Race Recap: The Pittsburgh Marathon Relay 2014

Last year, I worked at the health and fitness expo for the Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon.  I had such a great time and seeing the excitement of all the runners made me excited.  I left that day thinking that the marathon was something that I really wanted to do.  No, I have no plans of running the full marathon.  I really wanted to just run in it.

The marathon relay is a great option for those starting out.  I decided that I was going to get a team together for the marathon relay this year.  I put out a note on Facebook to see if anyone would be interested and just like that, I had a team....in literally, minutes!

I was so excited and so was the rest of my team.  We all did our training separately for each of our legs of the race. My leg was 6.1 miles so I just followed a training program for a 10k.  It was a great way for me to prepare for it.

Here's me after one of my training runs:

This was one of my last runs, supposed to be easy and I pushed myself.

Leading up to the race, there was a ton of information and you could say that I was getting a bit overwhelmed and instead of the information making me feel more prepared, I was feeling more nervous although I am sure that was not their intention.

Fast forward to race morning.....

The race started at 7am so that meant that we had to get up around 4am in order to get ready, meet up and head down to the city.  I was awake before my alarm even went off. Thank goodness I laid everything out that I needed the night before because it made my morning go much smoother.  We arrived down in the city with plenty of time to spare for walking to the start and figuring out where we needed to be, gear check and feeling prepared and ready.

I had to ride a shuttle bus to get to my starting point and then I waited...and waited....and waited.

I was feeling like I was going to have a bad run because I was standing around for so long waiting. My back was starting to hurt and my joints were sort of sore from the cold (does that make me sound like an old lady?!)

My friend came running up and I was so happy to see her and I think she was happy to see me (it meant she was done running!) I took off and was feeling okay to begin with.  I started to get into my stride and pace pretty comfortably.  I had my Map My Run app going but I had my earphones plugged into something else for music so I wasn't hearing my mileage as I was running.  This was both aggravating and liberating to me.  I am so used to knowing where I am with my mileage but it was nice to not concentrate on that and just enjoy the course.

I felt like I was running a little faster than I normally run when I am on the roads but I felt good and the energy of the spectators and fans was electrifying.  I was smiling, saying "thank you", giving high fives to kids along the way and I loved every single minute of my run.

I was coming up to the end of my leg of the race and I could see my friend waiting for me. She got a picture of me too which was nice to see....I didn't look like I was absolutely dying haha.

Before we knew it, it was all over and we were done!  We did it and we were so proud and happy to have done it. I think we all had a great experience.  Even my poor friend who experienced a terrible blister on her foot and ended up having to hobble her way to the end of her leg of the race.  She was a champ and didn't want to let us or herself down so she really pushed herself to get there.

Here's the picture of our team after the race!

Adding In a Little Extra

Over the winter months, I was doing monthly challenges for all the different body parts that needed work.  I was actually sticking with them too!  I recruited my teenage daughter to do them with me for both our health and for accountability.  It was great to do those with her and we looked forward to the workouts everyday.

I sort of slacked off doing them as I was increasing my running and attending spin classes on the days when I wasn't running. I also started with weight training.

It is time to start back up with the monthly challenges though in an effort to get ready for summer.  The amount of monthly challenges that you can find online is amazing.  I've found some really great ones that I loved and I look forward to going back and doing some of them again.

Here are the two that I am going to do for the month of May:

I found these on Pinterest and I am so excited to get started.  Well, I actually already got my pushups in.  I am trying to do full pushups, not modified so we will see how long I can continue with that.  It is such a major goal for me to be able to do the full ones.  The Beach Body Challenge is interesting to me because the workouts are different everyday so there is far less chance of getting bored with it.

Feel free to join me this month!!  Let's see what we can do!

Run This Year

There is a group, yes another group.  I am becoming addicted to groups.  I may have to head to a groups anonymous group but then that would be counterproductive to my addiction, heh. Sorry, it's early my humor is horrible. Anyway....

There is a group, community, addiction called Run This Year.  Basically, it's for those that are running in 2014 and we create a mileage goal and log our miles and it is interesting to see just how many miles will build up over the course of each month.

I needed to set a goal and I really wasn't sure what that goal was going to be.  In 2013, I really wanted to run a total of one mile for every day of the year so 365 was my goal and I made it to 368 for the year.  So, the question was, do I keep that goal or do I up it?  I decided to up it and I made my goal for 2014 to be 500 miles.  That is pretty lofty for me because I feel like I was pretty consistent in the last year with running and I had way less than that.   I'm shooting for the moon here but I hope to be able to say that I did it.

I have said before that I like goals, it gives me a way to strive to be better than I was before and shouldn't we all strive for that, in one way or another?

I'm excited to take this challenge on and see where it takes me.  So far, I have 7.5 miles and I am running 2 tomorrow and 5 on Sunday so I will be in the double digits soon.  It takes baby steps to get to the big steps.

Goals for 2014

It's good to have goals, to have something to look forward to, strive for and obtain. I like to create goals and I think it makes me aware of what I am doing or not doing with myself.  I want to do better, that is the reason why I make a list each year of what I want to achieve.  Over the years, the focus of the list has changed.  As I get older, I am finding more time for myself and so I am able to make changes for me.  I think the last year was the first year that I did a lot more for me and at first, I felt guilty about it but then I realized that I am better for everyone else when I am better to myself.

So, here is my 2014 list of goals:

FAMILY -

Anyone who knows me, knows that my family comes first, as it should. I want to spend more time as a family, the five of us.  We did more of that over the last year and we all enjoyed it.  We went on hikes, went for random road trips, went fishing, went to the lake for picnics, etc.  It is good for a family to have that time with each other without others.  We want to build a strong foundation of what family means for our kids. Our parents did it for us and we want to pass that on. So, here's some goals centered around that.
   
     * Go for hikes at least once a month as a family. Possibly choose a different location each time to discover new places. (weather permitting, we do live in PA)
     * Eat dinner together more.  We don't really do this too often and it's terrible.  Some of us eat at the table, some in the living room.  Usually, I am eating after everyone else because I am busy doing too much to eat when they are.
     * Do one fun outing a month.  I want to go to museums, the zoo, science center, trip around the city, etc. with the kids.  We don't get them out as much as we should.  There are so many places they have never been.
     * Take the kids for a weekend away.  We are planning on a trip to Virginia this summer for a long weekend or a week but we want to do a weekend away, maybe to an indoor water park hotel. We haven't made definite plans on when or which place yet, but we want to do it.
     * Make it to more of the kids' sporting events this spring.  The kids are both doing lacrosse and track & field and I want to be there to cheer them on and see them succeed.  I wasn't able to go to too many last year with work but I hope to this year.

FINANCES-

This could be a blog post on its own but I am going to keep it short and sweet.

     * Save money. We plan on putting away at least $25.00 a week to build up a savings plan.  I know that doesn't seem like much but we need to do it and well, most weeks, that is all we can afford to put away.  I've read the plan that a lot of people are using online, where you save the dollar amount equal to the week of the year.  It is just easier to do a straight $25 and call it a week.  Plus, you save the same amount, if not a little bit more, than that plan.
     * Work more.  Yes, you read that right.  I plan on working more hours to make more money.  I am able to work more than I do but I haven't been doing it.  I am reducing my days at the gym so that I can work more at the rink.

HEALTH-

I am all about improving our health this year.  I worked hard to get back into shape over the last year and I think that a ton more can be done in the way of our eating.  I am so guilty of preparing dinners out of convenience.  I am a box and bag kind of cook I'd say, at least 3-4 days a week.  Lately I have been doing better but I need to improve more.

     * Cook healthier meals that are not out of a box or bag.  Processed foods are not our friend.
     * Start incorporating the Paleo lifestyle into our meals.  I am doing research on this lifestyle and the benefits of it.  The concept is pretty simple actually and I have heard amazing things from people that live it. Words like "life changing" "never been healthier" have really appealed to me.  It's not all about losing weight for me, I want to be healthy.  I want my family to be healthy.
     * Drink more water.  The detox stage of the Paleo lifestyle (notice I am not calling it the Paleo Diet because it is a lifestyle change, not a diet) has you drinking a ton of water to flush your body and start fresh.
     * Schedule regular checkups for all of us.  I am always behind on these so I need to keep a better schedule of them.

FITNESS-

I couldn't not include fitness into my goals because it has become such a large part of me. I have a passion for working out and seeing how strong my body is and how I can change my body.

     * Run 14 races as a part of the 14in2014 group.  These will be a mixed bag of distances and races. Some will be virtual but I'd like to do as many "real" ones as possible. I actually hope to do more than 14.
     * Run two half marathons.  I ran one last year and I will be running that same one again this year but I'd like to add one more in for this year.  If I do them far enough apart, I think I will be fine.
     * Continue to do monthly challenges for different muscle groups.  It's amazing the things we can do as we build up to them.  I find these challenges really fun and I love that my daughter is doing them with me.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE-

So many people and organizations have been there for us over the past few years and I want to give back as much as possible.  We don't always have the resources to help but I will do what I can to help.  Even if it is just sharing on Facebook, I want to get the word out about the organizations that hold a special place in my heart.


The list is big, I know.  I can't do it all in one day that's why they are my yearly goals.  What are yours?  What are you hoping to achieve this year?

MAMAVATION MONDAY, ER TUESDAY: What I have been doing lately

It has been a very long time since I have posted a Mamavation Monday post and I'm not quite sure why.  I'm back though so here's my first post to get back into a routine....well, a day late but hey, it's progress, right?! 

Anyway, I have been working out but not as much as I probably should.  I am not participating in any monthly challenges or workout routines but I have been running a lot since I am in training for the half marathon.  Included in that training in cross training and strength.  I haven't been doing any big lifting but rather lower weights with more reps and I've been walking or doing ab work for my cross training. 

This month, I am going to participate in the Virtual Ride for Breast Cancer with Jess from Run With Jess.  I will be riding 31 miles this month, most likely in a few rides.  I can incorporate that into my cross training and it will help strengthen my legs and keep me aware. I would encourage everyone else to sign up too and we can all ride together!

I need to find a monthly challenge to do!  I think I will look for an ab one to do so that I can strengthen my midsection and core.  I haven't been pushing myself as hard as I should be so this is a target area for me to strengthen.  I love the monthly challenges because I don't lose focus and I am building up gradually instead of trying to go balls to the wall.  Yes, I just said that! haha.

What have you been doing lately?  Do you have any monthly goals this month?  My monthly goal is to run at least 50 miles which shouldn't be too hard for me since my daily runs are at least 5 miles.

Reaching For A Goal

Many times and many days, my running has been therapeutic.  I can get outside or go downstairs to the treadmill, turn on my music and just go.  I think about a lot of things and I've let go of a lot of things while running.  I have motivated myself, pushed myself and I've even cried a bit on the runs thinking about life, my family and tons of other things.

There is a sense of pride every time I reach my running goal.  Every mile is a victory for me.  I celebrate every single mile I achieve.  The time came for me a set myself a goal. 

I am currently training for my first half marathon!  I know a few people who have done them and they followed the 12 week training program that I am following now.  Hal Higdon has come up with these programs for all levels of ability. You can adjust them a bit to better suite your weekly schedule but I feel like his program isn't too daunting or scary.

I completed my first week of training on Sunday as the weeks run Monday through Sunday.  I did well and I was able to complete all my workouts.  There are three days of running, one day of rest, two days of cross training and one day of stretch and strengthening. 

I am planning on doing my first half marathon in October and the course is said to be mostly downhill and perfect for those doing their first half.  I don't know if I will make it to the race.....meaning if my body will be able to handle all the training but I am willing to give it my all in an effort to make it. 

I am not going to give up without a fight though.  I want to prove to myself and others that I can do this.  At this point, I do not have any timing goals or anything like that.  I am just plugging along the training schedule and taking it one day at a time.  I know it's not going to be easy but I am going to give it my all.

I Am A Sweat Pink Ambassador

As I make my way around the internet and find different groups of fitness-minded people, I am intrigued, inspired and motivated to just keep going.  I enjoy being a part of several groups where everyone is at different levels of fitness, running and life.  Some are true rookies, finding out how to take the first step and some are true mentors, having several dozen marathons or fitness competitions under their belt. 

I've learned that it doesn't matter which category you are in.  There are going to be people to cheer you on, give you advice, keep you motivated and to be there to support you when you need it for whatever reason. 

One of the groups that really caught my attention was the Sweat Pink community.  There are so many wonderful ladies in this community that are raising awareness, doing great things in the fitness community.  I wanted to be a part of this movement to help motivate and get people moving.  I applied to be a Sweat Pink Ambassador awhile ago because I feel like I have something to offer others.  I am not an expert, I'm not perfect and my mind, body and spirit are a work in progress but I wanted to help. 

I was accepted as a Sweat Pink Ambassador!  I got the email to let me know and I almost started screaming at work!  I was so excited and honored to be a part of this. 

This means that I am going to help as much as I can when someone says that they want to get healthy.  I have already encouraged two people to run their first 5k.  One friend did her first one two weeks ago and she was so proud of herself.  She cried as she crossed that finish line because she pushed herself and beat her goal time by 5 minutes!  The other friend is training for her first one and we will be doing that one together in two weeks.  I cannot wait to run across that finish line together with her. 

I was so happy to receive my official Sweat Pink tank top and pink laces.  As I find those special ladies who have pushed themselves and complete things that they didn't think they could do, I will be giving them those pink laces to let them know that I am proud of them, that they did it....all on their own. 

I finished my last 5k in my Sweat Pink tank and here's the pic:

I don't know if I can change the world but fitness and running has changed my life and I hope to help others find what makes them happy and fit and encourage them to change their lives. 

MAMAVATION MONDAY: Running past my goal, The Skirt and Stepping it up

As I have talked about a few times, I am running (I know, I realize that it seems to be the only thing I am talking about these days) and I made it a goal to run 20 miles during the month of January.  I really thought this would be a pretty lofty goal but as of this morning, I am at 36 miles for the month!  I am now hoping to get in four more miles by Thursday so that I can say I doubled my goal! I am so excited about this because I have been one of those people who sets a goal and starts off strong and then forgets about it a few weeks later. I have to say that I enjoy running so I think I will be able to continue on this running trend for quite some time. 

A month ago, I tried on a skirt that I will be wearing in my brother's wedding in July.That is when I knew that I really needed to get in shape and slim down my waistline.  I ordered a size medium thinking that it wouldn't be too hard to fit nicely into it.  That was the size I tried on.  I now have the skirt in my closet to look at to make sure I stay on track and fit into it come July.  It does fit a little bit better than it did a few weeks ago but not good enough.  I clearly have more work to do to look good in the skirt! It is a good thing to have it in the closet where I can see it everyday though.  It's motivation. 

Along with running and trying to eat healthier, I am going to try to up my workouts and make sure I am working my abs and arms.  I need to tighten up those areas and get some definition.  A few years ago, I did just that and I was so happy with the results so I am striving for that again.  I received a prize pack from a giveaway and it is a DVD series of dance instruction from the Jabbawockeez.  They were a group from MTV's America's Best Dance Crew.  I saw them on the show and they were amazing.  I love to dance so this series is good for me and I might even be able to show off some of my new dance skills at the wedding in July. ;)

It's a Crazy Thought

For years I said I wanted to be a runner and now I am starting to consider myself a runner.  I don't run every single day but I feel I do it regularly enough for it to be a habit and a hobby.  I know I will never break any speed records or time records but that's okay, that's not my goal.  I just fee proud when I finish a run in a respectable amount of time.

After I did a few 5K races, I said that I would love to one day run a half marathon but that seems like a really lofty goal.  I mean, that is 13.1 miles of running.  That's a lot of running. 

I have a friend that did a training program for half marathons and so far she has run two of them and she has said that I should train and do one too.  She says it is totally doable and if I want to do one, I just need to make the decision to be diligent and do it. 

I've started looking at training guides for half marathons, just in case I decide that the timing is right.  I have found a few different ones but they all seem to be about the same.  I like this one, it is very gradual:

Source: Uploaded by user via Alison on Pinterest

It seems to be attainable.  The only problem for me is, if I do a training program I need to make a goal date and begin at a time that coincides with the race date.  However, what if I register for a half marathon with every intent to run it and I injure myself or something happens and I can't run it? Do I just continue to run until I can find a half marathon that works for me?! 

A lot of this is still in my head and it is a lot to think about because it is a commitment I'd have to make to myself.  However, isn't my personal motto, "you are worth it!?"

MAMAVATION MONDAY: Setting myself up for success, running and weigh-ins

I feel like in order for me to reach my goals, I need to create smaller milestones to celebrate and keep myself going.  The goal of losing 2 pounds each month is a great one for me because I don't have to look at the whole picture just yet.  I can (hopefully) lose those two pounds and feel proud and move on to the next goal without worrying about the end result.  Again, it isn't just about numbers, I need to fit into that skirt in July and hopefully have enough room to eat dinner too! ;)

I have been running semi-consistent.  I ran 3 days last week which is pretty good for me considering that I have to do my running outside and it is January in Pennsylvania.  The weather cleared pretty nicely here so I was able to do two days of 3.6 miles and one day of 2 miles.  I am finding that I am doing better at running and I am pacing myself pretty nicely. I thought at first that it was my dog that had me going so well but then when I ran yesterday with my son, I made even better timing, shaving a full minute off my total time.  That is amazing to me and I didn't feel like I was going any faster than the previous time.  Once I got within 3 minutes of my first time, I knew I wanted to beat that time and I picked up the pace lol!

I am enjoying the running though.  I do need to do more training for my breathing.  I am struggling to find the right rhythm of breathing so I do cramp up a bit on my right side and I end up having to walk a bit to calm that down.  I'm not quite sure which breathing method is best just yet but I hope to figure that out soon. I have seen some articles on that very subject so I need to go back and read them.  I find myself trying to do a count to stay on track but then my breathing gets away from that count so that isn't the answer for me.  I also tend to just let it go and try to think about other things and sometimes that works, to just not think about the breathing but instead get into a rhythmic cadence instead.

I hope to continue running on a regular basis.  I made a goal of running a total of 20 miles this month and so far I am at 12.1 so I am off to a great start.  I may even surpass that goal and I won't be purposely stopping at 20 miles, I will keep going if I can. I like the challenge of pushing myself to see how much I can do.  I didn't want to set myself up for failure by putting up a crazy number and 20 seemed reasonable to me. 

My weigh-ins haven't been anything to celebrate as I'm not showing a loss but I know that muscle and fat are very different and my clothes are still fitting nicely so I'm okay with the numbers.  I am noticing the arm measurements going down which is very nice.  The other measurements are staying steady at this point but I anticipate that to change as I continue to run and do my weight training.  I'd like to add in more cardio so I may be adding in some zumba to my daily routine.  Maybe the days I don't run, I can do the zumba instead. 

Anndd...I am going off for a run, today is the last nice day here so I gotta get it in today before we are back to cold and snow!

Mamavation Monday: Still losing, trying with the foods and exhaustion

The Bob Harper Live challenge, for me, seemed like a starting point. I got back into the routine of working out and watching what I was eating. I did well with the challenge and by the time the two weeks was up, I felt a lot better than I had in a very long time. I still feel pretty good. I noticed that I sort of slacked off with the workouts, the weather got colder and I wasn't running outside anymore, I didn't have the Bob Harper Live site to go to for workouts but I did remember a lot of the exercises that I loved. I slacked off a bit. Then, I realized that I missed how good I was feeling and I needed to get back to it. I worked out the other day and I am sore today! I love when I am sore because then I know I got a workout so I'm feeling good. I also have lost another half pound so that is a plus!! I am hoping to lose another 11 pounds overall to get to where I would love to be. I haven't really set a goal date though so I need to do that. I plan on continuing to eat healthy and make healthier choices overall in life. I want to remain active and feeling good so I am going to do what I need to in order to keep it up. I have some 5Ks coming up that I need to prepare for, the first one being in January so I need to get on with it!

MAMAVATION MONDAY: 2 Week Challenge Ends, Thoughts and Wrap Up

 

 

So, I survived the Bob Harper Live 2 week challenge with Mamavation!  I have found that I really enjoy working out and it was so nice to get back into a routine of working out and living a healthier lifestyle. 

 

My stats are the same as last week so in the second week, there was no final change.  My numbers went up and down over the course of the week but I ended at the same stats. 

 

I feel like the second week was easier, the workouts were still very tough and I was always sweating and breathing heavy but I think I was getting stronger, which is always the goal.  I feel like I am on my way to a better body, a better self image and a better health evaluation. 

 

I know which exercises I love to do so I will be continuing to do them.  I find that I love when I am sore a day or two after working out because then I know that I worked hard and I am changing my muscles. 

 

I liked the two week challenge because it was like I was restarting my exercise routine and doing a 2 week challenge was manageable and it wasn't overwhelming to start off.  Had it been a six week challenge or so, I probably would have gotten bored with it.  I had fun and so now I know that I can continue to workout and enjoy the exercises I am doing. 

.“This post is sponsored by Hoopnotica and hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway”

MAMAVATION MONDAY: Finished Week 1, Working Out, Weigh-In and Moving Forward

 

 

Okay, I finished Week one of the 2 week Bob Harper Live challenge through Mamavation!  I feel great and I think I am learning some things as far as workouts go. 

 

I have pushed myself every single day to get in a workout and really put forth the effort to get as much out of each workout as possible.  I have sweat everyday and been sore everyday and that is how I know that I am doing well.  If I wasn't sore, I would know that I wasn't working hard enough.

 

I will post my stats at the end to show my progress, I am really pleased so far with my progress!

 

Bob Harper really has great workouts and I am enjoying them.  On the days when a new circuit is not released, I love going in and checking out the Team Bob workouts and finding one that I want to try.  I have found some that I plan on doing and some that I want to do again.  I also really love the recipes.  I tried one lunch on Saturday and it was good.  I hope to try several more through the next month. 

 

Moving forward, my goal is to continue on with the workouts, continue to eat healthy and just be mindful of what I am doing or not doing so that I can benefit the most from this opportunity.

 

 

STATS:

 

Starting Weight: 143.7lbs.                                  After Week 1:  141.9lbs.

Arms: L 11.5" R 11.5"                                        Arms: L 11"  R 11"

Waist:  34in.                                                        Waist:  33in.

Hips: 37.5in.                                                        Hips: 37.5in.

Thighs: L 22, R 22                                               Thighs: L22, R 22

 

I am happy with the results so far, I am actually surprised, quite frankly, I didn't think I would notice such a difference so soon.  I thought that maybe after the two weeks, maybe I would lose a pound or two but to lost almost 2 pounds after only one week.  I'm excited and I can't wait to see what the results are after the challenge is over and then again after a month!  I am motivated and ready to really kick some butt!!

 “This post is sponsored by Bengay Zero Degrees and hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway” 

I Made It

Well, it is Friday and I woke up and worked out this morning. That means that I worked out with Bob Harper every single morning since Monday and that was a goal of mine for this week. I feel great, I still have a lot of work to do and I plan on working out again tomorrow morning. I had to take my Lincoln to the doctor this morning because of a pesky cough that just will not go away. I was relieved to hear that it is not pneumonia or an ear infection but it is a sinus infection. He gets to have a few weeks of amoxicillin to clear out the infection and make his way back to better. I am so excited for this weekend. I can't wait to relax and do fun things all weekend like Trick or Treating, getting together with friends and then the Steeler game on Sunday with friends. Oh and not to mention the extra hour of sleep we will get when we turn the clocks back an hour!! Woo hoo! Have a great weekend!

MAMAVATION MONDAY: Week 1, Day 1 Thoughts

 

Today marks Week 1, Day 1 of the 2 week challenge and I just finished my first workout provided by Bob Harper, trainer on The Biggest Loser.  I really didn't know what to expect.  I looked at the circuit outline and watched the demo videos to make sure that I would do the exercises correctly. I made it through the entire workout but it was tough!!

 

When you look at the exercise, they arent' anything complex or not crazy enough to confuse you, they start off pretty simple...looking.  By the third set of the Part B workout, I was exhausted and not sure if I could pull it off.  I did and I feel great.  I know, for a fact, that I will be sore later or tomorrow but it is well worth it.  I am worth it. 

 

I am doing this challenge for me.  I want to change my body, my life, my health.  I don't have any health problems right now but I am not getting younger.  I want to work hard now to live a lifestyle that leads to problem free health. I want to show my kids that it is important to take care of ourselves and do what we can to stay healthy and fit. 

 

I took my starting weight and measurements and I'm hoping to see improvements at the end of the next two weeks.  I know I will feel better.

 

We aren't required to announce our starting measurements but I am:

 

10/29/12

Weight: 143.9lbs.

Arms: L 11.5, R 11.5

Waist: 34

Hips: 37.5

Thighs: L 22, R 22

 

I can't believe I just did that!!  Ack for accountability! ;)





Nervous and Excited

Monday begins the 2 week health and fitness challenge that I am doing through Mamavation!  I am nervous and excited at the same time. 

On one hand, here is a great opportunity to work with the Bob Harper from The Biggest Loser using his site with daily workouts, food suggestions and recipes, healthy living advice and so much more.  I am so lucky, it is like having my very own dietician and personal trainer!!  Something that I really need and have wanted for a long time.  I am so thankful to Mamavation for the opportunity!

On the other hand, I am so nervous that I am going to struggle to keep up.  I have a very busy schedule but I always try to take time out for myself using the mantra, "you are worth it." I will be doing the daily workouts in the mornings and using his advice for my eating.  I hope I am strong enough to do the things he wants me to!  I think most times it is mind over matter with exercise.  You can be totally exhausted and your mental encouragement allows you to finish big, or you can be mentaly defeated and the struggle is far worse. 

I'm going in totally pumped for this chance to change a lot of things about myself and learn more about myself at the same time.

Mamavation Monday: Getting the Hang of Things, Goals, Workouts

 

 

When I first heard about Mamavation, I really wasn't quite sure what the heck it was.  I just saw that my friend was posting the hashtag on Twitter and posting about health and fitness and challenges.  I was intrigued and wanted to know more. I read a little about it on their website and that was it. I was so busy and really didn't have time to commit to all the stuff that it entailed. 

 

 

Then, I got serious.  I wanted to see my former self again, I wanted to get myself into better shape and health.  I took a second look at Mamavation and I decided that, yes, I am worth the time to pledge.  I am worth the dedication it takes to get back to where I want to me.  I am worth it.

 

So here I am.  I am now a part of this inspiring, supportive, wonderful community.  I was asked to be a Sista of the Mamavation. I couldn't be any happier or honored to accept the invitation. 

 

I am still getting the hang of things with Mamavation, there is a lot of information and ways to connect that I need to just keep learning and getting it better. 

 

I am starting with a few goals this week. 

 

I hope to continue with my arm workouts each morning and evening.  I have done very well with these with exception to this weekend.  We were on the go all weekend and I didn't get them in but today is a new day.  That is an important lesson...don't look back, look forward with your eyes on the prize. 

 

I plan to do a cardio workout each day this week.  I will be rotating different workouts found on Pinterest so that I stay engaged and don't get bored. 

 

I would love to go running one or two days this week as the weather here is going to be beautiful!  We are going to be in the 70's here all week.  If I do run, it will be interval training through the Couch to 5K program, I use the app on my phone for that so it is convenient. 

 

If I don't run, I may get in a bike ride.  I haven't gotten on my bike in quite awhile but I do love the breeze and sunshine so what better way to enjoy that than on a bike?

 

As far as eating, I am learning the art of calorie counting.  I have never used this method before so it is new to me and I am also using an app for that.  My friend uses MyFitnessPal and so I loaded that onto my phone and I used it on Thursday as a test run and it was easy and is such a great way to do it.  I will use this week as a sort of baseline to see what I need to change, what my bad habits are, where I get most of my calories from, etc. A science experiment of sorts. lol.

 

So those are my goals for this week.  I really hope to get all that in this week.  I have so much going on in my life right now but as I said before, I am worth it!

Mamavation Monday: Small Steps to Big Leaps

 I posted my fitness/weight goals and I have gotten started. 

I have really been utilitizing Pinterest for my home workouts.  It is amazing how you can find so many different workouts to do and you could do a different one every single day if you wanted to.  I haven't been doing anything crazy like the Insanity workouts but I've been doing small, short workouts that really target certain areas or get my heart going.

I did find an arm workout that I really like and I've been doing that every single morning for almost a week.  I haven't been keeping track of measurements so I have no idea if there is a difference in my arms yet but I like the workout so I will continue that for awhile until I feel that I can add more weight on to it. I am doing it now with 2lb. weights to start out.  I don't want to start out by doing too much because then I will be more likely to give it up. 

This is my arm workout that I do daily:


I usually start out with this then I find a total body, thigh, lower body, core or any workout that I feel like doing.  This morning I did a good workout that got my heart rate up.  I would say it was a total body workout as it worked my arms, abs, legs, and core. 

Here is the workout I did this morning after my arm workout


It was tough and I was sweating and breathing hard but that is a good thing.  That is what I want.  I want a workout that I know is making me push myself. 

I feel great after this workout and I know that I can go through the rest of the day knowing that I accomplished this tough one.  I look forward to working out again tomorrow.  I may start doing the arm workout again before bed at night.  Just for something a little extra.

So far, my weight has remained the same.  I am okay with that because I know this is not an overnight process.  This will take time.  I have a long range goal and I know the road is long and winding, but I can do this!

Reclaiming Me

If you are a mom, you know how easy it is to lose yourself.  We are so busy taking care of everyone else that we get lost in the bottles, diapers, preschool, projects, sports, activities, running errands and 4372980432 other things that somehow we forget who we are. 

I am no different.  I have been a mom for 12, almost 13 years and the sense of myself has ebbed and flowed a few times.  I have lost myself, found myself and lost myself again.  I have been lost for a few years.  I was busy working full time outside of the home and being a taxi driver, nurse, teacher, cook, therapist, etc.  You get the point. 

I have been watching my friend, Kat, for awhile now through Facebook and Twitter.  She has found herself in a huge way.  She has been working so hard and so diligently to lost a lot of weight and live a healthier lifestyle.  She is a true inspiration to me and I want to follow in her footsteps. 

Four years ago, I started going to a gym and working out.  I was dedicated and my husband joined me in working out and with his help and guidance, along with some great classes at the gym, I lost 22lbs in six months.  I was so happy, I was so proud and I was in the best shape I had been in since high school....maybe even better shape than high school!  I felt amazing. 

Then, I started working full time and was going to the gym less and less.  I was eating more and more and working out maybe one day a week.  A drastic drop from the 5 days a week I was going. 

My husband just started a new job and in six weeks, he has lost a total of 27lbs. and he looks good.  He hasn't been working out but apparently, the job itself is enough of a workout to help him lose that much.  Another factor is his drinking.  He wasn't an alcoholic by any means but he drinks waaayy less now that he needs to be up extra early and works long hours.  There just isnt' enough downtime.  Anyway, he has lost this weight and he is going to start working out soon so that he can tone up his muscles and maybe even bulk up a bit.  He is going to look amazing. 

I need to get there too.  I need to get some weight off and tone up.  I need to feel good again and be healthy and show my kids what it means to life a healthy lifestyle and remain active so that I can keep up with them! 

I have some goals already, nothing too extreme or unrealistic.  In fact, they are very atainable. 

My goals:

* Lose 11 pounds to a goal weight of 130lbs. 
* Tone my arms and legs
* Strengthen my core and feel those abs again

Nothing too crazy, right?! 

I can do this.  I have done it before and I know I can do it again.  One thing I have this time around and I didn't last time was Pinterest.  Yes, I said Pinterest. I have found some really great workouts on there that I can do at home and that only take out a half hour of my day!  I will have a membership to my gym again so that will also help.  I will be able to workout and run at the gym when the weather is bad.  I can go there while Lincoln is in school in the afternoons. 

So, if you follow me on Twitter or Facebook, please excuse all the workout or fitness posts you will be seeing.  I know it can be annoying but honestly, for me, it is a way for me to stay accountable and posting about it helps me. 

I'm on my way back to being me, the me that I can be proud of and show the world.  The me that is important and confident.  The me that can walk around with my head held high and maybe even inspire others.

A Taste of Yesterday

Well, my husband did it!  He played his heart out at the alumni game and he lasted the entire game! 

He had to be there early to get all the equipment and get ready.  When we got there, there were several of the younger guys there and when they saw Chuck walking toward them, there were whispers but I could hear them.  It was all I could do to not bust out laughing. 

"Oh my gosh, that's Chuck!"  "Hey guys, Chuck is here, oh my gosh!"

You see, to them, Chuck is like a legend.  I know that sounds weird but for years the coaches mentioned his name, they told stories about him and these kids were a lot younger and have never met him, only heard of him.  It really is strange but really funny to me. 

I was nervous about this game.  He was playing with kids that are a lot younger than him and he hasn't practiced or worked out for this game.  He was going in and winging it.  It's not that he's overweight or anything, In fact, he's only 20lbs. heavier than he was in high school.  I wish I could say the same!

When the game started, I got really nervous and anxious to see him out there.  They put him in for the first defensive play and he went in as a linebacker.  The play starts, he goes up against a big kid and he ended up on his butt!  We all laughed in the stands and I watched to make sure that he wasn't hurt. 

He played a lot during the entire game, he played all four quarters!  He survived!  I am so proud of him.  He helped with a few of the tackles and he ran his butt off. 

The kids thought it was really strange to see their dad out on the field playing but I know that they loved it.  When the announcer called his name after he helped make a tackle, we all went crazy cheering but I heard the kids yelling, "Yeah Dad!!!" Best cheers of the night, by far. 

He plans on playing again next year but he plans on working out up until that game so he can be in better shape and maybe even run the ball a bit next year!  He had a lot of fun and will be sore today but in the end, he did it and I really couldn't be prouder.  I really enjoyed watching him out there, I have missed seeing him play and it brought back so many memories of what was years ago but only seems like yesterday.