Back from the break....

I had to take a little mental break for a few days, but I'm back.  I also took a few days of a physical break too.  I think my body needed it!

I had done quite the aggressive work out schedule prior to that and I had quite the aches and pains.  I was physically tired too.  So I took a few days off (well, Sandy caused it to be a couple more days than anticipated!), but now I'm back.

  I'm stumbled across a couple November blog challenges I really like - and I also realize I still haven't finished my A-Z challenge.  I'll get there...plenty of time.  But anyway, I think there's a couple November challenges I'd like to partake in.

With November containing Thanksgiving, I've seen a couple bloggers doing a month of thankfulness, so I'm going to try that.  One post a day with things I'm thankful for.

Then, my wonderful friend Michelle over at Dodging Acorns posted today about NaBloPoMo - National Blog Post Month.

So that's that.  We'll see what comes of this!  Writing will help my mental fitness anyway!

~A

You know that feeling....

You know that feeling when you just complete a ridiculously hard workout...wait...I didn't really know until today.  Headed to the gym this morning after seeing today's crossfit workout of the day thinking it sounded fun. (Note to self - Next time you think a WOD looks fun...think twice!!!).

Here's today's Crossfit Southie WOD:

Five rounds for time of:
Run 400 meters
10 Burpees
20 Push ups
30 Air Squat

In retrospect, I'm really not sure what about this looked fun besides the running.  I think the running part always grabs my attention.  Plus the squat part...Have I mentioned that I'm doing so many squats lately that I can only believe that my butt must be starting to be irresistible?

Anyway, so I got to the gym to do my workout and it was pretty humorous - it was completely empty.  First time that's ever happened to me...but then again, it was my first time going to the gym on the weekend too.

So I did my warm up and hunkered down to do this workout.  I decided to time myself...oh what fun!

Round 1 went pretty well.  I ran a very fast 400 meters (for me) in less than 2 minutes.  Got my 10 burpees done.  Pushed through the push ups (no fun intended), and the squats were a piece of cake - I was really focusing on my form on those. Time was just over 5 minutes - not bad!

Round 2.  Ran another fast 400 meters - just at 2 minutes.  Burpees were challenging, but I got through.  Push ups - wall.  I did a mix of full push ups, girl push ups (using my knees), and then some altered push up where I went all the way to the floor and lifted myself up.  Squats again were fine. Time is just under 12 minutes.

Round 3.  By now I'm sweating and getting pretty red faced.  This is more challenging than I expected, but I like me some cardio.  Run 400 meters in 2'01".  Burpees I am basically barely passing as burpees at this point - at least the push up part, the jump part is fine.  Push ups - I'm dying here.  Did another mix of regular, girl, and my strange altered push ups.  I'm doing 20 of them still and focusing on working various muscle groups in my arms.  Squat time again is fine.  I paid attention to my form and it looks good, but I'm thinking squats shouldn't be this easy...or maybe they should considering how many I've done? Time is around 19 minutes I think...or was it 21? I'm losing track!

I considered stopping here.  I mean, it's five rounds for everyone, regardless of level.  My level 2 guys I work out with would probably be done...I could stop now right?  I'm a girl and not level 2.  No way, keep going!

Round 4. More sweat.  Run 400 meters just over 2 minutes again (somehow).  Burpees - yeah, kill me.  Suffer through them.  Push ups...I'm really dying now.  Barely make it through.  Squats - finely getting a little challenging, but still not bad.  I believe my time was now somewhere around 26 minutes.

Round 5. Give myself a little pep talk - almost done! You got this A!  Run my last 400 meters and push through keeping my pace - 2'01" again. Whoo!  Burpee and push up time...oh dear.  Worst push ups and burpees ever and I was glad no one was there to watch.  No where near good form, but I got them done...somehow.  Squat time - almost done - thank God!  Squats went okay and I pushed through.

Final time: 34'01".

Yep.  I did it.  I wanted to die afterwards.  I felt a little nauseous.  I remember sitting on the box we use for box jumps and thinking...now I know why people decide to sit on the couch and not work out.  This was tough!  It would have been so much easier to go run a few miles...or not workout at all. So now I know the feeling of doing a workout and feeling like I'm crazy!

I recovered and headed to the locker room.

You know that feeling a bit after your workout, after you've showered and cooled down where you feel amazing?  Yep.  The walk out to my car - I might as well have been on cloud nine.  Wish I could have had an audience to strut my stuff in front of - I felt great.  I love how after you cool down from a workout, your muscles are still warm, yet nice and firm from the workout.  Perfect combination!  Not in pain yet, feeling good!

I somehow felt pulled to reward myself for this crazy workout by going to Starbucks and getting an iced mocha.  So I did.  I mean, come on...Chocolate after working out is good for you.  I've read it on the internet, it must be true!

And low and behold...I run into some fellow bloggers.  Fate I tell you, fate!  None other than M from Dodging Acorns and M from Filling Our Bucket. Fantastic ladies - love their blogs.  I've got to give them some blog love now - so please go over and take a look at their blogs and follow them and give them some love.  They are both working on being fitter ladies too (they both looked AMAZING today!!) - so they can use some encouragement and love.  And they are both hilarious - so go check them out already!

What a great start to the week.  See, I knew it would get better!

~A

An emotional rollercoaster of a week

I'm really not sure what's going on in my subconscious this week, but it's throwing my emotions for a loop.  I have days like today where I range from feeling strong and confident, to weak and meager - all without any sort of external stimulus seemingly triggering this change of emotions.

(at least it's not this bad I guess)

Perhaps it's because I was only able to get to the gym for strength training twice this week?  And then I was only able to run one other day based on my schedule.  I'll chalk this up to that.  Lots of extra steam to blow off and few chances to release it.  Or it could be hormonal I guess too.

I hope to remedy that this week though.  I'm better than this.  I should be beyond getting stuck on an emotional roller coaster. So, I'm planning to try to go to the gym or for a long run tomorrow.  Then hit up the gym for cross training three times this week.

(Love this...Totally me right?!?)

I really think the cross training is helping me.  I went for a run on Friday and decided to do a very challenging, hilly route.  I ended up running the route in my normal mile pace time, but given how hilly of a route I did, I'm very impressed with that.  I felt extremely strong when I was running and I think my form has improved.  There was a quarter mile flatter stretch in the beginning and as I passed the third of a mile distance, I was tracking for a PR mile pace.  Then I hit up the hills and let me tell you, they were tough hills - but I owned them. 

So yes, I'm happy with my 9'28" pace on Friday because it was a very hill course and I killed it.  And, the best part of all - no leg pain while running.  I still get some occasionally when I'm not working out, but I suspect that that is pulled muscles from my workouts verses and injury.

In addition to my cross training and focus on physical fitness lately, I've also been trying to think of things I want to try to do when I have some downtime and the things that matter to me.  It's going slow, but it's a start.  It's easier to come up with the list of things I want to try than it is to think of the emotional side of what values are important to me and who I am, but I'll get there.  I think I've got most of the basics and fundamentals down - now it's the more peripheral things I think...but who knows.

How was your week? How do you get yourself out of a slump?

By the way, I'm a little sad that I only got one comment in my shout out.  I'm going to assume it's because you are all so busy working out and running, so I won't take it personally.

I ran across this someEcard and it made me giggle a little.  I think I've said several times in the past week to myself that I've done so many squats lately that my butt must look AMAZING. Hopefully I'm right...it feels pretty damn good anyway.

Tomorrow begins a new week.  And it will be better, I can feel it.

~A

PS - And now I'm going to go have a nice tall glass of chocolate milk - because seriously chocolate milk makes anything better.

Workin' it

What's that you say dedicated blog follower?  I haven't been talking about running as much lately...Am I still running?

Well, I'm glad you asked.

The answer is yes, I am still running...just not as much.  After starting up again just a couple weeks ago now and quickly feeling the pain in my left calf again, I decided that cross training and developing some better core strength might just be a good idea.  And good timing because it came at a time when I need to be stronger than ever - both mentally and physically.  So here I am, focusing more on cross training and developing my core strength.

Tomorrow marks my two week anniversary of starting cross training, so I'm heading into my third week.  And I feel like I can already tell a difference.  When I ran on Saturday this weekend, my whole body just felt smooth and natural - in line.  And when I look in the mirror, I can see results in my arms.  And as much as I hate my stomach, it's feeling pretty nice when I have clothes on these days.  I think my muffin top is pretty much gone.  I think I still have a little ways to go on my stomach and I honestly don't know that I'll ever feel good about it...but we'll see.  My legs and butt...well, I haven't paid too much attention to them, but with the quantity of squats I've done in the past two weeks...I can only imagine.

So, what's some of my strength training workouts look like?  Well, the guys at work who so graciously allow me to attend the workouts with them (and bare with my silly questions and lack of form as I completely kill their timed workouts), are big cross fit fans and follow Crossfit Southie.  So they grab the workout of the day (WOD) each day and we do that after doing the warm up.

Today's workout...
Strength
Overhead Squats
3-3-3-3-3

WOD
100 Overhead Squats(95,65)
Every minute on the minute 4 burpees
Level 2 (75, 50)-3 burpees
Level 1 (45, 25)- 2 burpees
So I did the strength warm up with just a wooden pole that probably weighed less than three pounds - but it was to focus on form.  I think I did the last couple of reps with a 12 pound bar and I did almost all of the my 100 squats with that bar.  Also, despite being probably lower than Level 1, I did four burpees at each minute mark...although again, my last couple of reps ended up being girl push ups because my arms were burning.

I'm not going to lie...this was a pretty intense workout.  I wasn't really expecting it to be.  But both me and Crazy Feet (my nickname for A who was there today...hi A if you ever stumble across this!) were rather exhausted after this workout...in a good way.

By the time I exited the locker room, my quads were basically spasming from the crazy workout this was.  I did lots of stretching and it must have paid off because I'm not in pain now.  I don't mind squats so much.  I feel like I've mastered them because I've done so many in the past two weeks.

As my closer to the night, I went through the core training exercises that I posted about from Life's Run yesterday.  Then I followed that up with 125 crunches of various types.  I usually don't do follow up exercises on gym days, but honestly I wanted to see if I could best my plank time (Yay, 1'15") and I figured it couldn't hurt to try to get in the habit of doing these for a bit...so I'm going to try to do it every night.  We'll see how that goes!

Plus, all this muscle building is really giving me more excuses to eat, drink, live chocolate.  I'm not going to lie...I'm consuming a lot of it lately.  Plus lots of healthy vegetables, fruit, and water.  I'm trying to eat more protein but I don't quite think I've found the good balance.  I'll get there hopefully.

So that's what I've been up to.

What have you been up to?  Any questions for me? Any tips for me?

~A

Things I Never Thought I Could Do...

So the past few days have been filled with me doing so many things I never thought I could do...both physically or mentally.  It's been pretty invigorating honestly and helped me feel a little stronger on the inside.

Feel free to laugh at some of my silly things...believe me, they are random...but it's something that matters to me.  And honestly, some of them I laugh at myself for, so you can laugh WITH me.

1) I bench pressed 45 pounds on Friday.  Some of you may laugh and say only 45 pounds because yes, that is only the bar.  But you know what...I didn't even think I could do that much.  And I not only did it once, I did five sets of five - so I did it 25 times.  Hell yeah!

2) I unhooked a bunch of electronics and then helped hook up another electronic with some assistance.  For those who don't know me...me & electronics tend not to get along.  I'm clueless.  As a matter of fact, when I took the ASVAB test in school, I got a 96 or higher on everything except electrical...which I got a 54 on...oops.  So anyway...unhooking is probably way easier than hooking things up...but I did it nonetheless.  The point is...before then, I didn't think I could.  I was scared.  And I tried anyway.  And I overcame.  And I conquered. 

3) I stood up to someone who intimidated me.  I'm not going to go into too much detail here, but the fact is, I did it.  And I'm so proud of myself.

4) I am starting to accept help from people and actually take them up on their offers for help.  And it's not as hard as I thought it would be.  It's still extremely tough for me, don't get me wrong...but I'm trying.

5) I ran when it was 32 degrees outside.  Over 2 miles!!!  It was cool...ha ha...well, cold.  But it was also awesome.  Thanks to my other MRTT girls who ran with me!

So, that's a list of a few things I thought I never could do until recently...that I did.

What are some things you think you can't do?  Why not try?  Let me inspire you!

~A

A little stronger...

So I did another strength training/crossfit workout this morning and I have to say, it's tough...but I'm feeling good.  I can already see some changes in my body and despite the pain, I'm really optimistic that this strength training will really help my running and my overall health.

I did something today that I never thought I would be able to do...I did a box squat with 60 pounds...60 pounds!!!  Yikes! Crazy.  I don't even know my own potential.  Gives me a reason to smile.

I've been quite the emotional basket case for a few days - A big THANK YOU and I'm sorry to the friends who have been there for me via text, email, phone, or in person. I don't know what I'd do without you...please be patient with me.

I saw a fantastic quote today on CNN - how fitting because today it is International Day of the Girl -- a date on the annual calendar set aside to advocate for girls' rights and raise issues of gender bias.  I fell in love with this quote and was really surprised that when I googled it looking for a pretty image/inspirational poster, none existed.  I love this though...it really speaks to me.

I was thinking last night about a nice Robert Frost poetry line I've always loved.  Here's the full poem:

It's the last part that I've always loved.

"Two roads diverged in a wood and I - I took the one less travelled by and that has made all the difference."

I was suddenly inspired last night to draw or paint a series of this line.  Some abstract perhaps, some landscape.  I don't know, but in either case, I'd like to give it a shot as my first foray back into the world of drawing and painting.  More planning needed. But I'll add it to the list of things I want to do.

I've also really been inspired by Swim Bike Mom lately.  Her book is coming out later this year, and I have to admit...I'm kind of tempted to buy it and train for a triathlon...I've been really considering doing an obstacle course 5K/race for a while.  I think I'd have to start there...but this triathlon seems so tempting...and much more doable for me than a marathon...but hey, if we're talking crazy...perhaps if my leg will stop hurting behaves and my crossfit training makes me a stronger runner...anything is possible right?!? 

Go check her out - She's awesome. And Inspiring. And Funny. And has no idea who I am or that I'm even mentioning her on my blog...but I can dream right...? And imagine that she'll see this and think I'm kind of, sort of, perhaps a bit...a teeny tiny bit awesome too?  Maybe.

And yet somehow despite all the turbulence and emotional craziness in my life, I feel like I'm taking baby steps and becoming stronger...at least for today anyway...physically and mentally...and maybe emotionally too.  Let's not go too far.  We'll see what tomorrow brings though.

~A

Sometimes it's the small things...

I'm coming off of a rough few days.  On top of the agonizing pain I'm feeling from boot camp last week, other things have just been tough.  Feeling pretty awful about myself...insecure, small, weak...plus some other things.  I've also gotten stood up/blown off by people multiple times over the past few days.  So yeah...I'm feeling kind of lame.

I was pretty sore after my Thursday boot camp on Friday.  It just got worse throughout the day.  I left work early, took the dog for a quick mile run or so, and then mowed the lawn.  Later, I tried to do some warm up and good stretching at night to help relieve some of the pain.  It didn't really help that much, not going to lie. 

I was seriously wondering if I could make it out to my run with my MRTT girls Saturday...but I woke up bright and early and headed out.  Ended up doing 2.12 miles and I felt pretty good by the end of the run.  And then I bent down to get in my car...pain had returned. 

After that we headed over to the Scituate Art Festival.  I've always wanted to go, but never seem to make it, so I was really determined to go this year.  See, I'm on a quest to do the things I've always wanted to do, but haven't...so I think that was #2 (#1 being going to boot camp at the gym).  I should write an official post detailing some of those items...another day perhaps. 

Where was I?

Oh yes.  So, Scituate Art Festival.  With our strange weather this weekend, it was crazy crowded Saturday.  So much so that we parked around 1.5 miles AWAY from the festival.  So after running 2.12 miles, I walked 1.5 miles to the festival.  Walked probably a good 1-2 miles through the festival.  Then walked back another 1.5 miles to the car.  Burned my calories that day apparently!

Sunday.  Did another "dog jog" with Kona.  Did a mile this time. 

Today, I'm in LOTS of pain.  No exercise today for me.  Oh, and did I mention that the pain in my leg seems to might be coming back...please, no.  I don't have time for this right now...and I really need running as an outlet for the stress I'm working through.  Argh.

Tomorrow I'm hoping I can wake up early enough to join a colleague in some strength training at the work gym.

But, onto the good stuff. 

Ended up coming home to a really enjoyable dinner - steamed whole artichoke with butter.  Every leaf was delicious.

But...onto the small things. Sometimes it's the small things in life that make life worth living.

I just made what could be the best (unhealthy) milkshake ever.

I think I'll call it...

Rough Weekend Recovery Milkshake

- A couple scoops of: Breyer's Blast Chips Ahoy Ice Cream

- Some Chocolate Soy Milk

- Some fresh strawberries

Blend until smooth.  Oh yeah.  So good.  *Almost* makes up for the weekend.

 

So tomorrow I'm planning to wake up and start fresh and anew.  It will be a good day dammit.  It will.  And my leg won't hurt...

This is what I want to do right now...

And this speaks to me right now:

And this reminds me of something I love: chocolate of course.  I'm starting to eat more chocolate again...and that makes me feel happy lately.

~A

Cross training

I've been thinking more and more since I injured my leg that I probably should start doing some strength training to increase my core strength.

So, I checked a couple items off my to do list today and decided to go a Boot Camp class at the gym.  So lets see....go to a new class I've never been to, get in some strength training, meet (or not really meet since it was a tough, small class) some new people, and mainly just do something that intimidated me.  I almost bailed on it a couple times and kept trying to make excuses...but I ultimately won that mental battle and went.

And I'm glad I did.

I felt great during the class and held up really well.  I did awesome during the cardio sections.  The weight parts were very unfamilar, but I made it through.  I asked for the instructors help to pick weights and towards the end I actually ended up grabbing heavier ones because I felt like I could do more.

I felt great after the class.  Now that I'm home, I can really feel in a lot of my muscles that I got a good work out.  Hopefully I'm not too sore tomorrow!

So when I remove some of the other parts of my day that all things told are a very small portion, today was a pretty good day.

This is a good one to summarize how I'm feeling:

And one to summarize where I'm trying to go:

And one last good one I just stumbled across and really like:

~A

My Fitness Assessment

So today I took advantage of a service at my gym to have a fitness assessment done.  I went into it thinking, I think I'm pretty fit so this should go well.

Depending on how you look at it I guess it did go well.  I scored average in everything and above average in one thing (Ironically the one area I would have expected to door poorly in).  I think I was guessing I would score above average in more stuff, but I guess it is better than scoring below average right?  Glass half full Amber, glass half full.

Here's my results:

BMI: 21.9
[Healthy range: 19-25]

Body Fat %: 22.3

You are in the 'average' range for your age group [22.1-25.3]

Cardiovascular Fitness (VO2Max Test): 1.29 Miles completed

You are in the 'average' range for your age group [1.12-1.36]

Flexibility: 20 inches

You are in the 'above average' range for your age group [>20 inches]

Muscular Endurance: 17 push ups
You are in the 'average' range for your age group [ 17-33]

So looking at these results, at least I have a baseline.  Perhaps in three months I can take it again.  I was thinking I'd like to lower my body fat a bit more, but being that it's pretty low in the average range, maybe I'm okay.  I definitely want to get my cardiovascular fitness into the above average range - looking at how close I was, if I had just pushed myself for the last 30 seconds of my run, I would have done it.  I just thought I needed to run for the whole time, not necessarily how far I was running.  But now I know.  Push up wise, I think I can work on that one as well.  To be honest - the fact that I got 17 is pretty impressive to me.  I don't typically do push ups and I just started this week and only did 12.

I guess overall its indicating I'm on the right track and I can continue to improve right?

~A

F...is for Fitness, Fruit, and Fun

For the next edition of my A-Z blogging challenge, I'm writing about the letter F.

Fitness.  The main reason and track I've been on for a little over a year I think.  I think anyone trying to be fitter, even small steps are is a good thing.  There are several types of fitness.  The ones I've focused on are Mental Fitness, Emotional Fitness, and Physical Fitness. 

Physical Fitness -
My definition: This is the keeping your motor running, blood pumping, tangible part of fitness.  You improve your physical fitness and well being by being active and eating well.

Wikipedia: Physical fitness comprises two related concepts: general fitness (a state of health and well-being), and specific fitness (a task-oriented definition based on the ability to perform specific aspects of sports or occupations). Physical fitness is generally achieved through correct nutrition, exercise, and enough rest.
In previous years^[when?], fitness was commonly defined as the capacity to carry out the day’s activities without undue fatigue. However, as automation increased leisure time, changes in lifestyles following the industrial revolution rendered this definition insufficient. In current contexts, physical fitness is considered a measure of the body’s ability to function efficiently and effectively in work and leisure activities, to be healthy, to resist hypokinetic diseases, and to meet emergency situations.

Emotional & Mental Fitness -
My definition: This is how you feel emotionally - are you happy, depressed, sad, mad, resentful, etc.  Emotional fitness is huge for some people and a big driver for unhealthy materials.  Some people try to fill unfilled emotional needs with unhealthy habits (Such at over eating).  Your level of stress is a huge indicator of your mental and emotional well being.  Doing the things that you love, you are passionate about will help your mental well being and reduce your stress level.

Couldn't find an official definition of this one, so I probably made it up or there's a better term for it.

What are you passionate about?

Either way, I think focusing on improving each of these areas is the key to being truly fit.  *This is just my opinion - in no way based on education or expert advice.

Fruit.  Fruit should be a big part of your diet if you're trying to be healthier and fitter.  Eat your rainbow.  The more colorful your plate is, the better is probably is for you.  You get lots of antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients from fruit that you can't really find in other places.  A quick step to become healthier is to eat more fruit.  The more variety the better, but if you take a small steps and just eat the ones you like any change is a change for the better.  Once you are changing for the better, you can branch out and try other types.

Any favorite fruits you love to eat?  Any more uncommon ones you like that you think others should try?

Fun.  Whatever steps you take to be healthier, it's key to have a little fun.  Take time to dance around in the kitchen, paint, watch a sunset, and smile.  Have a little fun.

What do you like to do for fun?

This is just humorous:

On a more serious note:

So that's my thoughts on words that start with F.

~A

E...is for Encouragement, Excitement, and Energy

For the next in my A-Z blogging challenge, I needed to tackle the letter E.  This one took a few days to figure out what I wanted to talk about here and I finally thought about earlier today.

Encouragement. I'm very proactive about encouraging others when I can.  I've received a lot of encouragement from others throughout my fitness trials and tribulations and it's really helped me, so I like to pay it forward.

It's funny, now that I know how mentally challenging running can be sometimes and how sometimes all I want to hear when I'm running and struggling is someone yell, "You can do it," - when I see someone running down the road, I get an urge to roll down my window when I'm driving and yell encouragement to them.  I haven't done it yet...but I'm might tempted.  I think I'm afraid of offending someone verses encouraging them...but I don't know.  Anyone have any thoughts on that?  You welcome the encouragement or would that bother you to have a random stranger tell you great job, keep it up?  Sound off in comments.

Other than that I'm also doing what I can to encourage those around me in whatever their fitness endeavors are.  It can't hurt anything and might help someone right?  That's my thinking anyway.

Excitement. This is a strange one to write about, but definitely important.  I think in anyone's quest to be fitter, they need to find and do things that excite them, or you'll never be able to commit to it and won't make the progress you want.  Running excites me.  Writing excites me.  Running doesn't excite the hubs.  But nowadays there are so many awesome activities you can do that you should be able to find something that excites you - dancing, yoga, cross fit, mudders, biking, etc.  So many options.  Find something that excites you so you look forward to it, and go do it.

Energy.  This has been a real struggle for me.  Initially when I started running I was expecting to see an increase in my energy level, help me throughout the day.  While I get an initial lift after my run, I find that I'm actually more tired towards the end of the day.  Really wanting to go to bed early.  Missing sleeping in on weekends.  It's definitely a challenge to wake up and run some weekends.  I think a good part of it is because the little wakes up during the night still so I don't get a full nights sleep - let alone four hours in a row any nights.  I wake up early and likely end up going to bed later than I should most nights.  If I'm even in my bed eight hours a night that's impressive, but it's usually more like six or seven.  Then there's the time falling asleep.

I definitely have more energy than a year ago now that I'm eating better and exercising.  I'd love to have more though.  I think I have more energy than most people I know, but it still isn't enough for me.  Maybe I have unrealistic expectations?
 

 

Anyone have any tips on getting more energy?  I'd love to hear them.

So that's the letter E.  Until next time.

~A

Goals for July

I'm doing good with my running so far this month.  It's July 8 and I've already run more than eight miles.  Ran on Wednesday (7/4 - Happy 4th of July), Friday (7/6), and Saturday (7/7).  I'm hoping to really keep up and run at least three times a week now that my workload is back to normal and I've got a running club to keep me honest. 

My goal - Run 31 miles in July - average of one mile a day.  I'm hoping to break my distance barrier and finally get more than 3.5 - really targeting 4.  We'll see though with this heat.  It intimidates me. 

I'm also hoping to get over my fear and just do it - Sign up for an official 5K.

Another challenge I'm pondering for myself:

A food challenge.  Each time I go to the farmers market, buy a food I've either never had or not had in ages and bring it home and try it.  I'm thinking kohlrabi, beets, stuff like that.  Some of my favorite foods now a days are things that I didn't start eating until the past couple of years (Swiss Chard and Kale), so I'm sure there is lots of other awesome stuff out there for me to try.

What do you think?  Would you like to hear about my food adventures if I do it?

~A

C...is for Change, Choice, and Challenge

I as prepared to write my C post for my A-Z blogging challenge, I realized there were just far to many C words I could write about.  So I exercised some control (he he, C) and limited myself to three to talk about today.

Change.

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”
― Mahatma Gandhi

Change is tough, change inspiring, change is well, change.  Changing can be great.  Whatever it is you want to change about yourself, set some goals and just do it.  In the past couple of years I've made a lot of changes to myself for the better I think.  I'm healthier - I eat more fruits and veggies, less processed foods, and drink more water.  I'm greener - I use ecofriendly cosmetics, grow some of my own food, buy local when I can, use efficient appliances and bulbs in the house, etc.  Change helps us become better people - the people we want to be.  The kind of person we admire.

One of my focuses recently is happiness.  I love, love, love (did I mention love?) Gretchen Rubin's book, "The Happiness Project."

I have a confession though.  I haven't read the entire book yet.  Oops.  Honestly, every time I start reading her book, I get so inspired to go out and do something.  Change for the better.  Do things to make myself happier.  Don't get me wrong, I'm a happy person, but I think we can all be happier.  That's the premise of the book.  It's great.  Pick it up, read it.  You'll probably have the same reaction as me.  I'd like to think I'll finish this book by the time her second one comes out in September.  Maybe. Just maybe.

Choice. We make so many choices in a day.  Some big, some small.  Some are so infinitesimally small that you probably don't think twice.  Others require lots of thinking, researching, planning, etc.  Most of those really small choices that don't require any thought are the hardest ones to change - they are habits, ingrained in us.  What we eat, drink, do on a regular basis.  Habits.  Being healthier and fitter can start with making small changes to the choices we make every day (Did you like that - I linked my C's). 

Some of the small choices I've made that have helped me change: Putting skim milk instead of whole milk or cream in my coffee, parking in the back of the garage to walk the extra distance, dancing while I cook sometimes (much to Little's dismay - No mommy, no dancing!), spending more time outside, starting a running club, etc.  Small choices you make every day can really add up.  Take the stairs verses the elevator. HUGE.  No soda. HUGE. Milk vs. cream - lots of savings.  Measuring out a portion of something verses aimlessly eating from the container. Now we're just talking crazy.

My point is, small changes really can add up to a huge change.

Challenge. I get it, really I do.  Some of us like challenge more than others.  Some of us are better at challenging ourselves.  Some of us strive on it.  Some of us need mental gold stars to give ourselves.  I'm ok, really I am.  I know I'm not alone - It's in Gretchen's book too.  She does the same thing. So there!

Anyway, if you are or aren't the type of person who likes a challenge, I really CHALLENGE you to set goals for yourself that well, challenge you to go beyond your current limits.  Run farther, go faster, change (did it again), make a choice, go somewhere you've never been, do something that scares you, etc.  Challenge yourself.  You can do it.  And if you fail - what's the big deal? Pick up and try again.  If you succeed, give yourself a gold star and do it again.

I struggle with this one.  I try to challenge myself each day to do something, but sometimes I fail.  So I pick myself up again.  It's ok.  Failure is good, I promise.  Some of the greatest successes started out as failures.  I won't get into details about that though.

My personal challenge to you - Make one change or make one choice to become a fitter person.  See if it inspires you to make others.  And let me know how it goes!

My challenge that I successfully completed for the day - I ran this morning.  In the heat (It scares me).  It was almost 80 degrees.  I originally wanted to set a distance, but instead of set a time - 30 minutes.  Run for thirty minutes without stopping.  I secondarily wanted to make sure I could still run 3 miles straight as it's been a while since I have with this cold and schedules and stuff (enough excuses Amber!).  Anyway, I went out around 9:30 this morning, ran 3.15 miles in 30 minutes - 9'33" per mile pace.  Both goals - check!  Challenge accepted!

~A

B...is for Beautiful, Body Image, Bananas, and Broccoli

To continue with my A-Z blogging challenge, let's move onto B.

I couldn't pick just one B word, so I'm doing a few.  Bare with me...ha ha, another B.

Beautiful and Body Image go together in my mind.  When I was thinking of B words I was originally going to do just Body Image and as I began to plan this post in my mind I started thinking about how difficult it is to maintain a healthy body image. We're all beautiful in one way or another, one shape or form - both inside and out.  I think it's time for us to recognize that and celebrate it.

(I love Dove's campaign around this)

Let's face it though - we all have things about our body we don't like.  What I'd like to encourage you to do and focus more on is the things you DO like about your body.  You better have at least one...if not, this should be your top priority.  Seriously though, instead of focusing on the bad, embrace the good. 

All too often we become obsessed with the bad - what we don't like.  I'd like to encourage you to flip your way of thinking and embrace the good.  Rather than gossiping with our girlfriends about how much we hate this or that about ourselves, why not change it up and talk about how much we love x part of ourselves.  I know - it's tough, we don't want to come off as conceited, but you really need to do it.  Here's how I'd suggest going about it - complement  your friends first.  Who doesn't love getting a complement?  Tell them their legs look good or you admire their arms.  Pretty easy right?  Then its a nice to transition into something like, "You know, I've always loved how toned my legs look.  Do you have any good tips for getting arms like yours?"  Then it stays positive.  Much nicer than "I wish my arms looked as good as yours."  Try it, please. 

So, in the essence of sharing, what do I like about myself?  Well, I like my legs - I'm good at maintaining nice muscle in my legs and they look good - or at least I think so.  Love my shoulders and arms - similar story - I think they look nice and healthy.  And, well as a chick, I'd like to admit that I'm kind of proud of the girls on my chest.  I'm happy with the size.  So there, a few things I like about myself.

But, that small nagging part of you always gets in the way.  The...I hate how my arms jiggle or this stomach...seriously?  Rather than always focusing on the negative, try to take action to get them to the state you want them to be - with the realization that you may not ever get them perfect, but better. 

I hate my stomach...always have.  After having a baby and gaining too much baby weight it was just worse. I'd give anything now a days to go back to the stomach I had pre-baby, but alas I cannot.  So instead, I do what I can to strengthen my core and let time try to heal the stretch marks and muscle.  Running has definitely helped.  Shirt on, I'm getting to a pretty OK place with my tummy.  Still not happy shirt off and you won't catch me in a bikini any time soon (or ever again perhaps), but I'm learning to accept it.  And the little was totally worth every mark.

I'd also like to take a moment to talk about being beautiful on the inside.  I was always a focus on the inside and being a good person type of personality.  I recognize that the outside changes, so I'd rather like who I am on the inside first and I'm pretty comfortable saying I like who I am, what I stand for.  If you can't say that, you definitely need to work on accepting who you are or becoming who you want to be before trying to change the outside - or do both at once, but understand that the inside really shapes the outside and persists over time.  Whether your giving or graceful, shy or outgoing, confident or glamorous...any characteristic - all beautiful in their own way and it's what makes you, well you.  Celebrate it.  Love it.

Moving on to my other B's.

Bananas.  In my attempts to be a greener, more ecofriendly person, I try to grow some of my own food and support local agriculture when I can.  But bananas are my vice.  I know they are flown from around the world and living in New England I'll never have a locally grown banana in my lifetime unless its so genetically modified I'd be scared to eat it.  So I continue to by and consume (in mass quantity) bananas because they are so good for you.  Lots of potassium.  (for more on how good for you bananas are, go here.) Yummy. Just yummy.  The little and I probably eat a good 10 - 12 bananas between us in a week.  Lately I'm in love with having banana smoothies.

Two of my favorites are:
Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie (saw this on Pinterest - thanks friends)
- 1 peeled banana (frozen or regular - your preference)
- 1/4 cup yogurt (Love me some Stonyfield Banilla)
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup milk (or more for your preference.  I do skim - Stonyfield again.)

Blend to creamy deliciousness.  Love this.  I've adjust it recently to tone down the peanut butter and sometimes I omit the yogurt when I'm in a hurry.  Other times I add cinnamon because it makes everything better, I promise.  Mmmmm.

My newest addition (as of just started yesterday):
Banana, Strawberry, & Kale Delight
- 1 peeled banana (I'm using regular)
- 1/2 - 1 cup sliced strawberries
- Some chopped Kale, stems removed (If you're new to greens in your smoothies, start with a little and work your way up).
- Milk

Blend until smooth.  Very yummy.  I'm new to adding greens to my smoothies, so I started small and did more today.  Can't taste them, I promise.  And I'm excited to say now I have a way to have veggies with my breakfast smoothie. :)  Healthy and nutritious.

Broccoli.  I love broccoli.  It's really my latest obsession.  I eat more than a pound a week.  It was great when the little was obsessed too, but alas she's moved onto cauliflower.  Broccoli has a ton of iron in it, which is probably why I'm craving it so.  (for more about why broccoli is good for you, go here.) I can't seem to eat it raw though, so I saute it with a little butter and olive oil.  It's Smart Balance Butter, it's ok, really. :) 

Thankfully the farm down the road grows it and has the most delicious broccoli - shout out to Betsy's Stand.  I grew some in the garden for the first time this year.  Unfortunately the heat wave we had up here got it, so I didn't get much.  Maybe the next batch in the late summer/early fall will be better.  I need to find out what variety Betsy grows apparently.

I eat broccoli hot, I eat broccoli cold.  Salads, plain, with every meal.  I could write a Dr. Seuss like book about it.  Either way - it's a new obsession really since changing my eating style.  I told you you could become obsessed with and crave healthy things.  Living proof. Right here.

So that's my B's for fitness. 

~A

Been busy...

Sorry - not going to lie.  I've been busy so I haven't been blogging.  The little keeps me on my toes so I don't have a lot of free time at night to sit down and post updates.

However, I'm happy to report that I'm doing well on my fitness goals.  Since my last post I really focused in on eating better and running more.  I've lost almost ten pounds since January as of this morning.  Running wise I'm happy as can be.  After stalling under the 1 mile mark for what seemed like weeks, I finally busted through in May and now I can run a 5K (3.1 miles).  I haven't run an official 5K yet, but I've run several unofficial 5Ks around the work trails.

I also started up a running group on facebook comprised of some other local moms who run.  We're the Quiet Corner Running Group and we're up to 5 members.  We had our first run this past weekend and we did just shy of three miles.  So excited to have found some new friends!  And we get to run and encourage each other on our new journey to fitness.
So I'm thinking I'm not quite so unfit anymore.  I could definitely be fitter, but looking back at the past year...I'm pretty proud of where I've come.  If you told me a year ago I'd be able to run three miles I would have laughed.  Now I have my eyes set on running an official 5K and then going from there.  I'm not going to say I'll ever be a marathoner...but who knows what the future may hold.
So that's my quick update!
~A
PS - A big shout out and an "I'm so proud and inspired by you" goes out to my friend Michele over at Dodging Acorns as she's running her first 10K today.  You go girl!

Live a Little

So as part of my mental health fitness, I have been trying to read more.  I just finished up, "Live a Little" by Ali Domar.  Now, I've seen Ali speak two times in public and she's just fantastic.  A big proponent for Women's healthy and happiness. 

After seeing her speak the second time, I finally ordered her books - this one came first, so this was the first one I read.  And it's fantastic.

Basically the whole premise of the book is to not stress out about trying to be perfectly fit and healthy.  Imagine fitness and health as a U shaped curve...at the upper left hand side is the most unhealthy or unfit and at the upper right hand side is those super fit and healthy people we all (secretly hate) strive to be.  The authors suggest you try to be in the middles of the U - aka, be somewhat healthy and not stress out about being healthy.  I like it.

My other favorite parts of the book are where they take the time to research some of the "better known" healthy advice we get to see where the studies come from.  For example, the 5-7 servings of fruit and vegetables per day - NEVER scientifically proven that makes you more healthy.  What they found was people who state they eat more produce tend to be healthier, but the number wasn't scientifically measured. 

My other favorite was the getting 8 hours a night of sleep.  Again, the tests they use to come up with this recommendation...not really good enough to base that recommendation on.  Also, the fitness chapter had two sides since the authors disagreed, but it was still really interesting.  Made me realize I might be fitter than I think. 

Pretty interesting.  It's quite a good read...If you have any health tips you stress out about, it's really good because it kind of gives you the real science behind it and gives you a reason to not stress.  It was a quick read, so I'd highly recommend it.

Until next time,
A

Gadgets for the on the go fitness

I've recently started re-using the app on my smart phone - MyFitnessPal.  It's also a website if you don't have or want apps.  It's really nice because I input my weight, my goal, my timeline, style, etc. and it gives me the daily caloric intake to meet my goals.  Then I can really easily track all of my food intake - I can do a search or if I have a package handy, easily scan the bar code.  Works really well.  You also track your water and cardio as well to get a net calorie goal.  Pretty sweet and simple.

I've got my eye on this cool product - www.striiv.com This pedometer/fitness tracker is right up my alley.  You get credits for working out that you can donate to charity to buy water or vaccines for other countries or you can save rain forests.  It also has some cool games on it you get credits for by exercising/activities.  I think I'll ask for it for my birthday. :)

I also have to say I am really using my iPod more lately.  Put on a nice, fast mix of music and head out for a walk or run.  It really helps keep the pace up and makes for good goals - I'll run until this song is over verses stopping now. :)

Until next time!
~A

And walking, and walking...

I thought my last post might inspire a few comments...but alas no.  I have one follower - Hi R!  Hopefully you're reading my posts when I post...for the rest of you "lurkers"...follow me already.  Make me feel good.

Anyway.  So I was a good little trying to be fit mommy and remembered my pedometer today.  Guess who got to 10K steps again?  This girl!!!  Yay!  I ran again at lunch.  I really pushed myself in the beginning and got more distance in.  But it was hot and humid, so I took the rest of the run really easy and did a lot more walking.  Finished up my running area and was only at around 5,500 steps, so I took the long loop again and walked more. 

It's so funny - I still find myself trying to find excuses not to run or to just walk, but I think this blog and having bad days thinking about myself really keep me going.  I really hope the more I do this, the more of a habit it becomes vs. feeling like work...still don't have a plan for cooler weather and rain for getting in the 10K steps...I guess I could walk around all the floors of the building and explore...

Did well eating today despite my high stress level and anxiety and the little G being a cranky face tonight and this morning.  Lots of veggies.  I really need to get to the farmer's market tomorrow though - running very low on produce in the house and need more selection.  Plus I'm way overdue for a grocery shopping trip.  It's sure easier to eat healthy and plan meals in advance when you have a lot more on hand.

Still finding that I'm really thirsty.  Now that I'm getting in more exercise, I'm drinking a lot more - way more than 64 ounces.  But I feel better and my skin is starting to not look so my like a teenager's.

Until next time,
Amber

Just keep walking...

Wow...I'm kind of sad I got no love for meeting my goal...no comments congratulating me?  :(  I think I need more followers or something.  Follow me people...comment.  Keep me accountable!  If not, it's just me and I'm not sure how long I'll keep it up if I don't feel like I'm impressing someone or someone is actually interested in what I have to say.

Anywho - so the day after meeting my goal, I not only met my goal again, but surprised it with an impressive 12,600+ steps.  I know, I know - I deserve an award or something.  It was actually easier than the day before - I just made sure to make more trips up and down the stairs - had to keep up my hydration you know since I was working out more and burning more calories, I'm apparently needing more water since I'm rather thirsty all day.

Then rather than running (I'm taking two days off between running days to heal appropriately), I decided to talk a couple of walks.  It was rather nice out so I got in two walks.  Very nice.  Then I came home and ran around with the kiddo.  Fun times!

Unfortunately for me, today I forgot my pedometer at home so I was forced to try and gauge my steps myself.  I didn't get to go up and down the stairs as much as I wanted, so I took a longer walk than normal after working on some stressful projects at work.  I then came home and ran around with the kiddo some more.  I don't think I got 12,000 steps and I'm not even sure about the 10,000, but I feel pretty good.  And got in way more steps than I would have just a few days ago.

Of course, I didn't eat as well today as I could have, but I'm getting better.  I feel like I have really good eating days and some not so good, but I'd still like to think I eat better than a lot of people most days so that follows my 80/20 rule and works for me.

Until next time,
Amber

Walk the walk...

I know...you guys have been waiting all day for my  updates...First off, I apologize, I was too crazed at work and spent my free time walking instead of blogging.

So, by 10 am I thought I was off to a good start - already up to 2,500 steps or so.  Unfortunately, I got stuck on a conference call for two hours so by noon I was only up to 3,000 steps.  Seemed pretty pathetic since by that point I had walked up to the fourth floor using the stairs already three times and down two times in addition to the walk in the building since I parked in the back of the lot.  Yikes...

So, I also decided today would be a good day to jump back into running - figured that would help my stress level and get my step count up right?  So according to MapMyRun.com my trail was about 1.2 miles - the one I normally run/walk.  I pushed myself harder than normal and as I got towards the end I checked the pedometer...big yikes...not even up to 6,000 steps...So I decided to do a longer loop and walked most of the way and ran a tiny bit more.  By the time I went in I was up to 8,000 steps.

Went up and down the stairs two more times - had to get water. :)  Gotta keep up that hydration.

By the time I left work I was up to 9,600!  Yay!

Get home, run down to the garden with G to pick some veggies - gotta keep eating healthy right?  Run around with her a while.

Just now sat down to blog and update...

11,091.

Wahoo!!!! 

Not only did I finally meet my goal of 10,000, I actually achieved my stretch goal of 11,000.  And I'm pooped. 

I think I pushed myself too far though...I'm in quite a bit of pain.  My knees and ankles hurt.

It was quite challenging to get to 10,000.  I'm really surprised how much work it was.  If I don't run, I figure it will take quite a bit of effort, we'll see though.  Hopefully I'll be able to keep it up.

Ironically, with the extra running and hydration today, I found myself craving veggies...green, yellow, red.  So I added cauliflower, broccoli, and yellow squash to my dinner tonight.  Then I was still craving red so I made a small dish with red sauce.  So I definitely got my veggies in between that and lunch.

Fruit is a bit lacking though...so I'm going to go have a small bowl of ice cream for dairy and some strawberries and walnuts.  Mmmm, mmm good.

Until next time,
Amber