My Wonderful Prize....not

So after months of waiting and then finally learning I had won my division of the local gym challenge, I received my prize today. Needless to say if you read the title, it was very dissappointing to me. Not that I thought I was going to get something absolutely wonderful, but was thinking maybe a free massage, pedicure, or something like that. But, no! I opened the envelope to find a free month's tanning membership to Tan-it-All. One thing, I know I can't make use of.

If you know me, you know that I tanned my senior year of h.s. and then all through college and past then between pregnancies until a little over a year ago my husband's sister had melanoma and he pretty much told me I couldn't tan anymore. So I finally cancelled my membership to Tan-it-All last year and figured if I ever need a tan, I might get a spray on to go on a trip or something.

So...all that work and nothing in it for me! It really stinks!

I'm thinking I might take the card in there and ask if I can exchange it for a free mystic (spray-on) tan for right before when we go to the beach next month...we'll see.

If not...I'll be sulking for a day or two.

(on another note...my name will be with the winners in a frame on the wall at the gym, so I will try to take a picture of it when it goes up to share.)

NEWS FINALLY!!!!

I received the following email today finally!


From: Austin Hesters Crossing Gym
Sent: Thursday, June 03, 2010 5:03 PM
To: Austin Hesters Crossing Gym
Subject: KYOS Challenge Winners


Congratulations to all who participated for the Gold's Gym Know Your Own Strengths Challenge!! We appreciate everyone's hard work and dedication to losing those pounds and getting healthy!

Our winners for each division were:

Male:
18-29 - Tristan Slominski
30-39 - Carlos Benavides Jr.
40-49 - Ray Montgomery

Female:
18-29 - Rebecca Koennig
30-39 - Veronica Mendez
40-49 - Norma Jean Wise

With our overall winners being Norma Jean Wise and Carlos Benavides Jr.

Norma Jean worked with one of our trainers, Mel, during the twelve weeks to help her reach her goals. She lost a total of 21 pounds, 14.5% body fat, and 16 inches overall from her body!! Congrats Norma for all your hard work!!

Carlos decided to tackle his weight loss goals on his own. He lost a total of 25.4 pounds, 13.9% body fat, and 14.5 inches overall from his body. Congrats to Carlos for sticking with his plan of diet and exercise!!

Overall, our contestants lost over 200 pounds combined! Way to go Team Hesters!!

I'm so pleased that I at least won my division locally! The national winner lost 40 lbs and looks awesome in her pic. I finally have some closure on this and am happy to see my name on the list! I don't know what I won. I just emailed them back to ask about that...anything would be great though. I think they mainly have coupons for the spa next door.

I think I may make my own certificate and hang it on my fridge though! Go me!

Maybe soon

So, on facebook, Gold's Gym is announcing the national winners today of the challenge and I was told this is when our local gym would announce too...so we'll see if I hear anything!

News? Nope!

I'm very very frustrated with Gold's Gym. After all my waiting, I still don't know anything about how I did in the challenge. I was told one week that the results would be out on Friday, then didn't hear anything, so talked to a manager last week on Wednesday and was told it would be Friday from there only to still hear nothing, so when I asked the same manager on Monday, she told me that they couldn't tell anything until the national results are announced!

I feel that they must not really have things together there or know what they are doing. I was told from the beginning that there would be a contest within the gym and then the national contest too and that winners would be announced locally first and then those winners would be sent to the national contest and then that would be announced. I'm wondering if I will ever hear anything.

I can't believe I worked so hard for something that obviously didn't mean anything to anyone. Don't get me wrong, I am proud of myself, but when a well-known company says they will do something, they should follow through with it. I'm also very dissappointed in how they handle communication. Very unprofessionally! Anytime I have ever called or asked questions up there, I never get a straight answer and am often just ignored. I would think that they would value members more in these times knowing we are who would recommend others to join. It seems that they only want to talk to you if you want to join or get a trainer and make them some money.

I talked with my group exercise class teacher today and she was very supportive and said she would check into it for me too. She is also a trainer and knows that she has clients that also entered and wanted to know. I hope she can find out something for me. We'll see.

Enter Jeopardy Song

So, I need someone to play the Jeopardy theme song while I wait....it has been too stinking long! I finally talked to the girl officially in charge of the challenge at our gym today and for sure I will find out on Friday the results! They are announcing with fliers at the gym on Friday and I also told her to email me since I will be at the gym Friday morning, but then will be going out of town for the weekend, so wanted to hear for sure, so finally I'll have something one way or the other to report on Friday...stay tuned.

Waiting on Results

I know I haven't posted in a while! I've fallen off the wagon for a few weeks. I took some rest time after all that work and then when I planned to get going again, last week I got sick, so that messed me up again. I'm trying to get back in the groove, but not running as far as I was so hopefully my woman cycle will return to normal since I'm still waiting on the return of my period after 2 months.

Next week should be when they announce the results for the challenge for our local gym. I'm excited to finally know if I won my division or not. We'll see. I'll post either way for sure.

I was very pleasantly surprised this morning to receive a sweet message on facebook from a friend of my youngest sister, Molly. She has 2 year old too and told me that I have inspired her by sharing my journey on there. How sweet! I'm excited that she took the time in her day to share that with me and it really brightened my day. It is also inpiration to get back on track and continue on my journey. Thanks!

I MADE IT!

I actually completed my first ever 10k run today and ran all 6.2 miles without walking. I ran it in 54 minutes and 11 seconds and was 115th out of 709 girls in my 25-29 age division. I am so proud of myself and my accomplishment! It was such a great feeling! Yay! They had photographers set up all over the race so I should see pictures in another week or so, so I'll share those if any are good that I order.
Oh, and Lillian and Mom stood by the fence by the finishline to cheer me on in the end. It was great to see Lillian's big smile! It was really tough....I'm glad I worked up to 9 miles on the treadmill because switching to roads and adding hills really gets you! I could have called it quits at the 5 mile mark, but pushed myself to the finish! The fun parts were at the mile markers where they had a live band playing music while people handed out water. It was fun to see what was next.



Special thanks to my mom for watching Lillian during the race. She said she had fun and enjoyed seeing everything. Brandon ran and walked with Andrew around a shorter distance. Both kids were very good considering waking up early and all the sitting in strollers. It was a good day!

3 Days Until the 10k

I did one heck of a Body Attack class this morning. It was and always is a killer, but like the song says, "it hurts so good." One class that always really makes me work and I feel great when I leave. There was an insert in the Statesman yesterday about the 10k with lots of pictures from last year and info and the race map. I hung it on the fridge to look at! I can't wait to do it!

4 days until my 10k

I had a great Body Pump class today and ran 3.25 miles beforehand! I am pumped and ready! Just counting down!

Counting Down to the Race

So I've already weighed in....oh and i forgot to mention a cool thing yesterday when I weighed in...the trainer who measured me and did my assessment after doing all my measurements and weight, was writing it down on the form and said, "Wow, you've worked hard!" That felt good to hear her say! After all, she does this all the time.

Anyway, I'm done with that...until I find out the results. So I'm counting down until Sunday and my 10k...at 8 a.m., I'll be running the farthest race of my life. I'm excited about it. I go pick up my packet and t-shirt on Friday.

Today I did 63 minutes on the elliptical trainer and then ran 10 minutes...1.11 miles plus ab exercises and push-ups. 5 days to go!

The Challenge is Over!!!!

I'm so relieved to be done! I weighed in at 10 o'clock this morning, so I didn't eat or drink anything until then and was starving!!! I weighed myself this morning and was at 138! I did what I wanted to do from last week. I lost 22 lbs in 12 weeks and lost 10% of my body fat! I didn't write down the inches I lost, but I lost a lot too...obviously if I lost that much weight and changed clothing sizes!

So now, I want to maintain if not lose a little more, so I just need to be watching my calories, but not as strictly as I was since there is no deadline now. I'm excited to splurge every now and then and finally eat those girl scout cookies in my freezer!

There are still 3 rounds of people behind me that started the challenge after me. They started it each Monday in January, so I have to wait until those people are done and then we will find out the results! Crossing my fingers that I win something for my effort!

Now I'm just looking forward to Sunday when I run the 10k! Another goal will be accomplished off my list! :)

Happy Easter

Happy Easter to everyone! I'm so ready to weigh-in tomorrow and be done with the challenge! I am looking forward to a big juicy burger from Mighty Fine tomorrow evening! Yum!

I panicked for a minute earlier when I got an email from Golds saying weigh-ins wouldn't begin until 1 tomorrow! Yikes...I don't think I could wait that long. I called and they said I could come in at 10! Yay! I have to drop Lillian at school at 9 anyway, so I can do that and take my time and go work out a little and then weigh-in and take my picture and then leave and eat something! :)

Yesterday, I ran the furthest in my life...9 miles! It was an awesome feeling. Today I just went and did the elliptical for 45 minutes. It is Easter after all and I just wanted to make sure I got some exercise in today. I'll post my weigh-in results tomorrow. Fingers crossed for me, please! I still won't know about if I won anything for another 3-4 weeks, but I'll be done....besides running my 10k a week from today!

Happy Easter!

My Soup Diet is Working!

My soup diet is working! Basically all I'm eating for dinner and lunch this week is soup except a couple of days, but still ate really low calories. I was thrilled to weigh myself this morning and see I was down half a pound from my lowest point, so I'm down 20.5 pounds now and seeing a number I've never seen on the scale! I'm at 139.5...the 130's! Wow! I'm still shocked. I'm hoping to get down to at least 138 by Monday for the weigh-in...we'll see.

I worked really hard in Body Pump this morning and also worked out on an elliptical type machine while waiting on class to begin for 8 minutes and it said I burned 50 calories. Then I ran 3.1 miles after class.

I can't believe Monday is almost here! I'll be taking that final photo, be measured, and weighed for the completion of the challenge! And 1 week from Sunday I'll be running a 10k! My life has definitely changed and I feel great about it!

4 days to go

I really sweated and worked my heart out in Body Attack today! It was an awesome workout! It was all I got in with a busy morning running the kids around to different places, but I'm sticking with my strict diet and think it is paying off.

I went up a couple of pounds since my cheating last week for my birthday. I think what happened was taking in the extra calories and then doing extra body pump lead to some muscle gain because it sure didn't feel like I gained any weight and I felt leaner. So after this extra dieting this week, I'm back down to the 20 lb loss. I have to keep this and maybe get off a pound or 2 more by Monday! I'm working so hard! Easter candy....I'll see you next week!

5 days to go

I'm making it and staying on track. I ran 2.1 miles on the treadmill this morning, then did 10 minutes on the stairmaster before Body Pump class. Then I took my son with me to Quiznos for lunch and had some soup and a small sandwich..only 320 calories altogether. Yum! We had to eat out to make it back to my daughter's Easter party at school...no time to get back home and eat. It was a tasty break from my canned soup.

I am hoping to take the kids on another walk this evening before bedtime for some extra calories burned. We'll see how they are doing. I'm really looking forward to Body Attack tomorrow! Monday is getting closer and closer!

6 days to go

I made it through day 2 of my soup diet. It isn't too bad. I am pretty full from the soup and I have had a few snacks to help me through the day.

This morning I did 65 minutes on the elliptical plus ran 5 minutes and did abs and push-ups. Then I ran and walked with the kids in the double stroller at the park this afternoon.

I'm making it!

Last Week of Challenge

One week from today I will be weighing in and getting measured to complete the challenge. Wow, it is gone by so quickly! This morning I ran 6.77 miles...that was 1 hour of running. I ran the 6.2 for the race in 55 minutes and 7 seconds. I was watching the clock for that to see today. Then I did 15 minutes on the elliptical trainer plus abs. I'm really pushing myself this week and am also going on an all soup diet this week just to see if I can drop some more pounds before next Monday, then I'll eat normally again. I'm still eating oatmeal or cereal for breakfast, but soup for the other 2 meals. I'm sure I'll be sick of soup by Sunday, but it is just one week, so I know I can hang in there for that.

2 days without Kids

I didn't have my kids for the past 2 days, so I was too busy trying to do nothing that I didn't remember to update this! Friday morning, I made it to the 3rd track in Body Pump and finished up the class and then ran 3.5 miles.

Yesterday, I ran 1.13 miles in 10 minutes, then did Body Pump, then did the elliptical for a bit. I knew today I wouldn't be able to work out with driving to Shiner to pick up the kids and then we went to a funeral and then came home around 7:15 this evening and I still had to grocery shop, so it was a busy day.

A week from tomorrow is my final weigh-in and photo and 2 weeks from today is my 10k! I can't believe it is already here practically! Time to bust my butt this week!

March 25th

I did Body Attack today and man, was it rough, but that was wonderful! I needed a good cardio workout. I feel so set back by my birthday dinner, but know that it was really only one day and that can't ruin weeks worth of work. I just need to keep pushing with only days left to go. I also ran and walked with the double jogging stroller this afternoon with the kids at the park. On to another day!

Too Much Food!

I was up last night with major indigestion from my birthday dinner! My body just isn't used to having all that food anymore and dessert! Made me not want to eat anything much today. I ran 10 minutes, did 20 minutes on the stairmaster, then Body Pump class today and my Body Pump instructor complimented me today on looking lean! :) Now time to rest the rest of the day and recover from my birthday!

Happy Birthday to Me!

I'm 29 today and just fit into my first pair of size 8 jeans ever! So excited!

I did get a birthday workout in this morning..45 minutes on elliptical and ab exercises...but that was it and then off to buy my new jeans and a few shirts. 29 has been great so far!!!

2 weeks left!

I'm down to the wire! Just 2 weeks until my final weigh-in, measurements, and photo! Yikes! I had that extra bit of energy from somewhere this morning and ran 8.5 miles! Go me! The treadmill said that was 1055 calories burned! Crazy! I'm trying to burn some extra to compensate for my birthday dinner and cheesecake tomorrow. We'll see how that goes! ha ha..I'm so looking forward to it!

Sunday, March 21st

I did Body Pump class this morning and then 15 minutes on the stairmaster. I've also been dusting and cleaning the house today. It is a very breezy and cool day, so I doubt I get more exercise...looking forward to sunny days ahead!

Here is a picture I took yesterday. I forgot to post it. Me in my new Tx State shirt, size small! :) Love it!

Today and Compliments

It is a cold and rainy/nasty day outside today. I'm just hoping it is the last cold spell of the season and we can look forward to warm and sunshine and enjoy the park lots and lots. I know I won't be getting any more exercise today since it is so cold out. So I'm going ahead and blogging while I remember since I forgot yesterday.

I ran 5.2 miles this morning on the treadmill and did 10 minutes on the elliptical trainer, plus abs and some push-ups. It felt great and losing that pound gave me my oomph back to keep going!

I have had several compliments lately from people and they have also helped me along when I've been struggling to get that scale moving.

My neighbors and friends, Karen and Jeff came over last Saturday to visit and the kids played out in the yard and when they went home, Karen said that Jeff asked if I had lost weight and said I looked buff! :) That is a great compliment. I know people that don't see you as often notice more than those who see you all the time.

My mom friend, Carmen at a birthday party last weekend told me I looked great and to keep it up.

My friend, Kate, told me at the park the other day that my calves looked all muscle.

I don't know if any of you read this, but thank you, really!!! Those are the things that motivate me and it feels really good for others to notice when I've been working so hard.

Yesterday

I was all geared up to go to Body Pump yesterday morning and had the kids loaded in the van when I noticed something felt funny and pulled back into the driveway to see I had a flat on one of my back tires. :(

Hubby's truck is always a terrible mess and only has one carseat in it, so I asked if I should take one kid and leave the other with him, but turns out he was sick. So we stayed in for the morning. One series of unfortunate events lead to another starting with my 2 year old coloring on the wall and me looking for paint to touch up the wall...leading to me cleaning out the garage...it needed it badly and then cleaning out hubby's truck and figuring out I can get 2 carseats in the back seat, so we ended up driving and taking our Christmas tree that had been sitting in our garage since December back to our storage. And in the afternoon while hubby took the van to get a new tire, we took the truck to the gym and I got my workout in.

I besides all the lifting and working in the garage, I did an hour on the elliptical plus ab exercises.

I also discovered a yummy option at Chick-fil-a....the Chargrilled Chicken Sandwich is 300 calories and you can get a yogurt parfait instead of fries that ends up saving you around 200 more calories! Nice to know.

And finally, results on the scale this morning...down 1 more pound with a total loss of 20 pounds now!!!! But still no Aunt Flo...took another pregnancy test this morning to be sure and it was negative as well...it has to be my working out and weightloss that has caused my late period.

Slowly Moving Along

It sure is getting harder and harder to get that scale to move these days! I'm sticking with my diet, but I guess when you have less weight to lose, it takes even more effort! I sure do want to get a few more pounds off by my weigh-in in a little over 2 weeks now!

I did Body Attack this morning and really sweated it out! Then I ran 1.13 miles in 10 minutes followed by some raking leaves this morning in the front yard and then some effort putting together an outside toy for the kids, and lastly a run/walk with the kids in the jogging stroller at the park! Wheewwww! I want some results!

The Problems with Weight Loss

I've just discovered one of the problems with losing weight. It throws off your body clock. I am usually very regular with my women's cycle, but this month am 3 days late and still waiting on my period! Such a pain! I have felt for 3 days like I was going to start too, but it has yet to show. And no, I know I am not pregnant. I finally decided to test last night to make sure and it was negative, thank the Lord! That would have totally wrecked my plans! Anyway, I'm just waiting and waiting and hoping Aunt Flo decides to show up soon so I can get it over with.

I ran 3.1 miles this morning and did Body Pump class. I'll probably do some running this afternoon too at the park with the kids. We'll see.

Had a Good Workout

With it being spring break, the kids don't have preschool, so since we were dressed early, we headed down to another Gold's Gym and I made it to Body Attack. It was a great workout and hopefully I'll make it Thursday at my gym and do it twice in one week! That would be awesome! I'm fighting the PMS weight right now...definitely have some extra water weight and it is driving me nuts. After Body Attack, I ran 10 minutes...1.11 miles and then did some extra ab work.

9 weeks down, 3 to go

I can't believe I'll be weighing in 3 weeks from today! So far I've lost 19 lbs and know I've gained some muscle! I'm a lot more toned than I was before. Can't wait to see the final results and take that last picture.

Today I did 65 minutes on the elliptical, then ran 1.1 miles on the treadmill plus abs and pushups.

Sunday Workout

I went to the gym this morning without kids...always nice when that happens. It is so much more stress-free and I feel refreshed coming back home. I ran for 10 minutes...1.11 miles, 10 minutes on the elliptical trainer, then Body Pump class. It always seems easier on Sundays...maybe that coffee I drink on the weekends gives me extra weight-lifting powers!?

Saturday

It's Saturday! Hubby is exhausted from working so much and the kids are napping. I was up with them since 6:30 this morning. Glad for the time change tomorrow so maybe they will sleep better. I took them to a birthday party this morning and then came home for a while then went to the gym. I ran 3.5 miles and then did the elliptical for 16 minutes plus ab exercises. Now it is time to rest for me! :)

Yay for Fridays!

It is another gorgeous day and we are going to enjoy it at the park this afternoon...going to get a good run in again and let the kids play. It is supposed to get cold again on Monday, so better enjoy it while it lasts.

I took my son to the doctor this morning, so I went late to the gym and didn't get Body Pump in, so I'll have to make sure I go on Sunday. I ended up doing a grueling hour on the elliptical trainer and my ab exercises. Hoping my run at the park this afternoon catches me up and maybe I'll see more results tomorrow. I'm just so freaked out that my weigh-in is only a little over 3 weeks away! Wow!

Results Finally!

I was down a pound this morning! Yay! I'm glad to see those numbers move again. It is slowing down so much and works against my motivation. So I'm at 19 lbs lost now. I think that extra run pushing the kids at the park yesterday afternoon helped along with trimming the bushes in the backyard yesterday evening.

Today I did Body Attack...I love that class more and more each time I go. It is such an awesome cardio workout!

Oh, and I updated my goal on my ticker since I was nearing that short-term goal and am hoping to pass it! Getting past the next 2 pounds will be so exciting for me because it pushes me down into a lower teens bracket and one I've never seen before in my life! :)

2 Posts in One

I had a lot going on yesterday and it was my first day since I began the challenge that I didn't post! Ooops! But, I think that is pretty good to go for as long as I did without forgetting! I had to drop my son off at preschool yesterday morning at 9 and then was to meet up some mom friends for Lillian's playdate around 10:30, so had to hurry down to the gym and get a work-out in. I ended up doing 56 minutes on the elliptical plus my usual ab exercises. We also went to a college baseball game yesterday evening, so got fast food on the way. I got online before we left though and looked up my options to stay within my calories and did great! No extra french fries and no finishing off the kid's leftovers! That takes willpower!

Today, I have had a great work-out. I ran 3.5 miles on the treadmill plus a challeging Body Pump class. I also plan on taking the kids to the park this afternoon and running, so maybe I can get some extra work in! It is gorgeous out today!

Day 57...8 weeks down

I'm determined to give it my all this week and put some more pounds behind me. No slacking! One good thing is hubby won't be home for dinner pretty much everyday but one this week, so I'll be sticking to what I choose to eat and not what he cooks or brings home, so that helps. Although it is bad in another way because we do miss having him home in the evening! I ran 4 miles this morning on the treadmill and then did 26 minutes on the elliptical trainer. I ran the 4 miles in 36 minutes, so I was trying to make sure I still got an hour of cardio in, plus my ab exercises. I'm down 18 pounds total...hoping to be down 20 by this time next week!

It's Sunday

I had a great workout this morning. Hubby watched the kids, so it is always nice to get out with less stress of carrying the kids along with you, plus I got to go to the gym earlier than the Kid's Club opens. I can only sign up for Body Pump 30 minutes before it begins, so I got there and set up my gear, signed up and then went to see how far I could run in those 30 minutes. I ended up running 3.1 miles in 26 minutes. Then I did my class. I feel energized and great and ready to really work hard this week and get to my goal of 7 more pounds gone before my final weigh-in. I've come to realize how tough it is when you have less to lose. Your body doesn't need as many calories, so it does come off slower. I'm determined though and will make it happen! :) Here is me today with my 18 lbs off so far.

A Semi-Break

Hubby worked late last night, so slept in this morning. And I had plans to take my daughter to see her first movie at a movie theater, so no gym this morning. I'll try and get a run in tomorrow morning before Body Pump. I did get some kind of work out done though. I hoed the weeds from the flower beds and raked a million leaves this afternoon and hauled them away. So at least I didn't just sit around all day. I do look forward to hitting up the gym in the morning though without a kid in tow! They are staying home with Daddy!

A Loss

I was so happy to see a loss this morning after a dissappointing week. I'm down one more pound for 18 lbs lost so far. I made it to Body Pump class too. I missed warm-up and squats, but got the rest and then did 30 minutes on the elliptical. Then I ran and pushed the kids at the park this afternoon too. Time for my long run tomorrow at the gym. Gotta keep pushing...a little over 4 weeks to go to my final weigh-in and 5 weeks until the 10k!

Come on, now!

So I'm getting frustrated this week. The scale is not budging. I guess that wine this weekend did me in, but I've been so good otherwise. Maybe tomorrow will be the day. I was very thankful this morning for my friend, Kate to watch my daughter so I could go to Body Attack class. It was awesome and very tiring, but what I needed. I love it! Then this afternoon I took the kids to the park and ran with them in the jogging stroller to get in some extra cardio for the day on top of my cleaning spree this evening while the kids were happy playing. Let's go, scale! Come on, now! Move a little and keep me motivated!

Almost Forgot

I have been so out of it today. Just got really tired all of a sudden during my work-out this morning and have felt lethargic all day. Gotta get to bed early! I almost forgot to blog, but just ran down before going to sleep. Between dieting, working out, and my kids being so fussy and getting in trouble lately, I'm just worn out! I have to keep going though! My deadline will be here before I know it and then I can rest!

I did 1o minutes on this machine I don't know what to call. It works as a stairclimber or elliptical depending on how you move. It was tough. Then I ran 2 miles on the treadmill and then did Body Pump class.

Blah day

It is a blah day in terms of my weight-loss. I have felt kind of out of it yesterday and today and am not very motivated. I'm sticking to my diet, but just feel blah! I hope my energy and drive comes back tomorrow! I'm ready for Body Pump class! Today I did the elliptical trainer for 65 minutes plus abs and push-ups.

7 Weeks Down

5 more weeks until my final weigh-in! I hit it hard at the gym today sweating out that salt and wine I had this weekend. I ran 3.1 miles and then did 40 minutes on the elliptical trainer plus ab exercises and push-ups. I have noticed how much stronger I am and that I can actually do push-ups not on my knees! It feels great! Now to keep pushing and get 10 more pounds off by the end of this challenge! Go me!

Nothing

I didn't work out today for the first time since I began this! Wow, that is a long stretch of working out. Hope it didn't set me back too much with the yummy burgers and wine I had last night and then the good breakfast food I had at the Cracker Barrel for lunch today. We'll see, but I'm definitely getting back on track tomorrow!

She's Going the Distance

I ran 8 miles this morning! Go me! I'm tired! :)...but down half a pound this morning too!

Nothing more to report today.

Finishing up Another Week

I think I've done well this week. I did give in and get some dessert at the movies last night, but other than that, this week I have not given in to any temptations and have worked really hard. It is hard to believe on Monday I will just have 5 weeks left! Where did the time go!?

I'm glad my Dad and stepmother are coming in this weekend. It will be nice to visit and hang out. They are going to watch the kids early in the morning while I go get my long run in for the week. Otherwise, since my daughter can't go to the gym for now, I wouldn't be able to do it. Wish me luck! I'm hoping to at least do the 7.5 miles I did last week plus a little more if I can!

Today I made it late to Body Pump class so I missed warm-up and squats, but got the rest of the class! Felt good! Then I ran 3.1 miles on the treadmill.

What to Do?

My daughter used up her last chance today at the gym daycare by pulling a kid down. I'm still waiting on them to call me to let me know how long she is suspended and what else happens. I'm hoping for the best. I'm just so frustrated! I don't know how to get this behavior turned around.

If that wouldn't have happened, it would have been a good day. I had a great Body Attack class and did the stairmaster for 11 minutes. Now if Lillian can't go to the gym for a while, I won't be able to do Body Attack since it is only on Thursdays and I've loved going! :(

Down another half a pound this morning! I can't believe I'm down 16.5 pounds total now! I'm shooting for around another 10 by the 12 week weigh-in.

Day 44

Down half a pound this morning! Plus I got to go to the gym without the kids since my husband was home and I was scared that the daycare might not be open due to the weather yesterday. I only got in 15 minutes on the elliptical before Body Pump class, but still had a great class and workout. I'm looking forward to Body Attack class tomorrow to really sweat and am praying still that my daughter will be good there! We've made it over a week now! (Fingers crossed!)

A Snowy Day!

I have never seen it snow like this in our part of Texas in my life...just up in the panhandle when driving to Colorado. It is beautiful and the kids have enjoyed it! We went to my son's 2 year old check-up at the doctor this morning and then the gym, so I didn't work out as long, scared that it would get too close to lunchtime and they would be cranky. I got a good hour in: elliptical trainer for 45 minutes and 11 minutes on stairmaster plus abs. Now for some fun in the snow with the kids! :)

6 weeks down...Halfway There!

I'm officially 6 weeks into the challenge today. I have lost 15 pounds total! I'm so excited to see what I can accomplish in the next 6 weeks.

The cool thing is that I wasn't sure how well I was going to do with the challenge to begin with, so I'm right at the weight goal I set for the whole 12 weeks! I definitely underestimated myself. I am also not "over-weight" for the first time in my life according to the BMI statistics. That feels great! My husband says that the BMI isn't accurate though since it doesn't take into account muscle weight, but still, I'm excited about that.

My workout today: ran 3.1 miles, did 40 minutes on elliptical trainer, then abs and lunges.

A Gorgeous Day

It was a beautiful 76 degree and sunny day! I was so glad too! I had family in this morning, but they left for the afternoon, so I didn't go to the gym, but was able to go running at the park this afternoon. I pushed both kids in the double jogging stroller. That is rough! I did run almost the whole way though which is around 2 miles I think. Those hills are killers when you are pushing over 100 lbs in front of you! The kids had fun playing at the park when I was done running too. I was so glad for the wonderful weather. If only it would stick around!

Long Run Done

Mom watched the kids this morning while I did my long run since she is in visiting. I ran 7.5 miles and did my ab workout! Great start to the day and now I'm hanging out with my mom and sister and brother-in-law this weekend!

Happy Saturday!

Birthday Time!

I did squeeze in body pump this morning and was relieved to make it since I won't be able to go this weekend. I bypassed cardio today with all the preparations I needed to do for my son's birthday party this afternoon while my daughter was still at preschool.

Now it is time for pizza, cupcakes, and fun! I hope the party goes well and that I manage to eat only one cupcake! :)ha ha

The Birthday Weekend is Upon Me

I have been busy all day preparing for my son's 2nd birthday tomorrow. I don't think I've sat down but once besides the driving I did today. I made him some yummy cupcakes and have been cleaning and planning out tomorrow. I have tons of errands to run in the morning besides squeezing in a workout after dropping my daughter off at school.

I'm proud that I only ate almost half of a cupcake to just try them since I'm not a chef and wanted to make sure they were okay since they were my first attempt at not making cupcakes from a box. The one I tasted was delicious! I'm so proud!

I think the extra running around and staying busy burned quite a few extra calories. My workout this morning was Body Attack class...brutal! Then 15 minutes on the stairmaster. I'm hoping to get into Body Pump tomorrow morning since I won't be going on Sunday with family in visiting...we will see. Either way, I'm getting a good workout in before the party! Brandon made some of his wonderful homemade pizza for the party too! :)

February 17, 2010

So I couldn't think of a title, so the date sounded good enough! :)

I am down half a pound today! I enjoyed my delicious light club sandwich at Jason's Deli yesterday and watched the rest of my family eat ice cream afterwards! I came home to have my Skinny Cow bar! It was just as good, I'm sure! ha ha

I talked to the manager at the gym today and am going to do everything I can to prevent my daughter from getting suspended. I'm really going to talk to her before I drop her off and when I pick her up to praise her for being good. I told them I could come pick her up early too if she seemed like she was in a mood that she might hurt someone. I guess we'll see. I think I'm going to wait and bring her back next week. My husband is home tomorrow, so I'll leave her with him while I go and this weekend, my family is coming in to visit, so they won't be going to the gym with me. Some extra thoughts and prayers my way would be appreciated!

Today I did my body pump class and boy, it was tough! She threw in some old songs that really worked us hard! It was good! I also ran 3.25 miles before class.

Out to Ruin My Goals?

Okay, we have been having issues with my 3 year old daughter not keeping her hands to herself at school. She has had a few incidents at the gym too, but is usually okay there. Well today they tell me when I pick her up that she pushed a kid and that she has already been written up before, so one more time and she will be banned for the daycare at the gym for 2 months! I've already been upset about what to do about her at school and now this...this just is driving me nuts! For my goals and the challenge, I need to be at the gym everyday and if I can't bring her some days...the days she doesn't go to preschool, that is going to ruin everything I've been working for the past 5 weeks! I just hope and pray she does okay in there. I'll have to talk to her before going in and remind her and bribe or whatever to make it to April 11th at least! Then if I miss a day, it won't be as big of a deal. Oh, I'm just so frustrated!

Today I did weigh in and get measured for the half-way point...even if it isn't half way yet! My official weight loss so far is 13.6 lbs and I have lost lots of inches, but didn't write any of it down, so don't know how many. It was almost a bad thing with this as well today because they guy helping me couldn't find the official book to record my info, so he had to write it down and transfer it later. I did track him down later and it had been transferred! I would have been so ANGRY if they lost my results and I got disqualified!

My workout today was running 3.3 miles, 40 minutes on elliptical trainer, and ab exercises.

Early Weigh-in

So the brochure and the lady when I signed up for the challenge said that we weigh in at 6 weeks, but I had a message today on the phone from Gold's Gym saying I need to weigh in today or tomorrow. I don't mind, but still it is a week early! I called to confirm it and he said that they need to have the information in by tomorrow! He probably thinks I'm still at square one and need that extra week to get on track. Not me! I'm just confused and wish I could have gotten one more pound off. Oh well...the final weigh-in better not be early!

5 weeks down!

I am 5 weeks into the challenge! Next Monday I will be going in for my 6 week (half-way) weigh-in and check-in! This is actually flying by.

I am happy to report that good ole Aunt Flo packed her bags last night and I'm back to normal again. She also took another pound and a half with her, so I was extra happy to see her go! I am really hoping to lose one more pound by my 6 week weigh-in. That will be at my goal I told the girl for the whole 12 weeks! ha ha...I set the bar low so I could surpass my expectations! I didn't know I would be doing so well. Anyway, I have to stay focused and on track this week. Another bump in the road will be my son's 2nd birthday on Friday. I've got to stay clear of the cupcakes! But all the extra elbow grease I'm using to clean before then may burn some more calories!

Today I ran 3.1 miles and did the elliptical trainer for 45 minutes plus ab work to end it.

Happy Valentine's Day

We ate out yesterday evening for an early Valentine's Day dinner and I did enjoy half a dessert I split with my hubby, but was good and only ate half of my dinner as well and took the rest home to eat today for dinner. It was just as good!

I had a great body pump class today. I enjoy going on Sundays when I have that extra caffeine in me from my morning coffee. I definitely have more energy to spare. Plus I come straight in and do the class instead of doing cardio before like I do the other days I take it. Afterwards, I did the elliptical trainer for 20 minutes before coming home. I also got some extra work raking leaves out in the backyard this afternoon. The weather was gorgeous up until about 3:00 today. I enjoyed doing the work. Now that it got cold again, I just have to make myself go bag up those leaves sometime!

No chocolates for me today! I guess I'll just count my yummy Skinny Cow ice cream stick I'm going to eat later as my treat for Valentine's Day! :)

A Good Run

Saturdays are my long run days. I managed to make it 7 miles this morning. It took me 63 minutes and 30 seconds. I do feel it! It is a huge work-out. I can hardly eat afterwards until a rest a little too. I'm proud of myself though for making it so far!

I also did abs and lunges and 10 minutes on the stairmaster to just stretch out my legs some after that running.

Now hopefully we'll have a good Valentine's dinner this evening before my husband goes in to work overnight. Looking forward to it!

Moving Right Along

Maybe too much information, but my is being ruled by cramps....gotta love it. But I found the best way to beat them is to work-out! It makes me feel way better than any pills I can take. I made it to body pump class this morning and there were only 2 bars left and I had to borrow weights, but still had a great class. Then I ran 2 miles in 17 and a half minutes on the treadmill. I was trying to hurry to get home and shower for my daughter's Valentine's Day party at school. I'm gearing up for my long run tomorrow! And trying to avoid any chocolates or other sweets that may try to come my way! I already told my husband, no chocolates for me this year! He will be working overnight this weekend both tonight and Saturday night, so we won't be seeing him much. He'll probably be sleeping. But I'm sure we'll all go out to eat something good for Valentine's Day before he goes to work tomorrow evening. Yay for the weekend!

Temptations Everywhere!

Temptations are Everywhere and I mean EVERYWHERE! When you go to the gym, you expect that to be the one place all day where you are totally focused and not tempted to cheat on your diet. You should be totally inspired and sweating your heart out....well this morning, I go into Body Attack class and the instructor says she made Valentine's day cupcakes for everyone!!! WTH!!!

My friend Karen and I just looked at each other like, oh man! That is so wrong! We had a great class though and definitely burned many many calories. Then I ran for the hills to get away from those little sugar-filled delights! I made it! Wheewwww!

workout today: Body Attack class, then 20 minutes on the stairmaster

Another Day

Another day half-way down. Not a fun week though. It is that special time every woman hates in the month and the water-weight that comes with it. I'm pushing through though and avoiding those time of the month cravings.

I enjoyed body pump class this morning and even added weights to my work-out. I think I'm getting stronger. I also got in a 3.5 mile run before class. My pump instructor, Shawna, played my song request for our chest exercises, so that made it fun too.

Not much else to report today. Just sleet coming down outside and probably a frozen pizza for the kids tonight and a lean cuisine for me while hubby works.

Day 29

I started last week to cut back on my diet soda obsession. I have been addicted to Diet Dr. Pepper for a while now...mainly Cherry Diet Dr. Pepper. I would drink one and maybe two sometimes a day. I know that water is a big deal when trying to lose weight, but really don't care to drink water unless it is while I'm working out or just really thirsty in the middle of the night. So after asking people on Facebook what they do, I started buying some mixes to drink with my water. I tried the Propel packets, the Ocean Spray packets, and now am trying Crystal Light. I really like having the Crystal Light since it comes in bigger packages to make a pitcher and keep cold instead of having to mix something every time. I think this change along with the fact that I haven't drank a Diet. Dr. Pepper since Thursday, is really making a difference and keeping a lot more hydrated. I will probably keep my DDP's around for every now and then, I'm just kicking the everyday habit! :)

Today I wanted to take a break from running. I did 1 hour and 10 minutes on the elliptical trainer, plus abs, and walked 5 minutes on the treadmill just to finish up my workout.

4 weeks and counting!

It has been four weeks ago today now that I began. I have 8 more to go from here! I have made a huge leap in just this past month and feel healthier and in shape. I actually don't feel hungry during those times when I used to snack or from eating less. I'm adapting to my new choices.

I had to look twice when I weighed this morning because I couldn't believe it. I'm now down 12.5 lbs! And this is the least I have ever weighed as an adult. I got down to one pound more than I am now at one point last time I was on a diet over a year ago, but that didn't last. I've very proud of myself and just hope I can keep it up.

I looked up some winners from last year's Gold's gym challenge. I couldn't find the overall winners, but found some that one at one of the gyms with pictures. Man, it is intimidating! Most of the women lost around 35 lbs! Check it out: http://www.goldsgym.com/gyms/page.php?gymID=510&sec=18729&cid=10740

I just wanted to know what I was up against! Who knows, I just want to at least win something for our local gym contest! :)

Today I ran 3.1 miles, 11 minutes on stepper machine, then 20 minutes on elliptical trainer plus abs and lunges.

27th Day

I had a awesome body pump class this morning! I was energized and ready! I even added more weight today than I've ever done before. It felt so great! I also took a nice run around our big neighborhood block after lunch.

Tomorrow will mark 4 weeks into the challenge and as of this morning I am down 11 pounds. I still have 8 weeks until the 10k race and the challenge end and weigh-in. If I've come this far in 4 weeks, I'm excited to see what I can do with the last 8!

I also told myself that I wouldn't share this blog with anyone until I reached the 10 pound mark, so now I think I'll share it and if you are reading this, please come on and leave me comments often to cheer me on. It feels so good to have people behind me pushing me on and supporting me. I've had a few random people look at my blog so far that I don't even know according to my tracker, but I am ready to share with everyone else now. Thanks for checking in! Also, go to January and read my first post to find out what the Challenge is if I haven't already told you about it. I really think I have a shot at winning something if I keep it up.

Further and Further!

I have made Saturday my long run day...trying not to run too long during the week to give myself a break and do other things to break-up my work-out. I ran for an hour this morning! The longest I have ever run! It was a little over 6.6 miles. I was definitely pooped when it was over, but not out of breath either! I also did abs and lunges and 10 minutes on the elliptical just to cool down after that run.

My happy moment of the day was weighing this morning and still being the same as yesterday. I was worried about my wonderful anniversary dinner. I had 2 huge alcoholic beverages...delicious, some calimari for an appetizer, a shrimp trio plate, and split a brownie sundae with hubby! I was going to enjoy my cheating day! Anyway, no water weight or anything this morning! How awesome is that?! I'm pushing it to the max and am aiming for no more cheating until March 23rd for my birthday! Maybe by then I will be buying some new smaller jeans as a gift to myself! :) Happy Saturday everyone!

1 lb down

Finally, some gratification this morning when the scale showed me down 1 more pound for a total loss of 9.5 lbs so far. I actually have on make-up today too, so I took a picture. I get one of my cheat nights tonight. It is my anniversary, so I'm eating something good and not focusing on the calories! Then back on the wagon tomorrow. I would really like to lose 10 pounds or more in the next 8 weeks before the race. Wish me luck!

Today I ran a little over 3.5 miles on the treadmill, did the elliptical trainer for 40 minutes and then did abs.

Tomorrow may be the day

I think tomorrow may finally be the day the scale moves down again for me! I've been working so hard and it hasn't budged, but knowing how hard I worked out today and my plans for dinner, I think it may finally hit that 10 lb lost mark. Keeping my fingers crossed!

Body Attack was this morning and I really sweated it out! I also noticed I shouldn't wear a certain pair of workout shorts to that class with all the jumping around. They are getting a little big and that wasn't fun pulling them up all the time. I also visited with a friend afterwards while doing the stairclimber machine for about 15 minutes. She is such a good motivator and keeps telling me how good I'm doing. Got to love friends like that!

I Have No Idea What Day it Is!

I can't remember what day I'm on and don't feel like counting it out in my head, so oh well. I was so happy this morning to weigh in and see that I was back to where I was before yesterday and the water weight. I drank lots of water yesterday and no diet soda and ate a decent dinner that Brandon made besides my workout, so altogether, it got me back on track.

It also felt really good looking in the mirror this morning and just noticing how my legs look thinner. Love it! Then a friend at the gym was going on about how great I look, so that is a big ego booster and keeps me motivated. I really want to be down at 6 more pounds by my 6 week weigh-in, the half-way mark. I think I can do it!

Today I ran 3.1 miles and then did body pump class.

Water Weight

Salt is definitely my enemy today. Our family went and ate Cici's pizza yesterday evening and my body soaked up all that salt with water weight this morning adding 3 pounds to the scale. I know with how good I have been otherwise, I didn't gain 3 pounds overnight, so I was determined to sweat it off at the gym this morning. By the time I showered around noon, 2 pounds of it had dissappeared. I'm hoping all the water I've been drinking today will get me back to normal tomorrow! Dang pizza!

I ran 4 miles this morning on the treadmill and then did 30 minutes on the elliptical plus ab work and lunges. I'm so ready for body pump tomorrow!

3 weeks down

I've hit the 3 week mark and also am a quarter way through the challenge. Not much weight-loss this week. I'm down 8.5 pounds...glad for that, but wish I could make it move more! I think it was more of an inches and sculpting week for me. I notice it more in my clothes and like I mentioned before in how my arms look more toned. So now I enter week 4 and am ready for more results!

Today's workout was 1 hour and 15 minutes on elliptical machine plus ab work and lunges. (I got sucked into a movie I'd never seen in the cardio cinema, so stayed to see it all! ha ha)

The Temptations of Weekends

Wow! I can do so well and keep clear of all sweets all week, but when it comes to the weekends, there are so many temptations! First was yesterday. I took my daughter to a birthday party and just had to have a piece of that yummy homemade carrot cake! Then today my husband made his wonderful breakfast foods! Pancakes, biscuits and gravy, eggs with cheese, and sausage and bacon! I think I did well not eating too much of it. Then he goes and makes homemade chocolate chip cookies tonight! I ate one when they were fresh out of the oven.

I just hope that all the work I put in during the week and the way I watched my calories the rest of the day help balance those slip-ups! No more cheating this week until my anniversary on Friday when I WILL have some really good dessert!

3 week weigh-in in the morning...hope it is down another pound!

After my really long run yesterday, I wanted to give my body a break from cardio today and did an extra body pump class today. And let me tell you, I can really tell my arms are starting to get sculpted! :) Yay for weights!

A Picture Finally

So I actually put on make-up today and got dressed...not something I do too often as a SAHM...I hate putting on make up when only my kids see it! What's the point in that?!

Anyway, so I took a picture of me today. As you can see, I'm just where I was in my title picture to the right after I lost my first round of weight a little over a year ago after working hard when I had my 2nd child. So I'm back there and my jeans are fitting nicely! Now to truck on and go where I've never gone before! ha ha

Some online friends have given me some inspiration and I'm determined to have a flat belly for the first time in my life for the summer! It may look pretty flat here, but you can't see under my shirt! :) I've definitely got more work to do.

I did run 6.2 miles this morning! So proud...that is 10k. I CAN do it...just got to keep at it to make sure I can accomplish it outside and not just on the treadmill!

TGIF

I'm so happy for Friday...mainly because on the weekend mornings I allow myself coffee and I so look forward to it! This morning was busy in that I had to get up early and drop my dog off for a check-up at the vet and then go get blood drawn for a test for my doctor that I have been putting off since October. Glad to get that done! But after all that running around, I still made it back to take my daughter to preschool at 9 and then went to the gym. I made it to Body Pump class and then ran 3.1 miles on the treadmill. Because the inlaws might be coming to visit on Sunday, I wanted to get my class in in case I miss that day. The scale still isn't moving for now, but I had a nice compliment from a gym friend this week saying she noticed my weightloss in my face and legs! Nice to hear after I had noticed that as well.

Now on to the weekend!

Down

I'm just down today. Don't feel like writing anything at all, but wanted to at least put in my exercise for my own records.

10 minutes on elliptical trainer, Body Attack class, 10 minutes walking on the treadmill to cool down.

My Sonic Set-back

After a great workout yesterday, Sonic derailed my day! My kids and I occassionally pick up drinks during happy hour time (half-priced) at Sonic before going to the park. Well for some reason yesterday, they were way busy and I waited about 20 minutes to get my Cherry Coke Zero, so finally I called them back on the buzzer and they brought it out, only to realize later when the diarrhea hit that they must have given me a real coke, not a Coke Zero! When I don't get a diet drink from there, that is what happends to me. I was so mad! All those extra calories after all my work. I will not be going back there for a long time!

Today, I am trying to recover. I ran 3.75 miles and then did my body pump class.

Day 15

So I've made it half a month now that I realize! Pretty good, but 69 more days! I don't have much to say today, just that I was down another pound this morning and stuck with the elliptical mostly today at the gym...did 65 minutes plus my ab work and lunges.

2 weeks down!

10 weeks to go! Just when I had given up on the scales moving since I had been weighing in all week seeing nothing, I stepped on this morning to a loss! Finally! So now I am down 7 lbs total which isn't bad with so much time remaining. I felt so happy and motivated by this that I ran 5.75 miles on the treadmill this morning as well as 10 minutes on the eliptical just to cool down. I also put my skinny jeans back on! :) It is a good Monday!

13th Day

Even though I haven't lost as much weight this week, I've definitely noticed that I'm getting more toned. That is nice to notice when the numbers aren't changing. I think bodypump has been helping a lot on my arms and legs, but all the running is helping my legs as well. Getting toned is one of my major goals, so I'm happy this week with those results.

I did bodypump class this morning, ran a mile on the treadmill, and then also ran around our neighborhood big block pushing the kids in the double jogging stroller. And tomorrow ends week 2 and begins week 3!

Day 12

Yes, my weightloss has slowed down! I did lose half a pound, but after losing so much last week, I guess that evens it out to a practical weightloss.

I skipped running today...my knees were kind of bothering me a little after my run yesterday and then getting down on the floor playing and tending to the kids, so I did an hour on the elliptical today plus my ab workout and 10 minutes on the stationary bike. I also got a good arm workout in this afternoon working out in the yard pulling weeds and raking them out of our out-of-control front flower beds. My husband will be planting in another month or two, so I wanted to get that done while the weather was nice. My husband was going to do it, but the days he has been off have been rainy of course.

So here I am in the weekend staying on track, but am looking forward to some Chic-fil-A tonight. I think I've earned it with how well I have been doing.

A week and a half in!

I ran 5.25 miles this morning...just about a mile short of what the race will be. It is tough, but it is going to be so awesome to do and will be such a high to know that I accomplished it when I do. I HAVE to start running outside sometime soon. I think Mondays and Fridays if it is nice out, I may take the jogging stroller out to a trail to run. That is the part I'm worried about...the outside and the hills....gotta be ready for it all.

I've also been trying to drink more water. I know I need to and it is essential in losing weight, so I'm trying the propel packets to add to my water to help me drink it. I just can't make myself drink plain water unless I'm working out and it is fine then. I'm hoping with the help of some flavor, I can drink a lot more during the day.

The weekend is also here and I'm not really worried. My husband will be working all weekend, so there really aren't many food temptations when he is...it is a normal day for me and my lean cuisines. Keeping my fingers crossed for my weigh-in on Monday!

Day 10

Had a great workout this morning doing the Body Attack class. I also did a little running and 10 minutes on the elliptical. It is a gorgeous day outside, so hopefully I'll get some more activity in this afternoon outdoors. The sun is out, it is around 70 degrees and I want to enjoy it while it lasts before it gets cold again. No change on weight this morning. Hoping to see something new in the morning!

Trying to Keep it Up

I think I have been doing very well. I haven't cheated on my eating at all. And I'm giving it my all at the gym. I need some other ideas of things to boost my weightloss. I know it is slower after the first week, but I feel like it is a very very tired turtle walking along this week. Just half a pound has come off so far. I guess this is just part of it. Can't give up! I know it takes time.

Today I ran 1.5 miles, 15 minutes on elliptical trainer, and did my body pump class.

Day 8

We had a nice visit with my daughter's preschool mom's and her friends this morning at my house. But because we had morning plans for once, my work-out got moved to the afternoon which is nice sometimes to switch it up. I ran for 20 minutes on the random incline selection and it was challenging. Then I did the elliptical trainer for 40 minutes as well as my normal abs and lunges I do daily. I'm anxious to see the scale in the morning and hope I see a change! I know the weightloss will slow after the first week, but change sure keeps you going more!

One Week Later!

It is one week later and I'm down 4.5 lbs! I'm so excited. I just hope this weight loss continues. I'm working so hard, so it is nice to see results in numbers. After working out at the gym this morning, I've been busy cleaning the house for a play date tomorrow. We are having over 3 other kids from my daughter's preschool class over with their moms to visit and eat tomorrow. I've definitely been burning some extra calories vacuuming, mopping, and cleaning windows. It needed to be done though!

Today's gym workout: ran 5 miles on treadmill, did 20 minutes on elliptical trainer, and did my crunches and sit-ups.

1 week down! 11 weeks to go!

Day 6...Tomorrow is a week!

I took the new release 73 bodypump class this morning at the gym. It was great! I love the new music and just had so much energy. I have to remember how wonderful pump is for my muscles on the toning besides all the cardio I do. It definitely has made me stronger and I can see the difference especially in my arms.

Once I put the kids down for a nap today, I also ran the big block around my neighborhood. I need to clock how far it is officially. It is a great workout since there are several inclines and hills. Will have to figure that out and post it later.

I can't believe tomorrow is offically a week since I began. It feels like a lot longer. I still have an 11 week journey ahead, but am so excited about it!

Day 6

I had a wonderful work-out this morning at the gym. Saturdays are the day that I am supposed to do my long run for training for the 10k and I only really needed to run 2 miles according to my 12 week plan, but I got to 3 and felt like I could really keep going a while, so I ended up running 4.5 miles in 41 minutes. It felt great and the best feeling was not even being out of breath when I was done. For the first time, I really felt like, hey, I'm going to really be able to do this! Especially with 11 weeks to go. I also did my abs and 10 minutes on the elliptical to finish up. Getting pumped! Just wish I knew someone close to me that would run with me at the race....not as exciting when you go alone.

Day 5

Still going strong...the weekend will be another challenge though. I like to do my weigh-in on Fridays even though my official start day was Monday. So after the first week, I'm down 3 lbs.

I ran 30 minutes today 3.30 miles. Then after being called to change Andrew's dirty diaper, I did my crunches, sit-ups and some other ab exercises ending with 20 minutes on the elliptical trainer.

I thought I would cave and get my pannini favorite at Jason's Deli last night, but instead got the Turkey lite sandwich and I'm glad I did. It was delicious as well without all the calories!

Here comes the weekend. Hoping I get 3 more lbs off by this time next week!

A Hard Day (Day 4)

Today was a rough day between my son, Andrew holding on to the garage door and going up with it and then falling down running and scraping his head on the concrete. Then losing my drivers license somewhere at the gym. Not fun. But I had a great work-out. I did the Body Jam class at Gold's. I had done it once before, but wanted to try it again to shake up my workout a bit. It was tough and I sweated it all out!!! It was great! Then I did 20 minutes on the elliptical trainer. Besides that, I cleaned my bathroom which was an extra mini-workout. I had planned to possibly run outside tomorrow, but it doesn't look like the weather is going to cooperate, so hopefully next week, I can do that.

Day 3

I'm still excited and trucking forward. I've been watching those calories and trying to drink more water to help as well. I know that if I did it between May and September of 2008, I can do it now. I know my hurdles are going to be any traveling we do when we tend to stop for fast food. I'll have to remember to stick to my guns and find the healthier options.

My workout today: Ran 2.25 miles in 20 minutes and 30 seconds on treadmill, 10 minutes on elliptical trainer and then 1 hour body pump class (weight-lifting to music.)

I've got to start running outside as well when the weather allows it. Hopefully soon I'll be out getting that done!

The Journey has Begun

It's January and everyone began making their resolutions. Some following them, and some have already given up. I guess I might could be thrown in with the group of resoluters, but I consider it more of a goal than a resolution that I am setting.

Last year, I told myself that I would be running a 10k this year. I figured that I've done 3 5k runs without a problem, so it was time to up my goal. But at that time, 2010 still seemed a while away until last week, I realized that April will be here before I know it and I need to really get focused if I'm going to do this. I have until the end of February to register before the price jumps up, so I wanted to get started and see if I was really ready for a 10k.

It just so happens that yesterday, Monday January 11th, Gold's Gym, where I work out, is having a company-wide contest called the Know Your Own Strength Challenge. It lasts 12 weeks and as a very crazy coincidence, that is exactly when the 10k will be. The challenge is for individuals to set goals for themselves and lose weight or inches or just get toned and in shape. Whatever is your goal! There is one contest that is just within the gym and one that is company-wide for all Gold's Gyms. The local contest has prizes like TVs, gift cards, and such. The big one has a grand prize of $12,500 for the top male and female winners. Wow! I don't think I'll make it to that caliber, but wouldn't it be awesome! And it is something to really dream about as you are sweating. Their are prizes for different categories too depending on if you lost the most weight, inches, or other.

I think of this challenge as kind of a biggest loser incentive for gym members. I figured it couldn't hurt to sign up and it will give me motivation to stick with my plan. I went to sign up and they asked me if I want to sign up just for the local contest or for the national one...the kicker was that they take your picture to be your before picture and for the local one, you can wear whatever you want, but for the national one, you have to just wear a sports bra and your pants.....oh the horror! But I thought, hey, I might as well....I wanted to dream of that big prize! So now I can say I've had my picture taken without a shirt....I just hope it doesn't leak out to the paparazzi!

My goal:
My main goal is to run and finish the 10k in April, but in training for this and accomplishing it, I hope to accomplish my side goal of toning up for 3 (aka the title of my blog.) I worked so hard after having Andrew to lose the baby weight and did it! I lost 32 lbs and was 10 lbs less than I was before I had kids. But somewhere along the way since then, I've managed to gain 10 lbs back, so I want that off of course and 5-10 lbs on top of that.

I want to be in great shape. We have been waiting to have our 3rd child since our 2 children are so close in age. Lillian turned 3 in October and Andrew will be 2 in February. We wanted to make sure they are more independent and able to help out a little before we add to the family. So our plan was to possibly conceive number 3 this fall if that works out. That means I have until then to be great shape. It will mean a easier pregnancy for me and just feeling better all around, along with making my post-partum easier as well.

So now my journey begins. I hope to write daily to help me stay motivated and focused.

Yesterday: Ran 3.25 miles on thread mill, 20 minutes on elliptical trainer, crunches, lunges
Today: Ran 20 minutes at 6.5 on thread mill on random inclines, 20 minutes on elliptical trainer, lunges, crunches