Motivational Monday - They Finished With Me

This morning I took a class at the gym.  I haven't been to the gym in months and it felt like going home for a visit when I walked in.  ahh... home.  LOL  Okay, maybe not quite the same, but as I went to use the restroom I was like, "Now, why did I quit coming here??"  

My life has been busy I know, but I've decided I need to do some cross training that will help strengthen my core and get me stronger for running.  So, I will be taking at least two classes at the gym each week that consist of lots of core and strength intervals.  

Today was one of the classes.  It's called "Total Athletic Conditioning" and the workout went like this: 

Warm up on spin bike

Side squats with barbell - 15 each side

"Curtsey" squats with barbell - 15 each side

Kettlebell swing, alternating hands - 15 total

Kettlebell "wood chop" with both hands - 15 

1 mile sprint ride on bike (fast speed, less than 2 mins)

15 pushups, any style

30 crunches

90 seconds on bike at high intensity a.k.a. "hill climb" 

Repeat the above for like 20 minutes and see how many sets you can do.  

Then...

1 mile sprint on bike 

bicep curl with barbell - 12

overhead press with barbell - 12

back row with barbell - 12 

burpees, with pushup when down - 5

30 crunches

30 count plank, any style

90 second hill climb on bike

Repeat THAT until she says stop, about 20 minutes

IT'S TOUGH.

I wanted tough, but I didn't realize how hard it would be.  I didn't realize how not-in-shape I am.  Lordy. 

It wasn't long before I realized I was slower than most, and by the end of the first half of the workout I knew I was in last place.  The only lady that was near me was someone I've seen around for a long time and come to find out she is recovering from a back injury.  Um, yea...great. 

The trainer is great, but she is one tough cookie.  The girl is beast (as my kids would say) and she said a couple of times, "Push yourself, it's not good enough to think 'well, at least I showed up', you need to PUSH."  I was like, "um, actually...it is good enough for me."  LOL  But I did my best, as embarrassed as I was that I was falling farther and farther behind.  But I did decide I was going to do MY best and not worry about what others were doing.  It was obvious many of them take this class regularly and were very fit.  So, I just kept trying to ignore when I was the only one doing a certain move, and just kept going.

Then this happened and I was so humbled and grateful and ... well..I cried for a second. 

As we're finishing up the second half of the workout I hear the trainer say that in a couple minutes she's  wants everyone to finish up with a one mile sprint and then she's going to start some 10 second sprints on the bike for everyone to do while people are finishing up that mile.  She says she knows classtime is about up, but she wants us to finish the last set and "the pregnant class can wait a couple minutes".  

Soon, I hear her starting the 10 second sprints and I begin to realize everyone IS done, or close to it, and I'm the slow poke.  The first half I only got 2 1/2 sets in when she called time, so I figured I'd do about the same.  

Oh no.  I suddenly hear her say, "Who still has to finish their mile?" 

I knew I was the only one as I inched my hand up until she noticed it.  I was in the middle of the room, directly in front of her.  She asked how far I had to go and I held up 5 fingers for 0.5 mile.  

So, she tells everyone, "We're going to finish with her.  Only half a mile... SPRINT!"

I am busting my butt trying to finish up and about to die because now everyone has to wait on me and we've already run over the 45-minute class period.  She counts down with me and I'm keeping pace with her for that 0.5 mile finish (for those that know spin I was doing 120 rpm's).  

I. WAS. DYING. 

When I finished the entire room clapped and one veteran gym lady, who helps at a lot of the races, came over and high-fived me and told me "GOOD JOB!!!".  I had pulled my towel up to cover my face, both to wipe sweat and because I was in tears.  Well, I wanted to cry, but I was trying to catch my breath.  

I thanked the high-fiving lady and we all rushed to put everything away so the next class could come in.  A handful of people congratulated me and I was so embarrassed, but also so touched that they would finish with me.  I hear the trainer say over the mic that she couldn't have lived with herself the rest of today knowing she made someone leave their workout undone.   

Wow.  *sniff*

My legs were so like Jell-O that I could barely walk normal out of the class room to stretch.  As I was stretching one lady chatted with me for a minute and I told her I was embarrassed they all waited for me.  She reassured me that they enjoyed the ride on the bike and no big deal.  

Amazing.  These people don't know me.  I've been going to this gym off and on for almost two years, but this was my first time in the class and they helped me finish strong.  As I walked in the pouring rain to my car (I couldn't even run, because I still had Jell-O legs) I thought, "Well, this is a good start and someday hopefully we'll talk about the day I held everyone up and compare to how much better I've gotten."  

Oh, and for the record.... I didn't mind being last (well, until I realized she wasn't letting the class stop til I was done.) because I know there were two ladies in the back of the class that weren't doing the leg exercises with full range of motion.  Their squats and burpees were very almost non-existent, whereas I was trying to still complete the full range of motion even if it meant I was slower.  So there. 

Oh...And ... burpees. are. hard.  Really hard.  And I always wonder if they are really necessary.  LOL 

I hope you enjoyed my story.  This was one of those moments I wanted written down to look back on later.  And maybe some of those ladies were vexed to have to wait, but I know I'll always be grateful for it.  They not only helped me finish strong, but they helped motivate me to want to get stronger so I'm not holding up the class all the time.  :)

Have a good week everyone!

Weigh-In ... Non-Scale Success

Today's Weight:  164.5

Loss/Gain: - 2.5 

Well, technically this is one of those "What?!" losses.  I took a double look at the scale, because I don't feel like I've worked really hard to lose this week, BUT ... I have been careful.  So, I guess it could happen.  :)

A huge NSV last Sunday was we went to a buffet for lunch and I only ate until satisfied.  That is always a huge accomplishment for me.  

Also, without knowing it a friend called me for encouragement the other day with regards to weight loss and after talking to her I decided to change my plans for stopping for cheap hamburgers at McDonalds and we got Subway for dinner instead.  I ended up having enough points on my Subway card to save $10 on our sandwiches-only order.  Score!  (both in cost and health)

The main reason I don't feel like I worked so hard at this loss is yesterday was very busy and I didn't eat much at any one sitting.  But when I did eat I was careful about my choices.  

I've been choosing cheese and fruit instead of cookies for snacks again.  (Um, yea...guess who is visiting?? Yep, TOM.  It explains why last week I didn't want anything healthy..just sugar..*rolling eyes*)  

So, of course I'm happy to see the lower number on the scale this morning, but more than that I feel this week has been successful due to picking healthier options/portions more times than not.  

Have a great weekend!

Oh, the plans!

Once again Thursday has rolled around and I realize I have not posted anything since my last weigh-in.  It has still been pretty busy around here.  The second major project I'm working on, actually in charge of, takes place in just over two weeks.

Okay...it's no huge secret.  I'm putting on a Mother's Day Brunch at our church for all ladies and "daughter's ages 6 and up".  It's a lot of fun, but takes months of planning and then I tend to procrastinate and have lots of little embellishments to finish up, while also taking care of myself and my family.

So, as soon as that is done I think my stress level will lower a LOT.

I think... LOL

In the meantime, I've been flipping through these books as I wait in the car for my kids to get out of school

 because I'm getting excited about my summertime plans...the plans that come after finishing my 3rd 10K in May.

I'm already putting into place how I am going to train and prepare myself both physically and mentally to complete my first half marathon in September.  I'm so excited about this!  I'm NOT excited about getting up early to run before the heat and humidity take over, but I am very excited about seeing if I can do this.

I'm chomping at the bit to get started, but moreso because I know when I start training for my half marathon that will mean the brunch is done.  LOL !!!!

So, I'll be back tomorrow with a weigh-in, but now you know I'm still here, still thinking healthy thoughts and still with lots to say -- just not so much time to say it in.  : )

See you tomorrow.

Weigh-In ... Holding Steady

Today's Weight:  167.0

Loss/Gain: 0

This week I have been wrapping up one of two major projects I have on my plate, so I am happy to see I've maintained.  Considering I also had some car issues to take care of, busy family life and some overeating I did the past week -- on top of finishing up this project -- I feel I've succeeded and I am looking forward to an even better week next week.  

Have a nice weekend!

My Biggest Struggle

So...last night was not so good for me.  It wasn't horrible, but I was eating too many M&Ms and had potato chips twice yesterday.  I kept thinking, "You know what?  I'm just going to stay here at my weight.  I'm never going to be like those ladies who eat healthy and well enough to stay at a thin size."  

One common thread in the AIMS post this month I noticed is how clean and healthy they eat, pretty much all. of. the. time.  

And my biggest struggle as I've been in the last third of my weight loss goals is that I'll never  be like that.  I still like to eat too much junk too often.  I enjoy healthier stuff, but I don't reach for it naturally and I haven't gotten the pattern set in my life where I eat it because it's best for me, more than a couple days a week.  

I find this embarrassing, but it's been my hugest struggle.  I have friends who eat cleaner because they know it's best for them, even if they don't always want to.  Not me, and last night I had another bout of "I'll never be like that...sigh...so I think I'll just stay comfortable where I'm at"

But, as is mostly always the case... I knew I didn't really mean it.  And I went to bed. 

I woke up a little tired and didn't feel a whole lot better.  After getting the kids off to school, reading my devotional and praying I looked up my health board on Pinterest and reminded myself...

I also did a search on "don't give up" and found this: 

Which reminded me of a great quote I found a couple months ago: 

So, I'm not quitting.  I know I feel better when I eat better.  I know I can do this.  I know I have a couple tops that are still too snug, so I HAVE to get into them.  :)  

And after going for a quick 3 mile run I am refreshed and I know...

It's not over, because I won't give up.

Wise Words from Cammy

Maybe because it's Friday, maybe because this is so true...but after reading the AIM's posts for April this morning I just had to make up this little quote fun out of a truth Cammy shared in her post to share on my Instagram account.

Of course, I couldn't resist sharing it with all of you too.  :)

Note:  This was made using the Jusgramm app and the file was saved as a jpeg image using Photoshop Elements...yea..I'll get to my housework soon enough.  :P

Weigh-In ... Signed Up

Today's Weight:  167.0

Loss/Gain: -2.0 (this week)

I didn't post last week, but I was up 5 lbs from our trip, so technically I'm down 2.  I'll take it and smile!  

This week I'm pleased to share two things: 

• I ran my fastest 5K the other day... 3.10 in 32:38  and it was warm and sunny out!!  
• I signed up for my 10K race in May - 8th Annual Run for the Warriors.

Due to some hectic, rather stressful times over the last month or so I have not been following the 10K training plan I adopted for myself at the beginning of the year.  HOWEVER, I have been getting back into running and know that I will be fine.  

Yesterday I ran for 4 miles and made it in just under 44 minutes.  If I can run this 10K with an average pace of 11:00 minute miles or less I will be content.  

So, now on to another week and time for me to get going so I can get my housecleaning done today.  Have a good weekend and thanks again for checking in! 

p.s.  I forgot to share this sweetness... my husband said he is has begun running again, but taking it easy so he won't be injured and can run a 10K with me in the future.  He had pushed to hard in the recent past and had major issues with shin splits and plantar fasciitis.  Awww... he's planning to run with me... he'll always be faster than me, but I love being able to do a race with him!  XO

Fit Family - NSV

So, I had another proud mommy moment the other day... 

My girls have been making sure to get their exercise in a couple days a week at the least after school and the other day they decided to go for a walk.  I had just dropped brother off at soccer practice and was going to go for a run.  The girls started out walking before I started my run and I thought I heard them say something about studying while they walked. 

Sure enough, as I came up behind them I see one of them holding a sheet of paper and they are quizzing each other for a Spanish test the next day..while walking! 

My kids are studying and getting exercise in too!!  Woo Hoo!!  Of course, they paused to cheer me on as I jogged past them.  So cute.  

After I was done with my run (the girls were waiting for me on the porch) we girls went to get brother from soccer practice.  

He had worked hard too. 

I told the kids I was so proud of them for getting in some exercise, so I did what we mom's do best...took a picture of all of us.  :)

Being that it had reached 79 that day, we decided that protein smoothies would be a good idea for dinner. So, I got right to work making a nice cold dinner. 

One had mixed berries and yogurt with strawberry protein powder, me and one daughter had almond milk, frozen bananas, PB and chocolate protein powder and my son had almond milk, pb and chocolate protein powder.  It was like having dessert for dinner, but full of all kinds of goodness and enough calories to count as a meal! 

You know, this was just another NSV of sorts -- seeing my kids stay active and being able to be right there with them rejoicing and high-fiving after a good workout.  :)

Motivational Monday - It's Good Enough

Hello!  I'm back and we're back into our normal routines now.  I love that.  *contented sigh*

Vacations are nice.  

Relaxing is nice.  

But there is great truth to the saying "Home Sweet Home".  There's nothing like it and I love being in my normal school-day routines.  Today I've done nothing more than pick up the house, do laundry, go for a nice walk, chat with a friend and I've enjoyed every minute of my day.  

The sun has been shining and the temperature reached the mid to high 70's.  My windows are open and fresh air has been breezing it's way through my home.  

Can you see why I'm feeling so pleasant?  

The pleasant contentedness also comes from having a good talk with my dear friend and weight loss buddy about how it's okay to go back to basics with exercise -- as long as we're still moving. 

The farther along I get in this weight loss journey, and the more I see myself capable of things I never thought I'd be able to do, it's easy to put myself down for not pushing harder each workout.  It's easy to think I've done nothing, or I'm a failure, if I've not put out a solid hour or 45 minutes of hot, sweaty exercise.  

What a lie.

Four years ago (this past week to be exact) I weighed myself at my all time, non-pregnancy high of 232.5 pounds.  I was mortified.  I was forced to acknowledge the pain in my knees was due to putting on another 20 pounds since the previous summer.  I was forced to acknowledge that I was "loving myself" right out of my 20w's.

I felt hopeless.

And I decided I needed to do something, but I refused to start any specific diet out of a fear of failure.  

So, I changed one thing at a time.  Looking back I realized I made two choices.  I would stop one bad habit and I would start one good habit. 

I cut my regular soda drinking down to only at mealtimes, and I started doing walk-at-home DVDs for 30 minutes 3 times a week. 

Was it Biggest Loser style change?  No.  Did I get results?  YES. 

Those small basic decisions lead to more decisions, which lead to more and now here I am lighter and still keeping that weight off.   

Yes, I managed to gain 5 pounds while on vacation last week.  Yes, I was lazy and enjoyed my Grandma's homemade desserts daily.  Yes, I did go for one, small 2-mile run, but well, yes, I slept in and enjoyed lots of time with my family.

And even more than that....

Yes, I came home and made the decision to get back with the program.  I know those five pounds will come off soon enough.  I know I'll go for a run this week and I'll get back into my regular workout schedule again and most of all...

I know it's good enough.  

Happy Monday!  Hope you all have a good week!

Out

I was out of town all week and just returned late this afternoon.  I may or may not do a weigh-in tomorrow, but I will for sure be back next week.  :)

Motivational Monday - 12

This is my Easter dress....in a size 12 from JCPenney.  :)

And this is no April Fool's joke.  Har. Har.

Being able to buy and wear a 12 is motivating to me!!  Some 12's are still too tight, but I'm getting there.  Yay!

And here's my lovely children on Easter too.  Yea...I'm a little biased.  :)

They are 12, 15 and 15...for my new blog friends. :)

Happy Monday!