I’m probably a horrible person for wishing my life way, but I’m so happy it’s finally Wednesday, the ever-so-wonderful hump day. More importantly, I’m so happy that I’m able to walk like a normal (by appearance, anyway) person today!

After having a frustrating day at work yesterday, I let out some steam during my evening run. I’m a little disappointed that I haven’t progressed beyond running 1.5 miles, but it’s my own fault. Last week, I skipped both my Saturday and Thursday runs—and the week before, I skipped Tuesday’s. See? My own fault.

I took full advantage of Daylight Savings Time (bless you, sunshine!) and ran my little heart out. I ran a full mile and then alternated between 90 second walking intervals and 60-90 second running intervals for two more miles! I’m not exactly sure what I was thinking, except that I may as well roughly complete the 5K distance, even if I don’t run the entire way. I also managed to run the entire last lap (approximately 1/3 mile).

Mark stopped at the grocery after work so he didn’t bring Iggy to the park during my run, but just as I started walking home, he drove up, knowing that I should’ve been finished by then. What a good husband I have!

Surprisingly, I’m not sore at all, though I felt positive that I was pushing myself too far. And I think it’s true what folks say about exercise and endorphins—I feel great today! In fact, I found this article in the NYT interesting.

Essentially, scientists divided mice into 4 groups: 1, mice who had the freedom to exercise on a running wheel at any time/pace they desired; 2, mice who did the same exercise but on pre-programmed running wheels; 3, mice who exercised constantly, at a slower pace, on a running wheel; and 4, sedentary mice. After a period of time, the mice were placed in a maze to see if they displayed signs of anxiety (freezing in a corner, as opposed to exploring the maze).

Groups 3 and 4 displayed signs of anxiety, but groups 1 and 2 were more relaxed. These results revealed that both pleasurable exercise (choosing activities that one enjoys and doing them at one’s own preferred pace) and obligatory exercise (working out at the same pace, but because one’s doctor or spouse encourages it, not because it’s enjoyable) both lead to reduced anxiety levels and an overall feeling of relaxation and happiness.

Not a perfect study by any means (and perhaps a cruel one), but it is encouraging to somebody who has to really convince herself to exercise! It’s also good news for people who don’t like the rigidity of doing x reps at the gym or the drudgery of treadmill/elliptical running. Find something you enjoy—be it zumba, trail hiking, dancing, etc.—and get moving!

Since it’s What I Ate Wednesday, let’s get to my workout fuel, the food.

Breakfast: Another Greek yogurt bowl with fresh blueberries and strawberries, wheat germ, almond butter, and my new favorite cereal, Kashi Cinnamon Harvest.

Morning snack: A small handful of Planters Trail Mix

Lunch: It wasn’t very green (besides the parsley in it)—but it was a tasty mix of leftover turkey meatloaf and Near East rice pilaf (Monday’s dinner version included green beans).

Afternoon snack: Green Tea and a Bliss dark chocolate square.

Dinner: Gnocchi with marinara, roasted cauliflower (with lemon and garlic), a Fresh Market breadstick, and a glass of red wine. And maybe half a piece of tiramisu and half a raspberry napoleon for dessert. 😉

Hopefully tomorrow’s and Friday’s meals will feature more greens—and fewer sweets.

In other news…the Roman Catholic Church has a new pope!

As a graduate of a Jesuit college and dog-mother to my very own “Ignatius Loyal,” I think it’s pretty nifty that a Jesuit (and Latin American) was elected.

Though I’m not Catholic, I do love the rituals of the Church. I hope that Pope Francis embodies both the humility and compassion of his namesake, St. Francis of Assisi, and the Jesuit ideals of education and social justice.