Man! I am almost done with the Jamie Eason plan (you know, the 12 week one that has taken me almost 16...??) - just 2 workouts left! I am getting back to taking some of the awesome cardio classes I used to take and I'm finding that I am so disappointed!!
Not in the classes, those are awesome as always. But in myself! My stamina is in the toilet, I feel like the fat kid in the room in all of them! I know that I have surely "bulked up" a bit doing this plan but boy, I didn't think I would do it to the detriment of my cardio goals! I went to my favorite cardio class this am and we did an easy ("easy") one mile run down and up hill. You would have thought they asked me to run sprints for a half marathon I was so winded and spent! Last one back to the room, heart bursting through my chest, sweat pouring off of me....
I KNOW the lifting has been a great addition to my fitness routine, but now at the end of this plan, I JUST want my cardio back. I love lifting, proud of myself for lifting heavier and heavier and even more proud of my tricep muscle that is present no matter what... but now I need to get back to a place where I don't feel like an elephant when I run!!
Showing posts with label fitness classes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fitness classes. Show all posts
Friday, June 13, 2014
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Jamie Eason's LiveFit Training Program
After my colossal fitness failure two weeks ago, I sat down to do some serious thinking about what I want out of my workouts. I love love my circuit classes, kickboxing and spinning, but I don't know that they are what I NEED right now. My ultimate goal is to drop my body fat to about 20% and to get my weight back to around 153.
Some research led me to www.bodybuilding.com to find a workout plan. I stumbled on Jamie Eason's LiveFit training program and figured I might as well give it a shot, it certainly seemed to work for her. :-)
I completed 3 of the 4 Week 1 Workouts already (day 4 will be tomorrow!) and so far? I feel awesome! The hard part is that in phase 1 there is NO cardio! SO brutal for me. So brutal that the first day, it took me 19 min to do the whole workout..... and it was unthinkable to just LEAVE the gym, so I did my treadmill interval workout from the previous week, 4.17 miles. Oops. Tuesday I was able to do the lifting and leave (23 min) and Thursday I did Day 3 (and spinning). I think for where I am and what I want to accomplish, a little cardio during the plan won't hurt me.
Clean eating is a big part of this plan too. I've been trying to stay as clean as I can. I'm working on bulking up my veggies and paring down my carbs. Which reminds me ....
I had a discussion with one of the trainers (who runs) at the gym and told her about the high protein macros I was following. She told me that the way I work out, there is NO WAY 15% carbs would fuel my body the way I need to be fueled. She explained that is probably why I couldn't even hold a side plank by Friday a few weeks ago. So I researched macros for runners and found a better balance at 45% carbs, 30% protein, 25% fat. Those numbers have been a lot more realistic for me and my workouts have felt MUCH better!
Some research led me to www.bodybuilding.com to find a workout plan. I stumbled on Jamie Eason's LiveFit training program and figured I might as well give it a shot, it certainly seemed to work for her. :-)
I completed 3 of the 4 Week 1 Workouts already (day 4 will be tomorrow!) and so far? I feel awesome! The hard part is that in phase 1 there is NO cardio! SO brutal for me. So brutal that the first day, it took me 19 min to do the whole workout..... and it was unthinkable to just LEAVE the gym, so I did my treadmill interval workout from the previous week, 4.17 miles. Oops. Tuesday I was able to do the lifting and leave (23 min) and Thursday I did Day 3 (and spinning). I think for where I am and what I want to accomplish, a little cardio during the plan won't hurt me.Clean eating is a big part of this plan too. I've been trying to stay as clean as I can. I'm working on bulking up my veggies and paring down my carbs. Which reminds me ....
I had a discussion with one of the trainers (who runs) at the gym and told her about the high protein macros I was following. She told me that the way I work out, there is NO WAY 15% carbs would fuel my body the way I need to be fueled. She explained that is probably why I couldn't even hold a side plank by Friday a few weeks ago. So I researched macros for runners and found a better balance at 45% carbs, 30% protein, 25% fat. Those numbers have been a lot more realistic for me and my workouts have felt MUCH better!
I have a bunch of food porn pictures, but I'll save that for my next post!
Do you have any phenomenal ways (that aren't smoothies) to get more green in your day?
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Protein Crazy!
So I've tried to focus on my macros more this week. I'm still at 166 with no movement, so I'm hoping if I start to actually focus on the the specific nutrients, maybe I can get the scale moving!
Here are my macro calculations according to my weight and loss goals:
As you can see, my protein is astronomical. At least, for someone who barely ever breaks 100g of protein a day - see evidence A below, my protein intake for the last 90 days!
I have no earthly clue how to git fit this much protein into my day. Today was the closest I've come, obviously according to the chart above - and I really feel like I CANNOT eat like this daily
Today, I had:
I hit 190 g of protein. Of course, when I work out MyFitnessPal adjusts my totals so my goal is 246 for today - how is this POSSIBLE without eating an entire cow?!? Seriously, I feel like I ate a ton at dinner - 10oz of chicken!! - and it didn't get me close!
Anyhow, I am feeling more and more fit again, which is making my heart happy. I love being back at the gym but I'm also finding ways to work out from home and incorporate my kiddos. I found an awesome HIIT workout on Pinterest that I did yesterday at home.
My little guy is home with me during hte day and so he did this workout "with" me. Although during the squats (about 30 in) he said "Mama, this hurts my bones!!" He lasted until about the first pushup, then he went about playing around the room while I finished up :-)
Tonight, I did this awesome treadmill workout. I had to adjust the speeds down by about .5 after awhile, but I was able to keep with it until 44 minutes!
So here's to a good final weigh in. I won't be able to join my FitNuts next month but I'm hoping to keep the momentum going on my own, while staying in touch with the main page!
Spinning tomorrow!! Excited to see the results from the HRM when I take the class!
Here are my macro calculations according to my weight and loss goals:
As you can see, my protein is astronomical. At least, for someone who barely ever breaks 100g of protein a day - see evidence A below, my protein intake for the last 90 days! |
| Evidence A |
Today, I had:
- 1 cup greek yogurt with flax and honey
- Tuna salad with 2 egg whites in it
- Smoothie with 2 scoops of protein powder
- 10oz of Salsa chicken
- 6 oz greek yogurt, 1 scoop protein powder, flax
I hit 190 g of protein. Of course, when I work out MyFitnessPal adjusts my totals so my goal is 246 for today - how is this POSSIBLE without eating an entire cow?!? Seriously, I feel like I ate a ton at dinner - 10oz of chicken!! - and it didn't get me close!
 |
| I won't lie - where is says "REPEAT" at the bottom? I actually told the screen to eff off. |
My little guy is home with me during hte day and so he did this workout "with" me. Although during the squats (about 30 in) he said "Mama, this hurts my bones!!" He lasted until about the first pushup, then he went about playing around the room while I finished up :-)
Tonight, I did this awesome treadmill workout. I had to adjust the speeds down by about .5 after awhile, but I was able to keep with it until 44 minutes!So here's to a good final weigh in. I won't be able to join my FitNuts next month but I'm hoping to keep the momentum going on my own, while staying in touch with the main page!
Spinning tomorrow!! Excited to see the results from the HRM when I take the class!
Friday, July 5, 2013
Is this moderation??
So the 4th of July is a big deal around here. It's "E's parade" - she even calls it "my parade." We just so happen to live ON a parade route, so we roll out of bed, have friends come over for breakfast and sit on the lawn and watch. As I mentioned last year, this parade is better than Halloween for my kids - the candy comes TO THEM. Lots of candy!
I am a sucker for Tootsie rolls and banana Laffy Taffy. So those were my big weakness yesterday. I signed up to follow a training plan through RunKeeper for a sub-55 min 10K and yesterday I was supposed to run "2 slow miles." Well, that obviously wasn't happening as I had two HYPER kiddos and it was about 88 degrees by 1pm. So around 1:30 I told the kids we were going for a walk. We walked to a local park and I had a brief epiphany! My kids are 2.5 and 5 now, hardly young enough for me to need to stand behind them and watch them play. So while they played, I ran laps around the playground! It was only approximately .15 miles around the circle, I could see them every part of it. Also, I wasn't wearing running shoes or clothes - Keen sandals and cargo shorts. But I did it! And I went 2.48 miles, with the walking and running portions added in. The walk was about .5 miles there and .5 miles back, so I did a decent bit of a run.
 |
| photo of the day for my challenge - flex a muscle. |
This morning, A woke up brutally early for a little boy who stayed up until 10 for fireworks. I was awake so I left the kiddos with my hubby (who rocks, by the way, if I haven't mentioned that lately) so that I could hit the gym for a few of my favorite classes. I always miss them because I work on Fridays now, but it was a lovely time. I went to an 8:30 cardio drills class (I walked in with 800 steps and left with 7000!) where we do all kinds of plyo moves, run outside and use a big tall step! Then I stayed for her full body toning class. I thought I would be done there because I felt something snap in my knee during a crunch with a yoga ball, but thankfully, the pain didn't persist. So I went to my circuit class for 45 minutes.
But I hit 10,000 steps before 11am!
I did well with lunch (a HUGE romaine salad with 4.5 oz of grilled pork tenderloin & 1oz of smoked white cheddar cheese) and dinner was fantastic (thanks to my awesome hubby - burgers (no bun) with curried cauliflower, grilled asparagus and corn on the cob!).
My princess has her birthday party tomorrow night (our first sleepover!) and I made mini cupcakes tonight. I didn't' taste a cupcake, but I did taste the batter - delish. I had two Tootsie Rolls earlier and I'm having wine now. But I'm still within my calories for the day!
I did have another awesome moment of "right" choices yesterday for lunch. My family had Annie's shells'n'cheese and turkey hot dogs. Instead of indulging in that, I made myself a bowl of tuna, celery, onion and a TINY bit of mayo to bind it (I WISH I had an avocado, that would have been fabulous!) I ate it mostly out of the bowl, but did have a few crackers with it. So yummy! I highly recommend it for lunch!
So in short, while I've been making some awesome choices, I also haven't been completely "clean." I can feel it, though, in my gut mostly. I have a weigh in on Monday and I'm just hoping to make a little progress by then so that I don't let my team down!
Any awesome lunches I MUST HAVE this week?
I am working 4 days next week and at this point, I think I'm having the same salad I had today. Not a BAD thing, but also not much variety!
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Accountability (AKA What I Need)
I need to get my butt in gear. Seriously people, I weighed in at 160 this week. NOT a pretty sight. I am going to make this a priority now.
New Rules
- Bedtime will be 9pm on Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday.
- Alcohol will be two nights a week (it's been getting a little out of hand! Definitely part of the lbs being packed on!)
- If I miss a day of working out, I WILL NOT throw in the towel
- Same as above, if I don't keep a PERFECTLY clean day, I will NOT take comfort in the candy dish.
- Goal: 15,000 steps/day. If it means I march around my house for an hour before bed, so be it.
Monday: Circuit & Kickboxing
Tuesday: Insanity AM
Wednesday: Insanity AM
Thursday: Insanity AM or during the day
Friday: Off
Saturday: Run
Sunday: Insanity
My reality check for the day:
 |
| June 9, 2013 |
Heck, forget a year ago. Here's a few WEEKS ago:
So it'll take me longer, since I'm working now.
Scheduling will be critical to my success. Working only 20 hours a week seems like I should be able to work out before or after work without getting in the way, but I am NOT a morning person so going to the gym before 8 is probably a no-go. I tried leaving work at 2pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but I CAN'T do it. I have a problem leaving work in the middle of a project. And around 2pm? I seem to ALWAYS be in the middle of something!
So I will set an alarm. Maybe 2.
I WILL get up those mornings at 4:30 and do Insanity.
I WILL get back to clean eating so that I can stop feeling like gross trash.
I can't keep being surrounded by people who are rocking it without doing my fair share of rocking. So here goes. I miss being one of the rock stars. It's time to ditch the lazy attitude I've had and the bad eating habits. It's time to feel GOOD again and I am the ONLY person who can make that happen.
I know I CAN do it. I just need to get up and go to actually ACCOMPLISH it. And I will. I've lost 30+ lbs in the last 2 years. Staying at goal weight has been the hardest part of the whole journey!
So here's to goals. And dreams. And being healthy. And teaching my KIDS about healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle!
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Action Plan.
Sooooooo I've been MIA. I don't deny any of it. I just haven't nailed down how to balance everything. I had a minor back injury a few weeks ago (from circuit, spinning or kickboxing, with cramming it all into two days a week, I just can't tell what causes pain anymore!) so I haven't been to the gym in two weeks. I can feel it. I can tell I haven't been working out and I can feel all the work I've done to get here over the last 2 years slowly slipping away.
But it ends this week.
I am starting the Insanity workouts. I plan to do the fit test tomorrow at some point, then start the Insanity calendar. I feel like yukky slob and while I am not gaining weight, I am DEFINITELY losing muscle. I will not be shocked if my body fat percentage sky rockets this month!
I loved kickboxing, truly, but it just doesn't fit well into my schedule. I am missing out on awesome time with my family taking up 2 evenings a week to go. I will be trying to fit in Insanity in the mornings before work and hopefully in the evenings when necessary.
I'm in such a rut. And I'm just digging myself in deeper.
Not working out ð eat poorly ð feel like crap ð avoid working out even more ð etc
I am fed up. I am sick of feeling gross. This week, it's ending. I will sacrifice sleep or whatever I need to get this done. I haven't had my body fat percent checked, obviously, but I'm sure it's higher than it has been. I haven't necessarily gained weight but I can tell my clothes are fitting differently. And that is just NOT acceptable to me. Food is going to get cleaned up. I am hoping to regain my focus and get my family back to a healthy clean eating place!
My action plan:
- Water - 100 oz / day
- Workouts - Insanity (plus anytime I can get to the gym, a good workout).
- "Long" run weekly. Hoping for the afternoons I am off work with the baby in the jogging stroller.
- Meal planning - I need to get back to having a plan and not falling back on mac'n'cheese and hot dogs for dinner for my family!! Lots of veggies, lots of healthy foods and cutting out all the sugar again.
Here's to new re-beginnings-again. I fell off the wagon, but I'm going to chase it back down and jump right back on it. We all take time away from our "plans" now and again, but the important part is getting back to the plan.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Training Check In
Well, I am still training, although I have yet to make it on a weekend long run. The weather is supposed to be PERFECT this weekend. I'm going to set an alarm (because my two small ones usually sleep in on the days I intend to use THEM as my alarms). I am going to go on a long run this weekend!!
I am supposed to be running 5-6 miles during the week, I've failed on this too. At MOST I'm running between 3-3.5. I have broken my "no class" rule by picking up a really tough circuit class. I am having a great time pushing myself REALLY hard in the class. I bump my speed up to 7.5-8.0 on the treadmill for the circuit interval, I use the heaviest free weights she offers, I always try to do 1-2 more reps. I am NOT a coordinated person, though, so sometimes I spend a whole interval just laughing at what she's asking me to do :-) Today I even asked her for special "ab cardio" so I spent my time on a stair step with a yoga ball over my head, jumping, sliding and stepping!
I am PRAYING for a break in the weather so that I can start running outside during my son's naptime/daughter's school time. This will be an awesome time for me. In fact, she's at school for three hours, so I am HOPING that I can start using this time for my long runs, instead of taking up family time on the weekends.
We had a surprise trip out of town last weekend, so my training got all pushed around (and even though I had the BEST INTENTIONS and brought everything with e, I still didn't run at the hotel!). So today I managed 4 miles in 40 min on the dreadmill, then my 45 min circuit class.
I OFFICIALLY registered for the Rock'n'Roll Half Marathon in STL. Happy 31st Birthday to me!! The race is actually on my birthday!! What's even more exciting is that my mom is usually here for my birthday and she will get to see me race! I am really psyched for that! I am still hoping to shave a good 20-30 minutes off of my Princess Half time for this race. I think it's do-able. I ran that race at a 13:14 pace. I comfortably run a 10 min pace now, which would alone take almost 40 minutes off of my time. So I feel pretty good about saying that my goal finish time will be between 2hrs, 15 min and 2hrs, 20 min.
So until then, training, training, training!!! I am trying SO hard to quit sugar again, I just feel yukky, but things keep coming up. I know, I know, EXCUSES! All excuses!
I have been researching some other "diets" (I hate using that word, they are more lifestyle changes) that I am hoping to explore/flesh out here in the coming weeks. On my mind: Paleo, clean eating, veganism... If you or someone you know currently follows these plans, please let me know! I am always looking for more opinions/outlooks!
I am supposed to be running 5-6 miles during the week, I've failed on this too. At MOST I'm running between 3-3.5. I have broken my "no class" rule by picking up a really tough circuit class. I am having a great time pushing myself REALLY hard in the class. I bump my speed up to 7.5-8.0 on the treadmill for the circuit interval, I use the heaviest free weights she offers, I always try to do 1-2 more reps. I am NOT a coordinated person, though, so sometimes I spend a whole interval just laughing at what she's asking me to do :-) Today I even asked her for special "ab cardio" so I spent my time on a stair step with a yoga ball over my head, jumping, sliding and stepping!
I am PRAYING for a break in the weather so that I can start running outside during my son's naptime/daughter's school time. This will be an awesome time for me. In fact, she's at school for three hours, so I am HOPING that I can start using this time for my long runs, instead of taking up family time on the weekends.
We had a surprise trip out of town last weekend, so my training got all pushed around (and even though I had the BEST INTENTIONS and brought everything with e, I still didn't run at the hotel!). So today I managed 4 miles in 40 min on the dreadmill, then my 45 min circuit class.
I OFFICIALLY registered for the Rock'n'Roll Half Marathon in STL. Happy 31st Birthday to me!! The race is actually on my birthday!! What's even more exciting is that my mom is usually here for my birthday and she will get to see me race! I am really psyched for that! I am still hoping to shave a good 20-30 minutes off of my Princess Half time for this race. I think it's do-able. I ran that race at a 13:14 pace. I comfortably run a 10 min pace now, which would alone take almost 40 minutes off of my time. So I feel pretty good about saying that my goal finish time will be between 2hrs, 15 min and 2hrs, 20 min.
So until then, training, training, training!!! I am trying SO hard to quit sugar again, I just feel yukky, but things keep coming up. I know, I know, EXCUSES! All excuses!
I have been researching some other "diets" (I hate using that word, they are more lifestyle changes) that I am hoping to explore/flesh out here in the coming weeks. On my mind: Paleo, clean eating, veganism... If you or someone you know currently follows these plans, please let me know! I am always looking for more opinions/outlooks!
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Busy busy
Well, I did REALLY WELL at the water thing - for about 4 days. Then I got a stomach flu two weekends ago and my entire regime - pfft. out the window. I was sick Saturday-Monday, then just got busy with the end of summer (yes, my daughter started PreK today!) and our kitchen renovation (nope, still not done).
So the excuses stopped on Monday. I've been pretty good about quitting sugar this week, except this time I'm keeping fruit in my diet. There are just too many delicious summer fruits to quit them! I don't think it's working the way it did when I DID quit fruit, but it's still helping me FEEL better, emotionally and pain-wise.
I have been doing much better this week with training. Last week, I flaked on almost everything. My whole week was just a 1 mile run on Tuesday. So sad! This week I ran 3 miles on Monday and went to the circuit class.
Oh boy, that circuit class!! 1.5 min circuits, alternating cardio and strength, for anywhere from 10-18 cycles! Plus the instructor knows I'm training for a half marathon, so she gives me "special" cardio, different from the normal treadmill/elliptical.
Here's my training calendar for the last few weeks. You can see I've dropped the ball - but with the kiddo going back to school, my goal is to start running OUTSIDE while she's there. The dreadmill is doable for 3, 3.5 miles, but anything more is depressing! With her in school four days a week, I should be able to get in two outside runs (weather permitting - and baby permitting, he did NOT like the jogging stroller last time!)
I tweaked my knee funny on Monday at the circuit class - I had the elliptical jacked up on a pretty high crossramp. Today in spin class, I didn't exert my TOTAL effort because when I stood up, my knee was still hurting :( Hoping it's better ASAP!
I am doing the COLOR RUN on Saturday and I CANNOT FREAKING WAIT!! :-) It is going to be awe-some!
Stay tuned. I am making two recipes in the next few days. Flax and chia and honey, Oh MY!
So the excuses stopped on Monday. I've been pretty good about quitting sugar this week, except this time I'm keeping fruit in my diet. There are just too many delicious summer fruits to quit them! I don't think it's working the way it did when I DID quit fruit, but it's still helping me FEEL better, emotionally and pain-wise.
I have been doing much better this week with training. Last week, I flaked on almost everything. My whole week was just a 1 mile run on Tuesday. So sad! This week I ran 3 miles on Monday and went to the circuit class.
Oh boy, that circuit class!! 1.5 min circuits, alternating cardio and strength, for anywhere from 10-18 cycles! Plus the instructor knows I'm training for a half marathon, so she gives me "special" cardio, different from the normal treadmill/elliptical.
Here's my training calendar for the last few weeks. You can see I've dropped the ball - but with the kiddo going back to school, my goal is to start running OUTSIDE while she's there. The dreadmill is doable for 3, 3.5 miles, but anything more is depressing! With her in school four days a week, I should be able to get in two outside runs (weather permitting - and baby permitting, he did NOT like the jogging stroller last time!)
I tweaked my knee funny on Monday at the circuit class - I had the elliptical jacked up on a pretty high crossramp. Today in spin class, I didn't exert my TOTAL effort because when I stood up, my knee was still hurting :( Hoping it's better ASAP!
I am doing the COLOR RUN on Saturday and I CANNOT FREAKING WAIT!! :-) It is going to be awe-some!
Don't forget to follow #helpmetrain on Twitter!
Stay tuned. I am making two recipes in the next few days. Flax and chia and honey, Oh MY!
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Twitter Accountability at Work
If you are on Twitter, we have started an accountability hashtag !! So if you're in need of support, the bat signal is right here -
#helpmetrain
I've been having a STELLAR week since Monday's post. I have been ON - for the most part.
As you can see, I did my 3 miles on Tuesday. Wednesday I was on the treadmill, running with a friend and I just could.not. power through the three miles. But she was heading to a class and I thought "Well, I'll do the class, then come back for a fast mile run." Haha. Here's the class description:
Interval training that alternates between Hi/Low aerobics and muscle conditioning exercises.
It wasn't nearly as difficult as the other cardio classes I took but I definitely got a good workout! So even if I didn't hit my scheduled three miles, I feel confident I did enough for my health that day!
Today, my third running day in a row, I woke up dreading it. I got dressed (in gym clothes!) and went downstairs for coffee. At that point, I fully intended to stay in my gym clothes in the basement all day. I tweeted that I didn't want to go - that my body isn't made for three consecutive running days. I expected to get tweets back saying "oh yea, you can't run three days in a row, it's not good for you!"
What did I get?
So wow, this hashtag really does work!! And those encouraged me to get off my butt, head to the gym and run. I did my full scheduled 3.5 miles in 36 minutes! Yay!!
Tomorrow is a rest day, then I WILL do a long run Saturday or Sunday. Feeling good, people, I'm feeling good!
I've been allowing more sugar than "quitting" levels for sure. But I'm not feeling terrible and my weight is staying around in the same place. I've been weighing in anywhere from 152-155, which I am comfortable with at this point. I'm coming to terms that this may be my "comfortable" weight now.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Training Again
So I have officially begun half marathon training again. Actually, I started Monday, but close enough, right?
I am using the Amazing Alison (Because It Worked For Her) training program ;-) I just needed a PROGRAM or a PLAN. I needed to get back to running, for sure. I've become overscheduled in my quest to find new and different training classes, and I've forgotten why - Because I want to run RACES. And as much as I enjoy spinning, it's not helping me improve my distance running. As much as I love body sculpt, that just hurts my back and doesn't get me closer to another medal (which is the real reason I run - the bling.)
So I finally realized that I need to put the classes (except the occasional yoga class) on the back burner and really focus on running. I am understanding why people call it "the dreadmill" now. It's booorrring. More boring that just any old running. But I am DOING it.
So here comes my ridiculous calendar again :-) Ready to see it? Well, whether you are or not, here it comes:
Two days down, two days of accomplishment. I am looking at MANY more ! :-)
Detoxing AGAIN. I feel like I keep saying that, but I really want to keep it up this time. This detox has been HORRIBLE. I just sit here and stare at the wall thinking about how much I want a gummy bear. The kitchen renovation hit a serious wall this week (as in running out of work and missing cabinetry!) and I think I'm just overstressed.
Here are my goals for the next few races.
August -
18th Color Run !! Woop woop! This is just for fun. I'm not doing it for time. :)
October -
14th: 10K - I want to be under 1 hour (10 min miles)
21st (My 31st birthday!): Rock'n'Roll Half - I would like to be under 2hr, 15 min (shaving 38 min off my Princess finish time)
So that's it for now from me. Trying to stay on top of it. Definitely desire some accountability, so if you see me trolling Pinterest for dessert recipes, call me out! :-)
I am using the Amazing Alison (Because It Worked For Her) training program ;-) I just needed a PROGRAM or a PLAN. I needed to get back to running, for sure. I've become overscheduled in my quest to find new and different training classes, and I've forgotten why - Because I want to run RACES. And as much as I enjoy spinning, it's not helping me improve my distance running. As much as I love body sculpt, that just hurts my back and doesn't get me closer to another medal (which is the real reason I run - the bling.)
So I finally realized that I need to put the classes (except the occasional yoga class) on the back burner and really focus on running. I am understanding why people call it "the dreadmill" now. It's booorrring. More boring that just any old running. But I am DOING it.
So here comes my ridiculous calendar again :-) Ready to see it? Well, whether you are or not, here it comes:
Two days down, two days of accomplishment. I am looking at MANY more ! :-)
Detoxing AGAIN. I feel like I keep saying that, but I really want to keep it up this time. This detox has been HORRIBLE. I just sit here and stare at the wall thinking about how much I want a gummy bear. The kitchen renovation hit a serious wall this week (as in running out of work and missing cabinetry!) and I think I'm just overstressed.
Here are my goals for the next few races.
August -
18th Color Run !! Woop woop! This is just for fun. I'm not doing it for time. :)
October -
14th: 10K - I want to be under 1 hour (10 min miles)
21st (My 31st birthday!): Rock'n'Roll Half - I would like to be under 2hr, 15 min (shaving 38 min off my Princess finish time)
So that's it for now from me. Trying to stay on top of it. Definitely desire some accountability, so if you see me trolling Pinterest for dessert recipes, call me out! :-)
Monday, June 11, 2012
Back to basics.
As more people ask me about quitting sugar, I find myself back in the place I was before I started. I hear them say "I'm weak" and "It's not for me!" and I am instantly back to last summer/fall, before I quit. I remember thinking how ridiculous it was to quit sugar. I remember thinking about how small my willpower was and how sugar wasn't "that bad" for me. And then I re-read this post and remember how empowered, strong and awesome it felt to achieve "the impossible."
But I did the 8 weeks. And I FELT better. Wholly better - emotional, physical... clearer, pain-free.
So here's a quick bullet point of some of my favorite "sugar free" tips:
- Trader Joe's has two salad dressings that are sugar free - a Greek Feta dressing and a "Goddess" dressing that tastes vaguely like hummus.
- Whole Foods has sugar free ketchup!!
- You can easily make your own taco seasoning and Italian seasoning (Italian dressing mix) that taste BETTER than the jarred/envelopes!
- Greek yogurt (plain!) starts to taste less like sour cream and more delicious the longer you are without sugar! Yogurt with walnuts and cinnamon is a fantastic breakfast or snack!
- Triscuits are about the only crackers that don't have added sugar that I have found.
I'm not going to lie, I haven't been "sugar free" these days. A little ice cream here, some fruit there. And I pay for it - my joints hurt, I have cravings, I have wicked mood swings.
In my head I know I CAN do it. I also know that I am doing fine allowing the occasional "treat" now and again.
And I'm kicking BUTT on my fitness. Still doing Weight Watchers and last week, I earned **42** Activity Points!
Tues: Yoga - 75 min
Wed: Spinning - 66 min
Thurs: Spinning - 75 min (I rode extra!)
Fri: new class - cardio drills & power sculpt - 75 min (this class KICKS MY BUTT!!)
All in all a good week. Weight holding steady at 152. I feel like I need to weigh in on Fridays instead of Mondays!
Weekends are my diet enemy!
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Crickets...
Sorry for the radio silence lately. I'm in a weird limbo - |thisclose| to my goal, but really not full flung into no sugar (summer without ice cream? seriously?) So I keep jumping between 149 and 152. I still haven't "officially" hit my goal weight.
I'm definitely not back to where I was with sugar - I don't have it every day. I have been eating more fruit (it's summer!) and letting myself have a "treat" now and again. I definitely am more aware of my kids' sugar intake as well. In addition I'm SUPER skeptical when people say something is "sugar free," knowing that most of the time there is fake sugar, agave, or cane juice. I know NOW that these are all sugar by another name. Knowledge is power, people!
So anyhow, as summer progresses, I hope to get back into the swing of things. I've started a new class at the gym (two actually!) Cardio drills & power sculpt. They almost KILLED me on Friday. And if you know me, that means I'll be back this Friday more intent on kicking royal butt. :-)
I'm definitely not back to where I was with sugar - I don't have it every day. I have been eating more fruit (it's summer!) and letting myself have a "treat" now and again. I definitely am more aware of my kids' sugar intake as well. In addition I'm SUPER skeptical when people say something is "sugar free," knowing that most of the time there is fake sugar, agave, or cane juice. I know NOW that these are all sugar by another name. Knowledge is power, people!
So anyhow, as summer progresses, I hope to get back into the swing of things. I've started a new class at the gym (two actually!) Cardio drills & power sculpt. They almost KILLED me on Friday. And if you know me, that means I'll be back this Friday more intent on kicking royal butt. :-)
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Juicing
Taking another step towards healthy!
My mom was in town this weekend and has been doing a lot of juicing. I am NOT a fan of "thick" drinks. My husband makes a fruit smoothie every.single.morning for himself and the kiddos, but the thickenss of it just makes me gag. So when my mom said "Let's go get a juicer and you can see if you like it!" I was NOT on board.
We did that Saturday. After we picked up the juicer, we went to Whole Foods and loaded up on greens, veggies and a few pieces of fruit. When we got home, we set up the juicer and got to work.
This was our "recipe" the first day:
Kale
Carrots
Cucumbers
2 Apples
3 Ribs of Celery
1 Lemon
About 1" of fresh ginger
It smelled like freshly mowed grass - and it tasted WORSE!!
So the second day, after a little research, I tried something different. I got rid of the celery, which I read can make the juice bitter. I swapped the lemon for an orange. I split my greens between watercress and kale and only used 1 apple. That was INCREDIBLE!
Then this morning, I skipped the apple and orange - and added PINEAPPLE - omg soo good!!
Today my "recipe" was:
1/4 of a fresh pineapple
Cucumber
Carrots
Spinach
Watercress
It was sooooo goood!
Am I doing a "juice cleanse"? Nope. I'm not even doing it more than once a day. At this point, it's just a morning thing for me. I want it to get the extra nutrition from veggies that I don't normally eat or enjoy.
I plan to get a few different things from the grocery store in the next few weeks, including parsnips and beets. I will, for now, continue to add one to two pieces of fruit to my juice until I can tolerate the greens on their own. I don't think I'm getting TOO much sugar out of it if I'm just having a small glass of juice and in the long run, I'm getting a lot of nutritional value that I wouldn't have otherwise.
And in case you're wondering, I did not hit my magical GOAL number for weigh in this week. :( I gained 1lb because I took the weekend off from counting points and working out. My mom was in town and that is my cue to go out to eat, enjoy and indulge :-) I deserve those weekends once in awhile. Goal is waiting for me, hopefully next week!
I managed to make it to yoga this morning. I've talked Jen into taking a spin class with me tomorrow night. My hubby is going back too. Then I will have Pilates on Thursday and another spin class on Friday morning. I'm hoping that Mother's Day finds us with good weather so that we can go out for a family bike ride (with the little guy in the trailer and my big girl on her trail-behind bike attached to mine!)
My mom was in town this weekend and has been doing a lot of juicing. I am NOT a fan of "thick" drinks. My husband makes a fruit smoothie every.single.morning for himself and the kiddos, but the thickenss of it just makes me gag. So when my mom said "Let's go get a juicer and you can see if you like it!" I was NOT on board.
We did that Saturday. After we picked up the juicer, we went to Whole Foods and loaded up on greens, veggies and a few pieces of fruit. When we got home, we set up the juicer and got to work.
This was our "recipe" the first day:
Kale
Carrots
Cucumbers
2 Apples
3 Ribs of Celery
1 Lemon
About 1" of fresh ginger
It smelled like freshly mowed grass - and it tasted WORSE!!
So the second day, after a little research, I tried something different. I got rid of the celery, which I read can make the juice bitter. I swapped the lemon for an orange. I split my greens between watercress and kale and only used 1 apple. That was INCREDIBLE!
Then this morning, I skipped the apple and orange - and added PINEAPPLE - omg soo good!!
Today my "recipe" was:
1/4 of a fresh pineapple
Cucumber
Carrots
Spinach
Watercress
It was sooooo goood!
Am I doing a "juice cleanse"? Nope. I'm not even doing it more than once a day. At this point, it's just a morning thing for me. I want it to get the extra nutrition from veggies that I don't normally eat or enjoy.
I plan to get a few different things from the grocery store in the next few weeks, including parsnips and beets. I will, for now, continue to add one to two pieces of fruit to my juice until I can tolerate the greens on their own. I don't think I'm getting TOO much sugar out of it if I'm just having a small glass of juice and in the long run, I'm getting a lot of nutritional value that I wouldn't have otherwise.
If you juice, what is your favorite combination?
And in case you're wondering, I did not hit my magical GOAL number for weigh in this week. :( I gained 1lb because I took the weekend off from counting points and working out. My mom was in town and that is my cue to go out to eat, enjoy and indulge :-) I deserve those weekends once in awhile. Goal is waiting for me, hopefully next week!
I managed to make it to yoga this morning. I've talked Jen into taking a spin class with me tomorrow night. My hubby is going back too. Then I will have Pilates on Thursday and another spin class on Friday morning. I'm hoping that Mother's Day finds us with good weather so that we can go out for a family bike ride (with the little guy in the trailer and my big girl on her trail-behind bike attached to mine!)
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