Doin the Dang Thang

I have yet once again hit a workout rut. It all started when I got back from Colorado and I looked in the mirror and was like, "oh girl, get yourself on a treadmill STAT", and since then I've done HIIT cardio about 3-4 times every week for 30 minutes and then finish up with a 10 minute elliptical session. I've maybe had 1-2 lifting days in there <----- no bueneo. I just really wanted to shred it up and lean out, and HIIT is the way to do it. But, Im getting bored and when it comes to the gym, I need structure. Enter, bodybuilding.com ....... *this is now way a plug for bodybuilding.com, although they deserve a shout out!*

I think I've mentioned before that bodybuilding.com, not only offers supplements at unbeatable prices (I have checked GNC, Costco, Sams Club, amazon, etc. & they beat em' all), but they offer FU-REEEE workout routines catered to what your goals are as well as your age & sex. So I always go there when Im in the workout rut. I also want to throw in, that if you're someone who is just starting down, do NOT be intimidated by the name or think that only experienced peeps go to this site. They offer a Facebook type community that you can talk and relate to other people who are where you're at. If that's not your cup of tea, then you can still go and get the hook up with workouts/meal plans for....FU-REEEEEE!  They have beginner programs, and structure (in my opinion) is KEY in a workout regimen! Even if you're just a cardio junky *cough cough you need to add lifting STAT cough cough*, a good schedule or switch up plan is important if you want to keep your body conditioned and/or challenged and changing. 

****stepping off my soapbox*****

So anywhoot, there I was at home, thinking about how I really didn't look forward going to the gym cause it was the same ol same ol - cardio. While I've been seeing good results, I MISS and CRAVE lifting. I have educated myself and I know that lifting weights is something that is so important to your body & keeping it maintained. Since I've been out of the weight room for what seems like years, I have noticed those muscles I had worked so hard to build, weren't as bulgy anymore, and that booty that was lifting and firming, was just staying put - the improvement has stopped. So, I went to bodybuilding.com, and browsed a couple of their plans for the right one for me. I've done a couple of theirs, so I wanted something fresh & different. Enter Lindsay Kaye's Cutting Program: This program was designed by THE Lindsay Kaye - the fitness model banned from magazine covers cause she was just that hot. 

Girlfraaand obviously knows her shiz. I found some other body envy pics, but due to the fact that my Gma reads this blog, I decided against posting them. Since I want to cut down fat around my muscles, but also continue to build up on them, I went with her cutting program you can find here. I am also going to be following her eating program to an almost T. Remember how I told y'all I was sorta doing the Weight Watchers point system? Well I added everything on her meal plan up and it should be exactly what Weight Watchers has allotted me - SCORE! I just want to say too, that Im only doing this Weight Watchers thingy only because I want to push my body until Mexico and see where I can get it. After we get back, I'll still be doing this program, but about ready to switch it up again since you should change your workout routine every 6 weeks or so. Gotta get your muscles guessing and pushing that endurance. 

Even tho Summer is just about over (and actually is over for a lot of y'all - LUCKY!), you still want to either maintain or improve. Halloween, Thanksgiving, AND Christmas are major junk food holidays and even tho I would love to eat an entire mixing bowl of mashed potatoes with sour cream doused over it, I don't. You have to think to yourself, why would I just kill myself at the gym, and then sabotage my work with over indulging? Eat the potatoes and all the fun stuff, but don't be going crazy, ya know? A trick I try to do to stop overeating is popping in a piece of gum and that works pretty good. Any other tricks you ladies have that work? 

Paying it Forward

Happy Sunday beautiful! I know everyone is grumbling cause Sunday means Monday is tomorrow.

Monday = WORK = No bueno!

My poison oak is still flaring its ugly head. I'm going to call the doctor tomorrow and beg and offer my 2nd born (she can't have my 1st, I love him too much) to her if she can squeeze me in. My stomach is gnarly people. So ewwwwy, I'll spare you details, but basically I'm pretty sure it's infected. I'm so sick of this shiz. Which sucks cause I wanna run and work out. I haven't gone to the gym in forever. Sure I run 3-4 times a week, but I want squat some iron!

Ew.

So I'm signing up for the gym once this PO is gone. Getting back to lifting, more running, switching up cardio workouts. Ya know, the stuff I actually consider fun. My muscles are in need of some serious fine tuning and Im determined to be walking around with a banging body and my 1.5 year old come next Summer.

On Saturday T Pain and I headed out for our grocery shopping early. On my way back, I was starved, so through the Starbucks drive thru I went for one of these babies

The Starbucks Egg white, reduced fat turkey bacon sandwich - hold the cheese. So anywhoot, I was behind this new Hyundai and next in line. Once I got up to the window, the cashier told me the woman in front of me already paid for me. Say what?! I was blown away girls. I mean, who does that? Not anyone in this neck of the woods. I was so appreciate and immediately wanted to pay it forward. So I asked the cashier how much the person behind me's order was. "$7.49", she responded. PSSSSSH.....did I REALLY wanna blow the rest of my gift card on this stranger? YES, YES I did, nothing felt better.

Switching gears

Good morning ladies! It's Monday which means a brand new week. Another fab-ulous tid bit worth mentioning? The sun is shining and it's supposed to be 77 degrees today - A YO! Today my mamacita and I are heading to pick up a stroller to take with us to Mexico for Mr. T. Pretty sweet deals can be found on craigslist, check it out sometime if you haven't already.
This weekend was awesome like I knew it'd be - Nickmesiter and I took a walk or two with the little dude, I hit up Costco with mi madre, and yesterday I got...a SUNBURN! I may be the only crazy person alive that is joyous about a sunburn, but to me, its great. It means the sun is out and Im soaking it up. My fine English skin just couldn't take the heat yesterday, so this is how it repays me

This was just sitting outside in 70 degree weather. Can you imagine what would have happened had I not exposed my delicate white skin to anything before Mexico?! GEESH, Jose Cuervo would be my BFF the whole trip if ya know what I mean. After my ruby red arm heals, I'll be sliding into a tanning bed till it's go time. Im SOOO excited.
Speaking of Mexico, I know ya'll are sick of hearing of my workouts, buuut, it's my blog, so get used to it haha. I've dropped my original workout plan that I had previously. I was browsing bodybuilding.com, and came across a section where they will give you a step by step workout tailored to what your wanting to do (lose weight or build muscle). Yes, I am wanting to lose weight, BUT, I'd rather build muscle. My #1 goal right now is to tone/lose inches, so thats what I went with. After plugging in all my information, it spit out a 12 week schedule that Jamie Eason designed. You might be saying, Jamie Who? So let me show you Jamie Eason and you tell me if you wouldn't wanna look like her...




She's a fitness model and bodybuilding.com spokeswoman, and she knows her shizz. 'Nough said

So my workouts will be looking like this:
Monday - Warm up on Tread 20 minutes & Legs
Tuesday - Warm up on Tread 20 minutes and Push
Wednesday - Run for 45 minutes-1 hour
Thursday - Warm up on Tread for 20 minutes and Pull
Friday - Warm up on Tread for 20 minutes, Shoulders/Back/Abs and X Bike (30 minute class)
Saturday - Rest
Sunday - Rest

Splitting up your workouts in Pull, Push, and Leg exercises is a fast and effective way to get your results. I have blogged about it before (maybe a year ago?) and it has proven to do me good. The quick explanation for you new readers (hello and I love you!!) is push = all exercises are geared towards you "push" muscles, Pull= all exercises are geared towards your pull muscles and legs = duh, your legs! With pull and push, you are combining a bunch of different muscles and not just doing the typical workout schedule: Monday- biceps Tuesdays - abs Wednesdays - etc, etc. etc. You get the idea. This is a 12 week program, but with only 6 weeks till Mexico, Im confident I'll have some serious results to show for it.
Also, I have to confess something to you girl.... I am NOT running a marathon this year...EEEK! I know, I know, I was all amped for it, but honestly, I was scared shitless. I mean, I just had a baby, and after healing for 6 weeks, and then I gotta get my endurance back, it was just too much. Actually my aunt and sister were totally fine with it (the ones I was going to run with), and they were the reason I was going to do it this year. Do I want to run a marathon? Sure. One day, probably next year. But I just think it'd be too much to do this year, and fitting training in with Troy being so young, so my goal this year is to run a marathon sometime after my birthday (September, but before November. So sometime in October would be fabulous since the weather wouldn't be too shabby. So I will start training for that sometime after Mexico. Whew, so glad I got that off of my sunburned chest, haha!

Ugh

Confession - I haven't gotten my arse to the gym since Monday morning. PULL.IT.TOGETHER.KARLI! Seeeeriously people, this jiggle isn't a good look. Every day I've WANTED to go. I really have, but Tuesday I slept through my alarm and don't even remember turning it off, Wednesday, I was just pretty flippin tired and the last thing I wanted to do was go to the gym. My excuse today? Nothing! I heard my alarm, and was actually somewhat awake and I just opted not to go. This is NOT like me. I mean, sure I'm tired, but I have it easier than a lot of mom's of a 2 month old. Troy sleeps the entire night except the one time he wakes up to be fed and changed. Tomorrow I AM going. It's Nicks day off, so I can sleep in till 6:30 (Troys start of the day time), and after I feed him and put him back down, I'm heading out to the gym. Same with Saturday. I gotta get it done and get it done good!I have 50 days I believe till Mexico and I'm really hoping I can look like this:

Amber Elizabeth

Lindsay Messina

HAHA, a girl can dream (and be motivated!) right?

Yup, so I have my work cut out for myself. I tried on my bikini this morning, (I need to get a new one), holy moly, I need to tone it up! My food is perfect, it's just getting to the gym and running and lifting. If I wasn't pumping/breast feeding, I would still have so much more jiggle on myself, but it helps ladies. I was pregnant and dying at not being able to workout hard. Now my excuse? I'm tired? I just don't wanna get up? I can sleep AFTER Mexico haha. No more excuses Karli, just do it!!!

Operation get the bo-day back!

Good evening lovelies! Yes, evening. My day has been pretty hectic - in a good way of course. Troy has started to take shorter naps during the day. Shorter meaning 30 MAYBE 45 minutes at a time. Then he's up and he's a handful. Being the mama of a boy is gonna be a crazy ride, I can already tell. He was wanting to be held which can be a total issue at times since my plan was to clean the house. Since the little dude was ultra clingy to mama, I put him in the ergo baby carrier (which he can now face forward it, woot woot!) and got both bathrooms done before he started getting bored and fussing. So out of the carrier and into his swing he went. I started cleaning the kitchen thinking he was good to go, until I heard more fussing. So, needless to say, it took me foreeeevvvveeeeer to clean today.

Operation get the bo-day (aka BODY to those who don't speak Karli) back is still alive and kicking. Today was 2.65 mile run on Tread and abs. I used to do planks a lot pre Troy with ease. HA! Well planks just laughed at me in the face! My plan says I gotta do 3 for 30 seconds. Not too bad right? I was shaking sooooooo badly. I mean, BAD! I watched the sweat drip onto the mat under me and my arms shaking out in front of me. Thank GOD there isn't anyone really there at that hour. Twas pretty embarrassing for moi. But at least I'm there, right? Right! If Troy allows me - meaning he isn't a fussy butt this week, I will be going to the gym every day this week (Except Sat & Sun of course) .That will be my first full week of working out since Troy, what what? I know in a post a couple weeks ago, I said my goal would be back to running a 5K every morning. Well that "couple of weeks" is THIS week I believe, and yaaaaaa, that's not happening. I'm giving myself this week and next week to get back to it. That way it'll be a consistent 2 weeks of running again. I'm just gonna have to learn to roll with the punches since little dude is here - there are always gonna be hiccups with a baby. 53 days till Mexico ladies!

Good evening

Boy am I tired. I am such an old lady -it's only 8pm and Im ready to put on my slippers and moo moo, set my teeth on the bathroom counter, and call it a night. Not before I have some of these AMAZING ravioli's though

Thank you Costco!!!!!!

So this morning was my 1st day back at the gym, and guess what? It went FABULOUSLY! I got there a tad past 4:30AM (an unGodly hour!), and hit the treadmill. I pounded out 30 minutes ladies! I only wanted to hang out at the gym for an hour, so I could get back home before little dude woke up (want my hubby to get his beauty rest). So anyways, I did a 5 minute warm up, then ran at a 5.2 speed for the next 20 minutes, then walked the last 5. Sweat was POURING. I thought about taking a picture, but decided it was best I didn't. I figured I'd lose some follower's over that crazy and unpleasant picture. I was pleased with where I was at endurance wise. I was expecting a lot worse. I ran a little over 2 miles though, so I'm going to have to work on that. I used to be able to run a 5K (3.1 miles) in about 30 minutes on average. I'll get there :)
After waking up my heart, it was to the weights I went for my leg workout. I didn't feel anything when I left the gym, but now? OOOO Lordy! Mama has some sore thighs - SUCCESS!!!
My plan is to go tomorrow and Friday morning and then take Sat and Sun off (unless I hit up a yoga class on Saturday? Hmmm....). I am POOPED. I had a mommy and me date with Jenni and Sara so Troy never got a nap longer than about 20 minutes, so that boy was a handful this evening. After being bathed, lotioned, prayers said and swaddled, he is out for the count. Needless to say, I am looking forward to my head hitting the pillow. So say a little prayer that this determined mama can get her butt, that needs to be in a bikini in 2 months, up and out of bed and to the gym at 4:30.

SMOOOOOCHES!!!

Shredding that Baby fat off!

Yup, you read that header right. My OB told me when I was being discharged that I could do whatever I was comfortable with when it came to workouts. I haven't gone back to the gym (YET!), so I'm just keeping it low key with some 30 day shred. Ladies, it is ROUGH getting back into that program when you haven't done it in about 9 months. It's probably been longer since I rarely did the 30 day shred before I was pregnant. The routine starts you off doing pushups for the 1st workout. I usually did the modified pushups with ease, but wholly guacamole, I was DYING!! Even a modified pushup was HARD!!! I looked over at Nick in shock at my ridiculous lack of strength. That's okay though- it's just a matter of time before I get these guns back. For now, I am dealing with my soreness like any other crazy lady - by continuing on with the workouts. I know I"m only 3 weeks (tomorrow) post partum, but I'm missing my pre preg body. Mostly my thighs that don't jiggle so much. Nothing a little cardio and much squats can't take care of. But that'll come once I get the clearance from my OB in about 3 more weeks. Then it'll be time to hit the gym, which I will attempt to do in the mornings before Nicky poo goes to work.

{I would like to have this body by Mexico, please :) }
Tomorrow is picture updates! I'll be posting a pic of the 3 week post partum tummy, which I'm not too sure looks much different, as well as the bday bash for my dad we had on Friday. Then of course tomorrow is Lovers Day, aka Valentines Day, aka...mine and Nick's anniversary! 6 years bay bay!

Happy Friday ladies and gents!

Happy Friday!!! It's the 1st day of October and my eyes are burning, but I have a (decaf) mocha on my desk, so things are good, right? Right! So what are the plans this weekend? I plan on doing some shopping with my mama and look for a lamp for little T's room so when we paint, we know exactly what sorta green shade we'll have in there. I'm also dropping off one of our cable receiver boxes at Comcast and exchanging for a converter (much cheaper!). I've been looking for ways to say money once Troy is born. So after Nick has lowered his plan on AT&T as much as possible, and looking at all our other bills, our Comcast bill was still the highest bill we paid each month. I'm a total tight wade and I hate giving people money, so I did what all my friends told me to do. I called Comcast and told them unless they could give me a cheaper rate, I was going to cancel (not really -- I couldn't live without the drama that is Jersey Shore and Real Housewives waiting for me on the DVR). The girl I talked to was actually really nice. I just straight out said "The truth is, we have a baby on the way, and we can't afford the services, so unless I can lower my bill, I'm going to cancel all services". BAM! 10 minutes later, I got off the phone saving $20 a month :) I know it's not $50 a month, but $20 off is still a major help to this lady. So Karli's tip of the day (not a workout tip for once), is call the people who write checks to every month, and see what you can do about lowering them.

A little workout gossip? Workouts have been going uh-mazing! I still sweat like a Guidette in a fist pumping match, but it's one of the best things I can do for myself (and baby). I figure if I do at least 30 minutes of cardio (maybe combined with weights), I'm golden. I was so determined and convinced that I was going to continue to run my entire pregnancy. So not what happened. BUT, I will say, I recommend already working out mama's to keep working out (OF COURSE TALK TO YOUR OB BEFORE DOING ANYTHING). I have found that I can still get a really good workout in and it's actually forcing me to use cardio machines I never used since I always just ran. I am on the elliptical mostly for 30 minutes and then if I have time, I switch to the treadmill on a medium-high incline for about 20 minutes. You will sweat like crazy, but it won't make you feel bad for eating that craving. With strength training, I have to lower my weight, but I still love it. I think lifting weights is one of the most empowering thing a woman can do. Before pregnancy, I would lift as heavy as I could and guess what? I never bulked. Women seem to be terrified about lifting more weight because they think they will resemble this pretty lady

Not the case. Women do not have enough testosterone in their bodies to naturally take this form. So please ladies, add some more Lb's to that barbell or pick up those 15 lb dumbbells. I promise, it'll be ok :) Lifting weights not only will tone which in turn will help you lose those inches (maybe not pounds, but don't let that scare you because those Hudson or Seven jeans will be fitting so much better), but it'll also help your metabolism stay high, even when you are sleeping.

25 weeks today girls!! I'm halfway to 30, daaaaaaayum! So without further ado, my mandatory weekly questionnaire

How far along? 25 weeks

Baby's size? He is about 13.5 inches and weighing in around 1.5lbs! My stomach has been feeling a lot harder and fuller lately so this makes tons of sense. I feel him moving all the time in my belly, especially while mama is trying to sleep


Weight Gain? 15 lb's the entire pregnancy. I'm hoping to gain about 4 more by next appointment on the 19th. Keep it nice and steady, like Lindsay Lohan's rehab stints

Maternity clothes? Non and maternity tops but all maternity bottoms, except my yoga pants of course

Stretch marks? nada. However, you can see my veins like crazy on my stomach and on my ladies up top.

Belly button in or out? Like a shallow kiddie pool

Sleep? I have been sleeping like a baby (well one that sleeps through the night at least). Every night this week, I can't even remember getting up to go to the bathroom, but one time. Nick says I make more snore like noises though, color me embarrassed

Foods I am loving? Cheese, like the Kraft squares, and my mochas, and anything else sweet.

Foods I am hating? Same as last week

Best moment this week? Finally picking a paint color for little man's room and ordering a decal for his wall

Movement? All day long. I love him

Hump day= forgot phone & need starbucks!

Sooooooooooooooooooooooooo yeah, I am tired. These past couple of days hubbster Nick-a-roo's mom and her boyfriend have been in town and it has made for a couple late nights. It's always great to see family especially since we haven't seen his mom in little over a year due to her living in Colorado, so it's always worth it. Pregnancy is no joke my friends. The sleepiness that you encounter (or at least I do) combined with a late night = MUCHO CAFFEINE NEEDED, but then it's like "oh wait, I can't have mucho caffeine". Oh and on top of that, I forgot my phone aka my life line! How am I supposed to give it my all on that elliptical on my lunch break?

Troy is moving like a maniac lately and I couldn't love it more. Every time I feel him move, I immediately put my hand on my stomach to feel. Not only that, but he seems to be taking full advantage of the room he has in my belly, as my stomach seems more firm and less squishy these past 2 days. Troy seems most active when I do cardio at the gym. Almost like he wants to workout with his mommy -- oh how I'm so proud *tear*. Speaking of workouts, I have been on a steady 5 day a week workout. I work out every day on my lunch break (on average 25 minutes on the elliptical) and then on Tuesdays, Wednesdays after work it's back to the gym (20 minutes cardio w/strength training) and of course Saturdays. From what other fitness mom's have told me, working out while pregnant pays off in the delivery room. Not only that, but it'll be so much easier to get back into the swing of things (and back into my express jeans) after he comes out. I'm an avid reader of Oxygen magazine (which my subscription is about to come to an end, sniff..sniff...sniff :( ), so I usually always get my workout plans from there. These past 2 months, their magazine has gotten me so amped up to get back into my heart pounding, exhausting, drop to the floor workouts. The women in these magazines exude strength, beauty, confidence, and health. Exactly where any woman would want to be, right? There is one picture in particular that I am going to be cutting out and will be hanging on my fridge after the little man is here. Karli's tip of the day: Well we haven't had much of that lately, have we? Visual motivation is a great way to reach your goals. Start by cutting out pictures of women you aspire to be like or pull out old photos of yourself when you were feeling your best. Place these visual motivations around your house, on your fridge, or even in your office at work. That way when you've had a long stressful day at work, you have something in your face reminding you "Hey, don't even think about skipping the gym today! You deserve 'you' time!" Same with pictures on the fridge. That little visual can tell you "HEY, maybe grab a string cheese or a low fat pudding cup instead of that gallon of ice cream".
Make it a great day beautiful readers!

Back on track

So after my horrible scare this past weekend, I am feeling 90% back to normal. My back still hurts a bit, but with the help of the ice packs, I'm making a total recovery. Nausea is still there, but I'm pregnant so it should be expected LOL.

Let's talk workouts shall we? I know I'm pregnant. I know I have to cut myself some slack with everything that has occurred, but it's driving me NUTS that I haven't been working out, let alone going on walks!! My arms are losing definition, my legs are losing definition, AHHHH!!!! I told Nick I want to at least go on a walk 4 times a night after work if I'm not feeling up for the gym and he's totally agreed to that, but my health has pullen a Jesse James and thrown me for a loop - hold the Nazi skanky girls. Does or did any of you mom's feel like that or ever have a similar situation. I've been using my dumbbells when I just sit down to do some simple arm workouts. But I am READY to get back to the gym and just get in workouts, even if that means simple workouts.

As far as eating, I'd rate it a 7 outta 10. I've really been chowing down on the fruits now that I can stomach them, but I need to up my veggies. Salads have been sounding good to me lately, woo hoo!! But not my normal spinach leaf salads. I want regular iceberg lettuce, mushrooms and some carrots. So I think tonight Mr. Nick and I are gonna head to the grocery store and get some supplies since the food supply in the joint is running low. Gotta feed the baby good stuff, right?

Okay ladies and gents

* WARNING - THIS POST IS A BIT OF A VENT FOR MOI*


So this must be said and it's been on my mind the last few days .... I really need to kick it into high gear. It's almost my time of the month, so I know it has to do with how I've been feeling, but I honestly feel like the biggest blimp in the world. I am shocked that Weight Watchers hasn't asked me to be their new spokeswoman (Jennifer Hudson looks GORGEOUS btw). You can read an article about how she's doin her thing for WW, here.


Anyways, I can't say I've fallen off the wagon, because I've been walking every day for 3 miles during my lunch with the girls from my work, and Nick and I went to the gym yesterday and I did 3 miles on Tread, and my eating hasn't been thaaaaaaaaaaaat bad. Just kinda bad. Not bad stuff, just too much of the good stuff (and sour skittles). I think this is why the 10K on Sunday is freaking me out. Because the last time I ran a high mileage, was on Saturday. Another thing I think that is adding to my "Karli, your so fat" mentality is how my much my workouts have cut down. I used to go 5 times a week! Last week, I did horribly and did 3 times and even then I could only do 35 minutes at the gym (barely enough time for me to get in a decent workout). I know I'm being super hard on myself, but it's because I know that I can do better, so I give myself a hard time.

Another thing - I'm losing my tan & this California girl is not happy about it.what.so.ever! Yeah I've been using the self tanning lotion, but I miss the tanning bed! It gave me such an even tan. I was reminded of this when I got out of the shower tonight and gave myself a quick glance in the mirror, when HELLO! MY BACK HAS BEEN IGNORED IN THE COLOR DEPARTMENT. Yup - I have been neglecting that area (I can't reach it and I don't wanna ask Nick) when I put on my lotion stuff. I actually talked to Nick about this the other night and since we have "allowances" now for ourselves each month, I have decided I am going to buy some tans. Not a unlimited package, just some tans that fit into my budget. I won't go everyday, probably 2-3 times a week and then in the summer I don't plan on using the beds since my apartment has a really nice pool area with plenty of sun chairs, and my parents have a pool. The weekends during the summer, I plan on parking it out by either one of those places with a stack of magazines and a nice big bottle of h20 and my shades. The lotion is a great product though, and I will continue to use it until I buy some tans (probably next weekend).


So yes - that is my downer post, but I really need to kick my butt into high gear. Since my workouts have cut down (due to my job and me wanting to spend more time with Nick since we only see each other after work and in the AM's for 10 minutes), I had decided to only go Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays with him. BUT - for my own sanity, I HAVE to include Monday. Yes, I will miss Nick for that 1.5 hours, but I have to sweat more than 3 days a week. So, on top of mine and his workouts together, I will either choose the treadmill or X Bike. To be honest, it'll probably be both due to the state of whale I am in (mentally- I know, Im not a whale). I get off at work at 4:00. Mondays my plan will be: come home, change IMMEDIATELY!, grab a snack (bread with 1 tblspn almond butter), be at the gym by no later than 5:00, do treadmill for 1 hour *or split time between treadmill and abs/back strength training*, then elliptical for some other workout until 6:30. When 6:30 hits- XBIKE! I hate it from the time I walk in, until 2 minutes before the instructor says its time to cool down. It's a killer workout, that gives amazing results! And THAT will be my Monday. It's all about the sweat baby...if you don't sweat, you ain't workin it!

Oh and let's not forget the motivation - if I expect myself to be tanning by the pools (and I'm sure at some point this summer a trip to So. Cal will be in order), I will be running around in this: *Different color tho*

Work it till it hurts

Happy Thursday! We are almost there you guys! I am so looking forward to this 3 day weekend with my love. Oh and he told me some pretty exciting news- he is going to try and get his schedule switched to M-F 8:30-5:30 instead of the Tuesday-Saturday 6:00-3:00! YAYA! At the company he works at, they switch their schedules every other month or so. But do you wanna know why he wants to switch it up? Because he wants to go to the gym with me!! You guys seriously don't know how much I've always wanted that. I see couples come into the gym and it makes my cold heart go "awwww-they like to sweat together" hehe. N went to the gym yesterday and he came home all endorphin'd up and was talkin up his workout....ahhh...makes me so proud *tear*

Soooooo, I need to start icing my knees and shins. I am running on average 15-17 miles a week these days, and I am starting to feel a little beat up at times. This morning my knee wasn't bugging me too bad, but my ankle/shin area was. So it's most def time to start icing them like I used to when I lived in NC. So I pushed thru my 2.5 mile run today and tomorrow my plan is to take it easier with a 2 miler. Saturday is another big one...5 MILES!! EEEEEK!! I KNOW I can do it because I did 4.5 last Saturday, it's just a number and numbers ain't a thang baby! Just gotta push thru it!

While running on Tread this morning, I was staying true to Jillians words "Unless you puke, faint, or die, keep going!" I was THHHHHHIS close to puking this morning. I've never been a morning person, and I think when I wake up early, my body sometimes tries to fight it by making me want to throw my almond butter and jelly english muffin right up.

So lesson today beautiful readers? KEEP GOING! DON'T STOP! It's going to hurt, it's going to get uncomfortable and your going to sweat and your face will feel like it's going to pop right off....BUT, that's when change happens and those endorphins kick in and it's a drug and drugs are addicting. Keep at it and DON'T give up!

WHEWY!

It's the humpity hump day of the week! Can I get an Amen?! It's crazy, on Tuesday I feel like "ugh, it's only Tuesday?!", but then when Wednesday hits, it's like "What? We're halfway done?!" Not that I'm complaining :)

I'm currenlty watching last night's Biggest Loser featuring my adorable BFF's Jilly bean and Roberto and it has been a moving episode and I'm not even halfway in! Who watched it? When Allison Jones came out and talked to them, I about lost it. Here is a little snipit from the US Paralympics site about her:

"Jones was born without a right femur. When her family moved from Texas to Colorado, she began skiing at age 5. She was racing by the time she was 8 years old, working up through Winter Park's renowned disabled program and reaching the U.S. Team by the 2001 season.

Nicknamed "Jonezy," she graduated from Denver University in 2007 with a degree in mechanical engineering. She was the recipient of the Pioneer Award, which is the highest achievement an undergraduate can receive.

Major Achievements

•2008: First place, slalom - The Hartford Ski Spectacular, Breckenridge, Colorado
•2008: Silver medal, Individual Time Trial LC 3/ LC 4 / CP 3 - Paralympic Games, Beijing, China
•2008: Gold medal, Road Time Trial, - U.S. Paralympics Cycling National Championships, Morrison, Colo.
•2008: Bronze medal, 500m - U.S. Paralympics Cycling National Championships, Colorado Springs, Colo.
•2008: Gold medal in slalom, giant slalom, Super G, downhill, and overall - U.S. Disabled Alpine Championship, Solider Mountain, Idaho "

I mean seriously- look at all those medals she has won! She said when she was little, her mom put her in every sport there was. I totally agree with what her mom did- you can't look at it as a disability, just means you have to work harder. Maybe youtube her on BL last night cause I can't even come close to make it as moving as when she told it. Maybe it was that "que the tears" piano music they play when they tell sentimental stories?

Today, I made myself proud by finishing a 3.5 mile run on Tread (average pace of 5.9), and lifting some MAYJA weight with my gorgeous gams (that are compared to Gisele's CONSTANTLY..seriously-can get annoying ).

The run today just set the tone for my day- bad ass and productive! Have an Uh-MAZING day beautiful's! Remember- when you are working it out today, DON'T QUIT! KEEP GOING!


"Fitness to me isn't about a crunch or a push up, it's about taking your power back."
- Jillian Michaels

Last week was...

GREAT! In terms of my new workout plan with lifting and such, I was right on point! I did really good eating and it just shows. I wish I coulda taken before pics to show you guys, but the definition (especially in my abs and legs) were ziltch before this week. I worked hard and I am so proud of myself. How are you all doing? Are you hitting your workouts hard and knowing at the end you gave everything you had for that time? The thing I have to always tell myself to make myself push is "This 1 hour isn't going to kill you, it's going to make you stronger and healthier-mentally AND physically". N actually says he can tell a difference in my body (thanks baby <3)>

Oh so I was crazy curious as to how many calories I was going to burn yesterday cause I knew it was going to be a long day at "the office". So I thought why not strap on my heart rate monitor and see what I can do? I used to wear my HR monitor every time I worked out, and I've decided I'm doing it once again. Here is the HR my mama got me on my 21st birthday (right before I grabbed my health into my own hands and turned this unhealthy train around). It's a Polar F11 HR monitor.



Are you ready to hear how many calories I burned yesterday just while working out(nevermind the after burn!)? 1,018 calories- A-YO! This was monumental to me and almost a little thing to strive for every Saturday for me. I couldn't believe it- that's such a huge number to me! Seriously you guys, having a heart rate monitor gives you some major motivation to just go all out, balls to the wall, jacked up on Mountain dew, hardcore on your workouts. You see that number and you just wanna set a goal for yourself to get to 'X' and the game is on!

But seriously, yesterday's workout was intense! I have to tell you all something too...a confession of mine...there is something about running over 3.5 miles that freaks me out. It's weird- it's like I get scared ( or maybe bored?). I ran my 4 miles yesterday, but barely. Once I got to 3, I wanted to just stop and call it good enough. The red "stop" button on the treadmill was calling my name. Next Saturday, my schedule is calling for 4.5 miles and seriously, I am NOT looking forward to it. There is something about it, that I don't have an answer for that just makes me go "Ugh!" Does this happen to anyone else, or just me? Like is there a workout or a certain class you take that you dread, but do it anyways?

So I ran my 4 miles, walked into my level 2 X bike class (What the eff?! The website said it was level 1!) and left drenched sweatier than a Guido fist pumping it on the dance floor.

I am addicted the sweat! When I leave the gym and my hair is soaked and my tank top is soaked- I know I left all my issues from the week at the gym, and I gave it all I had. All 1,018 calories of myself-gone!

This week we start February and I know it's going to be spectacular. I hope you all reached your January goals- this week will be a brand new month, and this will be YOUR month! My goal for February is to get more active on Sparkpeople. I miss it and all my peeps!

Have a beautiful Sunday everyone!

A little switcheroo

So as I promised you guys last night, I am going to let you in on my secret weapon when it comes to assembling a weight lifting routine for myself....................
....... OXYGEN MAGAZINE! Yes sir- it is my go to source when my workout routines could use a little more life, pep, zing, whatever you are lacking, Oxygen provides :) The most current issue with the gorgeous Mary Jarmolowich, includes a phase 2 out of their 3 month phase program.

Now, I am a HUGE fan of splitting up your workouts into pull (upper body exercises that utilize the muscles you use to pull), push (upper body exercises that utilize muscles that you push with) and legs (pretty self explanatory, no?)

This stuff really works, and if you are looking for something to get you out of your rut, I recommend it. Try it for 1 month and I guarantee you will see results (with a sensible diet of course). There, do I sound enough like a walking infomercial yet? Don't worry, I am still continuing on with my 10K training, but I'm adding some intervals in there (per the request of Oxygen).

I hope your Tuesdays are amazingly wonderful and have the power to walk away from the bowl of chocolate Hersey kisses on the receptionist desk. Only me? I'm determined to make this week a great week!

Monday Madness

Yes ladies and gents it's here. MONDAY!WOO HOO!! It helps if you say it like that when you wake up. Instead of "ugh.....Monday" So I totally skipped the gym this morning. WAIT-before you just close my blog cause you can't believe I flaked, I am going this afternoon after work. I am taking my X Bike class at 6:30 and I plan on running the 2 miles my 10K schedule is telling me to do, along with it being my "leg" day today. So there you have it.

I think every Monday will now be titled "Monday Madness. Not only is it everyone's leastfavorite day of the week, but I am planning on it being my hardest workout day. Or maybe it'll just be my sweatiest? X Bike drains about 5 gallons of sweat out of me, running takes about 1-2 gallons, and the amount of weight I force my legs to press will take about 1 gallon. I kinda love it though cause this weekend I was HORRIBLE! Okay, I worked out on Saturday and did 3.8 miles(A-yo!), but foodwise I did horrible! Saturday I had taco bell with a friend (yes it was from the fresco menu, but still...not the cleanest of foods), Saturday for dinner, N and I went to mexican and I filled my belly with chips, guac, and a ooey gooey cheesy quesadilla. Sunday it was the other half of my quesadilla and chinese for dinner. I got the lettuce wraps, but still..who knows how much sodium they pack into the chicken mixture they want you to put in the lettuce. So, today I'll be cracking the whip on myself today.

WELCOME TO MONDAY! MUA HA HA! & just to give you (and me!) that little push to get to the gym and push it, here are some pictures of celebs who know how to work it

Tis Saturday

I LOVE Saturdays! Everything about them is amazing to me. However, N started his new work schedule so he works in the morning, but then is home early afternoon, yay! I'm kinda curious with how I've heard other young married women talk, but after 5 years (well almost, our 5 year anniversary is on Vday), of marriage, I miss him when he isn't here. And when he gets home, it's like I can't help but get those butterflies. Enough of mushy stuff-down to the nitty gritty. I am going to the gym in t minus 20 minutes. My coffee has kicked in and woah has it! I don't remember when coffee has really given me this much of a jolt. Maybe it has to do with how I got a restful and peaceful 10 hours of sleep last night? Hmmm...you never know. "They" always say (who are the "they"'s everyone always talks about when it comes to facts?) that your body needs rest and lots of it if you want to succeed in weight loss/healthy goals and baby, I make up for the lack of it on the weekdays with my Saturday mornings.
I hope you all have a lovely Saturday planned. I do have a confession- remember how I told you all that I was being true to my 10K schedule and not running more than what it told me to? Well I lied...I lied like John Edward lies about not being a contestant on the Maury show....

John....you....ARE the father!

So yesterday I ran 3 miles even though the schedule told me not too. I know, tisk tisk, but my least favorite week of the month is approaching and I feel like a cow (not Skinny Cow either- which btw are delicious little devils) and I had to run my butt off (no worries, it's still there- I'd have to run daaaays to make it go anywhere).

AND today, is a 3.5 mile run, so really I was just prepping myself. So I got the lovely gym to go to, and then I'm going to watch the Bunny Boo (my niece to those of you who are new readers) become the next Michael Jordan, hold the divorce & box office bomb movies.


Have a great Saturday lovelies!

It's a plan Stan

So here it is

This ladies and gents is what my running schedule will look like for the next 8 weeks. I registred for my 10K and it is April 11, 2010 and I am SUPER stoked! It starts at the Sacramento Zoo and we run through gorgeous neighborhoods.

Not too bad to look at, eh? I look at the miles on the schedule and I'm really not worried. I used to run 3.5 miles a day when I first got back to California, so since it looks like I'm going to gradually work my way up, I'm not too scerred....YET! I'm sure when the morning of the 10K hits, I won't be able to leave the bathroom. And since you all are dying to know, yes N will be coming out to support his MILF in training. He's come to each and every one of my 3 5K's.
On top of that, I most def looking forward to conitnuing on with spin clss. Actually to be honest, it's X Bike class. You can read the full definition here
It's the same thing as spin, EXCEPT you burn WAY more calories due to the moving handle bars and the fact that your wheels don't stop spinning when you stop peddeling. And I am not sure about you all, but I look amazingly similar to N's girlfriend- sweaty and ready for the runway

** On a side note, this picture should be plastered on my fridge for those time of the month midnight cravings....just sayin** So my workouts will look a bit like this for the next week or so :
Sundays: Rest
Mondays: Run 2 miles and X Bike class (30 minutes)
Tuesdays: Elliptical for 15 minutes, upper body/back, and abs
Wednesdays: Run 3 miles, lower body
Thursdays: X bike class (30 minutes)
Fridays: Run 1.5 miles and abs
Saturdays: Run 3.5 miles
I want to give a little shout out to my favorite fruit of the season, the Clemintine. Tiny, round, a bit tart, and oh so refresing. I seriously pack my produce drawer with these little babies and when I get the munchies, I down like 3-4 of them in one sitting. If you haven't tried them, it's a must do before you and I can become friends ;)