Just what the doctor ordered

I've still got the eye twitch, but other than that, I'm feeling refreshed. I could take a few more days just like this weekend...house to myself, going to bed early, sleeping in, getting in a workout at my leisure, taking long naps along with the dog...awesome. The only thing that would have made it better is being able to sit outside in the warm sunshine without the scream of cicadas in the background.

I was going to try to find a video of cicadas to embed, but it was grossing me out. You'll just have to take my word for it. I was watching one video that was explaining their life cycle, which is long and takes place mostly underground (I sure wish they'd stay there for the whole thing). It was being explained to someone that they mate before they die. The dude's comment was, "Well, at least they die happy." Well played, dude.

And now, onto happier moments of my weekend.

I was lucky enough to be handed down a sweet heart rate monitor from Kara. She uses a fancy schmancy Garmin now, which worked out well for me :) I am now able to take my OCD to a whole new level!

(It looks like this except the watch part is pink.
Kara called it "Pinky", and so now that is its name.)

On Saturday morning I did the Jillian Michaels: Blast Fat Boost Metabolism DVD (every time I type that out, or say it, it seems strange), and used the monitor for the first time. Pretty impressive! I think I need to fix some of the settings because I think it's reading my heart rate percents pretty high, but it's still a great tool. My workouts have just been elevated.

Also this weekend, I finally got new running shoes!

We promise to be nice to your baby toes.

I thought I needed cross-training shoes since I mainly do workout videos, fitness classes, kickboxing, and gym workouts, but the guy at Dick's told me that if I was going to be doing any running other than short sprints, I should get running shoes. Since I hope to possibly sign up for a race or two this year, I decided to follow his recommendation. I tried on a few pairs, the majority of which were definitely uncomfortable (I am still unable to wear Nike shoes, even though they have great workout clothes), until I decided on these. Amazingly, they were not only the most comfortable, but one of the least expensive. Whadya know, my feet are cheap dates.

I was also able to find someone who wears my size and wants to try out the shoes I bought recently that just didn't work out for me. I mean, how am I supposed to ever get a pedicure again with blisters all over my feet?

BONUS: I went for my first run of the season on Sunday and it went so much better than I expected. I credit "Pinky" and my new kicks for the motivation. I'm currently in workout heaven. Today is either a Kickboxing class or a Cardio&Pump class. I'll definitely be ready for some yoga tomorrow! (and maybe another run :)