Fitness Friday

I had Jaime my trainer twice this week. As you all know we are training for Obstacle runs & our first is the Spartan Sprint on June 16th. With that said we have been focusing on my shoulders, back, upper arm strength. This has always been my weakness- my legs are fine but not the upper body. We have been doing so many burpees I've lost count! Today I thought my arms where going to fall off with the amount of push ups & weighted burpees ,uggg. But I can finally see the difference in my muscle tone in my shoulder area & back! That makes me super excited! I also noticed that even though I feel exhausted after our sessions I bounce back much quicker. As was the case today. I felt so good even though I had already been smoked at the gym earlier. I decided I could run the loop we use by our pool in the neighborhood to get some more outdoor running accomplished. The weather has made it almost impossible to run outside. Here is the video I shot right before I ran the loop only making it 3 times. 4 times around would be a mile which is what I had hoped to accomplish. But my legs where so done after barely making it up the third loop.

Next week is going hurt I have Jaime 3 days in a ROW!! I am not sure what I was thinking when I booked those work outs- obviously she had me under some sort of spell-lol So I took the time to book a massage & a sauna to help my poor body recover. I hope all of you who are doing all the training for these crazy runs we love are having as much fun as I am! I  may whine & complain but I love seeing the results & my energy level is so much better! I am excited that Jacob my 9 year old wants to run his first 5K with me this summer. I'll fill you in on the details later. Have a great weekend everyone! Don't forget to WORK OUT!!  I decided to do a Link Up with The New Healthy  Sweat it out Saturday. Go check out some other great Blogs about their week in Fitness. You can always learn something new- so go Link up your self!

Super Scary Days

I will let the pictures do the talking for a moment......

 Yes folks I am old enough to have a fifteen year old who got his permit after school on Friday. There where a few moments I thought we would die before we made it home. I've now learned my lesson and the next three boys WILL start driving BEFORE they take Driver's Education & get permits!! We never thought about it since Hunter was not that interested and the child has a lot to learn. It was a fun moment I'll never forget that's for sure. I also will NEVER let him live it down & can't wait to tell his children one day about the time he almost killed Nana. I think I want grandkids to call me Nana one day....lol

As if driving with a new driver wasn't enough excitement for one week I also decided to cut my hair off. I am literally working out six days a week and on the GO from the time I get up untl bed. I have no time to spend fixing my hair. It was taking 45 minutes as I have super thick red hair. I braved it & let me stylist whack 5 inches off! Not sure I love love it on me ?? But I do LOVE the 15 to 20 mins it took to blow dry & style!

Thank goodness nothing HUGE is planned for this weekend. We can all relax a little & be thankful for the time to chill. Now to get ready for the gym, then the movies with the kids, & maybe letting Hunter practice some more driving..... I do have accidental life insurance policy beside the Army issue stuff. So remind my man of that should Hunter kill us both....just teasing him about his driving - it's fun!

Pretty Please.....Your Perfect to Me

Thursday is here and we have had the Flu hit the house hard again this week My oldest and Jeremy both started throwing up early morning Wednesday, YUCK!! We had a long day of 7-up & crackers yesterday. Jeremy is still home today with a fever. Yesterday was a home work out day due to the illness. I was so proud of myself to get in the following WOD:


45 Burpees & 15 decline push-ups
125 lunges
130 squats mixture of regular & sumo
40 crunches


I am trying so hard to stay on track this time & not push myself to the brink of exhaustion but push myself enough to have to up the anty every few days. I am working on myself for myself! I know that I tend to get a little obsessed so I'm trying hard to stay focused & listen to what my body is telling me this time around. I have always had a one track mind when it comes to fitness & nutrition. It started way back the summer before I started 8th grade. All my friends where naturally skinny & in the 80's that was the thing to be, skinny! So I started the never ending quest of dieting. Guess what I was not just good at it I was GREAT!!  I look back at pictures & am shocked at how thin I was. At 5'5 I should have never been 106 pounds at my lowest. I never allowed myself to go above 115 in high school- crazy now that I look back, but at the time I thought I looked great! 
Now everytime I start a new cycle of fitness & nutrition I have to really reign myself in on my nutrition at times. In college working out became an obsession when I gained ten pounds the first year and was no longer a size 4- seriously folk I thought a size 6 was awful! Now I repeat to myself daily and a lot that "Size DOES NOT define me! My fitness level & my strength are the MOST important thing" I try to remind myself it's ok to have stretch marks and curves . I mean geezzz I have had four children back to back. But I do not use my children as an excuse to stay jiggly or stay still. I may not be perfect in the eyes of the world but guess what I DO NOT HAVE TO BE!!  The only people who I want to see me and think I am perfect or pretty darn close are my husband & my boys. I stay healthy , exercise, track my fitness for myself & for my family.
I know I am not the first or the last woman to struggle with body issues. I struggle all the time. But I try to remember that there is no such thing as perfect it's all in my mind- there is only the motivation to make myself the best wife, mom,daughter, sister, & friend I can be for myself. This video I found today I LOVE IT!! I wanted to share it today so that everyone who struggles with body issues can remember it's not about what society says you should be at all. It's about taking care of yourself for yourself so that you can be there for those that really matter in your life.
 That "perfect" is in the eyes of the beholder. Those that love you won't mind that you have moments of pure insanity or that your not a size 6!! If they do, they have no place in  your world. Remember to Love your self, then it will be easy for others to Love you back!

My song of the day to hare over at Goodnight Moon with Amber is this:

Perfect ....

I am & will always be striving to improve myself, but I am no longer trying to be Perfect.

OUCH!

Yesterday I jumped full on into my Personal Training session with my love to hate trainer and friends. Yesterday I felt fine nothing- then BAM! This morning the legs ache! I had to make my self get up and go do my 45 mins of cardio. I stretched and that hurt! I know all about DOMS (delayed on-set muscle soreness) but had hoped I was past that point. Apparently little ms trainer girl loves to torture me! She definitely hit my quads hard yesterday. We did 50 seconds on then 10 seconds of rest for 12 minutes straight then we had about a 2/3 min break then all over again for an hour-OUCH! I know the pain is worth the results I'll see in a few weeks- but today it just hurts!

I can hardly believe we agreed to meet with HER two more times this week instead of our normal two times. I workout with two other friends- who I've decided have a death wish. They where all for working out three times this week with our lovely trainer- yeah I can't wait to see how they are feeling on Saturday & if they still think it was a great idea. I've worked out enough with our trainer to know by Saturday the whole body is going hurt & we will have to be rested & ready by MONDAY for round two!!Oh- well at least I am sticking to my fitness goals so far and I can already see some results in my clothing being looser. But it does come at a cost- my legs ache when I move- now I am off to drink some more water and pray for relief from the leg pain. I hope you got your work out in today!!

Watch Me....the Best is Yet to Come

I woke up sick with an awful head cold that derailed my plans to hit the gym at some point today. I took some over the counter drugs that just knocked me out. When I woke up two hours later I feel even worse then when I went to sleep. This is NOT the way I envisioned starting off 2012. It's exactly the opposite. I was super excited to hit the gym get my Fitness back in gear now that my back is feeling better. So you may ask what did I do, I headed on over to Pinterest & spent the past hour looking through things that help keep me motivated. 

I love to exercise it makes me feel better not just physically but mentally while the husband is deployed or even home. I need motivation, lots of it to stay on task. I must have visual references whether they be on a computer or someone in the gym who inspires me. Well I got  my wish when my old gym brought back my beloved trainer full time-YIPPIE!! I booked my FREE 1 hour PT session for this Thursday. It'll be the first time in almost 3 years I have gotten to get my booty kicked by Jaime- I can't wait! After every work out I ever did with her, I was exhausted but excited. She pushed me to do more then I ever thought I could at my age. I am no spring chicken anymore & it's hard to stay in shape. A lot of work required with my nutrition & fitness. Jaime makes sure I stay accountable for what I let cross over my lips & onto my hips!


Now today Pinterest helped me stay motivated . I found some pictures I loved of strong healthy fit bodies not super skinny ladies Strong muscular women who work hard. I also found a lot of sayings that I hope I can repeat to myself all year long whenever I feel tired of it all. I thought I'd share with you all as well. I know a few of my readers are on their own Healthy Life Style Qwest. It's never been a diet for me It's ALWAYS a LIFESTYLE & that's what makes it work! Wishing all my fitness buddies the best of health & fitness in 2012- Never Give Up- there are NO EXCUSES!

I noticed as I age I really don't care so much what others think of me. But what's the most important is what I think of me & I think I am pretty amazing!

 

 I can't say it enough, everytime I leave the gym I feel 100% better then when I walked out!

 I am capable of Great Things! I proved that this year as I completed my 6th - 5K Obstacle run.

I love my life & I want to be around to enjoy it with my children for a long time. I work hard to ensure I'll be here tomorrow!!


**Edit**
Still feeling extremly sick like someone is hammering away in my head. I hit up Pinterest to find a super yummy healthy Vitamin C packed Smoothie. It even tasted good & I don't like oranges!


1/2 cup plain Greek Yogurt for protein
1/2 cup ice cubes
1 cup orange juice
1 packet of pure vitamin powder


Blend & drink- it stopped my stomach from growling & I hope I feel somewhat human again in the morning.

Fitness Friday is Back

It's been a few weeks since I've had time to write updates on my Fitness. I am still having regular work outs at least three times a week with a group of ladies who live in our neighborhood. It's so nice to have a break here at home once the boys are safely at school. We completed our training for our last 5k Obstacle run & did the race as well last Saturday. It was a super hard obstacle course but easy run. We where definitely in better shape then I have ever been going into one of these events. I do believe it was the mix of cross fit & cardio that got us through the course easy peazy. The new girl who has been training with us for about three weeks did the run & loved it!! I created a new Mud Monster like myself!  Now the only thing is the next event she wants to train for doesn't even happen until Summer 2012 sometime but you must start training now!  CRAZY, INSANE, these are just a couple of the words I used to talk about her & this new goal of hers- not sure about me yet.

It's called Tough Mudder  

If you have heard of it, then you know why it's INSANE!!

I have never claimed to be a runner & to even sign up they say you must run at least 6+ miles with ease- with EASE folks!!  Who runs 6+ miles for fun & with EASE??  Not this Girl!!

Now I talked with my husband who had way to much time on his hands yesterday. He watched hours of the events videos on the Web & now he wants to do the Run!!  He says it'll be fine those people where walking a lot of the course. I asked him if he saw the video I saw of them running a steep zig-zag hill, because they most certainly weren't walking!!  I told my husband & new workout crazed friend I would most definitely work out with her like I was going to run, but the jury was still out on my verdict. I just don't see any part of that run that looks simple. I guess that is why they call it the hardest Mud Run around. It was designed by ex-special forces guys, so insane.

In order to even think about doing the run we have to do mostly Cross Fit type workouts. I am not a huge cross fit girl but promised to do the WODS at least three times a week. Thursday was my first real day back at the work out. I took a few days off to just rest. All the hard training took it's toll & I was exhausted. Yesterday consisted of doing almost everything at least once some twice on the training WOD that Tough Mudder has on their web site for us- we printed it off. It was hard, alot of upper body with every kind of push up you could imagine. I am not a girl with a lot of upper body strength so this will be quite the challenge. My strength lies in my legs, which I hope don't get massive from all the lunges & squats. At least my booty will get to be amazing! All those squats hurt!! 

So if your like me & looking for a HUGE challenge- go watch the Tough Mudder videos to see if the event is coming your way.Get off that couch, put down that junk food & WORK!! Even if your like me & unsure if you will participate in the run you can still do the work outs. It'll get you in super shape all over. Cross fit is all about all over body fitness not just one part of your body. It'll work every muscles you've ever worked & then the one's who have never done any work as well. It will hurt, but if you push through it you will feel amazing after wards.

Here is a quick picture of my motto for while we are doing all this training, because remember I love my cardio & I AM a Gym Rat! I would much rather jump on my elliptical then run outside in the freezing cold air like we did yesterday. When I saw this little picture it summed all this training up perfectly.

I am definitely UNCOMFORTABLE!!

Remember to GET OUT & MOVE today !! Even if it's only for 30 minutes- you'll still be lapping whoever is sitting on the Couch!!

One last fun picture from the Gladiator Run last Saturday.

Yes I am reaching for the mud- I was planning a sneak attack on Bekah who had already pelted me with a hand full of mud earlier. My new work out crazy is the lady in the picture with me- she is the new insane Mud Junkie!


P.S.
 I forgot to mention all the crazy friends of mine who are pushing doing Tough Mudder are being so unfair in their ploys to get me to agree. All the money raised goes to the Wounded Warrior Project- yep they know how to pull at a girls heart strings. When so many of our friends have benefited from the WWP- hard not to help the program out,ugggg

Motivational Monday

We are now 5 days away from my next 5k Obstacle race -YAY!! I am super excited but well aware that it is going to hurt while doing it-LOL I am a realist. I know I am not the best runner so I will be working out four days in a row this week with a rest & yummy carb loading day on Friday! Just so happens that is the day we are having Jeremy's birthday cake so I get to eat a small slice  :0) 

With all that being said I have turned to GOOGLE my favorite friend to find some motivational pictures & quotes. I have been posting them a lot for my ladies who workout with me on a regular basis. I love to wait to hear their humorous responses to my 5AM posts on Facebook. They always moan,groan, & drag their heels to work out- then we laugh all the way through the workout! I started today's post with a fun picture then moved on to some motivation. Here's a little of what I have used over the past week to keep us going towards our last 5K goal. Happy  Monday everyone! Don't forget to get out & find time to MOVE today!!

I thought this was funny!

 Those who can't afford a GYM - No worries you have the great outdoors or in our case a Garage!

 If your not sweating your NOT WORKING!

 It wont become a HABIT unless You MAKE it one!

 YOU have to want to Change - only YOU can CHANGE yourself!

 

This is what my old trainer told me all the time- Now I tell my ladies this when they get to whining or giggling to much!

 

Hope everyone finds their motivation this Monday to get out & MOVE!!

Fitness Friday/Saturday

Friday came & went in a blur. I was super busy with errands & kids. Sorry I missed posting my fitness updates. This week was a crazy fitness mess! Last Sunday was church then Chicago football time, we won't talk about that game it made me sad. Monday came & I got a great workout in at the gym . I managed 7.36 miles between the elliptical & bike. I also did abs & legs. Tuesday came to WA very dreary but no rain when we started our work out. Notice I said when we started...haha First we had a newcomers join our group, who is not new to working out. Just new to our little group. She brought us a new WOD to try & it was super hard! 90 second stations with lots of new ideas for all over body strengthening. Half way through just when we where working up a good sweat down came the rain. We had mom leave because baby was with her not wanting to get him sick. But three of us stayed finished our second round & my third lap before calling it a day. We where soaked & cold.

Wednesday came with a quick outdoor workout with one mom because I knew Thursday was a busy day. By now my right foot which I had noticed a dull ache in was really bothering me. Thursday after a lot of errands my right foot was throbbing from the top all the way down into the toes. After some consults with different sources we came to the conclusion that all the hard work out may have cause a small stress fracture. I could barley walk on it any weight just hurt! I took a very strong pain pill & passed out. I woke up Friday with the pain a little less until I started moving. I was determined to try a low impact work out so I could stay on track. I am seven days out from my 5K Obstacle run & I am not happy with a injury derailing all my hard work. I cleaned out the garage, went to the dump, hit up post, then hit the gym. I only made it 15 minutes on the bike. In order to keep my heart rate up where I need it to be I have to go super fast & a hard level. My poor old knees didn't like it at all. I went to do arms, shoulders, & abs. It was not a very good work out but I did break a sweat.
 Saturday is here & I decided to take the advice & rest today. I will also try to rest tomorrow but I won't like it. I am finally in a good workout routine & I actually feel all out of sorts when I don't get to exercise. I enjoy it, it is my stress relief & I have not let it interfere with the boys. This close to race day though I have to rest that foot. I will go to the gym on Monday & try to get some cardio in  just so I don't go insane. It will be another low impact work out  :0/ but at least I will be moving. Hopefully by the 8th I am not in any pain & can enjoy the day with the other Army Wives as we get on our sweat in the
mud!  

I decided to order a shirt that I can use for all my races & it came yesterday!! So excited because It fits & is actually loose around my waist. I have lost 10 pounds in 5 weeks & gone back down a pants size. I am shooting for those last 4 pounds I gained while husband was home. Then it'll be all about toning & maintenance. I am not trying to get back to what I had two years ago. It would mean to much time at the gym & away from the boys. I am beginning to realize as long as I am exercising daily ,eating healthy whole foods, I feel better & look better. I may not be a super model size but God didn't make me that size so why would I want to kill myself to keep that size?? I hope you all are still exercising & eating healthy as well. Have a great weekend & below is a picture I took for my husband. It's my new race shirt with the Sweaty & Strong from our Facebook page on front. He said he noticed in my face the most- so YAY ME!!

 

My upper thighs are still big, but it is all muscle so I am OK with that!! Now to shape the arms a lot more & maintain!

Fitness Friday

This week seemed to fly by thank goodness but it was also a little nutty in spots! I was able to get some good workouts into my week but nothing like last week. Monday I had a sick kiddo & I was exhausted so that resulted in a short walk with weights for only 45 minutes. But I MOVED & that is what matters. Tuesday came with some lovely sunshine & a chance to meet up with four other military ladies to work out in a playground in our community. It gave me much needed adult conversation as well as baby time as I got to hold a little guy while mom finished her work out. I also FINALLY ran the three loops we do down a steep grade then up a steep hill with out feeling like I was dying! My endurance has picked up by adding these Tues/Thurs outdoor sessions.We worked hard but I also wasn't near as sore-YAY! Wednesday turned into rest day because it was just a nutty type of day. Thursday I had my morning outdoor session with two of my wives & then a bonus 40 minutes at Soccer practice.

I met up with two other Soccer moms who are trying to get back into shape & needed a little push in the right direction. I wore my work out clothes & we hit the high school bleachers for fifteen minutes of non-stop up/downs. I was so excited that they finished even though they where grumbling & telling me I was mean at the end. I was sweaty but not hurting so I was excited! We then ran the High school track they managed one lap, I made them walk a lap. They then stopped to stretch while I ran one more lap to get a total of 1 1/2 miles in for the evening. It was a nice easy way to work in some more exercise to my day. Today is Friday thank goodness! I have a lot going on to get ready for my soon to be oldest son's sleep over he is having tonight. He turns FIFTEEN on Monday.....HOW DID THAT HAPPEN??

I have kids to drop off at school so I can go get my massage I booked last month. My hamstrings are still pretty tight & tender so I hope I don't jump off the table when he works that area. I am sure it will help so I can't wait. Then I have to grab a quick cardio session at the gym, pick up pizzas not sure how many to get for five teenage boys?? Also need to rent the movie THOR for them as well as ice the birthday cake I baked yesterday. Busy, busy, that is me today- but I really wouldn't have any other way! Hope everyone out there has a great weekend as well- stay safe & enjoy!

Monday Madness

 

This picture pretty much sums it up for me this morning. My Jeremy woke up early Sunday with a slight cold & fever. By bedtime last night he was worse which meant NO SLEEP  for either of us. After midnight he finally crashed - so did I but that awful alarm went off bright & early . Now as I wait to get the older boys out the door I am thinking exhaustion will win out over my good intentions of doing a cardio work out today.

I can barely keep my eyes open & focused. As well as Jeremy is sound asleep, but I am guessing he too will be to tired for school if he even feels good when he wakes. I am thinking my bed is softly calling my name for a nap & maybe later if I get said nap I can take a walk. I had my rest day yesterday as planned so I really need to make an effort to work out sometime today.....oh but my bed & sleep sound so much nicer the Monday morning .

Fitness Friday

I have been HARD at work all week- folks I have done five days in a row of working out! I am super proud of myself & super tired as I sit here to type about it all. I started on Monday by hitting the gym with some good cardio & arms/abs. Then Tuesday had me waking up to news that where my husband is stationed was under attack -all over the news. The worry worked to my advantage & I broke my own personal best in completing 8.5 miles of cardio in forty minutes. I looked like I had stepped out of the shower! Sweat dripping from every place on my body-literally! I accomplished my cardio with the elliptical & the bike at the gym. I then went on for another thirty - five minutes of legs & abs. So it was an amazing day & YES DOMS (Delayed Muscles Soreness) ensued about two hours later. Got to love it when you go to get off the toliet & your legs are wobbly & screaming in pain from a good work out.


Wednesday was my rest day . But I had another Military Mom who wanted to meet & start getting back into shape. I met her at one of parks & walked about 2 miles while carrying weight around the trails. It really helped get all my lactic acid moving to remove any lingering soreness. If your super sore remember to keep moving!! It will help work out the stiffness. Now Wednesday wasn't super hard I got a little sweaty but I moved for an hour & helped another wife start her fitness journey- that's what counts! Thursday was gym time with only twenty-five minutes of light cardio then glutes/legs. My legs where jell-o when I was done. I had to go to Safeway to get groceries & thankful the cart held me up! Friday I was excited to meet up with four lovely military spouses that live out here by me in our housing development. I took all kinds of my free weights- from 3llbs up to 15llbs to the park! We met up & I showed them how to do a good circuit using the playground. Park benches , the stairs, running down the hill then back up, as well as the weights for squats & arms. I did more of the arm work but did the running & stairs as well-  my now smoked legs are not thanking me yet! We did this 3 times with 15 reps on each station & 3 runs up & down the hill. It's not a small hill either it's pretty long steep hill.

Saturday & Sunday where suppose to be my rest days. I have Soccer tomorrow with Jacob at noon. But the ladies where really excited & the weather is suppose to be cool but nice. So I agreed to meet up at the lake & power walk the trails with them- while we carry weights. That's right folks if it works out tomorrow will be day six of workouts for me this week- Sunday is for sure a REST day! I ate really clean this week with a lot of lean proteins. I switched the boys to turkey burgers & they gobbled them down only one noticed the difference. I didn't sneak not one glass of wine in at all! I did have a Starbucks yesterday evening, but Panzer my dog made me spill half of it- so does it really count?? All in all it has been a good work out week. I hope to repeat it next week working more of my arms & chest. I love that I have other ladies excited to get healthy as well.They all joined our Facebook page  Sweaty & Strong Military Sisters  so they could find workout partners to help them stay motivated! That was the whole point of the page- so I am super happy it is working. if you haven't checked it out go LIKE it to see what it is all about!


I hope everyone has a fun, safe, & healthy weekend! Remember there is NO EXCUSE to NOT MOVE!! Thirty minutes a day is all it takes to get you started to a healthy lifestyle. You will feel better inside & out!

Sweaty & Strong Military Sisters

I met another lovely Army wife through a local Facebook page & we have joined forces in the name of Health, Exercise, & Fitness! We noticed that several of the other ladies on the two pages we where on who are also Military Wives wanted someone to work out with but had no way to find them? Randi took the next step & started a Facebook page. She then asked me to join her as an admin since I love to hit the gym & eat as healthy as possible - most days. Since quite a few of my wonderful followers are military spouses & also into a healthy life style, I invite you to go "LIKE" our page Sweaty & Strong Military Sisters .

It is NOT a diet page at all. It is a page meant to bring together military ladies across the globe to help encourage each other stay on track with their fitness & nutrition goals. We have added some ladies who are Personal Trainers who will at times chime in on discussions to help us have the most accurate information passed along. We have a ROLL CALL Tab in the Discussions section so you can introduce yourself & see if there is anyone else living around you who might be looking for a work out partner. We all know staying motivated is one of the biggest problems for military spouses who make friends,work out partners to only have to move a couple years later & start all over. We hope this helps set you up for success! Maybe connect with another spouse who is already at the post or base you will be moving to next. Anyway if your interested at all go take a look & please share it with others so they can share in the same success as you!

One of Those Days, Again...

 I woke up around seven-ish this morning after staying way to late because I was exhausted & just couldn't sleep. I made my coffee turned on the computer & my TV. I know exactly what day it is today. I know exactly what time it is in Afghansitan & where my husband is suppose to be the evening before 9-11. I know that we need to remember to honor all those lost ten years ago & those since then who have served. But I must admit all the news information is getting a bit overwhelming. But I am drawn to watch the memorial service they are streaming live from PA for Flight 93. Tears well Up & I go leave a FB post on Paul's wall. I love you we are thinking of you. I hope you have a calm evening & are as safe as possible. We are praying for you & all those serving with you around the globe. Love you xoxo. 

I walk away to get ready for the gym, I think I need a good work out to get my mind off everything. I return to close my computer to see Paul has already replied with this response " Thanks Baby, Calm is already out the window, but we'll do what we can. Love you more."

I can tell right away it's just going to be one of those days that I am way to nervous,stressed,tears every other second kind of days. For those who have gone through a deployment you know the type of day I am talking about. I went to the gym in such a state that I pounded out 7.25 miles of cardio. I went until my legs wouldn't go anymore. Unfortunately all the TV's where set to the News stations,ugggg. So when BREAKING NEWS pops on stupid me looks to see what it could be now. A deadly Attack has happened in Kabul, Afghanistan today with American lives lost. I am sure the guy running on the tread mill next me thought I was a weirdo as tears mixed with now dripping sweat ran down my face. I tried to breath through it, but it took a moment to get it together. So much for gym time helping. I walked away from the TV area picked up the weights & went back to work. Finally in pain & exhaustion it all left my mind for about the next 15 minutes- thank goodness!! All I could think of for a bit as I got back in my car is "Please God don't let it be any of our friends we know or any of our friends spouses. But Please help those families who are about to get the worst news of their lives". I always feel so selfish praying that it not be someone we know, but I really am not sure how much more I can take. 

Now we are off to the lake to swim enjoy some sunshine & avoid the TV at all costs for awhile. Talked with Paul one more time to say  our love yous, because you just can't tell them enough while they are deployed. 

Now moving on to my Healthy lifestyle I have been working on this month. Big switch in my post I know but it is what it is today folks, sorry.

If you remember from a previous post I am trying to whip myself back into shape for an upcoming 5k Obstacle run on October 8th. I have been doing the best I can with all the boys crazy schedules. This week has been the best so far. I have had so much stress not as much time so I have made the most of every work out & eaten very clean. SO here is a quick overview of this week for me with hopes of only improving over the next 4 weeks before the race. I hope everyone else is keeping up with their routines & staying on track- You can do it!!

Monday: 6.78 miles of Cardio broke up on elliptical & bike in 31 minutes.
                 Abs- lots of different things for my lats & lower Abs for 15 minutes. Then Rowing for some arms for 5 mins then Mountain Climber for glutes for 8 minutes.

Tuesday-off

Wednesday- 6.40 miles of Cardip between Bike & Elliptical again 

 3 sets of bi-ceps curls (15 each set )
3 sets of dips with 60 pounds
Full Body push up 10 (still working on those)
Core hold x3 for 35 seconds each time
Crunches x40
Rowing with side twists for lats for 3  minutes
Shoulder press 3 set with 25 pounds


Thursday- 6.50 of Cardio on Bike & Elliptical


lower abs x30
side crucnhes with 8llbs ball x 50 each side
row machine 3 mins with twist for lats


dips 60 pounds 3 sets of 15
chest press 30 pounds 3 sets of 15
full body push ups 10
biceps several different exercises I forget the name- sorry 3 sets of 15 each time
knees to chest in a push up stance x 12


Friday-off


Saturday- 7.25 Cardio on Bike & Elliptical
Abs lower mid & lats for about 15 minutes
chest press 30 pounds 3 sets of 15
more chest not sure the machine-lol 3 sets of 15 25 pounds
shoulders 3 sets of 13 25 pounds
push ups 10
knees to chest in push up stance 12
core side push ups 2 set of 15- OUCH!


So as you can see I worked hard averaging about 1 hour 15 minutes of gym time each chance I got- left drenched feeling great! my clothes are already fitting better- so I know it's working. I don't own a scale & have decided I'll way next time I am in the gym. I tend to have heavy muscle mass so not expecting a huge drop. Nayway thats it for today- off to the lake now to relax if we can. Until next time stay motivate & eat healthy so you can feel your best!!




 

Motivation on Monday ?

I have NO motivation at all today to get my workout in right now. I have started on lunges & glutes here at home only to stop after my three sets of fifteen. I should go outside & walk the trails so I at least get something accomplished I have time, the kids are all playing with friends- so there is NO excuse. Except it's Monday, I haven't worked out in 3 days- so I am blah! I know if I just go do it, I'll feel better- but getting started is hard today. I thought maybe if I wrote it out I might get motivated but so far it hasn't happend-LOL. Stay tuned to find out if I get OFF my TUSH or stay comfortably planted in my husbands chair for the day!

 

Trying to let exercise be my friend but finding it hard today.....

I Survived

I was so excited to see all the delicious healthy choices of food I had to pick from at the FRG potluck on Saturday evening. We had several veggies platters,a delicious chopped veggie salad in a light olive oil,& an amazing light coleslaw that was to die for when you took a bite! It was super easy to stick to my healthy eating plan thank goodness! I ate a hamburger & my sides where several of the veggie items- YUM! I was full & it tasted good. A few of the other wives where also back on the healthy eating  kick since their husband left, so I was super happy! I did walk over to the dessert table that held these amazing looking brownies with coconut on top. They looked like a huge Almond Joy brownie- YUMMMMMM.... but I passed! I did however have one small chocolate chip cookie just because you can't leave a potluck with out one bite of dessert! I am pretty sure it is a rule!

I had done a great Cardio session on Saturday morning like I had planned. I was well prepared for any types of food I might encounter that afternoon. My work out consisted of fifty-minutes of cardio. I did 5.08 miles on the elliptical, rowing machine with twisting for my lats for 8 minutes, then finished up on the treadmill climbing hills. I was sweating buckets again! It felt great not to quit after thirty minutes when I really wanted to stop. I pushed past it & after a few more minutes I was fine- YAY ME!

Sunday's luncheon went pretty good as well. I ended up ordering the Turkey bacon Club. But I asked for them to leave off the bacon & go light on the mayo. I also ordered the fresh fruit cup instead of the sweet potato fries. I did sneak about three delicious sweet potato fries off my friends plate- they melted in my mouth! I was glad to try them but not have them on my plate because I would have gobbled them down for sure! I then only ate half of my Turkey Club because it was huge! It was like two portions instead of one. I even took off some of the bread to save myself. I ate most of my fruit & all of my salad. Then I asked for a to go box- the best thing ever invented for a restaurant. Boxed up the other half to eat for dinner later that night. I never made it to work out as planned. I was tired as well as my leg muscles where still recovering & in revolt. I had to crouch down for a picture & my quads immediately started shaking in protest as I held on for dear life to the table so I wouldn't topple over! I knew right then Sunday would be a recovery day for my muscles. I had done five work outs last week all very hard- so a day of recovery was in order. If I can continue to knock out five workouts a week I will definitely see the progress I want in way of all over toning.

My Monday is off to a rough start as I went to bed early but laid there forever  before I feel asleep. Just  one of those nights when I was lonely &  missing my husband laying beside me,uggg I didn't cry but I hugged his pillow- which I still haven't washed his pillow case trying to smell him. For you civilians that may seem gross, but to me it was comforting. I still could barely smell that musky scent of his. I guess by the end of week three it'll be gone & need to be washed  :0(  I woke up to no cream for my coffee so it is a two cup of coffee morning due to lack of sleep- but I can only stand one cup due to no creamer. I have some things to load into the back of the van to take to the dump. Then I am meeting a dear friend for one more lunch to discuss where we can meet in Portland as we are both going to see Kenny Chesney in 6 DAYS!!!! WHOOO-HOOOO. Then I plan on hitting the gym for an afternoon work out instead of my usual morning routine. Hopefully my legs will be ready to cooperate since I gave them the day off yesterday. I hope you all have a great start to your week- I am off to work around the house.

Danger Ahead.....

I am heading into a weekend filled with activities that will be fun but are centered around FOOD lots of FOOD! I am heading into the gym this morning to get in a really good work out to start my day before I go to my first FRG Potluck since Paul left. Nothing says "Get your grub ON!!" like putting a room full of amazing homemade food in a small room with a bunch of Army Wives whose husband's just deployed! Yep- it has disaster written ALL OVER IT! I did buy something healthy to take so I at least have that option besides all the food that is sure t0 be high in sugar & calories. I am taking a few preventive measures to insure sucess.

1. I am working out this morning to get my metabolism jump started & help me not feel to guilty if I have one treat. Never deprive yourself if you must have something. Just remember MODERATION so you don't blow all your hard work!

2. I will be eating a small high fiber meal about an hour before I go. Why eat before you go to an event that is serving food? The fiber will fill your stomach up & last longer then even a lean protein. At least for me I have found this to be true. It also helps you to not be starving by the time the food is served. You are less likely to "graze" or over eat.

3. Taking my own big bottle of water. A lot of times at Potlucks they provide drinks but they are sodas that contain a lot of sugar. They may have a diet soda but it will just go right through you with no benefits. By drinking the water I am helping keep that "full" feeling & getting in my daily 8 glasses a day I am shooting for everyday.

4. I will NOT be standing around the food table chatting. Once I have gotten my food I will go find a seat far away as I can. Since I hate getting up & going back to the food table this will help me a lot. But If I stand close to chat with ladies I risk the chance of "grazing" while I chat.

So that is on today's agenda but I still have Sunday to make it through as well. I have a fun Farewell Luncheon to attend. It is fun in the sense that it's at a great location on a patio outside & the sun is suppose to finally be shining. It will be sad & I will cry when I have to talk to say goodbye to a great friend. Now this menu is set as I had a hand in the planning. Thankfully we chose five items our guests can pick from tomorrow. I asked that two of those items be a vegan meal or a fish item. The guest of Honor went ahead of time did some taste testing & picked her favorite. So I do have two items on the menu I can pick from tomorrow. Thank Goodness! But I do love a good glass of wine on a sunny day with my lunch. That will be my down fall I am sure. Wine in moderation is ok, but is still high in calories & sugar. I will have to make sure to find time to hit the gym at some point tomorrow evening as well so I can enjoy my lunch with friends with out any guilt.

I know a lot of you are thinking I don't understand the guilt part?? I have really made getting healthy again a priority but don't want it to mean I can't enjoy my friends & family. In order for that to happen I will have to maintain a good work regiment or I always feel bad for eating anything I know should be "off limits" if I haven't had a good exercise week. I work out because it gives me energy that I desperatly need keeping up with four boys alone. But I also work out so when I want I can indulge in a favorite food or drink from time to time I know it isn't going to go straight to my hips! But that is just me, not everyone shares my views & that is OK. You have to do what works for you when you are living a healthy lifestyle. I don't call it dieting because it's not. If I want a cookie or a slice of pizza I will eat it for sure. But I will also use moderation & a good work out to balance it all out!

Now wish me luck that I can stick to my plan & make it through the next two days having some fun! I am off to the gym to get my work out going for the day. It just starts my days off right when I exercise first thing. Have a GREAT weekend & I'll check back in Sunday night to report on how I did......

 

Back to Work

If you opened this thinking, "WOW, she got a job while Paul is away-good for her!" WRONG! I have a full time job called CEO & President of all travel both foreign & Domestic at the Huston 6 Corporation! When I say Back to Work I mean on me & my healthy life style that I let slide when Paul came home last May from deployment. When the husband is home we just eat different period end of story. It happened the minute I said "I DO" fifteen years ago. The man loves his red meat! I was practically meat-less all the way through college. One- I never craved it or liked it much. The texture is weird to me. Two- we all know that while in college all extra money should be spent on your social life ,i.e. going out! Anyway back to a healthy new start which is what this post is about.

I have had an infatuation with fitness & nutrition as far back I can remember. My mom has always instilled it in me to watch what you eat, try to make it healthy. If it can't be healthy because everybody needs chocolate now & then! Then it should at least be in moderation.About three years ago on the second deployment I picked up my pace on Clean eating & working out. It was a very stressful deployment & hitting the gym helped keep my stress down. I loved it so much that I paid a lot of money for a Personal Trainer who to this day I would pay AGAIN to work out with- Jaime was amazing! She made me push harder & keep on going on the days I really wanted to punch her or anyone in the face! I even got into the International Sports Science Association courses. Completed all the required test & quizzes to be an ISSA Personal Trainer, except the final. Grrrr, I could kick myself for not finishing that portion up.But once Paul got home my priority shifted to reintegration & family time. I went back to eating more red meats and junk . I went from looking like this.....

 

Super fit & healthier then I had been even in college.

Back to eating poorly cutting back on work outs etc so that I gained back the hard loss weight of fourteen pounds. I no longer look toned & healthy. Paul has never said anything about my yo-yo self. He loves it when I am super fit or a little "squishy" as I like to call it. Or like Bridgett Jones says with "jiggly bits"-YUCK! 

It's me who hates being un-toned & just not feeling like I have energy what so ever. I hate seeing pictures of me & my arms look to heavy & my face looks to round. I worked so hard to be healthy & eat clean. I want to set a good example to my boys in a time when the world says "Super Size" is Ok. I want them to know it NOT Ok, it unhealthy.It's not about the size jeans I wear or about how thin I am. It's about how I feel energy wise & attitude as well. If am fit, eating clean,& working out I feel better period! 

With that said I have jumped back in with both feet for about 2 weeks now on eating clean & upping my work outs. It has been hard & painful. I mean seriously when your body gets use to tons of carbs & sugar it's hard to cut them out! I actually crave them in the evening when its quite & it stinks! I've joined a friend on Facebook taking a 90 day challenge to Eat Clean . I am enjoying it, but it's work! I will track my progress here on occasion just so I am held accountable by my friends and family. I am not in a race to get "skinny" nope I just want to be back to that girl who feels as good on the inside as she appears on the outside. Below you will see yesterday's food & work out please feel free to throw out some ideas to tweak my nutrition or work outs. I love new ideas & honestly am always looking for new healthy foods . I hope you enjoy watching as I get back to Healthy Me! I am saying goodbye to feeling sluggish & just depressed all the time.It has always helped me get through past deployments so I hope it does the same this time!

Here is my starting photo- I covered up in a pretty dress. But my arms lack the tone I love & the dress is two sizes larger then the one in the picture above. 

 

It's not a bad picture, but it's not me. I actually made my son take four pictures before I found one I thought looked half-way decent. that's when I realized I am not happy with me inside or out! It was time to get back to me & being Healthy so here I GO!! 

Thursday Workout:

I did 30 minutes on the elliptical for a total of 4.30 miles I stopped while in my Fat Burning Zone. I was sweating buckets!

Went into lunges 3 sets of 15 with 14llbs weight

Squats using a bar with one leg extended  3 sets of 15

Glutes with 40 pound weights on my ABs- I call them the "Glute Squish" I know there is a techincal term but have no Idea what at the moment. I'll have to ask Jaime. 

Then I jumped onto the mountain Climber because I was not sweating thus out of my Fat Burn zone- did 4 minutes & pushed my mileage for the day up to 4.56miles

Then continued with 3 sets of side kicks on all fours with a 5llbs weight tucked behind my knees.

3 sets of fire hydrants with 5 llbs tucked behind my knee

3 sets of up/down off a bench with 14llbs

Then I pulled the mat out & did Core hold for only 40 seconds- that is AWFUL for me.

2 sets of 15 side push-ups that work your abs- once again I'll have to find the name.

2 sets of 15 crunches in the little hanging position chair need name agian.

By then I was exhausted so I did my 3 minutes of stretching & called it a day. It was a good work out I was sweat soaked. But I know that it can be so much better based on my past. I hope to eventually get my endurance up & add Plyo back into the workouts.

I also need to get my ISSA books back out & brush up on all the names for certain exercises-lol

Nutrition for Thursday:

Breakfast: oatmeal with raisins & 1 piece of whole grain toast with a 1/2 cup of fat free milk.

After work out: Choc/half banana Protein Shake. I used the GNC Protein & cut up half of a banana to put in it. YUMMY! I got my chocolate fix!

Lunch:

Six pasta pouches filled with squash,tomato & zuchanni covered with 2 tbl Light Olive Oil & 1/4 cup fresh cooked Halibut

Dinner:

Baked salmon with olive oil & dill

Wild Rice & steamed carrots.

Snack:

1 piece of whole grain toast with 2 tbl of peanut butter

I found myself still starving so added the peanut butter toast for more protein. You never want to let your body feel as thought it is "starving" or you will slow down your progress & actually gain weight.

Now I know it's not perfect but it's way healthier then I was eating when the husband was home. So I am happy & moving onto the gym later today for Arms & Abs today mixed with cardio!

Have a blessed Friday & I'll check back in with another Post on how I'm doing in a few days.