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

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"

Dusting Off and Starting Fresh!

Wow.....has it really been THAT long since my last blog post?  Has it really been THAT long since I have gone running?

YUP!!!

We have had some random nice days, but nothing consistent.  We had a CRAZY deep freeze last week and, well, that wasn't going to allow me any outdoor time.  SO, today the sun was shining and the wind was decent.  I ate my lunch at work and decided to do a quick run before my afternoon began.

I ran 0.8 miles and it felt AMAZING!  I think it was just what I needed.  I plan on going to the gym after work tomorrow and running 2 or 3 miles then hitting up the elliptical for the final few to get 5 miles.  I miss it.

My heart is aching from not running.  When I have a moment to sprint across a parking lot, it is the

most amazing feeling ever.  It brings back all that enjoyment and feeling of success and victory.

Surprisingly enough, I have maintained my weight since the whole "knee issue" before Thanksgiving.  I actually lost 0.8lbs which shocked me.  I start back at karate group class tomorrow night which I am super excited about.  I miss it.  The last class I went to my Dad KILLED us!  I literally couldn't sit down on the toilet without using my arms to brace myself for 3 days!  Lunges but they make your butt look nice and perky LOL

Another lady at work got herself a Fitbit and ALL HELL has broken loose! She is the ultimate competitor and has put my fitness friend Eva and I to the test.  Because I have basically given up on my lifestyle lately, I have been able to watch those two go at it!  It is awesome to have competition though because it makes you become more active and strive to be better every day.

Now THIS poor little guy right here represents my eating in every way possible.  I guess I feel like I am eating everything in site with no control at all like I was doing before.  Before my sabbatical I would have a HARD time hitting my calorie goal.  These days I just eat, and eat, and eat, and eat, and.....well, you get the point.

I don't know why, but I am a snacker.  If I can just find something to eat I will eat it and still feel hungry.  UUUUUGGGGGGHHHHH it is so frustrating!  I seriously may go insane, but I am hoping my burst of healthy energy starts my life back up because I wanted to be at my goal weight within a year.  I know that that is a pretty high goal, but it was what I thought was possible.

Maybe it still is, but I have one heck of a long road to travel before I reach the end and begin my maintenance journey.  I am sorry to you all that I haven't been around, and I really should get back with it. 

I feel it already.  I am starting to feel more tired.  I am not as energetic and happy.  I am feeling a little depression coming on.  I NEED THIS!  I need my exercise and running as my prescription for a happy life.  Fitness is my antidepressant and I miss my natural drug so much! 

I AM getting back in the swing of it.  I WILL continue to my goal.  I WILL DO IT!  Plus, all of you are watching me and if I don't do it......boy will I feel silly right????

I hope some of you stuck around to read this, and I am sorry, but this goes to show how easy it is to fall off the wagon, and how hard it is to get back on!  We can do this!!!

~ <3 ~
Me

Holy Motivation

I passed go and ran my ass off today!  Holy shmoly did I run!  I ran an 11:30 mile and I ran four of them!  I walked the last mile with inclines.  It felt amazing!

I really want to try to run every day.  I want to start the Holiday Streak early!  That AAAAND I started a friendly competition with my fitness buddy at work.  I did the Jack Burns finger eyes and told her that the challenge is on and I was determined to  beat her in steps this week.

I hope I can do it!  She is a steps fiend!  I have high hopes.  I am actually really tired tonight!  I didn't have a lot of steps at work today but I sure had a lot after my run tonight.  I did feel bad because I told my husband I'd be home within the hour and I was gone an hour and a half LoL.  I love him so much for letting me do this.  It keeps me around longer for him and the kids.  Keeps me energetic....if you know what I mean ;)

Ok, I just had to share some success today.  Trying to keep motivated!  I really do need to start doing weights!  Someone help me!  Or train with me!  The buddy system works swimmingly and I would love a fitness buddy!  Who is coming with me!?

Oh, by the way, this was my Fitbit dashboard today!  I haven't seen this screen consistently in awhile :)

~ <3 ~
Me

Don't Piss In The Wind

Or spit for that matter!  So one icky thing with running is that I get REALLY flemmy.  Like mucus is suffocating me.  So, I read online to make sure you spit.  For me, if I don't, I will physically be sick at the end of my run.  SO, I have learned to spit quite well.

HOWEVER!  I went for a run this morning.  The weather here in Northeastern Ohio is AMAZING right now.  A bit off topic, but I have been running outside a lot.  ANYWHO!  I get to a point where I am having a hard time breathing and swallowing, so I hocker one up and spit into the street.  I was MORTIFIED when this woman runs up right behind me.  I probably almost spit on her if she didn't get at least a misting.

I was SO embarrassed and apologized.  She just smiled and said "Good Morning" after her horrified look that she almost got nailed in the face.  I seriously couldn't believe I had done that.  Why didn't I look?  OH WELL!  She passed my slow ass right up and kept on going.

Other than that awful event, my run was so nice!  I ran 4.5 miles and walked the remaining to hit just over 5 miles.  Felt great!  I am super sore, but I burned like 800 some calories!  So, I use My Fitness Pal to track my food and my fitness.  I have a Garmin Forerunner GPS (purchased it with a company called Hear Rate Monitors USA) watch which I use with a heart rate monitor.  I love it because it takes into consideration my weight, distance, and my heart rate to figure out calories burned.  I knew I had to have burned quite a few because the course I took was pretty steep with some inclines, so it gave me a good work out.  I wasn't going for speed.  I just wanted to do 4 miles and I passed that! 

This honestly has been the best thing I purchased when I started running.  Yes, the clothes are nice, and my Fitbit One is amazing with tracking steps.  BUT, I like exact measurements and this item makes me so happy!  I recommend one to everyone!  I sync it with a website I joined (for free) called Map My Run.  Amazing website and if you don't have the Garmin, or another device to sync with it, you can figure out your course on their website and it will tell you everything you need or want to know! 

The combination of the two of them has helped me immensly.  I like graphs and maps.  Most of all I like knowing exactly how far I have gone and how many calories I have burned.  I like numbers.  Numbers show progress.

It's amazing looking back when I started in the beginning of May 2013 and could barely do that mile.  PLUS that was a combination of running and walking with my Couch to 5k App.  Looking back it seems silly that I couldn't do it.  HOWEVER!  I was a 203 lb almost 31 year old woman of two children that hadn't stuck with a damn thing dealing with my health and exercise.  Now I am down 26 lbs and am feeling amazing.  I have my moments of back tracking, but I find my way back because I miss it!

I honestly can say that I REALLY enjoy running.  I wouldn't say love....quite yet....but I am getting there!  When I don't run I feel run down and tired.  When I run I feel energized and so much better ab out myself!  One of the ladies I worked with made me chuckle!  I brought my running clothes to work Wednesday last week for a VERY cold run around the office.  She looked at me and said "Look at you!  You really are a runner now!". 

She was right!  I don't dread running.  I don't hate it.  I don't say "Oh I hate running.", "I'll only run if something is chasing me.".  NOPE!  I am a runner.  It feels amazing and I enjoy running.  It is a part of my life now and it makes me happy.  Thank you May of 2013 and what you changed in me and for me.  I couldn't imagine my life any other way.  Well, other than maybe winning the lottery or something :)

AMEN!

~ <3 ~
Me

It felt a-MA-zing!

Running that is!  I burned so many extra calories this morning because I chose to do the "Hill" program on the treadmill.  I chose to do level 5 out of 20 and WOW am I glad I didn't go higher than that :) 

I decided my body needed a change up.  Running 4 miles on a treadmill is easy when you are running flat with no obstacles right!?  I start at a 0 and go to 2.1, 3.4, 4.7.  HOLY SHMOLY!   It actually was easier when I ran faster!  I pushed 5.2mph running uphill and bumped it down to 4.9/5.0 when at 0.  I was SO exhausted that I only made it to 3 miles LoL.  I then did a run/walk combo for that final mile.  I had to finish that 4 miles today some how!  I got at 3.9 and then i broke out into a sprint!  I was seriously burning rubber off my shoes I was going so fast!  It felt amazing and it was JUST what I needed!

I really was starting to freak out last week for fear of a relapse into my old ways, but I did it and I am back!  I did not do my 30DS last night.....I have to do something!  I'll figure it out somehow :) 

As a side note, my daughter starts her dance class this Friday!  She is so excited and I am excited for her!  I will keep you posted!

Ok, I am out of here for a very busy day!  Gotta get in all of my steps! :)

~ <3 ~
Me

Support Systems

It is motivational Tuesday for me!  I am trying to find some push to get my ass moving.

Today's topic I really wanted to post something about support systems.  I have said before that you won't make life changes until you are ready.  Until every aspect of your life is ready.  That includes a  strong and steady support system.

If you don't have a strong support system, the people around you can sabotage all efforts to improve your life.  All is takes is one negative nelly to ruin your efforts.  Especially in the beginning!  For me, I am still weak.  I have only been at this for 5 months and I am STILL weak!  It takes a brief second for me to cram a cookie in my mouth.  To have that extra scoop of pasta.  To eat that extra slice of bread.

I still have people say "Oh just have one", "If you have a little it won't matter".  What they don't realize is that ONE or that LITTLE bit can ruin me!  In a brief moment of weakness I can cave and THAT snowballs for the rest of my day!  I know not all people realize this, but when I say no.....I mean NO!  Stop offering me snacks KNOWING I can't have them.  Stop egging me on to eat that one tiny bite when you know I can't do it.

If your support system that surrounds you just can't accept the fact that you are changing your lifestyle and trying to improve your life.  You need to sit them down and put it all out there.  Tell them that you need their support and encouragement.  That when you don't eat a certain thing, or don't have that piece of cake; there is a reason!  If they choose to laugh or make light of your decisions....screw them!  They are selfish and you don't need to put up with their crap.  You also don't have the time!!

You need to surround yourself with people who when you decide to MAKE that change, will support you 100%!  When you go to grab that cookie or eat a piece of cake they will have no hesitation speaking up because you asked them to.  They will tell you "It's ok.  You can do it tomorrow".  They will congratulate you when you've done well and they will lift you up when you are feeling down.

I have many support systems.  My husband and kids, my parents (hearing them say how proud they are of me makes me want this even more), family, friends (all of my readers and friends who post supportive comments here and on Facebook).  I also have my online support system.  My My Fitness Pal friends are amazing!  When I have a bad day they help me see why and what NOT to do tomorrow.  My fellow co-workers for the most part are very understanding.  Every once and awhile people offer me food when I am not asking for it.  They will learn :) 

My one co-worker and I (I feel) have grown closer through our lifestyle changes together.  We compare our steps everyday.  We look at each others online food journals.  She really has been a motivator (she has lost a TON of weight) and such a support system for me!  Thanks Eva!  You have been wonderful!  Thank goodness I love my job so that I never leave.  We shall be healthy forever :)

So, thank you to MY support system.  You keep me going when I don't feel like I can, and you are always there through the "thick and thin" of my journey.  Love to you all and thank you!!!

~ <3 ~
Me

Feeling "Bleh" Today

Some days I realize I need to vent and writing on here really helps scare the blues away.  Today is one of those days.  It's gloomy outside with the impending rain (which we need) and I start later at work today.  I am up and about trying to clean the house and do laundry.  I am just not feeling it today!

I am very nervous about my upcoming 5k on Sunday.  I am excited to get to the finish line but I am still nervous.  I clam up and freak out around large groups of people and unfamiliar situations.  I am thankful that a friend will be near me.  He convinced me to do the race!  Still, I am nervous.  I really want to do well on time but I don't want that to be going through my mind while I am running.  In reality I just want to finish the race without feeling like death :)

Yesterday at work was a bit awkward.  There was a small situation with someone there.  I don't like confrontation and enjoy living in my happy bubble where there is no hate....only fluffy clouds and unicorns!  It really rattled my bones.  I don't know why I let stuff stay with me and bother me.  Our office consultant once said "I don't make you feel a certain way.  It is how you make YOURSELF feel when you interpret it".  That is so true!

I really take things personally.  I may not show it when it happens but it sticks with me for quite awhile.  It could be a little jab at me or something to poke fun.  I will laugh and make my quick come back, but unfortunately, I am still sensitive.  I feel like I always had a high self esteem to keep myself up when maybe I didn't have the friends in school, or when I did get picked on.  As an adult.....it's EXHAUSTING!  People tell me I need to speak up and say my mind and when things hurt or bother me to say something.  I am trying.....still growing.....still learning.

My problem is I have such an open heart.  I take everyone in and when something happens to crush that "perfect" thought I am devastated!  So anywho, yesterday at work really rattled me.  My boss is amazing and supported me which I am so thankful for!  He really is an amazing boss....I am very lucky to have landed where I am today.  So, why am I still letting it bother me?  Who knows...I hate it.  I need to pray or meditate or something.  As I get older my anxiety is getting worse.

On the days that I run,  I feel amazing.....maybe I need to start running everyday?  It's my own personal antidepressant/anti-anxiety treatment!  A doctor I USED to see (notice the past tense) tried to put me on an antidepressant for my anxiety and I was a ZOMBIE for at least a month.  I took myself off of it when I realized I was falling asleep in the middle of the floor while I was playing with my kids.  I have to admit that my job then was emotionally and physically draining (mainly due to the boss I had).  Once I found another job that helped 300% and then my running has really given me an outlet.  My Dad keeps telling me to come back to Karate.  I miss it....the physical contact of hitting shit really made me feel great.  I was really involved in high school and it helped me stay fit, flexible, and strong!

I really don't know where this entry is going.  But I figured if I type it out and put it out there....I'll feel better for venting and my readers always offer great support.  I have been reading blogs out there and it is amazing seeing other peoples journeys through their weight loss and healthy living.  So inspiring.  One that resonated was a recent post HERE about how people judge others who are overweight and how they feel about it.  Such an amazing perspective.  I am guilty of it too.  Trying to put on a happy face when inside you are screaming....read up.  It is amazing!

Ok, so don't be worried about me from this post.  I am FINE.  I just needed to vent.  My husband gets an earful of my venting and I figured he needed a break ;)

As a side note, it was freaking HOT yesterday and I decided to go running at 1:30pm....yeah not so smart.  I walked a lot because I started getting chills around my lips and up my spine.  Always freaks me out when it's super hot out and while I am a sweaty mess I start shaking because I am cold....NOT good!  I tried to re run my wk2 day 2 in my 5k-10k app and failed at beating my previous time.  I wasn't surprised just because of the weather conditions.  But I did it until the end and then went further to make sure I finished that 3.1 mi!!!  I run tomorrow again....I may go today.  Just for a mile as a time check to help with my time for Sunday......AHHHH SUNDAY!!!  :)


My Fitbit is great.  The woman at work and I were hard core competing and I gave up.  She always beats me in steps.  But when I run my 3mi I try to burn more calories rather than look at the steps I have.  It always makes me smile when I do hit my 10,000/day though!  I feel like I accomplished something!  Here is a screen shot of my day yesterday.

Pretty good I think!  My best day was like 15,000 something.  That was a day I ran AND cut the grass :)  I felt amazing that day.  SUPER exhausted the next day but still great :)  Can't wait to see how I do today!

Well, enough procrastinating.  I have GOT to get some stuff done today!!  Have an amazing day everyone and thanks so much for letting me vent!  I feel so much better :)

~ <3 ~
Me

Proof of Losing

I have been DREADING this post for awhile.  I was nervous, scared, excited, proud.  SUCH a mixture of emotions I just didn't know if I should even do it!  BUT, here it is!

 May 2013 - 200 lbs - lazy, tired, exhausted.  I felt awful about my body and had nothing to wear!

This is today; September 2013 - 180 lbs - active, running, energetic, confident.  I am still not comfortable with my body, BUT I feel better about it :)

A lot of my weight is in my stomach/hips/thighs.  I recently joined a gym for winter time and I plan on running my 3x a week, but also doing weights 2x a week.  They offer one free training session that I PLAN on taking advantage of.  Or finding someone to help me while I am there!

The after picture just makes me smile.  If you could see my face in these pictures, you can see my expressions.  the 200 lb me was frowing....slouching....sad.  You could just see how miserable I was.  And as the pictures have progressed (I have slacked at doing my monthly photos, but have tried) I can see the change.  I stand up straighter, my smile is wider.  I am more confident!

So again....thank you to ALL who have been so supportive!  I run my first 5k in one week and I would be lying if I didn't say I was PETRIFIED!  I don't do well in unfamiliar places.  My anxiety kicks in full force!  It starts at 10:30 am but we have to register at 8:30am....I don't want to wait!  LoL

Wish me luck, and YES I will have pictures to share.  Have a great Sunday everyone!

~ <3 ~
Me

Recovering From Vacation

I know I haven't been posting, and the reason was that we went on our first family vacation!  We left on Labor Day and headed to the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee.  It was wonderful....hot and muggy, but nice!  I think the kids were a little young for this trip as they didn't have much to do so they got a bit bored no matter what we tried.

I was petrified!  I didn't run all week.  I TRIED to keep up with my good eating and failed except for our last day there because I was mostly in the car.  Couldn't keep up with my steps!  I honestly felt depressed and down.  I was lazy this week and my body was telling me!  I can't do that!

Surprisingly enough, I weighed myself last night right before bed (mistake #1).  Mistake #2 was that I even bothered to weigh myself after our vacation HaHaHa.  I did it anyways and my weight was the same!!  Still 20lbs down!  I couldn't believe it!

This, I can honestly say, is the first picture I have seen of myself where I didn't think "Oh wow I look HUGE!".  My husband has told me I am looking great.  My Mom has been telling me that I am looking great.....everyone has said something small or big in the same sense that I am looking better.  For the first time.....ME!!!  I FINALLY see it!  I plan on taking my new picture this weekend and posting my before and after for my 20lb loss.  I am PETRIFIED to compare but excited all at the same time.

My Fitbit numbers have been awful.  I spend two full days in a car and the other days we were really only walking so often.  BUT we enjoyed ourselves!

Starting fresh today!  My eating is better...i COULD be more active, but I am getting there :)  I am watching some incredible motivators.  Through their blogs, on My Fitness Pal , in life.  They really are inspirations, so thank you to all of you for keeping me on my toes and healthy!  You all being on my case really is great!!

Ok, I just wanted to touch base, I will try to post more soon!  Thank you for reading :)

~ <3 ~
Me

A Huge Milestone Today!!!

WHAT!?  Am I reading this right!?  Is my scale playing it's mind tricks on me again!?

NOPE!  I got on the scale this morning and BAM!  I was down 2 lbs!  I have finally hit my halfway point!  I lost 20 lbs.  I got rid of 20 lbs of self hate, depression, and un-healthyness.  I NEVER want to go back there ever again!!

Thats just under what our son weighs!  I got rid of a small child in weight!  I have gotten close at times to this, but it happened quickly and then i gained it back.  This time I have worked hard and stuck with a plan.  I do have an amazing support system.

My husband has been amazing while I ditch him in the evenings to go out running.  My Mom and Dad have been super supportive.  I can't even begin to tell you all the friends that have been a huge support with all of this.  Especially my friend Sarah.  She helped drive me in the beginning and helped push me to do things I didn't think I could do.  If you read this girlie....thank you <3

You truly need every aspect of your life to be ready for such a huge change in your life.  Your SELF, your family, your friends.  Thank you all for helping me in becoming the new "Me".  The better and healthier "Me".  The sexier "Me" ;)

I was reading a blog where the woman named her scale.  I shall name mine Johnny after my c25k Zombie trainer.  And after Johnny 5...i LOVE those movies ;)  Althought when it makes me mad, I am sure I will have a few choice names for him teeheehee.

I am having an out of sorts week next week and am hoping to continue the streak of goodness!  Thanks to everyone out there who has been so supportive and hopefully I can help you as you have helped me!

~ <3 ~
Me

Nothing Wrong With A Little Protein

Oh yes my friends.  This was me tonight!  Over the weekend I decided to start the 5k-to-10k program.  I love the iPhone app by Active HERE .  They have it for Android devices as well!  So, today was SO muggy that my skin was dripping just from the damp air.  As I was running, and nearing the end of my run, I got SLAMMED in the face by a swarm of little bugs!  UGGHH!!  ICK!!! BLEECCCHHH!!  Now, a little protein never hurt anyone, but it is still gross :)

Now I know I always talk about my Fitbit, but now I love it more than ever!  I really push myself to stay as active as possible!  Another gal at work has one and we decided to become friends on Fitbit and "compete".  W-O-W!  Was that the best idea ever!  We are the talk of the office because we constantly check our numbers and see where the other one is.  She told me before I left today "Don't go running tonight....take a night off and relax".  She knew my running tacks on 2,000-6,000 steps.  But I am LOVING it!  Friendly competition which keeps us active and healthy!  We take our challenge right up until bed time HaHaHa!

Ok, so here was my screen shot from tonight...and yes, I am sitting on the couch now :)

I LOVE being able to see in color and graphs how I am doing and progressing.  I don't use the calorie count of just my steps.  Only my work outs.  Only when my heart rate is up for 20mins+.  Maybe I should, but I just can't do it.

I also decided to do some Zumba on our PS3 tonight.  Just getting some extra steps and keeping the heart rate up!  Our daughter joined me as well and she was hilarious.  She just makes me laugh the whole time which I am sure helps burn those calories!

I just have to remind myself to keep moving!  If I don't I become a couch potato again.  Sitting and watching TV from 6pm-10pm....it disgusts me how lazy I used to be.  I am so thankful for that moment of motivation that got my a$$ off the couch running a 5k and now again to running a 10k distance soon!  I feel amazing (some days I am still tired) but mostly amazing! :)

As a side note, a friend got motivated to start the couch to 5k program and she started and did amazing!  I hope she sticks with it because she is super psyched about it!

So, my motivational moment is still to just get moving!  If you find yourself sitting all night, go for a walk!  Lap the house!  Something!  ANYTHING!!  There are no excuses!

~ <3 ~
Me

Humans never cease to amaze....

"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear."-Martin Luther King, Jr.

Seriously, the human race never ceases to amaze me.  I was very productive this morning and had time to start my 5k to 10k app.  Off I went.  Feeling good to start my new goal for the day.  As I make my way around our block I hear a faint noise.  I decide to turn down my music to take a listen and I hear a young boy screaming from somewhere "Keep running fatty!  You're so fat!".  I didn't turn around, and I just keep on trucking forward.  It didn't hurt me or my feelings.  It made me agry.  At his parents!

Growing up, we picked on kids.  I was even picked on a bit, but it is NOTHING like the kids these days.  Call it bullying, call it picking on someone.  Whatever you call it, it is wrong.  I don't understand how parents can allow their children to behave like this.  NOW, mind you something to think about is "Where did they learn it from?".  Some can say TV, some can say video games, music.  You know what I say?  PARENTS!  Parents need to start taking responsibility of their children.  Molding them into loving caring human beings.  Faith and religion in their lives is a whole different blog post that I will allow some other daring soul to endure.  I have my feelings and I am sure you all have yours on that as well.

Back on track.  Kids these days are not taught to respect people.  They are rude, vile little things and it saddens me that our children will soon be put into school with these kids.  Now, I know it isn't ALL kids, but wow is it a lot.

So, my PSA for today is.... Parents: Please teach your children about love, and respect.  Teach them to treat others the way they would like to be treated.  Teach them how to TALK to people instead of staring at their phones all the time (yes I am guilty of this and am trying to break the habit for my own kids).  Teach them to strive for goals and successes in life.  Kids these days have no direction and it is because we don't expect things from them any more.  They need responsibility and and expectations.

I know every child is different, but we can teach them how to be nice!  I mean sheesh it is pretty simple!

As a side note, I completed Week1 Day1 of my 5k-10k program and cut our front and back lawn as well.  Lots of steps already from my fitbit!

I have been pretty busy today, but that is good.  I have been a lazy bum the last few days :)  I am loving my Fitbit by the way.  It really let me know that I WASN'T moving as much as I thought I did at work!  It has been amazing.  I am a very visual person, so all of the grafts they use really keep me motivated and keep me seeing how I am doing.  I got mine super cheap on eBay!  Just do a search for a used one!  That's what I did!

Ok, enough of my product placement :)  Have an amazing day and enjoy everything and everyone!  Peace and love my friends.....peace and love ;)

~ <3 ~
Me

Getting Speedy

 

One of the things that has been frustrating for me is my time while running.  I am still new to fitness and my new hobby of running, however I like to see progress.  I have been running 38-41min for 3.1mi.  It hasn't changed!  Every week I get frustrated because I am not progressing like I feel I should.  

If you have been reading my posts you will notice I have been doing a LOT of biking with our kids ( click here ).  I also have been working on my time for running a mile ( See Here ).  My best time ended up getting down to 10:38-ish?  Well, I ran my mile today in 10:16!  I also biked 4.79mi tonight.  I had a poor eating day and I know I had to make up for SOME of it.  Plus I wanted to keep up on my Fitbit steps for the day since I have been doing so bad at it.

Back to the point right?  So I noticed last week when I combined my quick mile runs with bike rides, by the end of the week I had gut my 5k time by 3 mins.  That is a HUGE improvement!  My main goal has been to improve my time.  I feel these short bursts of running (which my time has improved) are really conditioning my body for faster running.

I have my first 5k in just a few short weeks.  I am excited and SO nervous.  I just want to finish but at a good pace without pushing too hard that I feel like I am going to die.  So I guess my training continues.  I will always try to improve myself in all aspects, but it is nice to have goals to achieve so that I can keep striving!

Do you have anything in your life or fitness wise that you have a goal set?  Whether it is reducing your running/walking times or a weight you are lifting or even weight you are trying to lose?

No matter what it is, stick with it and I am proof that ANYTHING is possible as long as you REALLY want it!

~ <3 ~

Me

Absolutely Exhausted

YUP!  This is me right now.  I can barely keep my eyes open and it isn't even 8pm yet!  Our son refuses to sleep to a decent hour and it is starting to show in my face.  I was pretty active this weekend and Sunday I was just plain 'ole busy.  Work was crazy for me today and I sat down after dinner and hit ROCK BOTTOM.

Mondays are my running days, so I know I need to get out there and at least run ONE mile!  Just one!  That's it body....just one tiny mile compared to the usual 3.1.  Screw you body!  I am at the point of exhaustion today.  I can tell my body is screaming for a break....it isn't used to all of this craziness....ok, maybe today my friend.....but tomorrow you are getting your butt kicked!

~ <3 ~
Me

Pull Up People!

So...When people have ALL this space in front of their garage, yet THIS is where they choose to park!  It isn't SO much of an inconvenience when I am running.  It IS an inconvenience for our 4 year old daughter who just started riding her first bike with training wheels.  I mean COME ON people!!  I honestly can say that she fell twice while trying to get around multiple driveways.  It's just so silly!  It makes me want to do this:

Yes, I think that would make me feel better :)

So on our bike ride, we went for just over 3 miles.  Our daughter was so exhausted and sweaty.  I was a bit worn myself but it was a slow pace so it wasn't so awful :)  I looked at my monthly work out calendar on Map My Run  I have been busy, but not as busy as usual!

At least the biking has made up for the lack of running.  Well, sort of.  My improved time last night has really made me want to push myself.  I read in my Runners World magazine they say for the 5k to pace yourself to start out how fast you want to end I believe.  I started to do just 1 mile runs to work on improving my time, and maybe it helped?  I don't know!  I will have to see if it does.

Our kids are napping so I figured I would have some blog time this afternoon since I plan on being busy the rest of the weekend.  I plan on, after the kids go to bed tonight, to go online and find some good recipes to try.  We need to start eating better dinners too.  It's hard for us because working full time I get home later and I refuse to eat dinner at 7pm so I am thankful that my husband helps out as much as he does.  I want to find some easy quick recipes.  If any of you have any recipes to recommend, please email them to me!  HappyMommyHealthyLife@outlook.com

Have an amazing weekend everyone!

~ <3 ~
Me

Run It Out!

 

Well, this was the result of my run yesterday!  I had to get out there and do it already.  I have gone twice for just 1mi to work on my speed/time.  I started at 10:40 and the second time I did 10:38 I believe.  I also have been doing some biking with my kids which includes me pulling a small canvas trailer with my almost 30lb son in it. :)

Back on track!  I did 3.1mi in 35:55!  My lowest time by far!  I started at 40:17 and went down to 38:04 as my best.  I can't believe I shaved almost 3 minutes off of my time!  I felt amazing when I got back.  Very sore just because it's been awhile since I ran the full 3.1.  I think I tried to avoid it!

 This was a screen shot from my Fitbit app on my phone.  By the time I went to bed I had over 12,000 steps!!  Now I don't count the "fitness calories" it claculates based on my steps to determine my eating calories.  I just feel like unless my heart rate is up for 20+ it isn't enough to consider.  So I only take into account my TRUE calories burned.  Like my running, or biking, or walking.  I feel like I will over eat.

This is my current BMI.  The day it gets into the green I will be jumping around screaming for joy!  I am just glad to be out of the obese section.  One of the ladies I work with I also became friends with on My Fitness Pal and we were talking about my blog and my Before and Now blog post.  The other ladies at work seemed interested so I showed them my pictures.  Since they see me everyday they notice I'm slimming down, but didn't think I was that big!  It was nice to see responses.

My eating is still a daily struggle.  It will always be.  I am not sure if it will ever get easier or if I will be fighting my cravings and my inner food demons forever.  I am hoping it goes away one day, but until then I guess I just need to stay active.

My next item up for discussion is the start of weight training.  I know I need to do it to tone up and slim down.  I just don't know what to do.  My Mom made herself a list of things to do on the days she doesn't run.  Maybe she will make me a copy :)

Thanks for reading!  What are some of your newest accomplishments.  Whether it be fitness or in life?  Hope you are all doing well and you have a happy, safe, healthy weekend!

~ <3 ~
Me

Little Miss Busy Feet

Yep!  See that?  I have over 10,000 steps going for today!  I am loving my Fitbit !  It is so interesting to see how active I am or am not and when I am most active.  I cannot lie that my FAVORITE part so far is the sleep tracker!  Really interesting to see how I slept last night.

Anywho, today was a busy day!  After the kids went to their babysitters I came home and went NUTS on our house!  I cleaned from floor to ceiling, vacuumed and steamed the floors.  I even ran the steamer over the one room of carpet we have to freshen it up.  I was super sweaty and knew I was burning those fatty pieces I just love so much :)

I know this is supposed to be a blog about my journey but I had to share a personal story.  Our doggy broke her tooth!!  She has to be sedated tomorrow to have it taken out.  Our poor furry baby!

I can't wait until it is over and we can bring her home!

OK, so back on topic.  I had a decent day today.  After my horrible eating yesterday, I won't lie that today was hard!  I felt that familiar pull towards wanting to eat everything i saw today.  Once i was sitting on the couch all I wanted was ice cream.  I was literally screaming at myself in my mind to shut the heck up and deal.  I drank more water hoping that would help.  I still want it....I do! 

I plan on running my 3.1mi again.  I HAVE to get back on track!  I finished my couch to 5k app and just fell off the wagon.  I was doing so good with it too!  I can't give up!  I have come so far!  My official 4 months weigh in/photo shoot takes place soon and I am excited yet nervous.  I see the difference in older pictures but some days I don't feel like I look different.  I don't want to be model skinny with all my breakable bones hanging out.  I just want to look healthy and toned. 

That is where I will leave this post as I plan on getting into my weights and my experience with Jillian Michaels sometime soon.  Have an amazing day or night (depending on where you live) and thank you again for reading!  Loving the support and knowing people are out there!

~ <3 ~
Me