Plans & Goals

After a month of no legitimate, breaking-a-sweat, type of workouts - it's hard to get back to it! I was pumped up all day, until the second we walked through the door last night. I felt as though I was walking the plank as I headed to my room to put my workout gear on.  I knew it was going to suck. I knew I was extremely out of shape and it was not going to be enjoyable.

I was right. It did in fact suck. Until I had finished, then I felt absolutely amazing. There is no greater stress reducer than a great workout in my opinion. One 30 minute sweat sesh and I felt like the weight of the world had lifted off my shoulders.

Originally, my "where do I go from here?" plan consisted of T25 for the workouts with running thrown in. The boys gave me T25 for Christmas, and I haven't gone more than one week healthy since then in order to complete the program. This was my chance!

So, I put it in the DVD player and it took me all of 3 minutes before I remembered that you spend a good 90% of the workouts on your toes. Normally, this is great - work those calves! But, on a broken toe? Not so great...

I pushed through the workout though. I had to modify a few of the moves and threw my shoes off the last 8 minutes. But, I survived. I can handle some discomfort for 30 minutes, but I had to get real with myself last night. T25 is not going to work right now while my toe is still healing. Back to square one on the fitness front...

I contemplated several different options last night before it hit me: Jillian Michael's Body Revolution. This is the program that started my weight loss this time last year. This is the program that had me motivated and I saw amazing results with it. Why not repeat it? So that's what I'm going to do. JMBR Round 2. I'll be upping my weights and modifying for my toe as needed.

Normally, I work out at night after work. I want to work on changing that to mornings. Wyatt is up at 5 every morning, anyways. I just need to push myself to get moving and get the workout out of the way. My hope is by doing the workout in the morning, it will give us more time to get runs in after work on nice days. Wyatt looooves going for a run in the jogging stroller.

So, that's my fitness plan.

Nutrition is going to be very clean. I'm going to be doing a 21 Day Fix/Grain Free hybrid if you will. Basically, very clean eating while eliminating grains. I'm not going to be counting calories. Honestly, I've counted enough calories in my life that I have a vague idea of where I lie on any given day. Calorie counting doesn't work for me. I hate it and it actually hurts my progress. If calorie counting is what works for you, that is awesome! I'm just sharing what works/doesn't work for myself, personally.

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{GOALS} - April/May

I need some goals in my life right now. Something to keep me focused...

1. 20 pound loss by Wyatt's birthday party May 31st.

 First off, this sounds a bit high, yes. But please remember, I've been on prednisone almost non-stop for months. I've retained a lot of water. The first bit of weight  loss will be from the meds, not fat loss. Just a little something to keep in mind. 

Secondly, that's 10 pounds a month. A little steep, but definitely not an unhealthy number.

2. Morning Workouts 3 days a week

3. At least 1 lunch run, 1 after work run, and 1 weekend run a week. I miss hitting the pavement and need to ease back into the running game

4. Wheat Free - I'm challenging myself to 21 days 100% wheat free to start - no cheats.(I'm officially starting this tomorrow so my weekly check-ins line up with Wheat Belly Wednesday)

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I'm also changing my weekly weigh-ins to Wednesday so that I can update everything all at once. I haven't weighed yet, but promise I will be in the morning. I wish I could say I was looking forward to it... but, I feel more like having a panic attack. Things can only go up from here! (well, except for the number on the scale... that can go down).

Core Power Winner & Motivation Monday: What I'm Doing Differently

Wendy

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Alisha

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Betty

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Brandi

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Gwen

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Jen

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Jennifer

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Morgan

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Theresa

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Tiffany

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It's time for Motivation Monday! Come link-up what you're going to do differently this year (or any motivation you need). Be sure to check out all the amazing co-hosts for some extra motivation and ideas!

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First things first, we have a winner for the Core Power giveaway!Caitlin Ann check your email and congratulations! 

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What I'm Doing Differently This Year

 2013 was the year I reinvented who I wanted to be. 2014 will be the year I become that person.

I suppose this topic really is just a continuation of last week's Motivation Monday, but it's a good thing to think about. As I'm sure all mother's can related to some extent, when I became a mother, I lost a small piece of myself. I gained so much more, but those loses still took their toll.

At 8 months pregnant I found out I was going to be a single mother. The following day I was put on strict bedrest. My world was crashing down around me. Nothing I had hoped and planned for was coming to pass and while an exciting time, it was also a difficult time. I had a week long labor with emergency c-section, my body started failing me after delivery, Wyatt ended up with severe jaundice and I went back to a very demanding job, baby in tow, before he was even 2 weeks old. 

Things have come a long ways since then. All has been forgiven and Wyatt has the best daddy in the world. When I reference that time in my life, I'm not saying he abandoned us, he didn't. I just want that to be clear. However, I spent that first year in survival mode. Forgetting who I was and what I wanted. This past year I took time to start and pick up the pieces and make sense of everything. Slowly, throughout 2013, I started to remember who I was and most importantly who I wanted to be.

For me, 2014 is about becoming and embracing that person. Last year, I took steps outside of my comfort zone. I plan to do even more of that this year. I plan to laugh and love more. To live more in the moment and slow everything down.

When it comes to the health and fitness side of things, there are several small changes I want to make this year. Throughout the Fit 4 Christmas Challenge, I took a risk and stopped counting calories and finally saw some success. I've found counting calories to actually hurt my weight loss efforts. I'd obsess over that number and justify extra splurges. 2014 is going to be about balance and listening to my body. Portion control and just being mindful of what I'm fueling my body with.

As far as workouts go, I will be adding a lot more running. It's an amazing stress relief for me. Weights and circuit training will continue as always, although increasing in weight. 

REST days! Boy, have I learned the importance of these. I've over trained one too many times through the past year resulting in far too many injuries. I hope to incorporate some yoga and extensive stretching at least once a week. 

So there you have it; my changes for the new year! What do you plan to do differently? Come link up!

Motivation Monday: New Year Goals

 Finally getting back into some normal blogging - just in time for the Motivation Monday link-up. We have some new team members, so be sure to jump around and check them out today.

Wendy,
Alisha,
Betty,
Brandi, Gwen, Jen, Jennifer,
Morgan,
Theresa

We're trying out something a little different for 2014 and will have weekly "themes" for the link-up. Don't let the theme keep you from linking up though. Share anything motivational with us!

 

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New Year: New Me. 2014 is going to be my year. I've said that to myself in many years past, but I know it to be true this time. I have never looked into a new year with so much excitement and anticipation. There are big things coming to me and mine this year and I can't wait to share it all with you as things come to pass.

For as long as I can possibly remember, I've always been a big goal-oriented person. My parents engraved that into our brains as kids. Every year, on New Year's Eve, we would sit down and make goals for the new year. I'd always do awesome for a few months then fall off course. Yeah, we've all been there.

The past couple of years, I've barely noticed the New Year come and go, let alone taken time to sit down and think about what I'd like to accomplish. Honestly, I have missed it. I know there are many that disagree with the resolution concept. I am not one of them. Resolutions give me a sense of purpose and accomplishment and I need that back in my life. So, I have been thinking hard over the past week about what I want to achieve in 2014:


1. My motto through out all of 2014:

If you follow me on IG, I touched on this a bit recently. I made some strides in 2013, but one thing that I still struggle with is comparing myself to others. Constantly wanting to be as good or better than so and so. And far too often, getting down on myself when I can't. When reality is, true success comes from concentrating on one's self. Striving to be better than you were yesterday. Working to beat your own demons, PR's, goals... whatever that may be. So, if you are following along my journey, be prepared to hear about this throughout the next year!

2.  Reach goal weight (138).

3.  Less electronics/social media. More family. (I'm pretty good about this, but there is always room for improvement)

4. Run 300 Miles for Dakota (That's 200 more than 2013!)

5. Run in at least (2) local, official, 5K races

6.  Find a Cerebral Palsy Virtual 5K race for Dakota & organize free virtual 5K just for him

7.  Lupus Virtual 5K

8. Complete T25

9. Swimming lessons for Wyatt. (As a former lifeguard that had to rescue one too many times, this is a huge  priority for me).

10.  A new home

11. Journaling - Letters to Wyatt (more on this to come).

12. Save!!

13. Run 8 consecutive miles

14.  Summer Hike

If you are looking for a way to stay on track with your health and fitness goals, come join my accountability group on Facebook HERE. Everyone is so encouraging and we will be doing mini challenges throughout the year.

January's Challenge: Burpees! Try not to hate me too much by the end of January...

Fit 4 Christmas - Week 2 Workout Schedule

I started the week off strong yesterday!

Water - Check
Healthy Eats - Check
Workouts - Check

We have a bit of a warmer week until the snow returns, so I'm taking advantage of it and getting some miles in on my lunch breaks. Yesterday was a short 2 miles. I'm still struggling to get my consistent 9.5 pace back after the illness. For now, I'm contributing it to cold air hitting my lungs and tightening my muscles.

The evening brought JMBR Disk 7 (shoulders, chest, triceps, abs) followed by day 2-4 of the ab challenge. I learned a little something last night: days are not as easily made up with abs as the squat challenge. It was rough, but I got through them, with the help of my workout buddy. The added 35 lbs crawling all over me made for an extra good ab workout. I was expecting to wake up extremely sore, but it hasn't hit... yet. 

Even Wyatt was pooped afterwords...

This week's workout schedule:

Monday

2 Mile Run
JMBR Disk 7
Abs

Tuesday

3 Mile Run
Abs
*Possibly JMBR Disk 8. Might be moved to Wednesday

Wednesday

 3 Mile Run
Abs
JMBR Cardio 3 OR Disk 8

Thursday

JMBR Disk 7
HIIT
Abs

Friday 

JMBR Disk 8
Week 3 Mini Challenge

Saturday

Insanity
HIIT
Week 3 Mini Challenge

Sunday

Week 3 Mini Challenge

If I put it out there for everyone to see, that means I have to stick with it - right?

Fail to Plan - Plan to Fail

You can make as many goal and wish lists as you'd like, but you will never accomplish them without a plan. Failing to plan is planning to fail. I lost sight of this simple statement over the past month.

In the past I had all my meals planned. There was never any question as to what was for lunch or dinner. My kitchen was stocked with healthy options: easy peasy. Then, life got stressful and I made it even  more stressful by forgetting to plan ahead. When you get home from a 9-10 hour day at work and realize you didn't thaw the chicken for dinner, odds are you're going to go for whatever is quick and convenient. That's exactly what I'd been doing.

It reminds me of the "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie" book. Please tell me you have read this book, otherwise you need to relive your childhood. Brad had never heard of it.. whaaat?! I digress...

If you give a mouse a cookie, he's going to want a glass of milk. If you are fueling your body properly, you're going to have a stronger desire to workout and vice versa. Right? I was stuck in this "eat like crap/feel like crap" viscous cycle.

Well, I'm breaking out of that. I've set my goals for Fit 4 Christmas, and am working on a plan to achieve them.

{ONE}

Stick to my workout plan. NO EXCUSES

I'm scheduling workouts 2 weeks at a time according to the weather man (which seems like a waste since he's usually wrong). I refuse to run in anything below 20°, thank you very much.

{TWO}

Meal plan. No fast food, no junk (well... until my small slice of pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving, because that WILL happen)

{THREE}

I want to be back to my lowest (168) by Thanksgiving.

{FOUR}

162 by the close of the challenge. That means I will have to hit a 2 lb loss a week through December, which isn't always easy at this point in the game. But, it's not impossible by any means. I want a challenging goal for those last few weeks to keep me in check on Thanksgiving and with all the holiday treats.

{FIVE}

Push myself, but don't be too hard on myself either. Positive self talk. I struggle with this... I think we all do at times.

I hope you all have some goals in mind for the challenge. Get specific and really challenge yourself. You want to lose weight? Okay, how many pounds by December 20th? You want to lift more or run further? Then how much? What are you going to do to achieve these goals?

JMBR Disc 8 - Is She Serious?

Hope everyone had a great weekend! 

This weekend was really great for me. I got back to my workouts and eating clean and I feel great again. Speaking of my workouts, I should have been moving on to Phase 3 of JMBR today. But I'm not. I haven't been able to give weeks 7 & 8 my full effort. My workouts have been sporadic, and my eating has been horrible. I want my progress and before/afters to truly reflect what the program can do, and I haven't been following it as I should the past two weeks. So, I am re-doing them. 

Speaking of weeks 7 & 8, can we talk about disc 8 for a second? Oh.my.gosh. First off, butt kicks WHILE doing weighted bicep curls? Is this a joke? Secondly, Circuit 3 would fall under the cruel and unusual punishment category. You start in a deep crescent position and do rear delt flies. I have no way to take pictures of myself doing this, so it looks something like this... 

Clearly, a little imagination will be necessary here. Then, you go straight into warrior 3, WITH the weights. 

And you hold that position for an eternity while your shoulders are completely on fire. Once you're near death, you repeat both sets on the opposite leg!  Then, about the time you 're ready to curl up on the floor in a little ball and cry, it's time for a whole minute rock star jumps! Oh, goody! You think you're finally done with this circuit of torture, when Jillian reminds you that you get to repeat the entire thing all over again. Thanks, Jill! At one point during the circuit, she says something completely asinine to the effect of "this may be the hardest circuit in weeks 7 & 8." Really, Jill? Really? I think we've figured that out by now. 

Lets just say, my hate of Jillian is far out weighing the love at the moment. It's possible I spend the entire time in warrior 3 telling her how much I hate her. 

Now for...

1. Do not weigh-in. I want to take a two week break from the scale.

2. Back to tracking food on MFP

3. Get a few runs in for extra cardio.

And of course, it's Monday so...

I was out of town for last week's Motivation Monday, so you can find the post I would have shared HERE about a breakthrough run I had.

Weekly Weigh-In and Goals

Yesterday was my weigh-in and the scale loved me this week! I'm down 3 more pounds for a total of 18 since I started JMBR. Yesterday also marked the start of week 7. Holy cow does Jillian step things up every two weeks! That is my favorite thing about the program though. Every time you start to get bored with it, or they start to get easier, you progress to bigger and better things.

Wyatt loves it too. So if you don't believe me about how great it is, believe him. He says he is "stong."

He "works out" with me nearly every day. I try to get my workouts in first thing in the morning, although sometimes it doesn't happen until we get home from work/daycare. One of my excuses for not getting my health under control was that I didn't want to lose precious time with him. He gets up for the day by 5am at the latest. I'm too exhausted to work out after he goes to bed, and there is no way this girl is getting up at 3:30 am by choice. Once I made my work-outs a priority, my only option was to include him. They may not be as effective doing it this way, but it's better than nothing at all. We make it fun and Wyatt even throws a fit when it's over. Mama gets her work out in, Wyatt is learning a healthy lifestyle early on, and we both enjoy it (well, I think he enjoys it a bit more than me). Win-win-win.

Moving on to our busy week ahead ... My little brother graduates from high school on Thursday! Which means a road trip. We leave Wednesday afternoon for our 7 hour drive. Oh goody. There's nothing like having a toddler cooped up in a car for 7 hours. However, it will be nice to see lots of friends and family! 

I'm a bit nervous for the trip. Not cooking for myself, and a hectic schedule will be challenging in the weight-loss department. I'm not setting my sights too high this week. My goal is to not gain. I will be happy with that. Which brings me to...

As I mentioned earlier, this week is going to be a bit different since we're going on a little trip. Mom's home cookin', and graduation celebrations that are sure to consist of amazingly delicious not-so-good for you barbecue and desserts is going to make it a challenging one. 

#1 Don't Gain: Normally I shoot for 2 pounds a week. This week I will be perfectly happy if that scale stays the same. I'm going to work for a loss, but I'm staying realistic here.

#2 Run: I love running, or I used to. However, there aren't many opportunities for that these days with the little man around. So, I want to go for at least a 3 mile run while we are staying with family. That is what Grandma's are for. 

#3 Drink Water: I do great with this during the work week. I have a desk job, so my water bottle is right in front of me. It's a different story on the weekends though. I just don't think about it. Since I have an extra long "weekend", but goal is to still drink my water. 

Happy Monday! (Riiiight)

The Long and Winding Road

When I started this journey, I had only one goal in mind. My final "goal weight." I had a general idea of when I wanted to reach this ultimate number on the scale, but I hadn't gone any deeper than that. As it turns out, it's much harder to lose weight when you're a mom.

I've mentioned this briefly in a previous post, but I lost a decent amount of weight pre-baby. I didn't document weight or measurements well, so I don't recall the exact amount I lost. More than likely, it was between 50-70 pounds.

The left is me at my heaviest (pre-baby and well covered up, as I always was). I would say I'm pushing 200 there. The right is near the lowest I ever remember being in my life, in the mid 140s. 

I slowly regained 20 pounds throughout 2010 before getting pregnant with Wyatt. 

Note to self: it's a lifestyle  change. You don't stop living a healthy lifestyle just because you can fit in a size 4 or 6.

Sadly, I don't have one single photo of my pregnancy. A decision that devastates me and will probably haunt me for the rest of my life. I was disgusted with myself. Disgusted that after a year of hard work and dedication, I got myself back to that point. Instead of taking control of things during my pregnancy, I ate whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. Bed rest did not help that situation either.  I gained roughly 50 pounds in those 9 months. 

Life has its twists and turns - and mine took a drastic change (beyond being a newly expectant mother) shortly before "d-day". I was put on bed rest at 8 months pregnant, had a very difficult birth ending up in emergency c-section, found myself newly single, a new mom, and had to return to work with my 1 week old newborn. I don't remember much about that time. It truly is a blur. We made it through, but needless to say, I didn't "have time" to work out or eat healthy (or so I convinced myself). 

I gave myself until Wyatt's first birthday. Once he turned one, it would be sooo much easier (or so I told myself.) The past year was the year of illnesses, no joke. Wyatt has had well over 10 ear infections in the past 16 months, among other illnesses and followed by a broken bone or two..

October 2012

I used these things as excuses. (Ok, well the two months I spent trying to get over pneumonia wasn't an excuse, that was legit) Excuses to be lazy and miserable. Which, by the way, why do we look for excuses to stay miserable?? Ridiculous.

Finally, this past Spring, I'd had enough excuses and I took control. I assumed it was warmer weather, we're healthy, it will be a breeze this time of year. (Once again, thinking temporary and not lifestyle). It's only two months in and I've had a few health setbacks already. This has caused me to miss a total of 3 weeks of workouts. The old me would have given up and told myself "maybe next year." But not this time. This time I'm determined to meet my goals.

However, I'm realizing this week that I need more than one "ultimate" goal. So, as silly as this sounds, my goal this week is to come up with some short term goals. 2013 will be my year! ;)