Time to apply myself

This is a quick post I know...but I'm very excited today!  Today the FitFluential ambassador applications open up and I am psyched to say that I am applying!  Any pointers/helpful advice is welcome! 

I also had a nice talk with my oldest daughter this weekend and she would like to join the rec center and start working out more...can you say PROUD MOMMA moment!  My mini is always willing to do what I do (and has the cutest little down dog ever) but this one was a surprise.  At 12, she is programmed to think of the 'rents as uncool and embarrassing...but she not only wants to do something more like what the hubs and  I are trying to do...but even is willing to do it WITH us!  ah-may-zing.

Lets get out there and get it done!!

Holiday weekend

Sooooooooooooooo I had a nice relaxing labor day weekend?  How was yours?  I kicked it off on Friday with a half day at work, a great workout, and drinks with friends.  Saturday, we bought the big kid her birthday boots, some sweet Bearpaws.  You know them they are the ones that look like Uggs but cost half the price and you have to get because the darn Uggs don't come in half sizes that fit your kid, but once she tried on both Uggs and Bearpaws they are the ones that feel better and she wants. After finding the boots, she also got as new iPod case and an Under Armour hoodie.   I know she was happy as she came home and put on her skinny jeans, boots and hoodie and took a pic for her instagram account.  I's so nice to see her smile.

 Saturday evening was more cocktails and dinner with friends, as was Sunday evening.  Do you see a trend here for the holiday weekend.  I was so happy I started off strong with a workout, but then it just fizzled, although yesterday I spent the majority of the day cleaning the house.   I had been feeling a little burnt out and spent some time just relaxing (and not worrying) which was nice.   I didn't
log stuff on MFP, I didn't blog, I didn't Facebook, I did however watch the entire first season of New Girl on Netflix and LOVED it. 

So now coming off the weekend, I am feeling a little guilty, but at the same time not.  It's weird.  This time last year I would have considered myself a failure for not sticking to my guns, but now I realize...I can't do it all the time.  I can be everything I want to be all the time, and I am ok with that.  Again, I keep repeating to myself...baby steps, baby steps.

How was your holiday weekend?

Starting my day with a smile

This is my Genna dog.  I love my Genna dog.  When we got this sweet faced pup 8 years ago we arrived at the rescue with a different dog in mind.  We had seen a picture of some other dog and had no plans of looking at others.  A very cute but indifferent little black dog came out and could have cared less about us being there.  THAT was the dog my hubs liked...but then this sweet puppy came bounding out the door.  She was so tiny then, and she ran over to the hubs, put her nose up the bottom of his shorts and peed on his shoe.  That was it.  She chose us.  That was my dog. 

Genna has grown into a 90 pound ball of shedding and love and fear.  She does her job of barking to protect the homestead (mostly from raccoons in the middle of the night), but still she alerts us none the less.  She has a laundry list of fears which the vet says is most likely caused by her having been rescued at such a young age (she was barely 7 weeks old when we got her, an the shelter we got her from had gotten her from a kill shelter 2 weeks prior to that).  When  say list I mean it though...afraid of the garbage truck, school buses, storms, NOT RACCOONS :), and daylight it seems when it is time to walk.

My hubs had been walking her every night once the winter weather broke, and had been getting her out a lot even before that.  She LOVES snow, but with our summer work schedules that hasn't been doable.  We try and get her to the park for a swim/walk/run on the weekends...but even that has waned as the girls have been loving the beach.  So last night the girls and I packed her up into the car and we all went to splash around the river.  She was so happy.  This gave me an idea.  Just yesterday I asked you for workout recommendations....um hello...I HAVE A DOG!!  SO this morning I got ready for work a little faster then most days (skipping the  low dryer cut out a lot of time) and I grabbed the leash and took pup for an early morning walk.  It took a little gentle nudging (okay begging and tugging) but I finally got her to go along with this crazy 515am idea and we got in a nice power walk before I had to leave for work. 

I then noticed on my drive in to work, while listening to tales of vampires and politics (anyone read the Nathaniel Cade series...I am loving it) that I was smiling.  SMILING at 530 in the morning without having even had a cup o joe yet.  The walk.  It hit me, it must have been the walk.  Not only did I have a happy pup at home, but my body was happy with the early morning exercise.  I am liking this!  I think this can become an everyday habit...the best part is I don't have get get up this early for work all the time, but if I do I could maybe even grab the leash and pup and we could maybe start into a routine of morning runs????  I feel like a whole new world is (re)opening up for me.  And how about the paying it forward bonus of making sure I help keep the beloved family pup in good shape...now the cats on the other hand...hahahahha

My new obsession

So for any of you that have read my blog before you know that I am kind of a Pinterest junkie.  What I like best is thew idea of sharing ideas with others...see new things to try (like this current project I am doing for my lil bear's new big girl room...thanks to Beth at Freestylingbeth.com.

Well, I have found another amazing set of "pins" which is helping me to get my butt back in action after seeing the numbers go up a bit on the old scale.  They are on YouTube and are called POP Pilates.  These are ah-may-zing!  The ones I have tried so far are the Saddle Bag Shaver, the Call me Maybe Squat Challenge and the Slimmer Inner Thighs & Runners Calves Workouts.   LOVE THIS SITE!!  I can squeeze these workouts in pretty much anywhere.  I have even done them at work (twice now)n before anyone else gets in in the morning.  It makes me feel good knowing that I am getting myself back on track to working out...little by little.

What are some of your favorite workouts?  Do you have any quick tips to share?

And now...a little Friend Making Monday!


If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

 Easy Answers

1.  Are you a planner, or do you prefer to see where the moment takes you?  I am generally a planner, always have been.  I wish I could be more spontaneous though.

2.  How often do you blog?  For a long time I was doing really well and blogging 3-5 times a week, I have been neglectful in the past 2 months though, but am hoping to get myself back on track.

3.  Do you color your hair?  Yes, as much as I like to sparkle…I’d rather it was with my personality and wit then gray hair J

4. If you had to choose between running or riding a bike, which one would you choose?  Running, it’s my de-stressor.

5.  Have you ever traveled outside of your home country?  Yes…I have boldly gone to both Canada and Mexico…Europe is on my bucket list though.  One day.

6.  Do you like weddings?  I do (like how I did that)!  Before I was married I was less of a fan, especially when the “when are you getting hitched” question rolled around (my hubby and I dated 7 years before getting married).  Now they are a nice reminder to put a focus on us, not just the kiddos.

7.  What is your favorite guilty pleasure on TV?  Well, while I love Bones, Criminal Minds and Grey’s Anatomy…my guilty pleasure hands down has got to be Pretty Little Liars.  Speaking of fav TV shows…does anyone know what ever happened to Drop Dead Diva????

8.  Are you good at math?  I always hated math and when letters (which clearly only belong in English classes) got involved we had a real war…but sadly I am good with finance type stuff so get to be in charge of budget things at work. 

9.  What is the last movie you watched?  (*excluding kid flicks) Hubby and I finally watched The Hangover 2, it was ok.

10.  Share five adjectives that your friends would use to describe you.  Fun, outgoing, smart, witty and loving

Bonus:  Did you celebrate Independence Day?  If so, what did you do?  We have a tradition with 2 other families of getting together with the kids so we did that…BBQ, swim and this year all the kids felt brave enough to see the fireworks J

ABsolutely must try

First off I want to say hello to the new followers to my little blog!  I thank you for taking this journey with me and hope I don't disappoint.  I've said it before...I get SO excited when I open up my dashboard and see that number go up!  What a thrill to know that you are there and listening!!!  I'm honored!

So...sitting at my desk this morning enjoying a cup of coffee, relishing the crazy pain in my legs from my kick butt workout yesterday, and I decided to cruise my favorite little online time killer, Pinterest.  So glad I did as I stumbled upon a pin that lead me back to the blog Live Laugh Run Breathe.  What a perfect time to find this pin too, as January is coming to a close, I found a pin from last February (2012) that is so good I want to try it and share it with you.   The post is called FABuary, and it is a workout challenge.  Challenge you say, I am intrigued.

Despite my best efforts, I have never felt as though any of my ab workouts have worked well.  I question my form, my breathing, but maybe, just MAYBE its because they are so difficult and sporadic in my overall workout focus that I just haven't done enough to be happy.  Seems like a crazy thought I know, but its so crazy it just might be right. :)

So I am going to attempt the Fab Ab February Challenge...who's with me?!?!  I have a few more days to mentally prepare myself and then we will be off and running (or crunching as the case may be).  I'm actually kind of excited about this.  I'm hoping that by strengthening my core through the challenge that I will be able to be better at my Pilates as well.  This could lead to great things.

Step by Step

I'm not sure why all my workout machines pictures turn out so blurry, but I am happy enough that you can see the benefit.  This was in the cool down of my 10 minute walk on the treadmill this morning.  I have found that a nicely paced walk right before the  30 minute Muscle Conditioning Express class gets me loose, gets my heart rate up and gets me ready for a fast paced and intense workout.  Even though I have done this class once before, and knew it was going to kick my butt, I still had this mindset going in that because its only a 30 minute class it wouldn't be as beneficial as the others I have done.  Crazy right?!?!  Not sure how to get past that.  Especially since I work on the 3rd floor of my building.  I take the stairs everyday.  It's 63 steps up and 63 steps down.  I do that at least twice a day (when I get to work, leaving and coming back from the gym, and going home) so even if my workout itself is only a 30 minute one at the actual gym, I am still doing my part.  Top that with the quarter mile I put in to and from the garage...I'm actually moving more then I give myself credit for on a daily basis.  If only fitbit wanted to hook me up with a bunch of free gear to try out and sing the praises of (hint hint fitbit). :)  I have a pedometer but it kind of sucks.  It's be nice to see how may steps I average though each day.  Hmmmmm maybe I'll just bust out the old one to see.

I am looking forward to tomorrow.  It should be a GREAT workout day for me.  My boss gives us a half day off on the day before a holiday, so I WON'T have to get up at 5 to fit in a workout!  I can sleep in, see my girls as they wake up in the morning (maybe even take the little one to school), take my time and get in 60, heck maybe even 90 minutes at the gym, and then work a short day with a few programs going on.  That is the plan, although I use that word very loosely. :)

I was pretty happy yesterday overall as I feel like I planned well.  I knew we were going to have dinner with friends and that would mean indulgences that aren't everyday (lots of food, a beer).  I knew my caloric intake for the night would be high so on top of my kick butt Zumba class I cut back throughout he day on calories having:

Breakfast: weight control Quaker oats instant oatmeal, maple and brown sugar

Mid-morning snack: Yoplait light strawberry yogurt

Lunch: baked sweet potato, green bell pepper and a snack bag of peanuts

Talk about a fairly low cal day!  So I don't feel guilty today about indulging in a few empanadas, guac, con queso and chips and my 1 beer.  Even with the higher calorie foods, I still kept it to smaller portions.  Very proud of myself.

As an added bonus, my 3 year old asked if she could take swim lessons.  Just popped the question out of nowhere.  She knows swimming is good exercise...and its fun, wonder what brought this on?  Not sure but love that the kids are starting to see the importance of exercise.  Maybe the Just dance is inspiring her to be more active too.  In the past 2 weeks she has asked about playing soccer, swimming, and to play (multiple times) just dance.  All this in addition to our sweet little mom and me dance class.

    

Shaking It up

Well, I'm not sure why I even try to set up a specific workout schedule...seems to be a FAIL most of the time.  Not in getting my butt up and moving, but in trying to plan it out as though each day could flow by problem free.  Today I am proud to announce that I am in fact sticking to the original plan and hitting Zumba.  I keep going back and forth on my feelings about Zumba.  Some classes are great, some I'm left thinking that I would have been better off on the treadmill or elliptical.  Fingers crossed that today is a sweat inducing, heart pumping, booty shaking good time.  I need it.  This week has been crazy, and I just want to lose myself in a hard, fun workout. 

The girls have been enjoying Just Dance 4 on the Wii.  I love, love, LOVE hearing their squeals of laughter as they dance together.  It is the cutest, most wonderful thing in the world to my ears.  I have discovered too that there is a workout option on the Just Dance 4.  Has anyone tried it?  Good?  Bad?  I'm very intrigued.  I do love to shake my booty butt as my 3 year old would say.

At the Starting Line

Okay, so in the past I have mentioned the fabulous fancy gym (Jump Start).  It's glorious with its awesome classes, state of the art machines, juice bar...alas, it is a BIG financial commitment and when I have two really nice (albeit not QUITE as fancy) gyms at my disposal for free...it's not an expense I can allow myself to indulge in.  The nice thing about the fancy gym is they generally offer 1-2 free classes every month which as an employee of the university I get to participate in...and now the BIG bonus!  Since I got my boss on the workout bandwagon last year she has joined the fancy gym (the life of the rich and childless), and for part of my Christmas present this year she got me a 1 month long membership at the fancy gym!!  HOW AWESOME IS MY BOSS?!?!?!

Now, it has been a while since I have done a proper class (hence my pic above).  It's a nice reminder that I will feel the burn, I will hurt in the very best way possible.  If I go into it remembering this and anticipating it....it will be welcomed instead of used as a reason to not go back.  Only downfall to this fab gift?  Yes, I know, it may be hard to believe but there is a downfall...the gym is where I work.  Ok, so?  Well, I drive a half an our each way across town.  I have to leave work at a certain time every day in order to pick up my kids on time from school, so in order to make up the lost time we are going to the gym...I need to start my day an hour earlier.  Every day.  For the next 4 weeks.  I have to be up and on the road by 530am.  That will stink because I will be falling asleep SO early at night and missing out on time with the hubby...but its' just a few weeks right?  And it's to jump start my new workouts so that I have many more YEARS with my hubby and the girls right?  Right!

Okay, so now the big class list.  Can you feel the excitement?  We have decide to try the following classes:

Muscle Conditioning (A resistance training workout using weights, elastic bands, exercise balls and tubing to improve muscular strength and endurance for the entire body)  I will be doing 3 variations on this class a week.

Cycle 45 (A 45 minute cardiovascular workout mixed with  rhythmic and cycle specific drills on a stationary bike)

Zumba (Latin rhythm workout featuring aerobic/fitness interval training with a combination of fast and slow rhythms to tone and sculpt the body)

One on of the muscle conditioning days the class is an express workout and is only 30 minutes, so I will be filling the other 30 minutes with either treadmill or elliptical time. 

I'm pretty psyched.  I have done the spinning class before and found it to be challenging and painful (my bottom was sore for DAYS after from the super uncomfortable seats).

What are some of your workout class favorites?

And now.....for a little Friend Making Monday!

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

Simple Questions

1. Outside my window I see...right now...nothing.  I have no window at work. :)

2. My kitchen counters are...reddish marbled generic counter tops (they are the next replacement in the kitchen.  Changing over to black marble)

3. Yesterday I drank...coffee and cherry coke zero

4. My cell phone is...sitting in front of me distracting me.  I have an audio book that I am almost at the end of and just want to listen, but am at work.  No book, so just blog!

5. My computer is...a rather lightweight desktop system with 2 monitors.

6. My favorite reality show is...Chopped (does that count), Amish Mafia, Storage Wars, Duck Dynasty

7. My workouts are...taking the front seat again starting tomorrow

8. The last book I read is...actually read???  Can't even remember, I listen to a TON of books.  Currently listening to TripTych by Karin Slaughter

9. My week will be....busy...lots to do.  Big kid's Christmas break is finally over as of today so all the fun activities jump start back in.

10.  So far 2013 has been...good.  I look forward to what the year has in store.

 

Now it's your turn to answer this week's questions.  Don't forget to come back and link up in the comments!  Happy Monday, friends!

Feel Good Friday: a great week

Friday, Friday, Friday!  TGIF my friends!  I have had such a great week. I think that instituting Feel Good Fridays has given me a subconscious reason to find the positive in things throughout the week.  It gives me something to look forward to at the end of the week (other than the weekend of course) where I can celebrate my accomplishments!  HOORAY!

So this week my Feel Good Friday has actually been inspired by another blogger,  Jenna Zemering, over at Stay Fit. Stay Classy. Stay True.  Earlier this week, Jenna did a post entitled What Are You Grateful For?, and it seemed a fitting topic for my overall week.  So my Feel Good Friday warm fuzzy is how grateful I am for where I am in my life.

Sure, I have those days where I feel overwhelmed...the kids, the mortgage, the salary free taxi service I seem to provide for all things activity related...but in the big picture those are all things I wouldn't trade for anything else in the world.  I am SO grateful for my amazing husband who stands by me no matter what, and my two beautiful and healthy daughters (did I mention that the little one had a GREAT 3 year check up this week...she is off the charts!)

I am grateful for a boss who values health and fitness as much as I do and who plans our workouts during free fancy gym week.  I am grateful that I am healthy enough to take advantage of free fancy gym week. 

I am grateful that my number got picked off the waiting list at work to finally (for a little extra cost) got me a garage spot rather than the open lot I have been parking in the past year and a half...and right before winter HALLELUJAH!

It has been a great week...but so far it has also been a great life and I am very blessed.  We sometimes get so caught up in everything else that we forget how each little thing is a gift.  I am "great" ful for my life and look forward to what the universe has in store for me, and we know that she has been talking my ear off lately.

So, what are you Feeling Good about this Friday???

Jump Start

I got an email this week that made me VERY happy.  Once again, thank you Universe for interceding.  Both my husband and I work in the wonderful world of academia.  This has many perks; college tuition for the kids...CHECK, flexible work hours...CHECK, fancy college gym facilities at our disposal...CHECK.  At first, I was intimated at the idea of going to the gym where I work...imaging throngs of hard bodied, young college kids everywhere reminding me that age keeps marching over me, but I was pleasantly surprised. 

The university I work at has a free college rec center (my normal workout location of choice) but also has a fancy gym you can buy a membership to.  The fancy-pants members only gym offers a wide range of classes, has a smoothie bar, and has excellent equipment (proof that they USE those memberships fees wisely).  It's super nice, but spending that kind of money each month when I have access to two free gyms is silly to me.  A few times a year though, it's like Christmas for the workout community.  A few times a year, the fancy gym offers a week long open house with access to all of the classes, facilities for the entire week for FREE!!  I have mentioned the fab freebie before, and was SO excited to see that email! 

I tend to take the free classes when they are offered, then I can try things I may not normally try...and also squeeze in a few tried and true classics.  So, without further delay...here is my class lien up for next week:

Monday: Zumba! (bright and early at 7am)

 

Tuesday: Yoga (a personal fav)

 

Wednesday: Qigong/Tai Chi (what?!?!  Not sure, but it sounds interesting)

 

Thursday: Barre Fitness (showing off my Mom and Me dance skills :)

 

Friday: Cardio Muscle   (ending the week with a bang)

I am psyched!  Has anyone tried some of these?  I am very intrigued by the Qigong.  Never even heard of it...I have done Tai Chi before, so I am hoping for the best.

What are some of your favorite workout classes?

 

Almost There

     I am very excited because I am leaving work in 20 minutes and tomorrow is my Friday!  I love shortened weeks!  I am taking Friday to have a girl day with my bestie and her two daughters.  sadly, my big girl is not free to go, but our 2 youngest girls are only 5 months apart and are besties as well!  We are going to have a fun day hanging at their house, letting the girls splash in the pool and run themselves silly.
     I do however have to figure out what exercise I will be doing on Friday.  We are still walking at work everyday (up to 4 miles a day) and my foot is LOVING it.  I have about 80% mobility back and the swelling is almost nonexistent.  On top of that my littleone has been pushing me at home.  We did nice, long amost 1 mile walk the other night, danced are butty butts off last night, and tonbight we hit the pool!  I can feel my motivation kicking back in.  I think its all the sunshine I have been getting.  Feels so good!
     How are you staying motivated?

Walking the Day Away

everyday has become walk at work day for me

     I hate that its harder to get back on track since having my foot surgery than it was after having my mini me.  I have missed my runs SO much.  My boss and I have started walking everyday at work.  She felt bad that I was ready to run my 5K, so with the help of mapmyrun.com, we found a walking path around our campus that is the equivalent distance of a 5K.  In the past week, I have logged close to 15 miles, and the more we do, the better my foot feels.  Now that I can fit it back into a tennis shoe, it's been great.  I think the tennis shoe has actually helped in reducing the swelling, it seems to be better after wearing them...but, I'm not a doctor so who knows.
     I took my walking success from last week and decided to try and jump back into my cardio Pilate's workout.  That may have been a bit ambitious still.  First of all, I was so afraid of pushing too hard and hurting my foot that I modified my moves (not really on purpose, more unconsciously) and ended up fairly sore, but this could also be because secondly the leg with the "boo boo foot" hasn't had the same amount of use in the past month as the other leg; the poor "oh dear God she is hopping around on me again instead of using her crutches" leg.  I completed the standing portion of the workout and my "boo boo foot" leg had the quivering muscle thing.  The one that proves to you that it has been too long since you had worked it quiver.  I stretched to cool down some, did a leisurely walk around the block with the family and felt the pain of under usage the next day (and the day after that).  It made me sad too that I still can't bend my toe enough yet to do certain moves, such as plank pose, and releves.  I know it takes time, but geez louise, how much more?!??!
     Okay, rant over.  I am glad to be up and moving at least and working up a sweat with the walks.  I think that with my sneakers on, I may even be able to try to get a run in on the treadmill.  I will see what I can work into the schedule, since we are on this walking kick at work....a run needs to be done on my time at home and with our split work schedules this summer so the girls don't need daycare, it's harder to do sometimes.  I will try my best though...walking is nice, but I need to run!  My inner Forest Gump is crying each day I don't!

Spring into Action-plan

     I have been lazy lately.  Well, not really, but yes.  I have not been as regimented with my actual work out workouts.  My husband reminded me though that there are other things that I have been doing to make up the difference (at least somewhat).  I mowed the grass, did a bunch of weeding and gardening, and the usual chasing the kids around over the weekend.  So, I will let it go that I enjoyed the sunshine more so than focused on the treadmill. :)
     I am looking forward to getting outside some more and utilizing that sun energy for my workouts.  Biking, running the trails in the park and I think I am going to try some backyard yoga this summer too.  It's a start.  

Friend Making Monday (plus a few tidbits from the weekend)

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here at: all the weigh so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

When I was a kid…

1. My parents told me…always told me they loved me.
2. I wanted to grow up to be a…an attorney or a pediatrician.
3. I refused to eat…squash.  It looked gross, and both my parents liked it so much how could it be good.  Today...one of my most FAVORITE veggies.  Any and all types of squash.
4. My favorite thing to do outside was…ride my bike.  A renewed fav now with my own kiddos.
5. I broke my…luckily nothing, butt here were several ankle sprains and twisted knees because of soccer and dance.
6. I liked to wear…jeans and polo shirts were popular by the time I hit HS.
7. My parents always…told me I could be or do anything I wanted.
8. I thought that Santa was…magical.
9. My favorite cartoon was...Jem.
10. I was the…oldest.
11. I got in trouble when…I was super mean to my lil bro.
12. My bedroom was…pink and green and filled with girlie stuff until I started filling it with posters of Kirk Cameron.
13. My favorite food was...not any real stand out favorites.
14. My parents always made me…study.
15. My first crush was…Brian Petroski in kindergarten.
16. My favorite toy was…barbie for a LONG time.
17. I thought school was…fun.  I loved school.
18. My biggest fear was…tornadoes.
19. My favorite story was…Great Expectations.  I read it in 4th grade and loved it.
20. My favorite memories…sitting at the table for dinner EVERY night as a family.

Now it’s your turn!  Don’t forget to answer the questions on your blog and come back to link up in the comments!  Happy Monday!




Weekend updates....I am also proud to say that I braved the hotel gym this weekend.  I am SO glad I stuck to my workout.  I wasn't sure if I would do it after walking miles at the zoo...and I thought there was going to be pool time for me Saturday night (hubby and kids were out by the time I was done working out in the gym due to over-crowding in the pool area...baseball team and cheerleading competition at our hotel)...so the run was great.  My hubs took his DVD and worked out in the suite before dinner so we both stuck to our guns.  After all the walking Saturday, our workouts, some pool time Sunday morning, and walking all through the Science Center Sunday, we decided it was okay to take Sunday night off.  Well, his workout plan actually calls for a day off so I joined him.  I will be back at my Pilate's today when the lil one takes her nap and the big one (who is on spring break and just rolled out of bed at 10:30 will maybe join me).  I am also proud to report that we did our best to remain healthy in our food choices as well.  At the zoo we both opted for the grilled chicken sandwiches over the burgers and gave our girls the fries, well  most of them. :) 


I also read on a facebook page this weekend a quote that said something like "the only thing standing between you and a 5K is the voice in your head"...it was like finding a fortune cookie written just for me.  It totally has given me the push I needed.  I ran 2.5 miles at the hotel and KNOW i could have done the whole 3.2 if I wasn't crunched on time.  I was hoping to splash around with the girls so I cut it short.  Anyways...the training is on and I found a 5K in my neighborhood that is just over a month away.  I think it's time to sign up.  Keep me in your thoughts as I push myself through hoping for the best!

Boot Camp

     The tag line Boot Camp on a workout video isn't just lip service, at least not on the Belly, Butt and Thighs Boot camp from the Crunch Gym series.  I say this as a warning dear readers.  My loving husband knows how much I like the Crunch Gym series of workouts, and as they were the ONLY thing I was utilizing on Netflix, I cancelled my Netflix and bought my own copy of the  Pilate's workout to have always and forever.  While at the store this past weekend, my hubby saw the Belly, Butt and Thighs Boot camp for the bargain price of $4.99 so he bought it for me. 

     I did this workout and was disappointed after I was done.  Sure, I had worked up quite a sweat and knew that I had gotten a good cardio workout in...but the fierce toning powers to my BBT area that were promised seemed to not deliver.  I finished and thought to myself, well, at least I got my heart pumping.  Fast forward two hours.  It hurt to sit, let alone walk any where in my house.  How on Earth was I going to keep up with my sweet girls the rest of the day?  How was I going to go to work the next day?  I was now deep into the "feel the burn" state, and I was loving it...in pain, but loving it.
     I had also told my dear hubby that despite whatever my workout buddy wanted to do for her "gym adventure" I was going to run.  So, despite the pain (in my butt no less), I got up early yesterday, hit the treadmill and felt GREAT afterwards.  I was super careful to stretch well before and after, and put in (almost) two miles.  This is doubly encouraging because I fought through the pain and succeeded but also because I ran!  As if it was a sign from the Heaven's that sticking to my running guns was the right choice, on my way home yesterday I passed the junior high school which had a notice on the front sign that they are sponsoring a 5K in May.  I think the wait may be over.  I am going to give myself a few weeks more on the treadmill and if I can stay consistent...I am going to sign up for my first 5K! 
    

Sometimes it just has to be said

     I have a fear when it comes to certain exercises.  The way my body is built, I tend to add bulk muscles in my legs.  It's muscle right, so why worry?  Because when you are wearing long pants no one knows it's muscle.  I know this is incredibly vain, but it has always been something that I have been very self-conscious about.  Now that I am into my 30's, I have discovered different types of exercises (as you know I love me some Pilate's), but I also love yoga, dance, soccer, running.  I have grown wiser in my years too and have researched activities that help to tone and lengthen muscles, as opposed to build muscles.  recently I learned that where the treadmill is concerned slow and flat lengthens and strengthens while fast and ramped builds mass.  I used to think if I was on a good incline going at a good pace that I would be better for it because I'm working harder and burning more...but all that time I was creating what I feared!
     With all my fab workouts of late, why am I back on the bulk fear wagon you ask?  The warm weather and the bicycle.  I love riding with my girls.  My older daughter has real discussions with me when we are pedaling away, while the little one sits in her bike trailer singing or laughing or just yelling WEEEEE!  I refuse to give up that time with them...but I can feel my thighs working as I pedal mile after mile.  I know it's exercise, so it's good.  Whatever the outcome, at least I am being a strong and healthy role model for my girls...but that vain side of me keeps fearing that I will have the "big girl" thighs again sooner rather than later.  I try and make sure I am doing other workouts to keep a balance.  I finally am starting to have the legs I have always wanted,,,what to do, what to do?!?!?1
     What is your exercise fear?  Do you ever worry that what you do today, while good for you, may cause you to be unhappy tomorrow?  Inquiring minds want to know.

Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy

     What is it about the sunshine that just completely changes your outlook on, well everything?!?!  We have been blessed with an unseasonably warm March here in the buckeye state.  When I say unseasonably warm, I mean not your general 6 inches of snow March, but rather 80 degrees in need of sunscreen warm.  I am not complaining, it's been awesome!  This weekend, my hubby and oldest were both sick, so the little one and I took on the playground by storm?  She couldn't understand why there were no swings on the playground, try explaining the craziness that is the fallout from global warming to a 2 year old though and you will just be banging your head against the monkey bars.  I went with, they must have gone to take a nap and will hang them some other time. :)
     My hubby was down sick most of last week; spring soccer practices started for both teams for my oldest, on top of all of our regularly scheduled activities.  I found myself just feeling burned out and frazzled at the end of each day and sadly did not workout really at all.  I did my morning sessions Monday, Wednesday and Friday...but those have become more about hanging out and just moving in some fashion and not about pushing myself...which is what I want to be doing (pushing myself that is)! 

     I think that the trip to the playground was just as good for me as it was for my little one.  Getting some sunshine and some color on my skin seemed to be just what the doctor ordered.  I was able to get my butt moving last night and get in a GREAT workout!  I was dripping with sweat by the end and felt amazing.  I was so proud of myself.  After a week off from illness, my hubby got himself up and moving too last night.  I have said before how great I feel when I run...doing my Pilate's makes me feel the same way.  I work muscles that I don't know how to even access others ways.  I can feel the results by the end of the session.  I know that what I am doing to my body is getting me where I want to be physically.  It's exciting.  But part of what helped push me back on track was my trusty old khaki shorts that I pulled out to wear to the playground, and I must give them the credit they are due.
     A few years ago before going on our annual family vacation (pre-baby) my husband forced me to go out and buy new shorts to take with me.  I seem to have an issue with spending money on myself, but that is a topic for a whole different blog.  Any who, I went out and bought a few pairs of shorts and really liked the way this one particular pair fit, once I got them on.  They took a little wiggling to get them over my hips, but once on were very comfy and cute.  Since that summer I have gone through various amounts of wiggling needed to get into those shorts, last summer seeming to be the hardest.  I didn't even feel comfortable in them last summer and resorted to wearing old shorts covered in paint stains before trying to squeeze myself back into those khaki shorts.  With the weather being so nice, I decided to break out some shorts and those khaki ones lay there on my bed calling my name.  Having felt bad anyways for not getting in a solid workout all week, I figured, what's one more thing to feel guilty about?  To my surprise and delight...the shorts slid on, easier than they EVER have.  I had to take them off and put them back on (more than once) just to make sure I wasn't hallucinating this new thrill!  It was amazing!  It was solid proof that I am getting the results I want with my new found workout/eating dedication.  I felt so amazing...how could I not come home later and push myself with a workout?!?!  It was just the push I needed..look out summer, there will be one hot momma running around with my kiddos!!  Let's keep going!!
    

These boots were made for walking

     Yesterday was a bad day as far as food goes.  I had a HUGE event that I was running for my oldest daughter's girl scout troop.  We had 11 troops (approximately 150 girls), plus leaders and parents coming to our annual World Friendship Day event.  My co-leader and I have organized this event the past two years.  It works out well because we use the space where my husband works (for free) and he spoils us with lights, mics, power point, sound systems, etc.  (my hubby is a theatre technical director for a college).  I had to work my regular day and finalize details throughout.  I left work went to help my hubby and daughter finish setting tables, testing mics, getting our troop display up and ready...craziness! Tuesdays are already crazy because I run 2 programs every Tuesday morning at work as it is...this was just icing on the cake. :)
     So I leave my house at 630am to start my day...do my programs at work, finalize details, am a bit stressed because we had a few last minute changes and a drop out speaker...so I took what I brought for 2 days worth of lunch and eat it all in 1 sitting (ouch...that was a LOT of pasta).  Then rushing from work to go to vote, then to the bank to get my girl scout cookie money that is due, then to help set up.  I leave set up 1.5 hours later to pick up the tiny one from daycare and we head to McDonald's to get dinner for the fam (another ouch)!  I tried to get my hubby and I the best caloric choices (honey mustard grilled chicken wrap)...but the nice girl gave us an extra french fry and I couldn't help myself.
     After a very successful event, we all went home to do homework and rehearse the 10 year old's presentation on Nuclear Energy.  What an action packed day.  After eating so "wonderfully," I was riddled with guilt, but was so exhausted I couldn't stay awake to workout.  Bad me.  Then when I woke up this morning I felt like I had run a marathon.  My leg muscles were sore and tired.  I mean, I did do a lot of running around overall during the day Tuesday...and I do walk a quarter mile (total) to get to and from my car, plus I use the stairs instead of the elevator (work on the 3rd floor), and I carried my sweet little one around all night...oh, yeah...IN MY HIGH HEELED BOOTS!  I love my boots, and today I love them even more as I am giving them full credit for my aching muscles.

These aren't the exact boots-but are quite close

     My legs were so tired that when I got to the gym this morning with full intentions of spending some quality time on the stationary bike, I had to quit half way through and change to the treadmill to do a power walk instead.  So while still feeling guilty for not making the BEST choices yesterday, I did the best I could and feel that my new workout machine "the boots" at least helped a bit.  It did not stop my from hitting the gym this morning though and I am going to try and get in either a yoga or Pilate's tonight as well...I feel like a good workout with some serious stretching is what this girl needs.

Free at last

     I can now say that I am "free at last" from the yucky stomach feelings.  In fact, I got up Wednesday morning and ran and then (double header) did Pilates that night before bed!  I also had a great workout this morning to start my day off right, so I am feeling pretty good.  Physically at least.  I dropped a contact lens this morning and didn't realize it until it was too late and it had gone to that crunchy, hard place of no return.  Of course, that was 1 from my last pair...luckily my eye doctor is AWESOME and is hooking me up with a trial pair for the weekend.  All I have to do is schedule my appointment to get a new exam since (naughty me) I am about 3 months past due for that.
     I tried to push myself a little more in my workout today because I'm sure I will go over my calories tonight.  We are having friends over for dinner (3 of our favorite newest friends) and when you are having fun, counting calories seems to slip away.  I feel a little "free at last" with our dinner plans tonight too.  For the past 14 months I have been involved in a very tumultuous friendship where I have often found myself upset and angry.  Two things I don't want or need (especially in the amounts I was feeling them).  My husband and my daughters don't need to have Nasty Negative me around...without going into too much detail, it was basically started to become a one way friendship and I feel like I always caved to make sure she was happy...not thinking of me.  Well, long story short that negative part of my life is over.  I have moved on and am embracing the positive.  Part of that positive is our new friendships!  Looking forward to many good times together!
     Now that I am back on my workout bandwagon...its time to hit the cook books again and start working more magic in the kitchen.  I found a low cal po boy recipe that I want to try, but having never cooked shrimp, am waiting for the hubs to help.  It needs to be grilled so he suggested using the George Foreman since it's awfully cold outside for grilling still. Hoping ours will come out looking this good:

     I am so happy with how 2012 is looking so far.  My husband and I have both really fallen into place with our workout routines (sickness aside) and we are both seeing results.  He is down a shirt size already and I can't feel my thighs rubbing together (as much).  I actually really like the shape my body is starting to take on.  I'm focusing on my happiness, and achieving goals.  I can honestly say I am happy.

Feeling the high

     My oldest daughter had Girl Scouts last night which starts after school with snack time.  Snack time with fifteen 10 years olds means lots of yummy, enticing things like Doritos, cookies, brownies...I think you get my point.  Now for my own two children (yes the little one goes in tow with me pretty much everywhere other than work)...I had fruit bites, baked goldfish crackers and a slice of pizza to split.  This was a true test of wills for me.  The girls in my troop are all so sweet, I think they coud see the drool forming in the corners of my mouth...especially over the Doritos, I love them!  They kept asking if I wanted to share their snacks.  But I held strong.  I was SO hungry too as I did not pack a snack for myself, so I "splurged" and shared a pack of goldfish crackers with the two year old.  Before you start patting me on the back, it gets worse.
     After returning home, I still held strong.  I ate the delicious (and low cal) dinner my dear husband made only to have him remind me of the monkey bread.  Yes, the monkey bread that I so excitedly blogged about a few days ago.  I had all the ingredients now and they were just waiting to be used.  He teased me with an invite to our oldest to see if she wanted to help HIM make the monkey bread.  I knew what this meant.  It meant it was time for action.  RECLAIM THE BAKING THRONE!  So, I took Arden up for bath time after dinner, he cleaned the kitchen, then I came back down and proceeded to make the best darn batch of monkey bread ever (if I do say so myself).  Having never made it before, I was very pleased with the outcome.  The whole house smelled like a Cinnabon.  YUMMY! 

     I did have to try my final product.  I was smart though and had all the information in front of me.  Did I do what I wanted to do and eat an entire 450 calorie serving...NO!  I had a few bites, savored them, shared with the fam, and then boxed up for my husband to take to work today.  Shannon 1, Temptation 0 as far as I can tell.  Then to top of my pride today I started the day with an AWESOME work out.  I fit in 50 minutes of elliptical/walking.  I feel so great right now.  I am actually in the negative for my caloric intake for the day...so maybe, if he forgot to take it, I can indulge in another bite of monkey bread tonight.  We will have to wait and see.