Tone It Up Overview, Can't believe it's Week 7

If you're following me on Instagram then you've noticed an influx of workout and meal posts from me in the last 7 weeks.  It's true, I've started taking better care of myself, meal prepping, no binge eating and building up my endurance all because of the ladies at Toneitup.com who are hosting their 2016 #tiubikiniseries.  

It was without a doubt a challenge when I started this and I wasn't sure if I would actually make it this far, but I'm happy to say that it's week 7 and I'm still going strong.   I'm not gonna lie, it's still hard to get myself to the gym and some days I'm just exhausted and still wonder when the feeling of energy will kick in.  Sometimes I think maybe it's because I'm over working myself.  I did go from pretty much no movement to several workouts a day. 

A few good things have been major improvements in my endurance level and capabilities to actually complete the entire workout with little to no rest breaks, and my body is feeling more firm and I'm more confident in myself even though none of my numbers have changed much.    

It never really worked out for me to meal plan or prep on Sunday's, but i did plan weekly, and never on the same day.  My eats have definitely improved, but I'm still trying to work on a few areas I'm weak in, like eating real dinner food for dinner.  I have a tendency to just keep dinner simple with breakfast foods like eggs and toast. 

Week 1: As you can see I just printed out the weekly schedule that they have for easy reference, but it really didn't work for me.  I noted which workouts on my weekly plan that I did that day, since I didn't always do that same workouts for the day.  I also noted the number of miles that went towards my mile tracker for #100milesbysummer  It was also week 1, so it was miserable trying to complete these workout.  I really thought I was going to die trying to finish these.  I made a ton of modifications as well.  I also had a small tracker so I remembered to do my checkins, had a protein shake that day and drink more water.

Week 2: I tried a new layout for my weekly workouts so I could incorporate my tracker into each day, but it didn't quote work as well, again since I didn't always complete that day's daily workout for that day so it just got confusing.   My workout frequency was also very minimal in completion.  I did sub out Wednesday's workout to attend a Body Jam audition a friend of mine was doing.  Friday, and Saturday I headed out of town for dancing events that I counted for my cardio.   You can also see that I started playing with my TIU BS header.  

I also started to highlight in Pink (it's feint, but you can see a little) the workouts I completed that week so I had a better visual of what i had accomplished.

Week 3: I started adding color to the header, incorporating the weekly phase, moving the time of the workout to the left of the workout, and I continued with a similar tracker slightly modified, but it still wasn't working for me.  My workout frequency during the week has increased, but still choosing which workout I completed for that day based on how I felt, and what I had planned.  Friday and Saturday I did some of the workouts plus, dancing during the evening.  

The weather was also really nice so I went out for a run Thursday evening.

Week 4: I started blocking more of the letters to my TIU BS header and  I liked having the weekly phase so I've decided to continue with that.  I decided to stop using the larger table for my daily tracker and just went back to my old mini tracker, which worked a little better, but still wasn't very pretty.  

I started working out every day and even went for a run, but realized that this week my running shoes would no longer allow me the comfort to run so I headed to our local running store for a new fitting Wednesday.  Out of the 3 they showed me I eliminated the newer version of my Brooks, which is now on 9.  I just killed my 4's.  These were just to tight over the middle of my foot.  I also liked a pair of New Balance and Saucony's, but the New Balance wasn't in my exact size so it went on order.  No new shoes for me this week.

Week 5: I kept with the same basic layout, which I totally love (well except the daily tracker.  I'm still not happy with that).  I was getting more workouts in and feeling great in my skin.  My dancing has improved tremendously since building up my core strength and it's helped me be more playful and more confident to follow through with some of the moves I had issues with before.  This was acutely my week that I had my "OMG I feel amazing" moment when I was dancing.  It really was like I stepped out of myself and into a whole new confident me.  It still amazes me how much my perspective of myself and how I look has changed considering my actual numbers haven't bugged but a few numbers.  

I no longer have to justify what I eat, which honestly is so freeing.  People used to say, but you look good, and inside I would say, but I could look better had I have not eaten my feelings twice this week and consumed an entire bag of ores in one sitting.   Now I know I've been taking care of my physical healthy and eating healthy, so when I want a slice of cake or a cookie I can enjoy it and not feel guilty.  

I had plans out of town this weekend for a dance exchange and I knew with the endless hours of dancing and lack of sleep that toning workouts were just not going to happen.  I was optimistic and packed 2 sets of workout clothes so that I could see how I felt, but none happened until Tuesday before I headed back home.  Monday I took a much needed rest day.

Week 6: I decided to eliminate the daily tracker, because I was slacking on it a bit last week.   Please forgive the water stain on Monday.  I accidentally spilled coffee on it while I was planning for this week.  I was with friends for Memorial Day and since I had eaten my breakfast already I still decided to join the breakfast table and work on work on my planner, but when I was pouring a new cup of coffee I forgot the spout was cracked and so it ended up dripping on my planner.   My heart literally broke that I had done this to it.  I should have just put it aside, because I really didn't get much done while at the table.
 

I posted this pic on my snapchat (raehausfit) Monday 06/06/16 so the win on the scale is pretty minor, and even my measurements are only about 2.5" overall. 

Even though my numbers haven't changed more than 3" overall, I'm thankful for what it has given me and that's confidence in myself and so I will continue to work on my self-care and hopefully the numbers will end up in my favor.  

What are some things you've done for your health that you may not have seen the numbers change like you had hoped, but overall you felt better about yourself? 

The Lake House Fit Prep

On August 3rd a friend of mine invited me & a few others to spend the weekend at his families lake house at Wallenpaupack in the Poconos. When I looked at my planner it just so happens that I had nothing scheduled for that weekend.  Let's just say I was pretty excited, because there is going to be boating, wake boarding, kayaking, jet skiing, water skiing, barbequing, campfires, swimming, sunbathing and general hanging out and so it's going to be a pretty fantastic weekend.  I messaged him back with "I'm totally free.  Would love to come."  

However, it wasn't until after I replied that the thoughts came into my head...what am I going to wear. Ahh.  I don't even know where my bathing suit is and this past week my diet has been way off healthy so I made sure to put together a sure fire plan that would help me be lake ready by the end of August.  

I found a small Mead 5x7 Five Star Notebook that I hadn't been using and used the computer to print out my cover page and some of my headers so I could trace them.  This assured that they would be more decorative then sketched. 

For some reason I typed Beach House instead of Lake House, but I didn't realize that what I did until after the page was done, so I figured it was close enough.  Either way there's a bathing suit involved.   

I

I also created a goal sheet.  This one I glued to the page, because it simply was more esthetically pleasing.   I know I have quite a few goals on there, but there pretty basic.   

Mainly, I want to make sure that I'm:
* exercising daily, even if it's just a short walk, juicing one meal a day.
* one TIU bombshell spells /  Vegan spell daily o jump start my metabolism.
* order the TIU Protein Powder
* eating lean, clean and green food.  No cheat meals or compromises. 
* prepping my meals the night prior so that everything is ready.
* getting my rest so my body can heal itself after each day's workout.

As long as I follow my guidelines the rest of my goals should follow.  There's no reason why I should drop a pant size in the next 2 weeks, as long as I'm staying true to my diet and exercise plan.

I even created a time frame page where I can list what type of exercise I'll need to have ready for that day.  I want to keep it simple, so I'll have 1 walk day, 3 run days and 3 HIIT days for strength training.  I also printed out this weeks Summer Sizzle workout schedule from TIU so I would have a few more HIIT and cardio ideas.   

 grocery cart run week 1

Meals: Week 1
M1: Omelet or Yogurt Bowl with peaches, blueberries, chia seeds and walnuts.
M2: Coconut Water an Cashews
M3: Juice It
M4: Veggies with Protein or Fruit
M5: Chicken Meatloaf Muffins with roasted brussel sprouts with Lemon
        or Spinach Quinoa Peach Salad.

Measure: Week 1
Weight 152 before

Total Inches: It's 3 days in and I've yet to get to this part. Can't find my fabric measuring tape.

What am I going to Wear??

Me, trying on the poke-a-dot at TJ MAXX

haha, while running errands on Sunday I came across 2, yes I said two bathing suits that I just loved at TJ MAXX and I came home with both of them.  I don't' plan on keeping both of them, but it was just to hard to decide so I checked the return policy and as long as the liner and tags are in tacked I can return them.  This way it gives me the next two weeks to determine if I've reached my goal enough to pull off the two piece or if I should really wear with the dress bathing suit.  

I do actually love how both of them fit and look on me, but obviously the dress bathing suit is going to be more practical for wake boarding, kayaking, or jet skiing, but I don't feel as cute and girly as the black and white poke-a-dot suit makes me feel, which would be fine for boating, socially gatherings, and sunning.  We'll see what happens once it gets closer to the weekend. 

Cycle Me Happy

The more I traveled to D.C. the more I started to think about commuting via bicycle to work as a lot of my friends down south use their bikes or the metro more than they drive.  Considering my work is only 1.5 miles from my home and very few hills it only made scene to keep from adding mileage to my vehicle.  

I had been keeping an eye out on Craigslist the last few weeks, but the only prospect I found was a $300 10-yr old 40-lb black cruiser bike with a front basket in Frederick, MD and I'm sure if I keep looking I'll find something better.  

For some reason on May 30 had FINALLY decided to stop by Pedal Pushers, a local bike shop, to see what options they had available.  Who know's maybe I could find a new bike in a price range I was willing to pay.  However, my heart was only teased by this lovely mint Raleigh Route 3.0 that I fell in love, but the sticker price was still $435, then tack on the rail, basket, and paniers, your looking at closer to $600.  Maybe next year of when I make prove my bike riding skills worthy of such a nice bike or move to a nicer neighborhood where theft is not such an issue.

 RALEIGH ROUTE 3.0

I did deicde to say a short prayer on my way home {how nice it would be if we could finally sell our elliptical & I could use my half toward buying this bike}.   The funny awesome timing was about this time a person had send an email inquiring about my elliptical, but I didn't notice the email until the next afternoon.   When I contacted them later that day the husband met me the next morning around 10am the next morning to test it.    He had to go back and talk to his wife.  He called the next day and said he and his wife would be there on Saturday to pick it up. I tell you what I was jumping out of my skin with excitement.    On Saturday they did so, and we had the cash in hand and an empty space where the elliptical had been.

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My heart is happy knowing that the elliptical is going to a good home as well. The gentleman was trying the it for his wife who was specifically searching for a quality Precor. He was very impressed with the quality and smoothness of ours, especially for the price. He is receiving a quality machine for about half the price refurbished & I'm glad to bless such a lovely couple, especially one who is very grateful to have it. He will be stopping by later this evening to take it home.

 I'm in such aw & happiness that God has blessed me in such a wonderful and delightful way - as if it were fate that it should be sold at this moment in time. Now I can replace it with something worthy of it's location that I can use both indoors with a stationary attachment and outdoors when the sun is shining bright. OMG, it's finally happening I'm going to be buying a bicycle!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh happy day! 

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Saturday morning, June 1, at 9am I went to a bike swap at a local ski and bike shop that a coworker had informed me of on Wednesday and it was a good thing, because I found this beauty for only $75.  It had everything I wanted, water bottle holder, bike rail, cruiser styl, and comfy.  The only thing I need now are paniers, which are over $100 for decent ones so they will have to wait.  

Breezer Freedom 2009 model

I had only been on my bike twice before my tire went flat, once on Monday I took it for 7 miles along the river park and the 2nd to work.  On day 3 I had taken it along the route I usually drive to work, instead of the park walking path and a 2" rusty nail had punctured my rear tire.  I was at the halfway point so I walked back home and swapped out the bike for my car.  It took a few days before I decided to go and DIY the tire, but I found a few videos that they really helpful, on how to change a flat tire and change a road bike tire and after I changed the tire and found out the the gear shifting problem was due to installing the rear shifter wrong I found this really helpful video on how to change a cruiser Shimano Internal 3 Speed Shifter & Rear Wheel.  Before this video I thought it was for the breaks.  I know pretty sad, but now I know better.   

update June 2013: 
As you can see my dining room is also being weeded out and the large objects are finding new homes.   We've had an commercial elliptical for a few years and it really wasn't something we were using so I'm pretty excited that it's now gone. 

October 2013:
Sadly, I haven't taken my bike out much since the flat tire incident, and for the last month it's been hanging next to the fridge in the kitchen on a new bike rack I found at Home Goods for $8.

I'd love to hear any of your bike riding experiences when your out and about.

{10 minute} Fabric Letter DIY

There is nothing like a little color to put a smile on your face and that's just what this little project did.  Yep, I'm smiling one because I completed a DIY project and two I have color on my walls!  It all started with in April when I finally installed my Run Strong gallery wall.  It included a few inspiration quotes and images that revolved around running.  I was was over joyed at how it turned out, but a few weeks ago I was trying to think of a way to add some color since mostly everything is white.  

Well, as I was sorting through a few things in my spare room I came across a few pieces of vintage fabric given to me earlier this year.  I wasn't sure what to do with them so I had them in my spare room and just this last week I knew exactly what I wanted to use one of the fabrics for as soon as I read this fabric wrapped letter DIY.   So the other night I gathered all of my supplied and while watching a movie I began wrapping my R. 

Supplies:

* batting

* fabric 

* scissors 

*staple gun
* cardboard or wood letter

I also came across this Fabric Letter DIY Fabric Art that makes using the cardboard letters a bit more interesting. I will definitely have to try this when I find a coordinating fabric to wrap around the sides.

I first started by wrapping the batting around and stapled it to the letter, though I think using spray adhesive would have worked nicely to.

As you can see it doesn't look very pretty from the backside, but the good thing is that no one will ever notice unless you take it down and show them.  I had already had a command strip Velcro attached to the letter so I made sure not to cover it so I can hang it back on the wall.

 

You can still see where the fabric was to short to go around the thick side of the letter, which is why at some point I will do some coordinating fabric to adhere around the edges so it doesn't look so rough.

 Ah, now isn't that better.

finding my balance part 2

The Social Dancer

Another part of my life that needs balance is my social life, which for the last few years has revolved around dancing.  Before I started dancing 7 years ago, and even up until about a few years ago my social life was pretty varied; I attended church, participated in young adult groups, hiked, hosted an occasional dinner party, and  when I lived in Colorado I used to bike.  However, this last year my only social avenue has revolved around dance events and exchanges;  Lindy Hop, Blue's Balboa, West Coast Swing and Fusion.  There is nothing wrong with it per say as I really enjoy the connection time off the dance floor that I've had these past few months traveling to the Baltimore, and D.C. scenes.  I've really felt apart of the scene especially in D.C. and I am making more of an effort to make the 2-hour trip down.

However, it would be nice to have some friends locally that I connect with in that same manner, but with my social focus being around dancing it's hard to meet anyone locally and even the closest scene would be York or Lancaster, and they are still 30 minute to an hour drive.  My main thing really is to have the quality time and there are a few friends from my old church or even old hobbies that who I miss hanging out with and some one-on-one time to catch up would really be nice. 

That's me in the pink shirt under the spell of Bitter Dose Combo, a favorite band, as they perform at DCLX 2013 on Sunday afternoon. photo credit: Jerry Almonte.

------------------------ becoming a fit dancer ------------------------

It's amazing what you learn about yourself just by watching other dancers who are in their realm and it didn't take me very long to realize just how mediocre my so called "creative dance style" is and that I've got some work to do if I'm going to spice things up, so I've decided to dedicate an hour a week to practice different moves that will expand my dance move library so I can more flavor on the dance floor.

check out my vanilla moves

Here are a few of the moves I plan to work on:
* lock turn w kick ball chain
* eggbeater (in link above)
* heal stands
* helicopter
* falling off the log (6:05)
* the mess around
* hip thrust
* susy q. 

------------------------ dancing is exercise ------------------------

Lindy Hop (LH) is not only a social avenue for me, but it's also a way to keep fit since you can burn 1,000 calories in only a few hours depending on the advancement and intensity of the dancers in your scene.   My local scene is primarily East Coast Swing / Jitterbug, which doesn't compare to the original intensity from the 1920s and 1930s.   There are exceptions like on our Monthly dance in Colombia when most of my Happy Lindy dancers are present and I leave dripping sweat, which is a sanctifying feeling.  I also get a chance to catch up with some of my favorite people in my scene. 

Hooked On Swing Dancing
by BadZKarma99

I plan to start attending a weekly dance in Baltimore that gives me the intensity I desire and will be counting it in my weekly routine as an alternative cardio day.   The drive can sometimes be rough at 1-1/2 hours, but I also plan to treat myself to my favorite Starbucks coffee - soy latte and 2x shot of raspberry.  This also keeps me traveling outside of my scene where there are more advanced dancers to remind me how vanilla my moves really are.

Keep in mind that any Arial moves {seen in the video above} are reserved for the competitions and are not appropriate / respectful to be done on the social dance floor.  

part 1: Fit Life
part 3: Home Care

Finding my Balance part 1

This last month I've haven't really felt like blogging so I've been mostly posting mini updates on instagram and facebook about what's been happening around the house, with my workouts, and any fit and happy eats that I think you'll enjoy.  I'm not sure if my lack of blogging has been a result of doing to much and I just haven't had much time to post more then just snip-its or if it's because I've been spending a lot more time reading about other bloggers lives as lately my bloglovin stream has been increasing.  I've really been enjoying reading about the new workouts and eats from The Purely Twins, and She Rocks Fitness, along with reading about organizing and home decor ideas from Bowl Full of Lemons, and Oh So Lovely.  

Living a Fit life

The Purely Twins have been where I've been spending most of my reading time lately, especially since they are new to my feed.  I've been drooling over Lori and Michelle's tasty eats, and after seeing their plantain pancakes, Salmon, Spinach and Mushrooms and plantain egg breakfast on instagram I want to buy some plantains.  I've also done a few of their plank based workouts on youtube, which have been very challenging.   I appreciate that they do the videos in real time so you can workout with them and not have to worry what move is next or setting a timer.  They also do a quick breakdown of all the moves before they start each workout. I find them to be similar to the original bodyrock.tv host Z, now at Zuzka Light, in the sense that they are easy to follow along with during the workouts despite their awkward video personalities. 

 

Outside of that I've been working on creating a balance with running, dancing, working on the house, and strength training, so I do not get burnt out.  I'm hoping that as I learn the balance it will allow me time to fit more of the things I love without feeling overwhelmed.  In the past I've have high expectations for myself, instead of being realistic and I tend to get depressed thinking about all the things I need and want to do and end up overworking my body.  This only results in being super sore and depressed and state and it gets harder each time to pull myself back out. 

I've started simply scheduling my workouts weekly.  This allows me to look at the week ahead and determine what workouts are best with the weather forecast and my evening schedule.  You can see my schedule so far for May and I've done very well at successfully completing all of my workouts. 

I plan to incorporate 2 running days, 2 HIIT days, a dance night, a practice night, and an active rest day / rest day.  By broadening my workouts I hope to build my balance, endurance and add variety in my workouts so I'm not running every day and ignoring my strength training.   

What are some ways you are helping to keep the balance in your fit life?

part 2: The Social Dancer (coming next Monday)
part 3: Home Care

{Weekend Organizer} Run Strong

As a designer I have so many ideas running though my head at one given time, so it's nice when I finally see something come to fruition and my running inspiration wall is one of them. When my bed was angled I had planned exactly where I was going to put whatever inspiration I needed up using, but since moving my bed I had a design relapse. It took me a few weeks to figure out how to create before an asymmetrical design while still being visible when I wake up and I'll I had to do was move my mirror down a few feet.  Though this was after my bedroom spruce up since the last bedroom design.  
.

I had a few ideas at first and wanted to use some crafty ideas, but ended up keeping it simple and I'm really glad how it turned out.  Here are some art ideas I had thought about adding to the wall 1) run 2) felt banner 2) run strong 

Finally when I did a spurce up in my bedroom on 26th of March my running inspiration wall finally happened and I have to say I'm pretty happy wiht the results.  It's simple, but says what I need.

Sources:
Large Frame: IKEA ODBY

Art: Quote by Gossip Girl. 
Live: Marshall's 
Med. Frame: IKEA Ribba White 
Art: Liberate Your Inner Awesome - found online
R: Cardboard letter is from Micheal's and I spray painted it a high gloss white
Embroidery hoop I found at a thrifty store after seeing this DIY
Green Clock: I had this on hand and don't really remember where or when I bought it.

View from my bed

I knew I wanted the clock there so I could read it, but it just didn't look right until I added the embroidery hoop.  It really adds some symmetry and I love the over all. I plan to add a real bookcase where the rubbermaid laundry shelf currently is to hold my shoes and workout books.  I may even bring down all my magazine, but maybe not.  I just have a plain white cheap 3 shelf bookshelf that I plan to paint and fabric the back of the wall with some fabric I found at JoAnn's.  The fabric really helps to inspire, but still adds a feme-retro look.

What ways do you have to create inspiration to run or workout?

Pvbody shows it all

I'm so excited that my month 2 PVBody shipment has arrived!  Yippee.  Though I have to say I was a bit nervous about how they were going to fit, heck if they were even going to fit, especially after my disappointment on having to send back the Capri's in my January shipment.  I could feel how tight they were and it made me realize that PVBody is not meant for all body types.  So if your a bit on the plump side PV Body / Ellie is only going to leave you feeling discouraged. I find that my body type is on the borderline; some pieces fit okay, but most just make me feel really fat. 

pvbody/ellie Racer Back from February, paired with yoga pants & Lululemon brisk run headband.

I did keep the top from my January shipment, however, after trying it on the other day I realized that I had obviously gained some weight since the shipment, because it was pretty tight.   So after receiving this months shipment I was glad to see that everything for the most part fit.  At the moment I wouldn't wear them together, but would pair them with other items.  The top I actually wore for my run the other day, under a Lululemon running jacket.  The pants I would wear with a loose fitting top, but I've just gained to much weight around my hips and waist to have the confidence to wear it outside the house.

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Workouts
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Friday, April 5
37:33 Walk / 2.11 miles / 190 calories

Booty Firm Up by Bodyrock
20:20 intervals
Round 1
Explosive Star 12/5/6 + Plank to Pike Jump 4/4/4
Round 2
Pendulum 28/18/20 + Seated Bicycle 16/16/20
Round 3
Modified Push-Ups 7/11/9 + Flying Scissors 11/14/14


Sunday, April 7
39:05 Run / 3.60 miles / 420 calories
+ Power 90 Ab Ripper 100

18:41 Doggy Walk / 0.57 miles / 57 calories

2013-04-01 FM cough, blow, sweat

I'm a day late with this post, but this past week has been miserable and I'm surprised I've even gotten any workouts in at all with how I've been feeling.  I'm not sure how I was passed the nastiest of colds, but I have it and the doctor was of no help.  She basically told me to keep taking the OTC meds I had been taking and then prescribed some $20 flonase which really was of no help. 

I've had this cold for the past two weeks, and it wont shake off.  I feel as awful today as I did the first few days.   It starts out with the worst sore throat that will hurt every time you cough, but luckily this will only last a day or two until it moves into congestion and mucus build up and a dry cough.  It will stay here for a while and then it will build up into your ear canal and there it will linger.  I pray that you miss this spell of a cold.

I had started taking liquid Dayquil and NyQuil which helped tame the cough, but now it doesn't seem to phase the congestion so I switched to DayQuil gel caps.  Now I think it's time for the big guns...Musinex, the mucus killer.  I hope this works, as this cold has killed so many of my nights out this last week and is making my mornings miserable with a dry nasal cavity and a coughing fit.  

Here are what workouts I managed to get in.  

Thursday, March 28
30min Tone it Up Self D10
Morning Run
Minutes: 30.07
Miles: 2.66
Calories: 302

Work it Off Wednesday #7
20 deep squats
05 burpees
20 tricep dips
1 min plank

Friday, March 29
Light Cardio
Elliptical
Minutes: 15:19
Strides: 2200
Calories: 169
Resistance: 5
Incline: 8

Mini Ab Circuit
3 rounds w 30 sec rests between rounds
10 Russian twists
08 mod push ups
15 crunches

Lunch: Work for it
30/20/20 Mountain Climbers
20/20/20 Standing Russian Twist

Saturday, March 30
30min Tone it Up Self D10
Morning Run
Minutes: 37:45
Miles: 3.54
Calories: 414

Getting back to Happy

After some hesitation mainly because I always find recipes with ingredients that are a no go for this program right when I'm thinking about starting it again.  Plus, the idea of choosing not to drink coffee, eat peanut butter or chobani for an entire 30 days is really hard for me.  I l live on these foods.  However, in order to be successful with the Whole30 Program it's really a necessity to give them up for a short period, otherwise I defeat the purpose of the program.  

I've been wanting to start this up again, because my body is feeling the weight gain and it's not looking good on me.   I'm not a lazy person and I enjoy working out....well I used to.  Hell, I used to live for it.  Every weekday I would wake up at 5:30am have my morning cup of coffee and a light breakfast before heading to the gym and get my workout in all before work at 8:30am.  The winter months bring me into a lazy lull and it's been the hardest this year to pull myself back out.   I think the cure would be to just live in San Diego where it's sunny year round - lots of natural Vitamin D = happiness, and being near my best friend.  I'm thinking maybe next year I may make this move, even if only a year or two, and then come back to the house once I've lived a little longer. 

Some other benefits of the Whole 30 program is a reset  in my metabolism, and bad cravings so I'm not eating foods that make me feel bad about myself afterwards, which has been a regular thing for me lately.  My routine has been to curl up on the couch and just eat.   Before when I worked out regularly my body was able to burn most of the foods that make me feel bad about myself afterwards and I would just even out on the scale each month.  However, now that I've been more sediment I see the damage it's doing to my body and it makes it harder to get the motivation to work out since I've gained the weight. 

I decided to make a calendar that I can look at each day to see how far I've made it on the program and I've added two milestone dates.  The first is on the 30th where I'll be heading to DC for a big dance events and it will be nice to have a short term -more instant gratification to look forward to.  30 days is a long time to stay motivated without something in between to keep me pushing forward.  The second is the 16th of April, my birthday, so it will be worth the effort to feel my best on my birthday.  Plus, I'll be heading back to DC for that weekend for another dance event, and I will be enjoying feeling and looking good.  

Calendar Part 1: first half of the Whole 30 program

Calendar Part 2: second half of the Whole 30 program

During this time I also plan to do cardio every day whether it's 10 minutes or 45 minutes and I also want to build up my endurance so that on April 1st I can begin the Bikini Body Momma 90-day program again.  I had started in back in December, but only a few weeks in I realized my body wasn't ready for this program yet.  By doing some workouts beforehand it will help to warm my body up for the intense body weight workouts in the program and I've also modified the calendar to include 2 rest days so my body has sufficient recovery time between workouts and I can complete the program successfully.

So my Goals are....
By doing the Whole30 Program I plan to lose at least 5 lbs of water weight aka bloating from eating the foods that aid in helping me to feel bad about myself, which would leave me back at 150lbs.  I also hope to reset my metabolism so my body will continue to burn fat even when resting, and move toward muscle building exercises that will tone my body.

Tuesday, March 19
Self Pity Day
Today I did good up until I hit the couch and watched the finally of The Biggest Loser and realized I need to do something. I also knew that more and more dance events are coming up that I will be at and I want to look and feel my best for them. Dancing takes a lot of energy and the only way to keep up is to fuel my body right and be active on non dance days.

Tuesday, March 19
Day 1: Cardio
I woke myself up early this morning & slept in my workout clothes ~ no excuses ~ to get in a good cardio since I've been slacking on completing any good cardio at home. Ive been dancing more often, but I need more cardio then that during the week.

it feels really good to sweat this morning. Goal is to Repeat 3x this week. Now for breakfast.

Elliptical
Minutes: 50
Strides: 7120
Calories: 526
Resistance: 5
Incline: 7

bed: 10pm

Wednesday, March 20
Day 2: Toning
I woke myself up early again this morning & slept in my workout clothes ~ no excuses ~ to get in a short cardio & a toning exercise.

Elliptical
Minutes: 25
Strides: 3660
Calories: 278
Resistance: 5
Incline: 7

Toning: 20 minutes
Work it Off Wednesday by She Rocks Fitness
2 Rounds ~ no rest
20 / 20 deep bw squats
50 / 40 Mountain Climbers
1m / 1m Wall Sits
30 / 30 Plank Touch Opposite Shoulder

* rest 1 minute *

2 Rounds ~ no rest
5 / 5 Burpees
15 / 15 Triceps Dips
20 / 20 Step ups (10 ea leg / no alt.)
1m / 1m Plank

I only completed 2 of the 3 rounds in 20 minutes and I wasn't able to do the full reps for some of the exercises ~ for now :)

bed: 11pm

Thursday, March 21
Day 3: Cardio
I woke up 15 minutes later and I had to around my shower time, and also thought I should change my alarm to when I need to hit the showers instead of out the door, since by the time my alarm goes to get out the door I'm just getting out of the shower.

Also, it's been very hard making it through the day without my coffee.  So far my body is having a hard time staying awake.  I did get to bed an hour later then I'd hoped to, so that may be a reason as well.  I also woke up this morning with a tightness in my throat and I hope it's not leading to a sinus infection. 

Elliptical
Minutes: 45
Strides: 6420
Calories: 490
Resistance: 5-6
Incline: 7

Minutes: 18-26
Resistances: 7
Incline: 7

bed: 9pm
By the time I finished pretty my salad for lunch tomorrow and making curry chicken and cauliflower rice, plus more sweet potato hash I was pretty beat.  I also washed 2 sets of dishes and steamed mopped the main floor area of the kitchen.  I also realized how handy it would be to have a food processor that had a julienne slicer again.  My right arm was sore after julienne 2 jumbo size yams. 

Friday, March 22
Day 4: Cardio + Toning
When I woke up this morning my throat felt swollen, like an allergic reaction in my mouth.  It was awful.  I went downstairs to get my cough drops and found some gateraide to drink while I did my workout.  I headed for the Elliptical for my warm up and then up to the 3rd floor workout space to complete my toning exercises via She Rocks Fitness.   After reviewing the workout yesterday I decided it would be good to modify the number of reps to match where my fitness level is currently.  I knew that if I tried to complete the number noted I would burn out on round one so I split the reps in half.  It was still an intense workout and I could feel the see the sweat lightly dripping.

I am still coffee free, though it's really hard today since I'm feeling pretty lightheaded and really just tired from whatever aliment is plaguing me.  I may end up leaving work early to rest. 

Elliptical
Minutes: 20
Strides: 2650
Calories: 206
Resistance: 6
Incline: 7

Work it Off Wednesday #3

Time: 16 minutes (7:28-7:44am)

2 Rounds w 1 min rest between rounds
10 - deep bw squats
03 - burpees
10 - modified push ups
10 - alt. reverse lunges
03 - burpees
30s - planks

2 Rounds w 1 min rest between rounds
10 - deep bw squats
15 - mountain climbers
08 - triceps dips
15 - mountain climber
10 - alt reverse lunges
15 - mountain climber
30s - plank

Saturday, March 23
Day 6: Rest

bed: midnight

Sunday, March 24
Day 7: Cardio
Since Friday I've not been feeling well and have had a sore throat, so much that it hurts very badly when I cough so it took all I had to gather the energy to workout before brunch, but I knew that once I ate I was going to be down on the couch for the rest of the day.

I had slept very long today as well.  I woke up at 6am this morning only take another dose of equate night time liquid and headed back to sleep until 11:30am when I finally decided to get up and wash all my sheets and took a very steamy shower to help relieve some of the mucus buildup.  

Elliptical
Minutes: 45
Strides: 6310
Calories: 490
Resistance: 6
Incline: 7

I've made it a whole week without coffee! Only 3 more weeks to go.

2013-02-11 Fitness Monday pv body

 Sadly the only run / exercise I got this past week was an 3 mile run on Wednesday.  I had training Wednesday and Thursday so I was out of work early and Wednesday the weather was perfect and beckoning me to run so I did, and 3 miles to.  It was a pretty amazing run, especially since my average mile was 10:10, which is a PR for me.  Usually my mile average is 10:28, so I'm very happy with the day.  The day overall was pretty productive as after my run I made omelets for the next 3 days and finished the support for my bed {the post will be active on the 12th}.

I am pretty excited that my PV.BODY package FINALLY came.  I ordered it way back in mid January and it finally arrived on the 8th of February.  Way to long, seriously.

I was excited when I saw the pieces, and I love love love the colors of the top and the racer back.  They hit it right on the nail.  The capris's are part of their new collection Ellie.  I loved the material and how they looked from a distance, but up close you could see my jelly roll and that just isn't flattering.  I did try the shirt with another pair of my running pants and it was a much better look, and that's when I knew the capri's sadly would have to be returned.  If I were a size smaller I would have been fine, but again my size 14 spoils my fun again.

 

 absolutely love this racer top, the color, the fit, and the racer back.

Here is where I switched out the pants for a pair of mine.  It made a world of difference and I'm super glad, because I was bummed thinking I was going to have to return both the top and bottoms.

You can barely see it, but with the capri's and the racer top you can see that the pants give me a belly roll.  It was really unflattering, though really if my belly was a bit flatter then this wouldn't have been an issue.

I am very sad to have to return these pants, but it's just incentive to lose the weight I know I need to in order to wear the pants they send me next time.

Did anyone decide to sign up for pv.body?  If so, what are your thoughts?

2013-02-04 Fitness Monday: Lululemon

I had ordered the Toque from Lululemon around the 18th and it finally arrived while I was at work on the 25th.  I was so excited that it had arrived and even more when I was able to wear it on my run the next day.  I love how soft the material is and that it actually covers my ears while I'm running - no cold ears for me!It's currently on a final sale so it's only $19, which is a nice savings from the original $28 price tag.  The Brisk Run Ear Warmer is only $23 and is the fabric / pattern that is replacing the Toque pattern.  It also has available matching gloves, toque and neck warmer.

Monday, January 28
A Mile a Day D11
1.14mi. run in 14:18

I decided after hearing the weather last night that I would run after work today. The nonexistent rain was supposed to wash away the leftover snow, but that didn't happen. Path was mostly slush, but overall not a bad run

Tuesday, January 29
A Mile a Day D12
2.03mi. run in 19:56

Today was like heaven to run compared to the weather I ran in yesterday. Even ran 2 miles, though the last mile my thighs were feeling a bit tight / sore.

Wednesday, January 30
A Mile a Day D13
1.02mi. run in 11:03

40 degree morning still a bit cold for my lululemon head cover (fabric wide headband) & could have used a light pair of gloves, but not complaining since this is far nicer then running in 7 or 12 degrees.

Thursday, January 31
A Mile a Day D14
2.01mi. run in 20:55

A Mile A Day completed day 13 w a 2 mile run. A bit windy but overall weather not bad. 36
degrees.

Friday, February 1
A Mile a Day D15

Didn't run or do the Elliptical today. The wind was a bit crisp for me and I ended up working on my project board instead of going on the elliptical. I did go dancing, so I did get some exercise today, but I wont be couting it toward my running days.

Saturday, February 2
A Mile a Day D16

Today also, was a very bad day for me in completing my mile a day challenge.   I was up late last night hanging out with some friends at the Diner after dancing.  I had planned on going home afterward, but my friend Paul was in town from Philly so I made an exception.  However, it caused a delay in my day since I didn't get out of bed until after noon.  Then there was so much to be done, like heading over to the furniture store in search of a bed rail replacement {post project to be coming soon} adventure and a trip to JoAnn's, a drop off to the Goodwill, and then Home Depot, which actually took most of the day.  Didn't get home until after 8pm and then I had to work on the projects and get my bed back on the railing so I wasn't sleeping on the floor. 

Sunday, February 3
A Mile a Day D17

Yes, again FAIL.  No running today.  Darn you snow and crisply cold weather that doesn't temp me outdoors.  I felt lazy for the first few hours of waking, but ended up getting a lot done.  

I did work on my design boards for the house, dust, vacuum, sweep and straightened up the living room / dining / kitchen, because it looked like a tornado hit with all the cleaning out we've been doing.  Pluy, we have a lady coming Monday at 7pm to inspect our Vitamix we're selling and house presentably is very important.  People wont buy if the home doesn't look like the residents care about their dwelling, I know and I'm no different in that mentality.  I'm not a messy person and I have no desire of people thinking I am.  We have a lot to sell so we can purchase items that will work so the sell of this is very important.  I can buy my LACK shelves once my mom and I split 50/50.     

This Lululemon Run: Bundle up Jacket was pretty amazing.  I loved the color and the material and how warm it was, but the arms were super long {though they offer a free hemming service, but the 12 was a bit big and the 10 very small}.  For $99 as a final sale this jacket is a steal and I wish it would have been a bit more fitting.

I came into Lululemon on Saturday 2013-01-26 to specifically try this RUN: Get up and Glow Jacket and I was surprised to see how big the 12 was on me.  I can't believe that this is a 10!  I love Lululemon for helping me to feel good about my size and that I can wear cute fitness wear.  I did leave the jacket behind, only because I couldn't justify spending $149 on a jacket when I would still need a base layer.  The jacket is not meant for 12 degree runs, or brisk wind days on a 40 degree day.