Two resting days....



Having to take the last two days off from cardio has been rough, my body is attempting to recover from a 'tough' leg work out from about 5 days ago! So instead I've been focused as you've read, on posting goals for 2013 and new challenges to be apart of. I have also been meeting and finding new and interesting bloggers to connect with. I also just today decided to kick it completely in to gear and join in -  

 

Run Your A$$ Off - "A friendly competition meant to inspire, drive & motivate. runwithjess.com”

 

 

 

Soo with all these 'challenges' on my plate (ha) I do hope that tomorrow morning I can at least get on the treadmill or elliptical for 2-3 miles (last effort of 2012). Completing then 75+ miles in December, and 145 (since restarting to use Nike+ app on my phone - September 2012). Granted my efforts will be slow and steady so that I do not cause more harm to my legs, but hey something is better then none, right?

 

Upcoming!

My first run of the 2013 Hotcake Hustle, is only 13 days away and I am excited and praying that by then  these muscle pain/issues will be relieved by then! I have two great friends and our kids going so it will be so much fun for all! Looking forward to even seeing and meeting new fellow runners that are apart of the #13in2013 group members too!

 

Lastly -

This past week  I started keeping track of  my #plankadays for accountability here we go :)

 

12/26/2012

12/27/2012

12/28/2012



12/30/2012

January 'extra' challenge...

Quick Quick extra fun post ---

So honestly I love finding new inspirational bloggers. Ever since I joined the #13in2013 challenge, yes ONLY just two days ago I am finding additional 'fun' ways to involve myself into starting this next year off in full throttle!
Check this out and sign up on January 1st!

 How My World Runs
 
 

 

13 Goals/Challenges for 2013

Well if need any more motivation about this upcoming year - here it is!

Based on Chinese Horoscopes, I was born during year of Snake, and this is 'my' persay year! HA.
Shall I say M o t i v a t i o n  - its time for me to make the best of this next year!

My 13 Goals/Challenges for 2013

1. Take on 13 5K races in 2013 - 13 in 2013 Challenge!
2. #plankaday challenge
3. Run a mile in under 9:30.
4. Drink a fresh made 'Juice' at least 4-5 times a week.
5. 100 pushup challenge
6. Challenge to get my kids more involved with my running and having them participate in the 'fun runs'
7. Create a healthier food environment for my family
8. Take on at least one 10K run
9. Break down my 'wall' that I can't do it and enjoy running for fun/therapy.
10. Get 100% back to my original 'goal' weight
11. Body fat challenge - get between 21-24% (Healthy/Ideal)
12. Motivate someone else in your life to a healthier lifestyle
13. Reward myself this year - for each mini goal accomplished.

What will you do this year??

2013 My Year to "Keep Moving Foward"

A new year approaches and its time to set in motion a 'first' for me actually set and be accountable for my Goals and wished accomplishments.

2013 Motto ~ Keep Moving Forward

So today I am sharing my 2013 Running Goals~ Lucky 13, as they say?

This year I am challenging myself to participate in 13 5K's though out this year. 13 in 2013 Challenge!
Below I am marking them down and I'll be updating my Races & Results tab as each race pass or a change in the race outlined.

1. Jan -  Hotcake Hustle 5K, Dallas TX*
2. Feb - Texas Half 5K, Dallas Tx**

3. Mar - Firefly Run 5K, Dallas TX**
4. Apr - The Color Run, Dallas TX**
or
4. April - 5KFoamfest, Dallas TX**
5. May - Open
6. Jun - Run for your Lives 5K, South Forney, TX** 
7. Jul - To Hot to Handle, Dallas TX**
8. Aug - The Hottest Half 10K, Dallas TX** (maybe, it gets HOT in TX!)
9. Sept - Open
10.Oct - Open
11. Nov - Turkey Trot, Double Oak TX**
12. Dec - Open
13. Open

*Registered
**Tentative/Need to Register.

If anyone else wants to join in the challenge you could even win some great prizes along the way! Check this page out. (note must sign up before 12/31/2012).

Up next 13 Goals for 2013...


Merry Christmas and what the day after brings...

The children are all tucked into bed and I get to settle down and reminisce over the last 48 hours....

First off I hope y'all had a wonderful Christmas Day with family.

Ours was an adventure-

Santa came indeed.. selecting several bites of our favorite cookies and drinking all of his milk.

The kids where more then excited to get down these stairs!

And the unwrapped with glee....

Expressions of craziness filled the morning cheer...

The snow fairy came after sending away lighting and thunder storm boys playing from earlier in the day.... Creating a light White Christmas glow...

It was a most magical day for our family...



The Day After Christmas...
So this morning with the light snow upon the ground and all the rain from earlier in the day it was quite icy out there to venture out to the gym and burn off those much needed caloric intake from the day before....

So instead of staying on my normal gym routine I stayed home while the kids played in the snow/ice for a bit and then enjoyed playing with new presents and card games during the early afternoon.

Now by 2:00pm the ice was mostly gone from the neighborhood streets, (another reason why I like living here, we may have snow or ice once a year, and the roads clear up quickly once the sun shines down) and I was itching to get out to the gym. After an hour of prepping and getting my gym buddy/kick my tookas in gear lady, it was time to get busy and burn some calories..

Todays battle "LEGS" Obstacle course craziness!
Superset - 3 times
15 - Squats (weighted)
Lunges across the room (weighted)
15 - Toss then catch the weighted ball in a squat position
15 - Kettle ball through the legs squat
15 - Dead Lifts (weighted)
10 - Trap Lifts (weighted)
15 - Pushups
30 sec to 1 min plank #plankaday!


REST 1 -2 mins and start again...

Leg Extensions-to-the-death!
Starting at a heavy weight as many as possible, next rep lower 20 lbs and complete as many as possible, next rep lower again and repeat. (my legs where JELLO!)

Stretching (ahhh yes) for about 10-15 mins

Finally hit the Elliptical machine
32 minutes completing 2.75 miles.

Total time at the gym was 2+ hours. My legs already feel like I'll be wobbling down the stairs! LOL

Tomorrow I plan on (legs barring) getting in during my normal morning hours, maybe just come cardio like Elliptical machine again since its not as tough on my knees.

I leave you with this cute new photo of our new kittens playing today in our 'fake' Christmas Tree - yep they are adorable... :)

 

Where in the World....

WOW what in the world has been going on? I have been so ridiculously busy these past few weeks its not funny. I have not been the best 'here' - not good!

Working, Traveling, Kids, Family, trying to just stay a float! (I'm sure we've all done that and have been there).

I keep yelling at myself that no matter what is going on I've got to get back on track. HA! sure sure now with the holiday season right smack in our faces its been a grueling task.

Being too tired to lets find quick fixes or go out to eat (not the healthiest options)

• Not getting in 7-8 hours of sleep - takes a toll on me
• New Family members in the house (will show you below)...
• Changes in the 'normal' routines with family members inbound, and kids home from school - don't get me wrong its a fabulous family time - just hard to keep on track.

I do not care of the little voice in my head 'oh don't worry on January 1st I'll get back on track.' Honestly it never really works, no matter what I need to stay accountable for my actions of staying healthy. I've been a Weight Watchers Lifetime Member since March of 2011; its funny how once you get there it 'should' be easier right? No way no how, in some respects I feel like its even harder to make sure that I am with in 2lbs of my goal weight so that I keep my membership benefits.  Life has a lovely way of impacting and getting in the way, making it harder.

Now about the only thing I have been able to keep on track has been my work out routines--
Dailymile tracking December 8th - December 21st -
(yes this site rocks you can even befriend others to help stay accountable!)

ooo and on another 'run' note I at least got an opportunity to again sign myself, friends and kids up for our next 5k & Fun runs --

I can not wait to pound the pavement again with my kids and friends... at The Hotcake Hustle. WHO doesn't want Hotcakes after a nice run, (wait don't ask my son though he just said 'no').

This time we've added more kids and friends which will make it even better!!

Alright Back ON Track - here I come....

Yes as promised 'our' new additions to the family - oh so cute they are....

Busy Bee

This past week has been a total work blurrrrrrr. I was hoping to have a moment here or there to breathe alias not so much.

So since my last post I was able to get in almost every morning -

Sunday
3.25 miles  jog/walk

Monday
1.5 miles jog/walk

Tuesday
1.5 miles jog/walk

Wednesday
2.25 elliptical

Thursday & Friday
Day's off

Saturday
5.0 miles elliptical

I was able to make sound choices for breakfasts consisting of a Banana Choco Chip VitaTops 1 tablespoon of peanut butter, 1 cup of blackberries & 1/2 cup of blueberries.

Unfortunately most food choices for lunch and dinners where not as health wise, best not to fully share, after stepping on the scale on my last day of travels. d'oh!!

Tomorrow starts another day.

Running Inspriation

Today has been full of inspiration...

Several close friends participated in marathons this weekend, I am beyond amazed with their determination and ability to complete such a huge undertaking. I am no way near running anything near that distance, but their posts are a definite motivation.

Indeed I continue in my journey in small baby steps.

My running best'e always amazes me with her great finishes; I may be 10 minutes behind her but I know at the end she'll be right there waiting to cheer me on. :)

With the option to see flash results it was amazing seeing how my good friend was doing during the California International Marathon.

Another friend was kind enough to make sure I knew all about the end of that really long rainbow was BLING!

Someday - maybe someday...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So what did I end up doing today with friends running their hearts out?

 

 It was a little different being away from my home gym in Texas, but after a few minutes and checking out the 3 floors of gym equipment I found my favorite pieces and got right to work. My combination was hitting arm work super sets for 30 minutes, with a 3.25 mile run/walk and finally relaxing, stretching out my legs in the sauna.




 

After the clean up work, I spent the afternoon with a bunch of crazy Packer Fans; which is experience in it self. LOL (A Green Bay Packer Fan by marriage but have taken the responsibility full on).

 

Hit the shopping experience traveling around town to find my protein powders - was not in such luck but did find individual packets of Vega One to try this week. Then the joys of a favorite store that I don't have locally - Trader Joe's. Always interesting finds.

And just for the fun of it  to share my "yesterdays" photo of the day - at the Oregon Coast.