Weeks Workout in Review 3/17

This Weeks Workout in Review -

I started playing around with runtastic and Nike+ app's with my cardio training. Not sure which one i like best, in my opinion they both have pro's/con's. I need more time with runtastic though to give a valid opinion for now here's my weekly view -

Cardio total 19.55 miles

 

 #plankaday times 5/7 days counted















New foods options tried this week - both quiet delicious!

Lunch  veggie burger with extra veggies -

 

Berry Bowl with Flax Seed Bread and peanut butter

 

Well I need to focus on my Sunday chores here; tonight I'll be recapping my Firefly 5K!

Week in Review

Happy Weekend -

Week in Review time...

Cardio*-
Please note; which I have been notorious for not doing in the past, these distances are either on an elliptical machine or walking intervals.

Planks -

Ended up only 4/7 days this week

















Crossfit Saturday -


Needless to say my legs are on fire!!











For the remainder of March its looks as though signed up (accidently) for  two three 5k's  - whoa whoops! Since I have been really only working on Elliptical for training look like my body better be prepared for pavement!

Mar - Firefly Run 5K, Dallas TX*** (Mar 23)
Mar- St. Patrick's Day Virtual Race*** (Mar 15-22)
Mar - the jellybean Virtual Race*** (Mar20-31)

Maybe i'll tackle my Virtual Race tomorrow on St. Patricks Day...maybe if my legs are not sore from Crossfit today.

In a rut....

The traveling has completely impacted my mo-jo here....... ha what am I kidding I think I'm in a rut...

What I've been accountable for so far lets start off with my past cardio progress....

February ended with a total of just shy of 82 miles for the month, and March is starting strong with almost 31 miles to date..

 

The last week of February I just could not get in those planks - I was in a rut no doubt so March 3rd I had to start all over. I am still proud of myself since this is most definitely better then just giving up!



It has been 3 weeks since my last Cross Fit class; lets just say this morning, 2 days later, my muscles are paying for it!! I need a massage badly! :)















So this morning I have come to the painful reality; the past 4-6 months have just been terrible with food and no matter when I make good selections one day the next may be disastrous. Cardio/gym/cross fit time are easier for me to stick to then food choices. Being on this journey for so long I know food and gym time must go hand and hand. I have been in a rut  and its most frustrating, because I see the pounds creeping up again, body style visually changing in a negative direction.





Now I've done the Diet Bet thing which helped me but then once it was over I wasn't motivated to stick with it or start another month of the activity. I am a Lifetime member of WW's and though I may go 2-3 times a month its very hard for me to admit at this time in my life, I am not 100% following the program its personally getting difficult to really 'listen' and focus as I have so diligently in the past. I love going when I can to the meetings though as I have four  fabulous ladies that I have connected with. I enjoy spending time with them and hearing what's going on with their lives after our meetings.


I am in desperate need of a food head jump start or as Calvin over here lovely puts it a swift kick in the....















I have other great friends with suggestions that I've inquired into for 'help' maybe a different point of views or direction... again I don't ever wish to disassociate myself with the WW program it is what guided me in the right direction starting at 208lbs to getting me to my goal of 139lbs. I think I'm just at another cross road in my life and in need of more or added changes to boost my mind.

So far I've looked at the following~

Shakeology
I've seen so many wonderful ladies in the blogging world using or coaching others though their journey using the beach body products. I am currently researching still and have a few scoops to 'test' the product.

Slimming World
I have another friend who has transformed herself with this program, I see this as another point of view on eating foods - there is no - you CANT have this - in the program but its pointing you in the right directions. At a first listen of the program it may be similar to what I've done in the past however I haven't gone to a meeting yet so its not the most appropriate opinion just ideas..

Personal Training -
This would be possibly the most expensive route I foresee; but possible if I am focused on certain arrears of cardio I've heard the trainers will also influence you to eat better and suggestion options.




Reaching out to you friends, do you have any other suggestions or programs that you may have tired in the past to get you out of a rut (if you've been in one), or what has worked for you in whole??

Would love to hear from you....

Busy Busy Bee again...

Busy Busy Bee again - that's me!!










The month of January I finished with
32 runs with an average distance of 2.3 Miles
75.19 Miles Total Distance

Yep - best month so far!!





I am also happy to say that I did beat my 4% weight loss in the month of January; and even ended up winning double my contribution!!

It is soo funny how all of a sudden I was at the wire and going oh NO i am going to lose $10 if i don't kick myself in gear this last week!! Thank you to my hubby for letting my hit the gym - twice in one day!

Hey and if you want to check out the next round; there will be a total of four! Click Here! I am personally taking a break to adjust my routine slightly; and may be hitting this one up on the third round!


So what else happened in my workout world this past week -



















Weight Training Routine consisted of -

Monday  - Arms

Tuesday - Legs (Quads/Hammies)

Wednesday - Core

Thursday - Shoulders

Friday - Tri's/Biceps

Saturday - Cross Fit & Pilates (two new aspects in one day!! Yikes!)


My PlankaDays for the week 

Quick post about this weeks workout...

Seriously I don't think I have had any moments to breathe and sit down to write on this blog so apologies to my followers for the lack of communications this week.

For this very moment I have time to share with you my week workout view, later this evening I plan on connecting with ya'll again :)

Monday I was in the gym  got in a leg work out, however ended up chatting with a friend a little longer then I should have so whoops I ran out of time to hit the treadmills
(oh well it happens to the best of us right; and I made up for it this weekend)

Plankaday I am soo excited to be hitting 1 minute durations!!

Alrighty I have to head off to weekly grocery shopping adventures, Costco and Vitamin Shoppe are in my very near future... once my day finally allows me to sit down and get all my thoughts out straight I hope to be posting again tonight some thing new as promised..

Week Workout Review; Crossfit?

So this week after my 5K, I took it a little easier on my treadmill and elliptical mileage...
 

I also have been working on toning for 20-30 minutes prior to my cardio work-

• Monday  - Arms
• Tuesday - Legs (Quads/Hammies)
• Wednesday - Core
• Thursday - Shoulders
• Friday - Tri's - Biceps
• Saturday - Extra Core day (sampling for you!)

....and then of course daily  Plankaday; I am working hard towards 1 minute planks.
(consistently, mind you)

 



Last but not least question of the day -

One of my friends is now taking Crossfit classes, she is 'hook', personally it sounds NUTs! (but intriguing as well, could I actually do something like that, push myself to such extremes? Would my body handled it or put me out of normal work out routine for weeks?)  

Have any of you done a Crossfit class? Whats your take if so....

Week in Review & Accountablity

Since going back to work and all other kids after school functions in full swing, my scheduling is allowing me the best opportunity to write will be during the evening hours.


Tomorrow night I am planning on getting shut eyed early
for my first group 5K race is Saturday morning!.



So tonight I provide you my quick work out week in review... I've gotten in 10.31 miles in,and tally in January is 31 miles.

Tomorrow as I mentioned I might be taking it a tad slower at the gym, maybe working on my arms in the weight training area, and no or very light cardio (e gad!). I think it is for the best, I am not an expert at this but there is usually a rest day right be fore your next 'big' race?

#plankaday!

Tonight marked my first Weight Watchers meeting of the year, and I am proud to say that I was with in my current goal weight. Tonight's topic was about fruits and vegetables and how to incorporate more in your eating habits. It got me thinking that since the begin of this year I actually "was" subconsciously eating more fruits and vegetables to my food selections. I started juicing again (I had quit this practice about 6 months ago), and then incorporating a vegetable or fruit with every meal or snack. How or why?? Maybe I just felt the give my body the appropriate nutrients for such stressful conditions like running? If you take a gander at my About Me page, you'll see and as I've mentioned before I have NEVER been a runner; and now ha, I am training and I am excited about pushing myself. So sure I have been getting in the cardio and strengthen in but by eating correctly, I know I did everything I could to fuel my body to tackle my running goals. Now to only get back on Tracking my food, I feel off the bandwagon hard on this one, (Not a great Lifetime member role model at the moment) and it has been a mental block for me that I have to break though. I have the 'time' to take a photo of what I have in front of me, or write it down - to then count out the Points Plus maybe later to show me my remaining balance for my day, I just 'have' to get back in the groove and be accountable to me and what I am placing in my mouth.

 

 

What keeps you accountable towards your goals? Do you track your exercise routines or daily food intake? If so what are your favorite programs or tools you use to help you in your journey?

 

Planning on taking photos of course on Saturday, which I'll be posting and you can follow on my FB Page hope you'll come check them out.

Last Day of Vacation & Weekend bonuses...

The last day of my two week vacation is upon me.... back to reality...kids will be back to school, I will be back in full swing at my 'regular' job.

All will be well though I do enjoy the consistent routines, getting up at the same time everyday,  kids off to school,  my workout in, then starting on work projects. During this vacation I've caught myself getting up later in the day, then my 'normal' per say schedule and it actually throws me off for the day.



I know this new year means new projects to fulfill and more work related stress; I am confident this time around with my hub n kids, my healthy goals, my running bestie, our 'new' running clan starting up, new inspiring #sweatpink, #13in2013 fitness twitter friends, and positive environment I can move forward positivity! (if I have forgotten anyone I apologize in advance!)

 Weekend Workout in review -

Saturday--Gym time
3.75 miles
Time 42:14
Average Pace - 11'15"/mil
40.5 #plankaday

Sunday BONUS -- Walking w my running bestie
42 deg. chilly morning (getting ready for our 5K)
3.78 miles
Time 1:07:09
Average Pace - 17'45'/mil
45.0 #plankaday

Extra Extra bonus!
I have the privilege to work for a company that allows me to work remotely and with the new year I decided to move around furniture placement in my office room. This project did not turn out to be a light task as there where numerous pieces moving out (which meant 14 steps downstairs and upstairs, 20 times at least), those pieces staying where lifted and or slid around the room - oh so much fun and a good workout for some odd 2 hours!

 Sitting here right now writing this post; the feel of the room is pleasant and comfortable for now just needs a new coat of paint on the walls - (currently pink and purple as it was my daughters old room). Now starting a room painting project at 2:00pm wasn't in the cards today. Additionally I now have a nice corner to start my wall 'o bling, I mean running achievements. :)






My daughters princess wall banner has been removed, (hence you see the slacking of straight lines). Isn't this such a lovely 'working environment' of colors (HA!). Sooo not professionally done at all - it was called painting in 90 degree temp. house. I just wanted to gitt'er done and the 'banner' covered the errors. So now this room is looking forward to a coat of killz and new calming fresh color.(someday soon)

 

Other awesomeness -

I'm not 100% but if this is still open to new participants - GET ON THE BAND WAGON! #30DayHomies 

Check out what I have coming in the mail soon!

 

Sweet huh!

 

A Big Thank you to the following lovely ladies putting this challenge on!!

Sarah from How my world runs 

Sara from She Cooks, She Crafts, She Runs

Lynda from Fitness Mom Wine Country

 

 

 



Workout week in review

Finishing out this week with a showcase of my training routines...

 

 

This morning I was able to try out my new shoes, so far I love them! This may sound weird but these shoes 'make' me want to run (now only if my legs/body will follow suite).  I then completed my first Virtual Race of the Year towards my goal of #13in2013!

My daughter is also signed up to do the princess in training 1 mile fun run; we'll be completing that together hopefully sometime this week prior to our next adventure....

 

Countdown has started for my road 5K of  next Saturday. Its going to be great! Hotcake Hustle 5K, Dallas TX. 

New Pair of Shoes....

I've been noticing over the past few weeks that my shoes may not be supporting me as they used to, and that I was experiencing toes/leg/knee pain after being on the elliptical machine or treadmill for 30 minutes or so. This didn't seem right to me since well I purchased new shoes just 6 months ago or so.

After completing my workout -
Supersets of 8 - 3 times

• Leg Squats
• Leg Extensions
• Standing Calf Raises
• Leg Curls
• Leg Adductor
• Leg Abductor

#plankaday - 45.9 seconds

Cardio

• Walking for 1 mile (started experiencing pain in my toes)
• Elliptical for 2 miles

I visited my favorite runners store - RunOn to see what I could discover on why this was happening.

Some background - I usually would change out my shoes until I've warn them for at least a year, and in the past I was partaking in cardio with the majority of use on elliptical machines. Now being new to focusing on walking/jogging/running these past months, I've added on the miles in a different fashion.

After discussing my new routines and that I had logged at least 225 miles on the new shoes, combination of outside & indoor running walking and some elliptical. On top of that I easily could have logged another 150-200 miles on just general use.  So add that up I was possibly 425 miles with my current shoes.

The rep explained that I should replace running shoes between 300-500 miles depending on your running style, body weight, and the surface.  After looking at the same model shoe and the difference in structure I could clearly see as she explained my shoes where blown and not supporting my foot correctly for distance running. So new shinny shoes were going home with me today...as my next 5K was a little more then a week away. I was able to try a handful of shoes, walk and even jog outside to ensure I was taking home the best fit.

I left the store with these spiffy new completely different running shoes - now mind you not everyone will like the crazy colors but I'm not picky about that.



Newton Running Gravity- Neutral Performance Trainer is for runners wanting a daily training shoe that can also function brilliantly as a faster tempo-pace run or race shoe.

The Gravity is a great everyday trainer for runners who may like to turn up the speed now and again during tempo or fast-paced runs and intervals.




I did a little more digging on the subject of replacing running shoes and this was spot on to the wear of my shoes -

A shoe's midsole cushioning may be worn out long before the tread shows signs of wear. Because the bottom and tread of the shoe may look fine, identifying when the cushioning is shot isn't easy to do. Here are some tips for identifying midsole wear:

• First, pay attention to how you feel. As your shoes begin to give out, you may begin to get some aches or pains in your bones and joints. You may also notice slight muscle fatigue, new tightness, or possible shin splints.
• Look for creasing of the midsole material in areas of high load (under the heel or the ball of the foot). A worn out midsole will have wrinkles and creases there.
• Try to twist the shoe. A worn out midsole will allow the shoe to twist more easily than a new shoe.
• Try on a new pair of the model that you are currently wearing. Compare this to your current
• shoes. If the cushioning in your shoes feels dead in comparison, it probably is.

Down the road I may consider rotating my running shoes based on this recommendation to avoid possible injuries -
If you run frequently it's a good idea to have more than one pair of shoes. Think about buying two pair at a time (or buying a second pair about midway through the life of your first). Add the new pair in to your shoe rotation when your "old" shoes have about 200 miles on them. If you use two pairs of shoes you should still track mileage per shoe, and replace each after it has 350-550 miles on it.

I am hopeful that changing out my shoes will alleviate the slight pain I've been experiencing, slightly adjust my running form, and get me through my next 5K.

Proud Surprises

I wanted to share being a proud mama! My 8 year old was begging to get out side and go for a walk/jog with me. It was New Years Eve morning, cold and slightly raining but that weather didn't stop us.





We bundled up and headed  out. It was a blast spending time with just her and I talking about 'everything' of course.

And then she darted ahead of me... love it!

So this evening I finally settle down to focus on this blog I get a surprise! Being a proud new blogger, and hoping to be inspired as well as be inspirational to those that read my posting I am blessed to receive this honor of being invited as an Sweat Pink Ambassador I am beyond excited... see my shinny new button hee hee--->>

Their mission YES, I love this---

 

We believe that kicking ass is best done in pretty shoes. We’ve learned that real women sweat, and sweat hard. We know that assertiveness, strength, and ambition are the ultimate feminine qualities. We concede that sometimes it takes hours to get ready, but we’re also no strangers to just rolling out of bed and going. We’re convinced that we run faster in pink shoelaces. We believe in pushing ourselves, and we believe in giving ourselves a break, too. We’re all about the rush of endorphins and the thrill of the challenge. We’re all for looking great and feeling even better. We’re committed to finding our best fit, and making it stick.
How do we get there?
We climb.
We journey.
We balance.
We reward.



What I did today to make it count~ Proud of myself on keeping up on my training for 5K's ahead
3.2 miles on elliptical
40.4 sec plankaday.
#30dayhomies
#PlankADay
#13in2013

What moment today made you 'proud'?