Getting mentally prepared..

So, I keep reading my runner's mag, reading running blog after blog, completely inspired how fast these b*tches are. Let me tell you, I am a unconventional trainer. In fact, I didn't train for any of the races that I did this year. I was just so happy to make it to the finish line without being the last one... yet, I look at my times again, and I am like.. yeah.. I need to train, lol. I finished my first half-marathon at 2:59. Although, if I had done proper research, I should've watched my diet before, during, and after the race. I had abdominal distress the entire time. After reading up, now I know better. A month later, I decided to do the Spartan Sprint. I believe I ran it in 1:07, and that was a 5k mud obstacle course that required too many burpees than I could count-- oh, and I was doing it with two of my awesome friends. Somehow, we were considered in the top 10 percent for the year, but that is hard to believe. Then, two months later, I decided to "The Down and Dirty" mud 5k obstacle race, and I finished at 38 minutes, 3rd in my barefoot female division. I guess I decided to book it a bit more with the last race. I went home and told my husband.. now imagine if I trained for this! So, here I am..getting mentally to start training. I am seriously chomping at the bits.

What's on your Christmas list?

I am getting back into that healthy mindset again, still kind of hard with holiday parties galore. But, at least I am preparing myself for the new year right. My husband always asks me what I want for my birthday/Christmas. So, this year he suggested the Kindle Fire to me. As much as I would like a new gadget.. my mind is on something more beneficial-- for me and the girls.

I want this bad boy!

It is a BOB Ironman dualie running stroller of perfection. Light weight and easy to manuver. At least my friends like to brag..

So, I can stop pushing this thing for 3+ miles, and yes, this is the EXACT stroller that I do my fitness in with my four-year-old, and two-year-old in. I grimace and groan pushing this thing through my hilly incomplete community. I power walk with this beast-- and that is exactly what I call it... the beast.

 Oh, and just some of these cookbooks...

So, what is on your wishlist?

Holding myself accountable.

Hello there!!

I've been so l-a-z-y lately, and it is showing. Since August, I've gained 7 pounds, not what I wanted at all. So, I am right back up to 141. *sigh* I could blame the holidays, or the cold; however, I am not. I chose to eat the Halloween candy, I chose to eat the sweets, the pumpkin pie slice.. At least I didn't completely indulge in Thanksgiving dinner, and thankfully my mother-in-law prepares low-fat meals, afterall, she was the host this year. Score one for me! If I was at my mother's house this year, I would be doomed, lol. As I sit and constantly daydream about getting orders back to Hawaii, I noticed one of my friends following a girl on Facebook about her weight loss journey while her husband was deployed right out of Hawaii. I sympathized about her weight issue in Hawaii, and how daunting it can be to be in a bikini on the gorgeous beaches.

When I was stationed in Hawaii, I was originally lean from all the training that I had done. I came there completely confident. Then, my injuries from my feet escalated to my tibias, and then my active lifestyle came to a screeching halt. I couldn't run anymore. And yet, I was still eating at the same rate as if I was running, doing mountain climbers, the obstacle courses, and the hikes that ate away the calories just months before. But, now I was gradually gaining weight that I had never anticipated, eventually climbing to a maximum weight of 156, before I was medically discharged. I felt defeated. I met my husband while on active duty in Hawaii, and I look at pictures of us, and I am so flabergasted on how much I actually put on. When I left Hawaii, I was able to control the amount of food I was intaking, and started to lose the weight. I believe my pregnancy with Miss K saved me from the climbing numbers. Greasy fast food disgusted me, and I craved vegetables and fruit. It took me 8 months into my pregnancy to find out that I had developed gallbladder disease. Which I had to go on a dreadful fat-free diet. I only gained 19 pounds by the time I had her, and I quickly dropped to 140. {Now remember, I am 5'3, so my petite frame shows weight a bit different than someone that is 3 inches taller.}

When my husband deployed to Afghanistan, I went to my inlaw's for a couple months, so they could spend time with their granddaughter. It helped ease some of the time, and I even took some pics of myself for the Mr. and that is when I realized that I need to lose those extra pounds. I just wanted to get back to the lean body that I once had before I got injured. So, when I got back to California, (where we were stationed) to start walking 3 miles a day, and start the Weight Watchers program. I was tickled to get out of my plateau. I finally got down to 130 when I met him at the field. I felt great! Then, I quickly became pregnant, and this time, I couldn't hold down food. I went down to about 126, before the Zofran started to kick in, and I was able to start eating again. The icon of husband and I is me at this weight, and sadly, I still haven't found myself back at 126 since January of 2009.

My goal right now, is to get there by this January. If you read back to the beginning of this blog, I started a 16 week program, which helped me to get to 134, when it was all said and done, and I finished a half-marathon, a Spartan Sprint, and The Down and Dirty mud run obstacle race. Which by the way, I placed 3rd in my barefoot female division. That was in August, and somehow, I managed to gain weight since then. Shame on me. See, I wasn't the fat girl growing up, I was the complete opposite. Right now, I don't feel as healthy as I should be. There is a difference in wanting to be skinny verses wanting to be healthy and lean. I want to be healthy and lean. I don't want my body to carry around extra weight, because my bones can't handle it. I need my muscles to support my bones, so I won't have repeat stress fractures. And the only way that I can have healthy bones, is to excercise and eat right. My achieveable clothes and self-image will soon follow.

So, when I came across Maria's Eat Clean Journey .. it inspired me to take action. I researched this Eat Clean diet program, and I feel confident to start utilize it in my household. I have two little girls that depend on me making the right meal choices for them. I don't want them eating garbage from a box, or fast-food made out of preservatives that mold won't even eat. It is time to start eating clean. :)

With that being said.... I am back!

The Marine Corps Historic Half and other news...

I am in the grey shirt!

So, I could copy and paste from my other blog, but I can always give you the link to my first half-marathon, HERE.

So, I did it, and I am training for my first Spartan race. I am completely stoked about this particular race, because well.. you gotta check out this badass video!! AROO!!

 check out: www.spartantv.com

Did I mention that just started Crossfit, and it is kicking my butt? lol! My legs are still sore from Saturday!

I know... it has been awhile!

So, you are probably thinking, where did she go? Did she give up on her weight loss goal? The answer to that question is: nope. I am still plugging away on my journey, and I've lost even more weight! Now, I am not losing numbers like on the Biggest Loser each week, but I am steadily losing weight. My tummy is shrinking, and I feel great! A couple of weeks ago, I started Weight Watcher meetings, and it is pretty scary to go with two little ones. I am usually a stressed mess, and I can't hear what is going on. My three year old, (almost four) likes to use her "good girl" incentive to be bad. I tell her to put on her listening ears, and looking eyes, and we will go to the playground when mommy's meeting is over. The whole time, she is pleading and begging to go to the playground, now. Of course, I am telling to shoosh, and that if she keeps acting up, she will not go. Tantrum time. So, yeah.. that is my morning so far.

However, I've lost 3 pounds in the past two weeks according to Weight Watchers. Sometimes, my scale and their scale is about a pound off. This morning, they were .2 Ibs off. But, I believe that had to do with the clothes that I was wearing.

So, I am at 135.2 {at WW}

Btw, I have a half-marathon this weekend, and I am pretty excited!! This will be my first one, and I can't wait to post the race pictures up for you all to see! :)

I will have weight loss pic coming up soon.

I've been a bit absent...

So, I have not been to the gym in about a 2.5 weeks.. I know, shame - shame on me! I went to Parris Island for a visit, and to see my friend graduate from DI school. By the end of the week, I developed a nasty sinus infection. I have not been up to par since. My sinus infection is gone, and my glands are still hurting me and are swollen. I've also have been extremely fatigued, and losing weight. {That is supposed to be a good thing, right? Losing weight?} So, I've seen the doctor twice about my symptoms, and he is sending to a ENT for further testing. They also did blood testing, and I am not anemic. However, they are sending out bloodwork to see if my thyroid is an issue. I won't find out the results until the end of the week or so. What worries me is my symptoms with the swollen glands--which is painful and not going away. I've researched online, and I am praying that the ENT doesn't find anything resulting to Lymphoma. {Not to worry you all! But, that is why I am going, to rule out the possibility!}

I will keep you all updated, and hopefully I will be feeling better soon! :)

Two pounds lost..

I have an exciting post to add, but I honestly don't have the energy with this frontal sinuisitis I've got going on. In the past week, I've managed to lose two unexpected pounds. Yay me--except I was out of town, and wasn't able to make it to the gym as planned. I am going to be dying on Wednesday when I go back. For right now, I am recooperating. The meds they have me on are seriously messing with my stomach, and my head pain is not allowing me to go work out. Poo. {Maybe that is why I've lost two pounds, lol}

Double Bummer.

So, I entered a caption contest on The Fresh Diet fanpage on Facebook, and placed as a runner-up. I won three free days of meals, and found out that they don't deliver to my city yet. Nothing is worse than winning something that you can't claim. Super bummed.

I was asked why I wanted to go back into the Marine Corps..

I never wanted out in the first place, lol. I had acquired a non-healing tibial stress fracture with other lower extremitie injuries, and my geographic location physical therapy wasn't helping. So, the Marine Corps put me on a medical board, and I was discharged three weeks after medical review. I am sure it was something that my ortho said in his notes about  how my tibia could shatter if I kept running on it.. nasty little stress fracture!

Well, it has been over 4.5 years since I exited the Marines, and I miss it. Plus, my injury has long healed. Now you know why I wear those Five Fingers-- to help strengthen my feet and leg muscles.

I developed some pretty amazing friendships while I was in, and honestly, if I was in a pickle, I could call them up, and they would bail me out. Oh, esprit de Corps.. that too. Believe it or not, I love the training, the traveling, and all the cool, amazing things I get to do in behalf of the government. Who can say they've thrown two live grenades? And I am a gluten for punishment. I just miss it.. Is that enough for an answer?

What do you want to know about me?

So, my "about me" tab is a bit hurr-ting, and I was wonder if you (my fellow bloggers) would like  to ask me a question, any question to get to know me. Please do respond! :)

Ask away.

Wholly scale!

I stepped on the scale this morning, and I've exited the 140's! I am so stinking excited that my hard work is finally starting to pay off. I even celebrated with some Fat Tuesday King's cake. Oh, it was oh so yummy! Now, I get to run my toosh off tonight! haha!

Thank you for all the sweet comments about my 4 week photo. I can't wait to see the difference next month! :)

--- I took this updated photo of me this afternoon. Pics of myself are rare. enjoy!

Before and four week picture

Okay, I am being a bit brave, and posting a pic with a before and four week update picture of my fitness progress. I am wearing a sports bra, and if that alarms you-- then, skip this post. I am a bit sad with my upper body, but I've been handicapped since I broke my wrist, and that is my excuse! lol.

Friday, we met with another fitness trainer, and he gave us a kick a-- program. I am sure I will be more pleased with the 8 week photo. I still need to let you all in on my work out routine, so you can try them out yourself. Now, be honest, I need to know if you see any differences in my figure.

I could use some support, lol. :)

iHerb giveaway at Skinnyrunner.com :)

I follow a pretty awesome blogger at Skinny Runner and she is sponsoring a great giveaway with a $50 shopping spree to iHerb.com

"We carry vitamins and herbal supplements (vegan, vegetarian, raw and even gluten free), cosmetics and personal care items that are organic and/or cruelty-free, eco-friendly products as well as over 1000 natural and specialty grocery items."

I am thinking about going paleo (whole food lifestyle) and this would be a great way to start!

She is also trying to win the Faces of Fitness contest, so go check out her site, click on the link-- and leave her some love! :)

Physical Therapy = pain.

Tonight was my first session with my physical therapist. It has been 4.5 years since I was released from active duty with my tibial stress fracture. I lived in PT for almost two years. Now, I get to look at the dreaded tables, and instruments of doom. I joke about my situation, because I would seriously cry if I didn't find the humor. The best I can do is to do my silly hand exercises to strengthen my wrist again. Like holding a sponge to do arm curls. Yes, you saw that correctly. A sponge.

Luckily, I have really good range of motion. It is not perfect, but it is better than I had hoped. I lack a lot of strength, obviously. I am probably going to be stuck in the rut for about 6 months, and I think that is a realistic time frame to fully almost heal. By the way, I won't be doing any ammo can lifts this year-- according to my physical therapist.

Anywhoo, I don't mean to be a debbie-downer in this post, but it is just a hurdle from my goals this year.

Cast is off!

Thursday, I got the cast off. The ortho came out with this saw of doom, and you should've seen my wide eyes of horror as he cut through the cast. I was praying that he wouldn't somehow knick me, and magically, he didn't. phew. I was expecting this horrible sweaty stench and rotted skin, (sorry for the imagery, lol) but it was all fine! My poor arm look like it was from an alien. Super skinny, and just weird shaped. My range of motion is awful, and my wrist is still sprained. I didn't just get away with two broken bones, ugh. So, I have physical therapy three times a week, for three weeks, starting Monday. I am sure that I will have a lovely post about that one!

Last night ended week three on my 16 week fitness program!! I am starting to see a difference, especially in my waist. I carry out all my weight in my waist, because I have such a small freaking torso... literally. The bottom of my ribs actually meet the top of my hips. No space in between. I have to workout extra hard to lose the belly flub, and that darn muffin top, lol.



Photo from the Cheescake Factory



But, I am so excited that I am slimming down, and I am starting to feel great. Working out is turning into something that my body has been deeply craving for a while now. We went to the Cheesecake Factory yesterday, and I ordered the girls a childs grilled chicken and vegetables to split, and I seriously wanted their meal. It was the perfect portion size for an adult-- because we all know that their portions for a single meal could feed a family of four, lol. But, I ordered the lunch size portion of the Luau salad.. omg it was soo good. Just make sure you take off the giant fried wontons and have them put the dressing on the side--moderation, people! I honestly couldn't finish the whole thing, and it made me so full for the remainder of the day, that I didn't bother with dinner. Poor waitress, I had to tell her no cheesecake. :/ I really like cheesecake, but I am sure that I would be on the cardio all night if I had one. Bummer.

Another Vibram Five Finger blog-- and gym update

So, my workout buddy and I were at the gym again yesterday. Poor girl was sick, but managed to pick me up and get our workout on. Just to let you know, I loathe gyms. Well, I loathe machines, which includes cardio machines. While in the Marine Corps, we mostly trained outside. I prefer being outside. So, I give her mad kudos because if it were me, I would be sitting on the couch, lol. That is how much I loathe gyms. But, I chose this 16 week-get-my-ass-back-in-shape program, and I will go. What I look forward to is a lean, healthy body-- and becoming an avid runner.

Yesterday, I started week three of the program. The trainer that signed us up four weeks ago was there. He  told me that I had slimmed down since he last saw us. *Big smiles here!! I told my husband, and he goes, "So now you have trainers checking you out?" Oh, geez.

Next week, I get measured, and weighed in again! I am pretty excited to see my progress. :)

Since yesterday was a holiday, we went to the gym in the afternoon instead of the evening. So, we saw more trainers that weren't in the evenings. Gym goers were stopping me about my lovely Vibram Five Fingers! I love talking about them, and I am pretty sure that my gym buddy rolls her eyes and silently gags every time I give a motivating spill about them. What can I say? I LOVE them! I want to get more of them..soon.

I've noticed that I am starting to like the elliptical. When were were done with our strength training, and were ready for some cardio to finish; they were all taken. Magically, the stair stepper machines were left open. I was on it for five pathetic minutes before I was like, "to hell with this!" and went to a newly available elliptical, lol. Right now, I am on level two at about 6.5. I go at continuing rate for ten minutes for an intial warm-up before strength training, and then twenty minutes afterwards.

I am going to update my pages with some info-- so check that out soon!

Last night at the gym... {and a giveaway!}

So, I went to my Wednesday night full body workout/cardio as per usual. If you are new to this blog, (which is still fairly new) I am on a 16 week weight loss fitness program at a gym. I am currently in week two of the program. I go Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I get weighed and measured every 4th week. So, that is why I am nolonger doing a weekly weigh-in. The trainers have incorporated a lot strength training that is building my floppy muscles, and it can affect the scales. So, with that being said... welcome to my journey! Oh, and I currently have a broken wrist since 3 weeks ago as of tomorrow.

Anywhoo, as part of my circuit training, I have to do the quad machine, and the hamstring machine. (That is what I call them, lol.) As I get off of the quad machine to do the hamstring machine, a woman jumped on. She looks at me, and goes, "do you want to get on?" I decided to be patient, and told her politely that I would wait. Then, she asks, "Does it hurt to work out with your broken arm?" I was like pshh.. this ole' thing.. (No, I really didn't say that, lol.) But, what I did say was: "No, my trainer doesn't have me working with my arms, so I am good."  About the time I said that, I looked up and saw her teenage daughter standing there. She was missing her right forearm! Completely took me off guard, because here I am talking about my arm to this girls mother, and she is missing a limb. (She was born without it.)

Bottomline, I might gripe and moan about my struggles with a broken wrist in a cast, but at least I know it will heal!

Oh, and check out my main blog for a chance to win a gorgeous set of geniune pearl swarovski crystal earrings. Click Here!

Hello! Nutrisystem...check this blog out over here!

So, you are probably wondering what the post title was about, and apparently some bloggers out there get to review the Nutrisystem program for free. Hello? I'm a willing participant. Although, that might affect my attempt at extreme couponing...

......................................................................................................................................

Anywhoo, I got my toosh handed to me by a 100 pound personal trainer this evening; my first "real" work out on this training program. Now, she had me sweating, and wincing; however, she is definitely not Jillian Michaels. You are probably wondering about my broken arm.. She had to modify my circuit training, and added more cardio. Looking in the mirror, I was definitely beat red at my chest. I was thankful when the hour was done!

Oh, and what happened to last weeks weigh-in? I will get back to you on that! {I ate like a depressed piggy all last week, while moping about my injured wrist--aw, sh*t happens!}

A little {Bump} in the Road...

Last Friday, (hours after the weigh-in) I fractured my radius and ulna at my wrist. Hold your pee, because I'm about to make you laugh.. I was running in place with my three year old on  black ice our carpet, and lost my footing... fell backwards hard on my hands. A lot of obscenities and a crying frightened preschooler; I managed to have my husband bring me to urgent care. After dealing with the referrals from Tricare, (serious pain in my toosh) and I believe every representative knows my birthdate by heart now.. I finally saw the ortho and got my cast on today. I humored the old guy, and asked for the new water proof cast (no such luck) and got stuck with boring white. I can finally type with my right middle finger, haha! So, please bare with me! Luckily, I will only have it for three weeks. :)

Life has gotten interesting:

1. I can't tie my hair up or my daughters
2. I haven't mastered changing my 17 month olds poopy diaper with my left hand. I am considering potty training, like now.
3. Can't chop vegetables.
4. Driving isn't an option.
5. I can't do the wave thing with both of your arms. (Thank you husband for putting that out there!)

I am seriously thinking of vlogging.

But, I can...

1. Go to the gym. I did get funny stares. C'mon people! My arm is broken, not my legs!!
2. Close the car door with my left hand, and put on my seat belt.
3. Pick up my standing toddler with my left arm. That takes skills, lol!

Other than that, I am a gimp. lol!

What did my prior service recruiter have to say about this? I should be good to go in a few months. I didn't have a gruesome fracture like the ones I googled. So, phew.

Anyone want to guest blog? Anything about health/fitness. Personal journeys are the best kind of stories! Just message me below! :)

Another weekly weigh-in!

Picture found somewhere in internetland

According to the scale, I am at 141.8. According to the fitness program I'm on at the gym; scales lie. Seriously! Because in my head, I'm only 135, lol! (No, we all know that muscle weighs more than fat, and the only true measurement of weight loss is your freaking jeans, and that too honest measuring tape. Damn you measuring tape! So, check out my ticker at the bottom of the page! :)

New Fitness Program

Last week, my husband handed me an ad that came from a local fitness center; I looked at the ad, and was like "sure, I will see what this is about".

This particular ad screamed: Attention: Volunteers needed- 25 ladies needed for a Weight loss and Fitness Challenge. Hello?? I am always down for a challenge! This program includes 16 weeks (somewhat free) Fitness Assessment, Body Fat Testing, Excercise Guide, & MORE...  (that is what I am quoting from the ad, lol) Nutritional Eating Program- Participants receive FULL member privileges during program: Cardio, Circuit Training, Free Weights, Classes, and More.. Oh, and a personal trainer!

A friend of mine, and I decided to last night to see what it was all about. I am pretty happy that the husband showed me the ad! It will cost us 100 dollars...(nothing is truly free in life, right?)

This is what I have to do:

Get my assessment done.
Get my exercises, (strength training) and they change it up every three or so weeks. (30 minutes)
Do cardio (30 min)
Follow their food plan (They have green light, yellow light, and red light foods) This made me tear up a little bit. I can't have my non-fat frozen yogurt. :(

I just wanted to let you know what I have in store for the next 16 weeks. I hope you follow along my journey! A scary before picture and stats will be posted when they schedule my assessment.

Before I forget, I asked them why they were offering an amazing deal, and apparently they choose selective centers around the U.S. and get participants for a study. Yep, I am test subject, lol.

I saw my first barefoot runner!

Today, I went and dropped off my little preschooler off, and when I was walking amongst some other mothers; I saw my first barefoot runner! They thought he was crazy, because it was soo stinking cold outside. I gave him an "awesome!" I am a huge fan of barefoot running. I, however, decided to buy the silly looking Vibram Five fingers a few months ago, and I get teased at by my husband. I bring them along to Colorado for Christmas, and my family thought they were hideous. But, you know what? I love them, and they are soo comfortable. They don't feel weird on my little tootsies either!

As a child, my parents were always yelling at me to put on my sneakers before heading out the door to play. Ugh, I hated wearing shoes! Somehow, I managed to slip outside unnoticed, and give my tootsies a true nature walk. I would frolic in the woods, and climb trees-- oh, this is what was meant to be!

When I was in the Marine Corps, I received my first true injury. My poor feet were restricted in these combat boots, (not even my correct size, as I later found out) and I acquired Plantar Fascitis, and Metarsalgia. Then, my sneakers caused my tibial stress fracture, and bilateral shin splints. Running heal to toe method is terrible for our bodies! I will provide some links for you to look at if you are interested..

But, anywhoo, I prefer being barefooted, or in the Vibram way, close to barefoot as you can get aka "minimalist".

{Great Info on Barefoot Running}

http://barefootrunninguniversity.com/

My weight loss ticker.. Lovely isn't it?

{The ticker would not upload in my post... bummer. It is, however, at the bottom of my blog!}


Before the holiday madness with all the yumminess at my disposal; I found that I have packed ten pounds since October. Was it the Halloween candy or the pumpkin pie? Maybe it was the dressing or my Mommas southern cooking at Christmas.. Either way, I gained some unnecessary weight! I was at 136 back in August, ugh. Luckily, I have managed to lose 4 of those pounds, at least according to my scale. My ultimate goal is to be 125 again. That is a pretty realistic goal, since I was 116 or so when I graduated Marine Corps bootcamp. But that will be another weight goal for another day, ha!

  

My friends and I are starting this weight loss challenge amongst each other, "Biggest Loser" style. I am pretty stoked, so I will definitely provide a "before" picture soon. Hopefully, the "after" picture will be sooner rather than later, lol.

Also, stick around for future postings on healthy recipes!

Who knows, maybe I will look like this again for the Marine Corps ball... minus the baby in the belly, lol.

Because right now, I feel like this-- minus the baby! haha

Under construction..

Until I find a fabulous designer, that is reasonably priced; please excuse the mess! :)

I am really looking forward to my fitness journey on here, and I hope you follow!