Day 70: The Journey 4G

So, I recently purchased a camcorder to record those fantastic family first. You know how it is, the kids are winning awards, going to those milestone grades (Kindergarten, Pre-K), visiting the grandparents, all of that. Still, I had a revelation... I could use this camcorder to crank my journey up a knotch. Hummm... This could work. So, here it is... me, up close and personal... The Journey

Day 64: Who Needs a Gym, When you have kids

Tonight I worked out with my children... I mean, literally. I did shoulder presses by raising Xavier over my head. I did squats with either Brianna or AJ on my back. I did leg presses by raising Bri in the air on my feet. I even did oblique workouts  by twisting with AJ drapped over my shoulders. It was an awesome workout. The kids loved it and I was worn out. I will definately do it again.

Day 63: Changing it up

If you are getting board with your workout, are new to exercise, or you are just one of those people who loves trying new things, try these activities this spring break.


1. Hiking
2. Bike Riding
3. Rock climbing (indoors is probably the best option right now)
4. Flag football
5. Salsa Dancing
6. Yard Work (Kill two birds with one workout)
7. Swimming
8. Walk the Mall (they even open early in the morning just for walkers)
9. Play tag with the kids (yours or someone elses)
10. Kayak (it's actually getting warm enough)

Really, any activity that keeps you moving is fair game. That means spring cleaning... gets the green light. But it doesn't matter what you do, just as long as you get doing.

Day 59: Walk this WAY!!!!

So, Today I had training at a near by school. The great part was that the hubby dropped me off cause I was running late (the initial plan was to walk there). Still, I was able to walk home for lunch. He met me half way. Then he dropped me off again. And he met me half way on the way home. It was some pleasant quality time and I got my work out on on my way to getting my work on.

Day 56: Gettin' my sweat on

I must confess, people. I lied to my good friend the other day. I didn't mean to though. I actually thought I was telling the truth. I was telling her about what my workouts where like and she asked, "Do you work up a sweat?" I told her, "No. I never really sweat though."
HA!
That was the lie... I now know that it was a lie because on Sunday night and again this morning I got on my elliptical machine. I was pouring sweat. I mean... getting in my eyes kinda sweat. I'm so not used to that. Makes the rest of my workouts pale in comparison.
So, so far I give my elliptical machine 4.5 stars out of 5. The only thing that would have made it a 5 is if I would have had someone else put it together.

All in the Family

So, I told the kids that we would go walking yesterday, but it didn't happen. We ended up spending all day with their TiTi Ree. Well, today they were like mommy... can we go walking? Of course I can't say no to that, so we set out. We walked past the nearby middle school where there was a "hill". They ran down it. They rolled down it. They just had a good old time. They really didn't want to stop, but some needed a potty break. On the way back, they were asking to go out again next weekend. :)

Day 55: Fitness at any Cost

So, I wasn't able to join the boot camp class, but it may have been a blessing in disguise. You see, boot camp starts at 5am. And its still cold outside some mornings. That means I'd have to wake up at around 4:30 to get there on time. Hum... It's possible. I did it before (when I was in the Army), but I had to. Now I have choices, 3 kids, and a career as a teacher (long hours). So, I have decided that doing boot camp when it's warm, and a little easier for me to climb out of the comforts of my own bed, is not such a bad idea. Still, not working out is not an option. Soooo... I bought an elliptical machine yesterday. We drove to North Augusta to get it because all of the other Walmarts were sold out of it. We picked it at about 9pm and I spent the night putting it together. My blood, sweat, and tears went into that thing. But it was well worth it. Here's the after picture ( I should have taken a before shot. Nothing but parts.)

The Gold's Gym

Stride Trainer 380

My plan is to use it on those cold mornings when I can't get out the door and in the evenings while I watch TV. I was doing the same kind of thing in the late summer/early fall on my Tony Little Gazelle, but it fell apart one day (RIP). I've missed it ever since, but tried to do without it. Now I've upgraded. This model actually has resistance, which the gazelle did not. And it offers a variety of workout programs. So, I will let you know how it goes with this new addition to the family. Wish me loss. :)

Day 53: Bummer

So, I called today at 5:00 in the morning and it turns out that boot camp at my local Y has already begun for this session. So, I'll have to wait a couple of months before attending. But that may be a good thing. Spring will be upon us... meaning the freezing cold will no longer be an excuse to sleep in. Still, in the mean while I wont just be sitting back doing nothing. I'm going to start searching for my first 5K. I'm going to plan to do it during the summer. That way I'll have plenty of time to prepare and train. I don't want to just finish, I want to finish strong. So, if you hear of any great 5Ks, let me know. I'm willing to do a little bit of travel. I figure I can enjoy the journey and the destination. And if you're game, you can join me. I prefer the company.

Day 52: I heart Healthy livining

So, I the weight loss is at a stand still right now, at 183, but that's ok. I look better (at least I think so). I feel better. I notice it when I run. I don't get so winded anymore. Plus, I recover much faster. I don't mind walking down the hall to the copier, forgetting something, and having to double back. I don't mind trotting to this place or that. I even plan on playing in the students againsts the teachers flag football game. I love what's happening to my body. Next up, I am signing up for boot camp... The registration is open now, so I'm going to go sign up tomorrow. The class starts at 5:00am on Mondays and Wednesdays and it lasts for 1 1/2 hours. It's one of my weightloss goals... and I think it's just what I need to push me over the hump and get me ready for the 5k. So, keep supporting me. Every little bit's a help. LOVE YOU LADIES!

Day 45: Fruits and Veggies

This week I've been trying something new. Since I splurged so much over the weekend, I figured I'd go vegetarian (for the most part). For both breakfast and lunch I've had zero meat. At dinner, on a couple of nights I've had chicken or shrimp... but other than that it's been veggies, fruits, and complex carbs. At first I was very low carb, but found that I was getting hungry faster. The complex carbs really do the trick for staying fuller longer. Still on thing that I'm not doing is limited the amount of fruits and veggie (mostly fruit) that I eat. I probably eat 6 pieces of whole fruit a day (bananas, apples, grapes, and oranges). The great thing is that I crave less processed sweets. I am taking a multiviatim, a flaxseed gel cap, and a calcium suppliment. I don't ever plan on being a full fledge vegetarian, but it's nice to give my body what it was made to live off of. I believe it's called the caveman diet. You have to think about it. If your car is meant to run on premium, it will run differently on anything else. Same thing goes for your body. I feel great. Try it yourself. Tell me what you think. I'd love to hear about it.

Day 44: Impersonating a Morning person.

So, this morning I woke up at around 5:30 and managed to get Chris to walk with me. It was about 47 degrees, but it was a very brisk walk so I managed to stay warm. Walking with the husband made me realize that I had really been taking it easy on myself. We'll see if he joins me again tomorrow, but even if he doesn't I'll push myself a little harder and move a little faster knowing that I've done better with a little extra motivation. But...
On to the realization that I came to as I soaked anyway the negative energy... I am NOT a morning person, but I do a pretty good impersonation. :)
I do not pop up like a daisy, bright eyed and bushy tailed smiling at the world. I do not sing songs of joy as I pull on my tennis shoes. No. Waking up at 5:00 or 5:30 is not easy for me. I hit snooze often... I get up and lay back down... I fumble around to find my gear, cause I never prepare it ahead of time. I've never liked waking up early. Not in school, the army, or in everyday life. I love the night time. HOWEVER...
I love the fact that when I wake up in the morning I still have the whole day ahead of me. I have more energy. I'm more alert. I don't have to worry about fitting in a workout or childcare. And working out in the morning gives me a little more will power, because I don't want to undo the hard work of the day. So, while I am absolutely not a Morning person. I will "fake it, til I make it."

Day 43: It's a family affair

So, this past weekend I celebrated my 6th wedding anniversary (explains why you haven't heard from me, right?). And as far as the anniversary goes, it was a pretty good one... But the festivities mostly revolved around dining out... several times. And by the end of the weekend, it showed-- on the scale. Sunday night Chris and I both stepped on the scale at 187 lbs. Granted we weighed at night, which is not the norm. Still, I weigh the same amount at my husband, on the dot!
So, I must be honest. I did indulge on things like ribs, creme brulee, and fried sweet potatoe fries over the course of the weekend. But I do it guilt free on special occasions because I've learned that deprivation only leads to binges... and that is a truly bad thing. Instead I eat whatever I like every once and a while and I do what it takes to negate it. That means exercise and healthy eating that balances out all of my spluges. So, I've been back to walking every morning. It's been pretty nice weather and I didn't realize how much I'd missed it.  Now, I'm trying to get Chris to go, too. He's said he will but we'll see. Still, even when I'm alone, it's safety first. I wear bright clothes, take my pepper spray, and walk in a good neighborhood with street lights. And if anyone wants to join me, it's at about 5:30 hit me up and I'll send you the route.