I survived

I finished the half marathon. Faster than I thought I would actually. I finished in 3:36, which is super awesome for me. I had a running buddy that helped keep me going. I jogged more than I anticipated. I only thought I was going to die a few times, but kicked myself in the arse and kept going.

It was a great day. I was super sore for about four days after, but it was worth it, Just to know I finished. And I WASN"T last!!! I was 6th in my age group. There weren't very many in my group, but still.

Till next time.

The countdown begins

I signed up for another half marathon in April. April 4th to be exact. Three weeks from today I will be running, jogging, walking my way through 13.1 miles. Mostly walking I'm sure since my school schedule has left me no time to train or get ready. I will push through the pain, the blood sweat and most definitely tears, just to get to that finish line.
I am up several pounds since the last half I ran and I know that will make a huge impact on my endurance. But the organizers have graciously allowed me to start up to an hour before the race officially begins. Helz yah!
So my countdown begins.. 21 days..
Let's do this!

Not losing, but still pluggin along

I haven't really been motivated to lose since school got serious. I know I shouldn't use that as an excuse, but it isn't much of a priority right now. I figure I have a few months left then I can hit it hard and lose my flub once and for all.
A great motivator is seeing all of the amazing posts from everyone that have been working so hard and actually losing. I am living through you. For real.
I am signed up to "run" a half marathon in April. The 4th. I have not prepared at all. I will probably fall on my face halfway through, But if I have to crawl to the finish line, I will get there.
One great thing, they are allowing some of us, ah hem, slower folks... start early. Up to an hour early! Shiz balls! Hooray for me! So.. maybe, just maybe, I won't be the last one across the line.
Fist pump
I am still in major pain every day, but keep pushing myself to get through, knowing there is an end. and my bed in sight.
I downloaded a cute little app, plant nanny or something like that.. that reminds you to "water your plant" meaning yourself. I keep forgetting, and my plant dies.
I really need to work on water.
And getting ready for my 13.1.
If only I could hook my laptop and all my books up somehow so I can "run" with them.
I say "run" because turtles in quicksand are faster than me running.
There you have it.
Life in a nutshell.
Oh and as far as no soda goes.. fail. fail. fail. I made it two days. Boo.

I'm a quitter!

Of diet soda that is. I generally drink at least a liter or two of diet soda every day. Yes, I have a problem.
Sitting here, on my couch, when I should be doing homework, Dr Oz is on and his segment today is about diet soda. It's kinda freaking me out. So, I google. Diet Soda. Research says drinkers of diet soda have larger waists, risk for diabetes, and so much more. I switched to diet years ago thinking that it will help me lose weight. It hasn't. Shocker!  I know artificial sweeteners are bad for me. I KNOW this. Being the addicted to food and anything bad for me, person that I am, I can't stop.
I HAVE TO stop.
Today will be the last day of diet soda for me. I am hoping it will help me lose some weight, help with my headaches and maybe feel better. I love tea, so I will switch to that for my caffeine fix.
Has anyone else tried to quit and succeeded?? I need encouragement!

My favorite toy so far!

drumroll please....

yeah.

That is all.

For today.

Back on track

Kinda.

I have lost a few pounds. School makes it super hard to make healthy choices, but I am working on it.
Time for the gym is a struggle but I have made it there a few times. Not as much as I wish, but I will still keep going.
I did get a fitbit. got the Charge. It tracks my steps, sleep and more. Very awesome!
I have not been able to get my 10,000 steps every day though and that is sad. Guess I will have to do rounds around my house every night just to get there. Whatever works, right?
My new years resolution, as always, was to lose weight. And to stick with it.  I am going to try to get my steps, my water (72 ounces a day) and the 21 day fix (on my own and vegetarian style of course).. I am going to research and plan and write everything I do down. Here.
So, there will be more posts from me, to keep me on track. I have to do it.
Just have to.

peek a boo

anyone here?

I am stealing a second in the computer lab to update my blogs.. just in case I still have followers..

that is after wiping away the drool from the five seconds of sleep I got..
hope no one heard me snore..

still going to school. five days a week.
working. graves. five nights a week.
I'm tired.
I haven't had me time.
time to workout.
I have been able to do one crossfit class that our rec center offered every saturday for the last five weeks. only missing one or two..
but no time in between to do more workouts.
which I'm sad about.
my schedule will calm down soon. I hope.
it is super hard to get to the gym when you get four to five hours of sleep every other day.
I'm afraid I'll faceplant on a treadmill.
not worth it.

I will make more time soon though. I hope. To blog.
I miss it.
I miss you guys.
If your still here, that is.

Happy Halloween!

running

I made it to the gym yesterday after a crazy busy week..

had work. and school -clinicals to be exact. those are exhausting but so worth it!

I ran almost 5 miles. 4.85.. I just didn't have it in me to get that last .15
my back was screaming for me to stop.
I think it was the eight hours on my feet the day before.. I'm not used to it.

it will get better..


but I am signed up for lots of fun coming up.. so far

**maybe June 8 Dirty Dash

June 20-22 Ragnar

July 24th Handcart days half marathon


I'm so excited!! now if I can get my body to cooperate lol

I haven't really dedicated myself to an eating plan as of yet.. but I am going to have to do something. and fast!

any suggestions?
I am a vegetarian so no meat.. low carbs preferably..

I've tried doing paleo vegetarian.. it was doable, but hard. so maybe I can do that again. it did make me feel sooo much better and I did lose a little weight.

sharing time

just a quicky..

sharing my new baby!
2011 Chevy Equinox.
the newest car I've ever had.
and we got the best deal ever!

I haven't really had time to get to the gym, with school and work and all..
but I am signing up to do a RAGNAR in June!! with my daughter eeee!! I'm soooo frekin excited!!

so I have to get running.. like now!
no excuses.. It's a long relay. no sleep, lots of running, lots of fun!

went to the gym

my girls and I went to the gym last night..

I soooo missed it!!

I have basically lost all my endurance and strength from my long period of lazyness, not working out and I didn't last long..

got a two mile run in.. very slowly..

got half an hour or so of some weight lifting in.. again.. very slowly..and weakly..

but I went

and I'm sore today!

holy shiz


I had a big salad for dinner.. I've been eating alot of salads
 mmmm love em..

I'm going to try to focus on getting back on the "low carb" plan again.
I mentioned to my rheumy last time I was in, some of my symptoms.. and he suggested celiac.. but I need to see my regular dr to be tested for that.. ugh.

makes sense though.


so.. that's my plan. It might take some time to get back into the swing of eating non processed foods again. I've been addicted to crap lately. so bad.

but I'm going to do it.

how is everyone doing  this week?

update

I am alive!
I promise..

I have been busy.
I know.. lame excuse.

I hope I still have friends followers..

I am going back to school!

exciting.
scary.

yep.

but I will be getting back to the gym at some point in my life. I will still share it with you..

I have three blogs, so I am going to make yet another to forget to post on.. all about nursing school!!
woohoo..

when I get it up, I'll let ya know if you want to follow me there too..

I am going to make myself make time for my blogs.
promise!!

the move is over. the house is amazing.. I can breathe for a few..

how is everyone else out there?

abandonment?

do you think I've abandoned you?
well.. I think I did.

I am so sorry.
life just happened to take over.

the teenagers had drill team competitions that take alot of work and time
the youngest started a new school
our company got sold. so I won't have a job in 3-4 months..
we bought our house finally.
packed up.
moved in.
unpacked.


driving back and forth to work takes up alot of time, taking care of my family takes up alot of time..
I haven't had time to take care of me so much..

I gained about 20 pounds over the holidays.. I've managed to lose about ten of that so far.. yay!

but we took a tour of the new rec center yesterday and we loved it!!
the best parts:
my daughters can use the gym!
they can take the classes!
there is about double the amount of equipment available as the old rec center!!
it is huuuge!!
and the same price!
woohoo!!

so.. that's what's been happening.
now.. maybe with all that over, I can get back to normal life.
maybe

is anyone willing to pay for the crossfit memberships for me? it's pricey! holy crap. I really really want to do it, but can't justify it to the hubs paying that much. :(

how has everyone been doing?

Failing again

I've failed you.
again.

I forgot to update the challenge..

I am soooo sorry!

if anyone is still around..
I would love to keep going..
maybe?

I resisted pizza last night.. opted for a salad. and it was goood..
I felt so much better about myself after that..

so.
Monday.
let's go!

no more goofing around.

it's serious time!

I need to think about why I want to eat crap.
I know it is not good for me.
not at all.
so.
why do I do it?
I know I have no willpower. but why?
I am going to really dig deep inside myself this week and ask myself why I do what I do?
I know "real food" is better for my body.
so what's up with mindlessly eating junk?

my goals (yep there are two)
this week:
no junk.
none.
not even on Thanksgiving.
I need to break the cycle. and cold turkey (ha) will have to do. (I don't eat turkey lol)

and I am going to find the reason inside that I think that cookie or candy bar will make me feel better. It never does. It never tastes as good as I think it will.
so why bother?
why beat myself up over it, when I don't have to.

yes, it will be a bad week to start eating "real food" and by this, I mean.. as little processed food as possible. as little sugar and fake ingredients as possible. I know it won't be possible to do this 100% but as close as I can get, will make me happy. and my body happy.
I know this.

so.. if you are still along for the challenge..
you can pick one or both..
if neither of these make you comfortable.. you can pick you own hurdle to overcome :)
I'm easy like that!

have a great week!

teensy tiny change

Like .4 down.
eh
whatevs

It's been a stressful week.. that's why I haven't posted.
excuses, I know

but we just found out our company got sold to a huge company for a shit-ton of money. like over a billion dollars.
what?

so I may or may not have a job in a month or two.

Halloween didn't help.
we did not get one single trick or treator.
not one.
I was sad.
so sad.

we're seriously broke due to being scrambling to pay off the last of the bills to get qualified for our home.

my sis lives on Long Island. she still has no power. but her kids are safe and warm with the inlaws
she is doing pretty good. kept me updated so I didn't worry too much bout her.


stress?
pfft

what are ya gonna do?

I haven't really thought about the challenge, I apologize for that.

this week?

hmm..

I think I need to be more mindful about what I am putting in my mouth.
Halloween candy made me sick
treats made me sick
I need to stop making myself sick

I need to get back on my plan of no less processed food.
I truly feel better when I am not eating "fake" food.

I need to remember that!
every day.
every meal
every snack

I am going to make myself some lil reminders. on my phone, on my fridge, sticky notes.. you know. just so I don't forget I don't like feeling like poo.

so.
try to think about what you are actually eating.
is it going to make you feel good or bad?
is it going to fuel your body or just make your brain happy for a second?

Happy November!

UNCHANGED. AGAIN.

ok. seriously.
I know I'm not trying all that hard.
but no change?
at all?
pfft!
yes.
it is better than gaining.
but I need to LOSE weight. not keep it.
can someone just take it for me?
please?

pretty please?

fine.

this week.
I will focus on losing weight.
I haven't been all that focused on myself lately.
with buying the house. and getting ready for Halloween. and basketball games. and work.
my hair is falling out.
for reals.

I need to find myself again.
like inside.
and out.
cuz there's only one me.


so the challenge this week

make a conscious effort to control what you want your outcome to be.
whether it is to lose, maintain, eat better, exercise more.. etc..
pick one or two things to make a huge effort to work on.
and.
do it (them)

that's it.
easy peasy?

if it were.. we'd all be supermodels.

wanna see my soon to be kitchen?

 isn't it preeeetyyy?? :)
and just for fun.. the tree they included for us. cute huh?

No changes

I am sorry I haven't updated the challenge for the week..
I was so sick Friday I called in sick to work. I know. never happens.

just dizzy and nauseated all day.
it started Thursday night during a screening of Paranormal Activity 4 we got tickets too. maybe it was the butter on the popcorn. idk.

either way. I felt crappy.

but I had no changes in my weight. I guess that's good. no gains!

I got my Bountiful Baskets.. oooooh it had yummy stuff!!

lots of squashes.. I'm not exactly sure what to do with them. I've only ever had spaghetti squash..
what to do, what to do?

I know what to do with the pumpkins.. but the rest? no clue

I got kale.. pomegranates, pineapple, bananas, grapes, celery, tomatoes, some pear apple things.. and that big squashy thing back there.. lol

mmmm lots of smoothie goodies!

it was a great weekend..

we went with the drill team to see Thriller by local Odyssey Dance Theater.. it was awesome!

 my girls are the two on the right.. the youngest had to be in the pic lol

me n the hubs got to be in a pic for a change (left and right)

 the girls.. and a couple moms :)

we had a great time!

I wish I could have taken pics at the theater.. it was rockin with zomibes n monsters.. sooo cool!

we did get one pic with a zomb.. right before we went in.. it's a crappy pic lol

my breakfast today.. a smoothie :)

protein powder, banana, pineapple and half a pear. water and ice.. mmmmmm so good!

it's gone already lol

the skull cup behind it has a homemade coffee drink I made.. coffee, coconut milk and chocolate syrup. yumo!

enough with show n tell..

how is the challenge going for you??

I have been thinking of adding something new for this week..

we have: getting looooots of water, no snacking, unless it's fruit or veggies.. and now I think I need to add

dunn dunnn dunnnn

exercise!

that I already do pretty well..

but it has a twist.. of course!

do something you have never done.. or haven't done in a very long time.

try something new!

at least once this week

I may have a prize ready to go out to the best new exercise adventure!!

have fun and good luck!

CHALLENGE CHECK IN

how are you doing??

getting your water?

no snacking??

I'm sucking!

not as bad as usual, but still suckin lol

I am definately thinking about not snacking. I am making sure I am really hungry before I reach for the treat.. which has been.. oranges, grapes, celery with almond butter mmm etc..

so not too horrible.. but  not perfect.

I don't expect myself to be perfect. just to try.

just to be healthier.


it's been a busy week.. a friend passed, kids have games, dr appts.. we're getting closer to our home buying marathon of paper signing.. picking out blinds.. fencing.. on and on!!

pilates was tough last night.. so tough. but so worth it!
 I am up to a minute and a half on plank time! woohoo!!

keep going strong and enjoy your week!

weigh in!

dunnnn dunnnn dunnnn

I am down 1.5#'s

not horrible..
a loss is a loss, right?

I had to admit, I haven't been trying all that hard this week..
I've been getting my water in.. yeah. but everything else has kind of been thrown to the back of the room..

the kidlings have been keeping this mama busy..
one forgets things so I have to run her stuff..
one started basketball so we go to her games..
not to mention theres a football game tonight.. a big one! and the girls have been working super hard practicing for half time..so mama makes them dinner and takes it to them (a couple times lol)

so needless to say.. I have been neglecting my exercise and meal planning..

next week will be better.. I have the weekend to recoup and recover and move forward.

how did you do with the challenge?

I made sure I got a butt-load of water in every day.. ok. a few bladders full

ha!

so.. the challenge this week, er, next week?

will be to keep up with the water

well

because it's oooooh soo good for you

and

here's my major issue and the challenge.........

NO SNACKING BETWEEN MEALS

mkay

not really.

snacks are ok- IF- they are a fruit or veggie..

I have some sick obsession with chips and crackers.. and sweets.. they call to me. I need to shut them up once and for all!

my "clean eating" is back on baby!

so if you want to join in on this weeks challenge.. or any week.. add yourself to the linky bajiggy at the top ^

I am going to track every single thing I put in my body

I am going to post it.. so everyone knows what I am eating.

if that isn't motivation to eat "good stuff" IDK what is!

how embarrasing to post that I ate a cupcake or twinkie (even if I don't like em) if they are in my house.. I'll eat it!

are you ready for this???

bring it on!

oh yeah.. just sharing my new water bottle..

chocolate squares

I have a paleo recipe for you..

they are  chocolate coconut treats, squares, bars..whatever you want to call em :)

I love coconut. like. love.
and who doesn't love chocolate?
shh.. don't tell me.

this recipe sounded really yummy..
( found it on pinterest. I'm obsessed with pinterest. it's either working out. or pinteresting. yeah. I'm lame.)
and it was!
you have to get used to not having ultra sweet things..and kinda oily things..
but coconut oil is soooo good for you!

3/4 cup unsweetened coconut
1/2 cup ground almonds
1 tbsp coco powder

mix

add

4 tbsp coconut oil and 1 tbsp honey ( I think next time I'll add two tbsp honey)

put in pan and place in fridge..

then eat :)

just sharing my yumo salad I had for dinner last night..

it was a "whatever is in the fridge" kinda salad :)

are you getting all your water in???? I'm guzzling like no tomorrow! me n the potty are besties!

went to pilates last night. could barely lift my arms to make it home lol. that's how you know I rocked it!

friday's tracking example

Friday, October 5, 2012 Breakfast Calories Fat	Carbohydrates

Protein mcdonalds egg mcmuffin, egg and cheese no meat, 1 serving275122913 275122913

Lunch

CaloriesFatCarbohydratesProtein Cottage Cheese, 2% Milkfat, 1 cup (not packed)2034831 Salsa, 0.5 cup36082 Doritos, Baked, Nacho Cheesier, 1 oz1204212 Fruit, Kroger Lite Fruit Cocktail, 1/2 cup, 1 serving600140 42085135

Dinner

CaloriesFatCarbohydratesProtein Kraft grated parmesean cheese, 1 tsp10101 Avacado - 1 whole, 0.25 serving81841 Cauliflower, cooked, 1 cup (1" pieces)29152 120994

Snack

CaloriesFatCarbohydratesProtein None 814298952 1200 - 1550

1. 27 - 60

135 - 25260 - 136

Fats, 31.8%Fats, 30%

I did get a lot more carbs than Planned, but I am still "weaning myself off" lol
Water- 115 ounces! woot woot!
it always helps when I exercise. I go through a couple bottles at a time when working out :)

exercise:

MINUTES/

CALORIES BURNED

Stair Step Machine (including stair master, stair climber, stair stepper) 30/

225

Running or jogging: 5 mph (12 minutes per mile) 45/

45

0

I made a recipe I found in pinterest

yuuuuummmy!
Parmesan baked cauliflower

 warning: I dont measure.. lol. I guestimate

2ish cups cauliflower
2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
1 tsp parsley flakes
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tbsp oil
mix

place in pan

bake on 350 for about 20-30 minutes. until lightly golden

enjoy. I ate for dinner with some avocado mmmmmm

check out my goodies from my bountiful basket! everything I will eat! nothing scary this time :)

keep drinking your water!!

I think I'll call my challenge the 20 by the 20th challenge. My brain is tired