Weather is driving me nuts!

So, this flip flopn with the weather is crazy. It's 80 then 60 then 80. Now tomorrow it will be in the 60's then Friday in the 90's. CRAZY!!!

Good job Pam on keepn busy while your laid up. I walked again w. Teresa 5 miles today. My goal is 15 a week. So far so good. I AM sore though. That's good right!

Hope all is well. Summer is coming................ Yippee!

Another lovely Monday!

I hope everyone got out and enjoyed the weather.

I did a 5 mile walk w. Teresa and doing another one on Wed. AND hoping to do another one on Friday.

I have mimosa for moms (m4m) this Friday, but I only want a drink or two because I'm focused on getting in 15 miles this week. My new goal is 15/week walking. Then hoping to pick up the pace and mix in some running.

I hope you all had a great Mothers' Day. I worked ALL weekend so I'm behind (as usual) on blogging!

Hugs!

Yay Jen!

I'm so happy for you! I wish I could say the same about being down a size. But I did go to the gym today and did cardio w. a side of weights!

Pam, hope your surgery went well today. Keep us posted.

Cloie, I want to try the college run....I'm just afraid. Very afraid. :0

Have a great day all!

Thanks!

Cloie! You keep me in line. Ok, didn't do much this weekend, but did go to the gym monday (hungover I might add) and did 45 min cardio. Today I did the five mile loop w. Teresa. Glad you all are moving a lot! Fri,Sat and Sun will be a wash.... busy w school and working all weekend. So, I guess tomorrow is a gym day!

Walking....

The best remedy for a short temper is a long walk. ~Jacqueline Schiff

Walking: the most ancient exercise and still the best modern exercise. ~Carrie Latet

An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day. ~Henry David Thoreau

A dog is one of the remaining reasons why some people can be persuaded to go for a walk. ~O.A. Battista


With that said...... Time to get moving.

Went to the gym and did 45 min of cardio. Hope you all are having a great day!

Just Do It! - Nike!

Ok, so I had a super busy weekend and could not blog but here I am. I am getting ready to go walk/run up to the high school.

Pam: I feel your pain. It's tough. Especially if you don't have a work out buddy. That's why I started blogging. I have lots of friends I work out with sometimes but nothing/noone consistently. It makes it hard. So, you have to find motivation inside yourself or for something greater than yourself. That's why last week I decided to try and get people together and walk/run the 1/2 in September for Margot. I'm sure you can do it. Just stop putting everyone else first (we moms are good at that) and JUST DO IT!

Cloie: I need to be where you're at in mileage. I haven't started seriously training so today I'm going to try and run as much as I can. Even if I puke my baked potatoe I had for lunch. Ha ha. Keep up the great work. RE: P90X, I'm using some tricep exerecises right now, but haven't dones the videos in a while. I need to get back on it!

As always, thanks for checking in ladies and stay sweaty!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Friday!

When I woke up this morning I had to talk myself into going to the gym today! But I remember the promise I made yesterday so I have to keep moving!

Looks like it will be good weather to be outside the next few days (except maybe Sat)

Weather for the next few days:

42°F | °C
Current: Sunny
Wind: N at 0 mph
Humidity: 98%

Fri 74°F | 52°F

Sat 64°F | 53°F Rain

Sun 78°F | 57°F

Mon 74°F | 52°F

Have a great day/Weekend. Can't wait to hear all about it!

A Few Motivational Quotes:

Here's my blog (early) for Thursday:

Unless You Puke, Faint or Die, Keep Going!” – Jillian Michaels

The difference between try and triumph is just a little umph!” – Marvin Phillips

There are only 2 choices; make progress or make excuses.” – Ellen Mikesell

Don’t say you don’t have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Louis Pasteur, Michelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson and Albert Einstein.” – H. Jackson Brown, Jr.


A friend who is a runner recently told me to stop running for yourself and run for someone else! So, I am officially running the Va. Beach Half for Margot Murphy! Now I have to get moving! The anniversary of her passing is next month. Say a little prayer for the Murphy Family. I spoke w. Debbie a few days ago. She is so inspiring!

A beautiful rainy day!

I can't believe how well you are doing Jen. I want so bad to lose even 5 lbs to get motivated. Congrats on the SEVEN POUNDS!

Well, it a nice rainy day and a nap is in my future. I did go to the gym and did 20 min on the treadmill and 20 on the stair climber. So, no guilt here! I am going to do the back,shoulder, tricep workout on the p90x later.

Cloie- what's up chica??? I'm back!

Pam- read an article at work last night about weight loss. One gal did your '30 min a day' (walking) and before long was running and now she is 60 lbs lighter! So, keep it up! Even if it kills you! lol.

Keep me posted on the training for the 1/2's.

Wow! Motivation is in the air!

It sounds like you all are on the move. I can't commit to the 1/2 until I start training for the 1/2 I already signed up for this September. But I will keep it in mind.

I went to the gym, finally, today. I did 1 hour cardio on 4 machines. (eliptical, treadmill, bike and stair climber). Had to mix it up a little. Hoping to run/walk tomorrow!

Keep me posted on your training so I can stay motivated. Especially w. the 1/2 marathon training!

Oh My!

I'm so sorry ladies. I can't leave a blog so abrubtly. I apologize! You all are awesome. Thanks for keeping each other going. Not sure whats happened the past few weeks but today is the day to get back in motion!

I have a thing at the kids school today so I'm going to walk outside when I get home then I'm hitting the gym tomorrow! I hope you all are keeping up your motivation! It sounds like you all are doing better than me! But today is a new day. LOVE YOU GUYS!

I will respond later to report my follow through. Hope to hear back from you all inspite my laziness! Have a sweaty day!

Dear Mr. Gym,

Thank you for welcoming me back today. You cleared everyone out by 12:30 and I got pick of machines. I know I have not been a loyal friend. I tried another workout and left your equipment cold. I promise I can balance 2 workouts. I MUST!

I quickly was reminded how far I've fallen when I tried on my shorts yesterday and they were too small. Did I mention they were my FAT shorts. I am good at multi tasking in all areas of my life. Why must I leave you behind so often?

It's a new day, though. The sun shining and I'm feeling a little more devoted to you! So, hang in there! I promise to hang in there too! Our relationship is worth it!

Your frumpy friend,
Kathy Rau

In like a lamb, out like a lion!

I guess we are going to have a few days of cold and rain. But I just looked at the 10 day forecast and watch out! Forget the lion....I see 80 degrees this week on the forecast!!!!!!!!! I can't wait. I need the fresh air therapy!

Well, I have to modify what I am doing. The p90x alone is not for me. I think I need to get back to the gym and supplement w. the videos. I don't have the discipline I need to really push myself. So, cardio at the gym and 1 body pump class a week at the gym.

Yesterday at work I was trying to help lift a 150 dog and messed my back up. I have to be careful this week. So, tomorrow I am going to the gym and going to walk on the treadmill and maybe the bike. No weights for fear of hurting. Not sure yet about Tuesday. I think I'll do the Kenpo video. Then Wednesday is suppose to be nice so for anyone interested I will be back at Central Park for 'the loop'.

Hope you ladies are all sweaty and happy. I've definetly fallen off the workout wagon this month. I need M-O-T-I-V-A-T-I-O-N!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HELP!

LUVN THE SUN!

I did my CP walk today and it felt great. Thanks T! Now I need a bit more motivation for abs! I hope you're feeling better Pam. I worked out w. my sinus stuff and it stinks, but you feel better in the end.

I was thinking of having a get together soon, but this weekend is b-u-s-y! Lot's of coming and going. BUT it will be SOON! PROMISE! Hope everyone is working up a good sweat! Pop on the radio and dance in the kitchen in your undies! It's liberating! So, I hear! ;)

No PUKING!

Do you ever feel like a hamster on a wheel with working out? I sure do.

I survived yesterdays workout with NO PUKING. Good, right? I did 5 minutes longer than last week. There are still a few moves that seem impossible at this point. But I keep spinning on my wheel in hopes of reaching the nut!

Today is a cardio day. But first I have brunch w. my Mimosa Moms. No drinking, just eating. So a workout will feel good, I am sure.

Tomorrow is still a Central Park walk day. Let me know if you can come. 915 by Toys R Us. Then I will run home and do my video.

I'm worried I haven't started running yet..... I don't have long to start training. Have a wonderful and sweaty day!

Cheers to my ladies!

You Girls Rock!

Thanks for keeping the blog going while I was MIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I got sick Wed from allergies. Went to Great Wolf Thurs and Fri. THEN worked 2- 12 hour shifts Sat and Sun. So, I am BEHIND! But you girls rock!

I am doing P90X today. Core Syn. again (reminder: this video almost made me puke last monday!). I plan to keep things going this week. My allergies have calmed down! Thank God!

You all have been so busy and inspiring! Thank you! If it's not a down pour of rain I plan to do my video and a Central Park walk on Wednesday!

We also still need to plan a girls night soon!

Thanks for being my workout buddies!

HAPPY ST. PADDY'S DAY TO ALL!

Sorry for skipping out today on the CP walk. I have a head cold and think my video workout is enough for me today! I hope everyone plans on enjoying St.Paddy's day in your own way!

Cloie, I'm w. you- I am sore. Mine is in my back and hip flexors. Sounds like your pecs hurt! Ain't it great!lol

Pam- enjoy your downtown walk. It will feel great in this weather.

Can't wait to hear about your workout last night Teresa. And Jen- 20 mile back up stinks but it's better than a 20 mile walk- ha ha!

Cheers to all!

BRING IT!

Wow, you girls are rockn! Good luck w. the training Jen. I need to start running soon. Wanted to get first 2 weeks of videos under my belt first. I did the cardio x video today. I made it through the whole thing w. some modifications. It felt good compared to yesterday. Now I'm eating my healthy choice! Had my shot of Mona Vie today in hopes for magical powers (lol).

Cloie, you are kicking butt. Ready for summer????? Thanks for keeping me on track not to quit cuz it's hard! Bring it! ;)

Pam....Sounds like your in motion! Keep it up! Summer is right around the corner and so are SHORTS AND SWIM SUITS! Yikes! Love you ladies!

Phase 1

So I did the first disc on P90X. All I can say is bluck! I only made it for 45 minutes and almost puked. First lesson: don't eat before hand. But I will continue in hopes to build up my endurance for the program and get stronger. Happy monday! Stay dry!

Spring has Sprung. Summer is coming!

Welcome back Pam. Glad you made the decision to do what is best for you. BTW, The outdoor yard work is exercise. So, don't knock it.

I did my fitness test Sat for P90X. I passed all the areas except abs....of course and the jumping jacks about killed me at the end. Who knew that would be so tough. Embarrassing. But now the work begins.

I decided to start the Lean workout tomorrrow. Teresa is going to try the videos too. The plan is we will start the same day. I don't want to miss out at the gym so I'm going to do my cardio there a few times a week.Plus I need to start running. I'll miss body pump, though. But it's only temporarily. Mark started today. It was easy for him (so far). He is doing the Classic workout. Lean is for weight loss, that's why I chose that one.

I had a great weekend. I hope everyone else did, too! I will keep blogging my experience with the videos and hope to hear about your progress too.

P90X has arrived!

And it looks HARD! I watched a few videos last night to see what was in store for me. Oh boy! Looks tough. I still have to figure out how to balance the program with the gym with running. Cloie, sounds like you do it w. running. I may need some tips! My thoughts are to do the program and use the gym for cardio with some outdoor runs.

Jen, glad you're back! Keep up the work. You will make your goal in may! Commit! Pam is busy w. school but I still want to bug her.....it sounds stressful which is even more reason to 'give yourself 30 minutes a day'. I think a group email is in order;)

Teresa and I are doing STRIVE today. I am so sore from squats and our walk that body pump doesn't sound appealing today. Plus the class is getting crazy crowded! Tomorrow is another cardio day. Then hopefully Saturday is the begining of toning this cupcake into a little better shape!

Central Park Loop

Teresa and I did the CP Loop today. I forgot how much I enjoyed that walk. It felt great to get outside again. I think I will make Wednesdays my official 'be outside and walk/run in CP'. So, anyone that can make it we would love for you to come. Today we went from 930 til about 1050. We are working back up to that 2 hour mark! Have a sweaty day! Work tonight and body pump tomorrow! Cheers!

Damn Carbs!

I've been doing the daily burn and I keep going over on carbs! I tried SOOOOOOOOOO hard and still went over. WTF! Anyhoo..... todays another day! Off to body pump then lots to do!!! Started painting. Using it as my Karate Kid workout! Ha! Jen and Pam are still MIA..... Good to hear from some of you on FB. Have a sweaty day!!!!!

Monday, Monday...

I did a quick cardio this morning. Thanks for joining me Teresa! I'm planning the Central Park walk for Wed for sure! It's a good walk and can take up to 2 hours depending on the path we choose, so please feel free to join us!

I'm actually sore from Strive on Saturday (still!). Looking forward to getting my P90X soon! Have a great and sunny Monday.

It's a new week!

No workout for me today! Just work and play. But it' a new week! No excuses and commit, commit, commit!

Exercise: My goal for the week is body pump 2 days, strive 1 day and cardio 2/3 days. I haven't checked the forecast but I'm hoping for a nice day for an outdoor run/walk. Hope to see you at the gym!

I've been doing daily burn and it appears my weakness is carbs. I want to work on that too this week.

Haven't heard from Pam and Jen lately......what's going on with your diets/exercise?

Bring on the Weekend!

Hope everyone is having a good weekend. I made it to STRIVE this morning. It was 'ok'. The instructor wasn't great and the music was awful. But I went. And I am still logging on Daily Burn. So, it's a good day!!

Feeling Great!

Ok... so winter has taken a toll on me mentally. I'm crabby and waiting for some sun. I decided to cheat and bought 10 sessions at the tanning salon. Not for the tan (but it's a nice side affect) but for the sun therapy. I went 5 minutes today and it felt like heaven.

I also went to the gym. I did eliptical and my butt buster workout on the treadmill. I am having a good day and hope you all are too! I plan to do STRIVE tomorrow morning. I hope you AFF'rs will join me. Teresa, Danielle and I are signed up.

Have a great FRIDAY! Cheers!

Think Sunny Days!

Great job on the sexy arms Cloie. I did body pump on Tues and took wed off. But today I'm not feeling 100% so I am going to get some 'chores' done and see if I feel better for a workout later. I think the warmer weather will motivate us all! Cross your fingers that we see it this weekend. My clothes can not get any tighter before summer!!!

Commitment!

Now that we are done with excuses.......

Define commitment:

*An agreement or pledge to do something in the future
*Something pleged
*the state or an instance of being obligated or emotionally empelled


Off to the gym! Happy Tuesday ladies!

Excuses!

The definition of excuses:

forgive something: to release somebody from blame or criticism for a mistake or wrongdoing
overlook something: to make allowances for somebody or something
release somebody from obligation: to release somebody from an obligation or responsibility
Synonyms: reason, justification, explanation, pretext, defense, apology, plea, vindication, alibi
See full definition ·


I won't make any. What's yours?

Back in the gym today and eating right!


***A special Woo Hoo for Cloie who broke four miles! Way to go Cloie. Thanks for being there for me!

REGROUP!

Ok ladies, this snow has thrown us all off. I'm not sure what you all are up to with your workouts. I am WAY off and need to regroup and remotivate. I am using this weekend to do so. I haven't been blogging or working out consistently due to the kids/snow. So, this weekend is all about reworking my game plan! Summer is right around the corner ladies! Let me know how you're doing. Even if it's through email/fb. Cheers!

Found this on flatter abs.

I know you can't spot train, but found this little article. What the heck! I'll give it a whirl.

http://thevictoryproject.msn.com/Articles.aspx?article=23116834&source=msn&gt1=25065

Exhaling....

Ahhhh, kids are back in school and my routine is trying to return to normal.

I went to the gym to run today which did NOT work out. I started to run and my pants kept falling down AND I forgot my ipod. Not a good combo for running. So, I did my quick 20 min butt buster (walking up hill at 12%) and went on my way.

I am looking forward to body pump tomorrrow (if school is on time). Otherwise, I will have to wait until next week. Hope you all are staying warm. Cheers for now!

I have great friends!

Thanks Cloie for YOUR motivation. I appreciate all my friends and their support of one another.

Although I dressed for the gym first thing this morning I procrastinated getting out of the house. Thanks to my good friend I got my butt in gear finally at ONE O'CLOCK! I went to the gym and did the eliptical and treamill (butt buster), then some weights. Looking forward to a more regular routine after the snow clears.

Great job Cloie. I can't believe your working out outside. That is so awesome! I will plan a girls night soon to get motivated for summer. I'm thinking margaritas, tropical music, shorts.......at my house in March! I'll keep you posted!

Ground Hog Day

Doesn't it feel like the movie Ground Hog Day. You wake up thinking the kids are back in school. Excited. Motivated. Then BAM! reality hits you in the face. No school. When will this movie end. Last I heard we have 6 more weeks of winter. Really? Someone shoot that damn rodent!

Ok, I'm done. So I did go to the gym with 1000 others. Got in a quick eliptical workout. Did just a few weights before I became frustrated that I had to wait for machines. So, now I am home. I guess I'll do some abs before my shower! Hope you all are surviving! I can not wait until Spring! I'm going to dance around in my undies in the yard! Ok, maybe at night ;).

Sometimes you need a kick in the a$#!

Thanks Pam!

Ok, so up until today I haven't done anything except stuff around the house. But today I got to the gym (woo hoo) and did 30 min on the treadmill, 20 on the eliptical and 10 on the stairs. I did some legs and back. My arms were sore from yesterday (shoveling) so I skipped those. I can not WAIT til kids are back in school to "normalize" my routine!

Stephanie came over today and I did a fashion show with my swimsuits. A very humbeling experience in front of my dear friend, slim. But I needed the humility! So, get your a$#es in gear ladies. :) Only 107 days til Memorial Day! I know Cloie is walking! What else is going on out there????

Braving the snow..........

I'm going in! Wish me luck!

Anyone out there?

Hello! I am sooooooooo behind on life thanks to Mr. Winter. When I said ...."who wants to lose weight by valentines day?"..... I really meant "who wants to GAIN weight for Vday?". All I have been doing this last week is eating. I don't do well when I'm stuck home and I'm cold. I have not been to the gym since I ran last Thurs. I have been doing the 'housekeeeper workout' but it's not cutting it!

I hope you are more motivated than I am! I need your motivation! Spring is 4 weeks away!

Distracted by the weather!

I am having a hard time focusing the last 24 hours w. the weather approaching quickly. I did a quick 2 mile run (ok, at my pace it wasn't quick, but that's all I did at the gym) yesterday. Today I have done A Housekeepers Workout (stairclimber= up/down the stairs w. laundry, shoulder press=vacuuming the curtains up and down, squats= picking up toys constantly all day, bicep curls= chips and salsa up and down into my mouth :0 ). But tonight I will do pushups and abs. So, I will try to salvage the day! Tomorrow I'm working. Sunday is play in the snow day! Hoping everyone is safe and warm! Cheers!

Here we go....

Ok ladies, starting tomorrow we have 10 days to drop 2-4 lbs! I'm glad you're playing along! I skipped the gym today cuz I'm so sore from body pump yesterday! I loaded up for squats and back. The day before I did a butt/leg buster. So, today I'm going to just walk on the treadmill in the basement. I think we should all meet at the end of each month for a drink and encouragement! If anyone is interested, I'll host the first one! Stay warm. Here are some ball exercises while you're stuck at home:

http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/gear/equipment/best-stability-ball-exercises/

If you don't have a ball you can do some of the following:

*pushups
*body squats
*pull ups
*steps up and down
*planks
*grab an old video and pop it in
*abs
*stretching

Wait for it.......

More snow and bad weather! Ouch!!!!!!! I can't believe it but we are having a really good winter (if you like the cold). I hope you are staying warm.

No takers on the 2lbs Vday challenge? Go to Victorias Secret for motivation! :)

I did body pump only today. The new release is tough so that was enough for me! Glad you're sticking w/ your plan Pam. Hope everyone is too! Chat soon!

Valentines Day!

Let Valentines Day be your next milestone. Two weeks away. Try to drop 2-4 lbs before the 14th. Challenge yourself. I figure a few small goals will lead to bigger ones. So, that's my goal for now.

We officially booked our hotel for the 1/2 marathon in Septemeber. I hope the weather lets up so I can get outside! Iwent to the gym today and did my 'butt buster' on the treadmill for 25 minutes, then biked a slow pace for 20 minutes and ended with 10 minutes on the stair climber. Hope you all had a sweaty day!

Hello Snow!

Ok, so my aspirations of feeling better and getting back in the gym have failed. I missed Th, Fr, Sat and most likely Sunday. Now, it appears that school will be closed for a couple of days. So, back to the gym with the kids tomorrow (kicking and screaming I'm sure).

I need inspiration from my friends. How have your workouts been? Is anyone going to the gym in the morning? If so; look for me and tell me to run faster- ha ha!

Hope everyone is enjoying time with the family and playing in the snow (214 calories are burned playing in the snow and building a snowman per hour).

Rest Day

Well, today AND tomorrow will be rest days. I was in bed sick today and have plans tomorrow. I hope you all have a better end to your week then I will. But that means I have to do extra on Saturday! Hope everyone is healthy and happy today! Sniff, Sniff, sneeze, sneeze

Thanks Mark!

Woke up this morning w. a very tight hamstring and an obnoxious head cold! So, I talked myself into 'sucking it up' and went to the gym anyway. I did a very easy 20 minutes on the eliptical and a moderate 'butt buster' on the treadmill for 20 minutes. Then I went to Marks' work and he squeezed me in for some heat and a stretch! My hamstring feels better already. Thanks Honey!

Welcome back Cloie! I'm glad you had such a good time! Vacations are meant for taking a break. Even from exercise! One of Marks' co workers is 2 weeks into the P90X. She is really enjoying the challenge. I was thinking that it might be good to try it this summer when gym visits seem to go down!

My diet still isn't where it should be. Now that I have a cold do I feed it or starve it? My vote is eat. We'll see how it goes. Have a great day!

Brrrrrr- Freezing!

What happened to our perfectly good weather? I can't believe it may snow this weekend. My time will remain indoors working out.

Pam, I will post some exercises for you area that you want to work out tomorrow. I want to ask Mark and research. I'm sure you know you can't 'spot reduce'. I hear that all the time with my abs and thighs! Although I keep trying in hopes to break the rule. I would imagine cardio, especially one with upper arm movement included, will help. I've been focusing on my 'bat wings' with increasing my tricep exercises. I can see a difference. I still have wings they are just a little smaller. :)

Today I did a mile run then Body Pump w. increase weights for some of the tracks. I was hurting (in a good way). I also squeezed in a nap. Yum! I skipped abs yesterday but plan to hit the class on Friday! Gotta run and get ready for work. Look forward to hearing from you all.

PS- Cloie is back from Florida. Can't wait to hear all about it!

Helllllooooo Sunshine!

If the kids were not home today it would be a great day to run. Isn't it funny how that works. I gave myself a pass and had some beer (yum) on Saturday! But it was a good 3 weeks and I felt I deserved it! Now it's time to get serious again.

I went to the gym this morning. Typical eliptical/treadmill/weight work out. Looking forward to Body Pump tomorrow. I'm going to up my weights!

My swimsuit should be coming today or tomorrow. So, my motivation should kick it up a notch once I try it on! Hope you all have a good workout/clean eating week! Can't wait to hear all about it!

Better late than never....

Sorry for the late blog. Very busy Saturday. I did make it to Body Pump this morning. It was caos. People swiping other 'body pumpers' equipment. Complete craziness! It was a launch so I'm hoping that people had temporarily lost their minds because they were so excited! Haiti looked more organized than the morning rush into this class. On a good note: when I was doing biceps today in class I actually saw my bicep peak out and say hello. It was encouraging!

Jen, I love Strive. Used to do it all the time! Maybe I'll join you one day.

Pam, glad I can bug you enough that you'll workout. I need the same from you all! Just having to log my workouts with my virtual friends makes me do what I need to do. Are virtual friends similar to invisible friends?? I hit the gym 6 times this week. Ate bad Fri and Sat nite. Tomorrow is another day!

My friend Deborah told me about a 30 min abs class on Mon and Fri mornings. Those are my cardio days so I think I'm going to add this to my workout schedule. I'll let you know how it goes.

If you get a chance watch the Justin Timberlake video for Haiti Now. I posted it on my facebook wall. Absolutely beautiful! I was very teary watching it.

I work tomorrow. So, it is a rest day for me! I will blog in the evening though!

TGIF (almost)

I'm writing this Thursday afternoon. I'm not sure I'll have time to write in the morning. My goal is cardio in the morning. I think a walk/run is in order! Cross your fingers that the kids have school.

Thanks Dawn for your dieting tips. She said she prepares a bunch of chicken on Sunday and uses it for quick meals/lunches during the week. Toss it in salads, pasta, with veges, whatever. Thanks. I am going to try it this week.

Tips for weights/abs for the weekend:

*Making changes in your hand position during strength moves will allow you to hit the same muscles from a slightly different angle, which can increase your strenth and definition.

*Alternate between machines, free weights and body weight to target your muscles in different ways.

*When doing crunches, rest your tongue behind the top row of your teeth. This will prevent neck strain so you can maintain good form and work your abs harder.

Pain is fat leaving the body

I'm assuming that means that I have a lot of fat leaving right now. I'm sore today. So, I need to get motivated to get moving! I have my workout clothes on. Next I need to stretch and get my day started.

Body pump for me today! That's it! Oh, and try to eat right. I have not been calorie counting but have cut way back. Hope everyone has a great day! (yaaawwwnnnnn). Caffeine here I come!


"There are no shortcuts to any place worth going."- Beverly Sills

Junk in the trunk.....

Appropriate for hump day! Today I'm working on my butt!!!!!!!

Last night I came across 3 "Butt Firming Cardio" workouts. One on Eliptical, one on treadmill and lastly the stair climber. So, I'm going to try them today. I'll let you know how it goes!

Elliptical: amp up the elevation (aim for 5 to 10) and lower the resistance (4-6).This combo targets your hamstrings and butt!

Treadmill: Set the machines incline to at least 5 percent. Then every 2-3 minutes, bump up the incline a little more until you feel like you can't take it any higher.

Stair Climber: Cross your right foot over your left as you step up for 5-15 minutes. Then switch sides. This can be tough but do what you can, you will build your time.

CONGRATS Pam for only missing 2 days. Doesn't it feel good. Another week or so and you'll need the workouts and won't want to miss.

Pray for Haiti today!

A picture is worth..............

We all know the saying. I found out yesterday that my friend was moving her wedding up from next March to possibly July now! Yikes, that cuts my 'get in shape for the wedding' time way down. But I thought it would just motivate me to push a little harder.

Then, I saw a few pictures of me at the pool last summer. Yikes is an understatement. My back looked like a linebacker. It was scary. And the legs....well, we won't go there! So, now I have double the motivation to kick it up a notch!

My journal tip for the day: Target ALL your muscles. Varying the amount of weight you lift will help you work more muscle fibers and improve your definition, strength and endurance. Example: Monday 3-5 reps of heavy weights, Wednesay 12-15 reps of light weights and Friday 8-10 reps of moderate weight.

Off to Body Pump this morning then adding more cardio to step it up a notch!

Happy MLK Day!

Is that politically correct. Wishing a 'happy' day on the day remembering a great man that was killed????

So, my lesson to myself for the week is don't procrastinate. I used Friday as my day off thinking I would work out Saturday. Well, then I got sick and Saturday and Sunday were days of rest. So, next time I think I will push my day off to the last day of my Sun-Sat workout week. With a shot in the butt of a broad spectrum anitibitoic I'm ready to resume my workouts. I may be a little slower.... but it's movement- right??

I've gotten several emails that it is difficult to post and sign up for this blog. And that several of you are following along. Thanks for that! This isn't just my journey, it's for all of us. I shopped online for swimsuits yesterday as motivation. I think I'm going to order one and put it on once a week as a reminder. I think I like to torture myself just a little....

Enjoy the holiday! I'm off to the gym for a quick walk on the treadmill and maybe some eliptical work? We'll see how it goes.

Where did the day go.

I'm bummed because the day flew by. Got up early and went to brunch for a birthday party. However, I have been fighting a head cold all day. I took a long nap and now it's night time.

Mark says my body needs the break while I'm fighting this cold. So, 2 days in a row w/ no workout! Ugg! I work all day tomorrow. I'm hoping I feel good enough to hit the treadmill at home afterwards w/ a side of abs.

Valerie Bertinelli said in her last book..... "In the end, I decided to focus on my goals, watch my aim, and simply try to be the best version of me that I could be on any given day" . So, today my best version was to be a good mom, wife, friend and rest!

TGIF

Glad it's Friday? I am. Even though I have to work tonight.

Today was a day of rest! So, no work out to report. I also didn't eat that great either. Went to the Green Turtle for lunch. Yummo! It was good. Can't wait til Feb when I can go and order a beer!

Hoping everyone had a good workout/diet day! Going to the gym tomorrow afternoon and get a good cardio in. I'll need after todays lunch.

I'm planning to start a monthly walking group next month (if weather permits). A group of us used to do it before our 40 mile trek for Breast Cancer Awareness. I'll keep you posted incase anyone would like to join in. I think it used to take about 3 hours and at one point worked up to 5. We'll start out easy...... Check back for more info.

Happy Friday my friends! Blog ya later!

better late than never....

Bloggn late today. Got up and went to gym. Did 1 hour of body pump w. slightly heavier weights. I decided today to change my workout (# days per week). I think my body needs an extra day to regroup every now and then.... so every other week I'm going to switch from 6 days/week to 5 days/week and keep rotating. With that said....I'm taking Friday off! If I don't guilt myself into going. :)

I'm always looking for good workout music. If anyone has any good workout songs let me know. My top workout songs on my ipod right now are:

Sweet Dreams-Beyonce
Imma Be- Black Eye Peas
Drop it Low- Ester Dean
Love Lockdown-Kanye West
Beautiful People- Marilyn Manson
Flaunt It-Djfrancofabi
Let Me Be Myself-3 doors Down
Crazy in Love- Beyonce
Meet Me 1/2 Way- BEP
Follow-Breaking Benjamins
Breakdown-Breaking Benj.
I dont care- Fall out boys
Anything by Flo Rida
Mr. Brightside- The Killers
So What-Pink
Anything by Rhianna

I'm getting ready to burn some of these for Teresa. If anyone wants any I would be happy to share them.

Thanks for getting over humpday!

When I woke up this morning I was in a 'funk' and thought I'd never push myself at the gym today. I was running late getting the kids out the door but I made a point to check our blog. Thankfully I did. Reading everyone's tips and motivations helped me regroup mentally! Thank you for that! I have had a mental block w. running lately. I just couldn't get to a mile. I got to .9, .95, .99. But just kept quitting. I don't know why. I've run farther than that in the past.So, I started running and ran to 1.5! I think I could have done more, but just walked the rest of it. Then I did weights (abs/legs).

Yesterday I weighed in and gained 3 pounds.....hmmmm......gotta stay off the scale. It obviously has me confused w. someone who is eating fun food! My pledge.....do not weigh yourself until the end of the month!

I'm 75% done w. my book. I have to say if you are inspired by others.....these books are great! Definetly a 'chick thing'. I'm lending both books to Teresa, so if anyone wants them next, they are worth the quick read!

Gotta go try some of Cloie's stretches so my shins don't hurt! Enjoy the day! Seize it!

Attitude is EVERYTHING!

Wow, it sounds like you guys are really busting butts (hopefully, right?).

Pam, hang in there. I worked out consistently from Sept-Early December. I got so discouraged I took 3 weeks off. Bad idea!!!! Then I reevaluated it all and chose a better route. I was getting bored. But I've tried to refocus my energy on mixing it up. I'm also changing little 'diet' habits each day. Giving up my favorite foods/drinks for January helped. Not in weight loss but proving to myself that I can follow through. Trust me....right now some chips dipped in beer w/ a side of french fries dipped in a soda sounds great! But I haven't given in. I also remind myself that I walked 40 miles (and so did you!) and completed 2- 1/2 marathons. So, hang onto that and move forward. This internet 'diary' has helped me, too! (Along w/ my journal and the support of my friends). Remember: Attitude is everything!

I will be watching for updates from Cloie and Melissa w. regards to their new workout programs. It may be the next step for me.....at some point. They sound challenging! You guys rock!

I went to Borders yesterday and bought my next autobiography (my fav!). It's the follow up to Vallerie Bertinellis' "Losing It". It's called "Finding It". If you haven't read the first book, I would be happy to lend it out. It's a good read. I also bought The Biggest Loser-Family Cookbook. The recipes look easy and yummy. I'm going to try one of the dinner menu ideas tomorrow. I'll let you know.....

Lastly, went to the gym today. Hit body pump for an hour (they say that's over 500 calories) and then I went to the treadmill and ran for 10 and walked for 10. So, feeling good today! What have you done today??????????

I can't believe it's Monday already....

All weekend I knew I wanted to cut back calories on Monday. Well, today is Monday and here we go........ the dreaded 'calorie counting'. A few years ago I did Nutrisystems and lost 22 lbs. It really worked. But after 3 years of not continuing my calorie counting I've put atleast 1/2 the weight back on. So, it's time to cut back again. This time I'll stick to my oatmeal, cheese sticks, veges, lean cuisines and other food items that work for me.

Todays tip was "Beat your caloric best". At the end of your cardio workout, take note of the calories your burned. Next time, do the same activity but try to beat that number- by 10, 50 or even 100 calories. Do it by increasing your speed or incline/resistance.

I have been good about writing my workouts in my 'Agassi inspired diary'. I decided to do a 1 hour cardio workout on 3 different machines. First eliptical for 20, then (ugg) the bike for 20 and finally a low impact, leisurely walk for 20 on the treadmill. But I made a point to push myself on the first 2 for a few extra minutes just to beat the caloric burn from last time. It was a small accomplishment, but I'll take it!

I talked to my friend Cloie this morning. She has been doing the p90x workout for a few weeks. She is going to start blogging on here her progress. I know I would love to see if it works. I've heard great things about it but would love to follow someones progress. Thanks Cloie!

Happy Sunday!

First: Congrats to my friend Lisa in Florida. She finished her first 1/2 marathon yesterday in 2 1/2 hours. And that was w/ sleet and snow in FLORIDA! WOO HOO LISA!

Moving on...So, for a long time I've struggled w/ the cold weather. But I have hypothyroidism so that was part of the condition. Well, last night at work I couldn't shake the cold. Then my hands turned white and painful. So, when I got home I showed Mark and he was like "oh, you have Raynauds' disease'. So, I went to the internet and sure enough it was exactly what I had! Who knew..... So, my workouts for the winters will definetly have to be indoors until the weather gets warmer!!! If you know anyone with Raynauds, hand them some gloves!!!!!! :)

I'll be going to the gym this afternoon to try those treadmill workouts. Last night I didn't do anything after work except warm up. But today will be day 6 of working out for the week (my weeks run Mon-Sun). So I guess Saturday was my 'rest day'..

Cloie: I still want to hear about kickboxing. How was it? Who teaches it? Date/Time of Class?

**If anyone is interested in trying a beginner level yoga class (for like old people and pregnant people) I want to go. It has to be at AFF though. Let me know.....

New workout gear..

is so powerful. Why is that? Everytime I buy a new article of workout clothing I feel inspired to hit the gym. This week it was as simple as a long sleeve, mock turtle neck, dry fit top. Ok, so it was a poor choice for a one hour class indoors. I was dying! But it made me go to the gym.

There are also so many new gadgets now. I've seen the ads for Garmins' watch for runners. Then my friend Dawn got one and now I have watch envy. I'm not sure why I need it. My husband assures me it's way too much watch for me. But I want it. I've heard and read that the 305 is better then the 405. Any thoughts?

Well, since the weather outside is frightful I will stick to my indoor workouts. I found 3 different treadmill workouts (again in my Shape magazine) and it suggest to try one. So, tomorrow when I hit the gym I will be trying one of the following:

*FLAT SPRINTS: set the treadmill at a constant 1 percent grade and run or walk fast (you should be completely out of breath) for 30 seconds. Recover at an easy intensity for 60 seconds. Repeat 9 times.

*HILL DRILLS: run or walk for 30 seconds at an 8 percent grade followed by 60 seconds at a 1 percent grade. Repeat 9 times.

*CONSTANT CLIMB: set the treadmill at an 8 percent grade and walk or run for 30 seconds at a moderate pace (you should be out of breath) followed by 60 seconds at a slower pace, still on the 8 percent incline. Repeat 9 times.

The article suggests that you do interval training once or twice a week. I will keep you posted. Off to work I go! Have a great day ladies.

Goals

Way to go my friends! Wow! I'm inspired not to miss my workout today inspite of the snow and school being cancelled. My friend Lisa reminded me to set goals for myself. I have so many when it comes to fitness. I just finished a book (yes, I read sometimes) and it gave me an idea. Andre Agassis' book Open is GREAT! I really enjoyed reading about his life.

In the book his trainer kept a diary of sorts. The Bible of his fitness. He would make notes, changes, have pictures, etc.... So, that's what I started for myself. I got a journal. On the first page I wrote my goals: work out 5-6 days a week w/ 2 days of strength training, do the 1/2 marathon in September and tone for my trip to Fla in May! Then I got this months Shape magazine and cut out "Speedy Sculpting Secrets" and glued them randomly throughout the journal to try when I hit those pages. I also wrote things I wanted to stay away from in January to "jump start" my year: chips, beer, fast food and soda! So far I've been able to do it. I also am writing down my daily workouts and goals for my next one.Lastly I put a picture of a dress that I will be wearing for my dear friends wedding as motivation!!!

I'm hoping w/ the support of my lady friends and logging all of this in my journal I will beat goals I have set for myself in the past! Keep posting your workouts, tips, recipes for quick and EASY snacking/meals. You guys are the best!

POST YOUR GOALS BELOW. I WANT TO HEAR THEM!

Simplify

Ok my friends, we have all decided to push ourselves beyond the norm this year with fitness. The texting and facebooking encouragement helps. But I have decided a blog could be a good meeting place for all of us to share our words of encouragement and helpful hints! So here it is! Please share this with other friends who need daily motivation like us! Keep up the running, climbing, classes and healthy lifestyles! We can do this! I will post my daily workouts and hope to hear about yours!