Throw back on a Saturday Afternoon

Going through my facebook albums and I look at My Journey album because a post from Chicked Nation page inquired if there were any transformation stories. 

When I look at my pictures, I counted back and realized since 2011, I was on a roller coaster journey. I have to share that if I didn't join a boot camp class (SOHI Fitness) that kicked my butt and challenged me, I probably would have become complacent again but my trainer's concept was no excuses. 

So, here is a throw back of my journey that I hope will inspire you in some way to be healthier and go further than you ever imagined. 

August 2013 was my first OCR race ever. I was already on a journey to be fit since 2012 but not really putting in any effort until accomplishing that Spartan Race in Aug 2013 woke me up again because I barely trained for that race. This not only woke me up to be healthy but to be a better person overall. I cleaned up my eating and started learning about workouts and what it means to be healthy. I started signing up for running events to keep me on my toes till the next Spartan Race (March 2014 and August 2014). Within one year, I completed 13 races (Spartan Super and Beast being my last two), which included my first marathon and a half marathon. It may not seem like much to an avid runner but I never did this much races ever. I never was an athlete in high school. I had 4 kids right after high school. My heaviest was 217 and now I'm 160. Am I faster? No, I'm still a slow runner/walker just enjoying the race / health journey. As of today, I'm training for my 2nd marathon, half-marathon and upcoming Spartan Races in 2015.

You're cramping my run

I am pretty sure everyone who runs or races has experienced the dreaded cramps that makes your toes curl and slows down your running to where all you can think about is that you will not be making it in the time that you intended to finish with to crush your previous PR.

The things that I will share in my blog is hindsight that I am hoping I've learned my lesson and will not repeat on my upcoming races.

I've researched about cramps and although there are articles out there that shares the possibility of cramps, there is no definite answer because it can be to undertraining, nutrition, weather or you are just blessed with the ability to have cramps cling to your calves.

Honolulu Marathon 2013
Before the Honolulu Marathon, I was training but not as much in the mileage as I should have to where I researched on what I can do to maintain fuel / hydration to bring me to the finish line. And thank goodness the Honolulu Marathon expo had great vendors there because I was introduced the brand zipfizz.

I almost bought there bottle too but my husband was with me, which later he shared he was surprised I didn't just purchase it because it was a deal (darn!).

Anyhow, I have to share that I liked it because it carried me through. From what I understand, you are to use this with your water and it helps you maintain every 4-6 hours. As I look back at the marathon, it was zipfizz along with the water/gatorade stations that helped sustain me along with me buying pretzels around  the 23 mile marker. The only thing I did not care for about zipfizz are their plastic containers. It's cumbersome (not that I wanted to carry 10 but still...)

Great Aloha Run 2014
2014 rolls around and the Great Aloha Run is waving at me quickly. That morning, I under prepared. I didn't tape up (KT my calves-mistake #1) nor did I bring all of my NUUN tablet drink because I only poured it in my two little bottles that were attached to my waist pack (mistake #2) while I carried watered down gatorade...WATERED DOWN GATORADE...

The experience I had with the Great Aloha Run was not funny at all because the timing was perfect until I hit mile 7. As soon as I slowed to take in sports beans and a drink, my toes curled on it's own. I thought it was my KT tape coming undone but it wasn't. It was my toes curling on its own because my body was already dehydrated (it was muggy and I was pissed because my husband ran ahead of me despite the fact that I told him to run ahead earlier in our run). What further aggravated me was the fact that mile 7 is all hill and I was afraid of tearing my calf muscle if I pushed myself faster than I should.

So, what should have taken 10-15 minutes for me to get to Aloha Stadium took me over an hour to where I didn't crush my previous PR and it left me in a foul mood because now I have to run the Great Aloha Run next year to redeem myself.

Spartan Race at Aloha Stadium
I didn't want a repeat of what happened at Aloha Stadium, so I carb-loaded and prepared my fuel/hydration for during and after the race. Let me just say that when you do obstacle racing, your body is working out way more than a regular run to where whatever you have stored in glycogen will deplete quickly if you do not fuel/hydrate well.

Well, I kept popping sports beans and drinking my zipfizz throughout the stadium but towards the run to the last spiral (down), my toes twitched and I was like, "Oh hell stinkin' NO". I managed to make it through the finish line but it floored me because throughout all this time while I'm running, my bladder was always full to where I would have to stop to use the bathroom. So, after the race, I'm still stumped on what happened to where I have come to the conclusion that it falls on me on how I trained and my nutrition intake:

• I am not taking enough nutrients in my body
• I am not training as I should be that would have minimized any injuries or setbacks if I did

I also posted on the Spartan Chick page as well as others giving me advice and the number one item people have been sharing is...mustard. Have you tried it? I haven't but I'm considering on having this in the pockets of my hydration pack to carry along during the Spartan Race.

Hindsight and planning for the future events

• Revamp my nutrition intake and plan smarter
• Revamp my training to endurance training that will take me out of my comfort zone

And I found another brand that I think I will try prior to the Spartan Race in August:

 

 

At least I can try this out prior to my half-marathon to see if my body takes well to this but I have a feeling that I am over-preparing in regards to these type of products when what I should be doing is focusing on training on strengthening those weak areas (calves).

 

Have you found something that works for you? Do share

Are you ready? Do what works for you!

 

You would think that getting fit would be simple. Watch what you eat and do some sort of physical exercise, right? Wrong.

It's like with anything that is poorly planned, if it is not well-thought of without a clear goal or vision in sight, it will fall to the wayside. Thus, the many roller coasters of fluctuating weight and forever keeping those bigger jeans "just in case".

When you read that last sentence I just wrote, it gives you a pause doesn't it? I'm pretty sure we are all guilty of doing that but this time...it's different. It's time to get rid of the bigger size "just in case" mentality and get rid of it. This time resolve to make a difference for a better and healthier YOU.

Yesterday, I was lazy. I simply did not want to run or do anything except take a nap as soon as my husband and I got home from the movies (I'm thinking it has something to do with the popcorn and hot dog as well as not really eating any lunch). However, I kept thinking in my mind, "You have four big race events coming up...you can't slack at all, woman. GET UP."

 

I dressed in my running gear and laced up. As I started running, I kept thinking about the half-marathon training plan. I don't know about you but there is a rebellious streak in me that says, "I want to do things my way." And that made me pause because it made me think about my previous post. There are some training plans that works for me, like SOHI Fitness training plan because she scaled it down to what worked for me without discouraging me. In addition, I shared with my husband, "I'm 42 years old. My body is not like how it was in my 20's or 30's. I have to train smart." He agreed.

What is training smart? As I shared in my previous blog post, know what works and what doesn't work for you. Training smart is listening to your body, noticing the aches and pains that is normally associated with getting older and planning on workouts that works for YOU.

Training smart also means nutritionally smart, which is learning how to research on foods (i.e., complex carbohydrates, protein) because what you eat..is it giving you the proper nutrition that your body eats or are you consuming food lacking in nutrients? Seriously, incorporate veggies, fruits, beef (lean), poultry, pork and fish (if you have to..I don't like fish).

Not every plan fits everyone. Not everyone knows how to plan. However, everyone within has a resolving spirit to dig in and be determined to make a change, make a move and go forward.

So, I'm sharing...if you're stuck in a rut and you feel as if you've been slacking despite that you've been running and exercising but you need to up the volume to get you into beast mode and sticking consistently, then you develop and stick to a plan that WORKS FOR YOU.

If you're unsure, here is a sample of a simple workout plan that I used when I first started working out back in August/September of last year:

Warm-up: Stretch 10-15 minutes

Run: 1-2 miles (comfortable pace)

Workout (3 sets of 10):
Overhead Squats 10 x 3
Push-ups 10 x 3
Sit-ups 10 x 3
Burpees 10 x 3

Cool down: Stretch 10-15 minutes

Note: I did this workout 3-4 days out of the week considering this was the beginning of getting fit. You don't want to do too much at the beginning to where you'll burnout or get discouraged.

Here's some food for thought of something that I read on Pinterest...if you maintain a routine for 3 weeks, it develops into a habit.

 

The Beginning

It's easy to say, "I'm going to get fit" but it is another thing when it comes to deciding when to start. If you've always been active or used to be athletic, you pretty much know the mindset of what to do and the attitude you have to have to get going.

However, what about the individual's who never was athletic in their younger days (childhood to young adults) but has now decided that it's time for a change?

Where do you start?

What do you do?

Meal planning (how much calories?)

For myself, I've fluctuated since the beginning of my pregnancies. And it's understandable because my mindset was to get back to a particular jeans size or to just look good according to society.

However, I guess the saying is true about the older you get, the wiser you become. And I'm hoping that this is it. I've finally gotten the "aha" moment of what it takes to begin your fitness journey.

Now, the first thing...nutrition. My recommendation is set up an appointment with a nutritionalist or dietician. If you're not into that, then I will say to eat in moderation. Cut out the soda, drink water. If you need a soda, start drinking sierra mist to get that carbonated feel. However, remember...there is so much sugar. And here is a tip especially for women who looks and feels bloated. Drinking carbonated drinks gives the bloated feeling (for me, that is). However, when I cut out soda last August after the Spartan Race, the bloating minimized.

So, rule of thumb for nutrition...seek a dietician. It's a smart way to start because you're getting professional guidance and you'll be monitored.

If you choose not to, begin eating in moderation. If you are one who likes to write things down...keep a food journal. You'll then notice what you eat and how you eat. If you're into iPhone or android, download the app, My Fitness Pal. It's a great way to log in what you eat and you'll see how much you are consuming.

By the way, if you are into calorie counting...please do not give a lofty goal of 1200 calories a day because that's not good especially you're incorporating exercising. You'll be burning off your daily intake calories to where you'll end up starving and then...you're body is on the hunt for food, which you may binge and eat junk food. Keep this in mind...your body is starving for NUTRITION not calories. Once you start researching nutrition. You'll find that all those junk foods are empty of nutrition.

Once you have that mindset of eating in moderation, you'll then begin to notice that you are starting to make healthier choices. For myself, it was gradual or I'd actually follow fitness enthusiasts on Instagram or I'd google fitness blogs for tips. And by moderation, I mean, limit your portions (instead of three servings...try to begin minimizing. Also, start replacing/substituting foods. For example, instead of white rice, eat brown rice. Start playing around with your menu. Instead of just a plain ole' chicken breast with salad, chop up that chicken and toss in colored bell peppers for some color and add in a dash of garlic salt. You can also toss up asparagus and mushrooms. Seriously, have fun with the meat and veggies. If you like fish (I don't), do the same as well. There are so much healthy, delicious recipes out there (especially on Pinterest!).

These are just a few tips from me that got me started especially when I started training with SOHI Fitness in Hawaii. My trainer gave some great tips that I followed to where my choices eventually became healthy.

Remember, you know who you are and what you can and cannot do. Don't limit yourself but push yourself a little day by day to where you'll eventually keep going without giving up.

Note: It takes 3 weeks of consistency before it becomes a habit :) Don't give up...keep going

The Honolulu Marathon (5th of 9th run to the Spartan Race)

 

Honestly, I don't know what to write about this experience except that I'm still reeling from the fact that I accomplished and finished a marathon by majority of walking.

 

Bragging rights has not set in and it is taking me over a week to share about this experience.

 

I thought I prepared okay because I honestly thought you can incorporate what you do in your shorter runs to a marathon. Not really unless you really prepare your fueling and keeping to your plan to avoid giving up especially when you "hit the wall".

 

I went according to the suggested list of must-haves while you are doing the marathon. I also invested in a great pair of running shoes to minimize any aggravation of my bunions. I also learned about taping that I know I will utilize on any upcoming runs.

 

My overall learning experience of a marathon:

• It never goes according to your plan
• Hydration is a must
• Gels and sports beans is a must-too
• Some people on the course actually bring food to eat along the way (I'm afraid to because I may have to use the bathroom that will be more than 2 miles away when my stomach rumbles)
• Satohap and vaseline are lifesavers
• Bring extra k-tape strips
• Don't throw away your sponge
• It's more mental than physical especially when you've "hit the wall"
• Core exercises is a must in your training plan
• Pretzels is great to munch on
• Mixing up your playlist with different genre's is a good idea (Note: Incorporating epic movie scores is awesome because it really digs deep into your soul dramatically like you're about to run Chariots of Fire)
• That long stretch from Kahala to Hawaii Kai is a really long stretch
• Dry-wick clothes is essential because it's light and will not chafe
• Your body is still burning calories after the marathon

26.2 freaking miles...I thought I could run the first mile, walk all the way to the 20 mile marker and run the last six miles. It didn't happen. I wanted to give up at the 20 mile marker. I felt like my hips were about to fall off. I had to do hip extensions every quarter mile. Seriously, I felt like my legs were going to pop off like Barbie's legs.

 

At the finish line, my family was congratulating me and all I wanted was the medal and t-shirt as well as my clothing bag because I was afraid that the marathon people were going to donate it since it was past 2:00pm.

 

I wanted to lay on the ground and cry for being such an idiot because who in their right mind does this kind of thing? Seriously! who DOES?

 

Well, as I think back to what I was thinking that day...I realize that I am that idiot as well as many others. Because now I am actually contemplating on doing a marathon. Well, to be better prepared and train a little more wisely.

 

But, I'm an idiot runner. Just kidding. I'm not an idiot. I thought I was an idiot but people who love to run has found something internally. A fire that burns within us to challenge ourselves to go beyond what we could imagine. It is a fire that lights up every day to just run for no reason. To sign up excitedly not just for a shirt but to accomplish and know that we can complete the run because it is no longer in us to give any less of ourselves.

 

I am now a runner. A crazy runner but a runner none the less who has completed 26.2 miles.

 

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

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!

Mind-set: Perspective, Choices and Determinations

I don't think I'm on a momentum high still yet from the Spartan Race because it has been one week since I completed the Spartan Sprint Hawaii race. 

But, it put something back into perspective especially when I've decided to train for the Spartan Super. 

It's making me take a hard look again on what I have allowed to come in the way of what is / is not a priority. 

It's not that I let myself completely go but it brought me to that point and going through the Spartan Race and finishing it made me realize that I needed to up my game.

What is interesting is this can be looked at in a person's walk with God. You can be consistently reading His word, attending church, etc. But you get distracted until a friend contacts you asking if you want to get together and before you know it-other things come along to distract you to where what was important has suddenly been placed on the shelf. 

And excuses with not going to church or doing your daily reading is pretty much like excuses with not exercising-it does not fool anyone. 

Last Sunday, I chose to do something that will change everything spiritually, physically and mentally. 

I'm going to train for the Spartan Super, however, I'm going to make sure it doesn't interfere with my relationship with God and my family especially my husband. 

If I can train then I know I have time for God and my family. This is where balance comes in to keep everything in perspective and realistic. 

Here are a few things that I've done:

1) my husband will help me train

2) Cleaned up my eating. I'm not incorporating cheat meals yet because I need to get my body use to the change. 

3) Created a schedule that will not take time away from my family or my ministries that I'm involved with

4) Resolved that if I can incorporate training-my devotions and time with God is my utmost and highest priority because without Him in my center is a setup for failure. 

I'll be keeping you posted on my journey with my Spartan Super Training.

Keep me in prayer

Funion Bunion, what?

It's 2:45am HST and I think I'm badgering myself mentally because I was not able to run the Nike Women's Half-Marathon because I aggravated a bunion on my right foot while I was in Baltimore because I ran and walked around a lot since we didn't have a rental and everything was within walking distance (half mile to two miles). My toe would be smarting and throbbing but I disregarded it to where I started hobbling around and the bony protrusion looked gross as if I was growing a talon!

My husband told me that I better get it checked out quickly as soon as I returned home (Hawaii).

During this time, I started becoming uneasy because I was a confirmed random drawing runner for the NWM 2013 DC Half-Marathon and I knew that my running time had to be within 4 hours to complete the half-marathon in order for me to receive a Tiffany necklace!

That's doable, right? Yes, if I didn't develop sharp, piercing pain, which I experience after running ONE mile that I noticed slows my run to more of a walk with a run mixed in because I'm accommodating the pain while trying to complete a run.

I timed myself with my garmin hoping that my pace of a walk/run will be under 15 minutes per mile (NWM half-marathon rules requires a walker/runner complete a mile in 15 minutes). My pace was remaining steady between 15.63-16.00 per mile because of the pain I experience in my right foot regardless if I tried to grit through the pain. I had to face the fact that this would not meet the NWM half-marathon rules.

When I visited my provider and the referred podiatrist...they both confirmed that I can still run the half-marathon...IF my run is NOT timed. I wanted to cry...I shook my head and told my provider, "It's a timed run and I'll be darned if I'm picked up and brought to the finish line."

After the podiatrist gently explained that my bunion is severe and the surgery that's required, he shared it is up to me on how well I recover during my recovery time-which meant that I can't force my recovery to speed up because I'm anxious to go running. He advised that I should make sure I'm fully recovered and brace myself mentally on the length to recover.

After walking away from that appointment, I have been researching and seeing if there is any other way. Sadly, I have to face the fact that my bunion is:

1) Severe

2) Throbbing and painful even after walking less than an hour

3) To put any type of run on hold until the latter part of next year

My concern over all this:

1) My healthy journey...will it be interrupted to where I'll become complacent and gain all my weight back

2) When can I exercise

3) What type of exercises can I do?

4) I need to make sure that I'm continually eating healthy especially when I'm recovering from surgery

All this because of one funion bunion...

Pray for me?

(Yes, I'm still agonizing that I didn't meet my goal of completing the NWM 2013 DC Half-Marathon but I do know that I can attempt to try again the latter part of next year or 2015)

Consistent

I'm sitting here after I ate three cinnamon rolls and a half glass of soda.

Yes, you read the intro right-I didn't have a healthy breakfast after my morning workout.

I think it's because my body still goes through the PMS phase despite the fact that I had surgery few years ago because I was having issues with my a non-stop menstrual cycle (I know...TMI)

Anyhow, back to me sitting on the couch and relaxing. I'm seriously contemplating on putting on running shoes this afternoon to go for an afternoon run...just because.

Never did think I would ever share that I love running but I do. Why?

1) It's a stress reliever. You find that as you start running off stress, it helps especially when you realize how far you've ran and you have to turn back to make it back home despite being tired. By the end of that run, you're so relaxed that you will find the stress you had earlier is not as bad as it seems

2) It motivates you to go further than your original goals. Earlier this year, I made it my goal to beat my time in the Great Aloha Run. Guess what? I won't even be in Hawaii because I'll be training in Baltimore from January throughout February! Argh... I'll also miss the Warrior Dash... :(

3) It has you incorporate a healthier lifestyle before you know it because why would you want to maintain a unhealthy lifestyle? Going backwards should never be an option if it means picking up a bad habit again

4) You'll feel great especially if you run in the morning. 1 or 2 miles per day is a great thing to do.

It's been over a year since I've been on a fitness journey. Seems like it is ongoing and I am not looking for it to stop.

On my own (taking a sabattical from Group Classes)

When I decided to take a month break, it took me awhile to step forward and take a breath before sharing that I will be taking a month off from group classes with my trainer.

It felt like I was cheating along with some apprehension that I wouldn't be able to do what I normally do in class.

However, my husband bought me my own TRX suspension straps for Valentines Day and it was waiting for me to make use of it.

Plus, whenever I get the chance, I'll go running.

I want to run more often and there is nothing holding me back except myself.

In addition to that, there are little things that I am noticing about my body...like my right toe going numb after exercising. Dan says that it could be too tight of shoes or that I am on that foot more than I should be? I don't know.

Anyhoo, I've been doing pretty good BUT I want to ante up the workouts. I don't think I'll settle anymore for Tuesday and Thursday TRX. I think I need to add in Monday's and Friday's especially because my workout schedule has been changed to the afternoon.

My running? I am resolving in myself that it will be in the morning 5-6 days per week because there is nothing like starting off the day with prayer and running.

Have you ever resolved it within yourself to doing something out of the norm? I know this is out of the norm for me but I like it. It's challenging. What do you think?

Eat this, Not THAT...but I LOVE THAT!

Bosses are out for the day where the assistants have shared with me that we'll all be going out to lunch today. Is that a YAY or OH NO? Well, it's an oh no with a sob of despair because it is decided that we'll be going to CPK.

I quickly looked up the nutrition facts of CPK and what do you know...majority of dishes are either close or over 1,000 calories.

My favorite dish? Garlic Cream Fetuccine with Chicken: 1328 calories with 4g fiber; 45g in Protein; 49g Saturated Fat; 1160g Sodium; 90g CARBS. My hips and thighs just swelled up reading these nutrition facts.

Then, I looked up my second favorite, Grilled Chicken Caesar Sandwich: w/ Herb Onion bread it is 963 calories (4g fiber; 56g protein, 9g Saturated fat; 1651g SODIUM; 91g CARBS). If you order it with herb cheese, it is 1013 CALORIES (4g fiber; 61g PROTEIN; 11g Saturated FAT; 1798 SODIUM *YIKES*; 89g CARBS)

After noting this with heartbreak, I looked up "Eat this, Not that" and there was nothing nice they could say except eat the Roasted Vegetable Salad. Not the FULL salad but HALF of it. Talk about really shoving my heart in the ground and grinding it to pieces!

I might as well as be sitting outside and looking through the window as my fellow co-workers eat happily consuming almost a total of 1500 calories in ONE SITTING.

Nevertheless, I scanned the last page of the menu, which has the kiddie menu.

There is grilled chicken and brocolli that is 275 calories (3g fiber, 42g protein; 1g saturated fat; 456g sodium; 8g carbs).

I guess I know what I will be choosing when we go there :(

Don't lose the momentum!

It's been over a week since I've exercised because of my calf (boo). However, I bought exercise bands for upper body workout.

This morning, I was to have gone swimming at the pool but I didn't get to do that since I kept hitting snooze on my alarm.

Anyhow, as I was stuck in traffic eating apple slices, I looked down at my stomach, which has gone done significantly (I no longer look pregnant) and resolved within myself to not lose the momentum.

I have to remember how much I weighed when I first started and how much I dropped three weeks later.

It's been about a month and my eating habits have been transforming to looking for healthy things to eat or eating in moderation.

All I know is that I really miss running without any muscle spazzing out on me but I must not lose the momentum since I've made it this far.

Eye of the tiger...I can do it.

Snack Time!!!

It has been on my mind and one of my goals to lose weight. Last year, I wrote a blog in Yahoo 360 how I was so set on losing weight but that fell to the wayside... Did I even attempt to train for the Honolulu Marathon? Nope.. Did I register? Nope...

But, this year...is the year to lose weight and get healthy. So, I designated this past Monday as the "time to change".

Day 1 (Monday): Morning Time---measured myself....hips, waist, ARMS, chest, THIGHS. All I can say is...WOW. I tell ya, when you let yourself go...your body will take you to the limits. Afternoon Time---took a nap with the reminder of exercising. I asked Krystyn for the DVD. 30 minutes later---I was sweating and looking as if I was having an asthma attack because I am so out of shape. However, I told myself this was the first step and I need to continue no matter what "Fight to the finish!!!"

Day 2 (Tuesday): Morning Time: Parked at the lower level to climb those stairs and thought to myself "Hmmmm...I am not that sore from the workout...I don't know if I did the workout correctly?" I spoke to soon because it creeped up on me as afternoon approached. Breakfast...I did really great but by lunchtime because of the hectic scheduled...I totally failed because I grabbed the first thing to munch on...boiled eggs w/ potato chips and water *shaking head* Afternoon Time: took a short nap, brought Dan to Men's Ministries Night practice and popped in the DVD again..

Well, what do you know...I have alittle more coordination but I still refuse to do the freestyle groove.

Because of my unhealthy lunch, Dan and I went to the market after I picked him up from practice and we bought fruits, meats, eggs, and ice cream (for Dan).

Day 3 (Wednesday): I'm sore but we'll see how it goes by the end of next week because I do want to incorporate weight lifting considering I'm about to hit 40 in two years.

Currently? It's snack time, however, lunch time is in about another hour or so.

Hmmmmm....