I snacked on some leftovers from the Sweet Swap.  I’ll probably be nibbling at a few items each day, until I eat everything or until the treats go stale.

I planned my treadmill intervals and then walked out of my office without my post-it note.  This motivated me to do slightly harder intervals than I remembered planning.  Here’s what I did; I kept the incline at 0.5%.

• Minutes 0-2: Walked at 3.8 mph
• 2-4: Ran at 7 mph
• 4-5: Walked at 4 mph
• 5-7: Ran at 7.2 mph
• 7-8: Walked at 4 mph
• 8-10: Ran at 7 mph
• 10-12: Walked at 4 mph
• 12-14: Ran at 7 mph
• 14-15: Walked at 4 mph
• 15-17:  Ran at 7 mph
• 17-18: Walked at 4 mph
• 18-20: Ran at 7.5 mph
• 20-25: Walked at 4 mph

Again, loved this workout!  I felt like I accomplished a lot in a short amount of time.  I think I’m ready to crank the intervals up even more next time.  Also, if I’m willing to skip the sauna or foam rolling, I can always spend a bit more time on the treadmill.

Now I’d like you guys to weigh in on the great Sports Bra Debate:

When I was cheering in college, I always wore shorts and a sports bra to cheerleading practice.  It was much more comfortable and practical for stunting and tumbling.  I also HATE to be really sweaty with too many pieces of clothing on, especially working out and getting sweaty artmpits while wearing a t-shirt.  Even though I’ve worn a sports bra to cheerleading for years, I’ve always been uncomfortable to wear one at the gym.  I felt self-conscious, like I was drawing too much attention.

Today I didn’t pack a tank top and I wanted to RUN.  I knew the only way to do this was to run in my sports bra.  (And after 5+ years of sports bras, I own 50+ in various colors and patterns so I was at least stylish, haha)  So my question for you is: Does it bother you if a girl works out in a sports bra?  Do you even pay attention?

I know I could care less how anyone dresses at the gym.  I’m there to get my workout done and I don’t worry about anyone else.  Plus I’m at a women-only gym so I’m not trying to get any guys to stare at me.  Even so, today I was SO self-conconcious today.  As soon as I finished my run, I hurried up and put my shirt back on, like I had been breaking the rules during my shirt-less 25 minutes on the treadmill.  I’m really interested to know what you all think because I have a feeling that I probably shouldn’t be so concerned.

*Yes or no, is it ok to work out in a sports bra?*

2 more sugary munchies to finish off my afternoon.

I made waffles for breakfast.

Topped with almond butter and cranberry apple butter.

Here are the Dark Chocolate Pumpkin cookies that I baked last night.  I used Ali’s recipe she posted on Food Fitness Fashion.  They are delicious and I can’t wait for my coworkers to try them at our party on Thursday

I found out that my department’s holiday lunch and Yankee Swap was this afternoon, not tomorrow like I had thought.  Sooo I rushed to CVS to buy wrapping materials.  Luckily our Swap involved regifting so I just wrapped some Christmas decorations that were sitting around my office.

We ordered lunch from an Italian restaurant.  I ate chicken and broccoli alfredo, “Grandpa’s mess,” salad, and a huge slice of garlic bread.

Rockin a set of my grandmother’s pearls!

I wasn’t able to take a long lunch, but I did rush over to HealthWorks for 15 minutes in the sauna.

The Sweet Swap and competition started at 3:30 pm.

I was really excited that my coworker made red velvet cupcakes.  I’d been looking for red velvet cake mix yesterday but wasn’t successful.

And this is only 1/2 of the selection.  I didn’t get a shot of the other table…or the cupcakes that defeated my Candle Cookies and captured the Most Festive title.  I’m really bitter.  The cupcakes had candy snowmen and gingerbread houses stuck on them.  Not as much creativity and hard work as my candles.

At least I got to take home this awesome spread, plus recipes!

After work, I went Christmas shopping.  So close to being done.

Then Jared and I went to Samurai for sushi.

We shared edamame and steamed gyoza…but the gyoza disappeared before I could take a picture.

I ordered Idaho Maki (sweet potato tempura) and Cucumber Maki.  It’s been a while since I’ve had sushi.  I know I’m pretty basic w/ my vegetarian rolls.  But they really are great.  Nice, light and fresh.

It’s been a few days and I’m really missing the gym.  I can’t wait to run tomorrow.  I’m going to plan an interval workout.