Breaking Rules

on December 10, 2009
in All Posts

I braved the crowds and completed my Christmas shopping!  :)  And I only LOOKED at this lovely display of purses…

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I just kept repeating Responsible Spending Challenge, Responsible Spending Challenge, Responsible Spending Challenge!  🙂

 

I did break one major spending rule… I gave into take-away dinner.

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Look at these huge woks!  I want one of those suckers.   I liked watching the cooks do their thing – they were dodging HUGE flames coming up from the oven.

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I ordered Orange Peel Tofu.  I subbed the white rice for brown rice, but I kept the tofu fried – I don’t know what Asian restaurants do, but they fry up the best tofu!  I made a serious effort to eat all this food, but I couldn’t!  Majorly out-of-control portion sizes.

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Mid-afternoon snacks included an orange and granola + yogurt.  I would’ve photographed it, but I think I’ve had these same snacks 15 days in a row.  Don’t want to bore you to death!  🙂

 

Part of the reason why I was trying to stuff myself is I am running a 17.0 miles tomorrow morning!  I’ve decided to do this long run all by myself… I’ve been running all my long run with friends, but I think it’s important to do at least one run solo. 

 

Do you prefer to workout with friends or alone?  I used to be a huge fan of working out alone, but now I love to exercise with buddies!

{ 64 comments }

 

  • zestycook December 10, 2009, 8:32 pm

    I must say I like those purses! haha kidding but I do like the take out dinner!

    zest

  • Evan Thomas December 10, 2009, 8:33 pm

    I definitely enjoy my “me” time running, especially if that means I get the tv’s at the gym treadmills all to myself 🙂 But at the same time I feel an attachment to the people who get their butts out of bed early too hit the gym like myself and we’re becoming good friends

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite December 10, 2009, 8:38 pm

    I only like to workout by myself when I’m running. Running is my time with my thoughts… and really cool music.

    Everything else I love having friends around!

  • Christy December 10, 2009, 8:42 pm

    I like to workout by myself. It’s my “me” time. It’s the only time I get to let my brain relax!

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is December 10, 2009, 8:47 pm

    Good luck running alone! Be safe. 🙂

    I have always prefered workouts on my own, but occasionally I love working out with a buddy. It takes my mind off of it.

  • ashleigh December 10, 2009, 8:49 pm

    Good luck on the run tomorrow!! Honestly I always try and limit my going out to dinner spending but it’s impossible to go FOREVER without eating out because it’s so easy, fun and yummy 🙂 good splurge!

    I workout alone because I don’t have anyone to work out with!!

  • Julie December 10, 2009, 8:51 pm

    I like working out alone. It’s my time to zone out and listen to some good music 🙂

  • Sam (Merit to the Carrot) December 10, 2009, 8:52 pm

    Pei Wei is tasty for take out! 🙂

    Good luck on your 17 mile run tomorrow.

  • Teacherwoman December 10, 2009, 8:54 pm

    I love running with others, especially when they are going to push me a bit harder!

  • Meghan@traveleatlove December 10, 2009, 8:56 pm

    I can run up to about 11 miles alone, but it is a lot more fun and goes by quickly with running buddies. There is a little group of Boston bloggers I run with now. If you come up you should run with us! 🙂

  • Tracy December 10, 2009, 8:56 pm

    I like working out alone, but when it comes to long runs (anything over 6 miles) I need a buddy!

  • Bronwyn December 10, 2009, 9:02 pm

    Yummmy looking tofu!

    I’m about both. I love working out with people, but it’s so hard to find people who are as active as I am, but at my level! 🙁 I’m thinking of joining a run club, or a tri club next term so I meet some more athletically minded people. 🙂

    I love working out alone too though, it’s time for me to clear my head and just destress sometimes.

  • Bronwyn December 10, 2009, 9:02 pm

    Yummmy looking tofu!

    I’m about both. I love working out with people, but it’s so hard to find people who are as active as I am, but at my level! 🙁 I’m thinking of joining a run club, or a tri club next term so I meet some more athletically minded people. 🙂

    I love working out alone too though, it’s time for me to clear my head and just destress sometimes.

  • Kat (Kat's Daily Plate) December 10, 2009, 9:03 pm

    I love fried tofu sometimes too. So worth it!

  • Em December 10, 2009, 9:06 pm

    I am a newbie to your blog :o) So, hi!
    And I like to do both. I love walking on my treadmill in the a.m’s by myself, but I love working out with my husband or other friends too. I often feel like I get more accomplished by myself, though.

  • Brittney December 10, 2009, 9:09 pm

    I would say that I like working out alone and with someone. It all depends on what kind of mood I’m in.

    Good luck with your run tomorrow! 🙂

  • Jessica December 10, 2009, 9:12 pm

    me and my ipod that is blaring twlight and new moon right now:)

    its going to be super cold in the morning and I can not wait.

  • Laura Smith December 10, 2009, 9:20 pm

    i love to do long runs with a friend of mine also training for the marathon, but can’t seem to find anyone else who likes to run as much as me (and i’m at a D-1 school 🙁 )

  • Nicole, MS, RD, LD December 10, 2009, 9:20 pm

    I think I would love to go on long runs with others, but I’ve never found anyone willing to go over 4 of 5 miles. Even in marathon training, I always trained and ran alone. I didn’t mind, it was “me” time! Those purses are all SUPER cute! And we have a Pei Wei here…haven’t tried it yet, but I’ve heard great things and your tofu looked incredible!

  • Tasha - The Clean Eating Mama December 10, 2009, 9:25 pm

    I have always worked out by myself. I like to concentrate and think.

  • Mara @ What's For Dinner? December 10, 2009, 9:26 pm

    I so wish we had a Pei Wei near us, but alas, we don’t. I agree with the whole fried tofu thing! I can’t master it at home…

  • Hethir December 10, 2009, 9:29 pm

    I love running with friends on long or hard runs. It makes it so much funner. I enjoy both though. Tofu looks good!

  • Brie (The Fit Bride) December 10, 2009, 9:33 pm

    I like having alone time, but I’ve only worked out with someone else once! My sister and I ran a race together and we had so much fun. I can’t wait until I live near her again and we can be running buddies!

  • Matt December 10, 2009, 9:39 pm

    I like to run alone most of the times, but sometimes I like to run with people. Most of my friends are slower than me so I alsways do real workouts by myself.

  • Allison December 10, 2009, 9:40 pm

    I like to work out alone- my workout time is my “me” time and going with a buddy interferes with that!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) December 10, 2009, 9:43 pm

    I have never worked out with friends before 🙁

    • Sammi December 10, 2009, 9:56 pm

      I would work out with you but you’re in a completely different country 🙁

  • Sammi December 10, 2009, 9:55 pm

    That’s a hard one. When it comes to running with people, you have to slow down if the other person isn’t the same level when it comes to speed or distance; however, when you’re running alone, it can get really boring and it’s sometimes hard to push yourself. +++ Running with friends – you can encourage each other to push harder, running alone – you can do exactly what is best for you without worrying if you’re going to fast/slow for anyone else.

    I honestly don’t think I have a preference. A balance of both types is best in my opinion.

  • Jenna December 10, 2009, 9:56 pm

    good luck on the run tomorrow!
    i lOVE working out by myself, i like to have time by myself!
    jenna

  • Good Taste. Healthy Me December 10, 2009, 9:59 pm

    Good for you! I prefer to work out alone. For some reason I tend to push myself harder. When with a friend I get distracted too easily.

  • Janna (Just Flourishing) December 10, 2009, 10:06 pm

    Hmm, it really depends. I think I like going for runs alone and going to exercise classes alone. But going to the gym to do something like a treadmill workout or weights; I like going with other people!

  • Kristie Lynn December 10, 2009, 10:10 pm

    I’ve really only worked out by myself, but I would LOVE to find a running partner. Thought I could recruit the husband because he used to run with me in college, but I guess it was just to impress because now that we’re married… no more running for him 😉

    • Caitlin December 10, 2009, 10:19 pm

      hehe maybe you need to find a running group! i know we have a lot locally… i bet you do, too!

  • pat December 10, 2009, 10:17 pm

    msg + sodium

    • Caitlin December 10, 2009, 10:23 pm

      Pei Wei does not add MSG to their food. And sodium certainly isn’t a bad thing when you are waking up and running 17.0 miles in the morning.

  • Katy @ These Beautiful Feet December 10, 2009, 10:17 pm

    I would prefer running with friends, but it also makes me nervous because I am a beginner and if my friend is a more experienced runner, I will only feel like I am holding them back. Although I do agree that you shouldn’t get used to one type of running because most races you will run solo and some people may rely too heavily on running with someone.

  • Hillary @ Nutrition Nut on the Run December 10, 2009, 10:22 pm

    That tofu looks incredible. I would totally break my spending rule if I had that to spend my money on.

  • Joelle (The Pancake Girl) December 10, 2009, 10:28 pm

    I actually prefer to workout alone.. it’s my time to be with my thoughts.

  • Gracie December 10, 2009, 10:34 pm

    So sad, can’t work out at all, hurt my knee, I don’t even know what to do about my upcoming marathjon! I never got past 14 miles and the race is in Feb! I don’t know if my knee will heal in time!
    🙁 many many tears!

    http://complicatedday.blogspot.com/

    • caitlin December 11, 2009, 6:41 am

      check out my injuries posts on my ‘Top Posts’ page. you’ll be OK – just rest it up and maybe see a doctor. injuries happen to the best of us! there’s always other races – no one wants to change race plans, but remember that you CAN.

  • Miriam December 10, 2009, 10:37 pm

    I like to train alone but then I know mostly everyone in the gym cause I use to work there plus been training there for 7 years… So I would say that I like to train alone but then having some people I know around (and the opportnity to talk to them whenever I feel bored, unmotivated or I just want to talk!)

  • Emily Eats and Exercises December 10, 2009, 10:39 pm

    I almost always prefer company – it helps me to get motivated. I love exercise classes. Running is a bit more complicated (mostly because I’m still so slow!) I’m lucky to have a very patient partner though.

  • Nicci@NiftyEats December 10, 2009, 10:57 pm

    I prefer at home workouts or just by myself, but having a committed buddy is good too.

  • Melissa S. December 10, 2009, 11:06 pm

    i do most of my runs alone so i think i’ve gotten used to it. music is key.

  • Catherine December 10, 2009, 11:07 pm

    I prefer running solo because running is meditation for me. It’s my time to think and relax. One of my best running memories was back in March. I had a huge presentation for one of my classes and public speaking has never been good to my nerves. The night before the presentation, I took a “running break” from my work and when I went home, I felt so confident and ready. I aced that bitch 🙂

  • Allie December 10, 2009, 11:46 pm

    aside from high school xcountry and track, i have actually never run with anyone! is that weird? i think like the other solo runners here i use it as my me time to be alone with my thoughts and to re-focus. i don’t think i could do that in a group. i also run without music usually! i love hearing the rhythm or my breath and my feet and and my surroundings.

  • Jenn Eats Nutritiously Now December 10, 2009, 11:53 pm

    I love working out with friends for the motivation aspect, but I feel like I actually push myself harder when I’m alone.

  • McKenzie December 11, 2009, 12:02 am

    I love working out alone it’s imperative that I get in the ZONE.

  • Karla December 11, 2009, 12:22 am

    I work out by myself. It’s nice to zone out and sort of either think of life things or just destress.

    I love asian tofu too! I’m not sure how asian restaurants make it taste so darn good! I can never make it like that!

  • Jenny Eastwood@ JennyLikesToRun, Teenager with a healthy twist on life :) December 11, 2009, 1:23 am

    I workout alone, only because no one wants to join me. None of my friends are health nuts like I am and they’re all too lazy…
    i WISH i had a friend who was interested..
    ALTHOUGH! One of my friends has just moved back into my town and she’s super keen for me to help her get in shape 😀 so looks like I’ll have a new buddy- AND PROJECT! to work with 🙂

  • Nicole December 11, 2009, 4:08 am

    I miss Pei Wei!!!!! Whenever I go back to the states, I always make one trip over there.

    I prefer to run by myself most days, but I LOVE having a partner for the long runs! They make them go by so much faster. I’m glad you are doing at least one long run by yourself though. We are all alone on race day, aren’t we?

  • Mel December 11, 2009, 5:54 am

    I recently wrote about this too! I almost always workout alone. I love company and often it makes the time fly by… Also, if I’m running with certain people, it forces me to speed up, but that can be a good or a bad thing. Working out alone gives me the alone time that I so desperately crave. I think about all kinds of things, crank my music, ahhhhh….I lost my ipod last night, so today’s workout is going to be HARD to do alone. Good luck on your 17 miler!

  • Erin December 11, 2009, 5:57 am

    Love the huge woks! I almost always work out alone but would love to find a workout buddy with my pace and schedule because it would give me so much more motivation to DO IT on days when I want to be lazy.

  • Paige December 11, 2009, 7:38 am

    I prefer to work out alone. I teach middle school, so I really need the time by myself in the afternoon to unwind and have quiet.

  • rungirlrunn December 11, 2009, 7:42 am

    I don’t have many running buddies near me, but I love when I get the chance to run with other people. (If I’m at the gym I prefer working out alone though). I think a run goes by a lot faster when you have some to talk to, and you’re motivated to keep up with them! I also think it’s important to run by yourself sometimes too though, just to know you CAN do it on your own, and it prepares you for races when you may not have someone to run at your pace. Good luck on the 17!

  • Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers December 11, 2009, 9:02 am

    you were at marshall’s & the pei wei by target, huh!? i love that area! 🙂

  • Diana (Mymarblerye) December 11, 2009, 9:39 am

    I can not control myself when it comes to Pei Wei…after I eat there I feel like I should “wei”gh myself…GET IT? GET IT?

  • alli December 11, 2009, 9:48 am

    yum! i love the orange peel (although i’ve only ever had chicken, will try the tofu next time!)

    i definately like to run/workout solo. the time goes faster when i can zone out. i’ve had a few runs/workouts with others, but i really like going solo. that way i can workout on my schedule not someone else’s.

  • Anne Marie@ New Weigh of Life December 11, 2009, 10:31 am

    I love being with others. I love, love, love Pei Wei!

  • Jodie December 11, 2009, 10:48 am

    Running by yourself lets you appreciate yourself. Go own that run….!!!!

  • Carolyn December 11, 2009, 10:53 am

    I prefer working out alone. I know what I want to do in my head and I like sticking to it.

  • Amanda @ Cakes and Ale December 11, 2009, 1:44 pm

    I actually prefer working out alone. It’s my private, peaceful time to myself!

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) December 11, 2009, 2:20 pm

    I love watching them cook too. So cool!

    I love reading all your responsible spending things because it reminds me to keep it up too.

    I like to exercise with people but unfortunately I don’t have many options here. I like when Hunni joins me for runs though.

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat December 11, 2009, 9:13 pm

    I trained for my first half marathon almost entirely alone but these days I prefer to have a friend by my side, makes running that much more fun.

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