day 144 (day 4 / week 21)

Today I feel *blah.* I feel completely and totally lazy, and I feel like I could sleep all day, if my hubby and son would let me lol. The funny part of this is that I got in my 8 hours of sleep last night.

I might have overdone it yesterday, with the 3 miles and then mowing the lawn with that crapola push mower--too much time in the sun really conks me out, my ankle is a little sore and my hands hurt from the mower (darn blisters). I've always had allergies to the sun, so this just one of those many perks living in Vegas (sometimes I even get hives!).

Today I did close to 45 minutes of exercise, but I am calling this a (non) rest day, because it was very low intensity. I did Slim & 6pack, Slim & Limber (both from Slim in 6) and Ab Jam from Turbo Jam.

I'm glad I did something. Something is better than nothing.

Today my hubby wants to go to Bonnie Springs, an old Wild West town (replica of the 1880's) that has a petting zoo, and stuff that Logan will really enjoy, but we'll see. These things can get expensive when you factor in food, the entrance and stuff. Cute idea though! :). We just want to get out of the house--but it's too hot to go outside! (lolol)

Have a marvelous Sunday! Make it count!

I can do this. I am a star.

day 139 (day 6 / week 20)

I am so proud of myself! I woke up at 6am and had eaten some yogurt, drank some water, gotten dressed and was ready to go jogging by 6:30, so that I could make sure that I was home before my hubby left for work at 7:15.

I stretched outside a little bit and left my driveway at 6:46am. I jogged for 1 minute, and walked for 1 minute, keeping my heart rate between 150-160 (walking) and 160-170 (jogging). I stepped foot back into my driveway at 7:16am, so I did 2-15 minute miles!

I tried to be mindful of my form, although I still haven't been able to get my grubby hands on a ChiRunning video yet. I've just seen some snip-its from youtube, but it's hard I think without someone helping me. I'll get it down soon enough. When I felt like I wasn't pain free, I would stop and just walk--luckily enough, I felt good today! There weren't any barking ants following me this time either, or the last time I jogged, but lemme tell ya, they were everywhere the first day though...(lol).

When I got home I stretched really well. I put on my 15 minute stretching video, Slim & Limber (Slim in 6) and it felt GREAT. After I stretched I grabbed my hand weights and did 2 sets of 2o arm curls, 2 set of 20 over head press, and 2 set of 20 one-arm dumbbell rows (back/shoulder and bicep day) with my 5# hand weights.

It feels like a real sense of accomplishment to try to do this. Knowing that someday in the next few months, I will be able to run this whole thing, really motivates me! Heck, 5 months ago I couldn't do a jumping jack or jog in place. Today I jogged for at least 15 minutes--outside, in public, no less!

My MIL really blessed me by buying me these shoes for mother's day also. They have really helped me to step up to the next fitness level. They are actual Nike Running shoes (Nike Run) so they are made for what I'm doing (I would love to go get fitted for some running shoes someday, but we just can't afford it right now), AND they cute on top of it--black and silver with a pink logo :).

Anyway enough of that. Gotta go jump in the shower and start the day!

Hope you all have a great one! Make it count!

I can do this. I am a star!

day 138 (day 5 / week 20)

I can't believe it's Monday again. My weekends usually go by pretty slowly because I procrastinate with exercise with my hubby around. I went jogging first thing in the morning, so the day's just flew by.

I love this new found strength that I have found with getting outside and making a big effort to jog (although I do power-walk a big portion of the time). I decided today, though, to take it easy, and give my body a rest, to see if it has anything to say about this new high impact exercise (compared to what I have been doing). I did Slim in 6's Slim & 6pack and Slim & Limber, and will probably go for a long walk with Logan today, to see where this road goes to that I have been turning off of for the past 2 days.

Yesterday Ellie mentioned a few things for me to check out in regards to running again, and I am so excited about one in particular--ChiRunning. It's a philosophy that my previous running partner used to talk about a lot, but I never knew the name of. Reading about it yesterday brought a flood of memories back.

ChiRunning.com explains more to give you an idea of what ChiRunning is:

ChiRunning combines the inner focus and flow of T'ai Chi with the power and energy of running to create a revolutionary running form and philosophy that takes the pounding, pain, and potential damage out of the sport of running. The ChiRunning program increases mental clarity and focus, enhances the joy of running, and turns running into a safe and effective lifelong program for health, fitness, and well-being.

I went to youtube and watched a few videos from people that swear by this technique and philosophy and I am excited! I am going to take it one day at a time and not push too hard to avoid injuries. Once I get the form/technique down, and have it down, I will start running really slow, to practice and practice that. Then I will focus on some of the training aspects for a new runner that Ellie also mentioned from CoolRunning.com, and apply ChiRunning to that. There is a whole section just for new runners, including the couch-to-5k running plan.

I feel so blessed that you guys are out there cheering for me and helping me with this goal! I have learned so much through you guys and I wish I could just give you all a hug! I'm just so excited with all of the potential I see, and it's because of you guys and your support (and of course our Saviour!).

I will update my labels to reflect the other exercises I do today. Yesterday I did some general swimming for about 20 minutes, so I am just going to add that to today's labels (it's easier for me).

Hope you all have a great day! Make it count!

I can do this. I am a star!

day 130 (day 4 / week 19)

Today I tried to switch it up a little... ok. I lied. I actually just didn't want to do "punch, kick and jam" so I did 40 minutes of something else, to get out of the 48 minutes of PK&J (such a dork! lol should have just done the 48 minutes).

I decided to pop in my old friend, Slim in 6, today. I did the first one, "Start It Up!" and Slim & Limber. Wow! I thought it would be a breeze because I started out my resolution doing Slim in 6, and I felt that I had mastered it--after all, I could get through the toughest workout without a blink. Man, it was tough! It's A LOT different from Turbo Jam, but I knew this. Slim in 6 is more Calisthenics (squats, lunges, plies, push-ups--utilizing our body weight) and Turbo Jam is like aerobic/kickboxing/dancing. Turbo Jam is definitely a lot funner :). I'm sure I will feel today's workout tomorrow with all of the lunges and squats I did. My knees really don't like Slim in 6 lol. They really don't. lol.

Anyway, off to go help my friend move and spend some time with family!

Hope you all have a Happy Mother's Day!

I can do this. I am a star.

Day 59 (day 3 / week 9)

This morning I woke up and my back and chest were really achy and kind of hurt a little (like it did on day 45). Because I had felt this once before, and have already learned that working through this pain, only makes it worse, I decided to make it a (non)rest day (doing Slim & 6pack and Slim & Limber from the Slim in 6 series). The thing I like about the (non)rest days is that I can focus on my abs, and I get to take the time and really just focus on a well deserved stretch. I'm a little disappointed though that I won't be able to take today to get one last workout in and really work hard before I take my measurements tomorrow (not that one day will make a difference lol). Oh well, better safe than sorry. I would really regret it if I tried to do something more with this pain. As I sit here and type this, I can feel the achiness in my chest every time I take a breath, so this is definitely a smart choice :).

My Turbo Jam Maximum Results is in Sparks, NV! It made it's grand entrance early this morning at 1:05 am (PST). I wish I knew which UPS facility the box was sitting in, so I could go pick it up lol. Knowing it's here, and knowing I won't be able to get my grubby little hands on it until Monday, stinks. Oh well, such is life. lol. I just hope I remember to put my "knock softly, baby sleeping" sign on the door, so that the UPS guy doesn't wake Logan up during his nap (any and all deliveries are always made during Logan's nap lol).

On another note we are definitely moving back to Las Vegas. Tomorrow we are going to turn in our 30 day notice to our apartment complex, so in 30 days we are outta here! It will be really interesting to see how I am going to get a regular workout in (without cheating and saying "I moved boxes! *in a Carlos Mencia de-de-de-voice*), and how/if it will cut into the 30 Day Shred.

Hope everyone has a great workout! See you tomorrow :)

I can do this. I am a star.

Day 52 (day 3 / week 8)

My in-laws are in town and that puts a damper on personal time, for me to exercise. I woke up late this morning (6:30am) so I knew right away that I wasn't going to be able to let my knees/body wake up a little (takes about 15 minutes) do 40-45 minutes of exercise (how long my current workout is), take a shower, post here and then wake Logan up all by 7:30am. I decided to make this a (non)rest day, because of this. Exercise has become a habit for me now, it's no longer a chore, so I feel like I'm forgetting to do something lol. I would love Love LOVE to find some time later today to get in a workout, so if I do, I will update this blog at the bottom, and add the minutes/workout to my label :).

Today I went back to Slim in 6 and did Slim & 6pack and Slim & Limber. I did these things almost immediately after waking up, so I felt very stiff stretching, or maybe like I couldn't stretch anymore than I was. Bob gives us a thorough stretch after every workout, so maybe I am already all stretched out (lol j/k--I can be funny in the morning, right?). There isn't any bonus material on my current workout, like on Slim in 6, so I guess I will just go back to that, whenever I want to have a (non)rest day, until I advance to high intensity part of The Biggest Loser Workout (in 3 weeks).

Well I gotta go start the day! If I get a chance to get in a better workout, I'll update this! *crossing fingers* As for now, today is a (non)rest day.

Have a great weekend and a great workout!

I can do this. I am a star.

Day 45 (day 3 / week 7)

Right now, I have a set workout that I do everyday (Slim in 6), but I really believe that we should listen to our bodies, and let our body make that final decision for us on the intensity (in regards to soreness--not laziness ;)). Yesterday my back felt achy. Today my chest hurts, in the same spot where back feels achy, but in the front (again, probably from roughhousing with Jason--wont I ever learn??? lol). My chest is so achy that I had to take some Advil this morning, and I'm about due again (starting to get pretty uncomfortable again).

Because of how achy I still feel, I decided to make today a (non)rest day. I don't think it would be wise to lift weights, or do any push ups feeling this way. I don't want to make a small problem bigger. I did Slim & 6pack, an 11 min ab workout, and Slim & Limber, a 15 minute stretch routine, to give my achy back and chest muscles a rest. I still feel a little achy, but I feel great (stretching always does that). I can stretch a lot deeper now, and because I have both routines memorized, I can really focus on the muscle contractions (for abs) and the breath going into the muscles (while stretching), with my eyes being closed. It's a great feeling.

Hope everyone is having a happy heart day! Give your heart a gift and go do some exercise instead of giving it away :).

I can do this. I am a star.

Day 32 (day 4 / week 5)

Today I started to do "Burn It Up" but I just felt really achy and exhausted. I decided to to my "Slim in Limber" video to stretch, and then 20 minutes of strength training, with my 5# hand weights. I did, lateral shoulder raises (2/28), tricep extensions (2/28), bicep curls (2/28), push ups (3/15) and for my lats, upright rows--I think that's what it's called--(1/28).

Some of you might wonder "why 2 sets of 28 reps?" I did this because I do 20 reps normally (for muscle endurance), and then I hold the 20th, and then I do 8 reps fast = 28 :). My plan was to do the same with the push ups, but I just cant do that many at one time. I can do 15 at one time, but I'm toasted and burned after that.

I did a lot of lifting boxes again today.

I almost forgot! My measurements! I did them the same way I did a month ago, and I added some, because I...well I'm anal like that (lol). I want to know everywhere that I am losing inches. I wish I would have taken them last month because this month I am disappointed with the numbers, but they are only numbers and will continue to drop, so I wont trip out about it. I don't know if I want to post my pic, but I guess I will. I am not comfortable with it at all, but I guess I'll get over it eventually, because it will only get better...

Jan 2009

Feb 2009

(not really any difference)

Everything is measured at the thickest part, unless previously or otherwise noted.

Measurements: (day 30 / day 10) (- "/# lost)

Wt: 213.4 / 215 (-1.6#--probably water weight)
Chest: 43.5" / 43.75" (-.25")
Waist: 39" / 41.5" (-2.5")
Hips: 47.75" / 47.75" (-0")
Neck: 14.25"
Under bust: 36.75"
1" below belly button: 47.5"
below my bottom (above my thigh): 44"
R Thigh: 27"
L Thigh: 27.5"
R Calf: 14.5"
L Calf: 15.5"
R upper Arm: 14"
L upper Arm: 13.5"

so I lost almost 3 inches total. That's great! yaay! I'm not worried about, or thinking about my weight, because I know it means absolutely nothing. I haven't even been doing this for 6 weeks yet, so I am happy to even see any results! :)

Hope everyone has a great superbowl Sunday and workout if you can fit it in :).

I can do this. I am a star missing almost 3" lol.

Day 28 (day 7 / week 4)

I was so mad today that I was shaking and felt jittery for almost an hour. Someone (probably some punk kid) in our apartment complex, keeps drawing with their finger on my car! A month ago I had a name, written across my spoiler on my trunk. When I call the leasing office about it, they say there is nothing they can do, if I didn't see it happen, and don't know what apartment they live in, although there was a first, middle and last name on my car.

Today I went out to my car and there was an obscenity on my car! I was furious and made sure the leasing office knew that I was. I don't understand why, but the apartment manager was clueless to this happening. I guess the douche bag (db) I talked to before never said anything to her and so she was mad that they didn't (and wouldn't) write down the name that was first written on my car (ironically the db has the same name as the apartment manager, so I thought she knew the entire time!). Anyway, we are done with this place. I feel grateful and blessed that we wont be here much longer, and that God has given us an option to leave (it really is a blessing because we are miserable!). It's not easy to just get up and move 500 miles away, especially with no money to fund it, so it really is a blessing that God is making this happen for us, and provided a house for us to live in rent free.

This being said, I knew I wanted to exercise, to burn off some anger and energy. I felt achy though, from the new phase 3 that I have been doing, and so I decided to do "Slim & 6pack," the 11 minute bonus ab workout that comes with the Slim in 6 series, and "Slim & Limber," the 15 minute stretching bonus video that also comes with Slim in 6.

Boy, let me tell you, it felt great! I was really worked up after talking to management again, and it just helped me mentally and physically calm down. The last time I did Slim & Limber, it felt great. This time felt even better! I wish all of you had access this video, because it feels great after you have been exercising, and feels great to exercise again, once you have done it. I had so much tension, and it really helped.

Dinner last night was so delicious! I was ecstatic about the corn and red pepper salad and am happy that I made a lot! The quesadillas were unbelievable and I am going to have the left overs for lunch after I finish this entry. Yum!!!

Happy exercising! If you are in a slump and don't want to exercise, stretch! It's good for your muscles and you will feel so great afterward!

I can do this. I am a star :)

Day 8 (day 1 / week 2)

This blog is dedicated to all of the busy people out there that say they don't have time to exercise.

Today I didn't have time to exercise, but, haha, surprise! I did anyway.

:(

It was non-stop from the moment I woke up this morning. I went to Costco for a mondo shopping trip, came home, put Logan down for a nap, re-organized the freezer (so the stuff I just bought would fit), unloaded the car (4 trips--apartment parking SUCKS), put groceries away, shoved dinner in the crockpot--the stuff I could not fit back in the freezer lol (not the healthiest, I know--I'll work on that later) and THEN after I did that, I exercised and now here I am. I'd have say, if I didn't have this resolution, I would NOT have exercised today, that's for sure lol. I feel like with the trip to Costco alone, I had exercised lol.

I am somewhat bored with, "Start It Up!" (SIU) I have been doing it everyday for 4 days (waah, right?). I know it like the back of my hand, and I don't struggle through it. I could probably do Phase 2...in fact, I think I will tomorrow! No excuses! So because I am bored with SIU I decided that I am going to have my version of a rest day, which isn't a rest day all, but a day of low intensity.

It was 2 somewhat short workouts--not even workouts. One was a workout, one was stretching. I did Slim & Limber (15 minutes) which is stretching and felt GREAT, and Slim & 6pack, which is 8 minutes of abs, according to WOWY (on team beachbody) and the back of the DVD box, but it's actually 11 minutes long. Hey! Those 3 minutes matter! ;).

Well, I guess I DID exercise, technically. I noticed during the Slim & 6pack, that I was starting to sweat and my heart rate was elevated--so that by definition, is exercise, right? I can't do that workout as easily as I can do SIU, so I look forward to doing it again. My abs are kicking right now too, so I guess that makes me feel better.

In the words of Debbie Siebers, "See you tomorrow!" lol

Smiles and blessing!

I can do this. I am a star :)