JAMAICA!I haven't yet been in Jamaica a full day. I had grand plans of getting up early and going running this morning. I did get up to go (at six thirty), only to realize that I had left my sports bra at home. That pretty much sent all plans of running, playing beach volleyball, going to the fitness center, etc. down the tubes. Yay for my friend who brought one, but had no plans to use it! I am going to get it from her, when it is a more reasonable hour, so definitely running this afternoon, or tomorrow morning.

The humidity took me by surprise. I opened the glass door to our balcony, expecting a cool morning breeze, perfect for jogging. I couldn't believe when I was met with a wall of humidity, more intense than I have ever experienced in south GA.

If you have been watching the Olympics, you know that the Jamaicans have been obliterating most of the other track athletes. I am hoping there is something in the air here that will make me very fast too. :)

And, I am happy to report, that I have not fallen off the wagon, food wise, here on vacation. I thought the temptation would be huge to eat junk, especially since it is all inclusive, and I can eat as much as I want of whatever I want (alcohol included). Last night there was a big jerk dinner on the beach, with flame throwers, drums, men on stilts, and lots and lots of food. I was wondering if it was just going to be mostly meat, but was happy to be able to fill my plate with six different varieties of grilled vegetables, which were delicious. For lunch, I had a simple caesar salad. For breakfast, half of a yogurt parfait (it tasted like aspartame, blech). I did have three mango girly drinks yesterday, which was a lot. Most people were completely plastered by five o'clock, whereas I felt fine...so I am guessing that most people had a lot more to drink than me. And while the drinks were good, and nice to have while lying on the beach in the sun, I probably will not have more than one or two more for the rest of the trip. I could really take or leave it.

While I am definitely wanting to have a fabulous time, and to enjoy myself, and am NOT going to spend my time here counting calories and worrying about every bite, I do not want to sabotage the work I have done at home either. I had expected to really struggle with eating while here, but honestly, this warm tropical atmosphere just makes me crave fresh fruits and veggies.

I had also anticipated just lying in a beach chair for the duration of the trip, resting, reading, soaking up the sun, talking with my friends. But now that I am here, I really want to take advantage of the time I have without my children and do really fun things that I can't do much at home. Here is my must-do list so far:
-snorkeling
-running the paths around the resort (apparently it is very dangerous to go off the resort property)
-playing beach volleyball
-swimming in the ocean
-swimming in the pool
-taking the resort horticultural tour
-having dinner on the mountain (don't know much about this, except it is supposed to be amazing)
-and perhaps take a reggae dance class!

So, the hubby just left for a day of golf. I cancelled my spa appointment (mani/pedi compliments of the hubby's company) in favor of doing some sightseeing with Matt's boss's wife, Donna (I want to see the REAL Jamaica!), then some swimming in the sea (the water is so clear! I am amazed!). I tell you, I could almost cry, I am just soooo thrilled to be here!

*Creative commons image from heather0714 on flickr.com

THE PLAN

5K evening run through City Market In October.

4.8 mile trail run in November.

10K Savannah River Bridge Run in December.

New running shoes are broken in.

Ipod workout tracks updated.

Motivation high.

ADDING EXERCISE BACK IN...

I have missed running this summer. But not enough to actually do it in this heat! Truth be told, I have been lazy. I mean, I could have run early in the morning, when it was only 85 degrees outside.
Anyway, after running/walking/biking at the beach, I am ready to start running 3x a week again. I have been looking online, and have found several 5K's coming up near me this fall. I need to send in my registration(s) so I am locked in and motivated! I am using this plan again, starting with week four, to work back up. I hope to increase my time as well. I ran my first 5K in just under 31 minutes. I stopped and walked several times during the race. I would like to run my next race, probably around the end of September, in 27 minutes, which would be just under a 9 minute mile (I hope to eventually work up to a 7 1/2 minute mile). I am a pretty fast runner, for short distances, but it is my endurance that is lacking, so that is what I will be working to improve over these next six weeks or so.

As usual, I am eating a very healthy diet, but just too much of it. I am still working to reduce my portions. Self control in the food department is a little lacking:::sigh:::

I went running for 30 minutes this morning. As soon as we finish dinner, I am putting the kids in their jammies, loading up the oldest two in the jogging stroller, the baby in the Ergo, and am walking the neighborhood until bedtime. Hopefully it won't be miserably hot.

WHAT I ATE TODAY

-Large salad
-Vegetarian Quesadilla
-Chips and Salsa
-1/3 piece of red velvet cake (would my husband PLEASE finish off this cake already?!)

Not a great eating day. I didn't eat that much, but what I had wasn't the best. The salad was OK, but the quesadilla and chips and salsa definitely weren't healthy. We ate at the mexican restaurant to celebrate a friend's birthday. I wanted a margarita, but didn't get one. Then, I got home and wanted something sweet. I really wanted peaches, but we were out. I should have just brushed my teeth and gone to bed. Instead, I ate red velvet cake, which I didn't really want and wasn't that good. I immediately regretted it. Darn.