My First 5k!

Let me just start by saying this, if you have never ran a 5k in your life it is something worth striving for. If you have been battling weight loss, running a 5k AND FINISHING gives you a sense of accomplishment.  Why? Because there are a lot of people that will never even attempt to run a mile let alone 3.1 miles. Now, If you are going to run a 5k for the first time I would suggest running The Color Run. It is NOT timed and to make it even more amazing at every Kilometer they dust you with a different color of "paint" (colored cornstarch)! At the end you look like you've been hit by the rainbow and it is pure awesomeness!

Now for the other reason I wanted to post here in my Weight-loss/Workout blog. For a while I was in a transition. We switched gyms and in I was trying to adjust to a new schedule, kids schedules and my husband's schedule. I use to do a great circuit class at the previous gym and since switching I was looking for a class that would be similar. But being a new place I struggled. I would run, I would lift weights with my husband and I really enjoyed that, however I needed to be in a class setting. I wanted to be told what to do and working out in a class helps because you don't want to just quit and walk out in front of everyone! So it is encouraging.
I started gaining a little bit of weight back :( but not too much. I knew I just needed to find a class. Well I increased my cardio (of running) and started a new class called Total Body Sculpt. There are three different instructors and so far I have only done classes with two of them. The first class we used a 12-15lb body bar, we used light and heavy hand weights (5-8 lbs), we used a step, and some used a bar bell with changeable weights. (I stuck to the body bar) And basically we worked each muscle group. It was pretty intense but my next class I will use heavier weights. My Second day was different. I really enjoyed this instructor. She believes in using your body weight as the main source, she wishes we could do it all barefoot and she is a gymnast and a dancer, so in this class we used a 12lb body bar and a yoga mat :) We did tons of lower body lunges, squats, plies and we did some presses with the body bar. It was such a different workout from the first class but it was so much harder!!! I loved it. I am now officially hooked on this class. I love that it is different because of the different instructors. I like that it challenges me and makes me stronger. For a while now I have been feeling like I've just gained this little bit of extra weight and I look soft. I really struggle with seeing myself as "thin, or strong" I know i'm not overweight, I know I'm not fat but I don't feel fit, toned, or like I said STRONG. But then I saw my pictures from the Color Run. Let me post the first one for you.

When I saw this picture I was like "wow, I have muscles in my legs and my arms look thin and my stomach isn't bulging out like a hot air balloon"  I was honestly shocked because to me, when I saw this picture I look strong. I look tone, I look fit. My thighs aren't hugging each other. Then I thought well maybe, it's the angle? Maybe it's the lighting that helps hide some of those things making my arms appear thinner? So I went looking through some other shots of me.

Here, I find that my arms do look thinner, I'm not exactly flexing but if I did I pretty sure there is some muscle there :) But my biggest shock was my bottom half. This is my problem area. I've always hated my legs, hated my thighs, hated my lower stomach (since having kids) But my legs don't look bad, in fact they look thinner than ever.  Now lets address my shorts that i'm wearing. This is the first time I've ever worn these under armor shorts out in public. I don't know why I chose to wear them on this day of all days, but I said "who cares" I don't want to wear long work out pants, I don't want to be hot and dying from the heat (which it was actually a really beautiful and perfect day to run). So I wore these and I'm glad I did because I really can see that my body is transforming and that feels soooooo good. 

It's nice to finely find your groove. Something that works for you. Something you enjoy doing. I just wish it wouldn't have taken me so long to realize how much I actually enjoy it!

The Color Run ~ the Happiest 5k on the Planet

129lbs

Paleo Paleo how I faileo! LOL I have been reading up on the Paleo lifestyle, and I like a lot of the things I have learned, I agree with most of what I have learned but I think there is still so much further to go and learn. That being said, I am doing much better with our meal planning. On top of that I feel good knowing that we are eating my clean and organic foods. I am still working out and watching my calorie and fat intake. That being said I am now 129lbs! I am so excited about this. I have come so far. When I first started running,I could only do 1.25 mile in 25 min. Now I can run a 5k (3.1 miles) in 34 min. I use to be able to do 1 push up and now I can do 10 uneven push ups on both side. Oh and that dress that I've been talking about?? It fits. Yup. It's a size 4! I'll have to get a picture. but I am just so excited and I have to say that I am glad that I have been taking notes and writing it all down. I go back and I can literally see the progress. I can see the frustration but I also see the determination. And that pushes me even more. I want to keep going. I want to get stronger, leaner and meaner LOL.

No More Low Carb

Well I had to stop the low carb diet. I just didn't think it was a healthy way for me, even if it was to lose a bit of weight in area's that are hard to slim down. I hated all the fake sugars and the mentality of eating something that is high in sodium or high in fat and calories but has no carbs... I really need to find a balance. I need to find a way of clean eating. Remove fake and processed foods and replace it with stuff God makes. I don't mind having carbs in my diet but I do think they need to not be the main source of what I eat. This morning I had a white corn tortilla (65 calories for 1, 11.5 carbs)  with a scrambled egg, spinach and a few piece of chicken left over from our rotiserrie chicken smothered in organic salsa.
I think the tortilla was the only item that is processed. I would like to learn to maybe make my own or find a healthier option than corn, but we shall see.
I think that there is so much information out their on what is healthy and what isn't healthy that it can become overwhelming. My husband is still doing the low carb and he loves it, and if that works for him fine. But it doesn't work for me. I would rather count calories and  try to make healthier choices as to what I put in my body. This is a learning experience for me and the fact that I'm eating vegetables without gagging is saying a lot for how far I have come. Even eating eggs is a huge step in the right direction for me. I'm learning and trying and that's what matters. I am working out and I am drinking water. I am losing weight at a slow pace, but I am still getting the job done. I need to stay balance, I need to keep my goal in mind, not just for me but for my kids. I cut back on the amount of candy I allow them to have and what snacks they choose to eat. They need less milk and juice and a bit more water. Just because they're kids does not mean I can give them junk because "hey they're kids they'll be fine and they love it" I need to teach them, I need to SHOW them. So that way we can all be stronger !

Day 3 Low Carb and Learning to Make Wiser Choices

So I need to get this low carb thing under control. Maybe it is just the 3rd day and it is getting harder, but I need to remind myself that just because it is low carb does not mean it is healthy to eat in large quanties or maybe it shouldn't be eaten at all! For example : Last night we (my family and brother) went out to eat at Buffalo Wild Wings. This is maybe the second time we have gone since living in Michigan. We sat down and order our $.49 wings, and I think we each had about 12-14, I had maybe 10-12 wings. I looooove crunchy, deep fried, drenched in hot sauce wings. They're scrumptious! But 12 of them??? Lets break this down shall we? I had a few Hot wings a few mild, a few Parmesan garlic and a few spicy garlic.
Hot wings: 50 calories each x2
Parm Garlic: 120 each x 2
Mild: 50 x 5
Spicy garlic: 50 x 3
If I added this correctly I ate 740 calories!!!!!!!! NOT INCLUDING THE RANCH SAUCE!!!! HELLOOOO! But there are ZERO carbs. So. I don't exactly know how this could be healthy for me, or anyone. Carbs or No carbs, I can't eat this way. So from now on, if it is extremely high in calories, I'm just going to either eat moderately or not eat it at all. There are plenty of healthier ways to eat.
The other thing that I don't like about this diet is the use of fake sugar. I just don't see it being healthy. In fact I think it's harmful for those trying to lose weight. But I do eat it because when you are on this diet if you want to drink coffee with vanilla creamer, if you want to eat a dessert, if you want to DRINK something other than water, most likely you have to use imitation sugar. So for now this is what I am doing. When I am able to up my carb intake, I will choose my carbs wisely and try not to use the imitation stuff.
Now for my work out; Today I did butts and guts and yoga. Sara killed us today in B&G but I made it through without any dizziness. At one point I did want to cry for some reason (working out sometimes does that to me) but I was strong enough to hold back the tears. I have been drinking plenty of water to make sure I am staying hydrated.
It's funny because I never thought I would become this person. The person that counts calories, or carbs and exercises all the time. I have come a long way and I like where I am.....

Day 1 and 2 LOW CARB

Yesterday was my first full day of low carb eating. I have to say it wasn't too bad. I was worried about working out because my 3-2-1 class is pretty intense and I was worried I might get too light headed, but I ended up not going due to some stomach problems. But today I felt much better. I've been sticking to just 20 carbs a day. I'm suppose to do this for the first 2 weeks. The main thing I notice is that I am hungry, a lot. Maybe it's because I don't have oatmeal to fill me up and bloat me in the morning or may because the foods I'm eating are digested quicker. What I DO know is that I don't ever feel completely full. Today I went to my Zumba class, and right before I ate a low carb bread with a little peanut butter on it. When I got to class, the room was pretty warm, it was probably a little below 70 but when we were done it was at 70 degrees. I broke a great sweat though. My instructor also decided to make us do some dances that were a little more demanding, and I love that. But for today, half way through I was so tired. I caught myself looking at the clock quite a few times.... I'm hoping that this gets better and that my energy level will pick up and my endurance will be stronger for my workouts. Some of the things I have made are:
Breakfast: Cheese and Pepperoni Omelette, little bit of pepper and then a little bit of Tapatio sauce.Breakfast Burrito w/ Sauteed steak with salsa, cheese and scrambled egg wrapped in half a low carb tortilla with a little bit of tapatio.
Lunch: Broccoli and spinach sauteed in smart choice butter, chicken tenderloin and then seasoned with cajun seasoning. Broccoli with Jalepeno and cheese turkey dogs, pepperoni, smothered in Tostito cheese.
Dinner: Buffalo wings : steak burrito with cheese
Snacks: Pork Rinds with Tapatio, Sugar free caramel pudding.
Drinks: Water, Coffee with sugar free creamer

Low Carb Diet

Yesterday was my first day on the Low Carb diet.  Diets are not something I ever do. I don't really believe in them, that being said, I believe that we as a nation take in so much junk. I believe that we eat way more carbs than our body can handle. That's one of the reasons Diabetes have gone up so much. Initially my husband started on the low carb diet. He was curious to see if it would help him lose those last 10 or 15 lbs that his body has been holding on to. So far he has been on it for 9 days and he has said to me several times "Man, I can't believe I use to eat so many carbs. No wonder why I wasn't losing the weight even though I was working out." That got me thinking, "how many carbs do I eat"? I love my carbs, pasta,rice,potatoes, breads, fruit smoothies, dumplings, anything breaded, grilled cheeses, quesadillas, burritos, tacos, nachos, candy bars, coffee creamer, biscottis, I mean I can go on and on. And even though I am losing weight and even though I am working out like crazy, I feel like I am still not doing all that I can to be balanced and healthy. I didn't quite understand how the whole carb thing worked. I didn't understand how NOT having them would help me be healthier. Yes, I eat a lot of carbs, but I don't over eat. I don't sit on the couch eating one bag of chips and then another. I stay on a 1200 to 1500 calorie count. Then my husband started explaining to me why  the low carb diet works and HOW it works. And it made a lot of sense to me. This is a short explination from the Mayo clinic's website:
 Your body uses carbohydrates as its main fuel source. Sugars and starches are broken down into simple sugars during digestion. They're then absorbed into your bloodstream, where they're known as blood sugar (glucose). From there, the glucose enters your body's cells with the help of insulin. Some of this glucose is used by your body for energy, fueling all of your activities, whether it's going for a jog or simply breathing. Extra glucose is stored in your liver, muscles and other cells for later use or is converted to fat.

The theory behind the low-carb diet is that insulin prevents fat breakdown in the body by allowing sugar to be used for energy. Proponents of the low-carb diet believe that decreasing carbs results in lower insulin levels, which causes the body to burn stored fat for energy and ultimately helps you shed excess weight and reduce risk factors for a variety of health conditions.

My reason for this is to detox my body of all the carbs I have put into my body. I also am curious to see if I could lose some of the fat in area's that i've struggled toning up and getting lean such as my upper thighs and around my mid section. I don't plan on doing the low carb diet for a long period of time but I do want to be conscientious of how many carbs I am consuming. As of yesterday I weigh 131.0 lbs. I plan on writing each day about my experience in cutting out carbs, and still working out. I don't think that there is ever a easy way to lose weight. I don't think it is healthy to go from one diet to another. I think it is important to know what you are putting into your body and the bodies of your family members. We need to be wise, we need to stop being ignorant about the foods we are or are not eating. It could be a matter of LIFE or DEATH.

Before and after photos

Oh.My.Goodness! Did you hear that??? Someone just screamed! Oh wait, that was me : ) Why am I screaming? Well let me tell you.
November of 2010 I weighed 149 lbs. I was wearing a size 10. This was the biggest I have ever been post pregnancy. When I realized I could not fit into one of my favorite dresses (a size 4), I decided to start working out and getting back in shape. The funny thing was that I didn't even realize how I got to be 149lbs in such a short time. Looking back I can tell you how it happened. I was nursing my newborn up to 12 months of age. You lose about 500 calories by nursing. When I stopped nursing I was still eating and drinking whatever I wanted, and therefore I blew up to 150lbs. My calorie intake was too high.
  This was me when I was a size 4: To be honest, My body wasn't toned the way it is now, but my thighs were skinnier and I fit into clothes a lot better.

Within literally 3 months I went from a size 4 to a size 10

You can't see my body but you can see the weight gain in my face. 

My workout started out with doing Zumba on the Kinect. It was a good workout. I broke out into a good sweat. The dances where 20 minutes and then over the next couple of days it increased to 45 mins. I did this almost every day. I didn't change my diet at all. I ended up losing about 7 lbs. over the course of a few months. I wasn't consistent with anything or any workout.  Then I became determined. I started reading and learning. I changed the way I ate, counting calories and portion control. Then I started running a little bit with my husband. I hated it. I hated it so so much that I was mad at him for making me run outside with him. But then that started to change. I didn't really like running but I still did it. Then I started jumping on the mini trampoline (rebounding) It came with a counter so it told me how many jumps, time, and calories burned. I loved that! It was hard but I burned twice as many calories in a shorter time span than I did running. Finally I told my husband that I wanted a treadmill. I wanted to see how far I could run and for how long. So we got a very simple basic treadmill. The furthest I have ever ran was 5 miles. I have never felt so accomplished. It was amazing. That's when I really started loving my runs and appreciating them. December of 2011, I signed up for a gym membership at my husbands work. I started Fitness classes. I believe these classes helped me to really push through those plateau's. For a long time I was stuck at 139 lbs. Then I started to mix up my rebounding with running. I then dropped to 136lbs. When I started to mix up my workouts with the fitness classes I dropped to 133 lbs (my current weight, 5'5 height) I was slowly shrinking. I went from a size 10 to a size 8. I went out and bought all new pants this past November. And NOW I am finding my size 8 jeans to be too big. 

 

This is me wearing my size 10 jeans. It is the same pair  in the first picture below.

top: size 10 pants bottom:size 8

Today I took the kids with me to go try on some jeans and I picked out all size 6, different styles and cuts, but same size. The feeling I got when I pulled up those pants over my hips and buttoned them was like a "ah ha" moment! I even had a little bit of room! I can't explain how good it felt. Not just because I was almost back to my pre pregnancy size, but because I knew that all of the hard work that I have been doing was paying off! I know I'm not there yet. Though I am more tone and stronger, I still want to lose at least 10 more pounds. This is such a good feeling for me. I think anyone that has tried losing weight and has been successful at it can relate. When you work hard it pays off. 

These are the same jeans that I am wearing in my very first picture. They're my favorite pair of jeans. These jeans are hard to wear because they are a low rise jean. If one is not careful, they can easily have a muffin top while wearing low rise jeans. When I first bought these jeans, I didn't have a muffin top at all!!! But as you can see in the first photo here, I do. This picture was taken a few months back, in the middle of my transformation. At my heaviest I couldn't even button these pants. They barely fit over my hips and thighs. So I took progress photo's. The first was at 138 lbs and the second is at 133 lbs. The jeans are still snug. But I only have a little more to lose before they fit just perfectly. You can see that my sides are not hanging over the pants nor is my gut! So I am getting there. I am shrinking and that feels good!

Shrinking

Last week was just a horrible week for me. I still worked out but I didn't go to my fitness classes except Zumba. I ate so much junk and I could tell it was just weighing me down. Plus my monthly cycle started and that adds hormones and emotions ick! But this week is a new week. I did my workout yesterday : 3-2-1, yoga and then a dance fit class (ballet mixed with pilates) I really feel sore today. Mostly in my shoulders and arms. I did a lot of arm work. But that's not what this post is all about.
I wanted to state that I actually feel strong, and skinny. I feel fit. I can see definition in my abs when I tighten them up. My thighs are shrinking and toning up! My husband told me the other night "wow, babe your thighs have almost no cellulite" lol well thank you my dear husband, i'm glad all the squats and lunges and jump roping has not gone to waste! But you know what really makes me feel good? Putting on clothes that was too small and finding out that they are now just perfect. I have several pairs of jeans that I bought over the summer because I lost some weight and needed new Jeans, and now they are just way too big on me. I still weigh 133 lbs, but i'm okay with that. I am slowly going down in my weight and it isn't fluctuating as much. I know it all takes time. The thing is, i'm not dieting. I'm not just working out until I get to a certain pant size. I want this to be something I always do. I want it to be a life style. I want to be a runner, a athlete. I want to be strong and fit.  Balanced. I am on my way and that is exciting!

Well I couldn't resist.

Over the weekend I totally threw my diet out the window. Saturday I ate Kashi cereal, then a lean pocket at lunch, went to my brothers house and he made me a chicken breast with sauteed veggies and mac & cheese, then went to the mall and had a few pieces of a soft pretzel (major no no) and then a skinny mocha from starbucks (110 calories). THENNNNNN on sunday, I had morning coffee, for lunch 3 pieces of jets pizza and 5 buffalo wings.... that is all the calories I should have in a day. But did I stop there? Nope. I went on to eat a bag of popcorn (at night) covered in Louisiana hot sauce, diet coke and some Hershey kisses....
But hey, Bob Harper says you should have one day a week where you throw your diet out the window. So I stretched out my day into two.
Knowing this, on Monday I went back to my diet. I worked out for 60 minutes doing circuit training. I ate better and drank more water. Here is where my other temptation came in, I said I didn't want to weigh myself except for once a month. But this morning I got up and I really really wanted to see if my weekend binge killed my weight. So I made sure that the scale was in the right spot for an accurate reading, I step on and to my surprise I saw 132.9!!! Now this isn't the first time 132 showed up. It's the second. and I put the scale in a second place just to see if it was consistent and it was. I have to say I was really excited, but I also know that it probably won't stick around for long. It does mean that I just need to keep up with my eating and exercising. I am going to put the scale away, and bring it back out in one month. Hopefully the number will be below 132, but if not i'm okay with that too, because I know that I am eating healthy (for the most part) and I am working out. My clothes are fitting me nicely and that is what I am going by!

The Scale

I have decided that I am only going to weigh myself once a month. At the end of every month I will stand on the scale and see if I have gained weight or lost weight. I find that the numbers all get stuck in my head and it totally messes with my mind. I like to know how many calories I am eating, I like to know how many calories I am burning, and I would like to know if I am losing weight on the scale.  This is hard for me. Every morning I stand  on the scale, then I have to re-position the scale because our floor is not leveled, and will give an inaccurate number. I tend to fluctuate between 3 lbs. 133lbs -135lbs. I know I am losing weight because of how my clothes are fitting, so why is the number on the scale such a big deal? Well, I'm not sure. I don't know if it is because I have always been under 130lbs?? I don't know if it is because I am working so hard, and to not see those numbers just drop make me fee like I'm doing something incorrectly or not working out hard enough. Whatever the reason may be I do know that I don't want to focus on it. I know that muscle mass weighs more than fat. I have never been this toned in my life, even though I was skinnier then. I know that I AM working HARD. I'm still learning, I'm still getting stronger. So I need to change my mindset. I don't want to workout until I reach a certain goal. I want it to be my lifestyle. I want to do it because I want my kids to learn how to be healthy. :sigh: It's difficult, but as long as I am fitting into my smaller clothes, than I know I am doing just what I am suppose to be doing...

My Cardio Watch

Since I started working out I wanted to get a heart rate monitor, that way I can keep track of how many calories I am actually burning. This is the nifty watch that I got: It is a Sportline Cardio 680 heart rate monitor.

click here to read more about this watch

The thing I love the most about this watch is the simplicity of this watch. It's easy to set up, easy to read and comfortable to use. You have to wear a chest strap with this watch to pick up your heart rate, but it really is comfortable and you barely know that it is there. The price for this watch is good too. $39.99 I got mine from Dicks. Most watches are either extremely expensive but at the same time difficult to set up and to read.

I used this watch for the first time today doing my Jillians 6 pack abs in 6 weeks. It said that I burned 302 calories in 21 minutes! How awesome is that??? But I have to add, that this watch measures cardio workout not strength or resistance. So I probably burned more than what it said. Read here about circuit training. So now, I have to talk about this workout with Jillian. 302+ calories in 21 minutes? How awesome is that? I would have to run 30 minutes to burn 300 calories. For example I ran 3.1 miles yesterday in 35 minutes and I burned 391 calories. That's a lot of calories but in compared to 21 minutes? And I'm only on level 1! I'm excited about this workout in addition to the other programs I am doing. I want to see how many calories I burn during my 3-2-1 class and my butts and guts class. Then to see how much I am really burning in my Zumba class. People say you can burn a ton doing Zumba because there are all sorts of different motions, using the whole body. I'll keep you posted, In the mean time I am gonna run tonight and see if my watch is consistent with the meter on the treadmill. Remember the watch will be more accurate because it reads my actual heart rate. Ta Ta for now :)

Don't quit!

I do not know what has been up lately, but my motivation for working out is just *thrbpt* down the toilet. I mean I want to, but often I question myself "hhhmmm should I go get my butt kicked tonight"?  I have always ended up going and I am always thankful I did afterwards. I really think being a full time mom of 3 makes it difficult. You have to plan to set time aside for yourself to do something that isn't exactly fun. I mean, if you could go get a massage or pedicure, then no problem right? But even though it hurts to work out, even though you are dripping with sweat and have a permanent  wedgie, even though you have aches and pains what I am doing, what YOU are doing is better than any massage or pedicure. It's a great stress reliever (believe it or not) you actually produce endorphin's and you are making your body stronger and healthier. So if you have days like I do, and you just don't want to do your workout, DO IT ANYWAY!!!!  Don't let excuses get in your way because once you give into it, it is easy to give into it a second or third time. Keep at it. Don't stop now, you've come too far too quit, to turn back.

lack of motivation

I'm really struggling for motivation right now. Today I have my 3-2-1 workout and to be honest I just.don't.want.to.do.it. ! I'm tired, I'm sore and a little shaky from my workout yesterday. I know that I'm gonna DIE tonight. :sigh: I have my workout clothes on, and I'm just watching the clock slowly go by. I'm trying to drink some water so I don't get dizzy, I probably should eat a granola bar to help me with energy during the workout but I had a late lunch and i'm so full. ugh.
I'll probably do it anyways. Hopefully I will switch into beast mode once I get going...

Jillian 6 pack abs in 6 weeks

I recently bought this dvd workout from Costco. It came with a one year subscription to Fitness magazine so I bought it. Tonight was my first night doing this workout and I have to say it is pretty intense, but not impossible. You start off with level 1, 5 days a week for 3 weeks, after that you progress to level 2, 5 days a week for 3 weeks and in the end you're suppose to have a 6 pack.  I don't know if I truly believe this, but I'm gonna stick with it and see if it is accurate. Now, I do other workouts, so i'll have to see how this comes into play. There are a few exercises that are a little more difficult but I'm sure as my core develops it will get easier.  All you need is a 3-8lb weight, and a floor mat. So I'll check back in 3 weeks to let you know how it  is going :)

My Support

I did Zumba last night and I was having a hard time. I think it's my shoes. I was getting pains in my left ankle, and the arches of my feet were killing me. I wear Nike running shoes, so I"m thinking of getting some cross trainers. I started looking around and oh.my.goodness running/cross training shoes are so expensive. I mean, I have a shoe thing. I love my shoes. I love heels, flats, boots, sandals but workout shoes?? Those aren't exactly at the top of my want list. UNTIL NOW. I find myself evolving. Instead of buying designer jeans, or a beautiful dress, I want to buy Under Armor and other brands of workout clothes. (which by the way is not cheap) I look at sports bras and stretchy pants, even the type of socks I look at are "breathable workout" socks. LOL It's crazy I tell ya! So now, I am at that stage of wanting to invest in some fantastic shoes. I find these shoes to be even more important and more impressive than my stilettos. These shoes stand for strength, endurance, support. They represent my desire to achieve something that is before me. They give me confidence in the same  way my stilettos do, but this confidence is something that is rooted deep in me. It doesn't leave me once I take off my shoes.These shoes give me a sense of pride because I know that where I am going and what I am doing is good for my body, my mind and even my spirit. I know that I am setting a good example for my kids, I'm encouraging my husband and motivating him to do the same.
My perspective of these shoes has changed. They're expensive but worth every penny. 

Mind over Matter

Ran 1 mile in 9 min.

I really wanted to try and run a mile in 8 minutes . Now here is the strange thing. When I research how fast you have to run to complete a mile in 8 minutes it says you have to run a speed of 7.5 mph. If you want to run a mile in 9 minutes you have to run at 6.7 mph.  This is where I am thrown because I ran at 6 mph and finished a mile in 9 minutes.... It was on the treadmill so maybe the speed on my is different? Like if it says 6 mph maybe I am going faster?  I don't know. I just know what my treadmill said, and I will stick with it. Regardless it felt great. I enjoyed the burn , the pressure, the competition against myself and against time. I saw this picture

it's not a deep thought, and it's not something we all haven't heard before, Mind over Matter. How many times have we defeated ourselves because mentally we just gave up, maybe never even started? I need to remind myself of this, I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Mind over Matter. 

ran/walked

34 min

2.8 miles

324 calories

new measurements

I measured myself today.

Here are my starting measurements (142lbs, size 8/10)
                        

Waist~28

Belly~36

Butt~41

Thighs~39

My current measurements (133 lbs, size 6/8)

Waist~28

Belly~34

Butt~39

Thighs~37 (right under my butt cheeks)

So as you can see, the numbers aren't huge, but progress is being made. I'm not surprised by my waist line, I don't think I ever really gained weight there. Most of my weight is carried around my belly and my hips and of course my thighs. For my thighs I just stand together and measure the circumference total, which probably isn't the best method. (individually they are 24 in in circumference)

I'm not really following my measurements I am going more on how my clothes fits. However this is just a little boost!

Zumba and tonight Butts and Guts.

Yesterday I went to Zumba. I have only gone to an actual class one other time. Other than that I have done it on my Kinect. Now, let me start with this ; when I first started to work out and lose weight I did it with Zumba (on my kinect) I was 149 lbs. I wasn't super consistent with it but it did help me to lose weight. It was an intense workout. It starts of with beginners at 20 min and then as you get better it increases to expert 45 min. Any time I did my Zumba, I broke out in a great sweat. It was great cardio and also working out the abs and calves. My husband would even do it with me (generally he lifts weights and runs) and it was a great workout for him as well.  If you do Zumba, I think it is fantastic. It's a great way to do cardio and to lose weight. After several months I dropped down to 142 lbs. That is when I started doing other workout programs. 

Over the past few months I have truly built up my endurance and I have become more fit. At my best distance I have ran 5 miles, at my best time I ran 2.65 miles in 30 min. Every time I get on the treadmill I try and push myself. Sometimes it is only 2 miles and other times it's 3 miles. I enjoy the challenge. I enjoy pushing myself. That is why I really like and hated the 3-2-1 circuit workout that I did a couple of weeks ago. It was SO incredibly difficult. I have no upper body strength. I struggle to do a single full push up. It hurts my neck when I do crunches because I don't have enough back muscle. So I need to strengthen those area's. The whole week after this work out I literally hurt in every spot, and you know what I LOVE that feeling. I mean of course it's difficult when you need to use the restroom and you practically fall onto the toilet because your legs are so sore they can't support you as you squat. LOL All this to say, Zumba last night was a great cardio. I definitely got my sweat on. But I didn't walk away nearly as satisfied as when I run 2 or 3 miles. Sure it was fun, I laughed at myself as I saw myself in the mirror and felt like I was trying to pat my head and rub my tummy at the same time. But I felt like I needed more. I needed something to challenge me. Something to really push me and make me stronger. That draws me to my final thought, tonight is Butts and Guts. Another very difficult and challenging work out. 

This will give you and idea a very small example of what it is.

Anyhow, what i'm really excited about tonights work out is that my big brother is going to come babysit my 3 kids while my husband and I get to go and workout together!!! I love working out with him because he is so much stronger than me and well I want to be able to keep up with him. However, maybe this time he'll have to keep up with me :) maybe. 

2012 fitness resolutions

It's the beginning of 2012 and I wanted to set some resolutions. You know, I have never set resolutions before. I always thought they were stupid because how many people really followed through with them? Instead I felt like you were setting yourself up for failure. NOW I think that you fail if you don't set up some goals to go after. We all need something in life to drive us to be better. Whether it is within our home, within our family, or just within ourselves. We need motivation. So allow me if you will to list my resolutions.

1.I want to run AT LEAST a 5k, if not a 10k

2. I want to push myself. Not just with running but with other area's of fitness. I want to do circuit training, I want to do zumba and other dance fitness work outs. I want to explore other ways of becoming strong besides running.

3. I have always been "skinny" but I was always skinny fat. I no longer want to be just skinny. I want my heart to be strong, my lungs to be strong, my whole system. I want to be in the best shape ever.

4. So I have these workout dvds. I've had them for a while actually and I have not  stuck with it. Why? Because they seriously kick my butt. My husband and I both do these and we both struggle. It is hard but I want to finish them. I want to go through ALL the levels and be stronger in the end!

5. I want to learn how to cook and eat healthier. Cooking is not my strong area, but I have to say that I am improving so much. The thing is, I don't want my food to just taste good and fill your belly. I want it to work for you and with your body. I want it to be healthy and that is what I need to learn. How to cook healthier meals.

6. My last resolution for now :) is to have great abs. I don't want to be overly muscular. But I definitely want some nice abs and skinny thighs. Right now my stomach is shrinking and i'm proud of that, but to be able to put on your seat belt without seeing a bulge of fat hanging over. To be able to roll on your side and not see your fat roll with you, to put on a pair of low rise jeans and a t shirt without having a muffin top. Yup. I want great abs!


Side Note: Today I ran for 30 min. stayed between 5.5 and 6.0, I ran 2.65 miles (my best distance in 30 mins) and burned 312 Calories