Inspired 2 Get Fit: 2012

Friday, May 18, 2012

It's tomorrow! It's tomorrow!!!

I can't believe I am even saying this but we are officially running our first half marathon tomorrow. Yes, I know we ( my running partner, Teri and I) have been training for what seems like eternity. We have endured the cold, the dreaded long runs on the treadmill and the hot spring mornings when we have run too late in the day. We've battled trying not to toss our cookies, IT band issues, side cramps, and the feeling that we just can't go anymore. The day after pains, the nasty GU energy substance we've swallowed and the hunger pangs we've had from all our long runs could just be enough to stop us in our tracks. Yet, for some crazy reason we have pressed on to reach this moment in time.
It seems insane to a non-runner. And granted, some days it seems insane to us that we voluntarily put ourselves in this position. However, it's not completely crazy! Through this process we have discovered much about who we are and who we aren't. We have found what we are capable of pushing ourselves through and when we have to step back and let our bodies recover the way God intended. We have been encouraged by our cheerleaders and we have inspired others in our journey.
So that doesn't sound so crazy after all right? For me, that is just kind of how life is? I'd say it runs parallel to the kind of journey God has set before me during my life. Life has not been easy. There have been times that I just wanted to give up and there were times I did. I choose pleasure over what was best or choose things that lasted in the moment over pushing past to what really mattered for a life time. I haven't traveled this training alone and I'm so thankful God doesn't want us to do life alone. When I've been weak, Teri has pushed me. When Teri was tired, I've been able to encourage her to press on.
This time I have surrendered my body to what God allows it to do. I have tried to listen to His voice as I just have to breathe to get through the next moment. God just telling me the very simple things like breathing Him in was what would sustain me. I didn't have to do cartwheels while I ran, I didn't have to do front rolls, I just had to keep moving in the forward direction and BREATHE!
That is hard for a girl that likes the flips and extra things in life. I still often fail at getting the simple things right. But, I am a new creation. I am learning to just breathe because sometimes that is all I can do. I'm learning to back off of all the extracurricular things and learning to trust the decernment God has given me. If I'm quiet, I hear the still small voice. When I obey, I hear the wisdom flow form my Father's heart.
So while the distance seems insane I wouldn't change any of this because He has taught me so much through it. Sometimes I think we. Have to run just a little further than normal to see how much God is capable of though us.
I love that as I run I can press into my Father's arms. It's like He is waiting for me right there at the finish line, even though I know He is right beside me the whole way!

So pray for us tomorrow. It's a big day. It's early, early...but it's gonna be GREAT!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV)

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Favorite Raw or Overnight Oatmeal Recipe

I figure once I know how to make something well enough without the recipe, it must be a favorite for me. This is a recipe I've been making for the last several months and can't get enough...neither can my kids.

6-8 cups of old fashioned oats

1 cup of wheat germ or flax seed or both

Nuts any kind (I've been using walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds)

2 tsp of cinnamon

1/3 cup of local honey

1/3 brown sugar

1/3 cup of olive oil or coconut oil

1/3 cup of water

Tsp of salt

First, I add my oatmeal to a bowl then start adding all the dry ingredients. Mix these well. Normally, I will food process my nuts so they aren't as big but this isn't necessary. Then I pour the oil, water and honey into the center and start stirring with a fork. Mix very well.

Next, I put these in mason jars( this amount fills 2 quart jars) and store in the fridge (because of the wheat germ). You could even freeze it if you don't think you will be using it for a while.

I usually make a bowl of it at night (ok, every.single.night) and add vanilla almond milk and dried cranberries or blueberries. I will leave it to soak for about 15 minutes. Yum!

Other uses: top plain Greek yogurt with it and the cranberries, you could bake it and have crunchy granola, or you could pour some in a bowl with milk. Let it soak it over night in the fridge. This is one of my favorite treats. I make it about once a week for our family. I know every ingredient that is in it and I can pronounce all of them. My kids approve, which says a lot for my picky bunch!

If you try it, let me know what you think and if you've made any tweaks of your own.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Gate River Run -Two weeks later

It's been two and a half weeks since the Gate River run. I intended to blog about it right after but it was a crazy weekend visiting family while in Florida.

We arrived in Jacksonville on Wednesday night. I was ready to get that 10 hour drive out of my system on Thursday morning. I was also excited to run somewhere different than my neighborhood for a change. It was hot but I was looking forward to running in shorts and a tank, not that we've had too many cold days here.

It was only about 80 degrees on Thursday. I was thinking that it would not be too hot...what was I thinking? I forgot how hot the Florida sun can be even on a pleasant day. Well, by the time I got back to my sister's house, I was dripping and it was HOT!!! It was a good run though! I ran about three miles that day.

I came back, got showered and headed to the running expo with my dad. We picked up my packet and saw all the fun things that a new runner would want to see. There were lots of fun giveaways, discounted running gear, and tasty protein treats to try. I was excited to try the different products but became quickly disappointed in everything I tasted. The protein shakes either had Splenda in them or just tasted ick! I'll just stick with my regular protein smoothies!

By the time we left it was looking dark and stormy outside. It was a great outing with my Dad. I don't get to hang with him much anymore since we live in separate states. I only ended up buying a pair of green Nike running shorts and a cool bondi type sweat headband.

Friday was a good day of rest and visiting with family.

Saturday, I had to get up at about 5:45 even though the race wasn't until 8:30. They suggested you arrive an hour before the race. We thought if we left by 6:30 that morning we would have plenty of time. I don't know what we were thinking. We should have just spent the night there. Traffic was awful. Normally it would have taken at most 30 min to get to downtown. But it took us at least an hour and a half. Even at that, my Dad and I hopped out of the car while we we waiting in bumper to bumper traffic and walked about a mile from the interstate to the startng line. It was insane. My sister was driving so she finally found a place to park and made it to watch the race.

Did I mention this race had over 20,000 runners. It was insane...insane!!! After the starting gun went off it took me 10 min to actually start running. It was shoulder to shoulder packed. I looked up while we were waiting to start to see my dad snapping pictures of me. I teared up as I watched him. It made me feel like a little girl having my Daddy there cheering me on in a big adventure. I caught myself crying then I said to myself..."there is no crying in running...what are you doing? Get it together girl!"

I wore my earphones but I don't know why. I never heard anything out of them.

I had a plan to run the Galloway method but soon realized that I was running so slow there was no point in trying to walk and run. It took me about a mile to figure out a strategy. I ended up running with the pack then when I found an open spot I'd run as fast as I could till I got caught up in another pack. I was so busy doing that and listening to the cool bands along the run that I had no idea how far I'd run. At one point I heard someone say we were at mile 5. I couldn't believe it five miles already. By about mile seven I was feeling it but it wasn't bad. I even got to see on old high school friend for a brief moment around mile seven.

Then we came around a corner and the green monster awaited us. A huge bridge. I thought I might blow off if I had been a kid. It was tough and I wantd to rest but we were so close to the finish. It felt like the longest mile I had run yet...but I made it. The rest was gravy...I cruised in the finish line and felt great.

I ran through and saw my family: Chad, my sister, Courtney and my Dad. It was so great to have them waiting on me at the finish line. I went through received my medal and we walked a good cool down mile to the car. I didn't do as much stretching as I normally do which accounted for the soreness I felt the rest of the day and Sunday but it was a great day and a great run! The temps could not have more perfect. It was cool and breezy!

The rest of the day I spent visiting my dads family. I had a great time seeing family I have not had much contact with over the last few years. I'm always reminded when I am with them how much God loves us and our family. I often wonder why I let time and distance separate us so easily. It was good to reconnect.

Sunday, we went to my sister's church. It was great. We hung out at my dad's house playing out side and going on a walk. It was a great trip to Florida. We were so blessed to get to go and enjoy our family while making it an active trip. Lots of fun memories were made.

So, now I'm signed up for a half marathon this May. Teri and I ran 10 miles last Saturday. It was tough. I felt it all over Sunday. I'm pretty excited about a goal that I know I'm incapable of reaching on my own. It leaves it all up to God and Him working though me. I am so thankful He has given me a great running partner to share this journey. I can't wait to see where it takes us!!!

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Eating while traveling

Eating while traveling freaks me out the most since I've been on this healthy food and fitness journey.

We cook so much at home now. We try to buy what we can afford when it comes to healthy foods. We buy organic when possible. One grocery buggy is usually not more than half full for a weeks worth of food and it costs more than when I had an overflowing buggy. Is this easy? NO!!! Our groceries run out by Wednesday and we usually shop on Fridays. Sigh....it's not easy but it is doable.

Why is my buggy half full? One of my best friends and I were talking about this the other day. You know what makes the buggy full? All the boxes that processed foods come in. Interesting. It makes you think you have lots of food but in reality you have lots of boxes and little nutritional value. Fruits take up much less space. The challenging part is that they cost more and go faster once I get them home.

So onto my fears while traveling. We don't travel too much so I am used to having my certain foods at home that we eat on a regular rotation. So, instead of enjoying the food we eat at restaurants while traveling, all I can do is think of what disgusting things I'm putting into my body. We don't really have funds to eat at health food places all the time. What's a girl to do?

I packed a few peanut butter and jelly sandwiches but the lure of fast food still sucks my family in big time. I wish they could be as grossed out as I am with it but one step at a time. We've pretty much banned McDonald's and Taco Bell but I know there are other icky..icky places that we probably will stop at on our travels...

I did pack lots of healthy snacks and hopefully the kiddos will be satisfied with apples and bananas over Slim Jim's and Little Debbie's.

The other things that is scary is not having control over the foods we will eating while away. Are you sensing my anxiety? It's not that it will be awful. I know it will be really yummy, tasting food. The kind I grew up eating. It's just that I've changed so much in the way I eat and it's easier to do that when you are at home versus a guest in someone's home even if it is your sweet, sweet family!!!

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

On our way...

Today we are traveling to Florida! I'm so excited for several reasons. I haven't seen some of my family in over a year. It seems crazy that it has been that long but it has. Im also super excited about running in the largest 15K in the US, the Gate River Run!!! Not exactly sure how I feel about it being the biggest but super excited about being able to run 9 miles in my hometown!!! The forecast calls for rain but I'm hoping it will hold out at least until after the run. I have yet to train in any kind of rain so it should be interesting.

Last week, my running partner and I ran 10 miles on the treadmill. I added some hills in the run to hopefully prepare for the bridge ill be running over. We've been training in very hilly neighborhoods. We will have to see if they compare to the bridge experience.

I haven't decided whether or not I'll use my tunes while I run. Normally when I run with Teri, I don't use music but I won't have her to chat with while I run this time. Yet, I know the adrenaline might give me enough juice to run without my tunes...but they are my security so I just might use them. I'll also be doing a run/walk combo. I know I can run the whole time but I find it more enjoyable to run for a while then walk for about 30 to 45 secs then run again. That little break gives me the fuel I need to keep going.

9 miles !!!! Today, it seems like its really not that far. Well until I'm into about mile 2 and begin thinking I'm insane to attempt to run this far. That is where having a running partner is soooo very helpful. It just reminds me of how we need relationships in life to keep going when the journey looks too difficult to accomplish. We all need different kinds of people in our sphere of influence. We need those people who will be our cheerleaders, that tell us to keep going even though we don't think we can make it. We need people who will give us a difference perspective on things. We need people who will be real and raw with us. We need people who need us and we need people who can serve us. These are people we need in our life.

I am so blessed to have each of these kinds of friends. Sometimes I get discouraged that I can't be all things to all my friends...but is that what Christ really wants us to be? Can't we be who we need to be for a particular person in a certain time in each of their lives?

I am sooo thankful for the relationships God has given me in this season of my life. Sometimes I feel like I take too much from others or give too much of myself. But it all evens out. God is sooo good.

I look back on my life and see different place He has taken me or allowed me to go. I can see sometimes, how the failures brought me to the place I am today. I can see how his miracles in my life were just that..miracles. There was nothing I could do to deserve the blessings He has given me. There are times I haven't understood how my relationships with other people would affect my future. But everything I have gone through in this life has brought me to the place I am now.

I'm excited about how God is revealing Himself to me. He speaks so gently whispering in my ear as I run or loudly though me as I testify to His goodness to those he has entrusted to be in my sphere while I teach or just be a listening ear.
I am resting in the fact that I don't have to know what tomorrow holds...even though I want to have that control.

So I am excited about Saturday...because everything that is my past has brought me here...to this day...it hasn't been easy....I've wanted to quit...I have quit...but I'm back...I'm a fighter. I'm fighting cancer, diabetes, obesity, and the demons that want me to fail but it's going to be better than I've ever dreamed!!! Why? Because that is how outrageous God is...

So yep...I'm on my way....

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Energy Ball Recipe

Saturday, I tried out these yummy energy balls. My friend, Noel, posted a link to the recipe she found on Pintrest on my Inspired2GetFit Facebook page. Here is my tweak:

No-Bake Energy Bites

4 cup oatmeal

1 cup peanut butter (or other nut butter)

1/3 cup honey (I used local raw honey)

1/2 cup ground flax seed

1 tsp vanilla

I just mixed all of my wet ingredients together, then I added the oatmeal and ground flax seed. I rolled the ingredients into little balls the size of a gumball and put them on a paper plate. I stuck them in the freezer for about an hour but I think you could do it for less time.

The original recipe said you could store these in the fridge for up to a week. I'm thinking p'sha! How would they ever last a week? We had them gone in about 2 days.

Hubby and I tasted the batter while it was still warm and we definitely like it better nice and cold. Hubby is having a hard time with raw oatmeal. I am so used to it that the texture doesn't bother me. After we had them in the freezer and he took a few, he couldn't keep his hands off them.

The original author of this recipe had different ratios of ingredients and a few extra add ins. I found the original recipe too sweet for my taste so that is why the quantity is larger with the ingredients. Here is the original recipe. I tried to go plain with my first round so I could have a wider audience in my house try them. One doesn't like chocolate (which would have been divine) and the others don't like dried cranberries (which would have been divine as well!)

I thought about putting some Chia seeds in there too...so many possibilities!

What do you think? I seriously agree with the original poster....you really can't just eat one!

Alone in the Challenge

This weekend, I challenged myself to something I've never accomplished before. My running partner was down with sickness. I needed to keep my running schedule up for the upcoming Gate River Run. Our usual long run day is Saturday but it was rainy and yucky outside. I put my running shoes on and headed to the gym. I was about half way there and thought...why, oh, why am I going to the treadmill again and this time by myself? I just couldn't do it. So, I decided I'd just do some light cardio and possibly run Sunday when it was suppose to be much nicer. I don't really like to run on Sundays but I was desperate.

Anyhow, I saw my friend in the aerobic room and she talked me into doing a step class. I don't do step...I just don't. But, they needed another person to get the class going so I obliged. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I loved it! It was a combination of step and weight training. It was so much fun. The step patterns weren't unusually complicated which made me very happy.

So, Sunday afternoon, I laid a challenge before myself...run...eight miles....on my own. No running partner...just me and Jesus. I'm not gonna lie...it wasn't easy. But, it was a beautiful day. I got lots of prayer time in and I pushed myself. Then, I got to mile eight and thought...hum...maybe one more mile. That would make it a complete 15k. I heard my running partners voice in my head, "C'more, we can do one more!"

SO, I said, "Okay, Jesus, you are going to have to carry me this last mile!". It worked. He answered and carried me to the finish! It was a good run. It felt great to accomplish such a feat. I don't want to do it on my own again but it is good to know it is possible!

I used the Galloway method. I ran 6 minutes and walked for 45 secs. It wasn't true Galloway but it used his walk/run idea. I love this way. I finished with a pace of 10:30 per mile average. I was quite happy with that. I love to run that pace...it is my happy place!

Instead of my usually GOO half way through I used the Energy balls I made yesterday. They were so yummy and gave me the energy to finish running! Those things are quite addicting! I didn't eat the whole bucket, I promise. I had 3 I think half way through then 2 more after my run!

So it was a good day. I came home showered and put on my nice Sombra!!!! It made me freeze but helped with any soreness I might have had coming my way!

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Smoothies, Food Choices, and Lent

I don't know why but lately I have been having a smoothie almost everyday. I love them after I run because they offer me instant rebuilding goodness. I am addicted to chocolate and my favorite smoothie gives me my fix without being too hard on my nutrition plan.

My all time favorite smoothie:

Chocolate Peanut Butter with Banana.

Here is the recipe:
3 heaping tbsp of Cottage cheese (I don't like cottage cheese on its own but when it's creamy in a smoothie I can tolerate it.)
1-2 raw organic eggs ( I get these fresh from a friend.)
Handful of spinach
1/2 frozen ripe banana
Almond milk(enough to make the blender go)
1-2 tbsp of cocoa
Dash of cinnamon
1-2 tbsp of local honey
1 tbsp of peanut butter
1 tbsp of chia seed or ground flax seed
Optional: 1/2 cup of raw old fashioned oatmeal

Add several ice cubes after you've finished the initial blending.
Blend this all up...it's a yummy meal...lots of protein..lots of filling carbs...even some sneaky veggies in there!

Today I made this smoothie:

Fruit smoothie:

Handful of spinach
Handful of blueberries
2 frozen strawberries
1/2 frozen ripe banana
3-4 slices of frozen peaches
Vanilla almond milk- a splash to make the blender go...
2-3 tbsp of cottage cheese
1 raw, fresh egg
1/4 avacado

This didn't even need extra sweetener.

I like to add some kind of fat to all my smoothies. It goes a long way in making me stay fuller longer. Usually this includes either peanut butter, avocado, or coconut oil.

Here is the recipe for the smoothie I posted on twitter a few days ago:

Banana avocado smoothie
A handful of spinach
2-3 tbsp of cottage cheese
1/2 cup raw old fashioned oatmeal
2 tbsp ground flax seed
1/4 avacado
1 frozen ripe banana
1 tsp of honey
2 raw, fresh, organic eggs
About a half cup of vanilla almond milk

This one is very green looking when blended but it was a good change of scenery for my taste buds!

This past week has been an epic fail in the food department. I find it so easy to stick to my exercise plan. But my food choices are another story. Just when I think I am free of the desire to eat processed foods, I have a bite then, I just want more. I need to detox from the junk. It makes me feel horrible. Why is it we choose things that make us feel bad even when we know it will make us feel bad?

Romans 7:15-"I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do."

It is even more important that I am fueling my body with good foods as our half marathon will be here before I know it. Food is fuel...

I am looking forward to the season of Lent. I am not catholic but one of my best friends invited us to participate in Lent this year as we reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made for us. One point she made was that of the three things Jesus fasted from, one of those was food. I guess God knew we would struggle with food. He knew we would seek Him as our strength. I am helpless on this journey without Him!

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Baby, It's Cold Outside

You know you want to sing it! We planned a run outside today. We've been on the treadmill for the last few weeks for our long runs. I was soooo ready to run outside. But, Mr. Winter didn't want us to run outside today. As much as I hate the treadmill, when days like today roll around I'm glad to have somewhere to run without being in the blustery, winter weather.

So here we are again in our favorite gym pounding it out on the treadmill. Last week I ran in my old shoes and went eight miles. This week, new shoes and hit 9 miles. Teri tried to push me to 10 miles but I just didn't have it in me. I knew that I wanted to be able to walk tomorrow and the rest of this week.

Since we were on the treadmill, I decided to do an experiment. I wanted to see how it went doing a sort of semi Galloway method run while my running partner did a straight run at 6.1 miles. It seemed we were pretty close to neck and neck until the treadmill came unplugged!!! I did six minutes intervals running between 6.3 and 6.5 mph then walked at about 3.5 mph for 30 seconds. I did this for the first seven miles. Thennnnnn after fixing the treadmill plug (are you sensing my frustration?) I ran another two miles straight. Sigh! So, the experiment sort of worked but I dont really know if we would have finished at the same mile and at the same time.

My shoes felt great! I'm still having some issues with my ankle right around where the foot hinges. I may back off my mileage this week to see if it will recover before our long run next Saturday. We are hopng next Saturday will be a bit warmer so we can run outside.

On another note, tonight we had a great praise and worship service at our church. I was just reminded about how everything we do is to bring Him glory. It was amazing to sing about how nothing is impossible for the God who created this world. We sang about how He created everything to worship Him, even nature. That is one thing I love about running. I get to see the trees move in praise to Him. Its good stuff, getting to run, and be outside with His nature! I have high hopes of seeing some warmer days this week so I can praise Him along with birds and the leaves! He is worthy of our praise!!!

What are you doing this week to praise Him? How about moving that body He gave you?

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Spin and Buns & Guns

After a long day at home with my littlest one, I headed to the gym to teach Spin. The last class I had to teach for spin On Friday had 3 very unmotivated people in it. It left me feeling blah. Tonight.....it was way different. Every bike in the room was taken. Wow! There was such energy in the room. We had lots of new faces. I was feeling quite overwhelmed but was excited to see so many people in class.
The class was only thirty minutes so we had to work hard, fast! I was so excited to get to tell my story. I wish I could have snapped a picture of the faces when I said, "July, 2010, I weighed 205 pounds.". So many of them had dropped jaws. It was awesome. I told them my story of how life changed for me. And that they could do it too. They could make it their year. This is why I am there! It was a good class.
I taught Buns and Guns right after that class. My plan was to use the dynabands, but we ran completely out. Yikes. Mental note made:do not use bands in night class. We ended up grabbing some three pound weights and doing a fun kick box type toning class. I had them do tons of pushups. I am sure they will feel it tomorrow. We started with 12 traveling pushups, then we did jab crosses with the bands/3lb weights. We then did upper cuts, squats with speed bag holding the weights or bands. We did more pushups, planks and bridges. I'm feeling a bit sore, so I'm hoping the other ladies will be sore as well.
I had to fake it towards the end because my class went short but who can go wrong with adding twenty more pushups and bear crawls across the floor. I didn't feel great about that class but you can't win them all!
I ran four miles this morning in my new shoes. It was awesome. My feet and legs felt so much better. I am wiped. I didn't eat well today which left me feeling wiped out before I even started spin today. I came home and drank a protein shake with spinach in it. I need my Popeye nutrition.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Do as I say, not as I do!

Saturday morning! It was our long run day. I really wanted to run outside. Have I mentioned how I hate the treadmill? I like road. I like trees. I like wind. I like outside. Treadmill not so much. Again, we ran inside for our long run. The weather was icky and unpredictable. I've never been caught in a rain storm while running and wasnt much interested in trying it out now either. So...the treadmill it was.

Again, it was probably better we were on the treadmill because this is what the bottom of my shoes look like.

My faithful Brooks have seen better days. In reality, I should have bought new shoes about 2 months ago. Never run in shoes past their prime. Do as I say, not as I do!!!! This last month has been killer on my feet. My shoes have not given me the support I need because they are way past their prime. My ankles have been hurting, the tops of my feet are feeling crushed, and my knees have really been feeling the road. But guess what? Two months ago I was trying to buy my kids Christmas presents and I just didn't want to shell out $100 for new shoes when I was trying to figure out how we were buying Christmas presents.

I didn't even want to run in them Saturday but I just haven't had time to go get new ones. Also, I knew that I shouldn't start a long run in brand new shoes.

Saturday, my running partner and I set out to find me some new shoes! I originally was looking at buying more Brooks or Muzinos because that is what I know. But after stopping by the running store and trying a few pair there we went to Dick's and found some Asiscs that I really like. They are a good stability shoe. I looked like a crazy person but I ran around the store several times to really get a feel for them on my feet. When you are buying a running shoes you need to feel what it is like to run in them, not walk, right? I wouldn't try to walk a car? I'm gonna test drive it!

So, here they are. My new best friends for four months.

Now, I'm a little sad. I wanted some cool colored ones...but here I am again with white and aqua shoes. It could be worse. I got last years model so I saved about $40. Yay! I'll let you know how they feel after my next run!

By the way, this week's long run was eight miles. I ended up walking another mile for my cool down. We stretched a good bit after too. I wasn't too sore on Sunday except for my hurting feet and ankles. But, that is completely my fault. I am anxious to get outside and run at least eight miles. I have the Gate River Run coming up March 10!!! It's nine miles. I wonder if I can run the whole thing without my running buddy. Ak!!! I just don't know.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Classes, Classes, Classes

This week has been a crazy week. I was on the schedule for 3 classes and then ended up subbing a class too!

My first class was Raw Power. This was my favorite class. This class is thirty minutes and just uses your body weight. This was the workout we ended up doing.

20 sec/10 sec rest (6 repeats=3 min each exercise)

1.High Knees/Jump rope

2.Burpees

3.Jab, Jab, Kick

4.Long Jump Forward squat/2 jump back

5.Power Squat with front kick

6.Push-ups walking across floor

This class was tough but it was GREAT!!!! I taught a 15 minute AB class right after Raw Power. This is what I did for the AB class:

ABS 12 Mins 30 secs each exercise-go through twice

1. Single Leg Stretch (Pilates)

2. Plank with knee twist to opposite side

3. Bicycle Crunch

4. Spiderman Plank-Knee to elbow

5. Vertical leg crunch-Legs up in air while doing regular crunch

6. Side Planks- 30 secs

And call me crazy, but I had to get my second run in for the week before my long run. So, I ran with my favorite running buddy after those classes for about 4 miles. What is even crazier is that the time passed by so fast. That was insane to think that I was on the treadmill and I ran 4 miles before I even knew it. I still remember when running 1 mile was a heroic feat!

Thursday, I taught Kickbox for 45 minutes. I LOVE Kickbox. I tried to keep the jumping to a minimum because my knees and ankles were bothering me a bit. You can still get an awesome workout without all the jumping in Kickbox. Just put those arms up in a speed bag and do some pulsating squats=heart rate up!!!

Last night, I had to run up to the gym to sub a Yoga class. I haven't done Yoga in a while. We did lots of Downward Dogs, Crecents, Warrior 1 and Warrior 2 exercises. I hope the ladies aren't too sore in their wrist today. It takes a little bit of time to build up stamina to hold yourself up like that. We ended the class with lots of stretching of our backs and legs.

I practiced with the girls right before I left so they got their yoga workout in too! I'll remind you...we don't do any weird meditating stuff. I wish we could call it something different so people wouldn't think that is what we are doing. We focus on the stretching aspect of it.

This morning was my last class to teach for the week. Thank goodness! I'm exhausted! I taught a 30 min spin class. We had to hit it hard to work up a sweat in 30 minutes.
This was my Spin Profile this morning:

5 min warm up
1 min climb
30 sec Flat
2 min climb
1 min Flat
3 min climb
1.5 min flat
4 min climb
2 min flat
3 min climb
1.5 min flat
2 min climb
1 min flat
cool down

All the climbs were done at about a 7-8 resistance (or a medium hard resistance)
All the flats were recover at about a 5-6 resistance.

I was nice and sweaty when we were finished. I pushed hard. My class on the other hand was VERY unmotivated. They were not pushing hard. I hope they didn't leave thinking they didn't get a good workout because of me. I don't know if the rain had anything to do with it...but they just weren't into it this morning.

We are hoping to do our long run tomorrow. I really want to do it outside. It looks like we might be stuck on the treadmill though if it keeps raining.

I need to buy new running shoes. I've been really feeling it in my knees and ankles. I know it has so much to do with my shoes being worn out. Maybe I'll see Fleet Feet or Stinky Feet this weekend! It's such a big invest metn to spend $100 on shoes...or more. I keep trying to look at it like this: I can spend $100 on good shoes and get to keep running, get to keep my health in shape OR don't and tear up my feet and knees and go back to the inactive lifestyle I once had. I choose the first!

If I didn't have flat feet, they might not be so expensive but yikes...they are! Runner's world has two shoes I'd like to look at: The Brooks Trance 11 and the Mizuno Wave Nirvana 8. Both are upwards of $140...ack!!! I may have to look at last year's model. I don't know if I can spend that much on shoes!!! I'm thinking...the kids need haircuts. We need groceries. I love running though. Maybe I'll just eat lots of eggs and Peanut butter and banana sandwiches so I can still have my running shoes! :D

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Body Image

Today, I've been thinking about body image. For a long time, I've struggled with not being proud of the person I had am. After my first year in college, I felt very ashamed the way I looked. I felt like I didn't fit in anywhere. I let my body image affect too many parts of my life. If you get down to the nitty gritty of it, I guess it was because I was not treating my body in a way that honored my Savior but also, as weird as this sounds I had ego problems when I was overweight. I believe when we pay too much attention to what we think others are thinking of us...whether we are overweight or fit that can lead to being self absorbed. God does not want that.

Romans 12:3
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.

Even as my physical body has changed, it was hard to accept the new me. I still look in the mirror and don't see what I see in pictures of me. I think as a girl or women, we have expectations, albeit, unreal expectations, of what we should look like.

Seriously, it took me a year to post before and after pictures because I was so ashamed of what I had done to my body and I still wasn't quite confident in the new me. Could that really be me in the photos?

I had these crazy thoughts such as: I might not keep this weight off so why would I be proud of what was accomplished in me. Sometimes we can be so self-destructive. It wasn't until I started this blog that I was released from the prison I put myself in. I would share my before and after photos with a few friends, here and there...but the whole world...no way!

There is also the balance in how my physical body has changed and dressing modestly. I work very hard teaching my girls about modesty. As a Christian, it is so important that we not distract others with our physical nature but always point people to Christ. So it is a delicate balance of being proud of my accomplishments yet, humble enough to know that it wasn't in my own strength that I am where I am today.

I teach my girls that we should dress modestly. So, I have to set an example in what is appropriate. They learn by seeing what I do, not in what I tell them to do. In my teenage years, I dressed quite inappropriately! I didn't realize what it did to the opposite sex. I just liked the attention. I want it to be different for my girls. I want them to know the power they possess with their bodies. God gave them a gift to share but with only one man and that would be their husband. I want it to be a gift they can give to their husband.

Why am I sharing all this with you? Because in the fitness world it is easy to get caught up in what is popular and showing off your new body. But, you can be strong, be proud of your body without being inappropriate. We can be fashionable without being obsessive. Does that make sense?

I had to totally revamp my wardrobe when I went from a size 16 to a size 8. I didn't know how to dress myself. If I hadn't had God guiding me, I could have easily chosen a road of showing off my new body. But, He thinks I worth MORE than that. This new body is to be cherished because I am HIS temple. I try to always check with my hubby or the girls to make sure I am not wearing something that will detract from what I am here to do. They hold me to a standard and I am glad!

It really all comes down to what we are focused on in this life. Is it just about me or is it about a change inside that prepares us for what Christ has for us to do in this life?

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Hot Chocolate 5K

What a fun morning! If you've never walked or run a 5K...you really should. There is so much fun energy at these races/fun runs. There is an energy there that compels you to challenge yourself and push beyond what you think is possible. I know I say this again and again, but in this physcial world, God shows us SO much about Himself. I am always in awe that He allows us to be physcial beings and move the way we do.

Me, Teri, Brook and Sonja before the race!

Today, the weather was cold and windy. Much different than the temperature I ran in earlier this week. Monday I ran in a tank and shorts. Today, I ran in long sleeves and capris (wishing I had pants on!).

We (my awesome running buddy and I) decided today to do some sprints since this is our usual long run day. This was interesting since it was very crowded in the beginning of the race. I used my handy Gymboss timer. I set it on six minutes of steady running with 45 seconds of power surges where we picked up the pace. By the end...I was feeling like throwing up! I normally don't push myself that hard. However, its good to push past what you think you are capable of doing. It really is powerful. After it was over, I was so glad I pushed past what I was feeling.

Yep, its the end!!!

The hubs and kiddos came to cheer us on today as well. I love having them there. There is nothing like your family supporting you on a journey. I keep thinking about my nine year old. She would tell me over and over again, "Mom, your gonna win! I just know it!" She has way more faith in me than I do. Even though I had no intention of trying to "win", she saw me as a winner.

I came in 20th (age 30-39) out of 92 women in my age bracket. I'm pretty siked about it. My finish time was 27:56. That's what the time keeper says, anyways. It was a personal record. I remember running the Watermelon run last July and I think I did around 11 min per mile! Quite an improvement for half a year.

After all the fun this morning, I came home and ate a yummy omelet with cheese and spinach. I also (insert guilty face here) ate half a pack of graham crackers with milk. There is NO justifying that after a 3 mile run! :D Tonight we enjoyed a yummy deer stew with about half of a potato. It was probably the best I've had since we've been eating more deer. I also had a spinach salad with sunflower seeds and balsamic vinegar.

It's been a great day, but I sure do look forward to tomorrow. Sunday is an awesome day to worship and rest! I'm excited about both!

Thursday, January 26, 2012

What are you eating?

I saw this post on a group I belong to that discusses nutrition. I love this group because we can lift each other up in hard times and pray with one another.

The name of this post was I awesome: 10 Dumbest Things to Eat. I am still struggling with the milk part. We do on occasion eat fast food but we try to severely limit it when we can. The more I read the less I want to eat out.

The thing about fitness is that you can't do fitness without good nutrition. It would be comparable to spinning your wheels in a mud puddle. It may be fun, it may seem like you are getting somewhere but you just won't get out of the rut until you eat healthy too.

The sad thing is that in our ignorance we may think we are eating food that is good for us but in reality it might really be just as bad as what we were eating in the first place. We may think we are being smart by buying the low-fat salad dressing but we are missing the mark when that dressing has MSG (this has all different names) and High Fructose Corn Syrup in it. What about Multigrain bread? It sounds smart...but it can have just as much bleached white flour in it as white bread.

We may think I'll have a no sugar option by using Splenda but its basically poison to your body. You can use ripe bananas to sweeten things or Applesauce. I also use Local Honey or Pure Maple Syrup ( you only need a little because it is SO sweet!)

We may think I'll get the low fat peanut butter but what about the sugar they add to it. Have you checked the labels? I like natural peanut butter that has just peanuts (maybe some salt). Most of them have oils and HFCS added. If you have netflix and can watch King Corn (It's on instant) you might find it interesting to learn how HFCS is made.

We have to get back to REAL Food and enjoying real drinks that don't have added corn syrup and sugars to them.

How do you make the change? You have a few choices. You can make slow changes. This is more my style. You could also go cold turkey. This will all depend on your personality as to what you do but your health is worth it. You can do it! You are worth it!

Let me know what you think? Did you already know all this? This journey getting educated has been a tricky one. I don't want to know all this. Sometimes its easier to live in ignorance. Once we know something, we are responsible for that knowledge. That is scary and empowering!

Believe me, its still a struggle at our house. My kids still want the store kind of salad dressing. My kids still want to eat at McDonald's. One day I hope our slow changes will make sense to them. I hope that they realize it's because I love them that we have made these changes.

Exodus 23:25 Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Problem: I don't have time to workout. Solution: You Do! -Read On!

So yesterday was a crazy, busy day. Tuesdays are insane. Two homeschool co-ops can be fun but wearing! If you are curious as to what a home school co-op is-here is the scoop: It is one or more classes where we take take turns teaching a group of our children in different subjects. Our morning class we teach four different subjects and each mom takes turns teaching a subject. I love this because I get to teach from a strength while other Mom's teach subjects that are my weakness. The kids get to be in a classroom type setting with a great group of kids of all different ages. They are able to learn things they might not learn from me. For example, I don't do Spanish or how to take out stitches, or how our American History relates to other parts of the world as we memorize important events that happened here in America...these aren't my strengths.

Our afternoon co-op is more of a fun elective activity type class. They do things like PE, Art, Music, Book-it (a book report presentation class).

I've explained all of that to say...it was a BUSY day! I got up early and practiced my kickbox class but I wanted to get weights in too. I didn't get up early enough to do that though.

By the time I got home, I REALLY didn't feel like doing weights or getting sweaty. So what to do? I got out my trusty power bands and worked out all my major muscles groups while I was cooking supper. Funny I know! Working out in the kitchen...you gotta do what you gotta do!

So what did I do:
Bicep curls with the bands

Tricep dips using the counter
Push ups using the counter
Triceps extensions using my band
Lawnmower rows (each side)using my band (think of starting a lawn mower)
Upper cuts using dynaband (bicep work)
Hooks using dynaband (bicep and shoulder work)
Shoulders lateral raises
Shoulders-Upright row
Squats holding bands at shoulders
Wrist flexion with bands
Forearm flexion with bands
Squats 2 counts down, 1 count up
Lunges-15 on each leg
Then I tied the bands around my legs
Abbduction and Adduction leg work with band around ankles
Standing Hip Extension with bands around ankles
Calf raises-one set of 15 each with toes pointed out, toes pointed forward and toes pointed in and heels out.

It seems like a lot now that I see it all typed out but it took me about 20 min to do all of that. I stirred eggs or put toast in the oven in between some sets. I made sure to do each body part with at least 2 sets of 15 each.

You really can work out at home and you do have time! You can squeeze it in however you need to do it. I didn't even have gym clothes or shoes on. My first fifty pounds of weight loss was all done from my home or the streets near my home. However, in the last six months I have fall in love with my time in the gym again! There is just something special about a great place to work out with others who are doing the same thing!

I found this great site that can help you with using bands. I didn't use the website while I was doing the workout because I have these pretty much memorized now but it is a great reference for the names of each exercise! So go...GET YOUR WORKOUT DONE!!! Praise Jesus that you can move your body. Use it to do something that will bring Him glory today!!!

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Excited about 2 things!

One...I got my new GymBoss Timer in today! This is for Chad and me both to use. I really wanted the hot pink one but I thought I'd be nice and order the red one so Chad didn't feel girly using it!

I do have an app on my phone that does the same thing but my phone is acting buggy so I thought this would be a good stand alone timer.

I've used my phone several times for interval training and love the effects! I've done this cardio interval workout and I plan to try more: http://www.bodyrock.tv/category/daily-workouts/workout-archives/

I apologize for the scanty clothing...not my taste at all...but the workouts are AWESOME!!! I plan to use some of this workout in my Raw Power class coming up in a few weeks. I had a friend that told me about Sprint Intervals and then another friend that told me to check out Tabata workouts. I'll be looking into those for workout! I am also thinking I'll be trying the gymboss out in my runs somewhere in the near future, as well.

Other exciting news: I'll be running the Hot Chocolate 5K Run this Saturday! It's been a while since I've run a 5K. We are thinking we might do some sprints during it...maybe even have a Personal Record. I hope it will be fair weather and the t-shirts are cool...Am I really that shallow? Some days.

I'm just thankful that I'm able to run. I'm thankful that God has brought this to my life. I'm thankful that I have an AWESOME running partner. I'm thankful that I get to talk to God while I run. I know I can't do it without Him. I'm thankful that I have great friends who support my running, fitness and new lifestyle. So when I run these races, I have all these things hidden in my heart!

On that thought-Get out there! Get active! Praise God that you can move!!!!

Monday, January 23, 2012

Running, Yoga and Giving up Late Night Grapenuts

Today's Activities:
Today was a running day. I ran about 5 miles and walked a cool down a little less than a mile. Then, I practiced my kickbox class for Thursday. It was a busy day at the gym for sure.

I came home and the girls and I did about 20 min of yoga mainly for Hannah's benefit. I am already seeing improvement in her attitude while doing it. Her strength is getting better too. The first time we did it she couldn't hold her self in a downward dog position for longer than 30 seconds. Now she is able to hold the position for at least a minute. That's awesome! And, she isn't crying! :D

It is so surprising to me to see that both my big girls are having trouble holding their arms up for longer than a minute when we are in Warrior II pose. It inspired me to keep working at it with them. They need physical strength to give them endurance. Endurance in the physical teaches them so much more about endurance in other areas!

So, I've been thinking about new goals for this year. Today, I've decided I need to give up my grapenuts at night.....ohhhh....did I really say that? Too many carbs at night. This is my usual snack at night right before bed: Bowl of grapenuts (probably 2 serving sizes), almond milk, and dried cranberries. What is not to love about how that taste??? Sigh....but it's too many carbs at night. I'm seeing that I just can't do that anymore. Last night I had Greek Yogurt, blueberries, 1 tsp of honey and a sprinkle of granola. It was filling but I still need to scale back on that a little, too. I'm not giving up my WONDERFUL crunchy grapenuts just yet. I am just moving them to earlier in the day.

It's a constant tweaking. I really do try to keep all my meals with a heavy balance of protein/veg-fruit/and carbs. This is the one area I've been slacking and the worst time to be slacking!

Today's meals:
B'fast:
1 slice of whole wheat bread
1 tbsp of natural p'butter.
1/2 banana
Organic Green Tea
Ran 5 miles, kickbox for 20 min, yoga for 20 min

Lunch:
2 Egg omelet with spinach and pepperjack cheese cooked in 1 tsp of coconut oil.
1 serving of grapenuts, blueberries, organic milk
1 tsp of Maple syrup

Snack:
Apple with 1 tbsp of Natural P'butter
Snack:
A few chocolate chips~!

Plans for Supper:
Baked Chicken
Sweet Potato Fries
Homemade ranch for dipping (cottage cheese and greek yogurt base)
Salad with balsamic dressing and sunflower seeds

Planned Snack:
Greek yogurt, granola, local honey, and cranberries

The key to this is PLANNING!!!!

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Black Bean Soup Recipe

I love black beans! I love black bean soup! Here is a fun recipe. I adapted it from the South Beach Diet book.

Ingredients:
2 cans of black beans and the liquid
1 tbsp of coconut oil (or olive oil)
2 tsp ground cumin
1/8 tsp cayenne
1-2 minced cloves of garlic
Dash of salt
Fresh ground pepper
1 1/2 cup of low sodium chicken broth
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with Juices
Lime Juice

(cooked onions- optional)

Heat Coconut oil (or olive oil) over medium heat. Add minced garlic, onions, cayenne, salt and pepper. Cook until veggies are tender. Add 2 cans of black beans with their liquid, can of diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to boil, then let it simmer around 10 min or so.

Take about 2 cups of it and put it in a blender (let cool-I speak from experience...you don't want the mess of hot soup all over your kitchen). Process this til smooth. If you have an immersion stick blender, you can blend until its your preferred consistency.

Now add lime juice to taste. Serve with your favorite hot sauce. I like to add a dollop of plain greek yogurt (my replacement for sour cream!).

Enjoy!

Friday, January 20, 2012

Dynamic Power Workout

I was pretty sore from my Buns and Guns workout last night but I had a class to teach this morning! Dynamic Power was great! I loved it and felt most comfortable teaching this than anything else I've done so far! (Be sure to read down to the bottom about a cool thing God did last night!)

We used the Dynamax 6lb ball and the Dynamax loop and Dynamax Resistance bands.

This is what my workout looked like today:

Warm Up:

Grab a Ball and hold at chest while you walk around the room quickly. Add: push ball up and out from chest while walking. 3 mins

Go to the end of the room- Throw ball from chest-run to get it and throw again- 3 mins

Drop Ball in your spot-Hold Plank on the ball Position 30 secs

Stand up-Figure 8 in front of you with Ball 30 seconds

Halo over head in a squat with the ball 30 secs

Repeat

Jump up with ball over head, drop ball on ground, jump over ball in the front, squat down, jump back- 15

WOODCHOP W/PIVOT-touch ground-hit right then chop up (pay attention to knee and ball-same direction!) (15 )

Repeat other leg

Partner Work:

Back to back pass: pass the ball side to side (oblique work)

15 to each side

Dyna Bands and Dyna Loop

Jack with bands under feet

Tricep press back

Bicep curl

(15 of this set)

Lawnmower-pull up while stepping on part of the tube- in Lunge- 15 each side

This looks exactly like it sounds-like you are pulling a lawn mower cord to get it started!

Dyna Loop-Lat Pull down (Looks like sling Shot)-hold one arm out diagonally and pull other arm towards your chest like you want to sling a rock.

Lateral Walk with loop around ankles-15 paces to each side

External Rotation with loop-hold both hands at mid tummy- rotate one arm out-hold elbow in-control the motion (15 each side)

That 30 minutes went by WAY too fast! We were dripping by the time we were done.

I LOVE functional fitness...I think I've said that before! What's the point of doing a bicep curl if you are going to pull your back out getting groceries out of the car...we need strength for every day life! I am SO glad that we started teaching these classes!!!

On a side note: I was very excited last night! I got to share my testimony of my life change over the last year and half to about eleven women in my Buns and Guns class. I ended up getting to chat on the side after class with two women. One was down and discouraged and God used me to encourage her. It was just a reminder of how God uses you right where you are for His purposes!

A Yummy Breakfast!

This is the kind of breakfast that helped me lose 60 pounds. I love starting my day with lots of protein, veggies and some grains!

This is an omelet cooked in coconut oil (1 tsp). I usually put cilantra, chipolte pepper, regular pepper and whatever else I feel like putting in the eggs. Then I'd let it cook a bit and then fill it with spinach, cheese (not a lot), and maybe red peppers and onions. I'd add either a slice of whole grain (not multigrain) bread with a bit of butter (ahhh...yes butter...not margarine) and some "just fruit" jelly (just a bit). There are days I might fix oatmeal or have a piece of fruit instead of toast.

Right now, I am so blessed to have fresh eggs. They taste SOOO much better!!!

Quick Alternatives:
I also like a bowl of shredded wheat with milk and 1 1/2 tsp of maple syrup. Another option is plain Greek Yogurt with granola and 1 tbsp of local honey! Yummo!

Starting the day with a good breakfast helps keep me going!

Thursday, January 19, 2012

A look back at C25K

I've been looking over my Facebook Timeline. It's very interesting to see what you were doing a year ago. I found that in February of 2011 is when I began the C25K training. By May, I was running 3 miles without stopping. I can't say enough great things about c25k. I just used the app on my phone and it would tell me when to stop and start walking. I remember those first few minutes of running seemed like they would last forever. and the walking part always seemed to end too quickly.

I ran my first 5K race in July at the Watermelon Run. Then I ran another in September. Then, my friend Teri, encouraged me to train for a five miler. I thought she was crazy. But we did it, together! So then I thought why not go for one more mile and make it a 6 mile or 10K as they call it. And guess what? We did it!!! Now we are up to 8.5 miles outside and training for a 1/2 marathon. It is amazing what difference a year can make.

East Side 5K September 2011

Running with Friends at Eastside run!

Blackbird 10K (6.2 miles), November 2011

I was thinking about my journey as I began running. It wasn't easy. I talked to God A LOT!!!! Sometimes it was just for help breathing. Sometimes it was praying for the kiddos I saw waiting for the bus. There were times when God reminded me of what the sweet smell of praise smelled like to Him. There were times I had to learn to be assertive as a dog would charge me. God has taught me so much on this journey. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

One thing He taught me was that when I falter, when I grow weak, He is my strength. I learned that its okay if you don't get to your destination when you thought you'd get there. He has a plan. He is in charge and its all good!!!

So the agenda today:

This morning we plan to do a little yoga before we start school. I am really hoping this year will be the year Hannah's legs will loosen up a bit. She has extremely tight hamstrings which makes any kind of physical activity difficult for her. Knowing she has my body type, it is inevitable she will most likely have the same weight struggles I have had. I've got to get her moving!

Yoga is my first step in seeing if we can stretch those hammies out a bit. It is amazing how a simple tight hamstring can reduce you to non activity.

We do yoga poses but no weird Eastern stuff. We really just concentrate on the stretching, movement and core strength. I was introduced to Yoga/Pilates years ago but never really enjoyed it. I have a new respect for the Downward Dog and plank now! I love them. They are great positions for a nice stretch in your back....and the plank...well...its just a great core exercise...better than a sit up if you ask me!

This afternoon I teach a spin and Buns and Guns class! Very excited about these two classes!

In between these two will be lots of homeschooling and normal activities around the house! :D

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