Not a patient person!

Clearly I have no patience for waiting around. I'm on day 2 of car issues. I love my Honda Civic, I've had it for about 7 years it has 180,000 miles and we've never had a bit of trouble. Yesterday I got up, got the twins ready for preschool and myself ready to go to the office, day was all planned out and my car wouldn't start. Seriously, I have way too much to do for my day to start like this. My husband was on his way to a business meeting so i called my dad, explained what was going on and he was sure it was the battery. My dad comes to my rescue with a new battery and I canceled appointments for the day. 

He installed the new battery and still the car wouldn't start. So we took a break, dropped the twins at school 2 hours late and went to the auto part store. By this time it's also raining outside and getting chilly. Of course my car is not in the garage but in the driveway which just makes matters worse.

After consulting with the auto part store and mechanic friend, tried 2 batteries and checking out a YouTube video on replacing the starter we decided to have it towed. At the dealership they've also determined (what I've already told them) I need a new starter. So now I wait on day 2 for my car to be ready. I'm really glad I don't have car issues very often, I'm not good at waiting!

Completed a 1/2 and starting something new chapter!

For anyone who might be following along. I completed my first 1/2 Marathon last Sunday and had a great time. I know to many that sounds like 2 things that should not be in the same sentence, running and great time... Anyway, I did. It was the Inaugural Sarasota Music Half Marathon starting at The Van Wetzel Performing Art Center running over the bridge connecting St. Armand's Circle to downtown Sarasota, around the circle, back over the bridge past the kissing statue and Marina Jacks down Orange Street passing some lovely homes, through Marie Selby Botanical gardens and back to Van Wetzel Performing Art Center. The first 11 miles felt great and I walked very little (just right after water stops since I don't run and drink well). The final 2 miles however were a killer, I thought I'd never make it back to the performing art center. But I did in 2 hours, 32 minutes and 3 seconds. My goal was to be under 2 1/2 hours but I came really close to that. Running over a bridge slowed me down for sure. What kept me going was the great music and lots of spectators cheering. There must have been a band, singer, guitar player, ever 1/2 mile, felt like they were everywhere. I especially enjoyed the marching band at the top of the bridge, kinda says it's all downhill from here!

Following the 1/2 Marathon a wonderful brunch was provided by Mattison's Restaurant and drinks, beers, etc. were available.  It was delicious and such a gorgeous day to be outside, about 70 degrees and blue skies.

So what's next for me... well in the world of running I'm doing the Gasparilla 15K on February 21st and will be registering shortly for Disney Wine and Dine 1/2 Marathon and Space Coast 1/2 Marathon both in November. I like this running things to I'm going to keep it up!

In other news, I'm always trying to feed my family what I think is healthy. We avoided baby food from a jar when the girls were little and opted for fresh produce that I would puree, my husband usually takes his lunch versus purchasing junk from a convenient store or eating out of the vending machine or fast food which is not just bad for you but expensive overtime too. As part of my efforts we are giving Isagenics a try. The company is over a decade old with science and real results to back their products. If you are interested in learning more check out my website at kellybanchak.isagenix.com or give me a call 813-422-9442.

Thanks for reading!

Preparation

Next Sunday I'm running in my 1st Halfmarathon and honestly I never had a plan to run a 1/2. After I had my girls two years ago the plan was to just get back in shape, run a 5K, nothing more really, just have fun. Last year I won a registration for a 10 K thinking that would be fine I went for it, finished in just over an hour and really enjoyed it. It was the Susan G Komen for a Cure which is close to my heart. From there I thought if I can do this I can do 13 miles. So I looked for a fun half marathon to do. Sarasota is a favorite area of my husband and I, perfect Sarasota music half marathon, love music too. Today I ran 12 miles in preparation and felt really good especially the first four. I ran these with two new friends that I made in my running group and it was great, they kept me motivated, we chatted, got to know each other a little. At mile six I had to stop and take a potty break (I was in the park near the restrooms so no need to pee in the brush). I picked right back up and finished strong in just over two hours. My goal for my half marathon is to do it within two hours and 30 minutes I think I can definitely accomplish this goal. Wish me luck, it looks like we're gonna have great weather too. I will of course give an update and have some pictures to share after. Even some more bling!

Quinoa salad

Ok I know this looks really gross but boy is it delicious. Ava is devouring as I type.

Meal Prep for the Week

I've recently discovered something about myself that I secretly knew but never really addressed. I'm fantastic at working out, getting my cardio in, I find it relaxing and actually enjoy it however, I then go home and eat a pint of ice cream or 1/2 of a pizza for dinner. I'm horrible at dieting and as the primary meal preparer in my house I find myself scrambling every morning at like 6am to get ready for the day by fixing 4 lunches and 4 breakfasts and plenty of snacks for myself and my husband (we are both big snackers, nothing crazy like chips and candy bars but nuts, granola, fruit, etc.). In the evening I'm scrambling again to fix the girls a snack before I strap them into the stroller for our evening run and then come home to make dinner. Some friends have been doing meal prep to keep them on track with their weight loss and meet their goals. I'm going to give it a shot starting with the following plan. Keep in mind that my kids (even though they are only 2) eat what we eat and love fish (I know a lot of kids don't). If you are a parent you know this is abnormal :)

Monday
Breakfast - Strawberry Protein shake (the twins will have cereal too)
Snack - Ham and Egg cup (super yummy and easy)
Lunch - Baked Chicken with Asparagus
Snack - mixed nuts
Dinner - Quinoa salad with pesto and cauliflower

Tuesday 
Breakfast - Green shake (the twins will have cereal too)
Snack - Sliced Strawberries
Lunch - Salmon, hard boiled egg, mixed veggies
Snack - small "simple"salad (for me this is spring mix with light dressing)
Dinner - Turkey Tacos

Wednesday
Breakfast - Ham and Egg cup with sliced fruit
Snack - coffee shake
Lunch - Chicken with Spaghetti Squash
Snack - nuts
Dinner - Grilled Shrimp and Zucchini

Thursday
Breakfast - Strawberry Shake
Snack - Peanut butter on celery
Lunch - Turkey bacon with Asparagus and hard boiled egg
Snack - Quinoa
Dinner - Salmon with mixed veggies

Friday
Breakfast - Green Shake
Snack - sliced strawberries
Lunch - "Simple" salad with chicken and egg
Snack - nuts
Dinner - Mashed Cauliflower with grilled sirloin


I think preparing most of this on Sunday and having it ready to go for during the week is going to make my life much easier. I'll do my best to stick to this menu, it's so tempting to eat pizza or sandwiches work regularly orders for lunch. Wish me luck!


Update:

I gave this a try last week and it worked great the first few days. Preparing lunch was a breeze each morning. Dinner for me and the girls was easy too but by Thursday husband was no longer interested in eating what I prepared for him. I had actually made him salmon on a salad which he normally loves but decided he wanted chili instead.... Friday we went out to eat but I still had a sirloin and vegetables.

Transformation doesn't happen overnight!

Here is my progress. Top left picture was taken in March of 2012, top right November 2013. Below is now as of TODAY in awesome size 6 Miss Me jeans

My first official 10K

Actively running in my first 10K. This was taken at about 5.5 mile mark by Teresa Hair my wonderful cheerleader for this run.