Just Do It
Even after writing a post about staying active in the winter, I seriously considered skipping my workout this afternoon. The cold, snowy weather was not motivating me to get my butt to the gym, but according to my 5K training program, I was supposed to run 2 miles today. So, I reread my post for a little inspiration and then told myself to just do it. Basically, don’t think about it, put on my workout gear, go to the gym, and just get it done. And, that’s exactly what I did.
I arrived at the gym, warmed up, and ran 2 miles on the treadmill in 17:12, which was a little slower than Thursday’s 2-mile run, but still a decent time. I then walked another 1/2 mile as a cool down, stretched, and headed home. Mission accomplished! 
I’m so glad that I got my workout in today! It would have been so easy to skip it given the icky weather.
Dinner
Tonight’s dinner was one of the best that I have eaten in awhile– mostly because of this deliciousness:
I absolutely love risotto– and, this Tomato Basil mix was really wonderful, especially with chunks of chicken breast thrown in. I’m psyched that there are lots of leftovers for tomorrow! 
I also had a salad topped with balsamic vinegar on the side.
Dessert
For dessert, I enjoyed a Lindt chocolate Reindeer.
And some pumpkin spice tea.
This flavor of tea was nice, but it definitely needed some sweetness. It was really spicy, but not pumpkin-pie spicy like I had hoped. I ended up adding a squirt of agave nectar to sweeten it up.
Mal just decided to bake brownies, so I guess I’ll eat one of those for dessert, too!
Time to veg! Mal and I have been hooked on Californiacation lately. It’s such a good show– and totally addicting!
Tags: Californiacation, Harry and David Tomato Basil Risotto Mix, Just do it, pumpkin spice tea
Leena — January 2, 2010 @ 8:54 pm
that risotto looks so heavenly! Risotto’s my favorite – I love it so much more than just plain old rice! I usually make it with butternut squash or mushrooms, but tomato basil risotto sounds delicious too… I’ll have to try it sometime!
Jocelyn — January 2, 2010 @ 9:12 pm
Good job for gettin to the gym. I need to do the same
diane — January 2, 2010 @ 9:14 pm
I just wanted to say that ever since your “recommitted to blogging” post, you really have made an effort to put up posts for EVERY meal…I’m sure thats not very easy to do at all but you still do it …with good writing and pictures at that…and it doesnt go unnoticed!!
p.s. that risotto looks delicious!
Rebecca — January 2, 2010 @ 9:18 pm
That risotto mix looks awesome!! I’ll have to find that!
Tracie (@hollafoodzone) — January 2, 2010 @ 9:20 pm
I was a mere breath from skipping my workout today too – soooo cold! My tea mug, blankie and couch, along with a stack of magazines were irresistible! BUT – I did resist for a little while and hauled my fanny to the treadmill. Definitely not my best workout, but I’m glad I did it. You’re absolutely right – looking back on your own blog or others is a great inspiration when you are feeling unmotivated! There have been a few lazy Saturdays when your blog has rescued me from slug-dom!
Laura @ Food For La — January 2, 2010 @ 9:21 pm
My husband and I are hooked on Californication, also! Which season are you on? I was at Barnes & Noble the other day, and there really is a book God Hates Us All by Hank Moody in the LITERATURE section. So weird!
Lizzy — January 2, 2010 @ 9:24 pm
i totally tell myself to “just do it” sometimes too! that little push is sometimes all i need! That risotto looks wonderful!
enjoy your evening!
Stella @ EcoStella — January 2, 2010 @ 9:25 pm
I agree completely about the Stash Pumpkin Spice Tea. I have some as well and had to add agave to sweeten it, and I usually don’t sweeten my tea. I also tried stirring the tea with a candy cane one day, it added an interesting kick.
Kristen @ Change of Pace — January 2, 2010 @ 9:25 pm
You go girl! Even after reading your post and commenting about it I skipped my workout today… I have a good one planned for tomorrow morning though. I think planning is the key to my success in working out. If I promise someone I’ll run with them or go to the gym with them then I have to go.
Kara — January 2, 2010 @ 9:26 pm
Wow, that looks awesome for being from a package! I love Harry and David’s!
amanda — January 2, 2010 @ 9:29 pm
I hear you on the cold weather stuff. This wind we had here today was crazy. I only opt for an 1hr class of kickboxing. Ohhh and I also love Harry and David stuff too!
Megan (The Runner's Kitchen) — January 2, 2010 @ 9:30 pm
Great job on getting to the gym! “Just do it” is what I have to tell myself about running in the morning. The more I debate and procrastinate, the less likely I’ll be to actually get out the door. Winter is definitely a tough time for fitness…sigh.
Dawn (HealthySDLiving) — January 2, 2010 @ 9:33 pm
Ugh, yea it’s been tough to stay motivated this winter but it definitely always feels good in the end!
Annamarina (Running Tails) — January 2, 2010 @ 9:38 pm
Mmmm, that risotto looks yummy! Good for you for going to the gym. I remember how hard it was to get motivated when I lived back east during the winter. At least working out warms you up!
Kristin (whimsyville) — January 2, 2010 @ 9:44 pm
Someone once told me that the only runs you regret are the ones you do not do. So true, isn’t it?
Food Makes Fun Fuel — January 2, 2010 @ 9:47 pm
I always hate the thought of working out, but feel soooo good afterwards.
Enjoy the brownies
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is — January 2, 2010 @ 9:48 pm
It is so cold in the morning. I get up at 430 to workout, but since I’ve been on a break from work I’ve got to work out later. Monday morning is gonna be rough!
Gracie — January 2, 2010 @ 9:50 pm
I’ve found myself in that exercise “funk” lately too. What I’ve been doing is telling myself that I can go easy on my workout at the gym – the important part is just getting there. 9 times out of 10 I end up pumping up the intensity more than I had planned and get a great workout
And, as always, I feel so accomplished!
Sam (Merit to the Carrot) — January 2, 2010 @ 10:10 pm
Risotto is indeed amazing. I just made a Parmesan Risotto for Christmas and it was delicious!
Yours looks so tasty!!
Karla — January 2, 2010 @ 10:26 pm
Your just do it post inspired me to go for a run! My sister was resisting but I got her to go too! We did just under 4 miles (sunny California! I don’t want to leave in a few weeks!)
Katie — January 2, 2010 @ 10:30 pm
Love risotttooo!!
Happy 2010,
Katie
*Andrea* — January 2, 2010 @ 10:45 pm
loved your post! motivation is definitely the hardest part for getting my bum to the gym too. i love those lindt chocolates – so smooth and creamy delicious.
Nicole, MS, RD, LD — January 2, 2010 @ 10:58 pm
It sounds like a lot of bloggers wanted to be workout slackers today, but decided against it : ) Props!
Erin — January 2, 2010 @ 11:13 pm
I was tempted to skip working out and hibernate inside, but was so glad when I got to the gym and got in a decent workout. Getting there is 95% of the battle.
Emily Eats and Exercises — January 2, 2010 @ 11:20 pm
I wish I had read your post earlier! I succumbed to the cold and snow today and skipped my workout.
Tomorrow morning for SURE.
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg — January 2, 2010 @ 11:29 pm
Good for you for getting that workout in! Love Lindt chocolate– I got a big Lindt Santa in my stocking
Morgan @ Life After Bagels — January 2, 2010 @ 11:42 pm
californication is awesome . . . the first season is the funniest though!
Cynthia (It All Changes) — January 2, 2010 @ 11:46 pm
I’m the same way with working out. But putting on my workout clothes makes me more likely to go and I always feel better after it.
Estela @ Weekly Bite — January 3, 2010 @ 12:08 am
I’m with you! I’m almost skipped my run today too! Those cold winds/wind chill is aweful… but I sucked it up and ran… sooooo happy I did it
Tasha — January 3, 2010 @ 12:12 am
I don’t have the money for a gym membership, so I’m forced to do outside exercise if I want any real cardio. Low temps like today do not inspire me.
Lynn (The Actors Diet) — January 3, 2010 @ 12:21 am
risotto is one of my favorites – i don’t even need cheese when i make it b/c it gets so creamy and rich on its own
Elina — January 3, 2010 @ 12:23 am
I love Californication! It’s so trashy yet totally addictive. Are you watching the new season? I think we’re still behind
Mmm, brownies. I should train my husband to bake some for me once in a while. Haha. Highly unlikely
Chelsea — January 3, 2010 @ 12:29 am
That dinner looks yummy. That’s still a fast 2 miles lady!
Rachel — January 3, 2010 @ 12:37 am
That risotto looks delicious. Where can we find it?
becky — January 3, 2010 @ 12:39 am
Good for you getting your workout in! It is so easy to just say no to it. I should know, I passed on lifting weights today:) I loved Californication!
onehealthyapple — January 3, 2010 @ 12:44 am
It’s really hard to get motivated sometimes- great job on beating the lazy monster! I do 2 miles in 24 minutes- awesome job in my book!
Lisa — January 3, 2010 @ 3:56 am
That is one awesome looking dinner!
Oooh and congrats on the workout!
Refab! — January 3, 2010 @ 6:42 am
Living in a cold weather area can beat me down as well sometimes, it’s good to see that there are others out there fighting, and winning the battle! Keep at it, love your blog!
Madelin @ What is for breakfast? — January 3, 2010 @ 7:13 am
Good on you for getting to the gym! I totally agree with the “just do it” mentality, it’s the only thing that gets me out the door. Otherwise I spend ages thinking about it and talking myself out of exercising. Yummy risotto!
Susan (All Things In Moderation) — January 3, 2010 @ 7:52 am
I am a huge believer in the concept of “fake it till you make it”. When it comes to a workout, when my motivation is non-exisitent, I put myself on auto-pilot and do what needs to be done. I find that over thinking , for me is a sure way to talk myself into not working out. I also find doing my workout first thing in the morning , even on weekends, makes it a lot harder to make excuses. It feels so great when you get it done when you feel like skipping out on a workout! You feel like you’ve conquered the beast!!!!!!
Kailey — January 3, 2010 @ 9:25 am
wow that decaf tea sounds amazing
awesome 2 mile run!!
Gelareh @ Orange Truffle — January 3, 2010 @ 9:33 am
The tomato basil risotto sounds yummy. My husband is obsessed with risotto so he likes to make it from scratch and is constantly trying different flavors.
Cait (Cait's Plate) — January 3, 2010 @ 9:59 am
WHAT! WHERE DID YOU FIND THAT TEA?!??! That’s probably the best thing I’ve ever seen!!
rungirlrunn — January 3, 2010 @ 10:12 am
Good for you for getting your workout in
That risotto sounds SO good.
Jenny — January 3, 2010 @ 10:20 am
Congrats on getting your workout in! I find that if I just bundle up and GET to the gym, I feel a lot more motivated than when I’m sitting at home thinking about going.
Risotto is my new favorite dish! I think chicken sound like a great addition
Megan — January 3, 2010 @ 10:21 am
That’s great that you got your workout in. It’s important. I know how hard it is to stay motivated, especially with the cold weather and all!
MichellePC — January 3, 2010 @ 10:30 am
We love Californication!!! Such a great show – I’m already dying for the new season to start!
Heather @ The Joyful Kitchen — January 3, 2010 @ 11:23 am
It always feels so much better once you actually DO the workout
Risotto is SO GOOD, and it’s actually super easy to make! I’ll have to see if I can find a way to duplicate the one you had for dinner 
Jenna — January 3, 2010 @ 11:28 am
Dinn looks great
Freya at foodfitnessandfreya.wordpress.com — January 3, 2010 @ 11:39 am
Lindt is DEFINETLY one of the best chocolate brands out there! And ou’ve inspired me to have risotto tonight…there is something so comforting about it
Love your blog by the way! And Murphy, I want a pug so badly!!!
jennifer — January 3, 2010 @ 3:01 pm
I too am wanting to stay inside in my nice warm bed, but I went out for a 2 hour trainer ride with some friends…just getting there made it all better, it was fun
Always remember, you will never regret working out, but you may regret NOT working out…even walking is better than nothing 
Tina I really enjoy reading your blogs!!!