Saturday, December 26, 2009

Dreaded gain....

From thanksgiving day, to Christmas day, I gained 3 lbs. Bleeeckkkk! I'm so furious! How?!? We didn't go to any holiday parties, and I've been exercising, weight training, and running A LOT! Guess the "traveling" and eating some foods that I don't normally eat, are just all catching up to me. Guess it could have been worse. So now I can't wait to get these few pounds back off, plus about 8 more pounds of fat, before my 15 year class reunion in July 2010. So, I have my goals set, and I'm DETERMINED to achieve those goals! Looking forward to a fit and fabulous 2010!

Friday, December 18, 2009

take that!

Ran 8.5 miles today! Then picked up the boys. Levi and I washed the car by hand. Then I washed Toby, and Coco.
Take That! You un-welcome 2 pounds! BRAHAHAHAAAA!

How to Stop Mindless Eating

I read an article today about how so many people eat mindlessly, and then pack on the pounds and think "how did that happen?". I'm sorta in this boat I think. I'm so busy that I usually tend to eat a baggy of nuts or protein bar for lunch, while driving between or after appraisals. Or I eat breakfast and/or lunch while working on the computer. I very rarely actually just take the time to sit and eat a meal, without multi-tasking. And lo and behold, I was in tears yesterday because the scale said I have gained 2 lbs since Thanksgiving, and my jeans were a little tighter than usual. I couldn't believe it! I swore I wouldn't gain any weight over the holidays this year. I've been working out, and trying to eat healthy, but I guess this winter appetite is catching up to me. I always tend to eat less in the summer, because it's so hot outside (and we basically live in shorts and bathing suits throughout the summer). So we eat a lot of salad and sandwiches. But in the winter it's so cold we eat a lot of soup, chili, stew, etc. I make it all healthy, but i guess it's all still higher in calories than salad and sandwiches, and the extra calories are starting to catch up to me, even though I'm exercising and running around non-stop.

Anyway, back to my topic.
If we are eating when focused on something else, we don't realize when we are full, or how much we have eaten. So if you are putting on a few pounds also, here are a few tips I came across, to help us avoid this mindless eating.

-Don't eat while standing up, in the car, working at the computer, or when you don't have time to sit down and really focus on your meal. If you sit at mealtimes and pay attention to what you are eating, you will notice when you're satisfied, and you'll be less likely to overeat!

-Don't skip meals. It will just make you extremely hungry and then more likely to over-eat later.
-Take up a hobby that you've been wanting to do; reading, puzzles, (blogging), anything to keep you from being bored and eating to fill your time.

-Brush your teeth. Food doesn't taste good or even seem appealing when your teeth and mouth are minty fresh.

-Hot Tea; warm tea in your stomach will keep you from feeling hungry.

-Chew Gum. You wont want to eat, or snack on little bites here and there, if you are chewing gum. I like to chew minty gum, especially when cooking, or baking. It really does help!

Hope these will help you, (and me) to ward off the dreaded winter pounds. :-)

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Highlights

My sweet friend Venece highlighted my hair Saturday, with a dark brown, and a blond. It's super cute, and I'm LOVING it! just wish the dark brown would stay forever, and not fade out to a red overtime. Oh well. I'll enjoy it while it lasts. :-)
She did a great job!!!! Check out the pics below:





Thank you Venece!!!! You made my Christmas Merry! :-)

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Biggest Loser; where are they now

My friend Kate shared this link with me.
Click here to see updates on the past contestants:

Saturday through Wednesday

Lets see...time to catch up.

Saturday: no official workout. Running from one ball game to another, then Christmas shopping for hours and hours.
Sunday: no official workout again. Husband went deer hunting, and I didn't feel good (head cold). After church, the boys and I rented some movies and crashed on the couch. It was a cold, drizzly, nasty day outside.
Monday: Worked and did household chores.
Tuesday: Worked, then went Christmas shopping again for hours and hours.
Wednesday: 9.0 Mile RUN!!!! Yea!!!!! :-) Finally got in a workout again.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Friday...

Got caught up on a lot of my work today, on top of doing tons of laundry. Just now finished my "cardio max" DVD (50 minutes of high intensity cardio). I'm a sweaty mess now. But I had to do it, to work out some of this soreness from when I did it on Wednesday. Love that sore feeling...makes you KNOW you've given your body a GREAT workout!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Thursday, December 3

Today's workout was 1hr and 15 minutes of intervals on the elliptical. It was a great workout, and I was soaked with sweat by the time I finished.
On another note:
I'm starting to get a little soreness from last nights "cardio max". All of those jumping lunges are catching up with me. Y-ouch!

Jillian; "we aint in Cal-a-forn-ye anymore...."

click here, to see a bonus video of Jillian's visit to Liz, in Tenn. It's hilarious! She is definitely NOT a country girl!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

25 days to Christmas Challenge

My girl Jen has done it again. Challenged us to a 25 days till Christmas countdown (click on the previous sentence, to go to her website and read her challenge).

Basically she challenged everyone to eat healthy and only give in to a "cheat treat" 2-3 times per week, while also working out 5-7 days a week, and weighing ourselves at the beginning (Dec 1st) and then at the end (Christmas) and NOT gain any weight. :) I'm SOOOOO on board...however, I think I'm going to try to extend this until New Year instead of just Christmas Day. I hate gaining the dreaded 5-7 pounds every year from Thanksgiving to New Year..then my pants feeling tight, and me feeling fat and miserable. I vow NOT to let that happen this year. So I jumped on this!

My starting weight (as of December 1st) 123.5 lbs. Hopefully it will still be here, when New Year gets here.

Today's workout: I got the boys in bed, and then did the Biggest Loser Cardio Max DVD. Did the whole DVD, for a full 50 minutes of intense Cardio. I was dripping sweat when I was finished. It felt GREAT! It's amazing how many different muscles you use, doing these type of exercises, verses my normal running or elliptical. I need to mix it up like this more often, to keep these muscles confused and working at top notch.

Okay, gotta finish up some work. Later!

Believe it or not, I'm still here...

Where has the time gone since my last post?! Yikes! Things have been SUPER busy.
I did Jen's 10 day challenge, and was working out everyday, and trying to eat really clean and healthy.
I did the elliptical a lot, and then on the nice weather days, when I was out working, I'd stop by the parks/lakes and run. Tuesday before Thanksgiving I stopped at the lake and ran 6.5 miles. But then Wednesday was spent working, and then getting recipes prepared to take to my Grandmother's house, and then my parents came over to spend the night with us, before going up to Grandma's the next morning.
Thursday was thanksgiving. Spent most of the day driving, then visiting with family, and driving back home. My Daddy kept the boys and my mom and I got up super early on Friday and went shopping!!! We had soooo much fun together. I wish we could go shopping together more often. I love spending time with her. After my dad brought the boys home, and picked up Mom, I spent the rest of the evening cleaning, working, and staying up until midnight to put the turkey on the smoker. I was up from 2:45am until Midnight on Friday. I was WORN OUT! So I crashed from Midnight until 4am, when Levi woke me because he had a bad dream...then got back in bed around 4:30...and woke up at 6am when Seth told me he accidentally wet his bed. Geesh! So I got up...did laundry, packed our bags, and then we all headed to Stephen's parents for Thanksgiving with them. I drove up, while Stephen tried to sleep, and the boys watched Scooby Doo.
After we got to his parents and visited for a little bit, I tried to catch up on some work, then my allergy medicine kicked in and I napped for a little bit. We had a great visit with them. It was just short, since we had to come back on Sunday for the boys to go to school Monday.
So I didn't workout Wednesday-Monday. But I made up for it on Tuesday. I got in there and did 1 hr and 45 minutes on the Elliptical while watching last weeks Biggest Loser! It was a good one. Then I was all caught up on my favorite show and exercise, so that I was able to relax and watch last nights biggest loser with my hubby and boys, all snuggled up on the couch. It was GREAT!
What exercise shall I do today??? hmmmm....I'll let you know what I finally decided. Gotta finish up some work and go get the boys from school. Later!

Friday, November 20, 2009

Yea! It's Friday!!!!

I had typed up a big ol' long post yesterday, and when I went to publish it, I got an error message and lost the whole thing. ARGH!!! I was so furious that I didn't even try to do it all over again.

Tuesday was a great day. I did the P90X Plyometrics DVD, although I only did the first set of each set of exercises...my lower body was on fire, especially after running 8.5 miles the day before. So I cut myself some slack. Even with just doing half of it, my lower body was feeling sore on Wednesday (Love that feeling!) So after doing the Plyo, I jumped on the Elliptical for 50 minutes, so I could finish watching one of my shows.
We then went to some friends house for dinner (he is one of Stephen's best friends and is home from Iraq right now). They grilled steak, and potatoes, and made a huge yummy salad with it. It was delish! But then his wife made a homemade bread pudding, and served it with some fresh blue bell ice cream. I've never tried bread pudding before, so I had to at least taste it. It was Divine!!!! I had a small serving, and enjoyed every bite!

Then Wednesday I was sore, so I simply did some stretching and yoga.

Yesterday, I worked (measured/inspected 5 houses). My last house was next to this really great park, with running trails. I had thought ahead and brought my running shoes/clothes with me. So I stopped, changed in the bathroom, and only had 30 minutes to run before I had to go get the boys from school. So I ran! I did 3.25 miles in that 30 minutes, which included a few minutes of walking to warm up, and to cook down. It was a great run! I was drenched with sweat, and feeling great. I didn't want to stop, but I knew I had to go get the boys. After getting them home, doing homework, making dinner (I made baked Tilapia with onions and bell peppers, and baked sweet potatoes for myself...of course the boys curled their noses up and begged for spaghetti oh's instead! LOL!). After dinner, they played outside until dark, and then wanted to watch Polar Express. After setting them up with Polar Express, I went into the other room to do the elliptical while watching Biggest Loser (which I had recorded on Tuesday). So I did 1 hour and 15 minutes on the elliptical.

BIGGEST LOSER TALK:::
I was blown away!!!! First off, I couldn't believe they sent Rebecca home...well, yes I could...they knew she was more of a threat than Liz, so it was a good "game play" move.
BUT.....Did you want the Jay Leno show afterwards???? Rebecca announced that her and Daniel (from Biggest Loser! the one who was on before, and then got a second chance this season) are DATING!!!! She said he was her best friend, and they would call each other and talk 5 hours at a time. Then one day he told her he had feelings for her, and she admitted that she had feeling also, and realized that she had fallen in love with her best friend. It was SO SWEET!!! She said it helped because they had both been through this together, and they both face the same struggles and keep each other moving forward. I was so blown away!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Today

Today has been a slow day. I was all caught up on work this morning, and the kids were at school, hubby was at a meeting, and I had the house to myself! Yea!!! So I drank Coffee, had breakfast, watched the news, did laundry....then I got bored, so I jumped on the treadmill. I didn't really feel like running at first, but once I got a mile into it, I was pumped and didn't want to stop! So I didn't. I ran 8.5 miles!!!!! Woo-Hoo!!!! It felt GRRRREAT!
After I finished, my hubby got home, actually scared me half-to-death during my cool-down. I didn't know he was back, and he snuck up on me, and jumped and yelled. I screamed and jumped about a foot in the air! LOL! This is the exact reason I will not watch scary movies with him. He's got a mean streak! LOL!
I finally have work again, so I got it researched and scheduled for tomorrow morning. All caught up. Stephen went to get the boys from school, and I'm sitting here enjoying a nice hot cup of coffee. Life is good today! :-)

The Challenge!

I've just accepted Jen's Challenge, to eat clean (fruits, veggies, protein, and good carbs...no junk foods, or processed foods) and workout every day for the next 10 days! Who will join us?
(click on her name, it will take you to her website)

BTW: I have to give a shout out to my Daddy! He has changed his eating habits, and has lost somewhere around 40 lbs!!!! He looks great! Even just looking at him, you can tell he feels so much better. Congratulations Daddy!!! I'm SO PROUD of YOU!!!!

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Running...

I love running! (Yes, I'm still here, and still working out....just never have much time to blog).

Now that my knee is totally healed up, I'm back into my running groove. Man, I sure did miss it! I've got into the habit of taking running shoes, and workout clothes with me when I'm working. This way when I finish, if I have time, I can stop by one of the parks with running paths, or one of the lakes with running paths, and run anywhere from 4-6 miles before I come home. I am soooo enjoying this weather! We've been in the 70s for the past few weeks, with lots of sunshine. It's been perfect running weather! Wish it would stay like this forever!

If I can't squeeze in a run, I've been doing the elliptical and weight training while catching up on my favorite tv shows. It's nice to at least work up a good sweat, if I'm going to be something as "un-productive" as watching tv. :-) But this way I can mix up my workouts, and keep it fun. Who am I kidding...it's not necessarily "fun" all the time, especially if I'm tired... but it's "a must" for stress relief, and for my sanity! LOL! Afterwards I always feel 100% better...so that's why it's a must, and not an option.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Working out

I've been working out, and watching what I eat, trying as hard as I can to finally get back below 120. But here I am, stuck at 122. Better than the 124-127 I was stuck at before though. I actually haven't been below 120 in over a year. But back before I had kids, and had lost so much weight, I was around 112-119 steady (depending on the time of month, and time of year). I want to get back there, just to prove to myself that I can (even with my super busy life/schedule/kids/etc).

I did 2 hours on my elliptical on Saturday night while Stephen was working and the kids were sleeping. It was bliss!
I've been doing the elliptical a lot more, because it's easier on my knee. Which is healing up nicely. I can actually run about 2 miles now without it hurting. So I'm making progress.

I didn't run in the Half-Marathon a little over a week ago. We have just had a lot going on, and with my knee hurting so badly, I knew I couldn't run it. Why injure myself even more...
So I'm going to focus on running for fun again, and maybe train for another one next year. I feel like a total slacker for not going and running in it anyway; even if I would have had to walk most of it after my knee gave out. And after it was rained out the first time back in May (which I was all ready to run in then, injury free). But I just have to cut myself some slack and let myself heal up 100% before starting to train for this again.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

3 miles...

I was feeling extremely crabby, irritable, and depressed...this non-stop rainy, gloomy weather is really getting to me (it's been raining for a week straight). So, I decided to RUN! (Knowing it always makes me feel so much better...it relieves tension and stress, and simply makes me feel happier...so I ran).
I did 3 miles, in 30 minutes. It felt SOOO GREAT!
It's still raining and nasty outside, but I feel so much better.

lacking motivation....

ever get the feeling "why bother?" "who really cares?" "why do I spend all this time working out, and just always look the same?"
that's where i am right now. I'm bored, I'm lonely, I'm tired, I'm lacking motivation....
Actually to be honest, I haven't worked out in 2 weeks! :o Yikes!!!
Honestly, I've just been really busy with work, and then when I'm not working, I've been doing household chores and homework, taking care of the boys, grocery shopping, etc. I don't stop until I crawl into bed, and then it all starts again around 6am.
I was "resting" in order to let my knee heal, then I realized "time flies", and it's been 2 weeks since my last run. Which is probably good for my knee...but not good for my mind, or spirit. I'm in a funk....

Watching Biggest Loser usually inspires me, and I watch it while on my elliptical. But last night, was the first break I have taken from work/chores, and I actually sat on the couch with my hubby and watched it. I didn't feel the least bit guilty. I simply enjoyed the time, relaxing with my husband, and not thinking about the stresses of daily life. I cried when watching, and hearing Abby's story. It made me thankful for my family, and hug them a little tighter last night.

I'm determined to get some sort of workout in tonight...I need it...I need those endorphins for my sanity...my body is at a plateau (has been for years now) and I can't seem to get it to change anymore, but you know what; I'm sick of obsessing over perfection....

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Weekend...

We had a great weekend...well, other than Seth running a fever and Stephen not feeling well on Sunday...it was a good weekend otherwise.
Before everyone got sick, we went to the track and spent some time exercising together. It felt great to run. I didn't want to over-do-it with my knee, so I only ran 2.5 miles. Then I did lunges and step ups on a tall bench, and push ups. After that, I joined Stephen and the boys for some football.
Once the boys were finally tired and hot, we had gone to get them some ice cream (I actually resisted the temptation and just had a diet dr pepper), and then we took them to the park to eat their ice cream and play. We all had so much fun together, just spending quality family time together (plus we got our exercise!)

Friday, August 28, 2009

Update...

I'm still here, really...
The kids started back to school this week, and I've been working a lot! (Praise the Lord!!!) So I simply haven't had time to get on here and update ya'll on the happenings.
for my birthday my mom got me the Wii Personal Trainer program. It's never the same thing twice, which I like. I do the high intensity version, and it definitely gets me sweating, and the workouts are only about 30 minutes, which I love! They are full of lunges, squats, jumps, weight training, dance, tennis, etc. It's really fun, and I'm enjoying it. It's a nice change, and it is also giving my knee a much needed break from running.
My half-marathon is supposed to be at the end of September, but if my knee doesn't heal up in time, I may just have to pass on this one. I've been so looking forward to it, but it isn't worth ruining my knee over...and at this point, it really needs the time to heal. Then I can start back out slowly with my training, and build back up.
Okay, gotta go. Later!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Wednesday

My knee has been giving me fits. After running last week, I could barely walk or move without pain the next day. So yesterday, instead of running, I decided to do CardioX. Just the little bit of jumping involved in that, had my knee aching a little bit, but not as bad as when I run long distance...and at least I got a workout in.
Today I mowed, for forever it seemed. I'm zapped from all that time out in the sun/heat. But I'm still planning on doing some form of exercise tonight. Whether it is run (a short distance; a few miles), or do a workout DVD, I'm definitely going to do something (to ward off PMS symptoms...I'm feeling the irritability creeping on....so I need to nip it now with some good ole fashioned exercise, to pump up those "happy" endorphins! :-)
I hope you are all having a wonderful, active summer.
Later!

Thursday, August 13, 2009

I'm baaaaaaaack!!!!

Sorry it's been so long, and I've been neglecting my blogs. However, we have been enjoying life, summer, and our kids. It's been great to have a "break" from the computer. I do a lot of my work on the computer, so if I don't' like to be sitting in front of it, more than necessary.

Our boys were out of town, visiting my parents, and then Stephen's parents, during July. They were gone for 3 full weeks! During which we enjoyed going on dates with each other, and accomplishing things here around the house that we've been wanting to clean/organize/etc. It was a great month of July!

I didn't do any P90X while the boys were gone, and haven't done any since they have been back either. It seems like we have just been go, go, go, lately. I have been running though. However the week we took the boys to Six Flags (during the few days they were home, between getting back from my parents house, and then going to visit Stephen's parents), my left knee started hurting while I was running, and it's been hurting during/after every run since. I did get a knee brace for it, and it helps it feel better when I'm running, but it still aches a lot. Especially going down hill, or down stairs....or when I wake up in the middle of the night, and try to move my leg, sometimes I cant because its way to painful to move that knee. I'm trying to take it easy and cut back on my runs...but I have a half-marathon coming up in Sept!

In July Stephen and I also celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary also. It's hard to believe we've been married 13 years already. Wow! Time flies when you're having fun.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Running Addiction

I'm seriously addicted to running. I love the way it makes me feel. I love being soaked with sweat when I'm finished. I love the feeling of my legs and arms pumping, and knowing that my heart and lungs are strong. Plus, you can't rule out the wonderful ol' runners high either. I love that!
I actually ran 11.25 miles today!!!!!!!! Just because I wanted to. Wowsers! I'm feeling GRRRR8!!! (we'll see if I can walk tomorrow! LOL!)

P90X is missing me....

I can hear my P90X screaming at me, "Where are You???" It even went so far as to send a messenger to check on me: aka: my husband. He said this morning "when was the last time you did P90X?" Um...well....last week was "recovery week" but I only did the Ab Ripper Dvd once. Otherwise I just ran all week (needed the stress relief, and pms relief).
On Friday, I ran 8.2 miles! Woo-Hoo!!!
So I got a lot of running in, and at least did Ab Ripper, but I didn't do any other p90x last week.

So far this week....um, Saturday I worked all day on our house. I push mowed around the immediate back yard area and around the drive/walkway, etc. I then cleaned up the riding mower, went to get gas for it, and mowed the rest of the back yard. I then cleaned the entire house (which took forever!), did laundry, and once it started cooling off I went out and mowed the front.

Sunday afternoon: I weeded all of the flower beds, vacuumed the floors, swept and mopped all the floors, and did some more laundry. Then I vacuumed out the pool, and played in the pool with Stephen and the boys. We then grilled some steak and chicken, and made some sweet potato fries and homemade baked beans. Around this time, my friend Venece came over, so she could do my hair! YEA!!!!!!! (I was so far beyond the "need to get it done"..) So after dinner, she colored my hair, and cut it. It is SUPER CUTE!!! She put 3 different colors in it. Blond, a reddish blond color, and then a deep copper/brown color. It is so pretty! I love it. Then she trimmed it up for me, and put some shape in it with long layers. I LOVE IT!!!!!! (Thank you Neece!!!!)

Yesterday I worked all day, which is good for the ole' paycheck...but again, I didn't get an official workout in. Geesh, I'm feeling like a total slacker. Today I'm going to run though....then I'll see what my P90X says I'm supposed to do for this week.... :)

Friday, June 26, 2009

This week....

Last week on Saturday I got the boys up and we went to walmart early, to get what we needed for our trip to the lake that afternoon. After I got back home, I ran 6 miles, to get a workout in. Then I loaded up our ice chest, rinsed off my sweat and threw on a bikini, then we went to the lake, and spent the afternoon on the boat and grilling. It was such a great day.

On Sunday=Father's Day, again no workout. Actually took a nap! LOL!

Monday-worked, then took boys out that evening, again no workout. (It's recovery week, does that count for anything? LOL!) :)

Tuesday-I worked on a report, then worked on catching up on chores here at home.

Wednesday-yea! finally a workout! I ran 6 miles!

Thursday-Caught up on more chores that were on my to-do list. I was all crampy and didn't feel like doing much that evening (after catching up on to-do items). But I did at least make myself do Ab Ripper X, at 11:30PM, after I had gotten the boys asleep.

Friday-Today! We'll see. I have plans on getting a good long run in.....(exercise helps alleviate PMS symptoms! I need a LOT of Exercise! LOL!!!)

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Day 20, Friday

Why can't I ever seem to get these Kenpo X workouts in on Friday? I was gone, working, most of the day. Then I stopped on my way home and did a little Father's Day Shopping. Once I got home, my husband asked me if I'd wash the boat (we are taking it out to the lake today), so of course I said yes. I not only washed the boat, I also washed my car while I was at it (it needed it desperately). After that, I jumped in the pool with the boys for a few minutes.
Then it was time for Stephen to go into work for a little bit. The boys and I ate some dinner, then built their train track and played, and finally we crashed on the couch and watched "Shakiest Gun in the West" (that old movie, with Don Knotts). they loved it, and laughed so hard! I love watching them crack up like that. By the time this was over, it was about 10:30pm and neither of my boys were asleep yet. They did fall asleep by 11pm though...once Daddy was finally on his way back home.
So I didn't get an official workout in, but it was a very busy day. Maybe I'll just consider that my "rest day" and do a workout today instead.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Day 19, Thursday...

Today hasn't been a good day...I'm moody, and craving junk food like crazy....(pre-PMS)
I've totally flubbed up and ate a cinnamon roll at breakfast (those little canned ones, that I make for the boys...they didn't eat them all, and I nibbled at their leftover bites, and realized that I ate those and the last cinnamon roll...oh well, damage is done.....)
So then I did some work, and around noon I took them out to swim. After this we came in and I fed them some lunch, and I ate some leftover turkey/whole wheat spaghetti for lunch....however, I let my hormones get the best of me and I gave in and ate a few of the boys mini homemade chocolate chip cookies. GAH! What was I thinking?! Afterwards I was like "great, I feel sick now...I'm not used to eating sugar...I've totally blew it today". I was beating myself up. So I finished up some work and hit the treadmill (gotta burn off that sugar...before I crash and burn). So I ran, and I ran, and I ran....trying to burn off my guilt at having ate that un-needed, un-healthy, junk. As the sweat was pouring, I started feeling better, so I just kept going. I did a total of 6 miles....I should have probably done about 10-12 to effectively burn off the crap I've ate....but I'll do my scheduled Ab Ripper X, and finish cleaning the house and go do the grocery shopping...and then maybe just eat a light dinner of salad and veggies (healthy stuff).

Why do we do this to ourselves? Let our hormones dictate how we feel and what we eat, etc? Sometimes I hate being a women, with these fluctuating hormones every month. I wish I could just have a magic pill that would even them out, and keep them even all the time...no more ups/downs depending on the time of the month....that or maybe a hysterectomy; just remove it all...but then your still on a pill to supplement your hormones, and if you miss that pill...woo-wee...it aint pretty... LOL!

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Day 18...Wednesday

Yesterday after my run, I did the Ab Ripper X DVD. By this time, I had to start making dinner, and I never got up enough motivation to do the Arms and Shoulders DVD after dinner.

Today, I ran 3 miles (fast; for time) and then I did the Arms and Shoulders DVD. For some reason I just can't talk myself into doing 90 minutes of Yoga....I can do a Yoga class jut fine, and I enjoy it...but here at home, 90+ minutes of Yoga just seems like such a waste of time, because there are so many other things I feel that I "NEED" to be doing. I know it's great for me...I just can't seem to tackle it mentally right now.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Day 17...so far

I just finished running 6 miles. Whew. I'm a sweaty mess, but I feel GREAT! :)

My scheduled P90X workout for today is Shoulders and Arms, and Ab Ripper. Guess I better get busy if I'm going to get those workouts done today also.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Day 16:

Dear Lord, what was I thinkin'? To think I could do Core Syn. and Cardio X both in one day?! I've just completed the Core Synergistics DVD and I had forgotten how long and strenuous that workout was. It has some of the same exercises as Cardio X also.
I guess we will see. If I get a spurt of energy later, I may still do it (just because Cardio X is one of my favorite workouts). But whew, I'm tuckered out at the moment.....

Day 12, 13, 14, and 15

Day 12: Thursday-should have been legs and back, and then ab ripper. However, my boys were playing wii (when I finally got the chance to workout) so I just ran and jumped on the treadmill and ran 3.5 miles instead. Then I talked the boys into taking a bath to get ready to go visit my Nanny. After getting them situated with that, I ran back in the living room and did ab ripper. I then threw together out stuff and we were out the door to go visit my Nanny.

Day 13: Friday-should have been Kenpo X....however we were at my Nanny's house, putting a new metal roof on the barn. My Dad, me, the boys, Stephen, my brother, and one of his friends, worked all day on the barn. We took a break for lunch, and I of course cleaned up Nanny's house (swept, washed dishes, etc). When Nanny got home from work, we were just finishing up for the day, so we all had dinner together, and then we drove back home. We got here and cleaned up the house and got our spare bedroom ready because Stephen's parents were coming down for the weekend to help re-build our tractor. It was a long day, and we were exhausted when we finally crawled in bed at Midnight.

Day 14: Saturday-Rest Day? Yea right. Ok, so I didn't do a scheduled workout, but I did go to work. I then battled the crazy crowd at walmart to pick up some groceries, since we were out of everything. I came home, and Stephen and his Dad had been working all day, but Stephen had put a brisket on the smoker that morning. As soon as I had walked in the door the boys were begging me to take them swimming, so I did. Then I made the sides to go with the brisket, and also made some sugar-free banana pudding for dessert. I think I was on my feet all day. I was tired when we finally got in bed.

Day 15: Sunday-Supposed to be CoreSynergistics...but we had family visiting, and since i was gone most of the day Saturday, I decided to take it easy and enjoy the visit. They finished working on our tractor! Yea!!! It's now back together and running great. I did take the boys out to swim, and we played in the pool forever. Then we had some lunch and relaxed. It was a much more restful day, than any of the others. We needed it.

Today I may try to do the CoreSynergistics and then do my scheduled Cardio X also. We'll see....

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Wednesday...day 11.

I didn't do the scheduled workout today, because I felt like running instead (need to keep up my running stamina, since I'll be doing a half-marathon in September). So I ran 5 miles. It felt like a struggle for the first few miles, and I was thinking "oh man, I remember when 6 miles didn't seem bad at all...why does it feel like I'll never even make it to 2"?? Once I made it to 2, I thought 'ok, now I can at least make it to 3'...then I made it to 3 and was finally in a rhythm and feeling good, so I just kept on going. At about 5 miles, the boys were asking for snacks, and wanting attention, so I stopped at 5:15miles.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Day 6, 7, and 8

Day 6-Friday, Levi's first day of Summer Vacation. We were busy most of the day, since this is Stephen's day off. However, Stephen had to go into work that evening for a few hours. So at about 10:30pm, I started Kenpo X. I did about half of it, before I started pushing the fastforward button. I was trying to hurry and get through with it, since it was after 11pm and the boys were still not asleep and they had to get up early for their last T-ball game the next morning.

Day 7-Rest. If you can call it that. We had t-ball games that morning. Then I had to go do an appraisal. I came home and then helped clean house, then sat out by the pool and watched the boys swim.

Day 8-I didn't do my scheduled workout, because I spent the afternoon cleaning house, weeding my flower gardens, watering plants, mowing the lawn, cleaning the pool, swimming with the boys, etc.

Day 9, and 10...

Day 9-Jenni came to visit!!!!! I was running errands all morning, then got home shortly before she was scheduled to arrive. After she got here (after being cooped up in a car for hours and hours) she was ready for a workout. Since it was my scheduled "CardioX" day, we did that workout together. It was so much FUN!!!! I will never be able to do CardioX again, without thinking of her being right there beside me. I've never done all of the drea rolls before, but with Jenni there doing it, I pushed myself and did it all. Amazing what a difference working-out with a friend can make. You just push yourself harder than if you were doing the workout on your own.

Here's pictures of us doing CardioX. Levi (my 6 year old took these pictures)

Stretching/warming up.


See, white girls CAN jump! LOL! :)



Getting hot, sweaty, and tired....





Whew...close to getting done....


Run.....



See, we laughed and talked through most of the workout. We had so much fun!


Banana...


Switching....


Superman! *Jen has great form!
Look, her "Banana" form is perfect to...guess she's had a lot of practice. :)
I don't know what had this shocked look on my face.....
but it must have been funny....Jen is laughing. :)
After our Cardio workout, we changed into our bathing suits and took the kids out to swim. They had so much fun playing in the pool, and Jenni and I enjoyed lounging by the pool visiting. Levi took this picture of us, after we came back inside, so they could gather their things and go meet their family for dinner. (Hence my messy hair and lack of makeup, do to working out and then laying out in the sun.) LOL! :)
Jen looked so amazing! I've never seen her so slender, and muscular! This is the smallest I've ever seen her, and WOW! What a transformation! She looked absolutely amazing, and happy, and I'm so proud of her!!!!!! I know that took a lot of hard work, determination, and motivation. You Go Girl!!!!!
Day 10: Arms and Shoulders and Ab Ripper X.
I was busy all day yesterday, catching up on reports. So after dinner last night, I did the Arms and shoulders workout, and then we took the boys for a walk. When we got back, I did the Ab Ripper X.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

day 5...

Since I missed yesterday's Yoga X workout, I was determined to get today's workouts in. Today was Legs and Back, and then Ab Ripper X.
I did the Legs and Back DVD after I finished one of my reports/before going to pick Levi up from school. I don't have a pull-up bar, and have no secure place to put one, so I tried using our exercise band for the pull-up exercises, but it just was intense enough and I wasn't feeling it much. So then I started lifting weights to target the back muscles while they did the pullups and then toward the end (I was running short on time, and needed to finish up so I could go get Levi from school), anyway by the last 20 minutes I was just skipping the parts where they were doing pull-ups, and would hit the next button on my remote so it would go straight to the next leg exercise. My legs got a great workout!
Then later I did the Ab Ripper X. Yikes! My legs were very tired and my abs were still tight/sore from doing this workout two days ago. I barely made it through this workout this time. I even stopped doing the mason twists, the last exercise, about half-way through. Levi said "Mom, why are you stopping? They are still going. Are you tired or something?" I then told him that yes I was tired and because of that I was losing my form and was starting to feel it in my lower back instead of my abs, so that was why I stopped.
Anyway today was a great day, and my abs and legs got a tremendous workout! :)

Day 4...total slacker!

Yesterday was day 4.
I had 3 houses to measure, all before picking up Levi at school at 1:20pm. Then I came home and had a report that was due, and then another due today. So I got busy working. We went to subway for dinner, just so I wouldn't have to cook. Then I worked until after midnight last night.
Needless to say, I never did my workout yesterday. It was supposed to be the Yoga X workout...but I didn't get it done. Total slacker, I know.
Oh well, today is a new day. :)

Today is also Levi's last day of school! Woo-Hoo!!! Summer-time is here!!!!!

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

P90X Day 3

Day 3: Shoulders and Arms, and Ab Ripper X.
I did Ab Ripper X, right before leaving to pick Levi up from school. I had just enough time, so I squeezed it in. It was a really good ab workout. Not very long, but extremely intense. I could barely get through those Mason Twists. Yikes! Today I'm feeling it, every time I laugh or sneeze, I feel the ache in my abs. Love that feeling! Yea!!! (this is probably my weakest area, after having babies).

Then I decided to do the Shoulders and Arms DVD before Stephen got home, so he wouldn't watch me and laugh the whole time. LOL! But it was a long workout, and he made it home to see the last 20 minutes of it. But I was doing really well with it, so there was nothing to laugh at. I used my 5 and 8 lb weights (8's for most everything, and 5's for the triceps and straight arm raises). The reason I used these lighter weights is because I saw that this workout was almost an hour long and I was afraid to use heavier weights, since I did need to be able to work today (aka: use my arms! LOL!) but at the end of each workout I wasn't exhausted or feeling a major burn and I felt like I could keep going, and today I'm not even sore, so I'm thinking I should use heavier weights next time. Only problem is I have 5's, then 8's, and then 15's. Jumping from 8 to 15 is a lot. I guess I can start with 15, and then when I feel like my form is getting sloppy, I could drop to 8's to finish it out.

Anyway, it was a good day....
Later!

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

P90X....

Stephen had told me that some friends of ours had ordered the P90X. So when we were at their house this past Saturday, I asked Kim how her husband was doing with it. She said "oh, here" and proceeded to walk over to a cabinet, pull out a box and hand it to me and say "he ordered it a long time ago but has never used it, and probably will never use it, so please, take this with you". She opened up the box, and it was all still packed up, the bonus DVD's were still wrapped in plastic and everything. She did say that the nutrition plan was really good, and when I got home and was going through the box, that was the only thing that wasn't in it. So I guess she had been using it, and it wasn't with the box. But I know how to eat clean, so I will just have to make myself stick to it.
Anyway they are in the process of selling their home, and then moving into a larger home, and she said it would just get packed away anyway, so someone may as well be using it. I was just shocked! I was telling her about Jenni and Matt's success with it, and that I had been wanting to order it, but just hadn't had the extra money and didn't know if I wanted to spend that much money on something I didn't know if I would use or not. So I told her I would use it, and if I get dramatic results, then I would give it back to them for them to use it. LOL! :)

I took my "current" photos, and I started the "Lean" program on Sunday. (I say current, because I lost a lot of weight/fat/size about 10 years ago...so I don't know that you can really call my "current" photos, "before photos"). I decided to do the "lean" version, because I already maintain a decent amount of muscle without really trying to hard, but would like to shed the thin layer of fat that is hiding the muscles in my abs and around my upper thighs.

So Sunday I did "core synergistics" and then yesterday I did "Cardio X" I like the way it counts down the time for you, so you know exactly how much time you have left. Last night when I was doing Cardio X, Stephen came inside to put the boys in the bath, then sat on the couch and watched me. He did more laughing than anything (that little stinker!). I told him "hey, I've never done this before, give me a break!" LOL! Those wacky jacks were really cracking him up....LOL!

I have survived days 1 and 2. These two videos were not nearly as hard as I had expected them to be. (although the drea rolls were really tough! I had to use my hands to push myself up off the floor.) Maybe it's just because it was my first time, and I was trying to figure out the moves, so I wasn't quiet giving it 100% throughout the entire time. Or maybe it's because I'm used to running 6 miles for cardio, and then being totally drenched in sweat afterwards. So I didn't feel like I was sweating enough. BUT my abs are feeling tight today. So that's a good sign. I'm working areas I don't normally work when I'm just running or lifting weights.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Biggest Loser Finale....

I can't believe no one has talked about this on their blog yet (Kate and Jen! LOL!). I just watched the Finale late last week. I must say, I was in TOTAL shock! I just KNEW that Tara was going to win.
When they announced that Mikey would be in the final 3, and Ron wouldn't, I was afraid that Ron would win the "at home" portion, which isn't fair since he was on the Ranch the whole time. Thankfully this wasn't the case! Yea!!!! I was so Proud of Jerry and his wife, they definitely deserve to win!
Then for the final 3. Again, I just KNEW that Tara was going to win. She had never fallen below the yellow line, had won almost all of the challenges, etc. But then I was SHOCKED to see that Helen won! Pink Team won again, 3 seasons in a row! Wow!!!
Were you all as shocked as I was????

Friday, May 8, 2009

Free Registration! Yea!

Race Follow Up E-mail contained the following pictures of the flooded course. Guess it was a good thing they cancelled the Half-marathon after all.




We also received the following information:
"Refunds and Rescheduling Questions ...The industry standard policy for race cancellation due to "acts of god", like the flash flooding this weekend, is to not issue any refunds as most costs are incurred leading up to race day whether the event occurs or not. Furthermore, resources are typically not available to allow for the rescheduling of an event of this size within a reasonable timeframe. But we're runners too, and we know that while these things happen, it is disappointing to not be able to run a race you've been training for and so looking forward to! We will be holding another Half Marathon and 5K on Sunday, September 27, 2009. All May participants will receive a FREE entry into the event that they were signed up for in May.

You will not receive another event shirt, because you received your May 2009 one. When half marathoners cross the finish line, you WILL receive your May 2009 finisher medal. "
So, there you have it. I have taken advantage of this offer, and am registered for the September event. :)

Monday, May 4, 2009

Half-Marathon Disappointment

(First off, a huge {{HUG}} and thank you shout out to my dear friend Kate! Thank you for checking in on me this morning, to see how how my marathon went. Your words of encouragement, and the fact that you remembered and were thinking of me means so much to me. You're such an inspiration!!!!)

For anyone else who may be interested. We went over on Saturday, and stayed the night in a Hotel close to where the Half-marathon was to be held. On our way there, it was storming really bad and we heard that there was a Tornado warning close to where we live. So we were saying a prayer that we would still have a house when we returned.
We got over there, and I picked up my packet. (My shirt, my number and safety pins, and a bunch of free samples.) Then we went over and checked into our hotel, and immediately the boys wanted to go swimming (I made sure to get one with an indoor pool). After we swam for awhile, we got ready to go eat dinner. I had called Ken, but my Aunt Linda and cousin Taran weren't there yet, and our boys were "starving", so we went ahead and went to dinner by ourselves.
We then came back and took the boys swimming again. We got them in bed around 9:30pm, since we were going to have an early morning on race day.
I of course didn't sleep very well. I was having nightmares about over-sleeping and being late for the race, and then I was having nightmares that drug dealers were taking over the hotel, and I was fighting them and tyring to get away, while yelling at Stephen to shoot them! (crazy, i know!) So I was relieved to get up at 4:30am, when my alarm went off. We got up, got ready and left our hotel room at 5:20am, to take the boys to I-hop for breakfast. On our way there, my Aunt Linda called me. The race had been cancelled. At 3:40am that morning, we were getting some major storms, with hail and high winds, and flash flooding. The race route was flooded, and they called the race off because more storms were expected that morning. I was so utterly disappointed. What made it even worse, was that once we had got up at 4:30 that morning, it wasn't storming and it never stormed or rained a single drop for the rest of the day! I guess the route could have still been under water though. But still, it was a total let down, to have it cancelled at the last minute.
So, we took our time and enjoyed a nice quiet breakfast. Then we went back to the hotel and let the boys swim again. We then got ready and drove over to Cabellas. We had never been there before, but heard it was like Bass Pro, and since we were so close, why not. It was really fun. We spent most of the morning and early afternoon there. (We took a few pictures at the hotel before we left, and then I also snapped some at cabellas. click here if you want to see them, they are on my other blog). We were all exhausted, so we came home and crashed on the couch and watched some movies. It was a nice, relaxing evening, and we got in bed early. It was great and I was sleeping like a log, until every device Stephen owns was ringing or beeping at 1:30 am this morning....he got paged into work. When I woke up to my alarm at 6:20 this morning, he was cuddled up to me in bed, and whispered to me that the coffee was ready for me. He is such a sweetie!!!! (The word "Coffee" is definitely music to my ears in the morning. LoL! he then caught a few more hours of sleep before getting up and going back to work).

So it was a fun weekend, even though I didn't get to run the half-marathon that I have been training for, for the past 13 weeks. Hopefully they will re-schedule it. If not, I will just find another one to start training for.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Training, and BL thoughts

Training is going well. My half-marathon will be here this coming Sunday. Yikes! This is my very first race, and I'm crazy enough to be doing a Half-Marathon! LOL! (But at least I'll be doing it with my Aunt, and her daughter and step-daughter.) I'm excited but nervous all at the same time. Any tips or tricks from you seasoned racers, would be greatly appreciated.

I ran 10 miles again on Monday (I was supposed to do it Sunday, but we were out all day). So after my run, I had another raw spot on my lower back, from the tag on my panties. Gah! Is something like this going to happen every time I run over 10 miles? I was shocked; I had no pain to indicate that this was happening. I only noticed because when I went to get in the shower, I saw a new red spot on my lower back, a little lower than where the other one was (that just recently healed up). Figures. After this long run, I made dinner, and once Stephen got home he said he needed to lift weights. So we both lifted weights, and then I stretched and did some ab work.

Last night (Tuesday) I missed the first 30 minutes of Biggest Loser, but thankfully I had gone in the other room to watch Biggest Loser while on the elliptical and figured out the recorder wasn't working. So I fixed it, then jumped on the Elliptical to workout while watching the rest of it. I did a full hour on the Elliptical, then finished watching the show while stretching and doing abs.

So, what did y'all think of Biggest Loser last night?! It was Good! I started watching it right as Allison was telling them about their challenge. (carrying all that weight over the 16 sand hills). That was a good Challenge. Tara is so driven, and motivated. I love her "I can do it" attitude. I was shocked that Filipe and Ron were below the yellow line. Since they both weighed in first, and dropped such huge numbers, I was afraid they were going to send someone else below the line. But everyone had stepped it up, and they all lost really big numbers. I was so proud of Tara and Helen. I was hoping to see Ron go home, but if I was Tara and Helen, I would have voted Filipe off to. You know Ron isn't a threat to them. I'll be surprised if he loses much of anything after going home to the real world. Did you notice when everyone threw their bags of weight over that ledge, they all said things like "good riddance" "I'll never see that person again!" etc. Well, I couldn't help but notice when Ron threw his over, he said "see ya later!". I immediately thought "yep, you probably will!".
I am proud of Tara and Helen. I secretly hope Tara wins, but it would be awesome to see Helen win too. Either one of them, and I'd be happy.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Biggest Loser thoughts

Stephen and I finally watched Biggest Loser last night. It was a good one. I was shocked that Kristen went home. Ron is so conniving. He kept his promise that he wouldn't write her name down, but he helped his son find the loop-hole to get rid of her. I was just sitting there with my mouth hanging open thinking "wow! how can he say everything just so correctly, so that he isn't technically fibbing about any of it?! he is so conniving!"
I personally hope Tara wins. I think she has the drive and the determination to win this, and her head seems to be in the right place. Mikey is getting arrogant and cocky, and I'm really beginning to dislike him almost as much as I dislike his Dad. So Tara is my choice. Helen is ok, but she is much to whiny for me. Her and Kristen both are such Drama Queens. I couldn't handle listening to them all day. Of course I can't stand Filipe. Ever since him and his cousin Sione acted so childish and refused to train with Jillian, blew up with her, and then went whining to Bob...I've been out on them both.
Anyway, it was a good show, as always. :)

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Training Schedule

Well, my training schedule is a week short. It has it laid out, as if my half-marathon was this coming Sunday, so I'm currently repeating last week's training.
I missed Tuesday's workout. Stephen came home from work with a high fever on Monday, and even with Advil I couldn't get it to come down. So I re-scheduled some of my work appointments and I took him to the Doctor on Tuesday morning. We found out he has Strep Throat. Yikes! Luckily I have avoided catching it so far.
But with him being sick on Tuesday I didn't run..he was in bed and our treadmill is in there, so I didn't want to bother keeping him awake, etc.
Yesterday I did finally run again though. I ran 5 miles. It felt great! :) (Except for my poor feet. They are peeling like crazy all along the bottom and even on my toes. it is so gross and uncomfortable! So I keep lathering them up with cooling foot lotion each morning, in hopes of helping the uncomfortable thick dry skin feeling).
Gotta get to work.
Later!

Monday, April 20, 2009

Nutrition...

Jen, this is in answer to your comment, wondering if I am still following the clean eating plan.

For the most part, yes I'm still following the "clean eating" lifestyle...just not that exact nutrition plan. I change it up a little bit from day to day, depending on what I'm doing that day. But I feel great, and am trying to stick with fresh foods, and trying to avoid processed foods. It seems to be working. I'm at 123.2, as of this morning. I was at 120.2 last week, but it's almost "that time of the month" (explains the weight gain...water/bloating....blah!)

Note to self....

On race day, do not wear shorts that you have to fold the top band down on (to make them fit better).....
I had a pair of short on like this yesterday, while running my 10 miles. I guess because I was so sweaty, they were rubbing on my back, where the folded down band was making the seam rub on me. When I jumped in the shower last night, I felt this horrible burning pain on my lower back, so I asked Stephen about it after I got out. He said it was a short line, that was rubbed raw. So he put some "Neosporine Triple Antibiotic Ointment plus pain reliever" on it for me. It still hurts this morning.
Good lesson learned before race day....only 2 weeks away! Yikes!

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Sunday, Long Run...

Today was a 10 mile run. I was kind of apprehensive about it. I've never ran that far in my life! It was super windy outside, so I opted for the trusty treadmill instead. I actually watched an entire movie while running. Wow!
I ran the full 10 miles, without stopping, in 1 hour and 46 minutes. (I also didn't know that once my treadmill gets to 99+ minutes, it starts over at 0! LOL!) I was proud of myself for doing it, and not giving up. At about mile 5 I was tired and ready to stop, but I kept giving myself a pep talk and made it through! :) Yea!!! I'm so glad I didn't give up.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Biggest Loser Talk.....

While we were at Mom and Dad's for Easter weekend, Stephen and I watched the Biggest Loser Episode that we missed (mom DVR'd it).

I must admit that I think this is the first season where they have gone "crazy" at the food challenges. What is up with that? In past episodes they would have said "it's not worth it". But not this season. It seems like they pig out every time they get a chance at fatty foods, in order to win something. It really makes me fearful for them, once they return to the real world, and are tempted every day by foods that aren't kept in the Biggest Loser house. How will they fair then?

This weeks episode was good. I just love Tim Gunn and makeovers!!!! Yea!!! They all looked really good, and I loved their "movie premier". That was a nice change. I loved the hair styles, and WOW Tim Gunn really knows how to dress them! I loved the clothes he put them in. Very nice! I just love fashion/hair/makeup...what can I say, I'm a girly girl and I love that stuff. :) (Yet not to girly; I still love camping, fishing, hiking, water sking, building things with my husband, mowing, lifting weights, running, and getting a good sweat in. :) just had to clarify that! LOL!)

I was really heartbroken for Laura. It seemed that she was just coming into her own, and discovering who she is, and that she is strong and CAN do this. Then this injury happens and sets her back. I felt so bad for her. My heart also broke for Jillian. You know she must have been thinking that this was her fault, but you can't predict these things.

So I was sad to see Laura go home (there were others who I'd rather see leave, like Filipe or Ron), but I guess someone had to go. I am glad that Kristen was able to stay. She still has so far to go. Did anyone else even know she was married???!! I was shocked. I was like "she has a husband? she's never mentioned him has she?". Hopefully she will continue to get stronger and lose even more.

Can't wait for next week!!!! :)

busy week....

sorry I haven't updated in over a week. life just happens to be busy, and other things tend to be higher on the priority list.
Last weekend was great. We were visiting my parents for Easter, and on Saturday evening Stephen and I took the boys for a 1/2 mile walk. They were there worn out, so we left them with Nana and Papa and I went for a run, while Stephen walked and did push ups (he even used me as his weights, and literally curled my entire body weight! wow!)
I love running the hills in their neighborhood. It was so refreshing and a nice change in scenery. (Plus it's beautiful where they live!) While I was running down a hill, toward then end of my 4 mile run, I swallowed a bug! YUK! I had my mouth open, and it flew right down my throat. Gross. I kept running while gagging! LOL! That must have been a sight.
On Easter I did really well on my eating. I didn't even give in and have any sweets, candies, or pies. I was very proud of myself.
This week has been super busy, and Stephen and Seth have been sick on top of everything. It's been hard to get my running in. I did 7 miles on Monday (since I didn't get to do 9miles on Sunday..plus I had done 4 on Saturday, knowing I wouldn't run on Sunday because of the storms that were coming). Tuesday and Wednesday I was busy with work, T-ball practice, and sick hubby and son, so no workouts on those days. Yesterday I ran another 7 miles; was supposed to do 5 yesterday, then threw in a few extra to make up some of what I missed. I also did my weight training after dinner. It felt Great!
I need to run another 6 today, to finish making up for Tuesday and Wednesday....Whew...what a week.
Only 2 weeks until Half-Marathon! (My run is on May 3rd!)

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

resist temptation:

Matthew 26:41 (New International Version)
41"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

Seth and I made chocolate chip cookies yesterday, so they would be ready for Levi when he got home from school. I love chocolate chip cookie dough, and fresh from the oven cookies....yummmm.
As I was fighting the temptation to give in and "taste" it, this verse popped into my head. It was like a wave washed over me, and I was no longer tempted. I've been working so hard at eating clean, and after quoting this verse, I realized that I could resist the temptation. I didn't NEED that "taste", and after all of my hard work I honestly didn't WANT that taste. So I resisted the temptation.
Then after dinner I was cleaning up before t-ball, and low and behold there was a small bite of cookie left on Levi's plate. I picked it up, looked at it, and was tempted yet again to just pop it into my mouth...but I remembered this verse, and thought "it's not worth it.." so I threw it into the trash. Woo-Hoo!!!! This is the first time I have ever made cookies and not ate them fresh out of the oven (or ate the cookie dough before it made it to the oven). I was very Thankful that God reminded me that I am strong, and I CAN resist the temptation to put junk food into his temple. :)


BTW: I forgot to hit the record button on my way out the door for t-ball practice last night. Do they put The Biggest Loser online, for us to watch if we miss it? I've looked once before but couldn't find it.....HELP!!!!!

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Tuesday

Today's scheduled run was 5 miles. Just finished it. Dripping with sweat, and need to stretch out now. Whew, it felt GREAT!
After I stretch I need to shower, get dinner on the table, then rush the boys to T-ball practice.
Later!

Monday..

I guess last week wasn't a total lose (or not a lose, in weight). I was back in my normal routine yesterday, and wouldn't you know it, I was in the bathroom half of the day! LOL!
I made up my run from Sunday. Ran 6.25 miles. It felt GREAT!

So, this morning I got up and jumped on the scale, and it said 121.6! Woo-Hoo!!!!! I lost 1.2 lbs yesterday! LOL! Wow!

Monday, April 6, 2009

Last week and Weekend...

Last week was great. I did every scheduled run and workout. Plus I ate GREAT! You'd think I would have lost some more weight, but no such luck. I was under a lot of stress last week with learning new forms/market research that we now have to do on appraisals. It just added an extra degree of stress to the week, and so I guess that was what kept me from losing anything this week. I actually gained 0.6 lb. I was at 123.8 this morning. (Of course not using the bathroom all weekend probably contributed to this also).

This weekend was busy (luckily Friday and Saturday were rest days). Sunday was supposed to be a 10K. However, I hadn't signed up for one (don't even know if there was one anywhere around here). But then it turned into a busy and crazy day, and I never did my run. So I have to make up that 6.21 mile run today. (read about the trauma from yesterday, on my other blog).

I'm praying for a much better week this week. Emotionally, and physically. :)

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Thursday

Today has been a good day. Got some work done this morning, then packed my lunch and went to measure another house (this way I could eat in the car, and not miss my scheduled meal/time). I got back home in time to pick Levi up from school. We came home and I did a little research for the house I'm measuring tomorrow. Then I jumped on the treadmill for today's 5 mile run. Yea! It felt GREAT! I love the stress relief it offers, and how great I feel afterwards.
I still have to get in there and do some weight training though. Then I will have completed today's scheduled workout.
I'm taking Seth to the school in the morning to get him all signed up for Kindergarten. Yea! He is super excited.

Wednesday

Wednesday was a good, busy day. I had two houses to measure, and it was over 200+ miles that I drove (there and back) yesterday. So I was ready to get some exercise after being strapped in the car for so long. I got Levi from school, then I did some research and made some phone calls to schedule more appointments for today and tomorrow. Then I jumped on the treadmill for my 3 mile run. It felt great! I was dripping with sweat and feeling wonderful by the time I got off (what a wonderful stress reliever!). Then I started cooking dinner. After dinner and giving the boys a bath, Stephen and I sat down together and watched "The Biggest Loser". It was a good one (yet again).
Ok, gotta get to work. Later!

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Monday and Tuesday

Yesterday was a good easy day; stretch and strength. I know I haven't been doing enough strength training, but oh well. I was busy with work, and learning some new forms; but at least I was really good on my eating. Yea! The stretching felt great. I needed that, to losen up my sore muscles.

Today was a 5 mile run. I did it this afternoon, and boy it felt great! (and felt especially easy, since I ran it on the treadmill -after I ran 8 miles on Sunday, outside). But it was great, and I felt wonderful after having accomplished it.

Gotta get the boys some dinner, then go to T-ball practice. Later Y'all! :)

Monday, March 30, 2009

Last week:

This past week was pretty good, yet super busy. I did get my workouts in. I did Sunday's run on Monday, then I worked out on Tuesday and Wednesday. However, I missed Thursday and Saturday's workouts. (Saturday I was doing a Pampered Chef Open House and standing for hours, that plus lugging my products in/out, I figured that was a workout in itself! LOL! Ok, maybe not, but I was exhausted and needed the down time).
Yesterday we went to church, then came home and ate lunch. It was a gorgeous day outside! (Upper 70's, sunny, and wind of 5-10mph.) So I got on my running clothes and my new running shoes, and went to the track. I ran 8.20 miles yesterday, which was equivalent to about 32 laps around the track (I did run on the outside lane of the track..so it may have been a few less laps...I wore my garmin to track my distance, so I wouldn't have to try to keep count). It was a GREAT run! I felt amazing afterwards. Yea!!! :)

Hopefully this will be another good week, and I'll be able to find the time to squeeze in my workouts.

I've also changed my eating style this past week. I'm eating every few hours, but only healthy natural foods (oatmeal, fruits, veggies, lean meats). I feel great, and have already lost 4.4 pounds! Yea!!! 123.2 on the scale this morning. Woo-Hoo!!!! The best part is that my husband is actually noticing a difference. I was getting ready for church yesterday and he asked me how much I had lost, because he could tell that my legs had really slimmed down a lot. Then Levi made a comment later and said "Mom, your arms are so tiny". Then last night I was loading the dishwasher and Stephen said "wow, you arms are getting really slim to! Hard to believe that you could get even smaller, because you seemed so slim before. But I can really tell a difference." Yea!!! That is so encouraging!
Don't worry though, I'm working out and eating healthy. I don't want to be "anorexic skinny". What fun would it be if you couldn't ever eat, and felt so unhealthy and sick. No thanks! I'm going for healthy, slim, toned, and muscular. :) (The only reason I even say this, is the last time I got really slim, my Papa saw me and said "honey, you look anorexic" "you need to eat" "you need to gain some weight"...when I clearly remember hear him telling me that I was chubby when I was kid and teenager. So I finally decided to just be healthy and happy, for me, and not worry about what other people thought.)

Monday, March 23, 2009

I'm Back!

We were camping last week, for Spring Break, so that's why I've been away for awhile. (Thanks for checking in on me Kate! You're a sweetie!!!)
Our Spring Break Camping trip was so much fun! It's always nice to get away from everything (tv, computers, work, home, etc). We spent almost all of our time outside. In the evenings we had campfires, and during the days we went hiking everyday; hiked the hiking trails, hiked down to the fishing pond, hiked to the playground, chased after the boys while letting them ride their bicycles, etc. It was a blast!
I actually did my running schedule while we were gone, but instead of running on a treadmill, I was running in the most beautiful scenery, and up/down hills. Wow! Running outside is so much harder; yet, so much more enjoyable. LOVED IT! I think I logged about 8-10 mile a day, between running and hiking. Some of the hiking even had me carrying a 40 lb weight on my back (aka: seth, piggy back riding because he was tired! lol!).
We had a wonderful week, and I could barely move by the time it was over. I was so sore. But it was so worth it. :) I was sad to see it come to an end...

Yesterday we went to church and got home late. I then had to go grocery shopping, and then we started working on our taxes. I never did get my long run in, so I did it today instead. :) It was hard to run on that treadmill (after having ran outside all week, in the beautiful spring weather and the amazing scenery), but I suffered through it anyway.

***On a side note: Kate, are you still getting e-mails from me? I sent you one over the weekend, and then another one today. Just wanted to make sure you are getting them. :)

Friday, March 13, 2009

busy week....

Because we had company over on Sunday afternoon, and I was getting my hair done, I didn't do my long run on Sunday (shame on me, I know).
Monday and Tuesday I was swamped with work, so I didn't get workouts in on those days either.
Wednesday was cross training day, and I did 1 1/2 hours on the elliptical, doing interval training, while watching Biggest Loser.
Thursday I needed the stress relief, so I jumped on the treadmill and ran 8.52 miles! Yes, you read that right. (I was trying to make up for some of the miles I missed). This was as far as I could go though, because my legs were aching and could barely move by the time I stopped. But it felt GREAT! I took a relaxing hot bath last night too. It was wonderful to take the time out and relax for a little bit. Today I'm actually sore! Woo-Hoo! But today is Rest Day, so that is a good thing. :)

Friday, March 6, 2009

Forgot....

Here I was so proud of myself for doing my workout yesterday (4 mile run), and I totally forgot that yesterday was 4 miles PLUS Strength training. Figures...
So today, instead of "rest day" (and cleaning house day), I guess I'll be doing strength training. I may go ahead and do Saturdays 40 minutes of cross training, since we will be having a birthday party, and family in town visiting. I imagine after it's all over, I wont feel like doing anything but crashing on the couch. :)

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Thursday, Week 5, day 4

Today was a 4 mile run. I DID IT!!! Yea!!! :) Even though I was busy, I took the time out to just get in there and do it. Today's run was a little harder than yesterday. Probably because I just ran 6 miles yesterday and then less than a full 24 hrs later, I ran another 4. But I did it. I ran 4.02 miles in 42 minutes. I ran the first mile at 6.5, the second mile at 5.5, the third at 6.5, and then the last mile I started at 5.5, but then I bumped it up to 7.0 for the last 1/2 mile. (I was just so ready to be done! LOL!).
So I did it. I'm proud of myself for not putting it off until tomorrow. Tomorrow is supposed to be rest day. But I will be cleaning the whole house, from top to bottom; since Saturday is Seth's birthday party and we are going to have a house full of family members here. :) Yea!!! He is so excited and can't wait!

Of course on their birthday's they get to decide what they want for lunch, and he chose pizza (he loves pizza, and that is ALWAYS his #1 choice). So we are having Pizza, Cake, and Ice Cream. Hummmm, maybe I should run a few extra miles on Sunday to burn off whatever I eat on Saturday. I just hope I don't over-do-it on my calories to bad. It's his special day, so we will eat whatever he wants...I know it's not the best for me. But I guess this is part of why we workout so hard. So we can actually "enjoy" these special occassions without stressing out about the horrible calories....moderation is the Key! I'm just oging to try to limit myself to only 1 or 2 pieces of pizza (depending on how big they are) and one small piece of cake with a small scoop of ice cream (so I don't feel deprived...otherwise I might give in and eat to much of it later...). So that's the plan. Yall wish me luck, and say a prayer that I don't blow my diet to badly on Saturday. :)

glasses....

click here

maybe this got me thinking, because I'm stuck in glasses for the next week or so...but still....

I've always thought "the right frames" could really make people look distinguished and intelligent. Yes, I've always hated wearing my glasses for sports and fun, but I never minded if I was wearing them while working at the computer or reading.

After seeing this video, on the part where they interview the men and what they think of women wearing glasses, I was just shocked. My husband actually loves it when I wear my glasses....but these guys said it was the "librarian" look, and made the girl less attractive. What?! So I guess now instead of carrying my "pepper spray" with me, I can just wear my glasses and men will automatically leave me alone! HaHaHa!!!!

Jillian....

click here

she is on a news program promoting her new book. but they are talking about metabolism and nutrition. Jen, Kate, and I are always talking about the importance & struggles with nutrition, I thought yall might enjoy this too. :)

Tuesday and Wednesday, week 5, day 2 & 3

As you know, I missed Tuesday's 4 mile run because of my pink eye problems. I still had it yesterday, but it wasn't throbbing and leaking gunk all day like it was on Tuesday (Yea!!!), it was feeling much better. So after I finished all of my reports yesterday, I got on my treadmill. I was telling myself I would at least do my 2 mile run that I was scheduled to do for Wednesday...however, I still needed to make up my 4 mile run from the day before. So I was giving myself a pep talk "do at least 2, then you will feel great and be in a groove and you can at least do 4 or 5...then you could always make up the remaining mile tomorrow...you can do it, just get on there and get started". So I jumped on, and before I knew it I was at 4.5 miles, and thought 'whats another 1.5'. So I ran a total of 6.03 miles in 61 minutes! Yea!!!! I was running faster than usual, because i was trying to 'hurry up and get it over with'! LOL!
After my run, Stephen was home from work, and I had to take some movies and wii games back to the video store. So on my way home I stopped and tanned. Daddy and the boys ate dinner while I was gone, so once i got home I just had a protein shake (I'm never really hungry after run like that).
So, all in all, it was a GREAT day!!!!

Today's schedule = 4 mile run and strength.....

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Tuesday, week 5, day 2

Seth and I had to go measure some houses. By the time we got home, the area around my right eye was swollen and throbbing. I could barely see out of it, for all of the gunk it was draining. I was miserable. (my left eye is much better today, and the right eye is still red and a little swollen but no longer leaking gunk. Yea!!!)

Needless to say, I was supposed to run 4 miles yesterday, but I just didn't feel up to it....

Today I am supposed to do a 2 mile run or cross train. So I guess I will run my 4 miles today, and then either add on an extra 2, or do the elliptical for 2. Don't want to start falling behind again, or else it's hard to find the motivation to start back.
I did eat really clean and healthy though, so that helped.

Gotta get to work. Later!


Oh wait! Did yall watch Biggest Loser last night? Were you as shocked as I was????? I was sitting there in the floor, waiting for them to show if he had lost over 9 lbs or not, and I was shocked! "to be continued"????? they have never done that to us before! now we have to wait a whole week to see if he did it, or if two people are going home.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Monday, Week 5, Day 1

Today's workout was strength and stretch:
I wanted to watch the rest of Biggest Loser from last week, so I went and jumped on my elliptical for 30 minutes of interval training, and then I did 20 minutes of free weights, 100 crunches, and stretched; all while watching my favorite show.
I've notice there is a lot more camaraderie between the contestants and the teams this season. I really enjoy seeing them all encouraging one another for a change. That is how it should be!
I was so shocked and disappointed that they sent Dane home. I can see that he would have been a huge threat...but he also was a huge asset to their team. To keep them above the yellow line, and to help them win challenges. I was just shocked. But right after I finished watching the show, I saw this on my computer screen. To read the story, click here
I was wondering how in the world he finished a full marathon in only 3 hours and something. I was like "wow, he was flying! how did he do that?!" Well, the above link tells the "real story" and makes much more sense. But I still think it was great that he ran a marathon with his wife. He could have never done that before Biggest Loser.

Sunday, Last day of Week 4

Sunday was long run day. Since I hadn't ran all week, I was kind of worried about it. Especially since it's "that time of the month" and since my eye was bothering me so bad, and constantly leaking gunk, and I was going to have to run with my glasses on again. But I decided I had to at least try....
So I got on my workout clothes, and jumped on the treadmill. The first 2 miles were a struggle. My legs were aching and hurting, and I just really wanted to stop, but I kept giving myself a pep-talk...I was saying "just do at least 3 miles, just an easy 3, then you can stop...you may not feel 100%, but you can at least make it to 3".
Well, by the time I got to 3 miles, I was feeling sooooo much better. My legs were feeling good, and I had a good sweat worked up. I actually didn't want to stop, knowing I was over half-way to 5 miles! :) So I just kept on running. I did a total of 5.30 miles (the .3 was the warm up and cool down total). Yea!!! It felt so good to run again. (Ok, it didn't for the first two miles, but after that, it felt GREAT!)

Friday, February 27, 2009

I'm back on track...

Yesterday was another busy day. I took the boys to the book fair at school, then Seth and I came home to get ready to go to work. We got back in time to pick up Levi from school. Then we came home for a few minutes, and drove over to the Ag Building to pick up one of our trees that they had forgotten to give us on Saturday. I came home, unloaded the tree, and carried it out to the shed (to protect it from the 30mph wind). I did laundry, then started cooking dinner. Daddy got home, we had dinner, and then relaxed for a little bit. I told him "I need to workout...." He said he needed to do some weight training....so together we went into the spare room and I started "Biggest Loser" and jumped on the Elliptical to watch the shows we missed. He watched with me, while doing weights. It was fun to workout together. I did 30 minutes of interval training on the elliptical...and only stopped then because it was time to get the boys in bed. After we got them to sleep, I did 100 push ups and 100 crunches. Then I hit the sack.
It felt so good to get a short (yet high intensity) workout in. I always feel so much better after I get back in the groove of working out.
Today I've got to do a minimum of 2 reports. Then I also need to workout again. It's supposed to be rest day, but I think I've had more than enough "rest" this week. LOL! :) Ok, in all actuality, I only missed 3 scheduled workouts...but I hate to even miss 1. It's there in the back of my mind constantly, making me feel guilty.... But I ate clean, and that helped a lot! :)
Now, back to our regularly scheduled workouts. :)

Thursday, February 26, 2009

I'm still a slacker....

I had big plans to actually work out last night...if you know me, you know I don't miss workouts.
However, I worked all day yesterday, measuring houses. From the time I took Levi to school, to the time I picked him up. (I even hurt myself while working...on the head...and it was throbbing the rest of the day, so I had a headache and just a constant throbbing pain 'i'll tell you more about this on my other blog)....Then I got home, and sent one report in, then started catching up on my chores around the house. By this time it was dinner, and then I went to tan...which I fell asleep...then I got back home around 8:15. I played with boys for a little bit, then read them stories and got them in bed, and I fell asleep again. Just totally exhausted. I guess my body just needed the rest. Anyway, I didn't get my workout again yesterday, but I ate very clean. So that helps.
Today, I'm determined to get my workout in though. I have two nights of biggest loser to watch (which I'll do while on the elliptical). Woo-Hoo!!! I know I'll feel better after I workout. Exercise helps alleviate PMS symptoms...YEA!!!! I'll definitely be working out today.
I do have to work first...and then I think I'll workout before starting on all of the reports I need to type up. (at least I have a plan...LOL!)

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Such a slacker.....

I feel like such a slacker. I haven't worked out since Friday (my 5 mile run). Saturday and Sunday I was out of town, and then Monday Stephen was home sick...so I was cleaning, doing laundry, going grocery shopping, and taking care of him, etc...
Then yesterday I was working all day, and Levi had a basketball tournament last night. Today is supposed to be another busy busy day. Hopefully I can find time to squeeze in a run. I know I'll feel so much better if I do. (It's just almost that dreaded time of the month, and these few days before it arrives are always the worst.....I'm irritable, tired, crampy, bloated...don't feel like doing anything....blah!)

Monday, February 23, 2009

Week 4 starts today

It's a good think I did my long run on Friday. I was super busy all day on Saturday. Then that evening I took the boys to my parents for a visit. We didn't get home until around 7pm last night, and there was no way I could have ran 5 miles. I was exhausted. I'm so glad I planned ahead!
Today is supposed to be "strength training and stretching". Stephen is at home sick today, and Seth is really congested. Now my throat is getting sore, so I'm just praying I don't get whatever they have. I'm pumping myself full of vitamins too.

Oh, and I just saw today that Biggest Loser is a two-part show this week, on Tuesday and Wednesday. It will be on from 7pm-8pm on both nights. So be sure to set your recorders! :)

Friday, February 20, 2009

Week 3, Friday

Today is supposed to be "rest day". However tomorrow is supposed to be 40 minutes of cross training, and Sunday I'm supposed to run 5 miles.
Tomorrow is going to be a very busy day and Sunday I'll be visiting my parents, so I don't know if I'll actually get to do my run....so, just to be safe, I ran my 5 miles today instead of resting. :) Better safe than sorry. Then if I don't get my workout in tomorrow, I can do it Sunday evening...I'm just swapping out my rest day, for my long run day.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Week 3, days 3 & 4

Yesterday was cross training, so I did 30 minutes of interval training on the elliptical while watching Biggest Loser.
Today after I finished my work, I got back on the elliptical for another 30 minutes while watching the rest of Biggest Loser, and then I did weight training. However, today was my day for strength training PLUS run 3.5 miles. So a few hours later, after eating lunch and picking up Levi from school, I ran my 3.5 miles...then showered and rushed him to basketball practice. Thankfully todays run was much easier and much more enjoyable. Yea!!!

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Week 3, days 1 & 2

Monday was strength and stretch. No problem!

Yesterday was to run 3.5 miles. Why it seemed so hard, I do not know. I just know I was really struggling and had to push myself to complete it. Maybe it was because it was 7:30PM, and I was tired and what I really wanted to do was lay on the couch and watch Biggest Loser......
But I didn't. I knew if I skipped this workout, then it would just be easier to skip again, and again...etc. (So I made sure my recorder was getting Biggest Loser; so i can watch it today while doing "cross training" on the elliptical).
I jumped on the treadmill, telling myself I would feel so much better after I started. Which I really did, once it was over. The first 2 miles were the hardest, then I kind of 'got in a groove'. Total, I ran 3.5 miles, but with warm up and cool down it was 3.75. I then stretched, and jumped in the shower. After that I did 50 crunches, and 50 reverse crunches. Whew, what a day.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Weekend...

Friday=Rest Day. Yea!!!
Saturday=30 min cross training....hum, does grocery shopping, house cleaning, and laundry count?
Sunday=4 mile run. Actually did 5.02 miles because I knew we were going out to dinner. :)

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Another Good Day!

Today has been a great day already. Very relaxed. I've played games with Seth, and then we made valentines to put in the mail. Then while he was eating lunch, I hopped on the treadmill for today's workout.
I just finished 4.17 miles (it was supposed to be 3 miles, but I was in the zone and didn't feel like stopping, so I didn't). I'm also supposed to do strength training today. Which I think I'll do tonight, either before or after Levi's basketball practice.
I've got to go get showered and ready to go. I'm helping with Levi's Valentine's Day Party at school this afternoon.

BTW:
Have yall ever heard of "Powdered Peanut Butter"? You mix it with water and that makes it into the peanut butter texture. A friend of mine gave me a jar, and it's actually really good. It's not quiet as sweet as regular peanut butter, and my husband doesn't care for it (but he doesn't really have to watch his calories....he is in amazing shape, and prefers the real thing....) But it only has 54 calories for 2 Tbls! Compare that to normal peanut butter at 200 calories per 2 Tbls! Woo-Hoo!! Now I can have my apple and peanut butter again!!!!