Sunday, July 31, 2011

Super Excited

SweatyBands just donated a 2 pack of bands for our Congenital Heart Walk silent auction! I'm beyond stoked!!! This is a company I'm proud to stand behind!

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Saturday is not a rest day any longer!

Today, I got up at 5 and drove up to LadySmith Village. I met up with my girl friend, Sarah, and we went for a morning run. It was nasty humid, but not too hot, yet. We got in a good 2.75 + miles. LadySmith Village is a hilly place, and we left the neighborhood and ran up to the Elementary School... which is off of a GRAVEL road! The majority of our run was on this hilly gravel road. WOW! BUT, we did it and we had an awesome time! We are both interested in running the Disney Halloween 5K -- it's during the Disney Wine & Dine Race Weekend. It sounds incredibly fun. We would be running through Animal Kingdom... Awesomeness!

While running, sweat just kept dripping into my eyes, and while stretching it was even worse! Sarah showed me her headband that she was wearing. It's called a "SweatyBand" -- it is the cutest sweat band I've ever seen! She gave me the bag that it came in (that had the logo and the url) and I immediately came home to check them out! They have a style for every woman! They have skinny ones and fat ones! (I prefer fat ones). I will so be ordering some of these little lovelies! You should read the testimonials. People love them! I love cute workout gear, this is totally added to my list of LIKES!!! I linked them on the side of my blog, so go check them out! and tell them I sent ya! ;)

Have an amazing weekend!

Thursday, July 28, 2011

A Bit of Perspective

Just wanted to give a bit of perspective from a fat person point of view -- for those who have never been fat or out of shape.

I should have made this post a VERY long time ago, because it is always on my mind. I always seem to forget to post about it or I just push it to the back of my mind. So here ya go:

A fit thin person, who has always been fit and thin does not understand what a fat or heavy out of shape person feels, thinks and goes through when making their changes. This is NOT a bad thing, it is just that they don't know the perspective from where we are coming. So, I'm going to attempt to relate what it is like -- Let's take a 1/2 mile run. To a thin fit person, they may see that 1/2 mile run as no challenge at all, just something they have to do. (I don't really know, because I've never been a thin fit person) -- but to a fat/heavy (or even a thin) out of shape individual that little 1/2 mile run is a challenge. It is like climbing a mountain. It is something we absolutely do not think we can do, physically. I remember my first 1/2 mile assessment in March. I wanted to cry when I found out we had to run a 1/2 mile and it would be timed. I could only see it as a mountain, an impossible mountain. I ran only part of it, panting the whole way. I was ashamed of myself for finishing last, but happy to finish. Here I am several months later -- the 1/2 mile does not seem nearly as scary. I still finish last, but I improve with each run. Each class we face more challenges. I still think there are things that I mentally cannot wrap my head around how I will physically attempt that challenge. I'm still fat. I still have a lot of weight to haul. It is NOT easy. Is that an excuse for me to give up and not try? NO WAY! It may make me cry because I push myself to the brink or it may make me angry because I can't do it with finesse. It may not be pretty, but I try.

I say all this just to give you a glimpse of how things look from my side. This is not to offer up any excuses, because I no longer believe that being fat is a limitation. Being fat is an invitation to change your life. I've been fat since elementary school. I've had people make fun of me both behind my back and to my face. I've been humiliated because of my weight. My favorite "compliment" -- "You have such a pretty face." They may as well just add the unspoken half of their backhanded compliment that just hangs in the air "if only you weren't so fat!"

This blog is not just to celebrate my successes, which I have to admit, I LOVE doing! This blog is to bring awareness that you can make a change in your life and that being fat doesn't have to define who you are or limit you. Use your "FAT" as your fuel for your change. Get mad, cry, feel the feelings you need to feel, and then make the changes in your life to be a healthier you! Make a challenge to yourself to do something you've never done or never thought you could do. Work towards that goal. Show yourself that you can do anything you put your mind to, even if you are carrying extra weight. It feels like you "can't" do it, but if you work at it enough you CAN do it! That mountain seems impossible and to others that mountain seems like a mole hill. But is it OUR mountain to power over and even if no one else gets it, no one else understands how something so simple could be so tough for us -- just push their thoughts aside and focus on climbing that mountain and making that change, accomplishing that goal for no other reason than to PROVE to yourself that YOU can do it!

For me, I know I can't do it alone and I pull my strength from my Heavenly Father. There are days I don't want to get out of bed, I know that HE is who wakes me and encourages me to face my mountains. He is the one, when I feel like giving up, that sends me that extra burst of energy to get the task done. I can do ALL things through HIM who gives me strength! I hope I never forget it or lose sight of who gives me my strength. I have this body on loan... and I need to take excellent care of it. I have not, in the past, taken care of my body. I had to change my outlook to get where I am today. I had to rethink the purpose of my body. I'm so blessed to have moving working parts of my body, some don't have what I do, and I need to be thankful and use those for His Glory! My mountains that I face will always be there, there is always going to be another challenge that may seem impossible, but I know I can do it, it may take time. It make take repeated efforts, but I can do it! He is in me and He gets me through any challenge, physical or otherwise. THANK YOU, GOD, for being faithful and for giving me the body that you did. Forgive me for not taking care of it in the past. Help me to strive to be the best I can be FOR YOU! Thank you for placing challenges in my way, so that I have no choice but to lean on Your strength.

Face your challenges today and every day, head on and KNOW that you can and will prevail. Never give up!


Oh, and I'm now officially at 243.5 lbs.!!!

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Wed. Food Journal

Breakfast
2 Egg white omelet w/ mushrooms, onions, green pepper and garlic, sprinkled with parm. cheese

Snack
Luna Protein Bar (Mint Choc. Chip)
Movie PopCorn (3 cups)

Lunch
Black beans (Bush's low sodium) w/ onions, 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons homemade fresh salsa (no sodium)

Snack
1/2 banana
1/4 nuts (mixed)

Dinner
Whole Wheat Bagel, 1/3 fat cream cheese, onion, tomato, spinach, 2 slices natural deli turkey
tomato slices, 1oz mozz, fresh basil, drizzle of Kens Healthy Options Italian
1/4 peach (fresh)

Life Happens

Today was one of those "fly by the seat of your pants" kind of days. My sister and nephew decided to camp over at our house last night. My middle daughter spent the night with Gammy & PopPop. I stayed up too late talking with my sister and my husband. I got up and went running this morning with Angel and Michelle. We got in our three miles and I headed straight home. I pulled in the driveway and my phone started ringing. It was mom, she said Mia was asking to go home. I backed out of the drive and headed over to their house to get Mia.

When we got home, everyone was still sleeping. That didn't last long. Soon enough, everyone was awake. I knew I didn't want to be in the house all day, so I had the brilliant idea to go to the movies. We got ready in record time and headed to the theater. Cait was really not thrilled with our plan, but once I got popcorn, she was content.

Following the movies, we returned home and fed everyone. Then we let the kids play while we cleaned my room and then she (sister) took a nap while I read a book. Before we knew it, it was nearly 5 pm and Maegan was standing in the kitchen screaming that her ear was in pain. I realized at this point, I'd forgotten to eat my snack as well as I had omitted 2 items from breakfast unintentionally in my haste to get to the movies earlier. But, I know better than to ignore ear pain. So I called the doctor and piled everyone in the car. I had Matt meet us at the Dr. since my sister had to get my nephew to baseball and couldn't ride with us.

Once Matt arrived, he stayed with the littles while I took Maegs in for her visit. The good news is... NO EAR INFECTION!!! The child just had insane amounts of wax in her ear. They pulled out the wax and then we went on our merry way. We didn't get home until nearly 7 pm and I had to figure out something for dinner. The kids got turkey, peaches, carrots and pretzels (which apparently they don't like these organic 7 grain pretzels I found). I fed Matt leftover pizza, and then I fixed myself a bagel with turkey, cream cheese (lite), spinach, tomato and onion as well as a side of tomatoes, fresh mozz and basil drizzled with a little Italian dressing (High Fructose Corn Syrup FREE).

I was supposed to head out to a Mother Runners social, but I was exhausted by this point and it was already 7:20, it started at 7:30 and I live 20 minutes away. So, instead, I'm preparing my clothes for class tomorrow, putting my kids to bed and then curling up in bed with my new book. Body Back at 6 a.m. tomorrow! I'm ready!

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Shoulders...

One last thing. I'm so excited because I can feel my bones in the tops of my shoulders. It's these little things that keep me moving forward. It's these little things that keep me excited. It's these little things that make this hard work worth it. It's these little things that make me feel successful.

Goal reminder for this 8 weeks:
Lose 15 lbs (to make it -50 since March 1)!
Lose 1 inch in my thighs!

Now that I am wearing misses size 18, I know that I'm achieving my goals. I'm being rewarded for my hard work. It makes me not want to give up. It makes me want to work even harder. I want to see just how far I can go!

A cooler morning

It may have been a cooler morning out there today, but the humidity was still high. Thus, our morning workout induced even more sweat than usual. (I'm not complaining, because I hope it means MORE weight loss for me.) At one point, sweat rolled UP my nose!!! Hahahaha, I looked at Angel and told her I just might drown from the sweat.

Today we did surfer girls... WOW, that is NOT an easy exercise, but it is REALLY fun! I wish I could remember how to do them, but my brain literally warped today and I think I lost quite a few brain cells! I just remember being in a plank, popping up onto my feet then doing a squat hop facing to the left and then a 180 squat hop to the right, then popping back down and then out into a plank. Absolutely made you think you could surf! ;) There were many other exercises and we have homework to finish what we started in class. I am hoping the kids will work out with me!

The Wii was kind to me this morning and showed a significant weight loss... praying it wasn't a fluke and that I am on my way to making my goal by week 8! Seriously ready to say "I've lost 50 lbs." and celebrate that loss! HELP ME MAKE MY GOAL, keep me focused and excited!!! :)

Tomorrow I will run in the morning. It's going to be hot, but the results will be so worth it!

Monday, July 25, 2011

Great 3 mile run

It wasn't a fast run, but it was a 3 mile run in the humidity this morning. I ran with Angie and we had a nice time. We were missing Angel, Kim and Stefanie! Hoping Kim had a great morning at Body Back and that Stefanie is enjoying her visit with her sister in NY. Hoping Angel will join me on Wednesday morning for a run. My friend Michelle will be running with me on Wednesday morning, so I will run even though Angie will not be with me.

I truly enjoy the run, even when I don't want to get up in the morning. I'm so glad I DID get up! I'm so glad I DID run. And when my IT Band started nagging at me, I kept going and just made sure to stretch it well, following the run. The stretching really helped it out, it is not hurting at all this evening.

Tomorrow is the beginning of week 6 of Body Back (my third session) -- I hope to make it a great class!

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Not a horrible day...

So, yesterday was FILLED with parties and party food. I think I did pretty well considering the offerings. I don't know that I came close to my calorie intake, but I'll do better today!

Had a charity event at BlackFinn last night. What a blast. CornHole is so much fun, and I realize it really isn't a skill game at all. We won 2 rounds lost 2 rounds, but had so much fun! We met some great people and we had some friends out there supporting us. It ended up being a successful event for our charity. Our first deposit into our bank account will be a nice one!

Now I'm hoping for a quiet Sunday. I do hope to get some cardio in at some point today!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

A little friendly competition!

This morning was a fun class. We had a little friendly competition with the other 6 am class. It was a twist on the 100s class. We had to race the other team to get through 10 exercises with 100 reps each! The "losers" had to do 100 reps more of an exercise of the other team's choosing. Our team lost (but we fought hard) -- both teams ended up doing the last 100 reps together. Then we did some awesome stretching. I am still so sore from Tuesday's class and today was just as difficult and sweat producing. It was a challenging class and I KNOW I'll be feeling it tomorrow! I'm already feeling it in the right side of my chest.

I'll be journaling my food on the Facebook Group page for our class. I'm glad for this accountability. I need it! I write down my food every single day, so that I can see where I am making poor decisions and work on changing that, but it is nice to have other read it as well! I stopped journaling here, because #1 I thought it might be boring for those following and #2 because I journal every day on My Fitness Pal, I felt it redundant.

Five pounds to get to my 50 goal -- only 3 weeks left of class! I need a boost so I can see these pounds fall away! I may have to stick to the Body Back Recpies/Meal ideas for the next 3 weeks, to make sure I maximize my efforts! I want to go into vacation feeling motivated and excited!!!

Keep me moving in the right direction!

Friday, July 15, 2011

The Injury, day 2!




Day 2... lookin right nice! Still tender to the touch, but no longer feels like a ad sunburn. The shoulder is tender to the touch, but it works just fine! Looks like I will heal up nicely! :) No pain, no gain, right???!!! ;)

Friday, Friday, Friday!!!!!!

You all made it to FRIDAY with me! Friday is my favorite day of the week, because it is KICKBOXING day! I bought my own gloves today! :) Very exciting! Only a few more weeks until I get to break another board! I just love being able to take out all of the stress from the week, on a target, kicking and punching! Nothing better than picturing some one unsavory standing in front of me (aka the target) and then letting loose! MAN, I love it.

Definitely sore today from yesterday, both the graceful face plant I took as well as the dips (leg and tricep) -- my gracious, Alex made us hurt, but didn't let us feel it during class, we just had fun. (Even with a mouthful of dirt and playing a game I don't necessarily enjoy, I STILL had fun.

Today, I was a glutton for punishment! I decided that since Jazzercise is FREE on Friday nights in July, I'd just pop up there for a class! And I did! :) And Laura met me up there (thanks, Laura!) We had a ball shaking our groove thang! I'm not super coordinated, so for me I spent a lot of time laughing at myself... but I worked up a big time sweat. My friend from high school, Katherine Dolan is the instructor, and she was on fire tonight!

After my Jazzercise class, I decided, I MUST have my sushi (I'd already planned it in my food diary for today, so I was hankering) -- I went to Tokyo Sushi and ordered a few rolls to share with my husband and sister. Oh heavens, it's just too yummy! The good thing is, I know when to say when, and I don't add the soy or the wasabi (even though I love both).

This week was an emotionally difficult week for me. A sweet child with CHD passed away at UVA this week while waiting for his heart transplant. I met his mother through facebook, and she is precious! She's a very young, single mom of 4, and now she's having to bury her oldest son. I cannot imagine what she is facing, and it has torn me up. I'd do anything to erase her pain. Congenital Heart Defects are not "just a hole in the heart" it is so much more and can be fatal. His little heart just could not push any longer, he needed a break. Tonight we are lighting our porch lights in memory of sweet Kayden James Barnes. Kayden was about 5 months shy of his 4th birthday. He and my Mia were basically the same age. I can't imagine NOT having Mia in my life. I cannot imagine what Misty is going through without her little Kayden. Kayden's brothers are too young to understand, but his older sister, Alexis, IS old enough to understand and she is missing her baby brother. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.

I hope everyone hugs their loved ones a little tighter tonight, and enjoys a wonderful and peaceful weekend.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Taking One for Team Two



In a sacrifice move on the kickball field, I was tagged out at first. Only when tagged, I skidded and landed on my face. The result is this pretty little strawberry on my left cheek. I'm reminded yet again, why I don't play kickball, softball, baseball etc. I'm not so good at running bases. Not sure I've ever even contacted home plate other than to take my turn "at bat."

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

YIKES!

Here are the pictures of my progress form 3/1/2011 until 6/9/2011 -- 35 lbs. They aren't the prettiest pictures ever, but you see the progress. In the Capri picture, I'm holding up my size 26 capri jeans, that I was wearing when I started my journey in March.



Week 4, the Journey continues

Today was an awesome day at Body Back. Our classes was "Curves on Crack" -- or you could call it extreme circuits! Because so many ladies signed up for our 6 am T-Th class, we've had to break into 2 groups. Tuesdays, my group is outside, Thursdays the other group is outside. Well, if you are anywhere near VA right now, you know we are having some mighty warm temperatures. Some may even call it "extreme heat" -- It really isn't as horrible as they make it out to be. The humidity is what zaps you, the heat, eh, not a big deal!

So, we took our water bottles and met on the sidewalk in front of Mom's Treehouse. Rachel was our "guest" instructor for the day. She explained that today was not going to be an easy day. She loves us, really she does! However, she also wants to see us work towards great results. She wants to see us prove our strength to ... OURSELVES!

She started off our session with a warm up and a lecture on the importance of nutrition. Our class got to brag that we are all actively writing in our food journals... GO US! Then she unleashed the hounds! 2 minute circuits, cadrio/core circuits. I must say, as difficult as this class proved to be... it was awesome! Angel and I looked as though we worked out in a rain cloud, we were pouring sweat off of everywhere, butt cheeks, calves, arms, you name it, there was sweat! My clothes were so soaked when I got home, they actually THUNKED when they hit the floor! (I'm not even exaggerating!)

As class was winding down, my last circuit was a wall sit... after having just done line touches, I was welcoming this little sit on the wall. Only Rachel got a little devil in her and said, "LISA, LEG UP!" UHHHHHH do what????? Put a leg up in the air and do a wall sit with only ONE leg on the ground??? I'm spent... OK, no, I CAN I WILL do this! Ta da... up went the leg, the other leg was shaking, but who cares, I was doing it! Then she shouted, "LISA, SWITCH!" I was so done at that point, but I knew there were only 15 seconds left, I could do this. Those last 15 seconds were not easy, but I did it!!! And those last 15 seconds are the ones that count!

During that class I drank over 33 oz. of water! I probably sweat out about the same. Tomorrow is supposed to be hot as well. We are running in the morning, only we are starting half an hour earlier than we did today! Hopefully that will make all the difference.

I decided to go ahead and weigh today. I weighed in at 246.0 -- if you are keeping track, that's 42 lbs down! Which means, I only have 8 to go until I get to 50 down! I have 4.5 weeks left to do that in! I CAN I WILL -- and HE gives me the strength to do it!

Monday, July 11, 2011

I still can't believe it!

I cannot believe that I am running 3 miles... without stopping! REALLY? ME? I'm doing this? If you had told me at Christmas, that by July I'd be running 3 miles, I would have laughed in your face and said, "FAT CHANCE!" Yet, here it is, July, and I'm running 3 miles!

I came to a discovery today. I actually enjoy the long run MORE than the quick 1/2 mile. And YES, I am slow, but I don't care. I love the ladies I run with. They keep me moving, even when my legs say that they no longer want to run, the ladies keep me moving! Angel, Angie, Kim and Stefanie ran with me today. It was a great group and we shaved time off of our run from last week (which is always exciting for me)!!! I know in time, I will get faster, but for now, I'm just concentrating on making those three miles count!

If you are one of those people that say they can't run, I get it. I was there, too! I never thought I could run. I didn't believe Angel when she said that I'd be running one day. She's athletic, of course she can run. I've been a couch potato nearly my entire life, there was no way I could run or would have the desire to run. Alas, Angel KNEW what she was talking about. Running is addictive. I think it must be the endorphins you get after running three miles. It makes you feel amazing. You think, "WOW! I just did that, and I'm not having a heart attack and I didn't die and my legs still work."

I have to thank my Creator for making such amazing bodies! Legs that can run. Lungs that can breathe. Sweat glands to keep us cool. How wonderfully we were made. Let us never take it for granted for one second. Running is a blessing, not a curse! I am blessed to be able to get out there and use the body He gave me! Thank you God for good friends to run with, beautiful sunshine and a healthy working body. Let me never neglect the blessings you have given me. Amen.

Friday, July 8, 2011

I love Kickboxing!

I don't know if I have said it on my blog before, but even if I have, it bears repeating! I LOVE KICKBOXING!

We got in from Fireworks around 10:30 last night. I got my workout clothes set out and crawled in bed around 11. Thankfully, Angel texted me a little after 11, which reminded me I left my phone in the kitchen. My alarm was set and I signed off of Facebook and went to sleep. 3 a.m. I hear whimpering. My oldest came bounding down the stairs and into our room. I asked what was wrong and she told me she had a bloody nose and needed to go potty. I roused Matt and asked if he could PLEASE tend to her, so I could get just a little more sleep before my 5:45 class. He got up with her, but I still couldn't sleep because I could hear her crying, and mom's just don't sleep through crying, our hearts don't let us! I let him get her all fixed up, then I heard her go upstairs and he returned to bed. Finally, I thought, I could rest easy again. Then I hear her sobbing. I go to the stairs and look up and see her standing in the bathroom. I asked what was wrong and she told me she had run into the door handle. She was OK, no blood, so I sent her back to bed. I got back in bed and drifted off to sleep, only to be awakened at 4 by my middle daughter, who wanted to sleep in our bed. So in she climbed. I finally drifted back off to sleep and was well into a dream when the alarm went off.

I grabbed my phone and struggled to turn off the alarm. I was not well rested. I was NOT happy about getting up to put on my workout clothes. I had no idea how I was going to drive to class because my head was so filled with sleep and the desire to continue sleeping. I put my feet on the floor. I got up and walked to the bathroom, where I got dressed for class. I was still groggy. I went back in my room and grabbed the computer and ipad and sat down on the sofa to procrastinate leaving for class. It didn't take long before I knew I needed to leave or I would risk being late and I hate being late.

Getting in my car, I turned on the stereo to 90.5, Positive Hits. Matthew West was singing "Strong Enough" -- this song has become my life motto, ESPECIALLY where Body Back and my journey are concerned! Here are the lyrics:

STRONG ENOUGH, Matthew West
You must
You must think I'm strong
To give me what I'm going through

Well, forgive me
Forgive me if I'm wrong
But this looks like more than I can do
On my own

I know I'm not strong enough to be
everything that I'm supposed to be
I give up
I'm not strong enough
Hands of mercy won't you cover me
Lord right now I'm asking you to be
Strong enough
Strong enough
For the both of us

Well, maybe
Maybe that's the point
To reach the point of giving up

Cause when I'm finally
Finally at rock bottom
Well, that's when I start looking up
And reaching out

I know I'm not strong enough to be
Everything that I'm supposed to be
I give up
I'm not stong enough
Hands of mercy won't you cover me
Lord right now I'm asking you to be
Strong enough
Strong enough

Cause I'm broken
Down to nothing
But I'm still holding on to the one thing
You are God
and you are strong
When I am weak

I can do all things
Through Christ who gives me strength
And I don't have to be
Strong enough
Strong enough

I can do all things
Through Christ who gives me strength
And I don't have to be
Strong enough
Strong enough

Oh, yeah

I know I'm not strong enough to be
Everything that I'm supposed to be
I give up
I'm not strong enough
Hands of mercy won't you cover me
Lord right now I'm asking you to be
Strong enough
Strong enough
Strong enough


After hearing this song, I was WIDE awake and ready to face my kickboxing class. Susan taught us today. Angel came today! We had 5 of us in class. Susan led us through some great exercises and we took turns doing push kicks on the bag. We literally kicked the bag from the center of the room, to the wall, all with push kicks! EMPOWERING!!!!!!! Then at the end of class, we made a circle and sparred 2 at a time in the center of the circle. The sparring was so much fun! Those who made up the circle side stepped while those in the center sparred. We each got a turn to "fight" everyone in the center of the circle. This was so much fun. We laughed just as much as we "fought" and we were all sweating profusely, or making our fat cells cry (as some choose to say). When we were finished, we all stretched out and relaxed. I love kickboxing, I love the power it makes me feel and the energy it gives me! I'm so glad I have the opportunity to take Mom's Martial Arts Kickboxing! I wish everyone could experience kickboxing. What a wonderful way to work out aggression! I'm always a little stunned when class is over, because it goes by SO quickly! So, I'll say it again, I LOVE KICKBOXING!

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Physical and Emotional

What a morning. Got up and weighed on my Wii. (I do this about 3 times per week, to make sure I'm staying on target.) Was thrilled to see a significant reduction in my BMI and a 2.2 lb loss bringing me down to 247 (again, this is on the Wii, so it is NOT my official weigh in weight). -- that means, 41 pounds GONE!

OK, Just got a very important phone call that I need to return, and so I'm going to cut this short and just say that Body Back this morning was extremely difficult for me (not in a bad way) -- Mentally I had to push myself just as much as I was physically pushing myself. This resulted in a major sobbing fest. I hate crying in front of others. I had no control over my emotions once they hit. What an amazing day. I'm so THANKFUL for challenges and pushing myself further than I think I can go. I am so appreciative of my precious girls that I work out with. They cheer me on. I could not do this without them. And of course, my constant... God by my side, giving me that strength to move me one more inch when I think I can't possibly do it... and I can't do it on my own, I'm so VERY thankful for HIS faithfulness and provision!

5 weeks left, I CAN! I WILL!

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Happy Hump Day!

It's SO quiet in my house. Everyone is sleeping. I've been up for 2.5 hours and have already done a 3 mile run with Angel and Angela! I truly thought I was going to puke around mile 2.6, but I kept going and I made it through without puking!!! I came home and did a wonderful series of stretches that felt SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO good! Running 3 miles was my goal for Body Back this 8 weeks. Well, this is week 3 of this session, and I hit my goal! WOW!!! Set a goal and then accomplish it, and see if it doesn't make you feel so strong! I'm so THANKFUL to God for giving me what I need to accomplish these goals!

I was only down 1 lb. yesterday. I am not discouraged. I am in the 240's now. I started in the 280's!!! How could I possibly be discouraged by that awesome news? I'm beyond blessed. I look forward to seeing more drop off as I go! I would really like to be 238 by the end of this session. I do not think that is TOO ambitious, but it will take dedication and devotion. I CAN! I WILL!

We did Cario & Core yesterday... WOW!!! Alex kicked our booties! I loved it! The sweat was just streaming down into my eyes, at one point, I could not even open my eyes. I was SO Super Sweaty that when we did planks, my arms literally slid on the mat causing me not to be able to hold my planks so well. (very frustrating, I might add) And my booty is in shock today, after we did backwards shuffles! What a workout!!!

Stepping up my eating this week. Working on being more diligent in getting my calories in, so that I can maximize my weight loss efforts. Over the weekend, I underestimated my will power and left a lot of wiggle room for parties and events... turns out, I really didn't need the wiggle room... I exercised much will power and resistance to things that were less than healthy offered at the parties, thus by the end of the day, I was no where near my 1470 calorie goals on Friday, Saturday and Sunday! I truly believe that played a HUGE part in my only losing 1 lb. despite my stepped up cardio efforts! You have to FEED the machine FUEL for it to work efficiently! Really focusing on that and the stepped up cardio this week.

Tomorrow I have Body Back and Friday I have KickBoxing. Not sure what my workouts will be this weekend, but I know I will run again on Monday morning. The more comfortable I get in my three mile run, the better I will perform in my Congenital Heart Walk 3 mile fun run in November!

Stick with me, and if you don't see a post from me in a while, be sure to ask me why I haven't updated! Your support and encouragement is AMAZING and so very helpful! Thanks for being with me on this journey!

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Happy Holiday Weekend!

I hope everyone has been having a fantastic weekend and are enjoying all the fun that a holiday weekend brings.
Friday was my 11 year wedding anniversary. I woke up and went to kickboxing and ate "light" all day, in anticipation of dinner out, my nieces birthday and then the movies with my sweetheart. As it turns out, I totally overestimated and did not end up eating all of my calories, thus causing a horrible headache.

Saturday, I spent the morning with my mom and the children. I worked on push ups and sit ups. The kids joined in. The afternoon brought a fun family cookout in Goochland. We had such a wonderful time. It was easy to make good choices while at the cookout. I split my chicken breast between my sister, my youngest and myself. I made sure to bring a caprese salad, so that I'd have something healthy to choose. It was HUGE hit. When I went to get a helping, there was hardly any left. Again on Saturday, I did not eat all of my calories. I had hoped to go for a run on Saturday, but we ended up not getting home until very late, and there was some activity going on in my neighborhood (drunk driver, possibly) -- so I opted to stay in and go early Sunday morning.

As it was, I woke up to a thunderstorm, and then Matt had to play guitar at church, so he had to leave by 7:30. No Run! I spent Sunday afternoon at my parents' house. I worked on sit ups and push ups again (this time doing as many as I can in one minute). I hope to head out for a run this evening once the kids are down. I know I'm heading out for a run at 5:30 a.m. tomorrow with some of the girls. :) I'm looking forward to it, even though I know I'll be the dog's tail, following behind, bringing up the rear. I hope I do alright!

Looking forward to fireworks tomorrow night, over the Diamond with all the kids. I'd say, all in all, it's been a fantastic holiday weekend. The most exciting part of the weekend for me was Friday when I went to find a dress for Friday night's date with my husband. I ended up buying 2 dresses. BOTH dresses were purchased from the MISSES section and NOT the "BIG GIRLS" section! I consider this a milestone! :) NOW, if weigh in on Tuesday puts me at -40 lbs. that will just be the "icing on the cake" and it will taste better than any icing on any cake! :D