Going against the "norm"

I know it's frowned upon to toot your own horn, but in a world filled with negativity, I feel I have to in order to toss some positivity out there. Don't like it? Tough.

Ready - here we go.
I have successfully made it to the beginning of week 5 in my 8.5 week program. For those of you that know me, this is HUGE. I usually have quit by now, but no - I'm looking forward to working out when I get home each night, and tonight I'll be adding onto my workout with a trial run of Insanity, as I wasn't able to go for my walk today. This is HUGER (totally made up word, but it works), as I always thought anyone who would do Insanity on purpose was, well, insane. (Love you, Lauren!)

We've been eating better, working out, and I have seen a noticeable difference. Sunday, I tried out a new church and wore a dress I haven't worn since before I met my husband, and that was 8 years ago. I could still fit in it, I just didn't like the way I filled it out. Sunday? Yeah, I still have a ways to go, but I thought I rocked it even with a few trouble areas. This morning I slid into my skinny jeans like they were nothing.

I love this feeling, I love the 'under construction' me, and I love the new friends I've made on this journey. I have become a more positive person, and I've even noticed my swearing is going down! How cool is that?

On to figuring out dinner and getting my workout(s) in. Woohoo!

This is new...

I walked 2.11 miles on my lunch break, which was nice. The MapMyFitness app decided halfway through the walk that it wouldn't work, so I had to come back to the office and manually plug it in - not a huge hassle, but annoying.

When I got home, halfway through my workout, I felt and heard a small "pop!" Wasn't entirely sure what it was, and I didn't feel any pain (assumed it was my hip, as sometimes it does that, and it was in that vicinity), so I kept going. I finished with my workout, started sucking down water like it was going out of style, and plugged my workout into the two dashboards on both Beachbody and MapMyFitness, then went to take a shower. When I started getting undressed, I found out what the pop was - the elastic in my underwear had given. Now, I'm not a big girl - last I weighed myself I was in the 124-127 range - so I know it wasn't my waistline that broke them. These didn't get worn that often, so I can only think it was a crappily made elastic band. Weirdness.

Anyway, Combat 30 is in the bag! Tomorrow is a rest day, so I'm off to sleep in til 6:30! I've been doing this anyway, but I'm thinking Friday will be my get-your-butt-outta-bed-at-5:30 day. Gotta start sometime, so it might as well be then.

Oh, so my 2 mile walk plus workout netted me over 10,000 steps today! Woo!

Zach and I were talking tonight, and he said he noticed some definition in my arms, legs, and back, so this is really paying off. See for yourself!

I didn't take any of my legs, but they are looking better. Slow and steady wins the race. I have this tacked up in my bathroom to remind me, and I'll put it here as well, for those who may be getting discouraged:

Have a good night, all!

That's how you get results!

I worked my butt off last night, quite literally. Les Mills Combat 60 has lots of punching, kicking, and other fat blasting moves. 30 minutes in, I knew without looking down that I was glistening from sweat. By the time the 60 minutes were over, I was dripping sweat onto my hardwood floors. Sitting down for a rest just turned me into an upright salt block, as Lola came and licked my arms and legs - that girl has a love affair with all things salt, as she'll even lick it off the popcorn if I give her a kernel. After getting a bath a la cat, I hopped in the shower and prayed I'd have enough energy to make dinner.

I was exhausted yesterday, as Lola and humidity in the house kept us up for the majority of Sunday night into Monday morning. No idea what her deal was, but she was bound and determined we were going to be awake. I had to mentally fight myself all the way home to change into my workout clothes and put the DVD in. Each thought of "You need to do your workout" was meant with "But I'm so tired!" Tell you what, I DIED last night. When I finally fell into bed around 9, I had turned on the Friends episodes I've been watching before bed (making my way through all 10 seasons). I got through one entire episode, and I don't remember anything until I woke up again at 11 something to send Zach a text message telling him to keep it down in the family room, as he and some friends were playing on the Xbox, and with 12 foot ceilings in our family room, the sound carries. Fell back asleep and remember nothing else til Lola came in at 5 wanting breakfast. My shoulders killed, my obliques killed, and my legs didn't want to hold me up. I laid back down til almost 7, then talked myself into getting in the shower to wash my hair - no way would my abs allow me to bend over the bathtub to run my head under the faucet.

This is my 'after' photo from last night. I gave up on my glasses at the 45 minute point, as they wouldn't stay on my face, and it's hard to push them up constantly when you're supposed to be throwing jabs, uppercuts, and kicking roundhouses. As that one lady says, "Ain't nobody got time for that." Off they came, and I did the rest of it a little too close to the TV so I could see. I may have to talk to my eye doctor about contacts when I see him again in March. I seriously love this program. One of my girlfriends is in love with Insanity, but if I ever became certified to teach one of these programs, Body Combat would be it. Our next house better have a basement, as I need a home gym with a speed bag and heavy weight bag!

Being my best me

I am on FIRE today! After my meeting with Lauren about coaching stuff, we went to Walmart and bought (me) a planner and (Lauren) a white board, pens, and a whole slew of other things needed for our businesses. I then came home, ate some cereal, and tried my hand (feet?) at jogging. After a sharp pain through my shins, I decided walking was the way to go, and walked around McCutcheon High School, the neighborhood across the street, and my own neighborhood for a total of 5,814 step or 2.89 miles,  however you prefer to look at it. I skipped my Les Mills workout last night, and tried do to do it this morning, but I got 1/4 of the way through Plyo, and my knees gave out. Gonna listen to my body and call it a day. Guess I'll be working on my business stuff instead, plus I need to vacuum the house.

Well that's disappointing...

I've been drinking water lately like a fish. I've gone a week without coffee. This morning, my coworker stopped at McDonald's to pick up breakfast, and asked if I wanted a coffee or sweet tea. It's Friday, I'll be working it off later, so I said 'yes, please' to a sweet tea. I'm maybe a quarter of the way through it, and I can't drink anymore, just because I feel sick to my stomach.

Same thing with another coworker, although she announced on Facebook this morning that she has officially gone a full year without her morning Diet Coke. It has been replaced by a glass of water every morning, AND she's been getting up early to go for morning walks before work. Go Amanda!

Surround yourself with awesomeness, and you shall become awesome as well! I'm happy to say that many of my friends and family have jumped on the healthy bandwagon, so it's easier to maintain my own healthy eating and workouts. Now if only this rain would stop, and I could go for a jog. We're starting to feel like Noah up in here.


So yesterday was a rest day. I'm happy to say that my brain is finally along for the ride, and I had to check my schedule several times to remind myself that no, in fact, I don't have a workout today. I still managed to do some pushups and tricep dips against the counter while my lunch nuked yesterday, however. Would have gone for a walk, but again, you have to be a duck to truly enjoy this weather. I'm kind of thinking I may go for a jog tonight, weather permitting or not.

Go be awesome!

Update

I tried doing my workout last night with our new kitten running around. I didn't get much accomplished, but I did get a cute workout out of it. Tonight, I let him out of his room (he'd been in there since 8:30 the night before, as that's when he crashed, and we'd been at work all day) and let him terrorize our other cat while I got my workout in. I didn't get a whole lot accomplished at first, just because he kept trying to play with my shoe laces. One accidental kick, though, and he pretty much decided Lola would be a more fun item to play with. And yes, Oscar is fine - he just squeaked at me and walked away. Squeaked because I'm pretty sure he's swallowed his meow. Or wasn't born with one.

I am halfway through week 3 of 9 of this program! Kind of exciting, as week 3 is usually when I crap out on these things and have to start over. It helps that Dan Cohen, who is one of the hosts of the program, is not bad to look at. Probably just because he's got muscles with a few tattoos sprinkled in, and a British accent. Whatever it is, it's a motivator.

Now when I say this is a 9 week program, I mean part one is a 9 week program. There are two other parts to this - Ultimate Warrior is 9 weeks on it's own, and Supreme Warrior is another 9 weeks. I can't remember what this first round is called, but it teaches the moves that will come in the other DVDs and gets the body used to the flow, as well as build up the muscles needed to continue on (and boy, do you build them!) with the rest of the program.

I haven't seen too much of a difference yet, but I have FELT the difference. Ok, I take that back - I have biceps and triceps forming, and if I clench my stomach muscles and poke at them, they're hard under the flab. Yea! 

Ok, now I don't workout in front of people. I may have gone over this before, but I have this irrational fear that people are judging me. Since all I've ever wanted is for everyone in the world to be happy, healthy, etc., the last thing I want is to be judged. BUT, one of my best good friends does Zumba. I have the DVDs, but I've always wanted to try the class. My fear keeps holding me back, however, so I haven't gone. I'm still not entirely sure I'm going to go this week (it's on Tuesdays and Thursdays), but I'm at least thinking enough about it that I may try tomorrow.

Kudos to you if you caught the movie reference. Happy Wednesday!

What's the deal?

I've had a few questions about this shakeology stuff. What is it? Does it taste good (the answer is yes)? What's in it? Here are some of the things you'll find on the bag itself:

Unless you're a regular member of society, however, that may not tell you much. So, let's break it down! (Snatched from http://sweetlifefitness.net/shakeology/shakeology-ingredients/)

Shakeology Ingredients – The Everyday Ingredients

Even though I call these “everyday ingredients”, they are still hard to understand. You may have seen these before in other foods, but here is what they do and why they are important for your health.

• Folic Acid (50% of DV): This ingredient can also be referred to as Vitamin M or B9. Folic acid has many benefits including: Stroke reduction, Sperm Quality (in males, helps reduce chromosomal defects in sperm), Macular Degeneration (In Fact, a study was completed where women have reduced potential for degeneration by 34.7%).

• Biotin (30% of DV): Also know as Vitamin H. Biotin’s primary purpose is to help break down fatty cells and help metabolism (fat burner, baby!)

• Pantothenic acid (50% of DV): This ingredient (Vitamin B5) helps with oxygen utilization efficiency. What does that mean? It helps fuel oxygen to your muscles, which reduces muscle soreness and aches.

• Phosphorous (25% of DV): Having this ingredient daily can help strengthen tooth enamel. This leads to stronger teeth and prevention of early tooth decay.

• Iodine (35% of DV): This ingredient is widely known to help with your thyroid. But not only that, iodine is beneficial for breast, stomach, brain, and other important tissues. Not having enough (or having TOO much) can cause problems for these vital tissues (source here).

• Magnesium (20% of DV): magnesium helps regulates blood sugar, and keeps heart rhythm running, strong bones, and your immune system in check.

• Zinc (40% of DV): this is a great ingredient and supplement you should always have. Zinc is beneficial for your immune system. Better than that, it helps decrease the acceleration of skin and muscle aging. Not only that, it can be beneficial for your digestive trac (with proven abilities to reduce and eliminate diarrhea episodes, according to Bhutta, 2000).

• Copper (40% of DV): not having enough copper in your diet can lead towards deficiencies such as osteoporosis, infections, and glucose problems. Copper ingests into your liver and spreads through your bloodstream to regulate your blood sugar and benefit your bones and glucose levels significantly.

• Manganese (100% of DV): a beautiful ingredient that helps your body properly digest and use the other ingredients like zinc, copper, and iron better. Not only that, there have been studies that show that manganese can help treat things like: epilepsy, asthma, diabetes, Schizophrenics, Rheumatoid arthritis, Multiple sclerosis, heart disease, and more. A powerful ingredient that gives you 100% DV in one serving of Shakeology.

• Chromium (50% of DV): Chromium enhances the production of insulin in your body. Insulin helps with the metabolism and storage of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in your body. This in turn can help regulate potential for diabetes and speed up that metabolism a bit.

• Molybdenum (40% of DV): Similar to phosphorus, this ingredient helps strengthen tooth enamel and helps prevent tooth decay. Smile my friends, it’s a helpful ingredient to have in your diet!

As you can see, even the “basic” foundation of Shakeology Ingredients boasts some good benefits. So the big question is: ok great, why can’t we just eat healthy and get these? You can! The only thing you should consider is the price. To match the serving of all of these ingredients in everyday food will cost you more than a $4.33 serving of Shakeology.

Next we will explore Proprietary Superfoods. This will be the longer of the sections as this is the bulk of Shakeology ingredients.

Shakeology Ingredients – The Proprietary Superfoods

• Proprietary Protein Blend: Proteins are important for mental clarity, lean muscle building, improving skin and hair, and reducing cravings. The proprietary superfoods in this blend include: Whey, Sacha Inchi, Chia, Flax, Quinoa, Amaranth, Brown Rice, Pea.

• Proprietary Super-Fruit/Antioxidant Blend: promotes antioxidant support for a healthy immune system, heart, and optimal blood pressure. The proprietary superfoods in this blend include: Camu-Camu, Acai, Acerola Cherry, Bilberry, Goji Berry, Grape Seed, Green Tea, Lun Hao Guo, Pomegranate, Rose Hips.

• Proprietary Super-Green/Phytonutrient Blend: This is an interesting blend of the Shakeology ingredients, mainly because of what it can do. It detoxifies! The liver, kidneys, and blood get detoxification benefits that restore health and vitality. Superfoods in this blend include: Moringa, Chlorella, Spirulina, Spinach, Barley Grass, Kamut Grass, Wheat Grass, Oat Grass.

• Proprietary Adaptogen Blend: this helps protect the body from stress, supports the immune system, and balances the endocrine system. Superfoods that support this blend include: Ashwagandha, Astragalus, Cordyceps, Ginkgo, Maca, Maitake, Reishi, Schisandra, Tulsi (Holy Basil).

• Proprietary Pre- and Probiotic/Digestive Enzyme Blend: helps increase nutrition absorption, promotes regularity, and improves digestion. Superfoods in this blend include: Yacon Root, Lactobacillus Sporogenes, Amylase, Cellulase, Lactase, Lipase, Protease, Bromelain, Papain.

Shakeology Ingredients – The “Other” Ingredients

Ingredients to any foods are good to look at consistently. You never know what lies beneath until you turn over to the nutrition facts and look at the bottom. Let’s look at the “other” ingredients listed on the Shakeology bag, and what they mean, and if they are bad for you.

• Natural Sweetener Blend (Non-GMO Fructose, Stevia): this is how the 6 grams of sugar in each serving come to being. But unlike other “diet” and health shakes that used the cursed “Aspartame”, Shakeology has NO aspartame and uses Stevia. Stevia is found in sunflower family of sweetleaf and sugarleaf. The sweetness ends up being 300 times more sweet than artificial flavorings. The best part is, it controls diet by giving you less carbs and less chance of disease and study-proven cancer like Aspartame.

• Natural Chocolate Flavor: this means that the flavor of chocolate is derived from a cacao plant, which produces natural cocoa.

• Xanthan Gum: I see this in a lot of different foods that I eat (along with Guar Gum). This is basically a laxitive ingredient that helps with food thickening. There are no bad studies that I have found on this ingredient, but it can contain very small doses of wheat.

• Guar Gum: according to Wikipedia, this gum can help with digestion and regularity. It has a significant amount of soluble fiber which helps promote this effort, and is used for most foods to thicken appearance. Again, I couldn’t find anything too risky on this ingredient either.

Shakeology Ingredients – Good or Bad?

Some of these ingredients make me want to mix up a shake right now. Others like Xanthan Gum and Guar Gum have me suspicious, even though I never found anything bad about them. Either way, the benefits far out weigh any concerns.

Trying to get all of these supplements in your daily diet would cost you a ton of money. Unless you are Donald Trump or Bill Gates, this would be a bit too much (around $1256.40 per month, at $41.88 per day). One serving of Shakeology is around $4.33 or $129.95 per month.

So, there you have it! Thank you to author Bob Sharpe, who did all the homework for me so I could borrow it.

What's your fight?

Doubling up today on posts. My friend is always asking new people to our team, "What's your why?" She means why are you doing this? What is driving you to become a better you? We all have something that drives us. Lauren's is for herself, being better than she was when she first started. Another friend of mine does what she does for her kids. Mine? Mine is for a whole slew of reasons.

• I don't want to get the Dexter spread that plagues the other women in my family (huge rack and a caboose to match)
• I want to be the best me possible
• After so many years of going to the doctor once, twice, three times a year, I'm sick of being sick and tired
• I want to be able to fit in the slim & trim section
• I like feeling healthier
• I like being chased around the house by my husband, and knowing I worked for that "Woooooo!" I get from him when I'm scantily clad and headed for the shower
• I want to be able to get back to pre-baby weight faster after having our child
• I want to be a role model for others, proof that if my lazy butt can get off the couch and workout, they sure as hell can

That being said, the health and fitness lifestyle is not easy. You may be craving a milky way, but you eat a handful of almonds instead. Pizza? How about grilled chicken. It's all about choices, and it can be a constant battle some days. It's a fight. I heard a song today on my way to work that I'm claiming as my own. It's by Rachel Platten, and it is aptly named "Fight Song". This is what will get me through the tough days. Feel free to take it as your own, and we'll fight to be fit, healthy, and the best version of ourselves together.

So, what's your fight? What's your 'why'?

Good morning!

I asked Lauren last night to text me at 5:30 and make sure I was up. No need - my body was apparently so excited, I was up 5 minutes before my alarm.

60 minutes of Les Mills is done! And I'm exhausted. I always think it's funny how people say "Exercise will wake you up!" Nope, sorry - always makes me sleepy. I felt myself starting to shut down half way through, because normally these things are 30-45 minutes. Amazing what a little digging for inner strength will do. I may fall asleep at my desk later, though.

Ok, off to make coffee, pack my lunch, and shower before heading in. Gotta make sure I don't fall back into bed while I'm at it - it'll be tempting.

What did you do today to make your life better?

Cheat day

If you're ever going to keep your sanity during a fit lifestyle, you need a cheat day. Today was mine, and oh, was it glorious. Today was a family reunion for my mom's mom's (that's my grandma's) side of the family. It's a carry in, and I loaded up on homemade mac & cheese, chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, sausage, mud pudding, and angel food cake. I did have some veggies from the veggie tray, but for the most part, it was carb city. Then for dinner tonight, Zach and I had Arni's pizza with salad, and beer (him) or Smirnoff (me). I'm almost to the point of uncomfortable stuffed, tired, and satisfied. Sometimes ya just need a day like this to celebrate that awesomeness that is your usual diet and exercise routine. Tomorrow brings Combat 60, so I know I'll work it off and then some. I just hope I can stay up long enough to watch the season finale of Game of Thrones this evening.

Tomorrow starts my getting up at 5:30, and I plan to put my cell phone on the charger on the opposite side of the room, so I have to get up to shut it off. That'll go off at 5:20. My other alarm clock, which will be in a coffee can in the family room, will be going off at 5:30. Just try to roll over and go back to sleep - ain't happenin' tomorrow.

So, who's with me?

All caught up!

I managed to do 5 days worth of workouts in 3 days. I don't recommend doubling up on Les Mills, as it makes one feel nauseous and lightheaded midway through the second workout.

I went shopping today! Starting to become more serious in this fitness stuff, I realized I didn't have near the workout gear at my disposal, so I dropped dang near $100 on clothes, shoes, and another barbell (only had 1 8 pounder, and it was making me lopsided). Two new sports bras, 2 pairs of shorts, a tshirt that says "Meet you at the gym", and a pair of purple Champion tennis shoes (with blue laces!), and I should be good for a while. I'm one of those gross girls who wears a workout outfit two days in a row, then tosses it in the laundry (judge away, I don't care), so I should always have at least one set of bras and shorts clean.

So, one of my fears is to workout in front of other people. I'm constantly worried that people will be judging me, or making fun of me, be it behind my back or to my face. Therefore, it's easier to just workout at home. That being said, the ladies of the Facebook group I'm part of have invited me to Zumba with them on Thursdays. Thursdays just happen to be my rest day from Les Mills, so I'm tempted this Thursday to tell myself to get over it, anyone who judges me to bite me, and just go. After all, at least I'll be working to better myself, and their judgement won't mean squat a few hours later. Yea for facing fears!

Really wish it wasn't so humid out. Going for a jog would be good. Ok, so I just want to put on my new shoes, but I told myself they were for jogging purposes only. You wish you had shoes as cool as these.

Ok! I'm starving, which means it's time for dinner. I'm thinking salad with baked chicken...

Another mulligan

We got a new kitten, and are trying to get Lola adjusted to the little guy's presence. I don't know what the deal is, if it's that or what, but I'm not having the best of days. Zach woke up and said "You said you were going to be up by 5:30." My response? "I don't care." I don't know why I'm in this slump, but I have GOT to get out of it. I haven't worked out today, I didn't do my second workout yesterday, and I have no idea what's wrong with me.

Fast-forward to a few minutes ago. One of the ladies in my accountability/business group mentioned she was drinking her Shakeology when she and her mom stopped off at Frozen Custard today. I'm working on mine as well, and this happened:

I don't know if you can read that, but we virtually "clinked" our Shakeo bottles. For some reason, Erikka doing this was able to bring me out of my slump a tad. Here's hoping I can continue to pull out of this, as I have two workouts to do when I get home so I can catch up and keep up with these workouts.

Thanks to Lauren, this fitness stuff is not only turning into a passion (slowly), but also a job. I'm making it my goal to help as many people as possible find their fitness passions and hit their goals. The extra money will be a help, but the real reason to start this is because I want to help people be healthier, happier, and live longer. I can't do that, though, if I don't get my own butt in gear and do my workouts, so any prayers, thoughts, or pixie dust would be much appreciated to help me get these accomplished today and tomorrow, and the next day!

UUUUURRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHH...........

My in-laws came over this weekend and helped us unload the backyard of all things overgrowth. My legs were sore from Saturday to yesterday, so I used that as an excuse and skipped my workouts on Monday and Tuesday. But look at that yard! 

Having not worked out for two days, I started listening to my brain, which is rarely a good idea, and saw the hang of my stomach, the cellulite on my thighs, and thanks to being off birth control, acne has made a comeback, so I fell into a small self depreciating depression. I snapped at people, had temper tantrums, and that's just not me. I'm usually a fairly friendly person, so this morning, when my alarm went off at 6, I hit snooze. Hit it again at 6:05, 6:10, and 6:15, finally getting up at 6:20 because I had an internal debate:

Me: I don't want to get up. It's warm under these covers, and I'm so sleepy.

Brain: Get up and workout, and you'll be warm and it'll give you energy.

M: No.

B: Get up. You'll hate yourself if you don't.

M: I'm already 2 days behind on the workouts, what's one more day?

B: Go do it, or you'll be 3 days behind.

M: .....

B: GET YOUR ASS OUT OF BED NOW!

Fine. I got up and did my workout, and you know what? I feel better. I plan to do yesterday's workout tonight when I get home, and just so I can really get myself out of this I-feel-fat-and-ugly slump, I put on a dress, and did my hair, and did my make-up. My husband complimented me on how I looked, saying, "I always loved you in that dress." My coworker this morning said, "You look nice today." 

It truly is the little things that help. My mood is better (although I still don't like the looks of my thighs or stomach, but they won't get smaller on their own), and I swapped out my usual morning coffee for green tea. I usually hate the taste of green tea, but on my grocery shopping trip last night, I found one that had pomegranate and blueberry in it, so it acts like a regular sweetener. I'm getting ready to go refill my mug for a second round, it was that good.

Oh! Between walking to a meeting yesterday, walking to another library to cover lunch for a coworker, walking back to my library, and then walking through the grocery store (making several trips back and forth among the aisles because I needed something to eat and was working on half brain power), I managed to hit 10,360 steps by the time I went to bed last night. That's right, I went OVER the daily goal!

Here's to never giving up again. I'm human just like you - let's lift each other up! We can do this! Go be awesome!

Catching up

I'm behind! But then again, we were ripping up the yard this weekend, so I still got a workout in. The backs of my legs are still sore from two days of constantly being bent over and pulling stuff. The yard looks amazing, and can only get better from here.

While helping yank out some deep rooted ground cover (because the previous owner had a love affair with all things ground cover), my father-in-law said he noticed I looked more toned. Made my weekend! It's amazing what a compliment like that will do for the motivation. I'll be doing my workout tonight when I get home. I had a stomachache this morning when I got up, so I'm sipping mint tea and trying desperately to keep my eyes open. Last night's storm made last night one of the toss and turn variety. I am wiped.

Ok, off to try and get some work done today! And maybe find coffee.

Trying

We went to bed rather late last night, so getting up this morning was tough. I didn't get my workout in, I didn't get my shakeology in (ran out of milk, and I refuse to drink it with water). Here's to trying again. I keep oatmeal packets and a few other assorted snacks in my bottom desk drawer, so I grabbed some oatmeal and had the presence of mind to grab an apple on my way out the door this morning. At least breakfast is somewhat healthy. I hope to get my Les Mills workout in either tonight or early tomorrow, and I've got push ups and a 45 second plank to do, along with getting in 5,000 steps. Since my husband's parents and grandma are coming to visit us tonight, and Grandma Doris is bringing her dog, maybe we'll take them on a tour of the neighborhood, help little Molly work off some of that yorkie energy.

Ok! Time to get to work. I get to learn photoshop today, which I'm so excited about...

Day off

In all the exercising, the muscles are tearing slightly in order to rebuild bigger and better (hence muscle soreness after workouts, and the phrase "no pain, no gain"). Every now and then, they need a break. If you want to learn more on the topic (it makes me squeamish), either do your own research or go here.

Today was a rest day from both Les Mills and the walking portion of my 30 day challenge. Probably a good thing, as my 2 mile jaunt yesterday combined with all the plyo and squats done in Les Mills made walking an effort this morning. I did, somehow, manage to get my squats, crunches, push ups, and plank in this morning, so the rest of the day is mine to just chill out while at work and recoup. I've got my green tea, my water, and may go get a celebratory cup of coffee in a bit to help me appreciate the fact that I have literally worked my butt off the last seven days. 2 workouts a day, and walking at least 5,000 steps every day doesn't sound like much, but it is, especially when trying to fit it in around work and having dinner on the table every night. I was so exhausted last  night that I was falling asleep while playing Diablo with my husband and our friend. In a little over a month, I'll have to add my final semester of the MLIS on top of it - one full semester, crammed into a month. This should be fun...

My challenge for myself is to get my water in today. I've gotten close the last few days, but never all the way there. According to my tracker thing, I'm supposed to be drinking around 64 ounces a day - I made it to about 50 ounces yesterday. The water bottle I'm using is 24 ounces, though, so if I refilled it 3 times, I'd be getting closer to 72 ounces. I'm sure 8 ounces won't kill me, but it drives my OCD crazy.

OK! We're gonna make today awesome (and when I say 'we', I mean those of you who actually read this thing, not just me)! Drink your water, get up and move (even if it's just to pee)! One more day and it's Friday & the weekend!

Cue 'Rocky' music

I got up this morning at 6:30 and did my Combat 30. Those that know me know that I am NOT a morning person, so this is HUGE! Tomorrow is a rest day for Les Mills - thank goodness, as my shoulders and upper back are KILLING - but I hope to maintain this up early and workout stuff. With any luck, I can be up by 6 and get it in, as I was running a bit behind this morning after getting up at 6:30.

It hasn't been a week quite yet, but I took another round of photos just for fun. My backside is already tightening up, I'm getting definition in my shoulders and arms, and my waist is slimming down a bit. Others may not be able to pick up on these subtleties, but I can, and that's all I'm worried about right now. I've actually gone over my step count the last few days, and my 30 day challenge workout is becoming more of a challenge as I have to do more reps.

 

I think the next set of photos will come at the end of this third of the program, so in about 24 days. Then we'll really see the results. 

I also found an app that helps remind the user to drink water. It's called Water Your Body. No idea if it's available on iPhone, but it's free on Android. You can choose between the metric or imperial system; put in your weight and it calculates how much water you should be drinking. It also gives cup sizes, so you can choose your cup (I'm using a 24 oz. water bottle), and when you finish drinking one, you log it. If you run behind, it reminds you. So cool! Upping my water intake has also helped me get my steps in, if for no other reason than I'm constantly walking from my office to the bathroom now. Depending on severity of the urge, I also try to walk upstairs to that restroom to get more steps in - otherwise I just dash down the hall. 

I don't know how I managed to get bit by the fitness bug, but I'm glad I did. Only 6 days in, and I already feel so much better!

Edit: I woke up this morning and told myself I'd walk 2 miles before I went to bed tonight. I ate a 15 minute lunch at my desk, giving me 45 minutes to walk on my lunch hour. In 38 min, 41 seconds, I went 2.01 miles! I have been so proud of my own progress, and hitting this almost made me cry with joy. My fitness journey is a tough one, as I'm still silencing that voice in my head that says "This hurts - stop!" when it's only a small burn, or "Don't leave the blankets, it's so comfy here!" when I should be getting up and working out. That is definitely the old me coming out. The lazy, couch potato, I'm not doing it if it involves movement me. This is the new me - the me that gets up at 6 a.m. to get a workout in before work, walks on her lunch break, does push ups while waiting on the microwave to heat up lunch or popcorn, and planks at my desk during a slow moment. This is my body, and I will fuel it and take care of it appropriately. Seriously, cue the Rocky music!

Boom!

Short post tonight, as I gotta get dinner in the oven.

I've done my morning workout as a warm up today. Walked 1.57 miles to drop off the DVD I borrowed from the library, AND just killed a Plyo HIIT workout on Les Mills. I'm already seeing results in just the 5 days that I've been back at it. All these squats, kicks, lunges, etc. are shaping my backside, and my waistline is slimmer. I fit in my size 5 jeans today, which I haven't been able to do comfortably for months. Talk about hitting a goal!

I'm already searching for other workouts to try, too, after my 30 day challenge of morning workouts is over. 25 days to go! Even though I've done my workouts for tonight, I still feel like I could do more. This must be what ADHD feels like.

Lola decided tonight to give me support, even though  I almost kicked her a few times last night. It's good to have support from everyone, even those that don't pay attention and almost connect with your foot. She's learning.

You got this, mom. Kick some butt!

Ok, off to flip the chicken and stick the rice in the microwave! Until next time!

I'm only human

I strayed from my workouts a little this weekend. I didn't fall completely off the wagon, I just had a wedding to go to in Chicago, so I found other things to do to keep moving. I danced at our friend's wedding, wore heels (and never took them off), and spent a while playing with another friend's two year old - picking him up, putting him down, chasing after him, and doing a few squats with him in my arms.

That being said, I didn't get up and do my workout this morning like I was supposed to. Not sleeping well this weekend made sleeping in til 7 sound like an awesome idea, even though my alarm went off at 6. Tomorrow, I will force myself to get up. Tonight, I plan to use my morning workout as a warm up to this evening's workout. One day, I hope to be as good as my friend, Lauren, who gets up at the [ungodly] hour of 4:30 to be at the gym by 5. I'll be happy if I can be up by 5:30 and working out in my living room.

Playing with Brandon this weekend reminded me that my fitness goals are not just for me. I want to be fit for a healthy pregnancy in the next year, and to continue to workout on a daily basis so our child knows that moving is not only good for you, but can also be fun. I was not raised this way - my parents and I laid around and watched TV or read. I did play outside and was more active when I was younger, but I was not pushed outside to play. I plan to shove our kid out to play in the yard, and get away from the TV. My health and fitness journey is not just for me, it is for our future child.