A Few Positive Changes

I can’t believe it’s already Tuesday! This week is flying! Maybe it’s because my calendar has been jam packed from 5:30am until 8pm the past two days. Luckily, I’ve made two little tweaks this week that have left me smiling from ear to ear!

1. Take my lunch to work challenge: If you recall, I’ve challenged myself to pack my lunch once or twice before but failed both times. My office’s culture includes a strong lunch group camaraderie which includes walking across the street to Pax or Toasties and picking up lunch before returning to the office. It also happens to be the only dose of fresh air most of us get during a 10-12 hour work day. Therefore, I decided that it was socially beneficial for me to go out to lunch daily with co-workers. But, last week I realized that a few people come out with us daily and only tag along for the fresh air, opting to enjoy a lunch they brought from home. After a refrigerator filling Trader Joe’s trip on Sunday I was inspired to try packing my lunch again.

My lunch bag has included the following the past two days:

Healthy Greek Salad (romaine, tomatoes, cucumbers, fat free feta, and TJ’s fake chicken strips

Greek Style plain yogurt+Kashi Go Lean (only ate 1/2 of this each day)

Carrot & Celery sticks with 2Tbsp peanut butter

Apple as a safety snack (I haven’t needed this)

Banana+oatmeal for breakfast

2. Run Outside Last week, my indoor runs were mentally challenging and it took every ounce of my willpower to finish the runs. While Bo and I were running on Saturday I realized how much I love running outside in New York City during the warmer months. Therefore, I challenged myself to enjoy all of my runs this week outside versus on the treadmill and see if I feel a difference physically and emotionally. This morning’s early run through the bustling city streets left me energized and sweaty! I mean, how many people have this view when they run?

I had to get to the office early this morning so I busted out a quick 5k, focused on negative splits. The path even included a slight climb up Murray Hill which made this run feel like a perfect mix of hill training and speed. I was able to keep a 9:23 pace which I was really proud of especially since that included some street swerving when the lights didn’t work in my favor.

I spent a few minutes after the run stretching and cooling down with some hip work in front of my building. Between the sweat puddle and awkward movements, I think I got more than one stare.

I also have to take a second to give some love to my new Lululemon Circuit tank! I bought this on sale from Lululemon Union Square on Sunday and am officially in love! (Yes, Lululemon has sales both online in their Oops we made too much section and in the stores.) The tank is long enough to stay in place during yoga poses and long runs, the Luon Light material seems to wick sweat better than their original material, and the cut is very flattering!

Check out the nifty back design as well which allows for plenty of ventilation!

So, even though tonight’s late work schedule didn’t allow for yoga, I’m still proud of myself and feeling better after these two small, positive changes.

Question: What are some small changes you’re making?