Another Break

Hi again!
I have two weeks off from school! Wahooo! These breaks are NOT for the students! Nor do they make up for the hours and hours of extra time we teachers spend ....anyway, this is not my soapbox, sorry.

What is does mean is that I can spend 16 days trying to figure out how to live here and be healthy! I weighed myself this morning (first time since Thanksgiving) and was pleasantly surprised. Last weigh in was 211.4 and I have not even been caring since. So I was expecting to see something around 220 today. Not so! 214.0! I can handle that.

The picture is of me this morning. My plan, I have 16 days to see how much I can do. 16 days to figure out how to make this work. I'll keep you posted. 

Recipe Review

I had a delicious breakfast this morning! Eggnog Overnight Oatmeal! :D

I got the recipe from Peanut Butter Fingers. I found it a while back and was disappointed that I couldn't try it because we didn't have any eggnog, but I bought some. The same kind as she shows in the recipe post and it is delicious! And so much healthier for you. I was so happy to find it at my local Walmart. :)

Anyway, here is the recipe:

Eggnog Overnight Oats

Picture courtesy of Peanut Butter Fingers

Original Recipe:
2/3 cup Old Fashioned Oats
1 Tablespoon Chia Seeds
6 oz. Greek Yogurt 2%
1/3 cup Eggnog
Added later:
Sliced Banana
Sprinkle of Nutmeg

What I did:
2/3 cup Old Fashioned Oats
1/3 cup Eggnog
1/3 cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
Added this morning:
6 oz. Low Fat Vanilla Greek Yogurt
1 banana (sliced)
Sprinkle of Nutmeg

I don't have Chia seeds, I've looked for them and can't find them at any stores I shop at regularly and I'm not going to go to some random store just to buy one thing. It's just one more stop I have to make on my already crazy errand day.

I let those three ingredients soak overnight then this morning I added the yogurt, a TINY bit more Almond milk and mixed it all together. It came together so nicely! It was smooth and creamy, minus the oats (haha). Then I topped it off with my sliced Banana and nutmeg.

I will definitely be making this again, however I wont use any Almond milk for soaking, just to add moisture in the morning. I think it diluted the eggnog a little to much. It was still delicious though! Enjoy! Thanks Peanut Butter Fingers!

Until Next Time!
Spicy

Losing and Regaining Control

I had a really hard time when I stepped off the scale this morning. I thought I had been doing really well this week. I was excited about weighing in. Remember? I stepped on the scale and it went the WRONG DIRECTION! That's right. It went up. More then a pound. I refuse to yo-yo again. I will NOT be stuck in a five pound cycle again.

Long story short, after a terrible day of eating all the wrong stuff to the point of making myself feel sick because I didn't understand what I was doing wrong... I realized one thing. I don't currently believe I can break 160 again. I didn't believe it the first time and when I did, I cried.

That's the thing though. I did it once before. Actually, I've done it twice! It's all about controlling the body and mind. I need to stop thinking negatively  It's really weird. I am usually a really positive person. I am always telling the hubs, "positive outcomes only" or "think positively  or "stop being so negative " (that's when he's been really beating himself up about something, he does that a lot.) And when it comes to things other then me, I am positive. I despise being negative  It takes to much energy. So then why am I not positive when it comes to myself? That's dumb. I miss the endorphins from running. I felt so much better running. I so much happier. I have to find something else that replaces that until I can run again. Working out in general does that, if I can do it regularly, and I can. I just have to control my body, my mind, myself, and get the job done! I completed a Half Marathon for crying out loud! I forced myself to run every stinking training run and the end of the Marathon, even though I was in so much pain.

Someone once said, "Sometimes I wonder if this life was meant so we could learn to control our desires."

I believe this life is a test, that we are sent here to learn, to better ourselves. I didn't give that statement much thought when that person said it, but as I was leaning over the island in my kitchen today about ready to burst into tears because I was so frustrated and LW had been screaming at the top of his lungs for more then three hours (no. joke. no dirty diaper. no wet diaper. not hungry. had woken from a nap two hours before starting to scream. wouldn't go to sleep when laid down... sigh.) I had a sudden realization. More... an sudden surge of anger. Much like Spunky, I do not like ANYTHING controlling me. Whether that be a person, or a habit, or an addiction. It drives me bonkers.

If part of this life is truly about controlling our desires then I will beat the snot out of my desires (that aren't good or are excessive) and show that I AM IN CONTROL OF THIS BODY! I yelled that to myself during my runs when I thought I couldn't do anymore. And guess what? It's true and I am!

I'm so sick of falling prey to sugary desires. It's always sugar. Bread I've got under control now. Thank goodness. I still want it. I desire it and I almost always reach for more, but I always put that extra back.

I know I have had realizations in the past. I know I've said it was going to be "it" before. And me saying something is different this time may not mean anything because of that, but it truly is. Something is different. I've been upset and frustrated before. But I am furious and full of anger and determination now. NO MORE!

I set goals today. I have 16 weeks. 16 weeks to lose 32 lbs. I know that's a lot, especially with Christmas and New Years. Valentines will be in there too. I know I can do it. I have the weight to lose. And in the beginning, sticking to my plan, the weight will fall off. It will slow down towards the end of 16 weeks, I know that, but it will be lower. My goal is to be 130-135 by March 29th.

I am "going off sugar" again. I did it before with Spunky before Summer hit.

I lost weight.

Duh.

So, I'm doing it again. The reason for the " " is because my off sugar, is off sugar accept for a SLIVER of pie on Christmas Eve/Christmas day, 2 Candies OR cookies OR sugary treats on New Years Eve/New Years Day, and 2 treats on Valentines. Plus a SMALL treat on a SPECIAL date night. Like out to frozen yogurt, which we don't do very often.

What happened to long story short?

Jeez, I type a lot.

And forget the whole slowly building up to workout out everyday. I AM IN CONTROL OF THIS BODY! I say workout everyday, so I will workout EVERYDAY!

I like this feeling of control! ;)

I'm drunk with power!!!

Ahem, sorry.

My attitude drastically changed while writing this.

Oh! I will report my measurements though.

Before Body Measurements (From 175 lbs)
Chest: 41 in.
Rib-Cage: 36
Waist 36.5
Lower Belly: 38 in.
Hips/Butt: 45 in.

Full Body Measurements ( 163.8 lbs.)
Bust: 39.5 in. (1.5 in. gone)
Chest: 32 in. (4 in. gone! Wow!)
Waist: 31.5 (5.5 in. gone! Wow!)
Lower Belly (mom belly/pooch/pouch/the part that drives me crazy): 37.5 in. (.5 in. I'll take it!)
Hips/Butt: 44 in. (1 in. gone)
L Thigh: 24.5 in.
R Thigh: 25.5 in.
L Calf: 16.25 in.
R Calf: 16 in.
L Bicep: 12.5 in.
R Bicep: 12.5 in (took me forever to get them the same! That made me happy when I saw that.)
L Forearm: 10.25
R Forearm: 10.25

Until Next Time!
Spicy

Little Changes

Shout Out to Spunky!

I LOVE YOU!!!

Alright.

Somethings different...

What is it?

Oh! I did my workout this morning! HAHA!

Sorry there isn't a picture, but trust me when I say I was sweating and huffing and puffing! The Hubs even commented on it and he asked if I was okay a few times because I was breathing so heavy. He got up with me and did his own workout! I was hoping he would do the same one I was doing, but something is better then nothing. I'll get him one of these days.

The deal with that though is he doesn't need to workout as intensely as I do. He has one of those, can eat until the world ends and never gain a single pound. INCLUDING Chips and Dip and Candy and Soda and all that junk food that I SO want to have and can't. Ugh. It's not fair. I have however dropped a few hints here and there. When we got married he had ab definition. He no longer does. He also had super nice sexy arms. Which he still does, just not quite as much as he did. I miss his abs. They were nice... *drool*  Ehem! Anyway! I have dropped a few hints about missing them and he has always replied with something along these lines. "I want to workout, but not at night." or "I don't want to workout for an hour" or something similar.

So, after a lot of research and talking to my personal trainer, aka my mom, I learned something. I'm doing INTERVALS! They are killer! I'll explain more after I get them down better and may even post a video of me doing them.

This means I will no longer be doing hour long workouts. That sounds crazy, right? I know... My workouts will be closer to 15-30 minutes. More on the side of 30 with stretching and all that. On occasion I will still do my longer yoga sessions and once my hip is healed and strengthened I will add running in, but not because I need it, but because I want to. Wow, it's still weird saying I want to run.

I do have some exciting new about tomorrows weigh in though! I will also be posting measurements! I haven't done that in a while. They probably wont be as good as last time considering I am a couple pounds heavier and I had a hiatus from working out.

I'm excited for this new development.

Until Next Time!
Spicy

Where Have I Been?

I know. It's been a long time, right? Let me first say that I adore Spicy and that she inspires me to keep working.

I had a major life change the first weekend of November that really threw me for a loop. It has been a month and I am doing my best to keep my chin up and take it day by day. I have to keep reminding myself that this is temporary and will help my family reach our goals, as ugly as it is right now. Caterpillars aren't considered beautiful, but .... you get it right? I'm in a caterpillar life phase right now. So, slow and steady, breathe, and continue to dream.

Part of the change includes not having any space to workout and a very small space to prepare food. Makes journeying to health a little more challenging to say the least. I've got to figure it out. I pretty much went into an "I don't care anymore" mode for a few weeks. Then, over my Thanksgiving break from school I decided it was time to get back on the wagon. That is when I made the commitment to walk each day that week. I actually walked about 4 days that week and was proud of that.

Last week, I decided to focus on my food intake as well. I had gained a few pounds and was back up to 214.4. As you know, I love to read. I recently read a book called "Eat to Live" by Dr. Fuhrman. It made sense to me. I want to try it but am not ready to jump in with both feet nor have I figured out the best way to store, prepare, and cook food here.

Anyway, I decided to really focus on breakfast (which I am really good at already) and lunch. Leave the rest to whatever it is. For breakfast I always have a fruit smoothie with spinach and protein! Stuck with that. Fruit for breakfast. For lunch, I am now eating TONS of veggies! Dark greens, raw, cooked, etc.! Think HUGE portion. I also have some beans and fruit, too.

It was a huge success. I did not workout (other than my normal coaching duties, but I don't count those as working out because it isn't dedicated to me or my health) and I ate whatever I wanted and was available after about 3pm. I still lost 3 pounds, exactly!!! Yes!!! That puts me in range of 210 again. Watch out, here I come!

Building My First Workout

Alright, so the workout I had originally planned to do would have taken about 1 - 1 1/2 hours. I didn't get to do it all because I started workout out later then I had planned. With that said though, it was a fabulous workout. It definitely got my heart rate up and I was huffing and puffing for quite some time.

I started with the TRX. If you don't know what that is, you can learn more HERE. I LOVE this piece of equipment! I have the suspension cables. There is so much you can do with them! I did my research yesterday in trying to find different workouts I could do on it, because as much as I love it, I haven't done a ton on it. I found a workout that was fast paced, but there were something things I didn't want to or couldn't do. So I changed it a little as I went a long.

The original workout, which also looks great, is HERE.

Each exercise I did for 40 seconds with 20 seconds of rest, unless I say otherwise below. The 40 second exercises ended up being about 10 reps each. If you go faster you can do more, but I was still learning the movements and I was huffing and puffing already.

TRX PUSH Combo: push-up, T Fly, superman
Dumbbell rotation lift and lower
TRX PUSH Combo
Dumbbell rotation lift and lower
TRX Sprinter Start (1 minute Right Leg, 20 sec rest)
TRX Biceps Clutch with crossing clutch
TRX T Push-up

TRX Biceps Clutch with crossing clutch
TRX T Push-up
TRX Sprinter Start (1 minute Left Leg, 20 sec rest)
TRX Reverse Lung with Jump Switch
Medicine Ball Walkover

TRX Reverse Lung with Jump Switch
Medicine Ball Walkover (This was SO hard for me, first round was hard, but the second round killed!)
TRX Sprinter Start (1 minute Right Leg, 20 sec rest)
TRX Burpee with Jump
Dive Bomber (take a LOT of muscle, I could barely do them. I welcome the day when I can)

TRX Burpee with Jump
Dive Bomber

Medicine Ball Toe Tap (1 minute, 20 Sec rest)
TRX Grappler Pull/Push combo
Dumbbell Squat Jump

TRX Grappler Pull/Push combo
Dumbbell Squat Jump

TRX Sprinter Start (1 minute Left Leg, 20 sec rest)

I'll try to post a video with me demonstrating these moves. If I do I'll update this post and put it here.

I then went on to do my physical therapy moves for my hip, a yoga sequence--which I didn't get to finish-- and stretching.

All in all a great workout! :D Hard and Challenging.

TRX hanging in the background.

Until Next Time!
Spicy

Complexity is me to a T

I've come to the conclusion that I am a complex individual.

I get bored easily. ESPECIALLY with workout routines. I can not do the same thing day after day or week after week. Which is why both P90X and Insanity don't work for me. I have both of them. Love the workouts, but not on a day to day basis. More like... if I feel I need to challenge myself, or I really don't want to make up my own workout. They do work, I've seen it, but for someone like me who gets bored easy... I'll do three weeks and then stop... most of the time I'll only do two. I know it changes a little, but I get bored quickly.

I've determined this because every time I look at a routine I've done within the last couple weeks... I cringe! I don't want to do it again. Not because it's hard, I LOVE HARD WORKOUTS! Because it's repetitive. You can ask The Hubs. I do not like repetitive things. I first discovered this when my mom would repeat things to me over and over and over. Parenting, right? Wrong! I asked her to stop repeating herself and once she did, I did what she had asked me to... over and over and over again. It's just my own personal pet peeve. Repetitive anything is annoying. I know that example above isn't the greatest, and it wasn't very nice of me, but after that she only asked or told me something once and it stuck. Much less exhausting on both of us and our relationship bloomed beautifully. (That doesn't work for every teenager, I was/am very headstrong and I had/have one of those attitudes of "i'll prove you wrong" her repeating herself just made me want to do the opposite at the time, very immature, I know.) She is one of the closest people to me. I don't like calling people my best friend either because then I feel bad about someone else, in that case... my "friends" who are mostly family, are my best friends.

Okay, I'm starting to ramble.

Basically... I get bored easy. I'm a complex person. I don't like repeating anything.

So... I'm gonna start making up my own workouts... YIKES! I have been doing that to the point of picking a random workout done by someone else and doing it, but now... I'm actually going to plan my own. Oh, boy. I'm not a nutritionist, I'm not a personal trainer... which is why I'll be enlisting the help of my Mom who is a personal trainer.

Tonight is my first personal made workout. In case you are wondering, yes, it will be posted on here. It's going to be hard, because I like to challenge myself. HOWEVER, every workout can be modified and if you want to join in then do so! Just be sure to go to your own fitness level.

Check back tonight for my workout, okay? See ya!

Until Next Time,
Spicy

Spicy Friday!

I can not tell you how happy I am that it's Friday! And only because I have GREAT news!

This week went so well. I am feeling so much better and so much more on board now with my fitness again. I needed this. I also found out. I'm not as badly injured from my half marathon as I thought I was. Thank goodness!

The doc said it is injured from overuse and lack of strength in the muscles around it. All I need to do is strengthen the muscles in my thigh and butt and I'll be back to running in no time! :D I did go on a super short run yesterday though. Only half a mile, but it felt amazing. I miss running so much. Which is still weird to say.

Oh and...

I'm at 162.4 lbs! :D

YAY!

That is more then 2.6 lbs! I didn't know the point value when I saw 165, I was to angry. But in one week! That is huge! :D

Oh, and here is my workout picture from last night.

My next workout will be tomorrow.

If we are lucky we may here from Spunky tomorrow too. I'll try to get in contact with her.

Until Next Time,
Spicy

Workout for Tuesday

Hey Everyone,
    I'm sorry neither Spunky or I have checked in for a while. Spunky is working through some recent changes in her life and I had a very rough and emotional week last week. I don't feel as "Spicy" as normal. I am still recovering from a major heartache. Nothing with The Hubs and I, dont' worry! We are well and happy and totally in love! :D

   I only did one workout last week. I had planned on working out everyday and it didn't happen. When I was getting ready for my second workout of the week I learned some ugly news and it really sent me into a downward spiral. I threw my plans in the trash (figuratively) and said "forget it". I ate what I wanted, when I wanted, and how much of what I wanted. Let me tell you... my taste and stomach have DEFINITELY changed from when I started this journey. I didn't eat nearly as much junk food as I used to although it was still more then I should. On Thanksgiving I had more veggies and yams/sweet potatoes then any thing else. I did have a few slices of white turkey, probably a cup of mashed potatoes with some gravy, not as much as I wanted though. I had two slices of pie which I do not regret AT ALL!!! I LOVE PIE and I only get it during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Friday I don't remember what I ate, all I know is that I didn't care. Saturday The Hubs took me out to a Chinese Buffet. Or was that Friday? I don't know. Anyway. When I weighed myself over the weekend. Yup, I know I said I wasn't going to, but I did. I weighed 165 lbs. I felt a little saddened by that number, but knew it was completely my own fault. So what did I do?

I came up with this...

You probably can't read it so I will tell you what it says...

The Game Has Changed

   I, Spicy, am committed to this new plan. I will not dive into a huge change, but slowly introduce my body into working out everyday. I will remain between 1200-1300 calories a day (until I reach my ultimate goal weight) and start slow with trying to limit my sweet tooth. 

   I will incorporate 2 Days of yoga from the beginning. I will drink at least 96 oz. of water and take daily vitamins, including B12.

   My Goal is to be 120 lbs ultimately, but my first goal is to weigh what I weighed when I married The Hubs.  I will reach that weight and lower! If I reach 130 lbs and don't believe I need to reach 120 lbs then I will re-evaluate at that time. The Game Has Changed and this is my plan. My PROMISE to myself, which I will not break.

I then have my plan to get into this new lifestyle:

Beginner: 3 Workout days a week w/ 3 cheat days for 3 weeks. Two Yoga nights with one full body workout.

Intermediate: 4 Workout days a week w/ 3 cheat days for 4 weeks. Two Yoga nights with two area focused workouts.

Advanced: 5 Workout days a week w/ 2 cheat days for 5 weeks. Two Yoga nights with one full body workout and two area focused workouts.

Expert: 6 Workout days a week w/ 1 cheat day for LIFE! Two Yoga nights, two full body workouts, two area focused workouts!

These may change as I learn more and develop, but this is my plan. I'm not longer jumping into doing this everyday. I've tried to do that many times and it's never stuck. I have a major sweet tooth, thanks mom, but if my Emilia Bedilia mother can learn how to control her sweet tooth and her very non athletic body to be super fit and healthy and beautiful then surely her headstrong, athletic, spicy girl can too! I just have to take it slow. I used a cheat day yesterday, today was nearly perfect though. :) And this is what I looked like after my workout.

The flash on my phone does a really good job of getting rid of the redness in my face. I was really red faced, haha. And sweating up a storm!!! Check out my workout on the Daily Log. 

Thanks for checking in. I'll get in contact with Spunky and see how she is doing and report back.

Until Next Time,

Spicy

Monday's Workout

Hey Y'all!
   Isn't is so nice to hear from Spunky?! I don't know about you, but I missed her! I got on just expecting to write down my stuff then I saw... 73 posts... what? Last time I wrote something it was at 72... OH! That must mean! Spunky posted!!! Woot!!! Haha, sorry. I love my sis. :) <3

   Sorry I haven't updated my Daily Log page over the weekend. It's seriously been CRAZY! We were gone all day on Saturday shopping for multiple different things. I mean all day too. We were out of the house by noon and didn't return home until after nine. Ugh... Shopping sure takes it out of you. That was my workout on Saturday. We came home and all of us, The Hubs, LW, and I, were worn out. Sunday I was suffering through cramps and recovering from Saturday and today... I don't even know what I ate. I had a green smoothie for breakfast. It was delicious. But then after that I was just snacking on things here and there because I was so busy! I know... that's not good. Dinner was pizza. The Hubs had pizza at work today for lunch, paid by his company, and brought home the leftovers and was begging me to eat it asked if we could have it for dinner instead of my planned dinner. I didn't even realize how hungry I was or that I really hadn't had lunch until I smelled the pizza. You should have heard my stomach, haha.
    This is me during my workout tonight.... Sorry about the red eyes.

Yes, I dyed my hair. :) 

I started my workout, already feeling tired from the days craziness, and made it through three different workouts before I started feeling light headed. I instantly blamed it on that time of month (ugh). I always feel weaker during these times. Anyone else? It's not that I have a low Iron count. I actually have a fantastic Iron count, but because I'm used to that higher amount... for my body, it must feel really low. Plus, not eating the best and I know I haven't had enough water today.... all in all... it wasn't good.

I've learned to listen to my body and when those warning signs start coming, not because I'm gasping for air, I know I really need to stop. So I stopped. I'm a little frustrated, but as I'm writing this I am still a little light headed. It's a good thing I stopped when I did. Hopefully tomorrow's Yoga will go much better. :)

Until Next Time,
Spicy

No trying, no promises, just commitment!

At least that is what I've read. I have this entire week off! I SO need it! This past Saturday I weighed 209.2. Oh well. Moving on.

My library does e-book checkouts and I am on a waiting list for quite a few books. Today, it was my turn to lend "Eat to Live" by Dr. Fuhrman. I have been waiting a very long time for this. This is one of those books I don't want to buy unless I LOVE it and it works.

I don't like...let me restate that...I despise fad/crash diets. I personally want to avoid any "diet" or "program" because I know, for my personality, that it will work. It will work wonderfully. I'll lose weight. Temporarily. No thank you! I am looking for permanent health. I'm not saying those things don't work for some people, but I think you have to be the right person. Those things are not for me.

Anyway, in the introduction, here are a few nuggets that I like!

* "...the most overlooked tool in our medical arsenal is harnessing the body's own ability to heal through nutritional excellence."

* "Eating large quantities of high-nutrient foods is the secret to optimal health and permanent weight control. You eat more, which effectively blunts your appetite, and you lose weight -- permanently."

* "Picture yourself in phenomenal health and in excellent physical condition at your ideal body weight." I just like to picture it, so reading those words is fun!

* "...addictions -- accept no excuse to fall off the wagon in the first six weeks. You can break the addiction ONLY if you give your body a fair chance. Do not say you will give it a try. Do not try; instead, make a commitment to do it right." (emphasis added)

Then, I went for a one mile stroll. 22 minutes. Just enjoyed being out (clearing my getting-over-being-sick lungs).

What commitment are you making today? Mine is to take that one mile stroll once a day while I am off this week.

Quick & Tiring

Tonights workout was FAST and TIRING!!! It wasn't very long, but I was sweating and huffing and puffing. Here are pictures to prove it. Don't mind the whole... looking a little drunk thing... I was TIRED and pretty much GASPING for air.

Until Next Time,
Spicy

This is why I've been a little absent...

So, I almost didn't post this. I'm thoroughly embarrassed. I'm feeling completely incompetent. I was way happy this morning, feeling great, feeling healthier and skinnier then I did last week... then I stepped on the scale. And my emotions plummeted.

I wasn't going to post, because today I weigh 164. I don't know the tenth after the point, I didn't look. When I started this blog I was at 165, I think... maybe a little less. I'm beyond frustrated.

I can't run because of my hip, and I feel like nothing else is working. Since my Half Marathon I have been slowly, but steadily gaining weight. I absolutely refuse to see 165 again! I will not see that number EVER again! I want to sit here and cry my heart out because of the frustration I feel. Going back over my food log this last week... the only thing that is holding me back, is portion control. One sucker, isn't going to make me gain weight. Two Hershey kisses are not going to make me gain weight... But six slices of Tombstone Frozen Pizza will... three bowls of soup will... I could keep going, but I think you get the point. We have pizza once a week, that's not bad. In fact, my super fit healthy personal trainer mom thinks pizza night is awesome. But lately, it's been more then once. Lately, I haven't been watching my portions as much, or at all.

I'm sick and tired of being over weight.

I'm sick and tired of crying when I see the scale.

I'm sick and tired of dreading the scale!

I will not be weighing next Friday. I'll probably still get on and rant how badly I want to step on that blasted piece of glass sitting under my bathroom sink, but I will not step on it. Not for two weeks. I need to readjust somethings and when I do step back on a scale... I WILL be a lower weight.

You might get sick of it, but I will be posting a Picture after EVERY workout over the next couple of weeks so you can see how hard I'm working. Accountability, right? You will see that I am sweating, that I am red faced, you will see that I am working HARD!

I will not go through a weight cycle again.

This. Ends. NOW!

Until Next Time,
Spicy

Spicy's Half Marathon Adventure

October 13th my Mom ran a race with me. A Half Marathon. My first. Her third. (I think)

Me, My Mom, and her cookie monster beenie

(Enjoy the pics, none were shot after mile 5.)

It was hard.

It was awful.

It hurt.

It was amazing.

Heber Creeper, the train we took to the start line.

The Half Marathon was a challenging one. My Mom registered for it. I blame it on her, haha. The first four miles were nothing but torturous hills. I had a mental break down when I couldn't even make it up the second hill. I didn't even make it a mile before I had to walk. I couldn't draw in enough air. And it only got worse. Thankfully she was there to talk me through it. I apologized because I felt like I was letting her down because I couldn't even run one stupid mile and I had been telling her about my long runs--About the hills I had been training on. She talked me through it as I fought back tears because the second I started to tear up my chest felt like it was collapsing so I couldn't let myself cry.

Mile Four was our first "aid station". Let me take a minute to tell you how upset my mom was about this race. My mom does not get upset easily. She is the most bubbly fun loving person I know. The "aid station" had nothing, but water. That is unheard of for a race of that distance. They always have something else; like alternative things to drink(specifically gaterade) and fuel (like my gu chomps). Yes, we brought our own stuff, but it was bad. My Mom dumped her extra layers at mile four... which had half our gu chomps in them. OOPS!

This beautiful mountain peak was poking through the mass of clouds to say Good Morning

Things got worse from there on out. My hip started hurting around mile 5. Yup... We still had 8 miles to go. When I was in high school I ran a 5K "with" my mom. I didn't stay with her during that race which is why there are the quotation marks. My hip, same hip as the one that hurt during the Half, started hurting during that race. It had never happened before. I was in front of my mom, by a bit of a ways, but she passed me because I had to walk. I started running when I knew I was close to the finish line, you know my thing with finishing strong. I couldn't lift my leg high enough to get over this tiny bump in the road and I tripped. I slammed my right knee into the ground and skidded a bit. I finished the race, running, limping, muddy, and bleeding. Since then, I haven't had issues with my hip. It was a weird one time thing. But it came back to haunt me during my 10 miler and again during the half.

It came back with a vengeance.

Photo Moment

Around Mile 7 we had another "aid station". I had started walking a bit before this. Running for a bit, walking for a bit... trying to give my hip a break, nothing helped. My body started cramping so bad. I was in so much pain. Everything was cramping, I wanted to curl up on the ground cry. (lack of fuel) I walked pretty much for the rest of the race. By mile 9 I had a definite limp in my walk. My Mom, being the wonderful mother she is, didn't mention it until I did and even then all she said was, "I see that." She asked me about horses, my time training them, what I loved about them, which horse was my favorite to train. I talked about my little mustang gelding, Wildfire. She helped me so much.

My goofy bubbly mother, the picture doesn't do the color of the tree justice.

Once I had hit half way there was no way I was going to stop.

I'm too competitive.

But I seriously considered quitting.

Mile 10 we had our last "aid station" where an angel was waiting for us. My mom, the overly comfortable in any situation woman (love that about her), told the lady there about the pain I was in, how we had run out of Gu Chomps a few miles back and I was cramping up. I was fighting the urge to cry as my mother told this wonderful woman about my condition. Remember I learned early on that crying would make my lungs close off. The lady listened intently and when my mom was finished talking she politely asked this angel if she had anything I could use for fuel. This angel explained she didn't have anything that the race had given her to hand out, but she was going to go raid her husbands private stash for me. She came back with a huge bag full of different fuels. She suggested one that would go down and into my system fast and I downed two of them. She asked us to take more and we did. I asked if there was anyway I could repay her for her kindness. Fuel, especially the stuff she let us have, isn't cheep. She smiled kindly, sadly, and sympathetically to me and told me, "Just finish the race."

Another Photo Moment, yes, my face always goes bright red when I run.

I'm tearing up just thinking about that wonderful woman.

I stopped cramping. I was able to focus again. I still couldn't run, it hurt to much just to walk. But I did. I walked. When I could see the finish line I started running again. I didn't realize how bad I looked until I saw the video a family member took of me running by them to the finish line. I looked miserable. I was in so much pain. Everyone who was at the finish line was clapping, which was my family that last of the race helpers, and another family. The Hubs ran the last few feet with me and the second I passed that finish line I grabbed him and sobbed into his chest. In the video you can see me clutching the back of his jacket. He asked me if I was okay and I said, "no". I was hurting. I still couldn't cry, my chest started collapsing, but I wanted to. I just wanted to cry. Afterwards I could barely walk for a couple days. I couldn't lift my leg to climb into the car or go up our stairs. It took about a week for the pain to leave, but it was worth it.

The race people were very nice. They had me laughing within a couple of minutes. They congratulated me and said they were very impressed. I wasn't the last runner. I beat my mom. There was one other runner behind us, and I didn't see him walk once. I don't know if he did. But because I had walked so much I was worried he had quit at mile four, which was the last time we had seen him. I was hoping he hadn't. Just as we were leaving he came around the corner. He was the last runner, but he did it. He completed the half marathon. He wasn't in the best shape, he was a little heavier, but he did it. I was very proud of him.

All in all it was a great experience. I had a lot of fun with my Mom, taking pictures (as I'm sure you can tell), and talking about everything. I learned a lot about myself too as I crossed that finish line. Something that only another marathoner would understand. When you've trained and competed in a half marathon... you cross that finish line and (at least for me) learn what kind of person you are. It's a feeling of accomplishment, and relief. It's so hard to explain, but even though I was in so much pain... it was wonderful.

The sun was shining right in our eyes in this one, my eyes are WAY sensitive to light so I was trying really hard to keep them open. Haha.

Now, less then a month after, I have already decided I want to do another one. Partly because I know I can run the whole thing! I'm angry that I had to walk most of this one. I want to beat my PR of 3 1/2 hours. Plus, I really want to run the Disneyland Half. ;) I love Disney. I won't do another hard one like that. I'll be sure to study the course before hand and choose them carefully, but I will do another one. I know that. The next one I have planned will be in a couple years when Spunky is ready to do it with me. I don't know if I will do one before then. We will see. :)

For those of you considering a Half, please note: Not everyone goes through what I did. I was lacking fuel and my hip has issues and the race I did was a challenging one. If you are considering a half marathon, DO IT! You wont regret it. I was in that much pain and I do NOT, for even one second, regret it.

13.1 Miles Completed!!!

Until Next Time,

Spicy

I've been MIA... But here's an update!

Alright, the Spicy chick is back!

I'm sorry it's been so long. After my Half Marathon I had a hard time getting back on my feet, literally. It was really hard and I've been recovering.

However, I am proud to announce that I ran for the first time since my half today! YAY! I thought I had been my PR (Personal Record) for one mile but I didn't. My fastest one mile was 11:57 and I did 12:36, but for not running in three weeks I would say that is pretty darn good! I'm not saddened by it one bit.

Also, I weighed myself yesterday and I was at 162.4 lbs. Normally that number would probably bug me, but I am actually really happy to see it. Especially after two days of Pizza, Halloween Candy, Halloween treats, and not really doing any kind of workout in three weeks. I think I've worked out maybe four times total. Ya... bad. But that's why I've been MIA. I had nothing to say. I wasn't doing so hot. I wasn't eating bad, so that's why I didn't really gain anything, but I wasn't working out.

So. 162.4 lbs. Not a bad starting place. I told the Hubs today though that I'm done not working out. I told him I have to workout everyday! It doesn't need to be a huge workout, but at least half an hour. I told him to make me do it, even when I say I don't want to. Today was also my last run outside. *weeps* blasted cold weather!!! *shakes fist at sky* I may suck it up and attempt a run outside next Saturday as well. We shall see.

So I know 160 lbs may be stretching it a little bit for next FRIDAY (new weigh in day), but I'm going to attempt it. Those two pounds were just from a couple days of Holiday stuff, they will come off easy! Then I have some major updates for you about my life this next week too!

I don't like to, and I won't EVER mention specific dates on this blog. I know some people don't and won't like that, but it's a safety thing people! I will still post pictures of myself though and the occasional picture of the Hubs and LW. On Monday, I will be posting about my Half Marathon. Tuesday, will be a Tip about running with asthma. Wednesday will be about the Hubs and my Anniversary. And Thursday will be about Halloween! I want to mention more things about myself so our readers can get to know me better and understand that I am a real person. I do have a real life! :P Which is why I will be doing more posts about things not related to fitness and health. One day I may have a random tangent about sewing! Who knows?! Then Friday will be another update and weigh in.

I know some of you were looking forward to Spunky making an appearance today, I know I was, but she has been really really busy the past couple of days. She will be back soon. In the meantime, prayers and thoughts for her and her family would be very welcome.

However! I will tell you about my run today! After talking with my Mom about getting back into running she encouraged me to take it slow, which you will understand better after my post on Monday. She told me to start with two or three miles. I wanted to just jump right back to five miles!

I love running five miles...

I never thought I would say that....

eew...

Anyway! I listened and told myself I would only run two today. It's a good thing I did. My first mile was hard, it always is. I hate the first mile. But I kept pushing through and made it at 12:36! Woot! Then I turned around and headed back home... only to have my hip start acting up. I was really mad at this point. If you kept up on my training run posts then you know I had some issues with my hip. It made my Half extremely difficult both mentally and physically. I stopped to stretch my hip, it didn't help. So I started walking, knowing I needed to be careful with my hip. At about 1.5 miles I wanted to run again. My hip was still hurting but I wanted to finish strong. That's a thing with me. I HAVE to finish strong... and I did. I ran, slowly, but I ran. When I hit 1.92 miles I started sprinting. Not the smartest move when something is hurting, but I'm a very competitive person and I was angry with having to walk and being able to let my legs fly like that felt so good. I hit about a 7.2 mph, which I thought was really cool, and I walked immediately after completing 2 miles. It felt so good to run! Oh, how much I missed it. I needed those endorphins and just some peace and quiet and time to think.

We'll see how my running progresses next week. I'll be doing hip strengtheners as well and I will keep you posted on how those help.

Check back on Monday for my Half Marathon Update! :D

Until Next Time,
Spicy

I thought this was funny and would be a fun note to leave on. See ya!

Measurement Saturday...?

Ok, I need help coming up with a good title for weigh in/measurement days since I am changing to Saturdays.

The last two weeks have been crazy. I started coaching cheerleading!!! YES!!! We are in the process of moving and I am stressing big time. I've had some terrible parent issues at work. I've had candy and ice cream. We don't have lots of food in the house, so we are eating out a lot. I'm trying to focus on drinking more water and eating more veggies. I totally expected to see no weight loss this week or a weight gain.

I had to weigh three times today to make sure and I still don't think I believe it! Haha!!! Drum roll please! 203.2!!!!!!! What?!!!!! For real?!!!!  That can't be right, I must be standing in a different spot on the scale!!!! Step off, carefully get back on being sure I'm standing the same as I always have. 203.2! One more time just for good measure...203.2!!

Oh my gosh!!! That is the lowest I have been in 8 years! More than 6 pounds in 5 days!!! The past 2 weeks have caught up!!! 23 pounds less than last Halloween!! 33 pounds less than my heaviest!! Tears of joy this morning!!!

Oh, AND I successfully did a heel stretch yesterday! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Yes, I am screaming at the top of my lungs!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MM - 10/22/12

Today I weigh 209.4. I lost 1.4 pounds. How did I do on my plan? Mostly right on. :)

I did super great during the week with my eating plan, then the weekend got difficult with being out and about, and family events. Good thing I did so well during the week!

Activity: I did not start Couch 2 5k this past week. That is fine. I coached cheerleading four days last week and spent a few nights packing to move! I think Couch 2 5k is going to have to wait until after we move and settle down a bit. :)

I'm thinking about changing my weigh in days back to Saturday. That way I can see my efforts of a strong week! :)

MM - 10/15/2012

Ug. 210.8 this morning. I really need to change something so I can get away from 210! My body likes that number right now. Lame.

Plan: lots of veggies, limit starchy food to one serving per day, lots of water, eat more beans if I get hungry, and begin couch 2 5k program! That is 3 times per week. M, W, F for that. Plus, I'll be coaching 4 days a week!!! YIPEE!!! A mile walk (for now) on T, TH, Sat.

Big plans! See you next Monday! I'll let you know how it all goes. :)

Measurement Monday Spicy Edition

Hey everyone! I'm kind of in the same boat as Spunky. I was NOT going to weigh today. After a weekend where I had no control over what I was eating I didn't want to weigh today. I stepped on the scale said a silent prayer and looked down....

165.... WHAT!?!?!?! That isn't possible. I didn't gain six pounds in one week, especially a week where I ate really well, except for the weekend, but even then I did my best, and where I worked out consistently.

I got off the scale and walked away angry, but thinking I needed a new scale because I'm pretty sure this one is dying. It's been doing this a lot lately.

About ten minutes later I went back and stepped on the scale.

161. Okay, I could believe two pounds, but I don't. I don't accept it. I really don't believe I gained two pounds last week. Especially because I feel skinnier then I did last week and I worked really hard.

I need a new scale.

On another note....

Countdown 'till Half Marathon

5 DAYS!!!!

(Yikes!)

MM- Spunky 10/08/12

Yes, it is measurement Monday, but no measurements for me. I'll be back next Monday. It was my birthday this weekend, AND a weekend when I traditionally make delicious cinnamon rolls. I did pretty good, but do think I ate too much food. My success is that I only ate one cinnamon roll and there are still three left!

Can't wait to hear from Spicy!

Spicy Update: Battle at 7.75 miles; Victory at 10!

Countdown till Half Marathon

11 Days!!!!

Hey Ya'll!

Nope, I'm not from Texas, though sometimes I wish I was... Totally am a country girl though.

ANYWAY! I'm here to tell you about my Measurement Monday! Yes, I know it's Tuesday. And yes, I know it's currently... 10:06 pm. Spunky and I have decided to combine our Measurement/Weighing days. I am always on here on Mondays and I actually seem to have time on Mondays to right an update. So I will do a Measurement Monday Spicy Edition along with our AWESOME SPUNKY doing her Measurement Mondays! :D Exciting!

I realized I never told you about my 7.75 mile run.

It was a battle.

On a cold, Saturday morning... duh, duh, duhhhhhhh..... (haha... just kidding)

Kind of. It really was a cold Saturday morning. September 15th to be exact. We had family over, but I went running anyway! Then came home and made a YUMMY breakfast for everyone! I WILL be sharing that recipe with you on Friday. I promise. There, I promised. Now I have to do it.

AND, the run was a battle. A battle of the mind, body, and yes... even my soul. Okay, not my soul, but it was a battle and I can prove it!

Exhibit A 

(pardon my not so freshly polished toe nails... 

that is really embarrassing for a cosmetologist...who loves nails...)

Exhibit B

I tripped around... five miles and my toenail... the one painted bloody orange... sliced open my other toe. Note to self; and other runners out there. CUT YOUR TOENAILS! Do NOT run with long(ish) nails. I didn't think my toenails were long until this run. And you want to know the crazy part? I ran through the pain! I kept running and I finished strong even with a sliced open toe... I don't recommend doing that either.

Ah... life... full of learning experiences.

So even though the run got the better of me, haha my toe, I won! I finished that run in 1 hour 48 minutes, with walking breaks to eat my gu chomps and re-fuel. I also broke my PR time for one mile! My first mile was 11:57! WOOT!!! That made me happy. Unfortunately after this run I didn't feel a since of accomplishment like I was hoping. I mean... hello! I had just run 7.75 miles and I felt nothing! WHAT?! I was in pain, I was hungry, and I was tired. That's it. I got home, made breakfast, visited with the family we had over, and falling asleep during everything. Including falling asleep on the floor (I was embarrassed the next day when I was actually awake enough to realize where I had fallen asleep) while talking to two of my sister-in-laws while the hubs conversed and played computer games with his cousin. We had a full house. :)

However! The title of this post has Victory at 10! Because, this last saturday, September 29th. I ran 10.07 miles! And I felt accomplishment. I didn't PR, but I don't care. I was shooting for 2 hours and 10-15 minutes. I finished in 2 hours 18 minutes! Woot!!! The first mile was the hardest. It was 48 degrees outside when I left the house. Yup... 48 degrees... COLD!!!! I wanted to run back inside.

I have a treadmill...

              it scares me...

                         it blew up on me...

literally.

That's a story for another time though!

Besides that... I HATE running on a treadmill. I feel like a sorry little hamster running around on a wheel. So I kept going. Trying to get my cold, freezing body to warm up. It didn't warm up very fast, but once it did, I was feeling good. I ran four miles without stopping. Usually I run three, oh so I guess I did PR!!!! Just not with time. I was going to run five. I was feeling SO going though that I was going to run five, but I knew I needed fuel, especially if I was going to run ten miles. I called Spunky and talked for a while. Yup, I talked while I ran. More like I asked a question and let her tell me all about it while I ran. It was a great distraction and it made the time pass really fast. I talked to my Mom too! She told me that the last two miles is the hardest. She was right. I could have really used someone to talk to during that. However, I was doing okay until 9 miles. Then it hit me. I was tired.

And then... a song came on. I was at 9.5 (ish) miles. Beautiful Soul, by Jesse McCartney. Obviously that young man doesn't know what that song did for me as a teenager, but it still to this day helps me.

And I cried. For those of you who don't know the song... I'm sorry. It is a good song. The whole song means so much to me, but there is one line that really hit me this time hearing it.

"I know that you are something special"

My heart swelled up a million times it felt like and suddenly I was practically gasping for air as I cried. I am something special. Look how far I've come? I was about to complete a 10 mile run! I have lost almost thirty pounds! I am such a better person inside and out then I was even just six months ago! I realized... that I am something special. I may not be where I want to be, but I'm making progress everyday and I will get there.

Talk about a runners high! Oh man... it felt amazing. And I felt amazing after I finished at 10.07 miles.

I also weighed 159.0 before my run, and 157.0 after my run, but after I had drank almost a bottle and a half of water so it was probably somewhere in the 156's. Yesterday I weighed 159.6. I'm actually okay with this weight because last Tuesday I weighed in at 163. I don't know if it was just an off day. A bad weigh in, or what. But I am just happy to see that is not what I weigh. Also, it's that time of month so I am probably weighing more right now anyway. Ugh. Oh well. I'll take it.

10 mile victory!!! :D

Check back on Friday for the yummy breakfast I made for the family.

Until Next Time,
Spicy

Measurement Monday 10/1/2012

Happy October everybody!

I am pleased to announce that my weight did not change AT ALL this week. Hubby was out of town, so meals were just me and I had a girls night on Saturday (pizza, chips, cookies, soda, movie)! I am so glad my weight was exactly where I had left it: 207.8.

This week I have to be extra diligent because my birthday is on Friday (we are going out to dinner and Coldstone) and General Conference is this weekend. The tradition is that I make awesome cinnamon rolls (they take a long time to make since they have to rest overnight) and they are amazing!!!

I'll be walking T, TH, and Saturday.

Measurement Monday 9/24/2012

Today I weigh 207.8. I lost 1.2 pounds. Going in the right direction, so I'll take it. I am a little disappointed because it may not be my birthday when I see a one at the front, but I'll keep plugging away and hopefully in my birth month I will see that!

Now that I have my workout schedule figured out and a dialed in way to pack lunch for work, the weight should continue to go down. And really, in the REAL world, 1.2 pounds is a GOOD week! So, *smiles*, I'm good! Next Monday, I'd love to see 205.something.

I'm sorry I haven't been posting too much. Work keeps me crazy busy. When I have holidays or breaks, I'll be posting more often.

Spicy, you are amazing! You inspire me daily! Love you, sis!

Quick Update

Hey everyone of our Four followers!!! I'm writing to you from my phone for a quick update. I know I told you I had a recipe for you today and an update yesterday and actually I had another recipe for you on Wednesday, but...

LW is sick... really sick. So all of my attention has been on him. If I get time tomorrow I will post them but my little one comes first.

I will let you know that I weighed in at 158.2 this morning though and I have a lot of information about what I'm doing to fix that but I can't type it all up on my phone.

So there is your quick update.

Please say a prayer for my little boy and hopefully you'll hear from me soon. :)

Until Next Time!
Spicy

Tips For Tuesday: Make A Contract... With Yourself

I'll start tomorrow.

I'm too tired today.

Just one more chocolate chip.

I went on a five minute walk, I can eat a huge little slice of cake and three a scoop of ice cream.

I've been chasing a kid around all day, I don't want to exercise.

Why is losing weight so hard?

I have this, I have that, I'm to this, I'm to that.... I don't have time. I'm to busy, I just want...

Wishes, excuses, wishes, excuses. They don't give you anything but frustration and a big headache. And if you've been through this before... possibly a huge emotional breakdown. Been there.

In fact, I felt this way A LOT last week. 

Thursday night after spending a day of feeling frustrated about my weight bouncing back and forth between 160-157, eating (gulp) an entire chocolate hersheys bar, one tootise pop, and a heeping palmful of semi sweet chocolate chips, and looking over a few blogs that really inspired me to break out of my 170-167 cycle. I came upon something that really kicked me in the pants. 

That night I also did something else. I made a contract. Or at least... I started to make one. I didn't finish it until Friday morning during LW's nap-time.

Here is a weird fact about me. I am a very loyal person. I always have been. I will defend those I love and care about to my last breath. If I make a promise, I will NOT break it. Promises are huge to me. Probably because I've had others break so many with me. It hurts. It's sad when someones promise no longer means anything because they've broken so many. I have trust issues, they aren't uncalled for, but I'll leave it at that. I do not want anyone to EVER feel like they can't trust my word. So... when I promise; I follow through. 

Always.

With that said, I always break promises... with myself.

I'm sick of it. I want my word to mean something to me too! I think I break them because I know I can get away with it. It's not hurting anyone else. Just me. Well, that's not true. When I'm in a down/bad mood it effects The Hubs and LW. 

I'm loyal, I already said that, but it's to a fault. My loved ones come before me. ALWAYS. That's not bad, until it gets to the point of not eating until I know everyone else is taken care of, not showering for days because I'm doing things for other people and don't have time (tmi?), not taking time to get myself ready because I'm focused on getting the Hubs out the door for work then my attention goes 100% to LW, etc. Others always come first.

However, I have realized I can put others first even more if I take care of myself. That doesn't mean doing a nice fancy updo everyday, although I would love to do that, that doesn't mean putting make up on everyday (which is fine by me), that doesn't mean ignoring someone to give myself a little "me-time". What it means is taking an hour of the day and working out. One hour, I can do that. It means showering everyday and blow drying at least my roots and bangs so my hair doesn't go crazy. It means dressing in something comfy and cute, not being in my pj's or sweats all day. It means waking up a little earlier so I have time to study my scriptures and write in my scripture journal before the day begins. It means, helping myself be better, and sane, so I can help others! Which is all I want to do! I want to help others.

So, to all those mothers, and wives out there (siblings and friends too). Help yourself so you can help others. That doesn't mean spending two hours (or more) to "pretty yourself up". I have my hair down with a braid holding back my bangs. Nice and simple, but makes me feel a million times better. Take a little time out of your day to help yourself so you can help others more.

For me? This means making a contract... with myself.

Check it out...

Personal Contract

This contract is for helping me improve my health and fitness—that I may have a healthy and strong body so I can live a long life, have more energy, be there for my children and hubby, be able to do the things that need to get done, and be there more for others.

My Ultimate Goal is to weigh 120 pounds and fit into size 5/6 pants.

How am I going to accomplish my goal? Here’s how:

I, Spicy, hereby agree and commit to take the following steps to improve my accountability to myself and increase my chance for weight loss success:

1.     I will not let one small slip-up convince me that I'm stupid, worthless, or a lost cause. I will respect myself by refusing to engage in verbal self-abuse, and I will find positive ways to comfort and support myself when I’m having a hard time. Specifically, I will turn to my supportive husband, Spunky—my partner in crime, prayer, scriptures, uplifting and motivating pictures and/or sayings and/or music. I will relish in my relationships with family and life instead of food.
 

2.     I will not sacrifice my own needs to make other people happy, or do for them what they can and should be doing for themselves. Taking care of myself will help me in being able to better take care of those I love.
 

3.     I choose to be in charge of my own decisions and behavior. I will not talk, think, or act as if my cravings, subconscious, or someone else made me do it. I will ask myself what’s most important to me at that moment and make my decision.

v  Create a schedule

    Ø  Enabling me to see what time I have available to focus on my health and fitness.

    Ø  Helping me to better manage my time to help/play with my children.

v  Create a meal plan and stick to it

    Ø  Help with my craving of sugar and snacks

    Ø  Help me stay within my caloric intake and make my food journal easier

    Ø  Have a Fruit with breakfast and lunch

    Ø  Have a Veggie with lunch and dinner

    Ø  And also help with our monthly food budget.

    Ø  Allow me to have a dessert every night without over indulging.

v  Have at least one hour of activity a day

    Ø  Run three times a week (T, Th, Sa)

    Ø  Yoga, Walking, and Cross Fit Training the other days.

v  No Excuses! I know what it takes. I know how to get it done.

I AM BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY, FIT, AND THIN!!! I AM 120 POUNDS!!!

I AM DOING THIS—NOW!!!

Beautiful isn't it? More like crazy. It means waking up at 5:30am everyday. I am NOT a morning person people!!! I would rather stay up until 5:30am then wake up at that time ANY DAY! However, I do not like sleeping past 8am unless I'm sick or I stayed up until 5:30am the night before, haha.

The point of this Tip for Tuesday is that after the initial drive and motivation wears off, you have to keep finding motivation. You have to keep finding things to drive you. You have to stick to the plan and follow through with your goals.

Weight Loss and maintenance is only 20% Exercise. 80% Food/Dieting.

You know what to do; now stop making excuses and do it!

If you need help, Spunky and I are here to help in whatever way we can.

Now get off your butt and get it in gear! :D You CAN do this!

Until Next Time,
Spicy

Measurement Monday 9/17/2012

209.0 this morning. So, I lost 2.8 pounds! Nice! This week I'm shooting for 3.2! Sorry for the short post, but I'm already running late and need to get to work. :)

Sneak Peak

Just wanted to jump in here really fast and say I'll be doing my weigh in days on Thursday. Still don't know what they will be called, but it will be on Thursday.

Also, Tips for Tuesday next week is gonna be a good one and I have a DELICIOUS recipe to share with you next Friday.

Well...

at least...

I hope it will be delicious. I'll be making it this weekend.

Don't forget! Spunky will be making her Measurement Monday appearance on ... well... Monday!

Who's excited about her post?

I AM!!!!

I may or may not have time to post about my 7.75 mile run tomorrow! We are having family over and family ALWAYS comes first.

Just a quick update though... I haven't run in almost two weeks due to shin splints, eeeww, but they're gone now so I'm running! I know I'll be a lot more tired then usual tomorrow after the run due to not running in two weeks, but that's not stopping me! I only have three long runs left so I can NOT skip!

Next Saturday I will be running 8.5 and my last run will be 9.5. Or at least, that's my plan. I still need to talk it over with my coach (aka my mom). I was wanting to make it to 10 miles before the race, but after talking with my Personal Trainer (aka my mom) she told me I really shouldn't do a long run the weekend before the race so... I'm not gunna. I'll stick to 2-3 miles the week of the race and probably three 5 mile runs the week before.We will see. I can't believe it's getting so close!

Countdown Until First Half Marathon!

T - 29 Days!

Tips For Tuesday: Runners High

This post isn't much of a tip, but more of... a dose of what you could experience if you started running. Or if you are a runner, what to search for.

I've been running since the end of May. Great time to start I know, right when summer begins.

It wasn't bad though. I started with the C25K program and was really happy with how I progressed, but it wasn't until close to the end that I first reveled in the experience of Runners High.

My mother is the one who got me into this. She is the runner. At 40+ she ran her first ever FULL MARATHON! If you knew mine and Spunky's mom that would be more of a shock to you. If you have ever read the Amelia Bedelia books... then you pretty much know our mom. With an added dose of NO athleticism or hand I coordination or anything... she is really fun to watch, haha. Love you Mom!

Mind you... she is not a fast runner. Neither am I. She actually has a car decal on her back window of a turtle and underneath that it says, "I AM RUNNING!" It made me crack up laughing the first time I saw that.

Anyway, my mom would always talk about runners high when I was still living with her. She loved it. Running is what she lived for, or at least it seemed that way sometimes. Especially Runners High.

The first time I felt Runners High i was running along a highway near our house and I suddenly felt really embarrassed. My butt was bouncing... big time. It bounced with every step (still does by the way) and it was making me feel horrible. Then a thought came into my head.

"You know what? WHO CARES! I'm doing something about it! I'm out here running!"

I nearly started crying after that thought.

Runners High is a feeling of pure elation. I experienced it again after my 6.34 mile run. Not as big as that first time, but it was enough to bring me to tears. God Blessed The Broken Road by Rascall Flats came on at the very end of my run, just when I was about to stop at 6.25 miles, but I couldn't stop there! This song was telling me my story! Plus, I was running back toward my house and I felt an overwhelming feeling of love for my husband as well as I ran closer and closer to him. I sprinted from the beginning of that song until I stopped at 6.34 miles (before the song ended) with tears of joy and amazement about to run down my face.

I came from not even being able to run half a mile to 6.34 miles! Soon to be 7.75 miles on Saturday!

That is Runners High. It is pure joy, elation, pride, the feeling of power, and amazement. At least that is what it is for me.

I am so blessed to be able to go out and run, to power myself forward on my own two legs. I am so thankful for that blessing and that I finally found it.

If you run, lift weights, swim, bike, whatever you do... be thankful and know you are blessed to be able to do it! Find that high you get from your workout, running isn't the only way to feel that.

So go find it!

Until Next Time!
Spicy

Apologies and Counting Down

Hey everyone! Lets cheer Spunky on for knowing what's going on and having a plan to change it! Isn't she the best? Man, I love that girl. :)

I wanted to apologies for saying one thing and then doing another. Last week was C.R.A.Z.Y! I'll post some pictures of what made it so crazy. I was so busy planning and preparing for a bunch of stuff last week. Look for those pictures on Wednesday or Thursday, I'm still deciding which one will be my new weigh in day.

I WILL post about Runners High tomorrow, I PROMISE! I will be doing my long run tonight, by the way! 7 miles here I come! I haven't run in a week due to shin splints, but I have ZERO pain in my shins and there are plenty of people who run through shin splints anyway so I'm going for it tonight. Wish me luck!

And the count down this is for this...

Countdown Until First Half Marathon!

T - 33 Days!

I can't believe it is getting so close! It's crazy. Thanks for checking it! Be sure to leave some love in a comment for Spunky! She is awesome! :D

Love ya Sis!

Until Next Time,

Spicy

Measurement Monday 9/10/2012

Ug. I gained 1.8 pounds. Couldn't find time to workout this past week. So lame. I also went out to dinner and ice cream on Saturday evening.

Bad news: gaining weight
Good news: knowing exactly why, and already having a plan for this week! I have just under 4 weeks before my birthday and I am going to be in "one"derland for my birthday. No more sweets, lots of veggies, and lots of walking/jogging.

Want A Great Running Scripture? Hebrews 12:1-2

Isn't Spunky awesome?! Way to go Spunky!!! You'll be in One-derland in no time! :D Keep it up girl! :D

Today was my long run and I did... 6.34 ish miles in 1:24:37! I was only supposed to run 6.25 so I ran a little over. That is becoming a habit with me, haha. It was great. The first three miles are always SO HARD, it's a total mind game! My Mom called me when I was really close to completing three miles and she talked to me for a while, doing most of the talking, and that kept me distracted. I walked for a bit to let my knees have a break, they were hurting, but it also allowed me to eat some nutrients and drink some water. Then I finished out the last of my run, stopping to walk for only a short while again towards the end, but I ran the last mile strong! And when I stopped, I felt such a huge Runners High, and the scripture Hewbrews 12: 1-2 popped into my head.

 I'll post about Runners High tomorrow, so be sure to check back in!

During last Saturdays run I also got honked at! Not the annoying, "Get out of the road!" or "Hey Hottie!" it was really sweet and made me smile. I was thinking about walking at one point last week and all of a sudden I hear three honks. I look up and a guy driving a truck that was pulling a trailer was giving me the thumbs up! It made me feel awesome! I ran the rest of the way! So next time you see a runner, make sure to honk and wave or give a thumbs up! They're working hard!

I'm thinking I need to change my Spicy Saturday to... a different day. I'm always so busy on Saturday's and I forget to post.

And for a completely different topic...

I'm sure you can see I've been forgetting to post for a while. Darn it. But I'm back and Spunky is still doing a great job with her Measurement Mondays! I didn't post about my run last week, but I ran about 5 1/2 miles with my new Running Sportline Pack and Gu Chomps! The difference in energy levels between not having nutrients and having them is incredible!

I also bought a foam roller and that has made a big difference too with my knees.

Okay, so if your anything like me, you're probably wondering what the heck is a foam roller? Well, it's exactly what it sounds like.

It's a round

... foam...

... roller...

Ya... I bet that really helps. Sorry. You roll out your tight muscles with it. I'll have to get some pics of me doing that up here soon.

Just a weird pic I found on Google Images

Per my Personal Trainers instructions (who is my Mom, isn't that fun? :D ) I had been rolling my calves out, but not very consistently because I didn't have a Foam Roller so I was using whatever I could find around the house that might work. It didn't do my calves or legs any good! Now that I've used the foam roller... it HURTS so good! haha... no really. It hurts. But it gets better and easier and doesn't hurt as bad after a few days.

I have been having some knee pain and (here's something you probably didn't know, I didn't know it until a little while ago) most knee pain isn't from your actual knee! Most people who think they have knee problems--DON'T! Crazy, right? Well, I'm one of them! I have tight muscles in my legs which pull into my knee, causing the pain! So after rolling and icing and sretching, my knee pain was practically gone! Then I had to go and not stretch, ice, or roll the whole weekend plus Thursday and Friday. Dumb me. My knees hurt a bit during my run today.

The Sportline pack I bought specifically for my runs, along with the Gu Chomps. I needed something that wouldn't slide around like crazy, but would allow me to have my hands free, and still carry around water and nutrients. I tried one on at the store and ran up and down the isle a bit and felt it was a great price... and something I really need.

The GU Chomps I have read great reviews about and they aren't very expensive which is a major added bonus. I opened the package up to smell them and they smelled really good. They are good too, which is nice. The first time I ate one, last weekend, I thought they were SUPER sugary, but I've heard most stuff like that is. On today's run, they tasted fabulous! I'll need to buy more before my next long run.

Yup! That's what's been going on here! Again, come back tomorrow to read about Runners High!

Until Next Time!
Spicy