I'm Back....Right?

WOW!  Almost 2 months since my last blog post!

Well, a lot has changed since then.  First, I have been eating horribly and NOT working out other than my weekly training sessions.  Second, I decided NOT to do the body competition next year.  For me, it is not a good fit with my lifestyle at the moment.

I realized I was spending HOURS at the gym rather than with my family, and it was not what I wanted.  I DO want to get healthy and I DO want to get back in shape.  So, my trainer and I discussed it and he worked up a new plan for me.

Going back to basics!  Starting over!  Back to the beginning to get back on a good track.  To be honest with you, my eating has taken the WORST toll.  Back to my old ways, and it is even worse now because there is no yummy summer fruits that are local and fresh!  I can feel it.  I feel lazy and tired all the time.  I don't feel healthy! 

I really let myself slide this summer by NOT keeping up with my three times a week of running.  I got lazy with it.  I almost had that "I know i can do it so i don't have to prove it to myself" attitude.  I let it pass by and I am angry with myself.  I need to get back to it....I WILL DO IT!

I HAVE to do it!  One of these years I WILL wear a two piece bathingsuit...one of these days I WILL finally feel comfortable in my own skin.  I hope :)

I have to for all of the same reasons that I did it a year and a half ago!  The reasons haven't changed.  My desire for it hasn't changed.  Mentally I need to get back with it and FAST!

Sorry for being gone for so long and thanks for reading this if you stuck with me :)

~ <3 ~
Me

The First Day

Well, today was the first day of a new life.  My goal?  To be in the best possible health of my life.

I decided to take my trainer's offer of prepping for a body competition next year.  YEP!  Next year, I will be posing in a bikini....on stage....posing.  AHHHH!  Even thinking about it freaks me out!

So, my trainer gave me a whole work up of daily work out plans and eating plan.  He has kept it super easy for me to follow, which I am very thankful for.  So, as I am reading, I start to FREAK OUT!  I was so overwhelmed and had NO idea what to do.

Thank goodness for Google!  I was able to look them all up and find images to show me what exactly I need to do.  PLUS I had a fellow gym member who offered to meet me today and "show me the ropes" as you will.  I felt SO much better.

However, I can barely raise my arms to wash my hair.  My legs are so sore from a good 40 minute run and 10 minutes on the step treadmill.  I am sore but am so glad I have started this!

Just had to share, and yes, I will keep you posted.  I took a before picture a few days ago.  I will post them side by side with my progression over time!

~ <3 ~
Me

Feel The Burn

WOW!  So yesterday I felt amazing and near the end of the day I started to get a little bit sore.  I stretched on and off the whole day.  

Can I just say that when I woke up this morning.  I felt the wrath of PT today!  This little meme made me laugh so hard because that is how I feel today!  I had another 30 minute PT (and now I am all caught up on any missed time).  I thought I was going to die!

Started with a walk/run for 10mins then got right into it.  He was training someone today and this gentleman took over my second half.  He did good!  I felt every fiber of muscle in my legs today Ha Ha Ha.

Our little guy woke up with a really nasty cold today.  We had plans to meet a friend of mine who we haven't seen since we got married.  He came from Arizona for a wedding.  Now we don't have anyone to watch our son, so my husband said he would stay home with him.  I feel bad because our date night will not be happening, but I love him for doing that so I can still see a friend.

Well, onward for another busy weekend.  I have missed two Piyo classes after tomorrow because we have had so much going on.  I hate it.  BUT I will be able to start next Saturday, so that makes me happy!

I still have no decided if I will follow into the footsteps of my friend and start training for that competition.  I am figuring it all out in my mind.  I also need to find the time to discuss it with my trainer.  So many things to think about!

Ok, I am tired, and sore, and tired :)  This is blog post 96!  Almost to 100!  I don't keep up as much as I should, but 100 is impressive I think!  Have a great weekend everyone!

~ <3 ~
Me

An Interesting Proposition

So, after two weeks of no PT time, off I went for a full HOUR!  I was a bit nervous because I have just been feeling so out of shape and blob-like.  I warmed up with a 5 minute brisk walk and a 5 minute jog.  THEN it began.

I am going to regret typing this, but it was a tough yet doable workout.  I didn't feel like death until I had the spaghetti arms this afternoon :) A bit off topic, but my trainer says today, "Are you going to talk about me today?".  Hey....at least I know that people are reading my blog right?!  On the other hand I'd better watch what I say huh?  :) 

Any who.....I do feel strong.  We got on the topic of working out as well as crossfit (which his explanation as to pros and cons really made sense) and I was saying how the 203+ lb me wouldn't have been able to do much of anything.  There are many things that I know I can't do YET.  YET being the key word.

So also during my training Tommy says "Are we going to get you to do THAT next year?"  As he points to the wall where gym members competed in a natural body building competition.  Immediately I say "NO WAY!".  He asks me "Why not?"  Then he said something that really resonated with me after I left. "It gives you a goal to attain to keep you motivated."  I mean....how could I do that?  I can barely sing in front of people (I am not horrible either by the way) how would I get up on stage in a skimpy bikini and pose?  Even as I type it I get panicky.

Then I started thinking......"why not have that as a goal?" What scares me most is the eating.  I really think I am addicted to food.  Not good food either.  Just junk.  I know it takes a lot of dedication to clean eating and fitness. 

I have a friend of mine who is really into it and has progressed amazingly this year and done great

with competing!  Congrats Nicole!!!  That is here right there.....doesn't she look AMAZING?!  Truly and inspiration to me and many others.

So I guess I would need to have a plan and see what I need to do and create a goal?  I don't know!  But he was right.  When I have a goal to accomplish I can strive for it!  When I don't, I will just sit here in the middle and stay stable.  That hit me because it is how I function!

So, here I am trying to figure out what I should strive for.  As stated today "Don't you want to be in the best physical health/shape of your life?" 

YES I DO!!!!!

~ <3 ~
Me

I Hate Geese!

So, I went for a run today knowing that I wouldn't be able to go tomorrow.  Toby and I were doing great UNTIL this huge group of geese started wandering in a field we ran by.

I am sure he is trying to kill me!  These geese are just sitting there....chillin'....mocking my dog.  Ugghhh!

I almost didn't go and run today because it was misting outside.  You know that fine annoying mist?  However a friend sternly told me to get off my lazy butt and go running.  It ended up raining pretty hard, so I felt bad for Toby as we ran through the cold rain.  He was a trooper though :)

I noticed that I am pretty sore today but not in my thighs or calf muscles.  My shins!  That makes me nervous as to maybe now that I have dropped some weight that maybe I need a different shoe for support?  I haven't consistently ran a few days in a row in probably almost a year!  So I am really seeing how the shoes are doing.

Ok, I am tired and sore.  I am going to stretch and head to bed!  I still have a long week ahead!

~ <3 ~
Me

Back From The Dead

So I had to post this.  I did a blog post awhile back called RIP Fitbit One .  So My husband was letting me use his Fitbit Zip (which I didn't really like) and I got off track from using it.  SO, I browse eBay and find a used one for $30!  That is a steal for a $100 step counter brand new!

So, I buy it and it says I should get it in just a few days.  So, while I am completing my order, I go and find my old one to get it's accessories together.  I decided to give it one more go at working and BAM.  It turns on!  I couldn't believe it!!!!  I kid you not I had tried just a few weeks prior to turn it on again and nothing happened.

I charge it up and it works just fine!  SO, I decided to give this new (used) fitbit one to my husband.  I FINALLY got it today!  It took 2 weeks from Texas to get here...ridiculous!!  So I am charging it up for my husband so he can use it, and I am giving the Fitbit Zip to a friend who I know will love it and use it daily like I am now doing again.

I missed my Fitbit One.  I don't know what about it makes me use it more, but I enjoy it and I did miss it.  Just a quick post to share!

I  plan on running with Toby tonight since the weather is so gorgeous.  I can't wait to get home!

~ <3 ~
Me

My New Running Partner

This here is our newest addition to the family.  His name is Toby and we adopted him the end of August.  I have been having the baby bug and now that we made the decision to have no more children, this guy here was the next best thing.

It has been an adjustment between skin issues, and issues with our other dog Krista.  But slowly but surely he really is coming around. 

He has been such a snuggly ball of fur for me and I just love him so much and it filled whatever void I had.  As exhausting as he can be. it really has been a joy to have him around and to know we rescued him!  We adopted him from NE Ohio Lab Rescue and I am so glad we did!

He has been amazing with the children and our other dog.  SO, I decided to make the decision that he would be my new running partner.  He is pretty good on a leash.  That means he still needs corrected and managed slightly to avoid distractions.

I researched for a whole weekend online as to what would be a good leash to use when I take him running.  I hate having the leash in my hands because it is so distracting to me and I can't focus on my run because I am to worried about how I am holding the leash and how it feels in my hand.  When my research was complete I had found the perfect solution.

So this is the Stunt Puppy Stunt Runner Hands-Free Dog Leash.  I bought it on Amazon.  Big surprise because I buy everything off their website LoL.  So we started last week.  Day 1 was really hard.  I have bruises on my shins and I am pretty sure I took fur off his paws when he cut me off to chase squirrels or people to play with.

Day 2 went a bit better.  I only tripped over him once.  I would say that was pretty good!  The only issue is that his training collar slides around his neck so sometimes I have to make a quick stop to adjust it for him.

Today went VERY well!  I took him to one of the local Metroparks with a friend and we ran together.  I did the best time since I started running again and made it in just over 37 minutes.  I have really been struggling, so I was so happy with that result.  There were a TON of people walking past us and he did AMAZING!.

Our first furry baby loves walks, but she can't keep up with the runs.  She hits 1.5 miles and she just stops.  Her arthritis gets bad too and then she can't even walk up the small 6 steps to get upstairs.  I feel bad when I leave her behind, but she just can't do it.

So, our Toby has been doing amazing and I will tell you something; he behaves so much better when he gets that exercise. 

So, this has been my crazy life so far.  I have been a lazy bum with my fitness and eating.  I just started back up with my running this past week because my last two races have been AWFUL time wise.  Work, kids, dogs, life.

Never a dull moment, but I am taking it in stride and enjoying every moment as I can :)  Happy Fall to all of you my friends.  Enjoy your baked goods and cinnamon-y smells.  I have my fall candles going and my fall decorations up.  Pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkins.  I just love pumpkins! :)

 

~ <3 ~

Me

The Inner Crossfit Struggle and Other Struggles

**Warning - Rant Near The End**

Ok, so recently I started researching Crossfit.  My trainer doesn't like it so much, doctors don't seem to support it, and article upon article I read tells me I will become hospitalized and just fall to pieces.

On the other side, I have friends that are avid "Crossfitters" and some that go every once and awhile.  I also know people who are hard core into it and everything else sucks.

I am so confused!  There are two "Boxes" near my home.  Probably the same distance, however they have different hours.  One has later hours for WOD time and the other has them in the morning/afternoon.  Both have mandatory newbie type classes to learn technique and such so that you DON'T fall to pieces.

I feel like as much time as I put into researching, I can't find anything that makes me decide one way or the other.

On top of that I have the financial struggle.  I want so bad to start the Piyo program through BeachBody and train with my friend who has become a coach.  It's so expensive and I just can't swing it right now but I want to so bad!  OH the struggles LOL

It is so frustrating that almost daily we are bombarded with these "options" for us.  WHICH, by the way, none of them are cheap or feesable.  Why should I have to sit and say "Hmmm groceries this week or a new fitness routine?".  The one that aggravates me the most is the "Hmmm $100 for groceries, or $300 for organic pesticide free so my family can grow healthy and disease free."

WHY SHOULD WE HAVE TO MAKE THAT DECISION?!?!?!?!?!

It should be organic or bust.  We don't need bananas the size of a squirrel or watermelons the side of my 3 year old son.  I will take organic over not ANY day.  BUT.....why does it have to be so expensive.  They are making it too easy to choose the disease causing foods because it's affordable.  Because in today's times you need a double income to aid in child care, mortgages, and other expenses.  SO when it comes to your monthly expenses you have to save money.  After cutting tv, phone....you start looking elsewhere and it is TOO easy to do it to the food.

It digusts me that we live in a country so in bed with pharmaceutical companies and the government that SOMEHOW they have brainwashed a large percentage of people that live here.  Look around....how many fit people do you see?  Not as many as I would like.  When you go out to eat, why do they give you food for 4 people on your plate?

Ok, seriously I could go on and on and on.

My squirrel moment brought to you via: Our son announcing he is swinging by himself.....and he is.  Pumping his legs.  All by himself.  

Ok, so any who.  I guess I am just so overwhelmed that I don't know what to do, where to start, and what to believe.  My sensory issues are on overload and I think I am losing my mind.

If you have made it this far, I applaud you and thank you.  If you didn't, I totally get it :)

~ <3 ~
Me

Final 5k for 2014

Well, I ran my final 5k for 2014.  With my surgery I did miss one race because I was still feeling jut a bit sore.

My husband and I ran together.  Well, we started together :)  He did amazing.  Really, for someone who doesn't work out and hasn't trained for running, he ran this race in 31:44.  I however was not so lucky.  This was my worst time ever.  I ran in 36:00.  Last year I ran in 35:17.  That is a huge difference!

I did have to remind myself though that last summer I was running three times a week at 3 miles.  This summer I was really struggling to stay motivated.  I have maintained my training once a week, but my running really took a hit.  It is my own fault and I really needed to put everything aside and go after it.

After having my IUD removed, I have to say I have been feeling amazing!  I am not as "angry" as I was feeling.  I just in general feel great!  I really think it was messing with my body.  I am so glad I had it removed.  It is better for everyone :)

SO, the cooler weather is approaching and here I am.  The same place I was last year although even more nervous.  How will I do over the winter.  Will I maintain, will I get more intense and try to lose the weight.  I am able to go to the gym that I train at and use their equipment and treadmills.  Ugghhhh treadmills :)  Ellipticals are also there as well as the dreaded step mill....how I hate her, yet she works and makes you gross and sweaty!

So, this afternoon I am relaxing under a blanket and enjoying some quiet time before the rest of my day comes to an end.  Thanks for reading, and I do hope to post again soon!

~ <3 ~
Me

First Workout Post Surgery

Well, I had my first PT (Personal Training) session since my surgery!  I am one week post surgery and still have slight surface soreness and definitely some internal soreness.  I don't see myself running for maybe a few more days.  All of that bouncing and jiggling still isn't super comfy yet.

I was nervous for PT today but excited to get back into it.  I was off last week because I had to change my PT day with a changing work schedule and it landed on my surgery day.  That meant, because my trainer had the time, that I did an hour to make up for last week!  WOW was it a hard hour!  My

trainer pushed me and near the end I had to tie my shirt up to get it off my incisions because it was sticking and pulling.  OWIE! 

I seriously needed one of these handy 80's tshirt clips.  Don't act like you don't know what these are or that you never used one.  WE ALL DID!  :)  After I was able to adjust my shirt I felt better but realized something about myself.  I REFUSED to look at myself in the mirror.  All of this progress and my body still makes me turn away!  I closed my eyes (which also helps me focus on breathing and finishing strong with my reps).  I get distracted when I see myself and when I feel tired it makes me feel even MORE tired watching myself.

I think it didn't help that for the past week I have been so over bloated from surgery PLUS my period should come this coming week. Not sure though since my body has been through a lot recently.  Just been feeling a bit blah lately and that is ok, but it now is time to snap out of it and get back into the swing of things.

Back to the eating and fitness schedule.  We have some time off coming up followed by the start of the school year!  I can't even believe our baby is going to be in Kindergarten!  These years are flying by!  AHHHH!

Ok, that was my squirrel moment HaHaHa  I am having such a hard time focusing because I got nailed with an awful sinus unfection this morning and can't even keep it together to type.

Thanks for reading and I will try to post again soon!

~ <3 ~
Me

Recovering!

Well my friends, surgery went well!  All went as planned and I was out of there in no time!  I felt amazing yesterday.  When I woke up out of anesthesia i had a cracker and some motrin and was fine for the day!  I even changed sheets and swiffered the floors....SHHH don't tell my doctor.

I took another motrin today to help with inflammation and vacuumed and have been just laying around on the couch.  I hopped in the shower quickly and realized one of my incisions was bleeding.  I gave myself some new bandages and decided I had pushed myself enough and needed some down time.

As I was home yesterday I got a delivery from UPS.  Those gorgeous flowers are from one of my best and amazing friends....Yurisa!  They are gorgeous and smell amazing!  She is so sweet!  My parents also came over and brought us dinner from this amazing Italian restaurant around here called Dino's. It was SOOOO yummy!  I ate it in seconds and enjoyed every moment of it :)

So, my doctor said everything went well.  I have a follow up this week.  I had my mirena removed and my tubes removed also.  I didn't have any soreness I read about!  No pain in the shoulders or back from the gas breaking down.  Just my incisions today are a little sore, so I am keeping up with the motrin for the inflammation and trying to stay comfy.  I am also trying not to over do it.  Since I am so bored I keep doing random things and I should just lay here and let my pool boy take care of me :)

My husband has been amazing.  So helpful with the kids and things around the house.  He truly is my prince charming!

Ok, my friends....just wanted to say hello and that all went well!  I will post soon!

~ <3 ~
Me

Almost Time and Progress Pic!

Well, I call the hospital tomorrow to get the time of my surgery Friday.  I am a bit nervous, but at the same time I just am anxious to get this thing over with already :)

I started researching having my tubes tied.  We have discussed and decided that we are not having any more children.  I read that 5 in 1,000 women have an unplanned pregnancy even after having their tubes tied.  Ummmm....HELLO!!!  I was 8 in 1,000 to have my Mirena fail.  I was NOT about to take that risk! 

I called my OB and he called me after hours to discuss what I wanted done and the pros and cons.  I love him.  He is an amazing doctor and just has such a calming presence.  So during our conversation he mentions the option of removing my tubes.  I was a bit hesitant but he then said "If we did that, it significantly reduces your risk of ovarian cancer."  After that, it was a done deal!  The cancer risk is fairly high in my family, so it was a no brainer!

Now onto something new.  I went back to Karate group class today!  I also went for a run once I got home.  It felt amazing!  I am going to do my "homework" tomorrow as my last moment of activity.  I am not sure how I will feel after friday.  From what I have read I will be in pain as the gasses they use to inflate my stomach for surgery break down.  I am hoping that is just Friday and I am good to go the rest of the weekend.

I re-started my couch to 5k app using it for interval training.  I haven't been super consistent with it so I doubt it has helped me much yet.  I am trying!  It is funny going back a year ago though and seeing how much farther I can go now in the same amount of time that I had last year.  It makes me happy.

Here is a new progress picture....It isn't great because I am bloated from just finishing my period and now I will be HUGE and bloated after this surgery, so I probably won't have a good one for another month or so!

 I feel like I haven't made much progress

I look leaner and more muscular however....my arms are stronger and my core is stronger....not strong enough but I am getting there.  UGGHHH.  I did start on my eating schedule with my trainer....just a few cheating days here and there but I noticed how quickly my stomach thinned out.  Someone told me it was because the foods I was eating were a natural anti-inflammatory.  Next week starts a new cycle of foods and I am anxious to get started.  4 weeks of the same foods have been driving me insane!

Ok, thanks for reading and I will try to post this weekend after surgery!

~ <3 ~
Me

A Little Rain Didn't Hurt Anyone

Had a little PT today with Tommy at YDM (Your Daily Motivation) Fitness today.  After that I went for a run.  It rained a bit on and off but it felt amazing.

I decided to start using my Couch to 5k App again! Click Here  I decided to use it for interval training and working on improving my time.  Today was alternating 1 minute of running with 1:30 of walking.  When I did the one minute I was RACING!  It felt great!

I went back saw that when I first started I did 1.99 miles and today I did 2.31 miles!!  I can't complain about that!  It felt good and I was really huffing and puffing!

I was kind of excited because during training today my trainer said "Now that your stomach is small enough we can start really toning and tightening things up".  WHAAAAAAAT?!?!  WOOOOO!  I will post an updated photo soon but this made my day!  I noticed that just within the past week I have really thinned out in my stomach area.  I just have my "Mom pouch" right now.

The eating has been going....it hasn't been easy, but it has been making quite the difference.  I am only on week two but I do notice my body slimming up.  A woman I work with says its acting as an anti inflammatory and reducing the swelling in my body.  HEY....I'll take it!

The countdown until my surgery is quickly approaching!  Still nervous yet calm about it at the same time.  I just want to get it over with!

Ok everyone...thanks for reading!  I'll make it back here soon!

~ <3 ~
Me

RIP Fitbit One

NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! 

I was putting laundry away and noticed something felt funny on my capri pants.  YEP!  I washed and dried my Fitbit One.  I am so lost for the past week and I just haven't known what to do with myself!

I love my husband....he got a Fitbit Zip through work and offered it to me.  He uses it everyday!  He knows how much I rely on mine though and it was such a sweet gesture!  SO, I booted it up and it is all connected to my profile and all.  UGGGHHHH.  I did get in contact with fitbit but because I bought it on eBay they will not honor any warranty on it.

One day I will get another one because I really liked the set up and size of my "One".  For now to save money, he sacrificed his Fitbit so I had one to use.

They went to the Air Show today so I could stay home and organize and get things together around the house.  I haven't gotten much done (big surprise there).  I am trying though!  I haven't worked out or ran since Wednesday and I am feeling it.  However, I decently have been keeping up with the eating plan from Tommy, so that has been getting better.

It isn't as bad as I thought....it isn't easy by any means, but it isn't too awful.  I feel really full most of the time which is amazing.  I feel like I wouldn't be full at all.  Lots of greens and proteins and nuts.  Not a big fan of walnuts, but I will make due so that I can boost my body to do amazing things!

Ok, I need to get back to it, but had to share about my sad moment in losing my dear Fitbit :)

Song of The Day - "Don't" - Ed Sheeran <---- I am LOVING his music right now!

~ <3 ~
Me

Happy Training Anniversary!!!

Happy 3 months of training with my Amazing trainer.  I guess I SHOULD take some progress pictures now that I realized it's been 3 months (Well, 3 months July 9th).

I was going through my fitness logging site Map My Fitness and went back to May of last year to see my progress and when I slowed down and when I picked back up.  I hit April and noticed that April 9th was my first training session at YDM (Your Daily Motivation) Fitness !  I don't know if this was my consult day or my first actual training day.

I had training today and once we were done Tommy says "Cardio it up!".  My plan was to come home and run and he didn't believe me that I would do it!  I wanted to run today.  It is unseasonably cool and not muggy....a nice breeze.  I had to tag him in my fitness post so he knew I kept my end of the deal.

I still can't believe that it has only been 3 months since I started training.  I feel like I have been doing that forever.  Probably because I was with trainer "Bob" for so long that this journey DOES seem like it has been taking a long time.  But as much progress as I have made in 3 months.....I can't wait for another 3, 6, 9, FOREVER!

I ran/walked 4 miles today and it felt A-MA-ZING!  It is so nice and breezy here by the lake today.  Overcast skies.  I was breathing like a champ.  Some muscle soreness, but I pushed through.  When I was done I felt like a new woman!  It felt amazing and I was really happy that I did it!

I will be curious to see what my training turns into once it starts to snow.  I hate treadmills since last November's "Knee Gate" episode.  I am probably going to be doing a lot of stair machine and elliptical work.  Which is fine.  I have to maintain as best as I can and keep continuing my progress!

Below is my heart rate graph from my run today.  I walked the first 5 minutes to warm up and then walked like .20 at the end then I ran the rest out, but I still felt pretty great!

It also shows elevation, pace, and heart rate all together so you can see where you struggle more and such.  I love my Garmin Forerunner 110.  I purchased mine through Hear Rate Monitors USA for a STEAL!  Even cheaper than from Amazon.  It came with a HRM (Hear Rate Monitor) and it bases your calorie burn off your weight, height, gender, and heart rate for an accurate number.

Ok, enough of my "sales" pitches today :)  Have an amazing Wednesday everyone!!!!

~ <3 ~
Me

SONG OF THE DAY: Well, the link is to a video but it is HILARIOUS! "Word Crimes" - Weird Al Yankovic"

Feeling Finicky

This is how I feel today!  I am only on day 2 of my eating plan from my trainer and I want to punch this cute bunny in it's face!  My first round of food is for 4 weeks......UGGHHH.  I love food....not the best food but I love it....

Spinach is the devil and I hope I can do this for 3 more weeks!! 

I don't know what else to type.  I am tired.....I have training tomorrow morning....sleepy sleepy

~ <3 ~
Me

Organizing and De-Stressing

So after the kids went to bed tonight, I sat down with a few things in mind. 

Number one on my list of things to do was to create a daily checklist.  Sometimes I am just running around like a chicken with my head cut off and go go go go go that my day is over and then I do it all over again.  Second was sitting down and going through my trainer's food recommendations and figuring out how I am going to accomplish it.

I DID IT!!!  I got my checklist done AND added in what foods I need to eat!  I am so excited and motivated and just excited!!!

I seriously can't wait to see how I do with slimming down and dropping weight....nervous and excited.  I am gonna be eating a TON of chicken LMAO :)

My checklist makes me laugh but it is what I need.  Make bed, pack lunch (and what to pack), dinner (what to eat), work out, laundry, cleaning, vacuuming.  It sucks but my mind  SQUIRREL  is so chaotic some days.

Ok, I just had to share, but have an amazing week everyone!!

~ <3 ~
Me

Some Chaos: 8 in 1000 - I am awesome

Ok, so I have been in such a funk the past month!!

Let us rewind a bit.  SO, after our son was born, I had an IUD placed called Mirena.  This sounded like an amazing option!  Never have to worry about taking the pill, no shots....keeping it simple.  Well lately something was nagging me to have it removed.  I didn't want the extra chemicals in my body and wanted everything I do to be the healthier natural option.  SO, into year 3 of 5 with this thing, I decide to have it removed.

I go in and the doctor can't find it.  I go almost two weeks later so he can use a scope for removal and it is GONE!  Nowhere where it should be.  Missing....just GONE!  They decide to do an ultrasound and we find out that it (time for some TMI people) migrated OUT of my uterus and into my body posteriorly (which means towards my back).

I now have to have laparoscopy through my belly button to remove this damn thing.  I do some research and notice that I am 8 in 1000 of a chance of migration.  I have no punctures and all seems to be well, but I have surgery scheduled in a few weeks.  It is all standard, but it still makes me nervous to be put under....you know?  Doctor says I will be good to go after a few days (running and fitness wise).  SO, that is my story!

I have made the mistake of reading about surgery online but everyone seems to have had really great recoveries and surgeries.  It also seems as thought I will have probably 2 small incisions which includes the one in my belly button. STILL NERVOUS!

I just have been feeling so overwhelmed lately and this topped the cake.  I need to get back into my fitness because I have really not been doing well AT ALL!  UGGHHH!

OK, enough complaining....time to start doing and getting healthy again!  Thanks for reading....I am sure I will be fine but sheesh.......Hope you all had a good weekend!!

~ <3 ~
Me

Love - Hate Relationships and Feeling Disappointed

 I have a love-hate relationship with THAT GUY right there......Maybe it's a girl because she is a real bitch!  I told my trainer that I needed a break from the 6 mile elliptical training I do Wednesdays.  I say "What is something you would recommend?".  You think I would know better than to ask because he says "The hardest thing....stair machine!  Would I say anything different?" 

I am so exchausted!  I did 20 minutes today on a level 5 and thought i was going to DIE!  I was dripping sweat and my heart rate was at race pace MOST of the time!  It was an amazing work out!  I am beat and couldn't believe that I burned more calories in 20 minutes than in over an hour on the elliptical.  WOW!

I feel bad for my trainer....I am still in such a weird place right now.  Something doesn't feel right in my body.  I am going to see my OB tomorrow and check for any hormone changes because I am having AWFUL mood swings.  Both my Mom and her Mom started into menopause at a VERY young age, so I want to make sure my body isn't goin crazy!!

OH!  There is my heart rate chart from my monitor that I wore while on the step machine.....that thing is the debil :)

Ok, off topic but here we go.  SO I always see these amazing progress photos from Tommy's other clients and they are AMAZING!  Like just 3 months have gone by and they are so toned and have this muscle definition.  It's INSANE!

I feel like I.....not that I make him look bad, because if I am not doing what he tells me to do, then that is my fault and it makes ME look bad.  But I feel like I am totally disappointing him because I have no visual progress (at least I feel like I can't see it).  I want change!  I want that healthy life and amazing body to go with it! 

WHAT THE HELL IS MY PROBLEM!  I deserve it!  I want it!  I need it!  Why am I sabotaging myself....why can't I just do it already!????

I am so frustrated and disappointed.  I am maintaining my weight loss and am proud of what I have accomplished so far but......seriously.......ugggghhhhh........I am just angry and frustrated and aggravated and mad and.......exhausted.  Just exhausted :(

~ <3 ~
Me

Holiday Exhaustion

***BE PREPARED!  This entry is long, jumbled, and not so focused on the journey as it is a venting post.  Read with caution!***

I enjoy the long holidays/summer vacations because it gets me away from the daily grind of work.  HOWEVER, it also causes me to stray from my routine because I am so busy with my family that I don't have that designated "Me Time" to go running or work out.

I have had an amazing weekend with my family though.  Fireworks with the kids, my niece had her first birthday party, we took the kids to play some putt putt for the first time ever, and we did a lot of longing by the fire and drinking.  Lot's of enjoyable times!

I need to start making a list of things I need to accomplish on a daily level.  I sometimes get overwhelmed in my mind and then I don't get anything done!  Yes, things as simple as laundry or vacuuming are all on this list.  It makes it easier to prioritize and organize my thoughts.  I get distracted very easily.  After this crazy weekend I still have things to get done.  However my most exciting moment was my husband hanging a clothes line for me.  Simple yet exciting.  I love hanging the laundry to dry!!

SO, back on track.  I decided to start training for a half marathon......I was supposed to start Friday.....aaaaaand I haven't started yet.  I am having a hard time putting it together with my "training homework" that I am trying to maintain every other day.  This has also left me somewhat overwhelmed.  I feel like I have so much on my plate to do towards this new goal and I don't know where to plot it all out.

I have been a RAGING bitch the past 2 weeks.  I haven't known why, I just have had so much pent up frustration that I wanted to punch something!  I kept saying "It's not my period because I just got that like a week ago!"  Low and behold BAM there it starts.  I can honestly say I am a more emotional and depressed PMS-er but I was the raving BITCH PMS-er this month.  I felt AWFUL!  For my husband, my kids, my co-workers.  Yeah Wow.....it was bad.

Again, off topic, but it really affected my fitness goals!  I didn't do ANYTHING!  My poor trainer!  PT day came and he walked in and I said "I am raging and feel like I should punch someone or something, so let's work it out!"  When I was done it did help a little but I was still cranky.  I still am cranky!

I am just full of positive things right now aren't I!?  Blah!  Ok, I am done sharing, but exhausted and now I will eat pizza for dinner and plan our food for the week.  How I love my crock pot!

Thanks for sticking through this if you did!

~ <3 ~
Me

Time To Face The Food

I feel like that is me telling my daughter "Oh honey....those are yummy.  Mommy has had 20 already!  Do you want to share one more with me?"  It truly is ridiculous.  It is time to.....

FACE THE FOOD!

I seriously need to get this food and eating together already.  I need to focus on a leaner intake and cut down on my carbs and sugars.  I don't eat NEARLY as much as I used to or as poorly as I used to, but I still love my junk.

Hello......my name is Beth......and I am a carb-aholic.  It is awful and I hate it but I love them and they love me and you can't tell me anything otherwise!  Pizza, sandwiches, pastas.  I also am realizing that despite trying to eat better, I still have a higher sugar intake.  Ice cream!  Curse you ice cream!  Slowly but surely I am trying to tweak it without getting overwhelmed so that I stick with it instead of giving up on it.

I am dedicated this week to my fitness routine and planning on sticking with that better (YES including my PT "homework") but I have GOT to get this food thing together because I want to start seeing results faster and the only way I am going to do that is if I discipline myself more and really get to it!

My patient that referred me to my trainer had a series of three photos that she posted online.  Month one, month two and month three. HOLY CRAP!  The muscle definition and tone she has gotten has been incredible!

My friend Yurisa has been with her trainer probably a short while longer than me and has dropped 30lbs and looks amazing. 

OBVIOUSLY I am doing something wrong!  The only thing I am thinking that isn't quite in tune yet is my eating.  I am so frustrated and aggravated today!!!  I just want this all to be done and be fit and just maintain already.  I figure though it took me probably almost 20 years and 2 kids to get to the point I was at.....I know it can't happen over night.

Ugghhh....I just want the day to come where I can't really find a spot that I see on my body and say "ugghhhh I can't wait for that to be tighter/more toned/not so flabby".  I also wish I didn't think this way about my body.  One day I think I look amazing and then I see myself in a picture or just looking in the mirror the next day and think I look huge.  I mean compared to where I was, I look and feel amazing, but I am not there yet.  I have SUCH a far way to go.

HOW MUCH LONGER!?  Probably not as long if I just face the food, listen to my amazing trainer, and just get shit done already!!!!

~ <3 ~
Me

BUSTED!

I had to laugh today.  I had my PT (Personal Training) today and as it got started my trainer says "Anything hurting or sore today?"  I then say "Yes my legs, but I ran Monday and did my workout sheet you gave me last night."  He then proceeds with "I thought you didn't do your workout sheet I gave you??  That is what you said in your blog!"

BUSTED!!!!

I had to laugh because he was right!  See what happens when you share your blog with your trainer???  You get BUSTED!  But I knew I would get in trouble some day!  Maybe I sabotaged myself? HaHaHa

Today was a good day....lots of core and upper body work.  I think he tried to kill me today.  In a good way!  I always love my PT days.  I feel rejuvenated and awakened! 

I had such an amazing response to my Why I Chose A Personal Trainer blog.  Thank you all so much!  I had so many people contacting me asking me about my Trainer, Tommy, at YDM Fitness.  How often to I go, and what do I do when I go.  I was so honored for such a great response, but also proud of my trainer for helping me to inspire others to possibly seek help in their own journey. 

So I have to take a moment and mention two huge things!

1) My best friend Yurisa has been keeping with her own healthy lifestyle and has been KILLING it!  She has lost like 30lbs and is looking like one hot Mama!  Way to go girlie!  You are now MY inspiration! 

2) I have talked about a My Fitness Pal friend named BeingKevin before in my posts and how he has so inspired me in my own journey.  I realized (a month later) that after my 10k that I hadn't seen any posts from him!  I search for his name and he has been deactivated.  I panicked!!  I found a thread that stated he got overwhelmed by social connections and had to start fresh and has joined a new calorie counting site.  I am glad for his journey and that he is keeping up with it, but I will miss him!

Ok my friends....I am done for the night.  I don't have much to say but I hope you stick with me because I am planning on getting another good blog up! 

~ <3 ~
Me

Why I Chose A Personal Trainer

I hear so many different things from so many different people.

"I know what I need to do...why should I pay for it?"
"I can just do this at home"
"What can they possibly tell you that you don't already know?"
"I can just look it up online and find routines."

Here is the thing.  I tried working out at home.  I tried the DVD's.  No matter how much I research online, I feel overwhelmed.  There is SO much stuff out there.  Arms, legs, back, chest....HOOOOOOOLD on a minute.  I mean how much weight should I be using....how many times should I do it?  I will tell you what.  I can't take it!

You know what?  Go.  Right now.  Get on Google and search fitness routines or strength training routines.  How many did you find?  I found over 20,000,000.  That's MILLION in case you didn't notice.  Who has time to sift through all of that garbage?!

When I was at my old gym, I did one free training session.  You know, the usual.  "This is what this machine does....give it a try".  BLEH.  Anywho, I had dropped 20lbs by this point and knew I needed to start building up muscle to take care of my "flappy skin".  It was starting to hang on me and I needed to do something and something fast.  So, I signed up for training with a trainer (let's just call him Bob).  As I am talking to "Bob" I am trying to get to know him.

I ask him where he went to school to get his degree.  His response was "Oh I didn't go to school for this, but I went through certification."  (granted I am sure there are certified trainers who are amazing at their jobs and are very passionate, so please don't take offense) Why this didn't stop me in my tracks....I just figured that this was ok for me.  From there we went right to mainly leg machines as he talked to other members on and off the whole time.  I had training with Bob once a week.  My concern was my knee because after running I was in so much pain.  So he said we needed to strengthen my thigh and my inner thigh to protect my knee.  That was the end of that.  No weigh in.  No measurements.  I had no idea where I started and where I was headed or what my goals were.

I can honestly tell you that when I went for those training sessions....I was in SO much pain!  I couldn't sit down on a toilet without support for AT LEAST 3-4 days.  I do this routine on a weekly basis for 2 months.  No results.  Just miserable times being so sore and uncomfortable and just burnt out because I was so discouraged.

By the end of the second month a patient of mine was telling me about a man she went to school with who opened his own gym.  He was passionate and intelligent.  This was his life calling and he embraced and loved being a personal trainer and fitness/health in general.  He made it a challenge, but made it enjoyable.  She told me that he gave her a workout plan to do when she wasn't at her training session.  He took all of her beginning measurements.  He gave her a daily food plan!  Seriously!?  A food plan!?

By the end of her appointment she gave me his number and I called right away.  He was personable and not pushy at all.  You know how sometimes the trainers push you into it like a sales pitch and they are guaranteed commission when you sign on the line?  He wasn't like that at all.

He explained to me that my first visit is a free consult.  He works with you to see where your limits are and how far you can currently go so that you can aim for a future goal.  I was PETRIFIED!  But I set up my free consult figuring the worst that could happen was that NOTHING would happen.

During my appointment, I did so many different things.  He really tested me and pushed the limits.  When we were done we got my current weight and measurements from head to toe.  He asked me what my goals were and what I wanted to accomplish and he told me what the plan was!  He was so genuine and you could just feel the passion oozing out of his pores.  He loved what he did and it showed!!  It made me feel so at ease and I signed up then and there.

At my next session he had a typed up sheet of a workout routine (very detailed) to do every other day.  He also gave me an eating routine!  Super easy foods (other than the fish that my husband is allergic to).  When I felt like my weight loss was at a stand still he recommended a protein supplement which has been amazing.  He is available when I have a question and doesn't make me feel stupid with questions I have.

It's like a light bulb went off in my head and I knew this was the right thing for me to do!  I can tell you that within a month of training with Tommy I have tightened and toned so much!  Such a huge improvement!  He always jokes and says "How was that compared to 'Bob'?".  I am working on the food thing and need to get back into my PT "Homework". 

Why did I choose a personal trainer?  Accountability.  Knowing I would disappoint someone because I am not willing to try harder and fight for the body and lifestyle I deserve!  I am lazy!  History proves that.  I don't care what DVD or YouTube video is out there....I don't do it.  I have a ton of them already collecting dust on a shelf.  I need the help!  I need the guidance!

So, people say they don't need a trainer and they won't get anything out of it.  You are wrong!  If you DO have the ability to do it all on your own, congratulations.  But having that strong base and knowledge...it's priceless.

So, again I say.... why did I choose a personal trainer?  It was what was best for me and I wouldn't change it for the world.  My fitness relationship with my trainer is great and he is supportive but still a firm trainer and it is what I need in MY life.  I have progressed so much in such a small amount of time and yes I have done this, but not without my trainers help and guidance.  I can do assisted chin ups!  HELLO!?!?  I think that's amazing and I can't wait to do my first full chin up by myself....it is a goal of mine!

So thank you to my trainer Tommy at YDM Fitness!  You truly inspire and it is so evident the passion and drive you have for your career.  It isn't just a job to you and I am sure I am not the only client who appreciates your work and dedication.  My husband thanks you too ;) I am looking quite fit these days HaHaHa

I hope this helps others who have been considering working with a trainer.  Please look into them and make sure they are qualified and experienced and care about their clients and to them you are not just another number to add to their list.  Don't be just a dollar sign to them....make sure you are important!

~ <3 ~
Me

Feeling Strong

So my trainer always says "You're getting stronger" or "You're improving a lot".  I will tell you something.  I am an impatient person.  This dropping weight and toning up thing does not mesh well with my impatient personality!  HOWEVER, I am still sticking with it, and my PT (Personal Training) days are my favorite days of the week.  I have an intense 30 minute session with Tommy and then I do 6 miles on the elliptical machine....I'd love to run outside but I know as soon as I get home I will get occupied doing other things and let it slide.

I have been doing a lot of upper body stuff at my training sessions and I have to say I have impressed myself!  I am doing squatting chin ups/pull ups.  I can't wait for the day when I can do a regular one all on my own.  That is my goal because I have NEVER been able to do that!  Even when I was younger.  When I turn my arms certain ways I can see the muscle I have.....now I just have to drop the fat!  That is what I need to keep up with.

I am guilty of not doing my every other day PT homework he has given me and I know he knows I am not doing it because my results aren't as obvious.  Why I won't do it baffles me, but I have to start somewhere and that somewhere is tomorrow!!!

I have been doing pretty good with my eating lately though!  I have been doing my protein smoothies for breakfast and having spinach and chicken salads for my lunches!  My husband has been keeping up with it also, so we go through lettuce, spinach and chicken like its chocolate.  It is getting pricey but this healthy eating is just totally worth it!  You feel better and you look healthier and happier.

Slow and steady with the fitness.  I don't want to rush and then let go everything I have worked so hard for.  I also don't want to drop the weight and then get a ton of flappy hanging skin.  That started to happen last fall because I dropped my 20lbs so fast.  Now that I am strength training.....well just training in general....I have really started to tone and tighten up.  My trainer is a blessing and I am forever in debt to my patient that referred me.  It was the right time and meant to be.  Stupid "Other Gym".  I wasted way too much time there when I could have been having results ASAP.  Had I known, I would have loved to do it when I started running last year.  I bet my results would have been HUGE!  Not that they weren't on their own, but I bet it would have been incredible!

I am going to try and start posting a song of the day on my blog.  Some songs I just really push harder while I am working out or running.  I hope it helps you build your music collection everyone!

Ok my friends.....I have a lot to do today.  Stay active and go for a walk.  Enjoy the outdoors playing with your kids or your pets.....live and love life!

~ <3 ~
Me

*Song of the day: "Sail" - AWOLNATION*

A time you hate being a woman.....

I'll tell you what....when that "time of the month" is approaching I am just a big ball of bloaty blah-ness.  I have no motivation to exercise and all I want to do it eat!  And not just normal eating....junk food eating.  Chips, ice cream, chocolate.  You name it....I want to ingest it!

I have been feeling so out of sorts all week and this morning I didn't even look forward to my PT (personal training) session.  Those are the highlight of my week so that I can get back into the groove if I was slowing down.  So this morning I look at my handy little calendar and there it was.  BAM it starts next week.  I knew it.  Otherwise why the hell would I feel this way!?

Our kids have been FINALLY feeling better after being sick for almost 2 weeks.  I started giving them a Claritin every morning because our son keeps saying his head hurt and we have decided he has awful allergies and sinus issues.  It has helped him so much!  I hate taking medicine and I hate giving it to my kids, but in this instance it was worth it.

SO, now that they are starting to get better I can refocus and get back into the swing of being healthy.  I signed up for one 5k every month through september and I am so excited.  I am thrilled too because my husband has decided to train and run with me!  To be able to share this part of my life with him really makes me super happy.  We are together all the time but something like this really gives you a different connection.  To run with him will be so fun.  My heart is so full!

Our daughter graduated Pre-School since my last post and she is so excited to start kindergarten.  I am not as excited that this time has gone by so quickly, but here we are :)  Our son starts pre-school this fall as well.  Both of them starting school....where has the time gone!

This post is kind of all over the place, but I enjoy emptying my brain even if it isn't all fitness related.

Ok, I need to shove off here.  Thanks for stopping by!  My next race is June 29th in the Danny Parmertor Memorial Run to raise money for scholarships in our cousin Danny's name.  I can't wait for it in just a few short weeks!

Enjoy your day and stay active!!

~ <3 ~
Me

Routine Has Happened

I was sitting her on the couch browsing the internet (yeah I know so healthy and all) and I realized something......I finally have routine with my healthy lifestyle!  I was telling a friend of mine how I always heard it takes 30 days to make something a habit.  That is a load of BS! 

I can't tell you how many times I attempted to turn my life around.  I would stick with things for MONTHS and go right back to where I started.  I don't know what the difference is now compared to then, but it just feels right!

It feels weird if I don't work out during the week (especially my PT sessions).  If I don't eat well, by body tells me so!  Like seriously, it makes me miserable....absolutely miserable!  My body craves exercise!  It's like a drug!  A huge antidepressant drug!  I am more positive and my body is happy!

I cried today at my Personal Training (PT) today.  I felt so stupid but I cried!  I was doing a circuit and part of it was a "chin up" move where I squatted to the floor and used my arms to pull up and down.  Immediately I started crying.  My trainer seriously thought I was hurt and that something was terribly wrong with me.  All I could say was "I never would have thought I'd be able to do something like this before".  All he said was "Well, you're doing it now!".  Damn right Tommy!  Damn right!

My trainer is amazing.  (that's my sweaty PT selfie) Super patient but very firm and motivating.  Pushes me to the point that my body can take the work out but, as he said today, "I don't push you to the point that you can't even sit down on the toilet".  SO TRUE!  When I was at Fitness 19 my trainer (let's call him Bob) would work me out so hard that I literally couldn't sit down on the toilet without something to support me!  He knew I had a knee issue and was worried about building up the strength in my thighs and around my knees.  I'd be out of commission for DAYS!

I am sore with my new trainer, but it is a good sore.  A reminder of what muscles I used for my workout and that I am slimming and trimming that fat away!  A reminder of the old me becoming the new me!  RAWR!!  LoL

Ok, so I love my PT days and they make me happy and healthy like my healthy eating!  YAY!  When I miss either of those things, my world comes crashing down and all is lost and gone forever ;)

As a side note, I have signed up for a 5k race every month until October!  I am so happy and so excited because my husband has decided to run with me!  He wants to get into it too!  I am so excited to share this part of my life with him!

Off to bed I go my friends!  Thanks for reading and share this with your friends!  Maybe I can guide someone to a healthier lifestyle too!

~ <3 ~
Me

The Day After

Yeeeeaaaahhhhh WOW am I tired!

I came home yesterday.  I took a shower.  I laid on the couch for a good hour.  I never did take a nap, but just relaxing and stretching was nice.

No lie.....we went to bed at 8pm and I slept hard until almost 6am.....when I woke up I was still tired!  :)

I was pretty tired and a little achy today, but as long as I kept moving I felt pretty good!  I am already thinking of next year.  I am definitely running that again and I am so excited!!!! 

I don't have much to say....I am just enjoying the ride of excitement here!  Thanks for reading everyone!

~ <3 ~
Me

My First 10k!

It is official!  The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon; Half Marathon; 10k!  Today was my day to add another milestone into my journey.  I'll tell you something....I almost didn't even go.  My anxiety got SO bad yesterday that I really almost decided it would be worse dealing with my anxiety than running at all.  BOY was I glad I stuck it out.

I followed my friend Kelly there and we got there and it was FREEZING!!!  Super windy and freaking cold!  We hopped and stepped around trying to keep our bodies warm as best we could.  The national anthem was sung (by an amazing woman who obviously was a country singer) and off we went.  It took probably 10-15 minutes for us to finally hit that starting line.

Once I hit the line, I was off (and obviously started the timer on my Garmin GPS watch).  Kelly and I had agreed that if one of us fell behind to just keep going and we would meet at the finish line.  At one point I lost her as she weaved through the people and then I was on my own.  Music blaring and feet jogging along the streets of Cleveland.

I kept looking at my wrist seeing how far I had been running and see that 1 mile come up.  "WOW that was fast!"  I was keeping an 11:16 mile and I was happy with that.  Next I hit the 2 mile 11:39 "Ok, pace yourself but speed up a little".  I hit the 3 mile and realize "HOLY CRAP I just ran 3 miles in under 35 minutes!"  It was my best time yet!  The fastest I had ever gone was 35:15 I believe last year.  I hit 4.5 miles and say "Wow I am practically done!" and then 5 miles hits.

As we came back we went over a bridge but most of the way was uphill.  I can't tell you how many times I talked myself out of walking.  I figured I would just slow it down a bit to catch my breath and then pick it all back up again.  I hit 6 and thought "Where the hell is the finish line!?"  That kind of threw me off because Garmin said I went 6.3 miles, but I kept going!


 SO, here comes the finish line...I even feel myself slow up a little bit.  Then BAM!  I run so fast I feel like my legs will fall off or I may puke and I pass up others just to get to that finish line!

Here is my official time from the chip on my racing bib.  I have to say I did better than I thought I would!  When running at home I did 1:27 and that included me walking a bit up some pretty steep hills.  I couldn't be more happy with the time.  In all honesty, I am just glad I never stopped to walk!

As I was going through my info on Map My Fitness and looked at the break down of my miles, at some points it says I was doing like a 9 minute mile (must have been those downhill moments while I caught my breath).  Either way I couldn't believe I had done it and that I had made it!

I finished strong, grabbed a water, grabbed my banana and sat down in the grass to stretch it out!  I met back up with Kelly (who did amazing btw beating me with her time!) and we just sat and of course took our post race SELFIIIIIEEEEE!!!

Why can I never just smile....I have to make these ridiculous freaky faces.  Anywho, We walked back to the cars and I got in and headed home.  I was so thankful she was there to help me with my anxiety.  I told her she probably thinks I am a psychopath....but she ran with me anyways ;)

I was able to run into some family and friends at the race and everyone did amazing!!  I was glad I completed my goal of fully running a 10k.  No stopping, 6.2 (Garmin said 6.3) miles, showing the world what one can accomplish when we are determined and when we put our mind (and body) to the test!

So, thank you Kelly for not weirding out on me and being an amazing friend!  Hey remember when we used to play soccer together on our co-ed team!?  Life brings you back together for a reason and YOU my friend really helped me today!

I am so blessed and thankful and proud of myself for what I was able to do.  Again showing others what can be done when you want to change your life into a healthy and active one!

This will be the longest I ever would want to run, so no, I am not going to train for a half marathon or full marathon.....I am totally ok with my 10k!  Maybe one day I will change my mind, but for now I am all good ;)  Thanks for reading and have an amazing weekend everyone!  I am relaxing and then will be celebrating my birthday with my in-laws today.  Keeping it low key before I hit the big 32 tomorrow!  EEP!

~ <3 ~
Me