Weekly Review #3

Reviewing my third week of workouts already!? We'll, you know what they say: Time flies when you're having fun! ;-)

So, this past week my husband and I tested out the gym. I really enjoyed having all of the different machines to choose from and the option to swim. We live about ten minutes from the gym and I drive a truck that doesn't get very good gas mileage so I probably can't go more than 2-3 times a week. Which is fine because we have plenty of ways to get a good workout in at home.

Monday: 30 minute run, planks, leg exercises with resistance band & 50 calf raises.

Tuesday: First gym visit! Leg day! 12 minute warm up on treadmill, thigh machines (inner & outer thigh w/60#) leg press 80#, 10 minutes on cross trainer/elliptical)

Wednesday: Gym pool-45 minutes with the kiddies. I never realized how much swimming is a total body workout but I loved it and I'll probably spend most of my free 45 days in the pool.

Thursday: 15 minute warm up on treadmill, Bowflex- 100# leg press, 35 (each leg) prone leg curl 60#, 40 (each leg)  standing resisted leg kickbacks 60#, 50 sumo squats w/10#, planks.

Friday: Gym pool -45 minutes. I really enjoy swimming..I think I mentioned that already. I feel like I'm an ok swimmer but I probably look like I'm having a really hard time.. but that's ok because I'm usually by myself or with one or two other women. As long as I get a good workout, I don't care what I look like. Ok maybe I do a little.

Pinterest

Saturday: 43 minute run.

Sunday: Rest day. I really needed this rest day! My lower back has been so sore from swimming so I woke up today thankful it was a rest day!

I had a cheat meal today and it was worth every bite! My husband makes the best clam chowder and even though it was 102 degrees today, it still tasted great! I balanced it out with a salad so it didn't seem so unhealthy.

How was your week? 
Do you like to swim for fun or exercise? 
Do you have a "cheat meal" or treat every now and then? (I think it's important so that you don't feel restricted and end up over indulging)

Have an awesome week everyone! 

So this is what I've been missing out on

We received two 45 day certificates for In Shape City from my mother in law. We redeemed them the other day and I've gone twice so far.

I focused on my legs the first day and today I swam with the kids. I absolutely loved swimming! The kids were great and very respectful of others who wanted to do laps. (We went early so there was only two other people at different times.)

(I had a swimsuit on..underneath my running shirt and skirt ;-))


Now for some random stuff..

Monica @ RunEatRepeat got me craving icy drinks from Sonic. I got a diet green tea with mango. So refreshing!

I had a cheat meal on Monday..it was my first one in about two weeks. We went to the Hibachi Grill Buffet. (Chinese food) these sesame balls are my favorite "sweet treat" when having Chinese. I was good and only had two.
:-)
Confession: I'm usually not a nervous/anxious person but buffet's give me horrible anxiety! I turn into the biggest germaphobe!

My sister is planning her wedding (I'm her maid of honor :-D) and she wants us to hold "ridiculously large" flowers. I found this at Hobby Lobby..she said she loves it! I sent it as a joke... -_-
Whatever the bride-to-be wants!

How's your week going so far? 
Are you a "gym go-er"? 
Have you ever had a sesame ball? 

Enjoy the rest of your week everyone!!

Weekly Review #2

It's hard to believe I'm posting my second weekly recap! I'm still going strong with the workouts and clean eating and I feel great!

I kind of got carried away with the collage making again... but it does make posting from my phone a lot easier.

Let's get started!

Monday: I was feeling a bit sluggish and this day happened to be the most humid day so far so I did a 20 minute walk/run on the treadmill. Followed by leg exercises with the resistance band and planks.

Tuesday: Insanity-Pure cardio + legs with resistance band.

Wednesday: 25 minute run + planks

So happy about my plank progress!

Thursday: Leg Day!
A combination of weighted squats, sumo squats and reverse "goddess" squats. + Resistance band workout.

If you follow me on Instagram you know where I got those sweet socks. :-)

Friday: 43 minute run! This was my longest run in a couple months! I think all the cross training is helping my endurance! Lots of foam rolling too!

Our distance is off on our treadmill so I'm not sure how far I ran but my "easy" pace is around 8:45-9 so I probably ran just over 4 miles.

Saturday:

Sunday: Rest/stretch & foam roll

Still going strong and looking forward to my third week! I haven't lost any weight according to the scale but I feel so much healthier. One thing I need to remember is that the number might go up if I'm adding weights to my workouts.. yes, I do struggle with the scale but I'm working on it..

I received my first prize the other day! I've never won anything so it was a nice surprise. Thanks Stephanie (CatLadyRuns) for adding in the GU samples!!

I hope everyone had a great week!
Tomorrow's a new day, let's make the most of it!

How was your week? 
Have you won anything online before?

Kids are peculiar creatures

Disclaimer: if you are not a parent and want to be some day, this post is not intended to scare you into never having kids. :-)

I've been a stay at home mom for almost 6 years. In those six years I have learned quite a few, um, interesting things about children, parenting and privacy. I've learned lots of other things but today's topic revolves around those three things.

You're probably wondering, "what the heck is she getting at?"

I'll tell you.

The first thing I want to talk about is privacy. The moment you become a parent, you no longer have what they call privacy. Example: your child is old enough to crawl and you place them in what you think is a "safe place" so you can run to the bathroom really quick, only to find this as soon as you sit down:

(Photo courtesy of Google)

Privacy is a funny thing. There's a trick to it too. I have found that if you want privacy, leave the door open. It's crazy, as soon as the door closes their supersonic hearing enables and they know you want to be alone. They instantly run to the door and bust in. If you lock the door you'll hear pounding, pushing and jiggling of the handle (and at times screaming) until you either let them in or you come out.
If you leave the door open, they don't even know you left the room (most of the time).
This is true about getting dressed as well. I have a ten year old boy so this isn't a good idea now but it works for my five year old daughter. If I need to get dressed, I have more privacy if I leave the door cracked, listening for footsteps, than if I were to close the door...forget about locking it. Locked door=madness.

Another peculiar thing about children is when they start saying "I'm bored!" It's like they time it or save it until they see that you've changed into your workout clothes to start saying, "I'm bored!"

I find myself begging them, "please just let me get through this 30 minute workout! I promise I'll play a game with you when I'm done." They say ok only to NEED something to drink while I'm holding a plank position, trying to beat yesterday's time. I squeeze out the words: just a minute! Then they stare at me like, is it really that hard to hold yourself up? -_-

(source I do not own this photo)

I don't think I could do that with a five year old...or a ten year old.

Let's talk about that supersonic hearing for a minute. As a parent, all you want from your child(ren) is for them to listen to you. Ok maybe that's not all you want but just go with it for a sec.

As they get older they seem to switch that supersonic hearing to selective hearing. They begin choosing what they hear and what they pretend not to hear. "Hey Dan, it's time to clean your room." .... no response, no movement. He just waits and hopes I'll go away and he'll continue to pretend he didn't hear me.

My husband and I have tested this theory of selective hearing.
He whispers, "spspspspsp ice cream" and both kids jump up and yell, "I want some ice cream!" They hear what they want to hear.

Another thing I've learned is: never tell them where you're planning to take them. But you can't say "it's a surprise" either. Just simply say, "get dressed and be ready to go in ten minutes, you'll find out when we get there."

The reason behind this? If you tell them where you're going, they will be so excited they will drive you nuts the whole way there by telling you everything they want to do and see and buy. If you let their minds wonder a bit, it keeps them quietly thinking about what's to come. (Usually)
Yes this has backfired on us a time or two because kids are kids and very unpredictable. But the less details the better!

I've also learned that your kids aren't the only ones learning. As parents we learn every day how to do things better, be more patient, and how to live in the moment. Kids are wonderful teachers.

My first weekly recap

This week went really well! I did a workout or a run every day and ate pretty healthy. I started eating "clean" again and I really enjoy it. I don't snack without really thinking about what I need, I enjoy my meals because I'm actually hungry when it's meal time and I feel really good at the end of the day. I'm trying to lower my body fat percentage and diet plays a huge role in fat loss/gain.

I'm so glad today is a rest day! I woke up with a migraine around 6am and that pesky thing women have to deal with every month... -_-
I hate you pain.

On to the recap..
I started my 30 day exercise plan on Tuesday and did Jillian's 30 day shred, level 2.

Wednesday: 20 minute run, leg workouts with resistance band and high/low planks.

Thursday: Yoga and leg workout with resistance bands.

Friday: 20 minute run, legs with resistance band.

Saturday: Jillian's Killer buns n thighs level 2, and planks.

I had a couple new-to-me meals that were really good! Black bean and corn tacos!

I'll share this spaghetti squash recipe soon! It's almost like a healthy spaghetti without sauce. Which is great for me since I have acid reflux and haven't been able to eat regular spaghetti in a long time. Squash, onion, garlic, tomatoes, basil, sprinkled with olives and feta cheese and tossed with chicken = delicious! I added chicken, it wasn't part of the recipe but it made it more filling.

(Photo from allrecipes.com)

Enjoy the rest of your weekend everyone! I'm looking forward to another week of healthy food and great workouts! 

Very Inspiring Blogger Award

I was a bit surprised (and happy) to find out that Kristy @ RunawayBridalPlanner nominated me for the "Very Inspiring Blogger Award". (Thank you!) It feels good to know that I inspire someone with the things I write. I thoroughly enjoy encouraging others in any way possible so if I can do it while doing something I love (writing) it's a win-win!

Kristy is one of the first people I started following when I started blogging almost a year ago. I was intrigued by all of the adventures she's been on, her goal to run a marathon in every state (19 to go!) and the structure I see in her blog/posts. I was (and still am) encouraged by her struggle with her work related injury and how it took her out of running for a long period of time.(a year or more?) It puts my little six month IT band injury set-back into perspective! She has kept a positive attitude and is still working towards her goals. Her blog is all about adventure and optimism! I think anyone who visits would enjoy sticking around to see what she posts about next!

Here are the rules for this award:
-Thank & link to the person who nominated you.
-List the rules & display the award.
-Share 7 facts about yourself.
-Nominate 15 other blogs/bloggers who inspire you & comment on one of their posts letting them know you nominated them. 
OPTIONAL: Display the award logo on your blog & follow the person who nominated you.

I came up with these 7 facts pretty fast. I could've put more thought into them, but I'm pretty open on my blog anyway, so I think eventually you'll all end up knowing way too much about me. ;-)

1. I have very poor eyesight in my right eye. Which is why I wear glasses. My left eye does most of the work. Right at this very moment, I am glasses-less (so not a word) because I drop them a lot, and the last time I dropped them the left lens got scratched and they had to be sent in to get fixed... (forgive me if this post is not error free)

2. I love sappy romance movies like Gone With the Wind and Pride & Prejudice. Any Jane Austen films will do. :-)

3. My parents spent over $4,000 on my teeth & mouth when I was 12-14 years old. I had braces for a couple years, along with two surgeries. One was to remove the skin that connects your top lip to your gums and to remove the gums in between my two front teeth. The other surgery was to remove my molars before they could grow in and mess up my freshly straightened teeth. 

4. A dream of mine is to travel the world and live with whatever I can carry with me. Maybe not for the rest of my life, but a few months would be nice.

5. We have a dog and I really do love her and she's a great dog, but I really love cats. (that was more of a confession)

6. I'm terrified of big frogs. Big, meaning larger than a quarter. 

7. I was adopted! .......... Just kidding!
My favorite meal of the day is breakfast. Wow, that was a hard fact to come up with... It's a good thing I wasn't awarded with the "most interesting person award". ;-)

The blogs/bloggers I'd like to nominate all inspire me in one way or another. I read their posts daily and I look forward to what they have to say. I may not have 15 to nominate but these ladies sure know how to inspire others in more ways than just physically! In no particular order:

 Ashley @ KickAshMom
 Chaitali @ RunningAndEnjoyingtheJourney
 Ali @ AliOnTheRun
 Karey @ NuttyAboutHealth
 Lindsay @ LindsayWeighsIn
 Gelcys @ RunnerUnleashed
Stephanie @ CatLadyRuns
 Jill @ JillConyers
Joanna @ RunFastEatLots (She is busy riding 4 thousand miles for 4K for Cancer)


Take some time to check out these blogs as well as Kristy's. You won't be let down :-)

Planning my workouts

I have a confession to make: I won't be training for a duathlon or triathlon any time soon. Ahh! There. Glad I got that off my chest.
I can come up with a long list of excuses as to why I changed my mind but the truth is, I just don't want to right now. I like the idea of completing those races some day. One of my favorite quotes is "ya gotta have the want to." And well, I don't have the want to.

So with that being said, I do want to have some planned workouts during the week and get this flabby body toned up. Thanks to Chaitali and her motivating posts about her active weekly recaps, I want to plan my workouts for the next thirty days. That may sound like a long time but for me, I know thirty day plans work.
Thanks for the motivation!

I'm going to do a series of Jillian's 30 Day Shred, Killer Buns N Thighs, and Insanity. I'll also do 20-30 minute runs in between the workout days. I already printed out a calendar and have completed two days! 28 to go!

source

Gotta get rid of those "heybabies".


I love watching our sunflower grow!

I had some not-so-healthy lunch from Costco today so by this afternoon I was craving a healthy snack. Cucumbers, cherry tomatoes from our garden and zesty Italian dressing hit the spot!

Well, I guess that's all for today. Have a nice evening everyone!

What's your favorite healthy snack? 
Do you have a weekly workout plan? 
Do you stick to it? 

The race we almost missed and some fireworks

Michael and I ran the 2 mile Run For Independence race here in our hometown.

We had a great run and the course wasn't bad but we almost missed the start!

The race was scheduled to start at 7:30am so we woke up at 6 so we'd have plenty of time to get there and pick up our bibs and t shirts.

We ended up running a little late, left the house at 6:45, but we still had to drop off our daughter at Michael's mom's house. We made it to registration ten minutes before the race started! We needed to put our shirts in the car so we jogged over to the car then came back to where we thought was going to be the starting line, only to find no runners in sight! (The website said the starting line will be on the strip behind the library...which is where we got our bibs)

We asked a volunteer if the race started and she said "I think so"... -_-

How do you not know for sure if about 400 runners started running or not?!

Michael started taking off his bib and I almost started to cry. No joke.

I (thankfully) asked a guy if the race started and he said he didn't hear the gun. So I asked where the starting line was and he pointed us down the street! We ran almost a quarter of a mile to the start, had about one minute to catch our breath then we were off.

What a fiasco!

The course was flat and went through the city of Atwater. It was marked well and had a clear turn around point for the 2 mile runners.

I finished in 17:04!! I was surprised to see 17 minutes on the clock when I was coming in! Michael finished in 14:20! We both placed 4th in our age group!
This race isn't anything fancy but I can see it being a traditional race every year since it takes place in our hometown.

Hot and sweaty but happy. Funny story:
We both HATE running late so we were both really touchy and saying some not so nice things to each other. I'll share our exchange of words:
Me-"what are we gonna do with our shirts? We don't have time to go back to the car!"
Him-"it doesn't matter! I t's just a t shirt and it's only two miles. Wrap it around your neck and use it as a sweat rag."
Me-"I'll wrap it around your neck and choke you with it."

Here's the funny part: as soon as the race was over, we were all smiles and high fives. :-) runner couples...

The photographer snapped a picture of me before the finish so I'm waiting for those to pop up on the website.

After the race we went home to shower and change. Then we went and hung out at Michael's mom's house and watched The Lorax.

We had dinner at my mom's then for the first time ever we drove out to the Air Base Museum to watch the firework show. Our kids loved it! We had a busy day but it was a lot of fun.

On a random note, our mammoth sunflower bloomed!!

Have you ever missed a race that you registered for?

How was your weekend? 

Have a great Monday everyone!!

My thought process during yoga & meditation

As a runner I think incorporating yoga or another form of stretching into your weekly schedule is extremely important.

I like to use my time during yoga to meditate as well. Since starting this routine about three weeks ago, I've felt much more relaxed, centered and carefree. I've been feeling more balanced physically, mentally and spiritually.

Today as I started yoga & meditation, I began to realize that some of the stretches went so well with my thoughts as I meditated on God.

Meditation for me is alone time with God..without words, without reading and without distraction. Just me, my thoughts and my Creator.

I wanted to share with you my thought process as I meditate and stretch. I am in no way, trying to force my beliefs on anyone. I understand everyone believes differently and I'm just simply sharing how I'm learning to be spiritually fit. For me.

I found a great playlist on YouTube of relaxing piano music. I've used this same playlist multiple times and I still enjoy listening to it.

I begin at the edge of my mat. Standing with my feet shoulder width apart. As I breathe in, I lift my arms and look up.
"Thank you Jesus, for another day of life."

As I exhale I bring my arms down, pushing any negativity down.
"I'm letting go."

Inhale up and smile as I reach towards Him.
(Repeat as many times I feel I need)

As I move into the different poses (some created by me that aren't technically yoga) I continue to focus on God. I thank Him for making me strong and healthy.

As I move into "warrior pose" and lean down towards the front leg, I lift my arm up and think, "take my hand, don't let me fall."

This process takes anywhere from 15 minutes to half an hour. (That's usually all my kids can stand to leave me alone for)

I end standing, feet firmly planted, fingers stretched down like roots, "Lord, I am yours. I am firmly planted. I will not be moved."

Then I finish with prayer, Bible reading and usually some writing.

If you are someone who struggles with anxiety, depression or high levels of stress, I strongly recommend meditation. Even if it's simply taking time out of every day to sit and focus on just breathing. It will do wonders to your mental health. As well as your spiritual health. I feel, as a stay at home mom, I can handle a lot more during the day if I begin my day with meditation, yoga/stretching and prayer.

Enjoy your weekend everyone!