and 13 miles last week.
This week I increase my long run to 5 miles. Yikes !!! I'm hoping I have the momentum even if I have to take a break or two in between. (Distance from Home to Dad's office and back)

I still don't like running (Technically: I don't run, I slow jog). But I look at it as something "I can do and finish". And I love that I have these milestones I want to pass.

Walking Talking Baby Doll

Yes, Brinda walks and "talks" now.
Whew .... she is already a little terror :)

In 8 years ...

The first time Guru & I went out on a "date". Oct 15/16th, 2001.

This weekend, the first time in YEARS, I fit into that dress. And of course, pics were in order to see how I've changed (apart from the terrible graying of my hair).

Comments?

Princess :)