Indianapolis Monumental Marathon - The Rest of Training

Seeing this video making it's way around social media this week made me realize that I haven't updated the world on my marathon training! (My favorite line is when she says, "Why would I talk about something that is interesting to no one?!") Well, this post is all about marathon training so if you're not interested, click away. :)

I left off at Week 7 and I'm now in Week 19. Without a ton of specifics, I ran a lot. Not as much as many people run during marathon training, but enough to keep me eating and sleeping more! Plus, I added in a handful of spin classes and continued strength training once a week.

I also squeezed in two half marathons in September which means I hit my 2015 running goals! One of the races I even got under 1:50! It may have an asterisk but I'm counting it! The full marathon wasn't even on my radar for the year. (Race posts upcoming!)

I'll do a quick update via photos for the missed weeks...

First up was our 14 mile run. I say "our"... Steph is in! She's doing the whole thing too! Soooooo thankful that we've been able to do all of our long runs together!

I've been on a mission to fix some foot issues. This was an attempt at heat moldable inserts. Boiling inserts on my stove is not something I ever pictured myself doing! (They didn't work.)

Next up was a 16 miler. Slow and steady has been our game plan! I'm totally convinced that this theory has made training so much more doable. I didn't start needing a nap and eating like crazy until 18 or 20 mile runs. "Slow" running is the best. :) (I'm probably running 45-60 seconds per mile slower than I did last round, but plan on beating my time in the race.)

New favorite song on my playlist this round.

After the insoles, I tried a Brooks Ghost 7 in a larger size. No dice. I then tried out some Altra's. Numb toes. Absolutely loved the cushioning though! Just a little funky looking!

Really, in total, I've only had two runs this entire time that felt bad. And, they felt terrible. The first was 18. Ugh. Plodding along and sore knees. 

I also did my first specialty 5K - the Glow Run! Super fun with black-lights and neon powder. Glow in the dark tattoo...

Here's my personal marathon cheerleader - Monica. Remember how she stood out in the freezing cold rain last time around?! She always makes everything super fun! 

The next day was a very early 20 mile run. I carb-loaded with some pancakes at Denny's around 11PM so I was ready to go! Headlamps were necessary for this one! (Maybe I should have just kept my light up glasses and necklace!) 

This 20 miler felt SO much better than the 18 of the previous week. How does that even work?! It must have felt good for Steph too because she signed up after this one!

Tom and I both ran before church that morning! 50K (31 miles) between the two of us! Not too shabby!

The next week, we took off for Virginia for Fall Break. I owe a big post on that one! On a running note though, Josie ran 4 miles with Tom at a great pace. Look at her stride! 

I got a run in at the park too and a few others on a treadmill. This morning, I had the entire State Park to myself! I seriously only saw one truck and one other runner the whole time!

Home again. I love our trails in the neighborhood, especially in the fall. So familiar!

Finally, the last 20 miler came around. This was the other awful one. I know why though I think. I slept badly, didn't fuel right and didn't have enough water. I suffered through though even if I did take to the couch until 6PM. Tough. Didn't even get any pictures. :) Appreciated seeing this on IG the next week though!

Last weekend was a 10 mile run at race pace. We brought it home with an 8:45 pace. And, talked the whole time. Piece of cake! 

Oh year. And, Tom decided he will take on the full as well. What a guy! I'm sure he'll be able to do it and I'm excited to see what he thinks!

So, here we are. Race day shows up on the 10 day forecast tomorrow.  We have less than 20 miles left in our training program. We're there folks. Bring it. 

#bemonumental

Random Thoughts & Photo Dump

Man, it's been a while. I blame the never ending winter. Who gets snow the week of Easter?!?! Especially, when Easter falls mid-April?!?!

Enough of that...

Random thoughts on this random Thursday...

The girls like stealing my phone and doctoring photos with A Beautiful Mess. They're pretty cute and sweet on their brother.

Jack is also a fan of stealing my phone. Usually for Subway Surfer but this time I got him to take a selfie.

Josie is such a reader just like I was. Now, I tend to get stuck playing mindless games on phone like 2048. Every once in a while, I force myself to read instead. I love curling up on our sectional in the hearth room and reading. Josie apparently does too.

She picked out a real winner at the library last week - an Italian Dictionary. 

I was in a goofy mood this morning on my way into work. I like those moods. They don't come around often and they don't tend to stick around either, especially on office days. I probably should have gone and done something creative but instead I sat at my desk and filled out condo questionnaires and other random paperwork.

We checked out an architectural salvage company this weekend. Wow was this place cool. Tons of neat stuff for a home. And, a Spiderman statue. Too bad it was sold.

I'm feeling very (very) iffy about the upcoming Indy Mini. I was sick last week with a cold and didn't run at all. Now, I can't keep up a good pace and everything hurts from my knees down. I haven't been very consistent with my mileage this cycle and I think it's catching up to me.

Also, I've given myself a pass on one part of my running goal this year. My thought was that if I hit under 1:50 in a half, I would train for another marathon. I decided this week that I may be sabotaging myself with hitting that time because I really don't want to train for another marathon. So, new goal... if I can hit a sub-1:50, I can quit running. (I'm in a "I hate running" season right now. It will pass.)

The "Marathon Man" we saw during the October race reached his goal of running the most marathons in one year. I can't remember how many but it was a lot. I'll bet his knees hurt worse than mine.

I'm signing Jack up for preschool which makes me tear up a bit. He saw the brochure and thought it was hilarious that Santa comes to preschool.

I decided on Friday that I wanted to make bows for the girls to match their soccer uniforms. I got this one done - beginner's luck because now I can't seem to make any more without really screwing it up.

We "planted" a "garden" this year. Use of the double quotes is needed because it was a little more like sticking seeds randomly into some dirt. Our plot is where an old, dead pine tree used to be. I used a yard rake to churn it up a bit and then let Tessa stick some seeds in haphazardly. I'm pretty sure you won't find those instructions on any gardening blog.

I want so badly to be the type of household that has a bountiful harvest every summer and fall - so many zucchini that you have to put it in everything. Well, we didn't even plant zucchini. We have lettuce, spinach, red peppers, jalepeno peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, basil, and spearmint along with some sunflowers and sweet peas for Tessa. My best guess? We'll scrounge up one or two cucumbers.

The 100 Acres at the IMA is really cool. Tom was a little less than impressed on Saturday when we took the kids out to enjoy the 70 degree day. But, I still say it's cool.

Promptly after "planting" a "garden," and frolicking around in the outdoors, it snowed.

We got a call on Saturday asking if we wanted tickets for all five of us to go to the Pacers game. In a suite. Uh... yes please! The kids were totally spoiled for their first professional sporting event! They loved it though.

We've done a lot of spring cleaning this spring, including the guest room and the garage. The garage could already use it again.

The kids are loving the ability to play outside. Everyday they beg. And, Josie finally got up the guts to take off the training wheels on her bike. Her favorite thing to do is ride around the loop in front of our house. I have a sneaking suspicion that Tessa won't be far behind.

Soccer's been a big hit this season too. Josie is figuring out to be a great defender. Tessa finally decided on her own that she wanted to play. Moms of younger kids - I learned an important lesson. It is best to wait until kids are willing to play on their own accord. Tessa's a real go-getter this year! Attacks the ball and wants to be in the action. Better than the field crying she did the last time she played.

I heard a really great speaker at MOPS this week on Discipline - Marianne Miller - website here. She made it sound so easy. I have really been trying hard to implement her strategies this week but find myself saying her big no-no's, like, "Stop crying" and "if you ______, I'll give you _______" and "you'd better do ________ or else _________." Baby steps right? Most importantly, I remember that she talked about how God made each of our children exactly the way they are for a reason. That helps when Jack is screaming and stomping because I won't let him eat his fourth piece of Easter candy. Or, when I start to win at Candy Land.

I just looked through an old photo album of me when I was a kid. I can't believe how much I see Josie and Jack in those pictures. Tessa? Not so much.

Every once in a while, these two get really photogenic.

Other times, I get this.

I forgot how much 3 year olds love egg hunts. He thought it was awesome.

Told you it was random. Until the next random update...

What to Do Next?

So, for some reason, I've been thinking a lot about my next fitness goal. I'm big on accomplishing something once and not having near the satisfaction of finishing it the second time. I've done P90X once and couldn't do it again. Insanity once and couldn't do it again. The only thing I've ever done more than once is a half-marathon. I've pretty much decided I'm going to do another half this fall. At least... But, I'm thinking it may be time to take it up a notch.

I've considered training for a triathlon or most likely, just a sprint triathlon (usually a 750m swim, 12 mile bike and 5k run). Problem is, I don't really swim. I was on swim team back when I was 8 but somehow I don't think that will get me very far. Not only do I not swim, I don't have a place to go to swim. I've had one person volunteer to help me train and I'm sure I could find a handful of people to give me advice, but still need that place to train. I don't really bike either, but could get through 12 miles without a problem. Won't be the fastest biker on the course, but well, I'm used to that...

But, really, I've been thinking more and more about running a full marathon. I really can't put my finger on the reason why, but just think I'm ready to try something new. I think, truly, I'm just ready for a new challenge. I don't really enjoy running, but I certainly enjoy the calorie burn. Plus, I really look forward to the feeling of "mission accomplished." Last week, I ran 17 miles and I'm on par to do 20 this week. I just looked at the calendar and if I take this as week one of my training (which would include an 8 mile run on Sunday), I would be perfectly timed for the Indianapolis Marathon on October 20th. I'd probably follow this training routine by Hal Higdon.

Now, I probably won't do this. For one, it's such a time commitment. I mean, we're talking 18, 19, 20 mile runs in a week. Tom would have to be totally on board with this one and not want to train for it too. (We tend to take on big goals like this together.) Not to mention, I'm not totally sure I can hack it or if my feet can take it.

But, on the other hand, I'd be in the best shape of my life. And, probably the best weight too. And, I'd be pretty proud of myself. Not sure those are the best reasons, or if there is a good reason to put yourself through that much torture. But, people, lots of people, do it all the time. Perhaps, it's time to see what all of the fuss is about... Or, perhaps not... I'll keep you all posted.

Race Day Wrap Up - Mini 2012

Well, knock another Mini off my list! :) That was my third, my parents' third, and Tom's fourth (but his SEVENTH half!). It turns out all of my worrying was for naught. I did just fine. In fact, in terms of general feelings, I felt really good. Don't get me wrong, it was hard and I almost gave up, just like every year. But, I did feel good longer than I have in previous races. Those darned last three miles though always give me a hard time! I'll try to summarize here the best I can.

We got up around 5:15 and planned to leave the house around 6. We actually made it the door at 6:15. Our breakfast of choice was a piece of whole wheat toast with chunky almond butter. We picked a different parking garage this time but it was a great location. This time, it was right across the street from Steak and Shake, where we usually stop for a bathroom break. We headed to the corrals and snapped some photos.

Since mom and dad started in R and Tom and I were in F, we split up here. Tom and I took some things to gear check and then hit the bathrooms at 7:21. No lines up there! The race started and we crossed the line around 5 1/2 minutes after the gun. We didn't stay together long.

I always take off toward the left which for some reason seems less crowded. I followed behind a girl in a pink top for the first mile or so. I was instantly sweating and a little worried about how bad I felt. Then, I figured out why. I hit mile one at 8:47. That's way too fast for me! If I wanted to finish this thing in under two hours, I needed a 9:15 pace. This math kept me busy most of the race. I was always figuring out fast I had to run the remaining miles. After mile one, I knew I had made up almost 30 seconds that could be split over the remaining miles.

I did the second mile in 9 minutes, which is still fast, but sustainable.  My 5K time (3.1 miles) was 28:07 so I had slowed to an average of a 9 minute mile. I was feeling really good though. And, that means I had picked up 45 seconds that I could use in the last miles. This is where things get a little blurry in my mind. I remember thinking it took a long time to get to the track, but the track didn't seem nearly as long as I had remembered. Plus, once you're off the track, you're almost to mile 9!

My brickyard time was 1:10:54, which is almost to mile 8. I think I as still around a 9 minute pace at this point. I missed seeing the bricks again this year! I don't know how I do that every time. I remember getting really hot on the track and that was the only time I was really thirsty. (I stopped at every aid station - water and gatorade - and walked the later ones.) I stayed close to a guy that had a good pace and was a very controlled runner. I always try to pick people that look effortless. This way I can not only pace off them, but it also encourages me to relax.

By mile 9, I was still surprised at how good I was feeling. That all came to an end at mile 10. I had a lot of self-talk going. I kept telling myself I felt fine, and that I didn't want to leave anything out there. It only partly worked. I ran more than I did in the previous years during this stage and only walked the aid stations. But, I was SLOW! Miles 10-13 seem like a fog and I don't remember anything but that I realized I would hit under 2 hours and then around mile 12 I realized I wouldn't hit last year's time. I was just beat. No energy left! If I had a 9 minute pace at mile 8, I was down to a 9:18 pace (for the whole race meaning miles 8-11 were much slower) by mile 11.

I was so happy to make the turn onto the bridge for the last mile. Even at this point, I could have probably beat my time from last year, though I just had nothing left. I had already employed my counting steps technique and started counting people to pass. I told myself I could walk after I passed 10 people. I didn't. But, again, I was just slow. This year, they didn't have the last mile marked by quarter mile and that didn't help. The last mile is marked by race flags every few steps. I started "pulling" myself to the next flag. I also followed a guy with a shirt that had a verse I had seen during a previous race "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." That worked for a few minutes, until he stopped to walk. :) I wanted to stop so bad, but I managed to run through the finish - not with any kick to it though. My final time was 2:03:35 and a 9:26 pace (about 45 seconds slower than last year). After some water and cookies, I was feeling pretty good.

I found Tom and later mom and dad. Tom was 1:58:30 and mom and dad were 2:40:05. We were all slower than last year, which is no surprise since the average time this year for everyone was 5 minutes slower.

Here is some math:

5K Pace: 9:04
8 Mile Pace: 9:05
11 Mile Pace: 9:18
Finish Pace: 9:26

Here's what that means:

Miles 1-8 were run at a 9:05 pace. Miles 8-11 were run at a 9:52 pace. Miles 11-13.1 were run at a 10:42 pace.

I was just out of juice. I couldn't pinpoint anything - my breathing was fine, my legs felt fine - I was just tired. So, next year, I need to focus on finishing faster! But, this year, I was 403/2747 in my age division and 6,785/31,129 overall. Even with finishing slower than last year, my rankings from last year were worse - 561/2759 for division and 8,973/30,649. I think what that means is that it was so hot and humid this year, that everyone ran slower, but I ran less slow than the others. Maybe, had it been cooler, those last miles wouldn't have been so bad and I could have cracked the 2 hours.

Either way, I'm proud of all of us and can't believe I finished so close to previous times with my set backs this year. Here we are after the finish.

Back on the Horse Check-In - 11/07/11

This will be my last post in this series. I should have posted it on 10/31/11 but life got in the way as usual.

Ok - here were my goals for the Back on the Horse Challenge -

1. Run the Riley Run 5K in 25 minutes - Ran it in 27:47. However, I'm sure it was at least 3.3 miles, so not totally fair. That mileage would have made my true 5K (3.1 miles) about 26 minutes. Granted, not at my goal but a lot closer. I did sign up for the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day but I'm not sure I'll be able to do even 26 since my running routine has been less than stellar.
2. Lose 10 pounds by October 31 - a pound a week - Well, I didn't hit 10 pounds. But, I managed 8. I'll take it. Most of the 8 pounds is due the Four Hour Body book. More later...


You could look at these results in two ways - 


1. A failed challenge - I didn't hit either goal. I'm two pounds and two minutes from my goals. 


2. A new opportunity - so I worked pretty hard. I trained for a race and lost some weight - all while eating healthier. 


I choose #2. I think I'm still moving in the right direction. Plus, what's another month in the whole scheme of things?


As for the Four Hour Body, I guess I have mixed reviews. It definitely works. However, the book claims 20 pounds in 30 days. I think that is totally possible if you are eating a very high carb diet (mine was only moderate - and I tried hard to eat "good" carbs) and if you are male. But, I did lose weight for sure. In fact, I haven't been at this weight since I was doing hard core Insanity and counting calories in a major way. {Side note - I have been majorly slacking in the exercise department in the last few weeks and it hasn't stalled my weight loss.}


All in all - I'm sticking with it. I'm really close to a new low and want to see that number on the scale. Bad. I think I may break it this week, but the next week will be also be a good chance. Plus, with the concept of a "binge day," I get the chance to save up all of my cravings for one day. And, I don't have to make a million decisions about what to eat and how many calories. I simply decide I'm eating the things on this diet and can eat what I want on Saturday. It works for now. 


I'll keep updating on my progress, but I don't intend for any major changes. This just seems like a good lifestyle choice. We'll see. I'm always looking at new things!

Back on the Horse - Day 1

So, after another week of doing nothing physical and gaining another pound, I've had enough. Enough excuses, enough eating poorly, enough feeling sorry for myself. So, today I was up at 6. Well, 6:18 after hitting snooze one too many times. I busted out the Insanity DVD's and decided to just go for it.

Today should have been Fit Test, but I decided I already know I'm not fit so why waste an early morning with a 20 minute workout. I did Pure Cardio which is only 40 minutes, but intense. I can't believe how much strength and cardio I've lost since the last time I did this. I guess it has been a while (March) but I felt like I was keeping up with things through running. But, in all honesty, I've done very little since the house sold.

Either way, here are my short term (today) goals and my longer term goals. (Excuse the odd phrasing for the goals - goals should be stated in the present tense. I suppose it makes them seem more attainable.)

Today, I do the following:

1. Log what I eat - I use loseit.com and their iPhone app
2. Eat under 1250 calories of high protein, good carb food - this is net of exercise calories
3. Drink 16 oz. of cranberry juice/lemon juice/water mixture and 32 oz. of green tea and 32 oz. of water
4. Exercise for 40 minutes
5. Take a vitamin
6. Be accountable - I blog about my progress this evening

Longer term goals:

1. Run the Riley Run 5K in 25 minutes
2. Lose 10 pounds by October 31 - a pound a week

Wish me luck...

Turbo Fire Inferno Plan - Day Three Review

I'm more than half-way through! I love that this is just a five day kick start program. And, I love that I've lost six pounds in 2 days. It's a great way to get quick pounds gained off quickly and then some. I'm only 1/2 pound from my very most recent low achieved with Insanity. And, that number was a brief (one day) occurrence. :) I know it is so much more diet than it is exercise. But, the exercise is sure keeping the calorie deficit smokin'!

Today was Fire EZ55 again and this time I did not do New to Class. I was able to keep up with things very well as evidenced by my 493 calorie burn. Not bad for 53 minutes.

And, I had the absolute, hands-down, best diet lunch ever today. A baked potato, a piece of low fat co-jack cheese (I put it on when the potato was really hot so it got all melty), a piece of turkey bacon crumbled up and a little low-fat sour cream. OMG - it was so good! Today's diet seems a bit heavy in the carb department. I skipped the cottage cheese and pineapple rings this morning for breakfast and substituted two eggs, one egg white and two pieces of turkey bacon. Then, the potato for lunch and then a whole wheat tortilla and quinoa for dinner. (Just reread this - there is other stuff on the menu for today, I just listed the carbs). I can use it though because I can certainly feel my energy levels sinking a bit.

Signing off for now. VBS is making for late nights and the girls are due home any moment!

Turbo Fire Inferno Plan - Day Two Review

Day two was a little more of the same as day one. I'm still hungry, although not as bad as yesterday. That may be because I cheated and had a glass (ok two) of wine and a piece of sugar free chocolate. I realized today that I am constantly on the verge of hunger. Just really close and then it's time to eat. Then, I eat enough to just curb that hunger. 

I've been grumpy today. Grumpy with the kids and grumpy just in general. Hence, the wine. I think part of it is the lack of calories, but probably more likely the lack of carbs. I've been snapping at the kids and generally unmotivated. Anytime I tried to get something done today, it just didn't happen. 

Which brings me to the workout - it was supposed to be Fire 45, HIIT 20 and Stretch 10. I didn't get to the stretch because the kids were wearing me down with requests. The Fire 45 and HIIT 20 took an hour and 20 minutes which is tough to carve out in a day. Should have been 65 minutes but I did the new to class option again. I did the workout in the kitchen on the laptop but the kids still just needed stuff all.the.time. I burned a whopping 625 calories though and only ate 1200. 

This morning, I lost 4 pounds. I'm hoping for another pound tomorrow. However, due to delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), I'm thinking I may actually gain a pound. That will be a hard pill to swallow since I've been on such a strict diet. But, I just have to remember...5 days...that's it and I can do whatever I want after that. :) 

Nothing Says Monday Like...

8:55 AM dentist appointments! Both girls did great - no cavities. I'm still amazed at how well they sit there and let the hygienist work on their teeth. Josie even got a flouride treatment.

And, I've had two calls this morning for more house showings - one tonight and one tomorrow night. That makes number 16 & 17. Crazy if you ask me! The one tomorrow sounds pretty promising. They've already sold their house and have to make a decision fast. The agent asked me how fast we can be out. Well, that depends on the right offer. :) It's so funny to me that our lives could be turned upside down with a simple email or fax. Put us right into hyper-motion with the move and finding a place to live. Oh well. We've gone through worse. I'm really trying to see it as an adventure and not a stressful time.

Finally, I hit the scale this morning and was down a whopping four pounds!!!! As I mentioned last night, I knew I had some "junk" weight I had gained from bad decisions. I'm now back down to where I probably was last week, which is a good starting point for me. Ideally, I'd like to lose three more pounds this week to put me in a new 10's place. Plus, that would be my new, post-Jack low. Today's number puts me six pounds lower than where I was BEFORE I got pregnant with him. Then, I'd like to lose another 10 doing TurboFire. That would put me five pounds lower than pre-Josie. Honestly, I know it's attainable, but it's going to be a lot of work. More work on the diet than on the exercise. One of the things in the TurboFire book says, "The best exercise to achieve awesome abs is walking. Walking AWAY from the kitchen!"

Turbo Fire Inferno Plan - Day One Review

Today was the day. No more putting it off. I ordered Turbo Fire last week and was thinking of trying the "Inferno Plan" during this week before we went off to Ohio for vacation. The claim is you may lose up to 10 pounds and 10 inches in 5 days. I'm at a high weight in the last few days due to too many bad decisions.  I know a lot of it is just junk weight and would be gone with making better decisions over a week or two anyway, so I expect to at least lose 5 pounds by extreme diet and exercise. As much as I read and know that weight is not to be the true measurement of fitness, I can't get away from that number on the scale.

The concept is very simple. 1200 calories and 55-75 minutes of hard core cardio for 5 days straight. The 1200 calories is very similar to the P90X Phase I diet. When I did that, I essentially only had one serving of complex carbs (brown rice, whole wheat bread, etc.) a day. The calories break down like this:

50% of calories from protein (4 calories per gram of protein)
30% of calories from carbohydrates (4 calories per gram of carb)
20% of calories from fat (9 calories per gram of fat)

The big difference in the Inferno Plan is the LOW amount of calories. When I did P90X, I was up to 2400 calories. This is half. And, I feel it. It's 9:13 and I'm hungry. Not just craving a certain thing. Just hungry. The only thing that's getting me through is knowing I only have to do this until Friday. I can see why you're not to stick with this longer than 5 days. Really, it means you're netting about 500 calories for the day. My heart rate monitor said I burned 700 doing the workout. The regular plan does not have this much of a deficit, so it should be easier to maintain.

About that workout - wow - it was awesome! I did the Fire EZ 55 class and chose new to class. This is great because she walks you through all of the routines slowly before you have to tackle them in the high cardio section where they're going 100 mph. However, I do feel like I got it going through it just once. So, next time, I'll do just the regular class. It flew by even though it ended up taking 90 minutes instead of 55 since Jack wasn't really cooperating. The high pace and high energy routines just don't stop but they're changed up so much you don't get bored. Just as I thought a routine was getting old, it was time to change.

So, overall, it was a good first day. I'd like about another 500 calories but I can see how this will certainly work. I figure I'll lose 5 pounds just in order to gain it back over our vacation. Better to be starting low though!

Shopping Spree!

I told myself if I got a lot accomplished at work this week, I could take Friday off to nap. I did get a lot done since Tom was out of the office. All of my filing is caught up and I even tackled a few items that have been on my to-do list for months. So, I headed out on Friday afternoon to grab lunch, hit the bank, then home for my nap. In my four years of working part time, I have never taken time off for something so silly. In fact, I have rarely taken time to do anything other than work while the kids were at the sitters. Talk about Mother's Guilt!

Once I got home though, I started having second thoughts. Why waste a perfectly good afternoon without kids sleeping on the couch. Will it really get me anywhere? Nope. So, off to Hamilton Town Center I went!

First stop - Bed Bath and Beyond. I really went here to look for a portable exersaucer for Jack.

Baby Go Pod

They didn't have them. Instead, I walked out with this...

Shark Steam Mop

Oops...

Now, on to the clothes. Deals were to be had all around. I got some casual summer things for Jack and I at Old Navy and some bargain work things at Banana Republic. Then, I went to Ann Taylor Loft and found three great shirts on clearance. Finally, I went to Express and found what I really wanted - dressy capris! If I had 30 more minutes, I would have gone to DSW to find a pair of black dressy sandals to go with. But, I had to pick up the kids. Oh well.

Once home, I got online and finally ordered Turbo Fire. I'm anxious to get it. I seem to do so much better  with a plan. This sounds like a lot of fun and under an hour. I've got to get doing something - I feel like a slug.

Today, I found a 40% off coupon code to Puma. That was one thing I wanted to find in Chicago that I never could find - a pair of casual Puma's. So, I went online and got these...

Puma Running Shoes

It's funny how shopping can be rejuvenating, but it really is. Way better than a nap if you ask me!

P90X - Day Thirty Eight

Well, here I am at day 38. Haven’t lost a pound in 8 days and getting a little more than frustrated. However, I have read that Phase Two is less about weight loss and more about body transformation. So, I will keep at it and check the results at day 60. I really wish I was strong enough to put away the scale until the milestones. But, it’s just not going to happen.

The diet has been pretty good. I do have an overwhelming feeling that I’ve been cheating, even though I’ve really stuck with the right ratios. All I really know if I’m eating way more healthy than I ever have with a good blend of food, so the weight is bound to come off at some point. I am on the same belt loop as before I was pregnant so there must be some change! 

Tom is starting with me as of today as well. I’m excited for him. I think he will bulk up quickly and the muscles will just pop through. I’m so happy he’s decided to do it too. We did yoga together today and it was a lot of fun. We giggled a lot on the hard moves and I actually had my best yoga calorie burn. The girls joined in at the end too which is always funny. Josie was trying to get us to skip the exercises because they were so hard. They always love the “Ohms” and they look so cute doing it! 

Now that we have our internet back, I’m going to try to load my face photos of before and 30 days. I can’t believe the difference!

End of Phase I!

OK – so today is the end of phase one. Tomorrow begins the new workouts and the new nutrition plan. I have to say I feel like I’ve cheated the program a little lately. Today, I did nothing and feel bad. Even though today is Stretch or Rest, I chose to rest. It just didn’t fit into the day and I didn’t make it fit. Then, of course, last night, I ate the chips. Ugh. They were still worth it but I’m wondering if it will lead to more bad things. I’m going to have to kick it into gear tomorrow morning. Tom says he’s going to do it with me, so we’ll see. I’ve heard crazy things about this round – one handed and clap push ups. I wonder if they have the same effect if they’re done on the knees. 

One other thing I’ve done is put together a spreadsheet for nutrition and calories. It made me realize I’ve actually been pretty far off of my ratios. But, I’ve lost more pounds than the 3500 per pound deficit, so something is working. Right now, I’m assuming 500 calories for breastfeeding and using the first two digits of weight times 100 times 1.2 for the base calories burned. So, over the month, I had an almost 20,000 deficit, which would equal 6 pounds, but I actually lost 9.5. As for the ratios, I actually need to cut down on the fat. My protein/carbs weren’t too far off (averaged 44 protein and 32 carbs, which they were supposed to be 50/30) but fat was 25% instead of 20%. So, I still need to cut the fat and now can switch some protein for carbs. I got double protein bread for a piece of toast in the morning. We’ll see how it works this phase.

Still have two days until measurements and photos. I think I’ll see change for sure. I still have a ways to go, but it’s kind of all gravy from here. I’d love to be pre-Josie weight by the time I’m done. But, I’ll take a few pounds more with muscles. I’m thinking maybe a Turbo Jam circuit after this round of P90X. I’m sure I’ll still have fat and inches to lose by then. Well, that’s 60 days away, so I’ll see when I get closer.

Motivation

Here are my reasons for staying motivated on the diet and exercise front:
(I’m tracking them here because I’m afraid I may forget!)
1. To prove to myself that I actually do have willpower.
2. I don’t recognize myself in photos – I need to lose about 10 more pounds to get back to my “old” self.
3. Vanity – I want to look good by Christmas so that the people I see only a few times a year are “wowed.”
4. Vanity Part II – Just like when I trained for the mini-marathon, I’m so proud to tell people that I’m doing it and think it’s cool that people are so amazed.
5. Want to prove that even though this is probably one of the craziest times in my life, I can still do something just for myself and be a little selfish. I want to have this reminder when I feel like I couldn’t possibly fit in working out. If I can do it now, I can do it whenever!
6. If I’m going to bust my butt on the workouts, I’m not going to blow it on the diet. And, vice versa.
7. We keep saying we’re going to take a vacation this winter and I would love to wear a bathing suit and not be totally self conscious. My ultimate goal would be to wear the suits I bought for our 5-year anniversary cruise.
8. I have not been pleased with how I’ve felt the last few years at the lake for the 4th of July. 2011 will be different!
9. I want killer arms for the Gift of Life Auction in February. And, I’ll buy a new dress. 
OK – now that I’ve been totally honest, I feel better. (As I’m looking, they really are pretty vain reasons, but whatever it takes, right?? I suppose that I’d like to healthier and set a good example for my kids, blah, blah, blah.)

P90X - Day Eighteen

Well, still going strong. Had a bit of a hiccup this morning. Got up at 5:30 like normal, but Tessa came down right as I was starting Yoga. So, I only got about 1/2 hour in before I realized I was getting no where and fast.  So, I think I’ll try it at nap time. I was hoping to get a nap myself, but I guess Yoga will have to do.

I’ve stuck with it all – diet and every day work outs. I’m doing the stretch too instead of taking a day off. I’m just afraid if I let myself “skip” a day, I’ll just go downhill from there. Same with the diet. No cheating! I made an awesome pork tenderloin and then great tilapia this week.

I’m down 8 pounds, which is so hard for me to believe. The weight is just melting off. I think the key is that my body just can’t have the carbs if I want to lose weight. I’m not sure if it’s diet or the exercise, but either way, I couldn’t be more pleased. Only 3 more pounds to go before pre-Jack weight, then 14 pounds to pre-Josie weight and then 10 pounds to be really smokin’!  I’ve never really thought I could drop that much, but now it seems doable. I am keeping a close eye on Jack though because I don’t want to hinder the nursing by “dieting.” I think I’m fine because I’m eating so healthy and still getting about 2000 calories. But, I am watching.
Can’t wait for the 30 day results.

P90X - Day Thirteen

Man I’m tired!!! I felt like I just couldn’t go it today in Kenpo. Yesterday was a long day at Bands & BBQ with a ton of walking, so maybe that was it.

Either way, I’ve stuck with this thing. Worked out for 13 days in a row and plan to keep at it. The best part is that I’ve kept up with the diet. Still not getting enough protein and too much fat ( about 40/30/30) but sticking to all good foods. Only cheats I’ve had are wine and beer and an extra serving of fruit one day. It’s hard to believe I only have one more week until my first recovery week.

I’m pretty sore today too but again could be from yesterday. I got grape juice for my recovery drink this week. I’m also going with hard boiled eggs and turkey sausage just to change it up a little. I can sense that variety will be the key here.

P90X - Day Eight

Yep! Day 8! Holy cow I made it a week! I’ve lost 3 pounds and can tell I’ve lost inches in the belly but not measuring yet. I figure I’ll lose pounds fairly quick down to pre-Jack weight, especially with the low carb stuff.

My biggest happy face moment is that I’ve actually stuck with the diet. I didn’t even have one bite of a chip last night from El Rodeo. Major accomplishment. I’ve still been struggling with my ratios but actually had a perfect day yesterday. Problem is, it was just a stretch day so no recovery drink which will throw off my carbs.

My only disappointment is that today I had major struggles with pushups because if a stupid pulled ab muscle. It really hurts (particularly when I sneeze) during pushups and sit ups. So, instead of making it worse, I’m not doing ab ripper today. Feels like cheating but I know it’s best. Plus, it’s only pulled because I’m doing so much more than I was before!

P90X - Day Six

I did it! Six days in a row of working out and eating right. I’m actually very proud of myself. I don’t think I’ve ever worked out six days in a row.

My body is tired and I’m still pretty sleepy, but I do feel great mentally. I feel like I’m on the right journey finally.
Still having a hard time getting all of my protein in, but bulking it up with extra powder in my recovery drink and a protein shake. I’m not taking measurements or photos again until 30 days, but I do faithfully get on the scales every day, even though I’m not supposed to. I’m down 2.5 pounds!

Tomorrow is my rest day, or I can do Stretch X, which I’m really thinking I should do. My hamstrings are super sore and tight. And, after Kempo today, my guess is the rest of my body will need a good stretch too. Plus, the girls have school and I’m back to work tomorrow, so an early morning, quiet start would be nice. I really did feel good and “at peace” after yoga the other day, so maybe stretch will have the effect. We’ll see.

As for the rest of the day, sitting on the couch, watching football, maybe a nap and cooking boatloads of food for the week!

P90X - Day Three

OK – so another workout in and another blog post. Since I’m not sharing this site with friends/family yet, I guess I’m not too sure why I’m worried about keeping up with it. Maybe just to track my progress on this journey.
Arms and Shoulders wasn’t too bad – of course – I’ll feel it tomorrow. I was able to do all of the exercises. Did Ab Ripper X again and actually wrote down reps this time. I’m trying not to totally go overboard because I know if I just stick with it for 90 days, I will certainly see results. And, I know that the diet is more important than going to failure the first week. I’m a little nervous about Yoga X tomorrow as it’s 90 minutes and I’ve heard it’s not all that fun and becomes boring. That is the best thing about this program so far. I’ve never been bored – something is always coming next.

I have to figure something out though about Tessa. She keeps waking up at 6 and coming down during my workout. Not that I mind, too much, except that she’s not usually pleasant the whole time and needs milk. Then, she’ll be cranky the rest of the day because she didn’t get enough sleep. Then, to top that off, Jack woke up in the middle and I had to go feed him. At least it wasn’t a cardio workout today. I wasn’t as worried about keeping up the heart rate.

Now, about that diet… I’m having a hard time getting enough protein, by like 30% too few protein calories. I’m over a little bit in fat and carbs, but just can’t get in the protein. Still not really craving anything but I did get a little hungry yesterday. I probably saved too much of my food until the end of the day. I need to add calories to lunch. I’ve also noticed my sodium intake is too high. I am getting enough calcium though, which I think is due to the increased yogurt and veggie intake. Anyway, the diet isn’t “hard” per se, but I definitely am spending a lot of time determining what and when I should eat, not to mention grocery trips and food prep. I’m not sure what I’ll do once I go back to work next week. (Babysitter’s on vacation this week.)

P90X - Day One

Seeing as the last time I blogged, I was very early pregnant, I can tell this isn’t going to be a regular thing. Although, I do like the concept a lot!

Today, I started P90X. I almost chickened out, but decided that since I’d been telling myself I would do this all through the pregnancy, I wanted to give it a go. I decided to go full boat and rock out the diet too. Let me tell you, the diet will be much harder than the workouts. I worked hard today to do exactly as it said and tracked it two different ways, one by portions (which I did fine) and one by the 50% protein, 30% carbs and 20% fat method. Go figure – I did fine on carbs and fats but needed more protein. I’m going to have to do two chicken breasts at each meal! I will say I was only hungry once during the whole thing and didn’t crave the carby snacks in the pantry too much.

The workout was not as bad as I thought it would be. This was chest and back. While all of my pushups were girl ones and all of the pull ups were bands over the bar, I’m still sore 12 hours later. I do feel like I worked out pretty hard core. I haven’t looked to see what I do tomorrow. I believe it’s some type of cardio.

I want to lose 20 pounds + and really want to lose inches and really, really want to be buff.  My goal is to be reasonable by Christmas when I see the whole family and some friends. OK – so I’m a little vain…

I’m off this week and home with the kids since Aneth is on vacation. Today was not a lazy, stay at home day though. Started with P90X at 5:30, vaccinations for Jack and Tessa at 11, Joyner’s were here at 1:30, gymnastics at 5 and then dealing with a sore and grumpy Tessa for the rest of the night. It was a high intensity day to say the least. Tomorrow is preschool day – first day! I still have to run to Walmart in the morning, after the workout and healthy breakfast and getting everyone ready to go.

Gymnastics for the girls tonight was awesome. The new Jaycie Phelps center is great and I could tell they were training the girls on actual gymnastics moves. Plus, they just happened to be the only two in the class so it was a private lesson! Tessa did say that she didn’t have any fun and was bored. (Although her actions there begged to differ.) I was really impressed with the young girls on the team there that were working out at the same time. They did about 30 minutes of what looked like Ab Ribber X. 

I really hope I can stick with this – the food prep is going to be the death of me. I have four chicken breasts in the fridge marinating. I’m going to be at the grocery, not my favorite place, three days a week at least!!!!