Training for a Spartan Super: Progress is progress

It's been almost a month since the Spartan Sprint and I've been doing pretty well with nutrition and exercising.

However, for some odd reason, I'm slowly craving for something (food) but I can't put my finger on what. I am pretty sure it would be something unhealthy but as soon as I consider it, I'm thinking that I've gone 4 weeks of literally eating clean that why should I cheat?

Another thing that was shared with me was that someone inquired if I was on a diet again. I shook my head and truthfully told them it isn't a diet but decided to change my eating habits as well as changing the way that I exercise.

I'm sitting at my desk and looking at a picture of myself a year ago after hiking up Koko Head trail and I noticed that my stomach is bigger in there regardless of the exercising and running I was doing then because I was eating in "moderation". So, I'm a believer that nutrition plays a vital role if you want to be healthier physically and mentally.

One thing I do regret is not taking a picture of myself one month ago unless I use the picture from my pre-muddy spartan race photo to compare with a current picture. I'll do that and post that up later. But, for now, I'm pretty pleased that I've been able to be consistent and determined.

Nutrition
Water...lots of water (and sometimes I'll add a slice of lemon)
Fruits
Clif protein bars for snacks / recovery
Beef, chicken or pork (baked, boiled or grilled) with herb seasoning
Veggies
Poultry (egg whites)

I believe what made the transition easier is the fact that I've engaged my family into changing our eating habits and they have been supportive of the change in what we eat.

Exercising
I've been basically running 1-3 miles every other day with beginner's crossfit workouts and October I am going to begin the suggested Spartan Super workouts to train that is geared for individuals training to race a Spartan Super.

Continue to keep me in prayer? Thanks

Training for a Spartan Super Training: My Next Level

Determination, perseverance and consistency are the three main words that pushes me as I continue on my journey for the Spartan Super.

I just signed up for the Warrior Dash since it has always been on my fitness bucket list ever since they came to Hawaii in 2012. I'm wishing I could do it for timing but there were a lot of family and friends that were willing to sign up! It's okay-my goal is still the Spartan Super in 2014. 

I've been consistently exercising as well as changing my eating habits as you may have noted in my previous blogs. 

But, I'm preparing for the next level of fitness because all this time, I've only been incorporating what I've done with my former boot camp classes because my trainer's workouts are aligned with Spartan Race workouts. However, I just downloaded the Spartan Race eBook (helloooo, why didn't I do this sooner?!) and they provide a workout plan as well as the philosophy behind Spartan Race.

I love the fact that the Spartan Race is more than just an "obstacle race". It's a lifestyle change, which I've inputted my own perspective to fuel me. It's like my walk with God. To be what God has called me to be and to show my heart is always with Him (like maintaining a healthy lifestyle not just for obstacle racing), I need to prepare myself (daily devotions), plan (read my Bible), and daily exercise (live by speech and actions).

There is no way that you can take a hiatus from either because you'll fall off the wayside (backslide) and that is way more harder to get back on track. Granted, it's doable to return but why do you want to do that when all you have to do is continually maintain physically, mentally and spiritually?

Taking it to the next level. I'm looking forward to what God has in store for me.

Spartan Tough

What am I eating???

I'm on this new goal plan to achieve as close as I can get to be ready for the Spartan Super (or is it the Super Spartan???) for next year in Hawaii.

I am finding or it's coming back to memory from all the times that I've watched what I ate that once you have your mind set, it is easier to stay on track then succumbing to the cravings. For example, yesterday, I didn't pack my lunch or buy my breakfast (boiled eggs and bacon) and have my snack ready (pineapples and papaya), which I was starving by lunchtime. In fact, I consumed majority of my  peanut butter Clif Bars and then my chicken fajitas (no tortilla) with green beans and corn (fail on the corn). Since I was starving and not consistently eating every 2-3 hours...I was thinking of cookies, cake, ice cream, Doritos. But, thank goodness, I didn't indulge in it because I would have been really upset with myself.

I'm typing away at my desk and on the side of my keyboard, I've printed a list of Paleo Food List that was provided by another blogger. At least I can say it is doable. However, I'm kind of sad that I have to say goodbye to Ketchup. I love ketchup. Can I cheat with ketchup? It's just a little that I use. But then again...probably I can be like my dad and what he used to put onto his rice, spam and eggs. It wasn't ketchup...it was just tomato sauce.

Anyhow, about two weeks has passed since the Spartan Sprint and slowly I've been making changes here and there especially with what I've been eating. I've been making sure that fruits are bought as well as lean chicken breasts (I think I need to incorporate more beef (lean) because my family is probably thinking they are about to bloom out some feathers).

I haven't been drinking any soda, however, I believe I need to cut down on my Gatorade because that is a lot of sugar. ALOT of sugar. Or wait...on the list it just says sugary soft drinks. I know, I KNOW. I shouldn't be compromising. Time will tell and progress is progress plus I'm still learning on the healthy side of eating.

Another thing that is good about watching what I eat is that I am not going to consider it dieting nor am I going to be drastic. I'm happy to say that half of the stuff on this list is what I have already been eating for awhile and the list is quite doable. It's tasty and it's healthy. I'm just somewhat concerned because some wheat products are eliminated even the complex carbs plus I'm thinking of that whole grain cinnamon and raisin bread that will now sit forever in my freezer that I purchased from Down to Earth.

The best part of all this change in eating habits and incorporating healthier methods is that my family is supporting me on this all the way and do not mind what I've been choosing with me knowing I need to incorporate other meats like beef and pork to spice things up a bit, you know?

Happy Eating!