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Last week when my husband and I were watching the Biggest Loser, they had a rowing contest while at home. I made a comment how I wish our rowing machine had a screen that told you how you were doing. My husband looked at me, confused. He said "Kelly, there is a screen that tells you how you're doing." I then looked at him, confused "What are you talking about?" We argued for about 5 minutes because both of us were too lazy to go down to the basement and settle the argument (and I mostly thought I was right and he was just messing with me).

Yes, the rowing machine has a display. All I had to do was flip this piece of metal around and there it was, staring me in the face. Granted it needs some batteries (?) but I will happily be replacing those this weekend. It will be nice to know how far I'm actually rowing for a change and see if/how I'm improving.

And now for something completely different... There are a few things that I'm currently obsessed with and loving right now that I thought I would share.

This isn't really anything new. I'm in love with the book series and cannot wait for the movie to come out. I have a shirt that I'm wearing to the movie premiere (and possibly the Shamrock Shuffle). I know you're jealous. (Thankfully Alyssa at Life of Blyss has a Hunger Games store where you can buy some gear!)

I started reading the book and am totally addicted. At first, I had trouble getting up to speed on the show. With so many characters, I was a bit lost. When I went back and re-watched some of the earlier episodes, things made more sense. Now reading the book, I am even more in love with the series. I think both the show and book are making a lot more sense having done them together. Now after I read however far in the book, I'm going back and re-watching the episode. I hope to be caught up before the new season starts in April. Is anyone else as excited about this as me?

I read Hungry Runner Girl's blog and she always talks about cottage cheese. I went to the store hungry and came home with a giant tub. I am thankful for the impulse purchase and plan on having more large tubs in the weeks/months to come!

I've been running in the hills every Saturday. I always feel more accomplished when completing them and have started to look forward to them. If I have to miss them (like I did this past weekend), I am sad.

What are some things that you're in love with/obsessed with? Andddd who do you think will win Biggest Loser? I really like Cassandra and Emily. I would be happy with either one of them winning!

Last night I worked late and was able to catch up on the Biggest Loser from last week. I don't know what it was like in previous seasons, but a lot of these folks seem like jerks. Does anyone have similar thoughts? While watching the Biggest Loser, I was inspired to do some workouts. I did all my normal core exercises and also tried to do some pushups. Wow, pushups are way harder than I remember. I could barely do 5 on my knees. Maybe one day I'll be able to do a normal one?

A recent announcement on Facebook over the weekend was that the Get Lucky 7k/21k was coming to Chicago. The race is being put on by Team Ortho (Monster Dash, Polar Dash). I've heard positives and negatives of both races, so I'm not sure about my feelings on Team Ortho. But I'm totally smitten/sucked in by the idea of another St. Patrick's Day themed race. The swag: a zip up jacket with the "Get Lucky" slogan on the front, a race medal with a shamrock on it. Let's be honest, I just really really want that shamrock medal! There are plenty of other spring races that are traditional half marathons, but their medal doesn't have a shamrock on it. (Haha I guess you can take the girl out of the South Side Irish but you can't take the South Side Irish out of the girl!)

I'm officially signed up for the Cupid Chase 5k this Saturday. I'll be pacing Amanda for a birthday PR (that I know she can totally get). I still plan on running the Valparaiso Valentine 5k on Sunday too, so this should be a fun and busy weekend! Will you be racing this weekend? If so, what race?

Yesterday I went to the gym with Amanda. We were going to run outside but the sidewalks and roads were icy with a layer of snow on top (to dangerously hide the ice). Since this is the exact scenario that caused my fall back in December, we decided to not risk possible injuries. Instead, we tried to find treadmills next to each other... until we realized it is January in a gym. I was tempted to pull an It's Always Sunny and yell really loud across the treadmills to make everyone want to move, but decided against it. (Please tell me you've seen the Thundergun Express episode.)

My legs were a bit tight from the 5k over the weekend so I just wanted to have an easy run. No stress, no competition, just a jog. I kept the treadmill at 9:30 pace and was really comfortable. Biggest Loser was on so it was easy to lose track of the time. I did 3.5 miles and made it home in time to watch the elimination. This show is so interesting to see who gets eliminated and their thought process. And does anyone else think Conda is a huge brat? This season seems to have some folks that are ungrateful for the experience. I mean, you're on The Biggest Loser! So many people would love to be in your shoes, while you're quitting mid week and/or arguing with your trainer regularly! The trainers know what they're doing, obviously!...

When I got home from the gym, I was pretty hungry. Thankfully there was a package waiting for me from Steph at Run For Fun full of Popchips!! (I won a giveaway on her blog!) They are a fantastic snack, and it totally hit the spot. Thanks Steph for hosting such a great giveaway!

Have you ever tried Popchips before?

I've gone back and forth regarding my February 5k. Thanks so much for all of your input! I think I'm going to do the Cupid Chase with Amanda to try and help her reach her PR (that she can totally do). We're aiming for at LEAST 27:55. :) Depending on how I'm feeling afterwards, I MAY try and still do the Valentine's 5k in Valparaiso, IN and try for my own PR. We'll see how I'm feeling and how it goes. That is still a few weekends away so there is time to prepare and decide! Have you ever completed 2 races in 1 weekend? If so, how did it work out for you?