Day 1: Here I Go

*here I am, middle, at a wedding this past Sunday 6.2.13*

A year or so ago, I had a personal trainer that I worked out with 2x/week and then went to spinning class once a week. Of course, I would still walk/jog/hike or do something the other 4 days of the week. However, due to moving a little further away from my gym and a new job, I've had to forgo my personal trainer and the comfort of working out in my regular gym with familiar people and friends that were my workout buddies.

In the past year I had maintained my weight, but after the new year I began gaining weight. Since then I've gained about 10-15lbs and I am SO not happy with myself. I want to feel great again, I want to feel like I used too. I want to crave a good sweaty workout, I want to be sore, I want every bit of this. I must get my butt in gear! Its up to me, alone, to do this.

This past Saturday, the Mr. and I went out for sushi. When I walked in I saw my former trainer with her family. I was so excited to see her. [When I married and moved, I only moved about 25 miles over to the neighboring county, but due to the mountains, it takes approximately 40 minutes to drive. This is why driving to the gym was difficult.] As my former trainer was leaving the restaurant, she stopped by my table and we chatted for a moment. She asked me if after the fall semester started in August, if I wanted to get our schedules together and find a good time where I could meet her at the Campus Recreation Center (CRC) for a workout? I was so excited I think I squealed! See, she is working on her Masters at the same university where I work. She will have a long break between her classes this fall and as a graduate assistant, she will have to log hours in the gym. So I am dumping excited that I can workout under her leadership again. This so made my weekend!

However, that won't take place until August. I'm in a wedding in September, so I need to start now, today. So that I can make as much progress as possible before my workouts with Tiff begin again.

The answer to my quandary came early this morning when I checked my email. I received an email post from Blonde Ponytail that is packed full of some amazing workouts all in one place. This is exactly what I needed! BP will be posting a weekly workout program for 4 weeks. That's a whole month of workouts! Then come July, I will repeat the 4 sets of weekly workouts...this will carry me over to August when I can start training with Tiff again. It is SO exactly what I needed. Thank you Blonde Ponytail!

I have been following Jess Allen at Blonde Ponytail for a little over a year now.

I happened upon her awesomeness via Pinterest (thank you!) She has the coolest workouts and athletic gear posts ever. She also has a baseball coach for a hubs, a super cute Golden Retriever and a baby girl due any day now!

I am going on my lunch break to the CRC to get signed up.  I had waited until the beginning of the month so that I could make the most out of my monthly fee of $15. I found it quite dumb for me to sign up in May when I knew I wasn't going to be able to go for 2.5 weeks due to meetings/trainings/vacations and be charged for the whole month.

Yesterday, I saw a picture that said "STOP SAYING 'I wish' and say 'I will.'"

Today is the day....I WILL get my life on track.

PEAKS Night Run 5K

I signed up for a local night 5k race.  The race was this past Friday.

Luckily, I had a friend who wanted to do it with me.

*Thank you, Meagan*

 

I stopped by Big Lots and purchased a couple glow-stick packs that included necklaces,

bracelets, earrings, rings and glasses.

It was the perfect accessory for the race.

 

We also got together and made a t-shirt to wear.

I, along with Jennifer, have a nickname for any exercise faster than walking.

Jogging/Running = A Shuffle

 

I, also, like to refer to myself as a Sow Cow that longs to be a Skinny Cow.

Therefore, we didn't run across the finish line....

we performed the Skinny Cow Shuffle across the finish line.

Hey, it's catchy and I like it.

*Silly faces*

*Pre-race Posing with the Glow-Stick Jewelry*

*The Skinny Cow Shuffle is what we do*

*After the race.  Victory!*

I've not had much luck in finding the final time for the race.

But I am close in saying that we were somewhere around the 35:19 mark. 

 

I didn't beat my last time from the race I ran in January; but I was only off by a handful of seconds.  

I wasn't too upset as I've also not ran that much lately.  I was pleased with our time.

 

I'll beat my time at the next race......

Weight Loss Challenge

In November 2010, I started a weight loss plan.  This plan was more on my own than with the help of a gym or anything like that. 

After my Papaw passed away in March, I began spending the night with my Mamaw at least one day a week.   During those sleepovers, I caught up on the news in Franklin by reading the newspaper.  On one particular visit, I saw an ad for the Franklin Health and Fitness Center.  They offer a 12-Week Weight Loss Challenge to their members.  The ad stated that the following week they were hosting a seminar as to the ins/outs of the program.  I decided that I would at least go to the seminar and see what it was all about.  At the seminar, I was presented with a lot of positive feedback and positive results from past contestants.  I was discouraged about the price as it was expensive.  But I knew I wanted the weight off and in a healthy manner.  I wanted to tone and strengthen as I lost weight.  I finally decided that I would join the challenge.  I knew if I spent the money required that I would make 100% sure that I took the challenge seriously as to not waste a penny of my hard-earned money. 

The Challenge uses the BodyBugg calorie management system.  The bodybugg is a device that sits on the backside of your arm.  It is able to calculate how many steps you take and how many calories burned.  I would wear my BB all day everyday and would log foods consumed into the website.  This would show where I needed improvement and where I was succeeding.  The kicker was...not only could I see the website and my daily results, but so could my trainer.  She would review the daily/weekly activity as well as any foods I had logged.  If I stepped the least bit out of line on my eating, Tiff was there to crack the whip.  We also had to meet with the trainer at least 2x/week for a training session.  We could meet more times, but that cost additional.  I was satisfied with my two weekly sessions. 

Prior to the beginning of the Challenge, I had to meet with my trainer and log my beginning weight, measurements and fitness capability. I had to do as many crunches and push-ups that I could in 1 minute; as well as documenting the time it took me to run a mile. For a girl who hadn't done a lot of physical activity such as this in a looooong time...it was painful to say the least.

At the end of each week, we had to weigh in and log it in our charts. Depending on our weight loss, determined whether or not we were on the leader board.  This is definitely a place you wanted your name!  It meant prizes in the end!  At the end of each 4 weeks, I would do the fitness test again (crunches, push-ups, and fastest mile) and retake measurements to document the progress made within the month.  It was nice to see the numbers go down. 

The first day of the actual Challenge found me to be absolutely scared to death.  I was afraid I was setting myself up for a epic failure.  I arrived for the training session and by the time the one hour session was over, I thought I was going to die.  The next day I was horribly sore but as time went on, I found the soreness to subside and my endurance to increase. 

A typical training session would go something like this: 

-5-10 minute warm up on the treadmill (this meant running...NOT walking)

-walking lunges (with at least a two 10lb-15lb weights)

-side stepping squats (with at least two 10lb-15lb weights)

-50 crunches on the bosu

-50 oblique crunches on the bosu

-arm throws with a 10-20lb medicine ball

-5-10 minutes on the Stair Master (I loathed this part)

-stretching

I know it doesn't sound like a lot, but let me tell you....I was near death at the end of each session.  The workouts ranged from flipping tires, juggling ropes, boxing, spinning, running to the water tower, stairs, etc.  It was hard work, but it really built up my stamina and endurance.  At the end of the first month, I was a little discouraged because I had only lost about 6lbs.  BUT I was singing a different tune, when I realized that I had lost 9 inches!  I didn't feel like I was doing it all for nothing.  I was seeing results and THAT is what I was after!

I was so please at the end of the third month that I decided to sign up for the next 12-week challenge.  Mainly because I had been engaged during the first challenge and I wanted to continue my efforts to look amazing for our wedding day. 

This is a breakdown of my measurements from the first challenge to the end of the second challenge:

            04.13.11    10.06.11      TOTAL LOST

Neck:     14.25         13.25                 1.00

Chest:    40.00         37.00                 3.00

Waist:    33.50         31.25                 2.25

Abs:        40.50         32.00                 8.50

Hips:       46.00        41.00                  5.00

Thigh:    27.50         23.00                 4.50

Calf:       16.00         15.00                 1.00

Arm:      13.50         12.00                  1.50

                                                           26.75 inches lost in 6 months

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with my trainer and the other people in the challenge.  They all made a deep impression on me in one way or another.  Although I'm currently not in the challenge, when time and money permits, I would love to do it again. 

After coming back from our honeymoon, working and being a part-time student I've let myself go. 

I've not gained too many pounds, but the fact is, I have gained.  But what upsets me most is the fact that I've lost the muscle tone I was rocking.  Not that it was a lot, but I felt the best I ever have. 

Since November 2010, I have lost a total of 39.6lbs and a total of 35.75 inches.  I am proud of my accomplishments, but I want more.  I would like to lose another 40lbs this next year.  With that, Operation Skinny Cow is back in full swing and I am so excited!!!

Run in 2012

I ran in the annual "Run in 2012" 5K hosted by the Jackson County Recreation & Parks Department yesterday.  I didn't realize when I signed up that it was on Sunday and I hated to skip out on it because it would've been the thing to do, because I knew I wouldn't have the willpower to go run after church.  So I ran in it anyways. 

When I got up yesterday morning, it was raining/sprinkling.  I was not excited.  Last year when I participated, it was raining as well.  By the time I crossed the finish line, there was not a dry spot on me.  My shoes and socks had already been drenched, I had blisters, it was a horrible experience nonetheless, but I completed it and that is all that mattered.  So when I saw the rain I had a horrible flashback of my experience from last year.  Thankfully, as I was leaving the house, the rain had stopped and the sun was trying to peek through.  By the start of the race, the sun was out in full force.  It was wonderful.

I had a goal that I wanted to beat (35 minutes) before I started and knew i might be pushing it to reach it.  As I made my way down Hwy 107 towards Cullowhee Valley School I was so tired.  I still had a little less than half to go.  I had to walk in a couple of places but for no longer than minute as I knew I had my time to beat.  As I rounded the last corner near the finish line, I saw the time:  34:35.  I was stressed.  I was already past the exhausted point but knew I had to dig deep in order to make my goal time.  I crossed the finish line at 34:55.  I beat my goal!!!  I was pumped and still am. 

Last year, I crossed the finish line at 52:11.  In time comparisons, I was able to shave off 17:56 from my time!   YA-HOO!!!!! 

Now, to only add 10 more miles so that I can finish a half-marathon come April.......oh boy.

Must Be 'Half' Crazy

Over the past few months, I've really neglected what handful of readers I have *crickets* by not posting and keeping track of my weight loss progress.

Just a quick update:  Since Nov 15, 2010, I've lost 40lbs and 38" overall.  

BEFORE:  Easter 2010

BEFORE:  January 1, 2011

 

AFTER:  Thanksgiving Day 2011

AFTER:  November 2011

I can't even begin to describe how great I feel.  Plus the fact that my neck no longer looks as if its eating my head.  *yay*

As soon as I locate my most recent measurements, I will update as far as how many inches were lost and where. 

Ok.  Now, to get back on track, somewhat.....

In keeping with my "Dirty 30" Bucket List, I've decided to participate in a Half-Marathon this year.

As of right now, I am planning for the April 28th race in Nashville, TN which is hosted by the Rock N' Roll Marathon Series. 

I've created a training schedule.  The one I started with from http://www.running.com/, was actually for a 12-week program.  Thankfully, for me, the race is approximately 18 weeks out.  So I tweaked my schedule to reflect the additional 6 weeks worth of training.   {Believe me, I'll need all the training I can get.}

I actually started training a week and half ago, but due to the crazy weather, a cold/stomach bug, and Christmas....I kinda, sorta got behind on my training. 

Today, I picked up where I left off and ran the requested 3 miles in 32 minutes.  I figured that's a pretty good deal considering I've not been in the gym or been very active since early October.  I'll take it!

I believe that this t-shirt says it all...and YES!, I shall be ordering one:



Photo Credit



March for Dimes March for Babies

I am a member of team "Impatient Aliya" which is made up of local people who care about the health of America’s babies...one in particular, baby Aliya.

Aliya was born at 26 weeks and is currently in the NICU at a local hospital fighting to survive. Aliya's aunt is one of my dear friends and she has started a team to walk in honor of Aliya in May.

Together Team Aliya has banded together to raise money and participate in the March of Dimes March for Babies. I am asking you to join our fundraising efforts today by sponsoring my event.

Contributing online is fast, easy and secure. You can donate directly from my personal webpage with a credit/debit card or PayPal. If you prefer, I can also accept cash or check. Just click the appropriate box on my webpage.

The money we raise helps save premature and sick babies. Premature birth is the #1 cause of newborn death and the biggest threat to babies’ health today, and through March for Babies, the March of Dimes is funding important research to find out why premature birth happens and what can be done to prevent it. There’s nothing more important than to give every baby a healthy start in life.

We need your help. Please join us in the fight against prematurity. Visit my webpage and sponsor me in the event that saves babies!

With your support, there’s hope. To make a donation, visit my personal my personal webpage.

If you would like to learn more about March for Babies, please visit their website. Would you like to see what March for Babies is and why I'm walking? Click below to see the video.

The March of Dimes mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

Nugget of Knowledge #3

{Photo Credit}

 

"The iron in lean beef (dinner tonight!) may stop a slump. It helps red blood cells bring energizing oxygen to all of your organs and tissues. Don't eat meat? Soy, pumpkin seeds and spinach are great veggie sources of the nutrient."  -Tip from Self Magazine